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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2015December 19, 2018

Registration Statement No. 333-206591333-228658

UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No. 1

to

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
FORM S-4


REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA
6712
35-1544218
INDIANA671235-1544218

(State or other jurisdiction of


incorporation or organization)

(Primary Standard Industrial


Classification Code Number)

(I.R.S. Employer


Identification No.)

200 East Jackson Street


Muncie, Indiana 47305


(765) 747-1500


(Address, including Zip Code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Mark K. Hardwick


Executive Vice President,


Chief Financial Officer

and Chief Operating Officer
First Merchants Corporation


200 East Jackson Street


Muncie, Indiana 47305


(765) 747-1500


(Name, address, including Zip Code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

With copies to:

David R. Prechtel, Esq.

Jeremy E. Hill, Esq.


Tonya Vachirasomboon, Esq.
Bradley C. Arnett, Esq.
Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP


2700 Market Tower


10 W. Market Street


Indianapolis, Indiana 46204


(317) 635-8900

Edward G. Olifer,

Martin D. Werner, Esq.

Erich M. Hellmold, Esq.

Kilpatrick Townsend
Shumaker, Loop & StocktonKendrick, LLP


607 14th1000 Jackson Street NW

Suite 900

Washington, DC 20005

(202) 508-5800

Toledo, Ohio 43604
(419) 241-9000

Approximate date of commencement of the proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement and upon the effective time of the merger described in the accompanying proxy statement and prospectus.

If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.  ¨o

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨o

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
 o
Non-accelerated filer
 o
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
 o
¨
Emerging growth company
 o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  o

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ¨o

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third Party Tender Offer)  ¨o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered (1)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price (2)

 Amount of
Registration Fee (3)(4)

Common Stock, no par value

 Up to 2,794,498 shares N/A $70,906,072 $8,200

 

 

(1)This represents the maximum number of shares of First Merchants Corporation common stock estimated to be issuable upon completion of the merger described herein. This number is based on the number of shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock and options outstanding as of September 21, 2015, and the exchange of each such shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock for 0.9037 shares of First Merchants Corporation common stock, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of June 26, 2015 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and between First Merchants Corporation and Ameriana Bancorp, which is attached to the proxy statement and prospectus as Annex A. In accordance with the Merger Agreement, all holders will receive First Merchants Corporation common stock and no cash in exchange for their Ameriana Bancorp common stock (the securities to be canceled in the merger).
(2)The maximum offering price is based on an estimate solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and has been calculated in accordance with Rule 457(f)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, using the average of the high and low prices of the Ameriana Bancorp common shares as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market on September 30, 2015 ($22.93) for all 3,092,284 Ameriana Bancorp common shares (or options) which could be exchanged in the merger. This amount is the maximum offering price.
(3)The registration fee of $8,200 for the securities registered hereby has been calculated pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by adding the original registration fee of $7,947 to $253 which represents the increase in maximum offering price since the initial registration statement multiplied by .0001007.
(4)$7,947 of filing fee was previously paid on August 26, 2015.

The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

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THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. WE MAY NOT ISSUE THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS


DATED OCTOBER 2, 2015DECEMBER 19, 2018 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
AMERIANA BANCORP
MBT FINANCIAL CORP.

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT



PROSPECTUS OF FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FOR UP TO

2,794,498
6,442,260 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND


PROXY STATEMENT OF AMERIANA BANCORPMBT FINANCIAL CORP.

The Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation (“First Merchants”) and the Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT Financial Corp. (“MBT”) have approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Ameriana BancorpMBT will merge with and into First Merchants (the “Merger”). This proposed strategic business combination will expand the second largest bank holding company headquartered in the Statecombine two like-minded, high performing community banks and further each of Indiana.their strategic objectives. Following the Merger, the combined company will have one hundred twenty-two (122) banking offices136 full-service branch locations in twenty-seven (27)four states (namely, Indiana, counties, as well as two (2) counties in bothMichigan, Ohio and Illinois,Illinois) and haveapproximately $11.3 billion in assets, of approximately $6.6 billion, $4.6$7.8 billion in loans, $5.2$8.8 billion in deposits, and total shareholders’ equity of $0.8$1.6 billion.

If the Merger Agreement is approved by a majorityshareholders holding at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the shareholdersoutstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Merger is subsequently completed, the shareseach share of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock owned by each Ameriana Bancorpan MBT shareholder will be converted into 0.9037 sharesthe right to receive a 0.2750 (the “Exchange Ratio”) share of First Merchants common stock. The number of shares of First Merchants Common Stock issuable to each Ameriana Bancorp shareholder shall be rounded towill pay cash for any fractional shares resulting from application of the nearest thousandth of a share.Exchange Ratio. The Exchange Ratio is subject to adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalization, or similar transactions, or as otherwise described in the Merger Agreement. Immediately prior to the Merger, each outstanding stock option to purchase Ameriana Bancorptransactions.

First Merchants common stock will be converted intois listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the right to receive cash in an amount equal tosymbol “FRME.” On October 9, 2018, the average closing price of Ameriana Bancorp common stock for the ten (10) trading days preceding the fourth calendarlast business day prior to the datepublic announcement of the Merger, less the applicable exercise price.closing price of a share of First Merchants common stock was $45.71, which, after giving effect to the Exchange Ratio of 0.2750, results in an implied value of approximately $12.57 per share of MBT common stock as of such date. On December 18, 2018, the latest practicable date before the date of this proxy statement and prospectus, the closing price of a share of First Merchants common stock was $35.86, which, after giving effect to the Exchange Ratio of 0.2750, results in an implied value of approximately $9.86 per share of MBT common stock as of such date. You should obtain a current market quotation for First Merchants before you vote.

We cannot complete the Merger unless a majorityshareholders holding at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Ameriana BancorpMBT vote to approve the Merger Agreement. Ameriana BancorpMBT will hold a special meeting of its shareholders to vote on this merger proposal.Your vote is very important.Whether or not you plan to attend the shareholder meeting, please take the time to vote by completing the enclosed proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed envelope.If you sign, date and mail your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote in favor of the Merger Agreement. Not returning your card will have the same effect as a vote against the Merger Agreement.

The date, time and place of the meeting are as follows:

December 7, 2015, 1:February 14, 2019, 10:00 p.m.a.m., local time
10 Washington Street
Monroe, Michigan 48161

Ameriana Bank Greenfield Banking Center

1810 North State Street

Greenfield, Indiana 46140

This proxy statement and prospectus provides you with detailed information about the special meeting and the proposed Merger. It also contains or references information about Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants. You can also get information about First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp from publicly available documents that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Merchants common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRME.” Ameriana Bancorp common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “ASBI.”

We strongly support the Merger of our companies.The Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp unanimouslyMBT recommends that you vote in favor of the Merger Agreement.

/s/ Michael C. Rechin

/s/ H. Douglas Chaffin
President and Chief Executive Officer

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

/s/ Jerome J. Gassen

President and Chief Executive Officer

AMERIANA BANCORP

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
MBT FINANCIAL CORP.

For a discussion of certain risk factors which you should consider in evaluating the Merger, see Risk Factors“Risk Factors” beginning on page 27.23. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued pursuant to this proxy statement and prospectus or determined if this proxy statement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

These securities are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligation of any bank or non-bank subsidiary of either of our companies, and they are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Deposit Insurance Fund or any other federal or state governmental agency.

Proxy statement and prospectus dated [], 2015,[], and first mailed to Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders on or about [], 2015.[].


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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This document incorporates important business and financial information about First Merchants from other documents filed by First Merchants with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that are not delivered with or included in this document. This information (including the documents incorporated herein by reference) is available to you without charge upon your written or oral request. You may request these documents in writing or by telephone at the following addresses and telephone numbers:

First Merchants Corporation


200 East Jackson Street


Muncie, Indiana 47305


Attention: David L. Ortega,

Brian T. Hunt,
Corporate Secretary


Telephone: (765) 747-1500

To ensure timely delivery, shareholders must request the documents containing the information described above no later than five (5) business days prior to the date of the special meeting of the Ameriana Bancorp MBT shareholders. Accordingly, if you would like to make such a request, please do so by November 27, 2015,February 7, 2019, in order to receive the requested information before the meeting.

You can also obtain copies of the documents incorporated by reference in this document through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. See “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” on page 123.71.

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MBT FINANCIAL CORP.
10 Washington Street
Monroe, Michigan 48161


AMERIANA BANCORP

2118 Bundy Avenue

New Castle, Indiana 47362

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF


SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON

December 7, 2015
FEBRUARY 14, 2019

To Our Shareholders:

We will hold a special meeting of the shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT Financial Corp. (“MBT”) on December 7, 2015,February 14, 2019, at 1:10:00 p.m.a.m., local time, at Ameriana Bank Greenfield Banking Center, 1810 North State10 Washington Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140.Monroe, Michigan 48161.

The purposes of the special meeting are the following:

1.Merger Proposal.To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated June 26, 2015October 9, 2018 (the “Merger Agreement”), between First Merchants Corporation (“First Merchants”) and Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, and to approve the transactions contemplated thereby, as discussed under the section titled “Merger Proposal” beginning on page 32 (the “Merger Proposal”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT will merge with and into First Merchants (the “Merger”) and, immediately thereafter, AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will mergebe consolidated and merged with and into First Merchants Bank National Association (“First Merchants Bank”), a wholly-owned banking subsidiary of First Merchants (the “Bank Merger”).

2.Merger-Related Compensation Proposal. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation to be paid to MBT’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the Merger, as discussed under the section titled “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal” beginning on page 32 (the “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal”).
3.Adjournment Proposal. To approve one (1) or more adjournments of the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Merger Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”).

3.Merger-Related Compensation Proposal. To vote on a proposal, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of compensation that may become payable to certain executive officers of Ameriana Bancorp in connection with the Merger (the “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal”).

4.Other Matters.To vote upon such other matters which may properly be presented at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting. Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors is not aware of any such other matters.

The proxy statement and prospectus describes the Merger Agreement and the proposed Merger in detail and includes, asAnnex A, the complete text of the Merger Agreement. We urge you to read these materials for a description of the Merger Agreement and the proposed Merger.In particular, you should carefully read the section captioned “Risk Factors” beginning on page 2723 of the accompanying proxy statement and prospectus for a discussion of certain risk factors relating to the Merger.

The Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT has fixed the close of business on October 7, 2015,December 18, 2018, as the record date for determining those shareholders who are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting. Approval of the Merger Proposal requires the affirmative vote of shareholders holding at least a majoritysixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock. Approval of the AdjournmentMerger-Related Compensation Proposal and Merger-Related Compensationthe Adjournment Proposal only requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock voting at the meeting, in person or by proxy, so long as a quorum is present.

The Ameriana BancorpMBT Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” (1) approval of the Merger Proposal; (2) approval of the Adjournment Proposal; and (3) approval of the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal; and (4)(3) approval of such other business which may properly come before the meeting.Adjournment Proposal.

Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting in person, please submit your proxy by completing, signing, and dating the enclosed proxy card and returning it as soon as possible using the


enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. If you attend the special meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, even if you have previously submitted your proxy. Not submitting your proxy will have the same effect as a vote against the Merger Proposal.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Michael E. Kent

J. Miller
Jerome J. Gassen
H. Douglas Chaffin

Chairman

Chairman
President and Chief Executive Officer

[], 2015[•]
New Castle, Indiana
Monroe, Michigan


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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document, and the information included or incorporated by reference into it, contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements can often, but not always, be identified by the use of words like “believe,” “continue,” “pattern,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” would,“would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the benefits of the proposed Merger between First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, including future financial and operating results, cost savings, enhanced revenues, and accretion/dilution to reported earnings that may be realized from the Merger, as well as other statements of expectations regarding the Merger, and other statements of First Merchants’ goals, intentions and expectations; statements regarding First Merchants’ business plan and growth strategies; statements regarding the asset quality of First Merchants’ loan and investment portfolios; and estimates of First Merchants’ risks and future costs and benefits, whether with respect to the Merger or otherwise.

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements, including, among other things: the risk that the businesses of the First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT will not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the Merger may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; revenues following the Merger may be lower than expected; customer and employee relationships and business operations may be disrupted by the Merger; the ability to obtain required regulatory and shareholder approvals, and the ability to complete the Merger on the expected time frame; possible changes in economic and business conditions; the existence or exacerbation of general geopolitical instability and uncertainty; the ability of First Merchants to integrate recent acquisitions and attract new customers; possible changes in monetary and fiscal policies, and laws and regulations; the effects of easing restrictions on participants in the financial services industry; the cost and other effects of legal and administrative cases; possible changes in the credit worthiness of customers and the possible impairment of collectability of loans; fluctuations in market rates of interest; competitive factors in the banking industry; changes in the banking legislation or regulatory requirements of federal and state agencies applicable to banks and bank holding companies; continued availability of earnings and excess capital sufficient for the lawful and prudent declaration of dividends; changes in market, economic, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with the First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s business; and other risks and factors identified in First Merchants’ filings with the SEC.

Neither First Merchants nor Ameriana BancorpMBT undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed herein unless required to under the federal securities laws. In addition, First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s past results of operations do not necessarily indicate either of their anticipated future results, whether the Merger is effectuated or not.


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PAGE
PAGE

1

5

17

23

24

25

27

33

33

33

33

33

34

34

34

35

35

37

37

38

39

39

39

40

40

44

45

47

58

58

59

59

59

60

60

60

Merger-Related Compensation Payable to Ameriana Bancorp’s Named Executive Officers

61

Litigation Relating to the Merger

62

63

63

63

64

65

66

68

68

68

68

69

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PAGE
PAGE

70

70

71

71

71

72

72

72

73

73

73

Regulation and Supervision of the Bank

75

Federal Banking Law

75

Indiana Banking Law

79

Taxation

80

Information about Ameriana Bancorp’s Properties

80

Ameriana Bancorp Legal Proceedings

82

Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

82

Equity Compensation Plan Information

83

Ameriana Bancorp Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

83

Strategic Issues

106

Critical Accounting Policies

107

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

109

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

109

Liquidity and Capital Resources

110

Available Information

113

114

122

122

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT YEAR

122

123

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERIANA BANCORP

F-1

A-1

B-1

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
AND THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING

Q:What am I voting on?

A:You are being asked to vote to approve the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which Ameriana BancorpMBT will merge with and into First Merchants.Merchants, and to approve the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, as discussed under the heading “MERGER PROPOSAL” beginning on page 32 (the “Merger Proposal”). First Merchants would be the surviving entity in the Merger, and Ameriana BancorpMBT would no longer be a separate company.

You are also being asked to vote on three additional proposals; completiontwo other proposals (completion of the Merger is not conditioned upon approval of any of these additional proposals:proposals):

a proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation that certain executive officers of MBT (which we refer to as the “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal” may receive in connection with the Merger pursuant to existing agreements or other arrangements with MBT, as discussed under the heading “MERGER-RELATED COMPENSATION PROPOSAL” beginning on page 32; and
a proposal to adjourn the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Merger Proposal (which we refer to as the “Adjournment Proposal”);.

a proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation that certain executive officersFinally, while your Board of Ameriana Bancorp may receive thatDirectors is based on or otherwise relates to the Merger (which we refer to as the “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal”); and

to vote on such other matters that may be properly presentedunaware of any matter for action by shareholders at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement ofother than the Merger Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal, the enclosed proxy will give discretionary authority to the persons named in the proxy with respect to other matters which may properly come before the special meeting. Ameriana Bancorp’sIt is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote with respect to such matters in accordance with the recommendations of the Board is not aware of any such other matters.

Directors of MBT or, if no recommendations are given, in their best judgment.

Q:How do I vote my shares without attending the special meeting?
A:Whether you hold shares directly or in street name, you may direct your vote without attending the special meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote by granting a proxy as follows:
By Mail – You may vote by mail by signing and dating your proxy card and mailing it in the envelope provided. You should sign your name exactly as it appears on the proxy card. If you are signing in a representative capacity (for example as guardian, trustee, custodian, attorney or officer of a corporation), you should indicate your name and title or capacity.
By Phone – You may vote by phone by calling 1-800-690-6903 and following the instructions given.
By Internet – You may vote by internet at www.proxyvote.com by entering the 12 digit control number found on your proxy card and following the instructions.

Your vote by phone or internet is valid as authorized by the Michigan Business Corporation Act.

For shares held in street name, you should follow the voting instructions provided by your broker or nominee. You may complete and mail a voting instruction card to your broker or nominee or, in some cases, submit voting instructions by telephone or the internet. If you provide specific voting instructions by mail, telephone, or internet, your broker or nominee will vote your shares as you have directed. If you hold your shares in street name, please note that only your brokerage firm can sign a proxy on your behalf. The Board of Directors urges you to contact the person responsible for your account today and instruct them to execute a proxy on your behalf for the special meeting.

Q:How do I vote my shares in person at the special meeting?
A:Even if you plan to attend the special meeting, we encourage you to vote by mail, phone, or internet so your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the special meeting.

If you choose to vote at the special meeting:

If you are a shareholder of record, to vote your shares at the special meeting you should bring the enclosed proxy card and proof of identity.

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If you hold your shares in street name, you must obtain a proxy in your name from your bank, broker or other holder of record, proof of beneficial ownership, such as a recent brokerage statement or letter from your bank or broker, and proof of identity in order to vote at the special meeting.

Bring the proxy (for record holders) or proof of beneficial ownership (for street name holders), such as a recent brokerage statement or a letter from your bank or broker, and proof of identity for admission to the special meeting.

Q:Why are First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT proposing to merge?

A:We believe the Merger is in the best interests of both companies and our respective shareholders. Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants believe that the Merger will bring together two (2) complementary institutions to create a strategically, operationally and financially strong company that is positioned for further growth. The Merger will give the combined company greater scale and geographic diversity, not only for serving existing customers more efficiently, but also for future expansion. The combinationMerger will expand the second largest bank holding company based in the Statecombine two like-minded, high performing community banks and further each of Indiana.their strategic objectives. We believe the Merger will enhance our capabilities to provide banking and financial services to our customers and strengthen the competitive position of the combined organization.

You should review the background of and reasons for the Merger described in greater detail beginning on page 35.

You should review the background of and reasons for the Merger described in greater detail beginning on page 40.

Q:What will Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders receive in the Merger?

A:If the Merger Agreement is approved by the shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Merger is subsequently completed, the shareseach share of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock owned by each Ameriana Bancorpan MBT shareholder will be converted into 0.9037 sharesa 0.2750 (the “Exchange Ratio”) share of First Merchants common stock (the “Merger Consideration”). The number of sharesEach MBT shareholder that would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of First Merchants common stock issuable to each Ameriana Bancorp shareholder shall be rounded to the nearest thousandthwill receive cash in lieu of asuch fractional share. The Exchange Ratio is subject to adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalization, or similar transactions, or as otherwise described in the Merger Agreement. Immediately prior to the Merger, each outstanding in-the-money stock option to purchase Ameriana Bancorp common stock will be converted into the right to receive cash in an amount per share equal to the average closing price of Ameriana Bancorp common stock for the ten (10) trading days preceding the fourth calendar day prior to the date of the Merger less the applicable exercise price. Any out-of-the-money stock options granted by Ameriana Bancorp will be cancelled and no consideration will be provided.transactions.

Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed (except for customary anti-dilution adjustments), if you receive First Merchants common stock as consideration for all or a portion of your shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, the implied value of the stock considerationMerger Consideration that you will receive will depend on the market price of

First Merchants common stock when you receive your shares of First Merchants common stock. The implied per share value of the stock consideration per share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock,Merger Consideration, based upon First Merchants’ closing stock price on September 30, 2015,December 18, 2018, the most recent practicable trading day before this proxy statement and prospectus was finalized, was $23.70$9.86 per share.No assurance can be given that the current market price of First Merchants common stock will be equivalent to the market price of First Merchants common stock on the date that shares of First Merchants common stock are received by an Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder or at any other time. At the time of completion of the Merger, the market price of the stock consideration could be greater or less than the value of the cash consideration due to fluctuations in the market price of First Merchants common stock.You should obtain current market prices for shares of First Merchants common stock which is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRME.”

Q:What risks should I consider before I vote on the Merger Proposal?

A:You should carefully review the section captioned “RISK FACTORS”Risk Factors beginning on page 27.23.

Q:Will First MerchantsMerchants’ shareholders receive any shares or cash as a result of the Merger?

A:No. After the Merger, First Merchants shareholders will continue to own the same number of First Merchants shares they owned before the Merger.

Q: When is the Merger expected to be completed?

Q:When is the Merger expected to be completed?
A:We are working to complete the Merger as quickly as possible. We must first obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and the approval of Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders at the special meeting. We currently expect to complete the Merger during the fourth quarter of 2015 or the first quarter of 2016.2019.

Q:What are the tax consequences of the Merger to me?

A:The Merger is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). A U.S. Holder (as defined in the section captioned “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” beginning on page 70) who exchanges all of its shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock solely for shares of First Merchants common stock pursuant to the Merger will not recognize any gain or loss on the exchange for federal income tax purposes. At the closing of the Merger, Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants will each receive an opinion from their tax advisors confirming these tax consequences. See “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” beginning on page 70. Your individual tax consequences will depend on your personal situation. You should consult your tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the Merger to you.

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the section captioned “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” beginning on page 60) who exchanges all of its shares of MBT common stock for shares of First Merchants common stock pursuant to the Merger will not recognize any gain or loss on the exchange for federal income tax purposes, except with respect to any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of First Merchants common stock. A U.S. Holder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of First Merchants common stock will be treated as having received such fractional share of First Merchants common stock pursuant to the Merger and then as having sold that fractional share of First Merchants common stock for cash. As a result, a U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the U.S. Holder’s basis in the fractional share of First Merchants common stock determined as described above. At the closing of the Merger, First Merchants will receive an opinion from their tax attorneys confirming these tax consequences. Such opinion will comply with the regulations and guidance of the SEC with respect to the persons entitled to rely on tax opinions contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy and prospectus is a part. See “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” beginning on page 60. Your individual tax consequences will depend on your personal situation. You should consult your tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the Merger to you.

Q:Will I have dissenters’ rights?

A:TheDissenters’ rights of appraisal are rights that, if available under applicable law or otherwise, enable shareholders to dissent from an extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, and to demand that the corporation pay the fair value for their shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of Ameriana Bancorpreceiving the consideration offered to shareholders in connection with the extraordinary transaction. Dissenters’ rights of appraisal are not entitledavailable in all circumstances, and exceptions to those rights are provided in the Michigan Business Corporation Act (“MBCA”). Under the MBCA and MBT’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, MBT shareholders will not have dissenters’ rights under Indiana CodeSection 23-1-44, as amended, becauseof appraisal in connection with the shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock are traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market.Merger.

Q:What do I need to do now?

A:

You should carefully read and consider the information contained in this document and any information incorporated herein by reference. Then, please submit your proxy by completing, signing, and dating the enclosed proxy card and returning it as soon as possible using the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope so that your shares can be voted at the special shareholder meeting. If a returned proxy card is signed but does not specify how you wish to vote your shares, your proxy will be voted “FOR” the: (1) approval of the Merger

Proposal; (2) approval of the adjournment of the meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if enough votes have not been cast to approve the Mergernon-binding Merger-Related Compensation Proposal at the time of the meeting;and (3) approval of the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal; and (4) approval of such other business as may properly come before the meeting including at an adjournment or postponement of the meeting.Adjournment Proposal.

Q:What if I don’t vote or I abstain from voting?

A:If you do not vote or you abstain from voting, your abstention will count as a vote “AGAINST” the Merger Proposal. The advisory vote on the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal regarding merger-related compensation payable to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s named executive officers and the vote on the Adjournment Proposal only requiresrequire that there be more votes in favor than against. As a result, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on such proposal.the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal.

Q:If my shares are held by my broker in “street name,” will my broker vote my shares for me?

A:Your broker will vote any shares you hold in “street name” only if you provide instructions to your broker on how to vote your shares. You should follow the directions provided by your broker to vote your shares. If you do not provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your shares held in “street name,” your broker will not be permitted to vote your shares, which will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the Merger and will not be counted for purposes of the advisory vote on Merger-Related Compensation Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal.

Q:How do I vote my shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock held in the 401(k) Plan?

A:If you invest in Ameriana common stock through the 401(k) Plan, you will receive a voting instruction card that reflects all shares that you may direct the trustee to vote on your behalf under the plan. Under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, a participant is entitled to direct the trustee how to vote the shares of Company common stock credited to his or her account under the 401(k) Plan. If the 401(k) Plan trustee does not receive timely voting instructions for the shares of Company common stock held in the 401(k) Plan, the shares for which the trustee does not receive timely instructions will be voted in a manner calculated to most accurately reflect the instructions received from other 401(k) Plan participants.

Q.Why am I being asked to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote to approve the compensation payable to certain Ameriana BancorpMBT officers in connection with the Merger?

A.A:The SEC, in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, has adopted rules that require Ameriana BancorpMBT to seek an advisory (non-binding) vote with respect to certain payments that are payable to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s named executive officers in connection with the Merger.

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Q.Q:What will happen if Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders do not approve such compensation at the special meeting?

A.Ameriana BancorpA:MBT shareholder approval of the compensation payable to certain of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s executive officers in connection with the Merger is not a condition to completion of the Merger. The vote with respect to such compensation is an advisory vote and will not be binding on Ameriana BancorpMBT (or First Merchants after the Merger) regardless of whether the Merger Agreement is approved. Accordingly, because the compensation to be paid to certain Ameriana BancorpMBT executive officers in connection with the Merger is contractual, such compensation will be payable if the Merger is completed regardless of the outcome of the advisory vote.

Q:Q.May I change my vote after I have submitted my proxy?

A:

Yes. You can change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the special meeting. You can do this in one (1) of three (3) ways. First, you can send a written notice stating that you revoke your proxy.

Second, you can complete and submit a new proxy, dated at a date later than your most recent proxy. Please submit your notice of revocation and/or new proxy card to Ameriana Bancorp, 2118 Bundy Avenue, New Castle, Indiana 47362,MBT Financial Corp., 10 Washington Street, Monroe, Michigan 46161, Attention: Nicole M. Weaver,Scott E. McKelvey, Corporate Secretary. Third, you may attend the special meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the special meeting, however, will not revoke your proxy. You must request a ballot and vote the ballot at the meeting.

Q:What constitutes a quorum?

A:The presence, in person or by proxy, of shareholders holding at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT entitled to vote as of October 7, 2015,December 18, 2018, the record date for the special meeting, will constitute a quorum for the special meeting. On August 7, 2015,the record date, there were 3,030,16223,025,525 shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting.

Q:Should I send in my stock certificate(s) now?

A:No. After the Merger is completed, Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will receive written instructions from First Merchants for exchanging their stock certificates for shares of First Merchants common stock and cash for fractional shares to be received by them in the Merger. Any shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock held in book-entry form will be automatically exchanged for shares of First Merchants common stock. If you are a First Merchants shareholder, you should retain your certificates, as you will continue to hold the First Merchants shares you currently own.

Q:Whom should I contact if I have other questions about the Merger Agreement or the Merger?

A:You may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC,MBT’s agent assisting MBT with the Information Agent for the Merger at 2 Robbins Lane, Suite 201, Jericho, New York 11753 or by telephone at 888-742-1305. Banks and brokerage firms should also call Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC at 516-933-3100.proxy solicitation:

Ameriana Bancorp shareholders may also contact:Morrow Sodali
470 West Avenue
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
Shareholders May Call Toll Free: (800) 662-5200
Banks and Brokers May Call: (203) 658-9400
Email: mbtf@morrowsodali.com

Ameriana Bancorp

2118 Bundy Avenue

New Castle, Indiana 47362

Attention: Nicole Weaver,

Corporate Secretary

Telephone (765) 529-2230

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement and prospectus.Because this is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire document, including the documents incorporated herein by reference, and the other documents to which we have referred you before you decide how to vote. See “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION”Where You Can Find Additional Information on page12371for a description of documents that we incorporate by reference into this document. Each item in this summary includes a page reference that directs you to a more complete description in this document of the topic discussed.

The Companies (page 72)

Description of First Merchants Corporation (page 62)

First Merchants Corporation
200 East Jackson Street


Muncie, Indiana 47305


(765) 747-1500

First Merchants is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana and was organized in September 1982. First Merchants common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRME.” First Merchants has one (1) full-service Indiana commercial bank charter, First Merchants Bank, which opened for business in Muncie, Indiana, in March 1893. First Merchants Bank also operates Lafayette Bank and Trust, Commerce National Bank and First Merchants Trust CompanyPrivate Wealth Advisors as divisionsa division of First Merchants Bank. First Merchants Bank includes over one hundred (100) banking locationshas 116 full-service branch in twenty-six (26)thirty-one Indiana, countiestwo Illinois and two (2) counties in both Ohio and Illinois.counties. First Merchants Bank’s business activities are currently limited to one (1) significant business segment, which is community banking.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2015,2018, First Merchants had consolidated assets of $6.1$9.8 billion, consolidated deposits of $4.8$7.6 billion and shareholders’ equity of $750 million.$1.4 billion. As of June 30, 2015,December 31, 2017, First Merchants and its subsidiaries had 1,4641,684 full-time equivalent employees. See “DESCRIPTION OF FIRST MERCHANTS” on page 72.

Ameriana BancorpDescription of MBT Financial Corp. (page 63)

2118 Bundy AvenueMBT Financial Corp.
10 Washington Street
Monroe, Michigan 46161
(734) 241-3431

New Castle, Indiana 47362

(765) 529-2230

Ameriana BancorpMBT is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, incorporated under IndianaMichigan law and headquartered in New Castle, Indiana. Ameriana Bancorp’sMonroe, Michigan. MBT’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary is AmerianaMonroe Bank an Indiana state& Trust, a Michigan commercial bank. Ameriana Insurance Agency, Inc.MBT was organized in 2000 at the direction of the management of Monroe Bank & Trust. Monroe Bank & Trust was incorporated and Amerianachartered as Monroe State Savings Bank under the laws of the State of Michigan in 1905. In 1940, Monroe Bank & Trust consolidated with Dansard Bank and moved to the present address of its main office. Monroe Bank & Trust operated as a unit bank until 1950 when it opened its first branch office in Ida, Michigan. It then continued its expansion to its present total of 20 branch offices, including its main office. Monroe Bank & Trust changed its name from “Monroe State Savings Bank” to “Monroe Bank & Trust” in 1968. Monroe Bank & Trust operates 20 banking offices in Monroe and Wayne Counties in Michigan. In addition to Monroe Bank & Trust, MBT’s other direct subsidiary is MB&T Financial Services, Inc. are wholly-owned subsidiaries, a Michigan corporation. MBT has no employees other than its three officers, each of Ameriana Bank. Amerianawhom is also an employee and officer of Monroe Bank has been operating& Trust and who serve in East Central Indiana since 1890. Amerianatheir capacity as officers of MBT without compensation. As of September 30, 2018, Monroe Bank has thirteen (13) banking centers located in Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Madison,& Trust had 286 full-time employees and Shelby Counties in Indiana. Ameriana Bancorp and Ameriana Bank employed 143 full-time equivalent employees at June 30, 2015. Ameriana Bancorp holds all of the common securities of Ameriana Capital Trust I.10 part-time employees.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2015,2018, on a consolidated basis, Ameriana BancorpMBT had assets of approximately $481 million,$1.3 billion, deposits of approximately $389 million,$1.2 billion, and shareholders’ equity of approximately $41$121 million.

The Merger (page 39)34)

We have attached a copy of the Merger Agreement to this document asAnnex A. Please read the Merger Agreement in its entirety. It is the legal document that governs the Merger.



The Merger Agreement provides that, if all of the conditions are satisfied or waived, Ameriana BancorpMBT will be merged with and into First Merchants and, immediately thereafter, Ameriana BancorpMBT will cease to exist. Immediately following the Merger, AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will be consolidated and merged with and into First Merchants Bank and AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will cease to exist. We expect to complete the Merger during the fourth quarter of 2015 or the first quarter of 2016.2019.

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Reasons for the Merger (pages 44)(page 38)

First MerchantsMerchants.. First Merchants’ Board of Directors considered a number of financial and nonfinancial factors in making its decision to merge with Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, including its respect for the ability and integrity of the Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors, management and staff. The Board believes that expanding First Merchants’ operations in the market areas where Ameriana BancorpMBT operates offers financial and strategic benefits to First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT as a combined company.

Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. In considering the Merger with First Merchants, Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors collected and evaluated a variety of economic, financial and market information regarding First Merchants and its subsidiaries, their respective businesses and First Merchants’ reputation and future prospects. In the opinion of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors, favorable factors included First Merchants’ strong earnings and stock performance, its management, the compatibility of its markets to those of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, the likelihood of regulatory approvals of the Merger, and the attractiveness of First Merchants’ offer from a financial perspective. In addition, the Board of Directors considered the fairness opinion of River Branch Capital LLC (“River Branch”), described below.

Opinion of River Branch Capital LLCMBT’s Financial Advisor (page 47)40)

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors retained River BranchSandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”) to render a fairness opinion in connection with the proposed Merger. At the meeting of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors on June 26, 2015, River BranchOctober 8, 2018, Sandler O’Neill delivered to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors anits oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion, dated June 26, 2015,October 9, 2018, to the effect that, as of the date of the written opinion and based upon and subject to the conditions, limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth intherein, the opinion, the Merger ConsiderationExchange Ratio was fair to be received in the Merger by the holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock was fair,MBT Common Stock from a financial point of view, to such holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock.view.

The full text of the written opinion of River Branch,Sandler O’Neill, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion of River Branch,Sandler O’Neill, is attached asAnnex B to this proxy statement and prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. Ameriana Bancorpprospectus. MBT shareholders are urged to read River Branch’sSandler O’Neill’s written opinion carefully and in its entirety. River Branch’sSandler O’Neill’s opinion is limited solely to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger ConsiderationExchange Ratio to be received in the Merger by the holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock and does not address Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s underlying business decision to effect the Merger or the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any alternative business strategies or transactions that might be available with respect to Ameriana Bancorp. River Branch’sMBT. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Ameriana BancorpMBT as to how such shareholder should vote or act with respect to any matter relating to the Merger or otherwise.

What Ameriana BancorpMBT Shareholders Will Receive (page 39)34)

If the Merger Agreement is approved and the Merger is subsequently completed, each outstanding share of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.9037 shares (the “Exchange Ratio”)the Exchange Ratio of 0.2750 share of First Merchants common stock. The number of shares of First Merchants Common Stock issuable to each Ameriana Bancorp shareholder shall be rounded to the nearest thousandth of a share. The Exchange Ratio is



subject to adjustmentsadjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalization or similar transactions, or astransactions. Each MBT shareholder that would otherwise described in the Merger Agreement. Immediately priorbe entitled to the Merger, each outstanding stock option to purchase Ameriana Bancorpreceive a fractional share of First Merchants common stock will be converted into the right to receive cash in an amount equal to the average closing pricelieu of Ameriana Bancorp common stock for the ten (10) trading days preceding the fourth calendar day prior to the date of the Merger less the applicable exercise price.such fractional share.

Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed (except for customary anti-dilution adjustments), if you receive First Merchants common stock as consideration for all or a portion of your shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, the implied value of the stock considerationMerger Consideration that you will receive will depend on the market price of First Merchants common stock when you receive your shares of First Merchants common stock. The implied per share value of the stock consideration per share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock,Merger Consideration, based upon First Merchants’ closing stock price on September 30, 2015,December 18, 2018, the most recent practicable trading day before this proxy statement and prospectus was finalized, was $23.70$9.86 per share. No assurance can be given that the current market price of First Merchants common stock will be equivalent to the market price of First Merchants common stock on the date that shares of First Merchants common stock are received by an Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder or at any other time. At the time of completion of the Merger, the market price of the stock consideration could be greater or less than the value of the cash consideration due to fluctuations in the market price of First Merchants common stock.

Within three (3) business days following the effective date of the Merger, First Merchants will cause the exchange agent to mail a letter of transmittal to each person who was, immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, a holder of record of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions for use in effecting the surrender of Ameriana BancorpMBT stock certificates (or shares held in book-entry form) in exchange for the consideration to which such person may be entitled pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

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What First Merchants Shareholders Will Receive (page 40)35)

First Merchants shareholders will not receive any consideration in the Merger. After the Merger, First Merchants shareholders will continue to own the same number of First Merchants shares owned before the Merger.

The Ameriana BancorpMBT Special Shareholders Meeting (page 33)28)

The special meeting of Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will be held on December 7, 2015,February 14, 2019, at 1:10:00 p.m.a.m., local time, at Ameriana Bank Greenfield Banking Center, 1810 North State10 Washington Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140.Monroe, Michigan 48161.

At the special meeting, Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will be asked:

1.Merger Proposal.To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and to approve the transactions contemplated thereby.thereby, as discussed under the section titled “Merger Proposal” beginning on page 32. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT will merge with and into First Merchants and, immediately thereafter, AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will mergebe consolidated and merged with and into First Merchants Bank.

2.Merger-Related Compensation Proposal. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation to be paid to MBT’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the Merger, as discussed under the section titled “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal” beginning on page 32.
3.Adjournment Proposal. To approve one (1) or more adjournments of the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Merger Proposal.

3.Merger-Related Compensation Proposal. To vote on a proposal, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of compensation that may become payable to certain executive officers of Ameriana Bancorp in connection with the Merger.

4.Other Matters.To vote upon such other matters which may properly be presented at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting. TheMBT’s Board of Directors is not aware of any such other matters.



Ameriana BancorpMBT Recommendation to Shareholders (page 47)29)

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors unanimously approved and adopted the Merger Agreement and approved and authorized the proposed Merger. Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors concluded that entering into the Merger Agreement and completing the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are in the best interest of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders. Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders vote“FOR” the: (1) approval of the Merger Proposal;Proposal, (2) approval of the Adjournment Proposal;Merger-Related Compensation Proposal, and (3) approval of Merger-Related Compensation Proposal; and (4) approval of such other business which may properly come before the meeting.Adjournment Proposal. In reaching its determination, Ameriana BancorpMBT’s Board of Directors considered a number of factors, which are described in the section captioned “The Merger—Ameriana Bancorp’s“THE MERGER—MBT’s Reasons for the Merger” beginning on page 45.38. Because of the wide variety of factors considered, Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors did not believe it practicable, nor did it attempt, to quantify or otherwise assign relative weight to the specific factors it considered in reaching its decision.

Ameriana BancorpMBT Special Meeting Record Date; Vote Required (page 33)28)

Only Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 7, 2015,December 18, 2018, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. As of the record date, there were [●]23,025,525 shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock outstanding. Approval of the Merger Proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majoritysixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock entitled to vote. The approval of adjournment of the special meeting to allow extra time to solicit proxies, if necessary or appropriate, approval of the advisory vote on theMerger-related compensation payable to certain executive officers,Merger-Related Compensation Proposal and the approval of the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the special meeting each requireAdjournment Proposal requires more votes to be cast in favor of the proposal than are cast against it. As provided by the Michigan Business Corporation Act, an abstention is not a “vote cast.” Abstentions from voting and broker non-votes, if any, on Proposal 2 (Merger-Related Compensation Proposal) and Proposal 3 (Adjournment Proposal) are not treated as votes cast and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the passage of the proposal. You can vote your shares by attending the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting and voting in person, or you can vote by proxy by marking the enclosed proxy card with your vote, signing it and mailing it in the enclosed return envelope. You may also vote by internet or by phone by following the instructions on the proxy card. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the special meeting by sending a written notice of revocation, submitting a new proxy or by attending the special meeting and voting in person.

No approval by First Merchants shareholders is required.

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Voting Agreement (page 69)28)

As of June 26, 2015,On the date the Merger Agreement was executed, each member of the Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT, plus Patriot Financial Partners and certain executive officersCastle Creek Capital Partners, entered into a voting agreement with First Merchants to cause all Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock owned by each of them of record or beneficially on such date to be voted in favor of the Merger Proposal. See “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Voting Agreement” on page 69.28. As of the record date, the members of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors, Patriot Partners, and their affiliatesCastle Creek had power to vote, or caused to be voted, an aggregate of [●]5,092,450 shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock outstanding, representing [●]%22.1% of the outstanding shares on that date.

What We Need to Do to Complete the Merger (page 64)54)

Completion of the Merger depends on a number of conditions being met or waived. In addition to our compliance with the Merger Agreement, these conditions include among others:

the approval of the Merger Agreement at the special meeting by a majorityat least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock;

the approval of the Merger and the Bank Merger by certain regulatory agencies and the expiration of any regulatory waiting periods;



the representations and warranties made by the parties in the Merger Agreement must be true, accurate and correct in all material respects on and as of the effective date of the Merger, except that representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below in “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Conditions to Completion of the Merger”) must be true and correct in all respects, and provided that for those representations and warranties which address matters only as of an earlier date, then they shall be tested as of such earlier date;

the covenants made by the parties must have been complied with in all material respects from the date of the Merger Agreement through and as of the effective date of the Merger;

Ameriana Bancorp must have received an opinion of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and that no gain or loss will be recognized in the Merger by a U.S. Holder to the extent the U.S. Holder receives shares of First Merchants common stock as the sole consideration for the U.S. Holder’s shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, except that gain or loss will be recognized with respect to any cash received;

First Merchants must have received an opinion of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code;

the Registration Statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement and prospectus is a part, relating to the First Merchants shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement, must have become effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued or threatened by the SEC;

the shares of First Merchants common stock to be issued in the Merger shall have been listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market (subject to official notice of issuance);

there must be no order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or prohibits the consummation of the Merger or the Bank Merger; and

other customary conditions and obligations of the parties set forth in the Merger Agreement.

Under the Merger Agreement, receipt of the tax opinion and the reliance letter referred to above may be waived by First Merchants and MBT, respectively, prior to the closing of the Merger. However, if receipt of such opinion and reliance letter were waived, MBT would resolicit its shareholders if any change in the tax consequences were material and disclose the reasons for the waiver and the change in tax consequences. Such resolicitation would require an amendment to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement and prospectus is a part.

Regulatory Approvals (page 59)51)

The Merger cannot be completed until First Merchants Bank receives necessary regulatory approvals, which include the approval of the BoardIndiana Department of Governors ofFinancial Institutions (the “Indiana DFI”) and the Federal Reserve SystemDeposit Insurance Corporation (the “Federal Reserve Board”“FDIC”) as. First Merchants Bank has filed an application with the Indiana DFI and the FDIC, but cannot be certain when or if such approval will be obtained. First Merchants Bank has also

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sent required notice to the MergerMichigan Department of Insurance and the Office of the Comptroller of the CurrencyFinancial Services (the “OCC”“Michigan DIFS”) as to the Bank Merger.. First Merchants has filed applications with the OCC andalso requested that the Federal Reserve Board for approvalof Governors (the “Federal Reserve”) waive its right to receive an application in connection with the Merger as permitted under Regulation Y of the Bank Merger and the Merger, respectively. First Merchants cannot be certain when such approvals will be obtained or if they will be obtained.Holding Company Act.

Conduct of Business Pending Merger (page 66)57)

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants must carry on their business in the ordinary course and, subject to certain limited exceptions, may not take certain extraordinary actions without first obtaining the other party’s consent.

We have agreed that Ameriana BancorpMBT will continue to pay quarterly dividends at no more than the current rate of $0.04$0.10 per share until the Merger closes. We will each cooperate to insure that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will receive only one (1) quarterly dividend for the quarter in which the Merger closes, and not a separate dividend from both First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp.MBT.



Agreements of First Merchants (pages 5951 and 68)59)

In the Merger Agreement, First Merchants has agreed, among other matters, to:

Proceed and use its reasonable and diligent efforts to obtain any consents and approvals for the Merger. See “THE MERGER—Regulatory Approvals” on page 51.
Proceed and use its reasonable and diligent efforts to obtain any consents and approvals for the Merger. See “THE MERGER—Regulatory Approvals” on page 59.
Take action as may be necessary to allow MBT and its subsidiaries’ employees, as soon as reasonably practicable following the effective date of the Merger, to participate in benefit plans First Merchants maintains for its employees. Until such time as participation is implemented, First Merchants will assume, honor and continue the employee plans and benefit arrangements of MBT as in effect on the effective date of the Merger, subject to certain limitations set forth in the Merger Agreement. See “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Employee Benefit Plans” on page 59.
Provide, or allow for, director and officer liability insurance and indemnification. See “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Indemnification and Insurance of MBT Directors and Officers” on page 59.

Take action as may be necessary to allow Ameriana Bancorp and its subsidiaries’ employees, no later than the effective date of the Merger, to participate in benefit plans First Merchants maintains for its employees. See “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Employee Benefit Plans” on page 68.

Provide, or allow for, director and officer liability insurance and indemnification. See “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Indemnification and Insurance of Ameriana Bancorp Directors and Officers” on page 68.

Dissenters’ Rights (page 58)

The shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp are not entitled to dissenters’ rights under Indiana CodeSection 23-1-44, as amended, because the shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock are traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market.

Management and Operations After the Merger (page 68)58)

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s corporate existence will cease after the Merger. Accordingly, except as otherwise described herein, directors and officers of Ameriana BancorpMBT will not serve in such capacities after the effective date of the Merger. Upon completion of the Merger, the current officers and directors of First Merchants will continue to serve in such capacities.

Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger That Are Different From Your Interests (page 61)51 and 52)

You should be aware that some of directors and executive officers of Ameriana BancorpMBT and AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust may have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, their interests as shareholders. Both Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors and First Merchants’ Board of Directors were aware of these interests and took them into consideration in approving the Merger Agreement and the Merger. These interests are as follows:

MBT Executive Officer Agreements. Certain executive officers of MBT and Monroe Bank & Trust are parties to change in control and severance agreements with MBT that under the terms of the Merger Agreement entitle them to certain cash payments in the aggregate amount equal to $3,278,020. In addition such executive officers hold restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock only stock appreciation rights (“SOSARs”) that pursuant to their terms and the terms of the Merger Agreement provide for acceleration of vesting and payment of benefits following a change in control of MBT. The total value of the acceleration of equity awards to such executive officers, based on the average closing market price of $43.63 of First Merchants common stock, over the five business days following the first public announcement of the Merger on October 10, 2018, is $668,784. The aggregate cash payments to be made to such MBT executive officers and the total value of the acceleration of equity awards to such executive officers is equal to $3,946,804.
MBT Director Death Benefit Only Plan. MBT Directors Peter H. Carlton, H. Douglas Chaffin, Joseph S. Daly, Michael J. Miller and Debra J. Shah are participants in a legacy death benefit only plan

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Directors and officers of Ameriana Bancorp held stock options

that entitled themwas frozen to purchase,new director participants in 2006 (“Director DBO Plan”). The Director DBO Plan provides death benefits to the participating director’s beneficiaries in the aggregate, up to [●] shares of Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock as of October 7, 2015. Options for [●] of these shares would not be exercisable but for the Merger. Immediately prior to the Merger, each outstanding stock option to purchase Ameriana Bancorp common stock will be converted into the right to receive cash in an amount equal to the average closing price of Ameriana Bancorp common stock for the ten (10) trading days preceding the fourth calendar day prior to the dateevent of the Merger lessdeath of the applicable exercise price.

Certain executive officersdirector during service as a director. In the event of Ameriana Bancorp and Ameriana Bank currently have salary retention agreements, change in control agreements or employment agreements that provide for the executive to receive, following both a change in control of Ameriana BancorpMBT, the Director DBO Plan also provides those same death benefits during the director’s post retirement and an actual or constructive terminationfor the life of the director. In connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, each of the participating directors in the Director DBO Plan executed agreements that terminate their employment, continuing payments followingrespective rights under the transaction, subject to certain limitations. Under these agreements, three (3) of such executive officers would be entitled to receive an aggregate of approximately $1,625,125. See—THE MERGER—Merger-Related Compensation payable to Ameriana Bancorp’s Named Executive Officers.

First Merchants has agreed that for a period of six (6) years afterDirector DBO Plan upon the effective timeconsummation of the Merger itin exchange for a cash payment. The cash payment represents approximately 66 and two-thirds percent (6623%) of the projected actuarial net present value of the benefit arrangement to the participating directors. Under the terms of these termination agreements the participating directors will maintain directors’receive the following payments upon the closing of the Merger: Mr. Carlton $645,009, Mr. Chaffin $507,324, Mr. Daly $461,764, Mr. Miller $645,009 and officers’ liability insuranceMs. Shah $640,788. At the election of each of those participating directors, such amount may be paid in force covering directors and officersshares of Ameriana Bancorp and Amerianacommon stock of First Merchants.

Continued Director and Officer Liability Coverage. First Merchants has agreed that for a period of six (6) years after the effective time of the Merger, it will maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in force covering directors and officers of MBT and Monroe Bank & Trust, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.
Board Appointments. The Merger Agreement obligates First Merchants to appoint one person who is currently a member of the MBT Board of Directors (chosen by First Merchants after consultation with MBT) to the First Merchants Board of Directors. Such person will be entitled to receive compensation from First Merchants for service to the Board. All members of the Board of Directors of Monroe Bank & Trust, who have agreed to serve in such capacity and would not otherwise be prohibited to serve under applicable law, will be appointed to First Merchants Bank’s Michigan regional advisory board, as soon as practicable after the effective time of the Merger.



Termination of the Merger (page 65)55)

Both First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT can mutually agree to terminate the Merger Agreement before we complete the Merger. In addition, either Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants acting alone can terminate the Merger Agreement under the circumstances described on page 65.55.

Ameriana BancorpMBT has agreed to pay First Merchants a termination fee of $1,500,000$12,680,000 if:

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors terminates the Merger Agreement in the exercise of its fiduciary duties after receipt of an unsolicited superior acquisition proposal from a third party;

First Merchants terminates the Merger Agreement because Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors withdraws or modifies its recommendation to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders to vote for the Merger following receipt of a written proposal for an acquisition from a third party; or

First Merchants terminates the Merger Agreement because Ameriana BancorpMBT fails to give First Merchants written notice that it intends to furnish information to or enter into discussions or negotiations with a third party relating to a proposed acquisition of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, or if Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, within sixty (60) days after giving such notice, does not terminate such discussions or negotiations.

Either party may terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger has not been completed by June 30, 2019, provided the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation warranty or covenant and, provided, further, that if the sole impediment to closing is the lack of any necessary regulatory approval, then such termination date shall be extended to September 30, 2019. In the event of such termination, First Merchants has agreed to pay MBT a termination fee of $2,500,000 if the Merger Agreement is terminated by either party as a result of the failure to obtain any of the required regulatory approvals and such failure is a result of a regulatory issue directly and solely related to First Merchants.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences (page 70)60)

It is a condition to the closing of the Merger that Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP and Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP deliver opinions,an opinion, effective as of the date of the Merger,on or about this proxy statement and prospectus, to Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants respectively, substantially to the effect that, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within

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the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. TheseSuch opinion will comply with the regulations and guidance of the SEC with respect to the persons entitled to rely on tax opinions contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy and prospectus is a part. This opinion will not, however, bind the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) which could take a different view.

Determining the actual tax consequences of the Merger to you can be complicated. We suggest you consult with your own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of the Merger to you.

For a more detailed description of the material federal income tax consequences of the Merger to First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders, see “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” on page 70.60.

Accounting Treatment (page 60)

The Merger will be accounted for as an acquisition transaction for accounting and financial reporting purposes. As a result, Ameriana Bancorp’s assets, including identified intangible assets, and liabilities will be recorded by First Merchants on its books at their fair values and added to those of First Merchants. Any excess payment by First Merchants over the fair value of the net assets and identifiable intangibles of Ameriana Bancorp will be recorded as goodwill on the financial statements of First Merchants. Conversely, any excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the payment made by First Merchants will be allocated as a reduction of all assets.

Comparative Rights of First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT Shareholders (page 114)64)

The rights of shareholders of First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT differ in some respects. The rights of holders of First Merchants common stock are governed by the laws of the State of Indiana, including the Indiana Business Corporation Law, and First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The rights of holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock are governed by the laws of the State of Indiana,Michigan, including the IndianaMichigan Business Corporation Law,Act, and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Upon completion of the Merger, Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders who receive First Merchants common stock will take such stock subject to First Merchants Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

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Authorized But Unissued SharesTABLE OF CONTENTS

Authorized But Unissued Shares
First Merchants
Ameriana Bancorp
First Merchants
MBT

First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 50,000,000100,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value, of which 37,824,64949,658,419 shares were outstanding as of June 30, 2015.October 31, 2018. First Merchants’ Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock up to the amounts authorized in First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the Indiana Business Corporation Law and the Articles of Incorporation. First Merchants has 500,000 shares of preferred stock authorized. First Merchants has designated 116,000 of those preferred shares as Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, $1,000 per share liquidation amount, no shares of which are currently outstanding. First Merchants has designated 90,823.23 of the preferred shares as Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, $1,000 per share liquidation amount,authorized, no shares of which are currently outstanding. The preferred shares are available to be issued, without prior shareholder approval, in classes with the rights, privileges and preferences determined for each class by the Board of Directors of First Merchants.



As of September 20, 2015,October 1, 2018, First Merchants had 316,46591,347 shares of its common stock reserved and remaining available for issuance under its 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan and 76,486804 shares of its common stock reserved and remaining available for issuance under its Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. In addition, as of September 20, 2015,October 1, 2018, First Merchants had no options granted but unexercised under its 1994 Stock Option Plan, 320,06226,606.998 options granted but unexercised under its 1999 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan, and 137,81173,100 options granted but unexercised under its 2009Long-term Equity Incentive Plan, with shares reserved and remaining available equal to the outstanding options under each plan.



The issuance of additional shares of First Merchants common stock or the issuance of additional First Merchants preferred stock may adversely affect the interests of First Merchants shareholders by diluting their voting and ownership interests.

The Articles of Incorporation of Ameriana BancorpMBT authorize the issuance of 15,000,00051,000,000 shares of capital stock, comprised of 50,000,000 authorized shares of MBT common stock, $1.00without par value. Asvalue, and 1,000,000 authorized shares of MBT nonvoting preferred stock. 22,990,430 shares of MBT common stock were issued and outstanding as of October 7, 2015,9, 2018, and there were [●]are no shares of commonMBT nonvoting preferred stock issued and outstanding. Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock up to the amounts authorized in Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Articles of Incorporation, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the IndianaMichigan Business Corporation Law, theAct and its Articles of Incorporation, and the rules of a national securities exchange, if applicable. As of the date of this proxy statement and prospectus, Ameriana Bancorp had 5,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock, no par value, authorized, none of which is issued and outstanding.

Incorporation.


Restrictions on Transfer of Shares

First Merchants
Ameriana Bancorp
Restrictions on Transfer of Shares
First Merchants
MBT
The holders of First Merchants common stock are generally not restricted on sales of their shares. The shares are also registered under Section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and listed for exchange on The NASDAQ Global Select Market.Market under the symbol of “FRME.” As a result, a public market exists for the shares of common stock.
The holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock are generally not restricted on sales of their shares. The shares are also registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and listed for exchange on The NASDAQ Capital Market.Global Select Market under the symbol of “MBTF.” As a result, a public market exists for the shares of common stock.

Dividend Rights

First Merchants

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Ameriana BancorpDividend Rights

First Merchants
MBT
The holders of First Merchants common stock are entitled to dividends and other distributions when, as and if declared by its Boards of Directors.



Generally, First Merchantsmay not pay a dividend if, after giving effect to the dividend:



•   First Merchants would not be able to pay its
        debts as they become due in the usual course of
        business; or



•   First Merchants’ total assets would be less than
        the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount
        that would be needed to satisfy preferential
        rights of shareholders payable upon dissolution.



The amount of dividends, if any, that may be declared by First Merchants in the future will necessarily depend upon many factors, including, among other things, future earnings, capital requirements, business conditions and capital levels of subsidiaries (since First Merchants is primarily dependent upon dividends paid by its subsidiaries for revenues), the discretion of First Merchants’ Board of Directors and other factors that may be appropriate in determining dividend policies.



First Merchants Bank may pay cash dividends to First Merchants on its common stock only out of adjusted retained net profits for the year in which the dividend is paid and the two preceding years.



First Merchants Bank will ordinarily be restricted to paying dividends in a lesser amount to First Merchants than is legally permissible because of the need for the banks to maintain adequate capital consistent with the capital adequacy guidelines promulgated by the banks’

The holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock are entitled to dividends and other distributions when, as and if declared by its Boards of Directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in Ameriana Bancorp’s stock.

Generally, Ameriana Bancorpmay not pay a dividend if, after giving effect to the dividend:

•    Ameriana Bancorp would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or

•    Ameriana Bancorp’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy preferential rights of shareholders payable upon dissolution.



principal federal regulatory authorities. If a bank’s capital levels are deemed inadequate by the regulatory authorities, payment of dividends to its parent holding company may be prohibited. First Merchants Bank is not currently subject to such a restriction.
The holders of MBT common stock are entitled to dividends and other distributions when, as and if declared by its Boards of Directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in MBT’s stock.

Generally, MBT may not pay a dividend if, after giving effect to the dividend:

   •   MBT would not be able to pay its debts as they
        become due in the usual course of business; or

   •   MBT’s total assets would be less than the sum of
        its total liabilities plus the amount that would be
        needed to satisfy preferential rights of
        shareholders payable upon dissolution.

MBT’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock depends on its receipt of dividends from Monroe Bank & Trust. Monroe Bank & Trust is subject to restrictions and limitations in the amount and timing of the dividends it may pay to MBT. Dividends may be paid out of a Michigan commercial bank’s net income after deducting all bad debts. A Michigan commercial bank may only pay dividends on its common stock if the bank has a surplus amounting to not less than 20% of its capital after the payment of the dividend. If a Michigan commercial bank has a surplus less than the amount of its capital, it may not declare or pay any dividend until an amount equal to at least 10% of net income for the preceding one-half year (in the case of quarterly or semi-annual dividends) or at least 10% of net income of the preceding two consecutive half-year periods (in the case of annual dividends) has been transferred to surplus.

Federal law also affects the ability of a Michigan commercial bank to pay dividends. The FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations prohibit an insured depository institution from making capital distributions, including dividends, if the institution has a regulatory capital classification of “undercapitalized,” or if it would be undercapitalized after making the distribution. The FDIC may also prohibit the payment of dividends if it deems any such payment to constitute an unsafe and unsound banking practice. In addition, the Basel III capital rules include a capital conservation buffer that prohibits or limits the dividends a bank can pay if its risk-based capital ratios fall below certain thresholds.

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Completion of the Merger (page 59)51)

The Merger will become effective when we file Articles of Merger with the Secretary of the State of Indiana and the Certificate of Merger with the Corporations Division of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (the “Michigan Corporations Division”), or at such later date and time as may be set forth in the Articles of Merger and Certificate of Merger. We expect the Merger to become effective during the fourth quarter of 2015 or the first quarter of 2016.2019.

Comparative Market Price Information

Shares of First Merchants common stock are listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRME.” Shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock are listed on The NASDAQ CapitalGlobal Select Market under the symbol “ASBI.“MBTF.” The following table presents quotation information for First Merchants common stock and for Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock on June 26, 2015,October 9, 2018, the business day before the Merger was publicly announced, and September 30, 2015,December 18, 2018, the last practicable trading day for which information was available prior to the date of this proxy statement and prospectus.

   First Merchants
Common Stock
   Ameriana Bancorp
Common Stock
 
   (Dollars Per Share) 
   High   Low   Close   High   Low   Close 

June 26, 2015

  $25.29    $24.90    $25.13    $15.68    $15.68    $15.68  

September 30, 2015

  $26.24    $25.81    $26.22    $23.10    $22.75    $23.00  
 
First Merchants
Common Stock
MBT Common
Stock
 
(Dollars Per Share)
 
High
Low
Close
High
Low
Close
October 9, 2018
$
45.79
 
$
45.33
 
$
45.71
 
$
11.73
 
$
11.30
 
$
11.50
 
December 18, 2018
$
36.93
 
$
34.93
 
$
35.86
 
$
10.25
 
$
9.84
 
$
9.86
 

The market value of the aggregate consideration that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will receive in the Merger is approximately $68.8$291.7 million (or $22.71$12.57 per Ameriana Bancorpshare of MBT common share)stock) based on 3,029,662 Ameriana Bancorp23,195,704 shares of MBT common stock outstanding (representing the sum of 22,990,430 shares of MBT common stock outstanding on October 9, 2018 and 205,274 shares of MBT common stock to be issued immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger pursuant to certain outstanding stock only stock appreciation rights (SOSARs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) awards), and First Merchants’ closing stock price of $25.13 per share$45.71 on June 26, 2015,October 9, 2018, the business day before the Merger was publicly announced.

The market value of the aggregate consideration that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will receive in the Merger is approximately $72.1$227.1 million (or $23.70$9.86 per Ameriana Bancorpshare of MBT common share)stock) based on 3,043,262 Ameriana Bancorp23,025,525 shares of MBT common sharesstock outstanding (as described above) and First Merchants’ closing stock price of $26.22 per share$35.86 on September 30, 2015,December 18, 2018, the last practicable trading day prior to the date of this proxy statement and prospectus.

Also set forth below for the closing price of First Merchants common stock on June 26, 2015,October 9, 2018, and September 30, 2015,December 18, 2018, is the equivalent pro forma price of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock, which we determined by multiplying the applicable price of First Merchants common stock by the number of shares of First Merchants common stock we are issuing for each share of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock in the Merger, which is the Exchange Ratio of 0.9037.0.2750. The equivalent pro forma price of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock shows the implied value to be received in the Merger by Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders who receive First Merchants common stock in exchange for a share of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock on these dates.

   First Merchants
Common Stock
   Ameriana Bancorp
Common Stock
   Ameriana Bancorp
Equivalent
Pro Forma
 

June 26, 2015

  $25.13    $15.68    $22.71  

September 30, 2015

  $26.22    $23.00    $23.70  

 
First Merchants
Common Stock
MBT Common
Stock
MBT Equivalent
Pro Forma
October 9, 2018
$
45.71
 
$
11.50
 
$
12.57
 
December 18, 2018
$
35.86
 
$
9.86
 
$
9.86
 


We suggest you obtain a current market quotation for First Merchants common stock. We expect that the market price of First Merchants common stock will fluctuate between the date of this document and the date on which the Merger is completed and thereafter. Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed (except for customary anti-dilution adjustments) and the market price of First Merchants common stock is subject to fluctuation, the value of the shares of First Merchants common stock that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will receive in the Merger may increase or decrease prior to and after the Merger.

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Comparative Per Share Data

The following table shows historical information about our companies’sets forth the basic and diluted earnings per common share, dividends per share and book value per share and similar information reflecting the Merger, which we refer to as “pro forma” information. In presenting the comparativecash dividends per share for each of First Merchants and MBT on a historical basis, for First Merchants on a pro forma information, we have assumed that the two (2) companies had been combined throughout the periods shown in the table. basis, and on a pro forma combined basis per MBT equivalent share.

The pro forma information reflectsdata gives effect to: (i) the “acquisition” methodproposed acquisition of accounting. The financial information presented under “Pro Forma” was compiled assuming 2,737,906MBT; and (ii) the proposed issuance of 6,378,818 shares of First Merchants common shares are issued to Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders, which assumes 3,029,66223,195,704 shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock are outstanding at the time of closing (the number(representing the sum of 22,990,430 shares of MBT common stock outstanding on June 26, 2015)October 9, 2018 and 205,274 shares of MBT common stock to be issued immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger pursuant to certain outstanding SOSARs and RSUs awards).

For purposes of presenting pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share, cash dividends per share, and book value per share, the comparative pro forma data assumes that First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp present this information to reflectMBT had been combined throughout the valueperiod shown. The data in the column “Pro Forma Equivalent Per MBT Share” shows the effect of sharesthe Merger from the perspective of an owner of MBT common stock, and was obtained by multiplying the Combined Pro Forma Amounts for First Merchants common stock that Ameriana Bancorp shareholders will receive inby the Merger for each shareExchange Ratio of Ameriana Bancorp common stock exchanged.0.2750.

We expect that we will incur reorganization and restructuring expenses as a result of combining our two companies. We also anticipate that the Merger will provide the combined company with financial benefits that include reduced operating expenses and the opportunity to earn more revenue. The pro forma information, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined company, does not take into account these expected expenses or these anticipated financial benefits, and does not attempt to predict or suggest future results. It also does not necessarily reflect what the historical results of the merged company would have been had our companies been merged during the periods presented.

The information in the following table is based on historical financial information of Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants. The information with respect to First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT are included in their respective annual and quarterly reports previously filed with the SEC. Certain historical financial information of First Merchants hasSEC, which have been incorporated into this document by reference. See “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” beginning on page 12371 for a description of documents that weFirst Merchants and MBT incorporate by reference into this document and how to obtain copies of them. The historical financial information of Ameriana Bancorp is included in this document beginning on page F-1.

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FIRST MERCHANTS AND AMERIANA BANCORP

MBT
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA PER SHARE AND CAPITAL RATIO DATA

   First Merchants
Historical
  Ameriana
Bancorp
Historical
  Pro
forma
(1)(2)
 

Net income per share

    

Six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited)

    

Basic

  $0.90   $0.23   $0.87  

Diluted

  $0.90   $0.23   $0.86  

Twelve months ended December 31, 2014

    

Basic

  $1.66   $0.79   $1.61  

Diluted

  $1.65   $0.79   $1.60  

Cash dividends per share

    

Six months ended June 30, 2015

  $0.19   $0.08   $0.19  

Twelve months ended December 31, 2014

  $0.29   $0.08   $0.29  

Book Value per share

    

At June 30, 2015

  $19.83   $13.68   $20.13  

At December 31, 2014

  $19.29   $13.59   $19.64  

Tangible Capital Ratio

    

At June 30, 2015

   9.03  8.41  8.81

At December 31, 2014

   9.16  8.45  8.92

 
First Merchants
Historical
MBT
Historical
Combined
Pro forma
Amounts for
First Merchants(1)
Pro forma
Equivalent Per
MBT Share
Net income per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
2.38
 
$
0.60
 
$
2.32
 
$
0.64
 
Diluted
$
2.37
 
$
0.60
 
$
2.31
 
$
0.64
 
Twelve months ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
2.13
 
$
0.46
 
$
2.02
 
$
0.56
 
Diluted
$
2.12
 
$
0.46
 
$
2.01
 
$
0.55
 
Cash dividends per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
$
0.62
 
$
0.83
 
$
0.62
 
$
0.17
 
Twelve months ended December 31, 2017
$
0.69
 
$
0.92
 
$
0.69
 
$
0.19
 
Book value per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At September 30, 2018
$
27.61
 
$
5.28
 
$
29.52
 
$
8.12
 
At December 31, 2017
$
26.51
 
$
5.79
 
$
28.55
 
$
7.85
 
(1)See Note (1) in “Notes to Unaudited“Unaudited Pro Forma Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial DataData” beginning on page 26.20 for certain supporting information.
(2)See Note (2) in “Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial Data on page 26.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables set forth certain summary historical consolidated financial data for each of our companies. First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s balance sheet and income statement data as of and for the five (5) years in the period ended December 31, 20142017 are taken from each of First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s respective audited consolidated financial statements. First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’s balance sheetstatements (which data and income statementfinancial statements are presented on a consolidated basis). The financial data as ofat and for the six (6)nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 20152018 and 2014September 30, 2017 is derived from the unaudited financial statements of First Merchants and MBT and, in the opinion of each such company’s management, its respective statements and data reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of such information at and for those dates. Ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 are taken from our respective unaudited consolidated financial statements.annualized. Results for the six (6)nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 20152018 do not necessarily indicate results expected or anticipated for the entire year.

The following tables also set forth certain summary unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT reflecting the Merger. The pro forma disclosures are being presented to provide additional information in support of the pro forma data included under the “Comparative Per Share Data” section of this SUMMARY. As a result, this condensed pro forma presentation is not intended to comply with the disclosure requirements under Article 11 of Regulation S-X. The income statement information presented gives effect to the Merger as if it occurred on the first day of eachthe period presented. The balance sheet information presented gives effect to the Merger as if it occurred on June 30, 2015.the last day of the period presented. The financial information was compiled assuming 2,737,906pro forma data gives effect to: (i) the proposed acquisition of MBT; and (ii) the proposed issuance of 6,378,818 shares of First Merchants common shares are issued to Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders, which assumes 3,029,66223,195,704 shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock are outstanding uponat the time of closing (representing the sum of 22,990,430 shares of MBT common stock outstanding on October 9, 2018 and 205,274 shares of MBT common stock to be issued immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the numberpursuant to certain outstanding on June 26, 2015)SOSARs and RSUs awards).

The pro forma information reflects the “acquisition”purchase method of accounting, with Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s assets and liabilities recorded at their estimated fair values as of June 30, 2015.the date presented. The actual fair value adjustments to the assets and the liabilities of Ameriana BancorpMBT will be made on the basis of appraisals and evaluations that will be made as of the date the Merger is completed. Thus, the actual fair value adjustments may differ significantly from those reflected in these pro forma financial statements. In the opinion of First Merchants’ management, the estimates used in the preparation of these pro forma financial statements are reasonable under the circumstances.

We expect that we will incur reorganization and restructuring expenses as a result of combining our companies. We also anticipate that the Merger will provide the combined company with financial benefits that include reduced operating expenses and the opportunity to earn more revenue. The pro forma information, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined company under two sets of assumptions, does not take into account these expected expenses or anticipated financial benefits, and does not attempt to predict or suggest future results.

This selected financial data is only a summary and you should read it in conjunction with First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements and related notes either incorporated into this document by reference or included herewith.reference. See “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” on page 12371 for a description of documents that we incorporate by reference into this document and how to obtain copies of such documents.

17



UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

ASTABLE OF JUNE 30, 3015CONTENTS

(Dollars In Thousands)

   First
Merchants
   Ameriana   Pro forma
Adjustments
      Pro forma
Combined
 

Assets

         

Cash and due from banks

  $105,928    $21,487    $—       $127,415  

Interest-bearing deposits

   —       —       —        —    

Fed funds sold

   —       —       —        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   105,928     21,487     —        127,415  

Interest-bearing time deposits

   26,669     3,916     (668  (11)     29,917  

Investment securities

         

Available for sale

   575,415     47,820     —        623,235  

Held to maturity

   637,101     17,141     —        654,242  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment securities

   1,212,516     64,961     —        1,277,477  

Loans held for sale

   8,295     339     —        8,634  

Loans

   4,238,205     331,326     (11,254  (3)     4,558,277  

Allowance for loan losses

   (62,550   (3,904   3,904    (7)     (62,550
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loans

   4,183,950     327,761     (7,350    4,504,361  

Premises and equipment

   84,841     15,896     (2,250  (6)     98,487  

Federal Reserve and FHLB stock

   34,630     2,693     —        37,323  

Interest receivable

   19,880     —       —        19,880  

Core deposit and other intangible

   14,820     540     3,200    (4)     18,020  
       (540  (9)    

Goodwill

   205,376     656     36,441    (5)     241,817  
       (656  (9)    

Cash surrender value of life insurance

   170,813     27,824     —        198,637  

Other real estate owned

   19,242     6,682     (1,000  (6)     24,924  

Deferred tax asset

   39,622     —       1,869    (8)     41,491  

Other assets

   22,021     8,283     —        30,304  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

  $6,140,308    $480,699    $29,046     $6,650,053  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

         

Deposits

         

Noninterest-bearing

  $1,122,688    $67,711    $—       $1,190,399  

Interest-bearing

   3,666,889     321,692     —        3,988,581  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

   4,789,577     389,403     —        5,178,980  

Borrowings

   552,557     42,810     (2,600  (3)     592,767  

Interest payable

   3,211     —       —        3,211  

Other liabilities

   45,008     7,047     4,282    (1)     58,540  
       2,203    (2)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   5,390,353     439,260     3,885      5,833,498  

Stockholder’ Equity

         

Cumulative Preferred Stock

   125       —        125  

Common stock

   4,728     3,254     342    (11)     5,070  
       (3,254  (10)    

Additional paid in capital

   432,294     1,816     68,461    (11)     500,755  
       (1,816  (10)    

Retained earnings

   319,298     39,233     (34,951  (10)     317,095  
       (4,282  (1)    
       (2,203  (2)    

Treasury stock

   —       (2,998   2,998    (10)     —    

Accumulated comprehensive income

   (6,490   134     (134  (10)     (6,490
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

   749,955     41,439     25,161      816,555  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  $6,140,308    $480,699    $29,046     $6,650,053  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 



UNAUDITED PROFORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015

(Dollars and Share Amounts In Thousands)

   First
Merchants
   Ameriana   Proforma
Adjustments
      Proforma
Combined
 

Interest Income

         

Loans receivable

  $89,855    $7,651    $651    (12)    $98,157  

Investment securities

   17,214     664     —        17,878  

Other

   1,077     132     —        1,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest Income

   108,146     8,447     651      117,244  

Interest Expense

         

Deposits

   7,202     741     —        7,943  

Fed funds purchased

   42     —       —        42  

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

   168     —       —        168  

Borrowings

   4,727     536     65    (12)     5,328  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest Expense

   12,139     1,277     65      13,481  

Net Interest Income

   96,007     7,170     586      103,763  

Provision for loan losses

   417     105     —        522  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses

   95,590     7,065     586      103,241  

Other Income

         

Service charges on deposit accounts

   7,638     1,331     —        8,969  

Fiduciary activities

   4,816     —       —        4,816  

Other customer fees

   8,269     —       —        8,269  

Commission income

   4,143     932     —        5,075  

Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance

   1,387     359     —        1,746  

Net gains and fees on sales of loans

   3,270     180     —        3,450  

Net realized gains/(losses) on sales of available for sale securities

   932     —       —        932  

Gain on sale of insurance subsidiary

   8,265     —       —        8,265  

Other income

   2,145     270     —        2,415  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Income

   40,865     3,072     —        43,937  

Other Expenses

         

Salaries and benefits

   50,975     4,826     —        55,801  

Net occupancy

   7,293     793     (56  (14)     8,030  

Equipment expenses

   5,406     428     —        5,834  

Marketing

   1,731     205     —        1,936  

Outside data processing fees

   3,485     581     —        4,066  

Printing and office supplies

   667     155     —        822  

Core deposit amortization

   1,450     —       291    (13)     1,741  

FDIC Expense

   1,758     185     —        1,943  

Other real estate and foreclosure expenses

   2,601     245     —        2,846  

Professional and other outside services

   4,625     847     —        5,472  

Other expense

   7,634     908     —        8,542  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Expenses

   87,625     9,173     235      97,033  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before Income Tax

   48,830     964     351      50,145  

Income tax expense

   14,690     274     123    (15)     15,087  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders

  $34,140    $690    $228     $35,058  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Per Share Data

         

Basic earnings per common share

  $0.90    $0.23       $0.87  

Diluted earnings per common share

  $0.90    $0.23       $0.86  

Average common shares-basic

   37,752     3,024     2,738      40,490  

Average common shares-diluted

   38,022     3,039     2,738      40,760  



UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

(Dollars and Share Amounts In Thousands)

   First
Merchants
       Pro forma
Adjustments
      Pro forma
Combined
 
     Ameriana        

Interest Income

         

Loans receivable

  $172,366    $16,628    $1,301    (12)    $190,295  

Investment securities

   34,265     1,202     —        35,467  

Other

   2,248     316     —        2,564  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest Income

   208,879     18,146     1,301      228,326  

Interest Expense

         

Deposits

   11,678     1,646     —        13,324  

Fed funds purchased

   177     —       —        177  

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

   529     —       —        529  

Borrowings

   9,458     1,351     130    (12)     10,939  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest Expense

   21,842     2,997     130      24,969  

Net Interest Income

   187,037     15,149     1,171      203,357  

Provision for loan losses

   2,560     322     —        2,882  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses

   184,477     14,827     1,171      200,475  

Other Income

         

Service charges on deposit accounts

   15,747     2,679     —        18,426  

Fiduciary activities

   8,966     —       —        8,966  

Other customer fees

   15,699     —       —        15,699  

Commission income

   7,411     1,583     —        8,994  

Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance

   3,659     716     —        4,375  

Net gains and fees on sales of loans

   4,899     170     —        5,069  

Net realized gains/(losses) on sales of available for sale securities

   3,581     —       —        3,581  

Other income

   5,705     469     —        6,174  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Income

   65,667     5,617     —        71,284  

Other Expenses

         

Salaries and benefits

   96,499     9,342     —        105,841  

Net occupancy

   13,831     1,469     (113  (14)     15,187  

Equipment expenses

   9,337     778     —        10,115  

Marketing

   3,464     529     —        3,993  

Outside data processing fees

   7,315     1,007     —        8,322  

Printing and office supplies

   1,565     284     —        1,849  

Core deposit amortization

   2,445     —       582    (13)     3,027  

FDIC expense

   3,738     381     —        4,119  

Other real estate and foreclosure expenses

   8,043     277     —        8,320  

Professional and other outside services

   8,116     723     —        8,839  

Other expense

   14,239     2,421     —        16,660  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Expenses

   168,592     17,211     469      186,272  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before Income Tax

   81,552     3,233     702      85,487  

Income tax expense

   21,390     867     246    (15)     22,503  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders

  $60,162    $2,366    $456     $62,984  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Per Share Data

         

Basic earnings per common share

  $1.66    $0.79     —       $1.61  

Diluted earnings per common share

  $1.65    $0.79     —       $1.60  

Average common shares-basic

   36,266     2,997     2,738      39,004  

Average common shares-diluted

   36,555     3,003     2,738      39,293  



NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AND STATEMENT OF INCOME

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

First Merchants has agreed to acquire Ameriana Bancorp for a fixed exchange ratio of 0.9037 per share of First Merchants’ common stock for each Ameriana Bancorp share of common stock. The acquisition will be accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Ameriana have been marked to estimated fair value upon conditions as of June 30, 2015 and as if the transaction had been effective on January 1, 2014 for statement of income data. Since these are pro forma statements, we cannot assure that the amounts reflected in these financial statements would have been representative of the actual amounts earned had the companies been combined at that time.

Note 2—Pro forma Adjustments Footnotes

(1)To record an accrual by Ameriana Bancorp for estimated transaction costs of $4,282,000 (net of tax) which includes $2,061,000 (net of tax) in change of control and employment agreement payouts, $1,300,000 (net of tax) related to eliminating the Ameriana Bancorp pension plan and $921,000 (net of tax) in professional fees related to the acquisition.

(2)To record an accrual by First Merchants for estimated transaction costs of $2,203,000 (net of tax) which includes $423,000 (net of tax) in professional fees related to the acquisition, $444,000 (net of tax) in contract termination costs, $215,000 (net of tax) in estimated data integration expenses, and $1,121,000 (net of tax) in severance and retention expenses.

(3)To adjust interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities of Ameriana Bancorp to approximate fair value. Adjustment to loans of $11,254,000 and borrowings of $2,600,000.

(4)To record core deposit intangible of $3,200,000.

(5)To record goodwill generated from the acquisition.

Purchase Price:

  

Ameriana Bancorp shares outstanding

   3,029,662  

Conversion ratio

   0.9037  
  

 

 

 

First Merchants stock issued

   2,737,906  

First Merchants stock price at 6/26/2015

  $25.13  
  

 

 

 

Purchase Price

  $68,803,578  

Outstanding employee stock options

   62,622  

Average Ameriana Bancorp stock price less exercise price

  $10.66  
  

 

 

 

Cash paid for employee stock options

  $667,551  
  

 

 

 

Total Purchase Price

  $ 69,471,129  
  

 

 

 



   (Dollars in thousands) 

Total Purchase Price

  $69,471  

Allocated to:

  

Historical book value of Ameriana Bancorp’s assets and liabilities

   41,439  

Ameriana Bancorp’s estimated transaction costs, net of tax

   (4,282
  

 

 

 

Adjusted book value of Ameriana Bancorp

  $37,157  
  

 

 

 

Adjustments to record assets and liabilities at fair value:

  

Loans, fair value mark

  $(4,096

Loans, interest rate mark

   (7,158

Eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s allowance for losses

   3,904  

Premises and equipment

   (2,250

Core deposits intangible

   3,200  

Other real estate owned

   (1,000

Eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s goodwill

   (656

Eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s intangibles

   (540

Deferred taxes

   1,869  

Borrowings

   2,600  
  

 

 

 

Total allocation

  $(4,127
  

 

 

 

Goodwill

  $36,441  
  

 

 

 

Proforma adjustments related to the proforma condensed income statement have been computed assuming the transaction was consummated at the beginning of the fiscal year presented and gives effect to events that are (i) directly attributable to the transaction, (ii) expected to have a continuing impact on First Merchants, and (iii) factually supportable. Proforma adjustments related to the proforma balance sheet are computed assuming the transaction was consummated at June 30, 2015.

(6)To record fair value adjustment to premises and equipment of $2,250,000 and other real estate owned of $1,000,000.

(7)To eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s allowance for loan loss of $3,904,000.

(8)To record deferred taxes on the purchase accounting adjustments using an estimated tax rate of 35%.

(9)To eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s goodwill of $656,000 and intangibles of $540,000.

(10)To eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s equity accounts of $41,439,000.

(11)To record issuance of 2,737,906 shares of First Merchants stock and cash of $667,551.

   (Dollars in thousands) 

Common Stock (2,737,906 shares at stated value of $0.125 per share)

  $342  

Additional Paid in Capital (2,737,906 shares at $25.005 per share)

   68,461  
  

 

 

 

Total stock issued (2,737,906 shares at $25.13 per share)

  $68,803  
  

 

 

 

Cash paid for outstanding stock options is calculated as the First Merchants stock price on June 26, 2015 ($25.13) multiplied by the conversion rate defined in the Merger Agreement (0.9037), minus the average exercise price of the outstanding options ($12.05), multiplied by the number of outstanding stock options (62,622) on June 26, 2015.

(12)To record the accretion effect of purchase accounting adjustments on loans (interest rate mark only) and purchase accounting amortization on borrowings in a manner that approximates the level yield method.

(13)To record amortization of core deposit premium utilizing an accelerated method over 10 years.

(14)To record annual amortization of purchase accounting adjustments related to premises and equipment over the estimated life of related assets.

(15)To record tax effect of purchase accounting adjustments at an effective rate of 35%.



FIRST MERCHANTS

FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA


(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
2018
2017
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
299,291
 
$
224,548
 
$
314,896
 
$
253,312
 
$
221,198
 
$
208,879
 
$
170,834
 
Interest expense
 
48,318
 
 
26,029
 
 
37,612
 
 
26,839
 
 
24,794
 
 
21,842
 
 
16,569
 
Net interest income
 
250,973
 
 
198,519
 
 
277,284
 
 
226,473
 
 
196,404
 
 
187,037
 
 
154,265
 
Provision for loan losses
 
5,563
 
 
7,343
 
 
9,143
 
 
5,657
 
 
417
 
 
2,560
 
 
6,648
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
245,410
 
 
191,176
 
 
268,141
 
 
220,816
 
 
195,987
 
 
184,477
 
 
147,617
 
Non-interest income
 
57,279
 
 
51,948
 
 
71,009
 
 
65,203
 
 
69,868
 
 
61,816
 
 
51,831
 
Non-interest expenses
 
162,213
 
 
149,123
 
 
205,556
 
 
177,359
 
 
174,806
 
 
164,008
 
 
139,034
 
Income before income tax expense
 
140,476
 
 
94,001
 
 
133,594
 
 
108,660
 
 
91,049
 
 
82,285
 
 
60,414
 
Income tax expense
 
23,050
 
 
22,314
 
 
37,524
 
 
27,609
 
 
25,665
 
 
22,123
 
 
15,884
 
Net Income
 
117,426
 
 
71,687
 
 
96,070
 
 
81,051
 
 
65,384
 
 
60,162
 
 
44,530
 
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,380
)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
$
117,426
 
$
71,687
 
$
96,070
 
$
81,051
 
$
65,384
 
$
60,162
 
$
42,150
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
2.38
 
$
1.64
 
$
2.13
 
$
1.99
 
$
1.73
 
$
1.66
 
$
1.42
 
Diluted
$
2.37
 
$
1.63
 
$
2.12
 
$
1.98
 
$
1.72
 
$
1.65
 
$
1.41
 
Cash dividends
$
0.62
 
$
0.51
 
$
0.69
 
$
0.54
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.29
 
$
0.18
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance End of Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
9,787,282
 
$
9,049,403
 
$
9,367,478
 
$
7,211,611
 
$
6,761,003
 
$
5,824,127
 
$
5,437,262
 
Total loans
 
7,091,093
 
 
6,487,962
 
 
6,758,415
 
 
5,142,574
 
 
4,703,716
 
 
3,932,100
 
 
3,637,740
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
78,406
 
 
73,354
 
 
75,032
 
 
66,037
 
 
62,453
 
 
63,964
 
 
67,870
 
Total deposits
 
7,633,152
 
 
6,911,019
 
 
7,172,530
 
 
5,556,498
 
 
5,289,647
 
 
4,640,694
 
 
4,231,468
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
1,361,426
 
 
1,283,120
 
 
1,303,463
 
 
901,657
 
 
850,509
 
 
726,827
 
 
634,923
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
 
1.63
%
 
1.22
%
 
1.17
%
 
1.17
%
 
1.07
%
 
1.08
%
 
0.95
%
Return on average equity
 
11.76
%
 
9.12
%
 
8.65
%
 
9.16
%
 
8.67
%
 
8.91
%
 
7.80
%

  For the Six Months
Ended June 30
  For the Years Ended December 31, 
  2015  2014  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
  (unaudited)                

Summary of Operations

       

Interest Income

 $108,146   $102,536   $208,879   $170,834   $175,949   $181,245   $199,578  

Interest Expense

  12,139    10,525    21,842    16,569    23,613    37,890    56,009  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

  96,007    92,011    187,037    154,265    152,336    143,355    143,569  

Provision for loan losses

  417    —      2,560    6,648    18,534    22,630    46,483  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision

  95,590    92,011    184,477    147,617    133,802    120,725    97,086  

Noninterest Income

  40,865    31,613    65,667    54,809    64,302    49,120    48,544  

Noninterest Expense

  87,625    84,339    168,592    143,219    137,115    135,938    142,311  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income before income tax

  48,830    39,285    81,552    59,207    60,989    33,907    3,319  

Income tax expense (benefit)

  14,690    10,505    21,390    14,677    15,867    8,655    (3,590
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

  34,140    28,780    60,162    44,530    45,122    25,252    6,909  

Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion

     (2,380  (4,539  (3,981  (5,239

Loss on extinguishment of trust preferred securities

       (10,857 

Loss on CPP unamortized discount

       (1,401  (1,301

Gain on exchange of preferred stock for trust preferred debt

        11,353  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders

 $34,140   $28,780   $60,162   $42,150   $40,583   $9,013   $11,722  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Per Share Data (1)

       

Net income

       

Basic

 $0.90   $0.80   $1.66   $1.42   $1.42   $0.34   $0.48  

Diluted

 $0.90   $0.79   $1.65   $1.41   $1.41   $0.34   $0.48  

Cash Dividends (2)

 $0.19   $0.13   $0.29   $0.18   $0.10   $0.04   $0.04  

Balance End of Period

       

Total assets

 $6,140,308   $5,615,120    5,824,127   $5,437,262   $4,304,821   $4,173,076   $4,170,848  

Total loans

  4,246,500    3,730,103    3,932,100    3,637,740    2,924,509    2,731,279    2,857,152  

Total deposits

  4,789,577    4,329,610    4,640,694    4,231,468    3,346,383    3,134,655    3,268,880  

Fed funds purchased

  40,748    100,000    15,381    125,645    18,862    —      —    

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

  137,240    133,137    124,539    148,672    141,828    156,305    109,871  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  247,687    220,765    145,264    122,140    94,238    138,095    82,684  

Total subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines, term loans and other

  126,882    126,874    126,810    126,807    112,161    194,974    226,440  

Stockholders’ equity

  749,955    670,596    726,827    634,923    552,236    514,467    454,408  

Selected Ratios

       

Return on average assets

  1.15  1.05  1.08  0.95  0.96  0.22  0.27

Return on average equity

  9.22  8.80  8.91  7.80  7.58  1.88  2.49

(1)Restated for all stock dividends and splits
(2)Dividends per share are for First Merchants only, not restated for pooling transactions



18

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERIANA BANCORPMBT

FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA


(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
2018
2017
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
34,172
 
$
31,010
 
$
41,800
 
$
39,859
 
$
40,041
 
$
38,539
 
$
39,238
 
Interest expense
 
1,586
 
 
1,320
 
 
1,737
 
 
2,236
 
 
3,066
 
 
3,838
 
 
6,037
 
Net interest income
 
32,586
 
 
29,690
 
 
40,063
 
 
37,623
 
 
36,975
 
 
34,701
 
 
33,201
 
Provision for loan losses
 
(100
)
 
(200
)
 
(700
)
 
(2,200
)
 
(3,000
)
 
(500
)
 
2,200
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
32,686
 
 
29,890
 
 
40,763
 
 
39,823
 
 
39,975
 
 
35,201
 
 
31,001
 
Non-interest income
 
12,227
 
 
12,225
 
 
15,882
 
 
17,513
 
 
15,327
 
 
13,353
 
 
15,931
 
Non-interest expenses
 
28,134
 
 
27,020
 
 
36,135
 
 
36,598
 
 
38,200
 
 
38,667
 
 
39,508
 
Income before income tax expense
 
16,779
 
 
15,095
 
 
20,510
 
 
20,738
 
 
17,102
 
 
9,887
 
 
7,424
 
Income tax expense
 
2,958
 
 
4,342
 
 
9,901
 
 
6,237
 
 
5,020
 
 
2,572
 
 
(18,113
)
Net Income
 
13,821
 
 
10,753
 
 
10,609
 
 
14,501
 
 
12,082
 
 
7,315
 
 
25,537
 
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
$
13,821
 
$
10,753
 
$
10,609
 
$
14,501
 
$
12,082
 
$
7,315
 
$
25,537
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.60
 
$
0.47
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.64
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.33
 
$
1.43
 
Diluted
$
0.60
 
$
0.47
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.63
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.33
 
$
1.41
 
Cash dividends
$
0.83
 
$
0.86
 
$
0.92
 
$
0.64
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance End of Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,339,122
 
$
1,347,352
 
$
1,347,420
 
$
1,357,283
 
$
1,342,313
 
$
1,278,657
 
$
1,222,682
 
Total loans
 
752,895
 
 
693,866
 
 
694,979
 
 
652,337
 
 
617,308
 
 
610,332
 
 
597,590
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
7,986
 
 
8,010
 
 
7,666
 
 
8,458
 
 
10,896
 
 
13,208
 
 
16,209
 
Total deposits
 
1,166,276
 
 
1,195,335
 
 
1,198,164
 
 
1,199,717
 
 
1,165,393
 
 
1,111,811
 
 
1,069,718
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
121,351
 
 
135,969
 
 
132,658
 
 
141,114
 
 
147,341
 
 
134,536
 
 
110,608
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
 
1.39
%
 
1.09
%
 
0.79
%
 
1.08
%
 
0.93
%
 
0.59
%
 
2.12
%
Return on average equity
 
15.21
%
 
10.85
%
 
8.04
%
 
10.13
%
 
8.67
%
 
6.00
%
 
28.78
%

   For the Six Months
Ended June 30
  For the Years Ended December 31, 
   2015  2014  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
   (unaudited)                

Summary of Operations

        

Interest Income

  $8,447   $8,859   $18,146   $16,980   $18,032   $18,794   $19,985  

Interest Expense

   1,277    1,513    2,997    3,003    3,845    4,870    6,574  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

   7,170    7,346    15,149    13,977    14,187    13,924    13,411  

Provision for loan losses

   105    300    322    755    1,145    1,385    1,933  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision

   7,065    7,046    14,827    13,222    13,042    12,539    11,478  

Noninterest Income

   3,072    2,747    5,617    5,801    5,181    5,628    5,650  

Noninterest Expense

   9,173    7,954    17,211    16,095    15,827    17,004    16,817  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income before income tax

   964    1,839    3,233    2,928    2,396    1,163    311  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   274    507    867    741    556    21    (242
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

  $690   $1,332   $2,366   $2,187   $1,840   $1,142   $553  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Per Share Data (1)

        

Net income

        

Basic

  $0.23   $0.45   $0.79   $0.73   $0.62   $0.38   $0.19  

Diluted

  $0.23   $0.45   $0.79   $0.73   $0.62   $0.38   $0.19  

Cash Dividends (2)

  $0.08   $0.04   $0.08   $0.04   $0.04   $0.04   $0.04  

Balance End of Period

        

Total assets

  $480,699   $474,440   $472,818   $458,604   $445,763   $429,791   $429,657  

Total loans

   331,665    316,919    320,348    316,028    318,241    316,893    317,018  

Total deposits

   389,403    377,235    378,947    362,701    356,703    337,250    337,978  

Fed funds purchased

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

   7,500    7,500    7,500    7,500    7,500    7,500    7,500  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

   25,000    33,000    28,000    33,000    28,000    32,000    34,000  

Total subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines and term loans

   10,310    10,310    10,310    10,310    10,310    10,310    10,310  

Stockholders’ equity

  $41,439   $39,576   $41,052   $37,713   $36,546   $34,505   $33,251  

Selected Ratios

        

Return on average assets

   0.29  0.56  0.50  0.49  0.41  0.26  0.13

Return on average equity

   3.35  6.73  6.04  5.91  5.18  3.38  1.66

(1)Restated for all stock dividends and splits
(2)Dividends per share are for Ameriana Bancorp only, not restated for pooling transactions



19

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIRST MERCHANTS

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA SUMMARY OF SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL

DATA


(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

   For the Six Months
Ended June 30, 2015
(unaudited)
  For the Year Ended
December 31, 2014
 

Summary of Operations

  

Interest income

  $117,244   $228,326  

Interest expense

   13,481    24,969  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income

   103,763    203,357  

Provision for loan losses

   522    2,882  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision

   103,241    200,475  

Noninterest income

   43,937    71,284  

Noninterest expense

   97,033    186,272  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income before income tax

   50,145    85,487  

Income tax expense

   15,087    22,503  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders

  $35,058   $62,984  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Per Share Data (1)

   

Net income

   

Basic

  $0.87   $1.61  

Diluted

  $0.86   $1.60  

Cash Dividends

  $0.19   $0.29  

Tangible Capital Ratio

   8.81  8.92

Balance End of Period

   

Total assets

  $6,650,053   

Earning assets

   5,911,628   

Investment securities

   1,277,477   

Loans, net

   4,566,911   

Total deposits

   5,178,980   

Borrowings

   592,767   

Shareholders’ equity

   816,555   

Allowance for loan losses

   62,500   

 
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 
First Merchants
Historical
MBT
Historical
Combined
Pro forma
Amounts for
First Merchants(1)
Summary of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
299,291
 
$
34,172
 
$
334,431
 
Interest expense
 
48,318
 
 
1,586
 
 
50,668
 
Net interest income
 
250,973
 
 
32,586
 
 
283,763
 
Provision for loan losses
 
5,563
 
 
(100
)
 
5,463
 
Net interest income after provision
 
245,410
 
 
32,686
 
 
278,300
 
Non-interest income
 
57,279
 
 
12,227
 
 
69,506
 
Non-interest expenses
 
162,213
 
 
28,134
 
 
193,036
 
Income before income tax expense
 
140,476
 
 
16,779
 
 
154,770
 
Income tax expense
 
23,050
 
 
2,958
 
 
25,486
 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
$
117,426
 
$
13,821
 
$
129,284
 
Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
2.38
 
$
0.60
 
$
2.32
 
Diluted
 
2.37
 
 
0.60
 
 
2.31
 
Cash dividends
 
0.62
 
 
0.83
 
 
0.62
 
Balance End of Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
9,787,282
 
$
1,339,122
 
$
11,305,391
 
Total loans
 
7,091,093
 
 
752,895
 
 
7,822,380
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
78,406
 
 
7,986
 
 
78,406
 
Total deposits
 
7,633,152
 
 
1,166,276
 
 
8,798,069
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
1,361,426
 
 
121,351
 
 
1,643,663
 
(1)See Note 1 in “Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial Data”Data on page 26.22 for information relating to the determination of the purchase price and application of the purchase method of accounting in estimating the fair values of MBT’s assets and liabilities. The actual fair value adjustments to the assets and the liabilities of MBT will be made on the basis of appraisals and evaluations that will be made as of the date the Merger is completed.

20

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIRST MERCHANTS
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA SUMMARY OF SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 
First Merchants
Historical
MBT
Historical
Combined
Pro forma
Amounts for
First Merchants(1)
Summary of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
314,896
 
$
41,800
 
$
357,987
 
Interest expense
 
37,612
 
 
1,737
 
 
40,368
 
Net interest income
 
277,284
 
 
40,063
 
 
317,619
 
Provision for loan losses
 
9,143
 
 
(700
)
 
8,443
 
Net interest income after provision
 
268,141
 
 
40,763
 
 
309,176
 
Non-interest income
 
71,009
 
 
15,882
 
 
86,891
 
Non-interest expenses
 
205,556
 
 
36,135
 
 
245,277
 
Income before income tax expense
 
133,594
 
 
20,510
 
 
150,790
 
Income tax expense
 
37,524
 
 
9,901
 
 
46,265
 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
$
96,070
 
$
10,609
 
$
104,525
 
Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
2.13
 
$
0.46
 
$
2.02
 
Diluted
 
2.12
 
 
0.46
 
 
2.01
 
Cash dividends
 
0.69
 
 
0.92
 
 
0.69
 
Balance End of Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
9,367,478
 
$
1,347,420
 
$
10,893,885
 
Total loans
 
6,758,415
 
 
694,979
 
 
7,431,786
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
75,032
 
 
7,666
 
 
75,032
 
Total deposits
 
7,172,530
 
 
1,198,164
 
 
8,369,335
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
1,303,463
 
 
132,658
 
 
1,585,700
 

(1)See Note 1 in “Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial Data on page 22 for information relating to the determination of the purchase price and application of the purchase method of accounting in estimating the fair values of MBT’s assets and liabilities. The actual fair value adjustments to the assets and the liabilities of MBT will be made on the basis of appraisals and evaluations that will be made as of the date the Merger is completed.

21

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA SUMMARY OF SELECTED


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA


(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

Note 1—Determination and Allocation of Purchase Price

(1)This table assumes the issuance of 2,737,906 shares of First Merchants common stock, which represents an assumed 3,029,662 shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock outstanding (the number outstanding on June 26, 2015) multiplied by the conversion ratio of 0.9037.

Each share of MBT common stock that is outstanding immediately prior to the Merger will be converted into the right to receive a 0.2750 share of First Merchants common stock. The table below assumes (a) the issuance of 6,378,818 shares of First Merchants common shares to MBT shareholders, which assumes 23,195,704 shares of MBT common stock are outstanding at the time of closing (representing the sum of 22,990,430 shares of MBT common stock outstanding on October 9, 2018 and 205,274 shares of MBT common stock to be issued immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger pursuant to certain outstanding SOSARs and RSUs awards) multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, and (b) that the amount payable to certain directors relating to the termination of their rights under the Director DBO Plan will be made in an aggregate cash payment of $2,899,894 (as opposed to the issuance of shares of First Merchants common stock issuable at the election of each such director, which shares are included in the aggregate number of shares registered under the registration statement of which this proxy statement and prospectus is a part).

(2)
To record goodwill generated from the acquisition
 
 
 
Purchase Price:
 
 
 
MBT shares outstanding
 
23,195,704
 
Exchange Ratio
 
0.2750
 
First Merchants shares issued
 
6,378,818
 
First Merchants common stock price at 10/09/2018
$
45.71
 
Purchase Price
$
291,575,771
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Total Purchase Price
$
291,576
 
Allocated to:
 
 
 
Historical book value of MBT assets and liabilities
 
121,351
 
MBT estimated transaction costs, net of tax
 
(10,121
)
Adjusted book value of MBT
$
111,230
 
Adjustments to record assets and liabilities at fair value:
 
 
 
Loans, credit mark
$
(14,509
)
Loans, interest rate mark
 
(7,099
)
Eliminate MBT allowance for loan losses
 
7,986
 
Other real estate owned, write-down
 
(100
)
Premises and equipment, write-down
 
(650
)
Time deposits, interest rate mark
 
1,359
 
Core deposits intangible
 
19,809
 
Deferred taxes
 
(1,427
)
Total allocation
$
5,369
 
Goodwill
$
174,977
 

To record goodwill generated from the acquisition.

  

Purchase Price:

  

Ameriana Bancorp shares outstanding

   3,029,662  

Conversion ratio

   0.9037  
  

 

 

 

First Merchants stock issued

   2,737,906  

First Merchants stock price at 6/26/2015

  $25.13  
  

 

 

 

Purchase Price

  $68,803,578  

Outstanding employee stock options

   62,622  

Average Ameriana Bancorp stock price less exercise price

  $10.66  
  

 

 

 

Cash paid for employee stock options

  $667,551  
  

 

 

 

Total Purchase Price

  $69,471,129  
  

 

 

 

   (Dollars in thousands) 

Total Purchase Price

  $69,471  

Allocated to:

  

Historical book value of Ameriana Bancorp’s assets and liabilities

   41,439  

Ameriana Bancorp’s estimated transaction costs, net of tax

   (4,282
  

 

 

 

Adjusted book value of Ameriana Bancorp

  $37,157  

Adjustments to record assets and liabilities at fair value:

  

Loans, fair value mark

  $(4,096

Loans, interest rate mark

   (7,158

Eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses

   3,904  

Premises and equipment

   (2,250

Core deposits intangible

   3,200  

Other real estate owned

   (1,000

Eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s goodwill

   (656

Eliminate Ameriana Bancorp’s intangibles

   (540

Deferred taxes

   1,869  

Borrowings

   2,600  
  

 

 

 

Total allocation

  $(4,127
  

 

 

 

Goodwill

  $36,441  
  

 

 

 


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RISK FACTORS

In addition to general investment risks and the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and prospectus, including the matters addressed under the section “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS,Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the following risk factors in deciding how to vote for the Merger Proposal presented in this proxy statement and prospectus. You should also consider the other information in this proxy statement and prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and prospectus. See “WHERE YOU CAN FINDWhere You Can Find ADDITIONAL INFORMATION”Information on page 123.71.

Risk Factors Relating to the Merged Company and Its Industry

Combining the two (2) companies may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected and the anticipated benefits and costs savings of the Merger may not be realized.

Even though First Merchants has acquired other financial services businesses in the past, the success of the Merger with Ameriana BancorpMBT will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the merged company’s ability to:

integrate Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s operations with the operations of First Merchants;

maintain existing relationships with First Merchants’ depositors and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s depositors to minimize withdrawals of deposits subsequent to the acquisition;

maintain and enhance existing relationships with borrowers of First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp;MBT;

achieve projected net income of First Merchants Bank and expected cost savings and revenue enhancements from the merged company;

control the incremental non-interest expense to maintain overall operating efficiencies;

retain and attract key and qualified management, lending and other banking personnel; and

compete effectively in the communities served by First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, and in nearby communities.

First Merchants’ failure to successfully integrate Ameriana BancorpMBT into its business may adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.

The value of the consideration to be received by Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders in the Merger will fluctuate.

If the Merger is completed, Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will receive a number of shares of First Merchants common stock based on a fixed Exchange Ratio of 0.9037 shares0.2750 share of First Merchants common stock for each share of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock. Because the market value of First Merchants common stock may (and likely will) fluctuate, the value of the stock consideration you receive for your shares may also fluctuate. The market value of First Merchants common stock could fluctuate for any number of reasons, including those specific to First Merchants and those that influence trading prices of equity securities generally. As a result, you will not know the exact value of the shares of First Merchants common stock you will receive at the time you must vote your shares. The value of First Merchants common stock on the closing date of the Merger may be greater or less than the market price of First Merchants common stock on the record date, on the date of this proxy statement and prospectus or on the date of the special meeting. Moreover, the fairness opinion of River Branch is dated June 26, 2015. Changes in the operations and prospects of First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp, general market and economic conditions and other factors which are both within and outside of the control of First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp, on which the fairness opinion is based, may alter the relative value of the companies. Therefore, the fairness opinion does not address the fairness of the Exchange Ratio at the time the Merger will be completed.

We encourage you to obtain a current market quotation for First Merchants common stock because the value of any First Merchants shares you receive may be more or less than the value of such shares as of the date of this document.

The merged company’s allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses.

The merged company’s loan customers may not repay their loans according to their terms, and the customers’ collateral securing the payment of their loans may be insufficient to assure repayment. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2015,2018, approximately 65%67% of the merged company’s loans are comprised of commercial real estate and commercial lines of credit and term and development loans, which can result in higher loan loss experience than residential loans in economic downturns. The underwriting, review and monitoring that will be performed by the merged company’s officers and directors cannot eliminate all of the risks related to these loans.

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Each of First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of their respective loan portfolios and provide an allowance for loan losses based on a number of factors. If the assumptions are wrong or the facts and circumstances subsequently and materially change, the allowance for loan losses and Merger-related credit marks may not be sufficient to cover the merged company’s loan losses. The merged company may have to increase its allowance for loan losses in the future, which could decrease its net income.

Deterioration in loan quality will adversely affect the merged company’s results of operations and financial condition.

Each of First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT seek to mitigate the risks inherent in their respective loan portfolios by adhering to sound underwriting practices. Their lending strategies also include emphasizing diversification on a geographic, industry and customer level, regular credit quality reviews and management reviews of large credit exposures and loans experiencing deterioration of credit quality. There is continuous review of their loan portfolios, including internally administered loan “watch” lists and independent loan reviews. These evaluations take into consideration identified credit problems, as well as the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified. Although First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT believe their underwriting and loan review procedures are appropriate for the various kinds of loans they make, the merged company’s results of operation and financial condition will be adversely affected in the event the quality of their respective loan portfolios deteriorates. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2015,2018, First Merchants had $38.6$21.4 million and Ameriana BancorpMBT had $4.5$11.4 million in non-performing loans. As of December 31, 2014, First Merchants had $50.8 million and Ameriana Bancorp had $4.4 million in non-performingloans, including restructured loans.

Changes in interest rates may reduce the merged company’s net interest income.

Like other financial institutions, the merged company’s net interest income is its primary revenue source. Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and interest expense incurred on deposits and other borrowings. The merged company’s net interest income will be affected by changes in market rates of interest, the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities, prepayments on its loans and investments and limits on increases in the rates of interest charged on its residential real estate loans.

The merged company will not be able to predict or control changes in market rates of interest. Market rates of interest are affected by regional and local economic conditions, as well as monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board. The following factors also may affect market interest rates:

inflation;

slow or stagnant economic growth or recession;

unemployment;

money supply;

international disorders;

instability in domestic and foreign financial markets; and

other factors beyond the merged company’s control.

Each of First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT has policies and procedures designed to manage the risks from changes in market interest rates; however, despite risk management, changes in interest rates could adversely affect the merged company’s results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in economic conditions and the geographic concentration of the merged company’s markets could adversely affect the merged company’s financial condition.

The merged company’s success will depend to a great extent upon the general economic conditions of the Central and Eastern Indiana areas.Midwest Region of the United States. Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, the merged company will provide banking and financial services to customers primarily located in these areas. Favorable economic conditions may not exist in the merged company’s markets.

A continued economic slowdown could have the following consequences:

loan delinquencies may increase;

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problem assets and foreclosures may increase;

demand for the products and services of Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants may decline; and

collateral for loans made by Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants may decline in value, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with existing loans.

Anti-takeover defenses may delay or prevent future mergers.

Provisions contained in First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and certain provisions of Indiana law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire First Merchants, even if doing so might be beneficial to First Merchants shareholders. See “COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCK—Anti-Takeover Provisions” on page 119.68. These provisions could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of First Merchants common stock and may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.

If the Merger is not completed, the parties will have incurred substantial expenses without realizing the expected benefits.

First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT have incurred substantial expenses in connection with the transactions described in this proxy statement and prospectus. The completion of the Merger depends on the satisfaction of several conditions. We cannot guarantee that these conditions will be met. Ameriana BancorpMBT expects to incur approximately $1,650,000$12.5 million in pre-tax Merger-related expenses and First Merchants expects to incur approximately $650,000$7.7 million in pre-tax Merger-related expenses, which include legal, accounting and financial advisory expenses and which excludes any contract termination fees, if applicable. TheseAlthough some of these expenses will not be incurred if the Merger is not completed, others will and such expenses could have a material adverse impact on the financial condition of First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT because they would not have realized the expected benefits of the Merger. There can be no assurance that the Merger will be completed.

The Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the Merger may not be completed, which could have a negative impact on Ameriana Bancorp.MBT.

The Merger Agreement with First Merchants is subject to a number of conditions which must be fulfilled in order to close. Those conditions include: Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder approval, regulatory approvals, the

continued accuracy of certain representations and warranties by both parties and the performance by both parties of certain covenants and agreements. There can be no assurance that the Merger will be completed.

In addition, certain circumstances exist where Ameriana BancorpMBT may choose to terminate the Merger Agreement, including the acceptance of a superior acquisition proposal. See “THE MERGER—Exchange of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock” for a more complete discussion of the consideration to be paid in the Merger and “THE MERGER AGREEEMENT—AGREEMENT—Termination; Waiver; Amendment” for a more complete discussion of the circumstances under which the Merger Agreement could be terminated. There can be no assurance that the conditions to closing the Merger will be fulfilled or that the Merger will be completed.

If the Merger Agreement is terminated, there may be various consequences to Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, including:

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s businesses may have been adversely impacted by the failure to pursue other beneficial opportunities due to the focus of management on the Merger, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the Merger; and

Ameriana Bancorp
MBT will have incurred substantial expenses in connection with the Merger, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the Merger.

If the Merger Agreement is terminated by Ameriana BancorpMBT due to its acceptance of a superior acquisition proposal or by First Merchants due to the failure of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors to recommend approval of the Merger Agreement to its shareholders by reason of a superior acquisition proposal or for certain related reasons, then Ameriana BancorpMBT has agreed pay to First Merchants a $1,500,000$12,680,000 termination fee. The payment of the termination fee could have a material adverse effect on Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s financial condition, and there can be no assurance that Ameriana BancorpMBT would be able to complete a transaction with a party willing to pay an equivalent or more attractive price than the price First Merchants has agreed to pay in the Merger.

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The termination fee and the restrictions on solicitation contained in the Merger Agreement may discourage other companies from trying to acquire Ameriana Bancorp.MBT.

Until the completion of the Merger, with some exceptions, Ameriana BancorpMBT is prohibited from soliciting, initiating, encouraging or participating in any discussion of or otherwise considering any inquiries or proposals that may lead to an acquisition proposal, such as a merger or other business combination transaction, with any person other than First Merchants. In addition, Ameriana BancorpMBT has agreed to pay a termination fee of $1,500,000$12,680,000 to First Merchants if the Ameriana BancorpMBT Board of Directors does not recommend approval of the Merger Agreement to the Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders by reason of a superior acquisition proposal. These provisions could discourage other companies from trying to acquire Ameriana BancorpMBT even though such other companies might be willing to offer greater value to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders than First Merchants has offered in the Merger Agreement. The payment of the termination fee also could have a material adverse effect on Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s financial condition.

The market price of First Merchants common stock after the Merger may be affected by factors different from those affecting the shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants currently.

Upon completion of the Merger, holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock will become holders of First Merchants common stock. First Merchants’ business differs in important respects from that of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, and, accordingly, the results of operations of the combined company and the market price of First Merchants common stock after the completion of the Merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations of each of First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. First Merchants is, and will continue to be, subject to the risks described in First Merchants’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014,2017, as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and prospectus. See the documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement and prospectus and referred to under “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION”Where You Can Find Additional Information on page 123.

71.

Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the Merger and will exercise less influence over management.

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the Ameriana BancorpMBT Board of Directors and on other matters affecting Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. When the Merger occurs, each Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder will become a shareholder of First Merchants with a percentage ownership of the combined organization that is smaller than the shareholder’s percentage ownership of Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. Because of this, Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders will have less influence over the management and policies of First Merchants than they now have over the management and policies of Ameriana Bancorp.MBT.

The fairness opinion received by the MBT Board of Directors in connetion with the Merger prior to the signing of the Merger Agreement has not been updated to reflect changes in circumstances since the date of such opinion.

The written opinion rendered by Sandler O’Neill, financial advisor to MBT, on October 9, 2018, was based upon information available as of such date. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion has not been updated to reflect changes that may occur or may have occurred after the date on which it was delivered, including changes to the operations and prospects of MBT or First Merchants, changes in general market and economic conditions, or other changes. Any such changes may alter the relative value of MBT or First Merchants, or the prices of shares of MBT common stock or First Merchants common stock by the time the Merger is completed. The written opinion does not speak as of the date the Merger will be completed or as of any date other than the date of such written opinion. For a description of the opinion that MBT received from its financial advisor, please see “The Merger – Opinion of MBT’s Financial Advisor,” beginning on page 40.

Risk Factors Relating to the Merger

Regulatory approvals may not be received, may take longer than expected or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated or that could have an adverse effect on the combined company following the Merger.

The transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement cannot be completed until First Merchants receives necessary regulatory approvals, which include the approval of the Federal Reserve BoardDeposit Insurance Corporation and the OCC.Indiana Department of Financial Institutions. In determining whether to grant these approvals, the regulators

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consider a variety of factors, including the regulatory standing of each party and the factors described under “THE MERGER—Regulatory Approvals.” An adverse development in either party’s regulatory standing or these factors could result in an inability to obtain approval or delay its receipt. These regulators may impose conditions on the completion of the Merger or the Bank Merger or require changes to the terms of the Merger or the Bank Merger. Such conditions or changes could have the effect of delaying or preventing completion of the Merger or the Bank Merger or imposing additional costs on or limiting the revenues of the combined company following the Merger and the Bank Merger, any of which might have an adverse effect on the combined company following the Merger. Regulatory approvals could also be impacted based on the status of any ongoing investigation of either party or its customers, including subpoenas to provide information or investigations, by a federal, state or local governmental agency.

Certain of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s directors and executive officers have interests in the Merger that may differ from the interests of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders.

Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders should be aware that some of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s executive officers and directors have interests in the Merger and have arrangements that are different from, or in addition to, those of Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders generally. Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, when making its decision to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, and in recommending that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders vote in favor of approving the Merger Agreement.

For a more complete description of these interests, see “THE MERGER—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” on page 60.51.

Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Merger is pending.

Uncertainty about the effect of the Merger on employees and customers may have an adverse effect on Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants. These uncertainties may impair Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s or First Merchants’ ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the Merger is completed, and could cause customers and others that deal with Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants to seek to change existing business relationships with Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants. Retention of certain employees by Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants may be challenging while the Merger is pending, as certain employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants. If key employees depart because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants,

Ameriana Bancorp’s MBT’s and/or First Merchants’ business could be harmed. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, each of Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants has agreed to operate its business in the ordinary course prior to closing. See THE“THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Restrictions Affecting the Parties Prior to Completion of the Merger” on page 6657 for a description of the restrictive covenants applicable to Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants while the Merger is pending.

The shares of First Merchants common stock to be received by Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders as a result of the Merger will have different rights from the shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock.

Upon completion of the Merger, Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will become First Merchants shareholders and their rights as shareholders will be governed by the First Merchants Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The rights associated with Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock may be different from the rights associated with First Merchants common stock. Please see “COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCK”Comparison of Common Stock beginning on page 11464 for a discussion of the different rights associated with First Merchants common stock.

The Merger may fail to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal tax purposes, resulting in your recognition of taxable gain or loss in respect of your shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock.

Ameriana BancorpMBT intends the Merger to qualify as a tax-free “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although the IRS will not provide a ruling on the matter, First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp will, as a condition to closing, each obtain an opinion from their respective legal counsel that the Merger will constitute a “reorganization” for federal tax purposes. TheseSuch opinion will comply with the regulations and guidance of the SEC with respect to the persons entitled to rely on tax opinions docontained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy and prospectus is a part. This opinion does not bind the IRS or prevent the IRS from adopting a contrary position. If the Merger fails to qualify as a reorganization, you generally would recognize gain or loss on each share of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stockshare surrendered in an amount equal to the difference between your adjusted tax basis in that share and the fair market value of the Merger Considerationconsideration received in exchange for that share upon completion of the Merger. Furthermore, if the Merger fails to qualify as a reorganization, there may be additional tax consequences Ameriana Bancorp and its shareholders associated with the deemed sale by Ameriana Bancorp of its assets to First Merchants, which could result in corporate level gains and associated taxes.

Pending litigation against First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp could result in an injunction preventing the completion of the merger or a judgment resulting in the payment of damages.

In connection with the Merger, an Ameriana Bancorp shareholder has filed a putative shareholder class action lawsuit against Ameriana Bancorp, the members of the Ameriana Bancorp board of directors and First Merchants. Among other remedies, the plaintiff seeks to enjoin the merger. The outcome of any such litigation is uncertain. If the case is not resolved, the lawsuit could prevent or delay completion of the Merger and result in substantial costs to Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants, including any costs associated with the indemnification of directors and officers. Additional lawsuits may be filed against Ameriana Bancorp, First Merchants and/or the directors and officers of either company in connection with the Merger. The defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim that remains unresolved at the time the Merger is completed may adversely affect Ameriana Bancorp’s and First Merchants’ business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See “THE MERGER—Litigation Relating to the Merger.”27

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THE AMERIANA BANCORPMBT SPECIAL MEETING

Special Meeting of Shareholders of
MBT Financial Corp.

Ameriana Bancorp

General Information

We are furnishing this document to the shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT of proxies for use at the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting of shareholders to be held on December 7, 2015,February 14, 2019, at 1:10:00 p.m.a.m., local time, at Ameriana Bank Greenfield Banking Center, 1810 North State10 Washington Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140.Monroe, Michigan 48161. This document is first being mailed to Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders on [●[•], 2015,[•], and includes the notice of Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting, and is accompanied by a form of proxy.

Matters To Be Considered

The purposes of the special meeting are as follows:

1.Merger Proposal.To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which Ameriana BancorpMBT will merge with and into First Merchants and, immediately thereafter, AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will mergebe consolidated and merged with and into First Merchants Bank.Bank, as discussed under the section titled “Merger Proposal” beginning on page 32.

2.Merger-Related Compensation Proposal. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation to be paid to MBT’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the Merger, as discussed under the section titled “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal” beginning on page 32.
3.Adjournment Proposal. To approve one (1) or more adjournments of the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Merger Proposal.

3.Merger-Related Compensation Proposal. To vote on a proposal, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of compensation that may become payable to certain executive officers of Ameriana Bancorp in connection with the Merger (the “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal”).

4.Other Matters.To vote upon such other matters which may properly be presented at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting. The Board of Directors is not aware of any such other matters.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT will merge into First Merchants. The Merger Agreement is attached to this document asAnnex A and is incorporated in this document by reference. For a description of the Merger Agreement, see “THE MERGER AGREEMENT,” beginning on page 63.53.

Vote Required

Approval of the Merger Proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majoritysixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock. Approval of the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal only requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock votingcast at the meeting, in person or by proxy, so long as a quorum is present. Ameriana BancorpAs provided by the Michigan Business Corporation Act, an abstention is not a “vote cast.” Abstentions from voting and broker non-votes, if any, on Proposal 2 (Merger-Related Compensation Proposal) and Proposal 3 (Adjournment Proposal) are not treated as votes cast and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the passage of the proposal. MBT has fixed October 7, 2015,December 18, 2018, as the record date for determining those Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. Accordingly, if you were an Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder of record at the close of business on October 7, 2015,December 18, 2018, you will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting. Each share of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock you own on the record date entitles you to one (1) vote on each matter presented at the special meeting. At the close of business on the record date of October 7, 2015,December 18, 2018, there were [●]23,025,525 shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock outstanding held by approximately [●]3,200 shareholders of record.

Voting Agreement

As of the record date, Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors and certain executive officers had voting power with respect to an aggregate of [●]1,155,725 shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock outstanding, representing [●]%5.0% of the outstanding shares on that date. Such executive officersAs of the record date, the members of MBT’s Board of Directors, together with Patriot Partners, and eachCastle Creek had power to vote, or caused to be voted, an aggregate of 5,092,450 shares of MBT common stock outstanding, representing 22.1% of the outstanding shares on that date. Each member of the Board of Directors

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of Ameriana BancorpMBT, Patriot Financial Partners, and Castle Creek Capital Partners entered into a voting agreement with First Merchants to cause all shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock owned by them of record or beneficially to be voted in favor of the Merger Proposal. See “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Voting Agreement” on page 69.

59.

Proxies

If you are an Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder, you should have received a proxy card for use at the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting with this proxy statement and prospectus. The accompanying proxy card is for your use in voting at the special meeting if you are unable or do not wish to attend the special meeting in person. The shares represented by proxies properly signed and returned will be voted at the special meeting as instructed by the Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder giving the proxies. Proxy cards that are properly signed and returned but do not have voting instructions will be voted “FOR” approval of the Merger Proposal and FOR” approval of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting to allow extra time to solicit proxies, if necessary or appropriate, “FOR”approval of the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal, and “FOR” such other business which may properly be presented at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting.Adjournment Proposal.

If you deliver a properly signed proxy card, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised by:

delivering to the Corporate Secretary of Ameriana BancorpMBT at or prior to the special meeting a written notice of revocation addressed to Ameriana Bancorp, 2118 Bundy Avenue, New Castle, Indiana 47362,MBT Financial Corp., 10 Washington Street, Monroe, Michigan 46161, Attention: Nicole Weaver,Scott E. McKelvey, Corporate Secretary; or

delivering to Ameriana BancorpMBT at or prior to the special meeting a properly completed proxy card having a later date; or

voting in person by ballot at the special shareholders meeting.

Because approval of the Merger Proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majoritysixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock, abstentions will have the same effect as voting “AGAINST” approval of the Merger Proposal. Accordingly, your Board of Directors urges all Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders to vote by proxy by completing, dating and signing the accompanying proxy and returning it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the Adjournment Proposal or the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal since theyit only requirerequires a majority of the shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock voting at the meeting. You shouldnot send stock certificates with your proxy card.

Solicitation of Proxies

Ameriana BancorpMBT will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies from and mailing proxies to its shareholders in connection with the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may be solicited personally or by telephone by directors, officers and certain employees of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, who will not be specially compensated for such soliciting.

In soliciting proxies, no one has any authority to make any representations and warranties about the Merger or the Merger Proposal in addition to or contrary to the provisions stated in this document. No statement regarding the Merger, the Merger Agreement or the Merger Proposal should be relied upon except as expressly stated in this document.

MBT has retained Morrow Sodali L.L.C., a proxy solicitation firm, to assist MBT in soliciting proxies with respect to the special meeting. MBT anticipates that the costs of Morrow Sodali L.L.C.’s services will be approximately $12,500, plus additional fees in the event certain services are requested. In addition, MBT’s financial advisor Donnelly Penman may assist in the solicitation of proxies without any additional compensation beyond what is disclosed in the proxy.

Recommendation of the Ameriana BancorpMBT Board of Directors

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement. Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors believes that the Merger is fair to and in the best interests of Ameriana BancorpMBT and its shareholders. The Board unanimously recommends that the Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the Merger Proposal FOR” approval of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting to allow extra time to solicit proxies, if necessary or appropriate, “FOR” approval of the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal, and “FORsuch other business which may properly be presented at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponementapproval of the special meeting.Adjournment Proposal. See “THE MERGER— Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Reasons for the Merger” on page 45.38.

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Other Matters

The special meeting of Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders has been called for the purposes set forth in the Notice to Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders included in this document. Your Board of Directors is unaware of any matter for action by shareholders at the special meeting other than as stated in the Notice or in this proxy statement and prospectus. However, the enclosed proxy will give discretionary authority to the persons named in the proxy with respect to matters which are not known to your Board of Directors as of the date hereof and which may properly come before the special meeting. It is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote with respect to such matters in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT or, if no recommendations are given, in their best judgment. The approval of the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the special meeting generally requires more votes to be cast in favor of the proposal than are cast against it.

Beneficial Ownership of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock by Certain Shareholders

The following table shows, as of August 7, 2015,December 18, 2018, the beneficial ownership of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock of each person who beneficially owns more than five percent (5%) of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s outstanding common stock, each Ameriana BancorpMBT director, each of the executive officers of Ameriana BancorpMBT and/or AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust and all of the directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth in the following table.

Beneficial Owner

  Number of
Shares Owned
(excluding options)
  Number of
Shares That May
be Acquired
Within 60 Days
by Exercising
Options
   Percent of
Common
Stock (1)
 

Directors

     

Michael E. Bosway

   4,281    —       *  

Jennifer P. Bott

   200    100     *  

Jerome J. Gassen

   39,979    6,500     1.3

R. Scott Hayes

   30,632    1,800     1.0

Charles R. Haywood

   —      300     *  

Richard E. Hennessey

   14,732    5,300     *  

Michael E. Kent

   34,532    —       1.1

William F. McConnell, Jr.

   1,000    300     *  

Ronald R. Pritzke

   28,854    5,300     *  

Michael W. Wells

   —      300     *  

Named Executive Officers Who Are Not Also Directors

     

John J. Letter

   10,655    3,100     *  

Deborah C. Robinson

   2,756    4,100     *  

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (14 persons)

   170,907    29,200     5.6

Financial Edge Fund, L.P.

Financial Edge-Strategic Fund, L.P.

PL Capital/Focused Fund, L.P.

PL Capital, LLC

PL Capital Advisors, LLC

Goodbody/PL Capital, L.P.

Goodbody/PL Capital, LLC

John W. Palmer

Richard J. Lashley

20 East Jefferson Avenue, Suite 22

Naperville, Illinois 60540

   287,762 (2)   —       9.5

Jeffrey L. Gendell

Tontine Financial Partners, L.P.

Tontine Management, L.L.C.

55 Railroad Avenue, 3rd Floor

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

   227,824 (3)   —       7.5

(footnotes appear on following page)

Name of Beneficial Owner
Shares of Common
Stock Owned(1)
Percent of Class
Kristine L. Barann
 
7,629
 
 
 
*
Peter H. Carlton
 
206,556
 
 
 
*
H. Douglas Chaffin
 
200,241
(2)
 
 
*
Joseph S. Daly
 
305,895
(3) 
 
1.3
%
James F. Deutsch
 
2,060,302
(4) 
 
9.0
%
Scott E. McKelvey
 
74,826
(5)
 
 
*
Audrey Mistor
 
28,235
(6)
 
 
*
Michael J. Miller
 
227,314
(7) 
 
 
*
Thomas G. Myers
 
112,914
(8)
 
 
*
Tony Scavuzzo
 
1,876,423
(9) 
 
8.2
%
Debra J. Shah
 
127,123
 
 
 
*
John L. Skibski
 
88,953
(10)
 
 
*
Joseph S. Vig
 
17,629
(11)
 
*
All Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers as a Group (13 in group)
 
5,334,040
 
 
23.2
%
*LessOwnership is less than 1% of shares outstanding.the class.
(1)Based upon 3,043,262Except as otherwise noted, none of the named individuals shares of Company common stock outstanding, plus, for each individualwith another person either voting or group,investment power as to the number of shares of Company common stock that each individual or group may acquire through the exercise of options within 60 days of October 1, 2015.reported.
(2)Based on information contained in a Schedule 13D/A filed withIncludes 10,276 shares subject to SOSARs, which are presently exercisable.
(3)Includes 98,021 share units issued under the SEC on March 27, 2013, which indicates beneficial ownership of: 151,610,29,438 and 33,261 shares by Financial Edge Fund, L.P., PL Capital/Focused Fund, L.P. and Financial Edge-Strategic Fund, L.P., respectively, whose general partner is PL Capital, LLC of which Messrs. Palmer and Lashley are the managing members and share voting and dispositive power with Financial Edge Fund and Financial Edge-Strategic Fund over such shares; and 53,453director deferred compensation plan.
(4)Includes 1,845,027 shares held by Goodbody/PL Capital,Patriot Financial Partners II, L.P. whose general partnerand 215,275 shares held by Patriot Financial Partners Parallel II, L.P. Mr. Deutsch is Goodbody/PL Capital, LLCa member of the investment committees which Messrs. Palmer and Lashley are the managing members and share voting and dispositive power with Goodbody/PL Capital, LLC over such shares.make investment decisions on behalf of both entities. Mr. Palmer and Mr. Lashley are also the managing members of PL Capital Advisors, LLC, which holdsDeutsch disclaims beneficial ownership.
(5)Includes 1,364 shares subject to shared voting and dispositiveinvestment power, over 287,762and 1,545 shares subject to SOSARs, which are presently exercisable.
(6)Includes 270 shares subject to SOSARs, which are presently exercisable.
(7)Includes 227,314 shares subject to shared voting and investment power.
(8)Includes 6,339 shares subject to SOSARs, which are presently exercisable.
(9)Includes 1,876,423 shares held by Castle Creek Capital Partners. Mr. Scavuzzo is a Principal at Castle Creek and disclaims beneficial ownership.
(10)Includes 4,000 shares subject to shared voting and investment power, and 6,339 shares subject to SOSARs, which are presently exercisable.
(11)Includes 5,000 shares subject to shared voting and investment power.

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As of December 18, 2018, no person was known by MBT to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of MBT, except as follows:

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
Shares of Common Stock Owned
Percent of Class
Patriot Financial Partners(1)
CIRA Centre
2929 Arch Street, 27th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2868
 
2,060,302
 
 
8.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Castle Creek Capital Partners(2)
6051 El Tordo, PO Box 1329
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
 
1,876,423
 
 
8.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
Building One
6300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX, 78746
 
1,271,324
 
 
5.5
%
(1)James F. Deutsch, a director of MBT, is a member of the investment advisor tocommittee of Patriot Financial Edge Fund, L.P., PL Capital/Focused Fund, L.P.,Partners which makes investment decisions on behalf Patriot Financial Edge-Strategic Fund,Partners II, L.P. and Goodbody/PLPatriot Financial Partners Parallel II, L.P. which own 1,845,027 shares and 215,275 shares, respectively. Mr. Deutsch disclaims beneficial ownership.
(2)Tony Scavuzzo, a director, is a principal at Castle Creek Capital L.P.Partners. Mr. Scavuzzo disclaims beneficial ownership.
(3)Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2015.

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MERGER PROPOSAL

Ameriana BancorpMBT is asking its shareholders to approve the Merger Proposal. Holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock should read this proxy statement and prospectus carefully and in its entirety, including the annexes, for more detailed information concerning the Merger Agreement and the Merger. A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached to this proxy statement and prospectus asAnnex A.

After careful consideration, the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp unanimouslyMBT approved and adopted the Merger Agreement and determined it to be advisable and in the best interest of Ameriana BancorpMBT and its shareholders. See “THE MERGER—Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors” included elsewhere in this proxy statement and prospectus for a more detailed discussion of the Ameriana BancorpMBT Board of Directors’ recommendation.

For the reasons discussed in this proxy statement and prospectus, the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp unanimouslyMBT determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are advisable and in the best interests of Ameriana BancorpMBT and its shareholders, and unanimously adopted and approved the Merger Agreement. The Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp unanimouslyMBT recommends that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the Merger Proposal.

ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL

The Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting may be adjourned to another time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting to approve the Merger Proposal.

If, at the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting, the number of shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock present or represented and voting in favor of the Merger Proposal is insufficient to approve the Merger Proposal, Ameriana BancorpMBT intends to move to adjourn the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting in order to enable the Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT to solicit additional proxies for approval of the Merger Proposal. In that event, Ameriana BancorpMBT will ask its shareholders to vote upon the Adjournment Proposal, but not the Merger Proposal.

In this Adjournment Proposal, Ameriana BancorpMBT is asking its shareholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, on a discretionary basis, to vote in favor of adjourning the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting to another time and place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders who have previously voted.

The Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp unanimouslyMBT recommends a vote “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

MERGER-RELATED COMPENSATION PROPOSAL

In accordance with Section 14ANon-Binding Advisory Vote on Merger Related Named Executive Officer Compensation

As required by Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and Rule 14a-21(c) of the Securities Exchange Act Ameriana Bancorpof 1934, as amended, MBT is providing its shareholders withseeking non-binding, advisory shareholder approval of the compensation of the named executive officers of MBT that is based upon or otherwise related to the Merger as disclosed under the heading “Merger-Related Compensation for MBT’s Named Executive Officers” appearing below. This proposal provides you, as a shareholder of MBT, the opportunity to cast an advisory (non-binding) voteexpress your view on certainany merger-related compensation that may become payable to itsof MBT’s named executive officers that is based onby approving or otherwise relates to the Merger, the value of which is set forth in the table included in the section of this proxy statement and prospectus entitled “THE MERGER—Merger-Related Compensation for Ameriana Bancorp’s Named Executive Officers.” As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, and the applicable SEC rules issued thereunder, Ameriana Bancorp is asking its shareholders to vote on the approvalnot approving adoption of the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates toin connection with the Merger and the agreements or understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable, in each case as disclosed pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K in the table and associated narrative discussion in the section of the proxy statement and prospectus entitled “THE MERGER—Merger-Related Compensation for Ameriana Bancorp’s Named Executive Officers,” is‘THE MERGER – RELATED COMPENSATION PROPOSAL,’ are hereby APPROVED.”

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast on the Ameriana Bancorp compensation proposal is required to approve the Ameriana Bancorp compensation proposal. The vote on named executive officer Merger-related compensation is a vote separate and apart from the vote onBecause the Merger Proposal. Accordingly, an Ameriana Bancorp shareholder mayis not conditioned upon this proposal and your vote to approve the Merger Proposal and vote not to approve the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal and vice versa.

Because the vote on named executive officer Merger-related compensation is advisory, in nature only, it will not be binding on either Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants. Accordingly, because Ameriana Bancorp is contractually obligatedIf the parties complete the Merger, the merger-related compensation disclosed below under “Merger-Related Compensation for MBT’s Named Executive Officers” will be paid to payMBT’s named executive officers to the extent payable in accordance with the compensation describedagreements and other arrangements

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even if the MBT’s shareholders do not approve the merger-related compensation on an advisory basis. In addition to information below regarding the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal, see “THE MERGER - Interests of Certain Persons in the sectionMerger” for additional information regarding interests of this proxy statement and prospectus entitled “THE MERGER—management in the Merger at page 51.

Merger-Related Compensation for Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Named Executive Officers”, such compensationOfficers

MBT has entered into change in control or severance agreements with its named executive officers that will be payable, subject onlyprovide cash payments to them in connection with the Merger. Additionally, under the terms of the MBT’s equity plans, award agreements and the terms of the Merger Agreement all unvested equity awards will become vested and exchanged for the Merger Consideration. Pursuant to the conditions applicable thereto, ifterms of the Merger is approvedAgreement and subject to closing of the Merger, is completed, regardlessto the extent those arrangements are “double trigger” arrangements those arrangements have been amended to eliminate any requirement that the covered participating executive experience an actual or constructive termination of their employment in order to receive the payments and benefits. In exchange for the cash payments provided under the amended agreements the covered executives must provide a full release to MBT and an express agreement permitting the enforcement of any applicable noncompetition and non-solicitation covenants contained in those agreements by First Merchants following the Merger.

The table and footnotes below reflect the estimated amount of compensation that each of the outcomenamed executive officers of MBT is entitled to receive as a result of the advisory vote.Merger. In addition, the table presents the value of the acceleration of the vesting of equity awards as a result of the Merger. The amounts reported below are estimates based on assumptions that may or may not actually occur or be accurate on the relevant date, including assumptions described in this document. As a result the actual amounts to be received by a named executive officer may differ from the amounts set forth below.

Golden Parachute Compensation

Name and Principal Position (a)
Cash(1) ($)
Equity(2) ($)
Total ($)
H. Douglas Chaffin (PEO)
 
1,681,809
 
 
228,192
 
 
1,910,001
 
John L. Skibski (PFO)
 
465,704
 
 
108,924
 
 
574,628
 
Thomas G. Myers EVP, Chief Lending Manager
 
454,122
 
 
108,924
 
 
563,046
 
Scott E. McKelvey EVP, Wayne County President
 
447,562
 
 
108,924
 
 
556,486
 
Audrey Mistor EVP, Wealth Management Group Director
 
423,875
 
 
108,924
 
 
532,799
 
(1)The cash payment payable to each of the named executive officers of MBT will be made in a single lump sum in connection with the consummation of the Merger. The amounts indicated for Mr. Chaffin includes $1,174,485 under the terms of his change in control agreement and $507,324 payable in connection with Mr. Chaffin’s agreement to terminate his participation in the Director DBO Plan. At the election of Mr. Chaffin, the cash amount payable in connection with the Director DBO Plan may be paid in shares of common stock of First Merchants. For a description regarding the Director DBO Plan See “THE MERGER - Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” at page 51. The amounts payable to the other named executive officers represent amounts payable under the terms of their severance agreements with MBT.
(2)Under the terms of the Merger Agreement immediately prior to the closing, each then outstanding stock only stock appreciation right (SOSAR) and restricted stock unit (RSU) of MBT, whether unvested or vested, shall be exchanged for shares of MBT common stock according to their respective award agreement terms and as a result of the Merger will be converted into the Merger Consideration. The dollar value of the SOSARs and RSUs, the vesting of which is accelerated as a result of the Merger are shown below, in accordance with SEC Reg S-K, Item 402(t), in an amount equal to the average closing market price of MBT common stock over the first five business days following the public announcement of the Merger on October 10, 2018, or $43.63 per share.
Name
SOSARs ($)
Restricted
Stock Units ($)
Total ($)
H. Douglas Chaffin
 
18,816
 
 
209,376
 
 
228,192
 
John L. Skibski
 
7,476
 
 
101,448
 
 
108,924
 
Thomas G. Myers
 
7,476
 
 
101,448
 
 
108,924
 
Scott E. McKelvey
 
7,476
 
 
101,448
 
 
108,924
 
Audrey Mistor
 
7,476
 
 
101,448
 
 
108,924
 

The Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp unanimouslyMBT recommends a vote “FOR” the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal.

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THE MERGER

At the special meeting, the shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT will consider and vote upon approval of the Merger Agreement. The following summary highlights certain information about the Merger. To understand the Merger, you should read carefully this entire proxy statement and prospectus, including the Merger Agreement, which is attached to this document asAnnex A.

Description of the Merger

Under the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement unanimously approved by each of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s and First Merchants’ Boards of Directors, Ameriana BancorpMBT will merge with and into First Merchants and the separate corporate existence of Ameriana BancorpMBT will cease. Immediately following the Merger, AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will mergebe consolidated and merged with and into First Merchants Bank and AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will cease to exist as a separate entity. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of First Merchants, as in effect prior to the Merger, will be the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of First Merchants after the Merger.

Exchange of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock

The Merger Agreement provides that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will have the right, with respect to each of their shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock, to receive, without interest, 0.9037 sharesa 0.2750 (the “Exchange Ratio”) share of First Merchants common stock. The number of shares of First Merchants Common Stock issuable to each Ameriana Bancorp shareholder shall be roundedstock (the “Merger Consideration”), subject to the nearest thousandthpayment of a share.cash instead of fractional shares.

If First Merchants changes the number of outstanding shares of First Merchants common stock before the Merger through any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar transaction, then the Exchange Ratio will be proportionately adjusted so that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will receive such number of shares of First Merchants common stock as represents the same percentage of outstanding shares of First Merchants common stock at the effective date of the Merger as would have been represented by the number of shares of First Merchants common stock such shareholder would have received if the recapitalization had not occurred.

Immediately priorFirst Merchants will not issue fractional shares to the Merger,MBT shareholders. Instead, MBT common shareholders will receive for each outstanding stock option to purchase Ameriana Bancorp common stock will be converted into the right to receive cash infractional share an amount equal toin cash determined by multiplying (i) the fractional interest by (ii) the average of the closing price of Ameriana Bancorpthe common stock of First Merchants as reported by Bloomberg, L.P. for the ten (10) trading days that First Merchants common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select Market preceding the fourth calendar day prior to the effective date of the Merger less the applicable exercise price.Merger.

If you are an Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder and you receive First Merchants common stock as Merger Consideration for your shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock, the implied value of the consideration that you will receive in the Merger will depend on the market price of First Merchants common stock when you receive your shares of First Merchants common stock. The implied per share value of the stock consideration, based upon First Merchants’ closing stock price on September 30, 2015,December 18, 2018, the most recent practicable trading day before this proxy statement and prospectus was finalized, was $23.70$9.86 per share. No assurance can be given (and it is not likely) that the current market price of First Merchants common stock will be equivalent to the market price of First Merchants common stock on the date that shares of First Merchants common stock are received by an Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholder or at any other time.

On or prior to the effective date of the Merger, First Merchants will deposit with American Stock Transfer, as exchange agent, shares incertificates or book entry formfor shares (as requested by registered shareholders of MBT) of First Merchants common stock, each to be given to the holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock in exchange for old certificates (or shares in book entry form) representing shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock. Within three (3) business days following the effective date of the Merger, First Merchants will mail a letter of transmittal to each person who was, immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, a holder of record of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions for use in effecting the surrender of Ameriana BancorpMBT stock certificates (or shares in

book entry form) in exchange for the consideration to which such person may be entitled pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Within five (5) business days following the later of the effective date of the Merger or the surrender to American Stock Transfer of the old certificate(s) representing shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock for cancellation, together with such letter of transmittal duly executed and completed, the holder of such old certificate(s) (or shares in book entry form) will be provided evidence of shares in book entry form representing shares of First Merchants common stock and/or a check in the amount to which such holder is entitled pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and the old certificate will be canceled.

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Until you surrender your Ameriana BancorpMBT stock certificates (or shares in book entry form) for exchange, you will accrue, but will not be paid, any dividends or other distributions declared after the effective time of the Merger with respect to First Merchants common stock into which any of your shares may have been converted. When you surrender your Ameriana BancorpMBT stock certificates (or shares in book entry form), First Merchants will pay any unpaid dividends or other distributions, without interest. After the completion of the Merger, there will be no transfers on the stock transfer books of Ameriana BancorpMBT of any shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock.

If a certificate for Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, First Merchants will issue the consideration properly payable under the Merger Agreement to the registered owner of such certificate upon receipt of an affidavit of lost stock certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to First Merchants, and upon compliance by the Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholder with all procedures historically required by Ameriana BancorpMBT in connection with lost, stolen or destroyed certificates.

Effect of the Merger on First Merchants Shareholders

The approval of the First Merchants shareholders of the Merger Agreement is not required in order to complete the Merger. First Merchants shareholders will also not be entitled to exchange their shares of First Merchant common stock for any consideration as a result of the Merger. After the Merger, First Merchants shareholders will continue to own the same number of First Merchants shares they owned before the Merger.

Background of the Merger

The management andMBT’s Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp have regularly reviewed Ameriana Bancorp’sconducts regular strategic and financialplanning sessions on a basis no less often than annually to discuss MBT’s long-term strategic alternatives, prospects and have, from timestrategies to time, considered variousenhance shareholder value. These sessions not only reviewed organic growth plans but also capital management and the potential for mergers and acquisitions. At the December 2017 MBT Board of Directors meeting, the MBT Board of Directors discussed and reviewed MBT’s capital management plan and strategic opportunities for increasing the long-termto maximize value for its shareholders. These opportunities included, among other alternatives, continuing as an independent institution, growing internally and through acquisitions, or affiliating with another institution. Following these deliberations, the MBT Board of Directors made a preliminary decision to further discuss and review the possibility of an affiliation with a larger financial institution. During January of 2018 the MBT Board of Directors met with representatives of Sandler O’Neill and discussed in general terms the market conditions for mergers and acquisitions in the financial services industry and in particular MBT’s prospects as an acquiror and as a potential acquisition by a larger financial institution.

The MBT Board of Directors held a special meeting on June 1, 2018, to further discuss its strategic options including a possible affiliation with a larger financial institution. The MBT Board of Directors reviewed the challenges facing MBT in the market place including its strong market position in the Monroe, Michigan banking market necessitating the need to continue to extend geographically either through organic growth or growth by acquisitions and mergers. In connectionconsidering growth by acquisitions MBT’s Board of Directors considered the difficulty of identifying and successfully concluding the acquisitions of other financial institutions as well as the attendant risk of execution of that growth by acquisition strategy. Consideration was also given to the lack of strong loan demand in MBT’s existing markets. The increasing level of market competition in the financial service sector in the Monroe, Michigan market and the high level of competition in the adjacent metropolitan areas were also considered. Finally, the difficulty of adequately growing earnings in the current highly competitive marketplace and the high costs associated with suchcomplying with ever increasing governmental regulations, health care and technology needs were considered.

Based upon its prior relationships and the national reputations for investment banking services, at the direction of the MBT Board of Directors, Mr. Chaffin contacted Sandler O’Neill and Donnelly Penman & Partners (“Donnelly Penman”) to seek professional investment banking advice on the national and regional market conditions for financial institution mergers and acquisitions. On July 26, 2018, representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Donnelly Penman met separately with the MBT Board of Directors to discuss current market conditions for mergers and acquisitions in the community banking sector and to specifically discuss institutions that may have an interest in acquiring MBT. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Donnelly Penman also provided the MBT Board of Directors with market information regarding recent mergers in the financial services industry covering transactions occurring in the both the Midwest and nationally. Sandler O’Neill and Donnelly Penman separately identified a possible universe of financial institutions that could be potential candidates for a

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strategic transaction with MBT. Following those discussions, Mr. Chaffin was directed by the MBT Board of Directors to retain Sandler O’Neill and Donnelly Penman to assist MBT with the formal exploration of a possible combination of MBT with a larger financial institution. In order to efficiently and initially evaluate its options with regard to a possible strategic merger with a larger financial institution, the MBT Board of Directors on July 31, 2018, established a special committee comprised of the following directors; Mr. Carlton, Mr. Chaffin, Mr. Daly, Mr. Deutsch, Mr. Miller, Mr. Scavuzzo and Mr. Skibski (the “Special Committee”). The MBT Board of Directors on July 31, 2018 directed Sandler O’Neill to contact six financial institutions to assess their current posture with respect to an acquisition and more specifically their interest in MBT. All of the six institutions, including First Merchants, entered into confidentiality agreements during the first week of August, 2018. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill discussed with each party the expected discovery process which was to include access over the coming weeks to a confidential data room with information regarding MBT to assist them in formulating their indications of interest. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill also indicated that all parties would be asked to provide written non-binding indications of interest during the week following the 2018 Labor Day holiday weekend.

On or about August 15, 2018, First Merchants contacted Sandler O’Neill and indicated that First Merchants would be submitting a written indication of interest within the next several days and wanted to move forward with MBT on an exclusive basis to negotiate a definitive agreement to combine First Merchants and MBT. On August 17, 2018, First Merchants submitted a written indication of interest, which provided that subject to due diligence, it was prepared to offer shareholders of MBT consideration comprised of 90% First Merchants common stock and 10% cash, which had a nominal value of $13.50 per share based upon the then market value of First Merchants common stock.

MBT’s Special Committee met on August 19, 2018. Representatives of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, counsel to MBT and representatives of Sandler O’Neill attended the meeting. Sandler O’Neill informed the MBT Special Committee that one of the six parties had withdrawn from the process shortly after execution of the confidentiality agreement in November 2013,early August after determining it had no further interest. The MBT Special Committee members then reviewed with Sandler O’Neill the managementFirst Merchants August 17, 2018, indication of interest and discussed its response, which included negotiating various terms of the letter and adding other key terms. Thereafter, at the direction of the MBT Special Committee, Representatives of Sandler O’Neill contacted First Merchants on August 20, 2018, and indicated that the offer was not sufficiently compelling to grant First Merchants exclusivity. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill were also directed by the MBT Special Committee to contact the other four interested parties and communicate that MBT had been approached by a party with a potentially preemptive bid and therefore the exploration process would need to be adjusted. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill contacted the other remaining parties and instructed each party to make certain baseline financial assumptions and determine whether they would be in a position to be competitive at or above a pricing level in the mid $13.00 per MBT share area. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill asked that these parties provide a response within the next several days.

The MBT Special Committee met on August 23, 2018. Representatives of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, counsel to MBT and representatives of Sandler O’Neill attended the meeting. Sandler O’Neill presented to the MBT Special Committee the results of their conversations with the four remaining interested parties other than First Merchants. One of the parties indicated to Sandler O’Neill that consistent with its disclosure at the time it executed a confidentiality agreement, it had another potential acquisition transaction that could take a priority over its interest in MBT. Sandler O’Neill indicated to the MBT Special Committee that the other potential transaction was in fact moving forward, and as a result, the interested party withdrew. Two of the other parties indicated that the pricing level indicated by Sandler O’Neill was above their pricing capacity and withdrew. The final interested party submitted an oral indication of interest followed by an emailed indication of interest on August 23, 2018, with a 100% stock offer and an implied pricing level at that time of above $13.00 but below $13.50 per MBT share. After further deliberations the MBT Special Committee instructed Sandler O’Neill to contact First Merchants and indicate that while MBT would like to move forward on the general terms offered by First Merchants in its indication of interest letter dated August 17, 2018, the offer was not sufficiently compelling to grant exclusivity and asked First Merchants to again consider its offer.

On August 25, 2018, all of the members of the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp requestedMBT met to receive an update from the MBT Special Committee and to review a revised indication of interest received from First Merchants dated August 25, 2018. Representatives of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, counsel to MBT and representatives of

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Sandler O’Neill attended the meeting. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill gave an overview of the process that River Branch Capital LLC (“River Branch”) make a presentation covering various topics, includinghad occurred since the marketbeginning of August 2018 to the full MBT Board of Directors. Sandler O’Neill also reviewed the terms of the revised indication of interest received from First Merchants. The revised indication of interest proposed an all-stock transaction in which shareholders of MBT would receive 0.2800 shares of First Merchants for bank stocks, the operating environment and the market for mergers and acquisitions, in each case with a specific focusshare of MBT which based on the Indiana marketplace.

River Branch made an additional presentationmost recent closing price of First Merchants equated to Ameriana Bancorp’s$13.59 per MBT share at that time. Sandler O’Neill provided the MBT Board of Directors in June 2014. River Branch updated Ameriana Bancorp’swith detailed financial information regarding the proposed merger including a comprehensive pro-forma merger analysis. Other recent merger transactions were reviewed with the MBT Board of Directors on recent stock market and bank performance, with a focus on peer banks in Indiana. River Branch updated Ameriana Bancorp’scompared to the proposed transaction. The members of the MBT Board of Directors onthen discussed and considered the merger market, including arevised indication of interest and at the conclusion of that discussion unanimously resolved to approve and execute the First Merchants indication of a recently announced bank transaction in Indiana. The presentation outlined potential targets for Ameriana Bancorp to consider acquiring and likely acquirers for Ameriana Bancorp.interest letter.

On August 8, 2014, Jerome J. Gassen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameriana Bancorp, met with the chief executive officer of Company A, a larger bank holding company headquartered outside of Indianapolis. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss each company’s operations, strategy and the merger and acquisition environment.

During August 2014, the management and27, 2018 the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp receivedMBT formally engaged Sandler O’Neill and Donnelly Penman to provide financial advisory services in connection with a written presentation from one (1)possible sale of its larger institutional shareholders that summarizedMBT. From August 26, 2018 until September 27, 2018, First Merchants conducted a due diligence review of MBT and on September 6, 2018, the statelaw firm of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP, legal counsel for First Merchants, presented a draft Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) to MBT’s legal counsel, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. The parties and their legal counsel exchanged comments and negotiated changes to the draft Merger Agreement. During this time, management of the banking industry, Ameriana Bancorp’s operating resultsparties continued discussions and stock price performance,performed due diligence. The parties also provided drafts of their respective disclosure letters to the mergerMerger Agreement and acquisition landscape for banks and potential strategic alternatives for Ameriana Bancorp to consider.

On August 24, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp entered into a written engagement letter with River Branch to act as its financial adviser to explore the potential salediscussed other aspects of the company.proposed transaction and merger integration issues.

On August 25, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp’sSeptember 27, 2018, the MBT Board of Directors held a meeting to discuss the draft Merger Agreement and related issues. All directors had been provided a copy of the Merger Agreement several days prior to the meeting. Also present at the meeting were representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, discussed the legal standards and responsibilities of the directors with regard to matters before them and provided a comprehensive review of all of the material terms of the terms of the Merger Agreement. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill reviewed with the MBT Board of Directors the background of the process which had been undertaken to that point and presented a comprehensive financial analysis of First Merchants and of the proposed Merger Consideration. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill indicated to the MBT Board of Directors that while substantial due diligence had been completed by the parties, several more days were likely necessary to complete due diligence. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP indicated that the Merger Agreement was substantially complete and only minor changes were likely required.

After the September meeting of the MBT Board of Directors, MBT and its representatives conducted a limited scope reverse due diligence of First Merchants. The MBT Board of Directors met again on October 5, 2018, to further discuss the transaction and receive an update on the due diligence progress. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill provided an overview of the due diligence process and indicated that First Merchants contacted them to discuss those results. First Merchants had determined that as a result of its due diligence a small adjustment in the information that had been presented by River Branchexchange ratio proposed in its indication of interest dated August 25, 2018, was determined necessary, and First Merchants revised the written materials submitted by its shareholder. Ameriana Bancorp’sproposed exchange ratio from 0.2800 to 0.2750. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill reviewed the revised proposal with the MBT Board of Directors, considered: (1)and the advantages and disadvantagesMBT Board of continuingDirectors discussed the matter. At the conclusion of the meeting, Sandler O’Neill was directed by the MBT Board of Directors to implement its current business strategy and remaining independent; (2)communicate to First Merchants that MBT would accept the opportunities for Ameriana Bancorp to expand its operations through acquisitions (noting two (2) recent merger announcements for smaller Indiana institutions, acknowledging the growing scarcity of attractive acquisition candidates); and (3) seeking indications of interest from potential acquirers. Ameriana Bancorp’srevised exchange ratio. The MBT Board of Directors determined to engage River Branch to assist inmeet again on October 8, 2018 for the process for identifying potential acquirers and obtaining non-binding indicationspurpose of interest.

On September 8, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp entered into a confidentiality agreement with Company A and on September 16, 2014, Company A was provided access to a virtual data room and Company A began to conduct its due diligence.

On October 20, 2014, Company A verbally indicated a willingness to acquire Ameriana Bancorp in exchange for a mixedfinal consideration of cash and stock with a range of value of $20.00 – $21.00 per share.the final Merger Agreement.

On October 27, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors met with River Branch to receive an update on the bank stock market and the merger and acquisition market. The presentation included an in depth analysis of the two (2) recent merger announcements for smaller Indiana institutions. River Branch provided a list of thirteen (13) potential acquisition partners for Ameriana Bancorp, but noted that four (4) of them (including Company A and First Merchants) were most likely to complete a transaction with Ameriana Bancorp. Each of the four (4) institutions was discussed in detail, including an overview of their business, branch franchise, loan composition, management, financial and stock performance and shareholder base. River Branch estimated, based on publicly available information, how much it believed each party could pay to acquire Ameriana Bancorp and how such prices compared to the pricing metrics against the two (2) recently announced Indiana transactions. River Branch explained the estimated timing for a transaction. The Board instructed Mr. Gassen to continue discussions with the management of Company A.

On November 20, 2014, Company A sent a written indication of interest, indicating a willingness to acquire Ameriana Bancorp in exchange for a mixed consideration of eighty percent (80%) stock and twenty percent (20%) cash at a value of $22.00 per share. The indication of interest also included that one (1) representative from Ameriana would serve on Company A’s holding company and bank boards of directors. On November 25, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors met to discuss the terms of the indication of interest, including Company A’s request for an exclusive period of negotiations. As part of the Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors’ consideration, River Branch presented the Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors with a list of nine (9) other potential acquisition partners noting their capacity to pay based on similar estimates as used by Company A and their potential interest in Ameriana Bancorp and likely willingness to enter into a transaction. Legal counsel discussed with Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors its fiduciary duties under Indiana law in the context of a change in control. Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors authorized management to negotiate a 30-day exclusivity agreement with Company A, which was executed by the parties on November 28, 2014. During this time, Company A continued to conduct its due diligence.

On December 3, 2014, a draft of the merger agreement was provided by Company A. On December 10, 2014, Company A lowered its offer to $21.14 per share.

On December 15, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors met to discuss the revised offer. River Branch discussed four (4) other parties that were potential suitors, two (2) of which (including First Merchants) were the most likely to be interested in pursuing a transaction and had the capacity to pay a competitive price. River Branch provided an analysis of the price that it estimated, based on publicly available information, each of

the four (4) potential bidders could offer for Ameriana Bancorp. Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors decided that, based on the revised offer, it did not want to proceed exclusively with Company A and advised River Branch that, following the expiration of the exclusivity agreement on December 27, 2014, to contact the two (2) additional parties identified at the meeting that were most likely to have an interest.

In early January 2015, River Branch contacted Company B, a larger regional bank holding company, and First Merchants about their interest in pursuing a transaction with Ameriana Bancorp. Both parties were interested and executed confidentiality agreements in January 2015.

On February 13, 2015, Company B verbally indicated a willingness to acquire Ameriana Bancorp with a range of value of $19.00 – $20.00 per share.

On February 27, 2015, First Merchants verbally indicated a willingness to acquire Ameriana Bancorp with a range of value of $21.50 – $23.00 per share.

During this time period, the management of Company A and Ameriana Bancorp had continued discussions and on March 17, 2015, Company A submitted a revised indication of interest increasing the exchange ratio in the transaction such that the value of its offer increased to $21.41 per share.

On March 25, 2015, First Merchants narrowed its range to $21.00 – $22.00 per share. Following conversations between the parties’ financial advisors, on March 29, 2015, First Merchants revised its proposal to $21.50 – $22.50 per share.

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT Board of Directors met on March 30, 2015October 8, 2018, to discussconsider the revised offer it had received from Company A andfinal Merger Agreement. Sandler O’Neill then delivered to the offers from First Merchants and Company B. Following the meeting, at which the offers and the companies and their currencies were discussed in detail with River Branch, Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT Board of Directors instructed River Branch to contact Company A and First Merchants to clarify certain aspects of their offers. Basedan oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing on those conversations, First Merchants offered to pay Ameriana Bancorp shareholders a price of $22.25 per share, seventy percent (70%) of which would consist of stock and thirty percent (30%) of which would be paid in cash. Company A proposed a mechanism under which Ameriana Bancorp shareholders would receive no less than $21.50 per share at the time of the signing of the merger agreement either by increasing the cash or stock consideration if necessary.

Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors met on April 2, 2015 to discuss the two (2) proposals. At the time of the meeting, the implied value of the proposal by Company A was $21.88 per share, based upon Company A’s stock price. While noting the nominal difference between the two (2) proposals, Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors evaluated, among other things, the greater dividend accretion from Company A, the advantages of partnering with an out of market acquirer who was committed to utilizing Ameriana Bancorp’s franchise as a building block to increase its investment in Indianapolis, the ability of Company A, which had already completed its diligence, to move quicker towards announcement and the inclusion of Board representation with Company A. Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors decided to proceed with Company A towards negotiation of a definitive merger agreement.

A revised merger agreement was provided by Company A on AprilOctober 9, 2015. The parties negotiated the agreement and each of the parties completed their diligence during April 2015, with the intention of signing and announcing the execution of the merger agreement on May 4, 2015. However, on May 1, 2015, Company A notified Ameriana Bancorp that it could no longer provide a value to Ameriana Bancorp shareholders of $21.50 per share. Company A provided a revised exchange ratio, which resulted in an implied value of $20.52 per share.

On May 4, 2015, at the special meeting of Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors, Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors voted not to proceed with Company A.

On May 7, 2015, Michael C. Rechin, the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants, met with one (1) of the directors of Ameriana Bancorp with whom he had a previous relationship to gauge Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors’ receptivity to engaging in strategic discussions with First Merchants.

On May 11, 2015, Company A sent a letter to Ameriana Bancorp formally terminating negotiations.

On that same date, First Merchants delivered a written indication of interest, indicating a willingness to acquire Ameriana Bancorp in exchange for 0.6624 shares of First Merchants common stock and $6.68 for each share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, equating to a mixed consideration of seventy percent (70%) stock and thirty percent (30%) cash. The implied value of the offer at the time of the indication of interest was $22.25 per share.

On May 12, 2015, access to Ameriana Bancorp’s virtual data room was provided to First Merchants.

On May 15, 2015, the parties entered into an agreement to engage in exclusive negotiations for thirty (30) days (which would automatically be extended to forty-five (45) days if a merger agreement draft was provided within the initial 30-day period).

An initial draft of the Merger Agreement was provided on June 4, 2015. Ameriana Bancorp and its advisors reviewed and negotiated the terms of the Merger Agreement and related documents with First Merchants and its advisors over the next few weeks.

On June 17, 2015, First Merchants delivered a revised written indication of interest, indicating a willingness to acquire Ameriana Bancorp in an all-stock transaction at an exchange ratio of 0.9037 shares of First Merchants common stock for each share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock. The implied value of the offer at the time of the indication of interest was $22.06 per share.

On June 22, 2015, Mr. Gassen and representatives of Ameriana Bancorp’s financial advisor conducted an interview with Michael C. Rechin, the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants, and Mark K. Hardwick, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Merchants, regarding First Merchant’s historical and expected financial results.

On June 24, 2015, Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors met via telephone to review presentations by its legal counsel and River Branch, which included, among other matters, financial and corporate information on First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp, each entity’s historical stock price and performance, and valuation methodologies and analyses of the consideration offered by First Merchants. Also, Ameriana Bancorp’s legal counsel presented the Merger Agreement and ancillary documents in detail. Following the presentations, Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors engaged in discussions about the proposed transaction, the proposed Merger Agreement and other transaction documents and the effect of the transaction on the shareholders, customers and employees of Ameriana Bancorp. Also at this meeting, River Branch reviewed with Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors its financial analysis of the Merger Consideration and indicated to Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors2018, to the effect that, based on and subject to variousthe assumptions, limitations, qualifications and limitations to be describedconditions set forth in itsSandler O’Neill’s written opinion, as of such date the Merger Consideration provided for in the MergerExchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of MBT common stock. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP attorneys then requested and received confirmation from the shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp. Members of the Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT Board of Directors asked questionsthat each of Ameriana Bancorp’s outside legalthe directors present had reviewed the draft Merger Agreement, resolutions and financial advisors aboutother ancillary material provided to the proposed transaction anddirectors prior to the special meeting. The Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP attorneys also reiterated that the directors would need to sign voting agreements, which would require them to vote their fiduciary duties to shareholders. No action was taken at this meeting. Rather, Ameriana Bancorp’sshares in favor of the Merger.

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Thereafter, the MBT Board of Directors agreed to meet atconsidered resolutions concerning the end of the week to further discuss the transaction and, if appropriate, to vote on the Merger Agreement.

On June 25, 2015, Ameriana Bancorp and its legal and financial advisors finalized its reverse due diligence on First Merchants.

On June 26, 2015, the Ameriana Bancorp’stransaction. The MBT Board of Directors met. Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors engaged in discussions aboutthen approved the proposed transaction, the proposed Merger Agreement and transactions set forth therein and authorized Mr. Chaffin to execute and deliver the Merger Agreement and take the other transaction documentsactions necessary to effect the transaction.

MBT and First Merchants executed the effect ofMerger Agreement on October 9, 2018 and announced the transaction on the shareholders, customers and employees of Ameriana Bancorp. Also at this meeting, River Branch reviewed with Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors its financial analysis of the Merger Consideration and delivered to Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors both an oral and a written opinion dated June 26, 2015, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions and limitations described in its opinion, the Merger Consideration provided for in the Merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp. Members of the Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors asked questions of Ameriana Bancorp’s outside legal and financial advisors about the proposed transaction and their fiduciary duties to shareholders. After further reviewing the consideration per share offered by First Merchants and after giving consideration to the other factors described under “THE MERGER—Ameriana Bancorp’s Reasons for the Merger,” the members of the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp unanimously voted to approve the Merger Agreement. At the close of business on June 26, 2015, the value of the transaction to Ameriana Bancorp shareholders was $22.71 per share.October 10, 2018.

The transaction was announced before the open of the stock markets on June 29, 2015.

See “THE MERGER—Information about River Branch Capital LLC for a description of the fees River Branch will receive for its services to Ameriana Bancorp in connection with the Merger.

First Merchants’ Reasons for the Merger

In reaching its decision to adopt and approve the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the First Merchants Board of Directors consulted with First Merchants management and considered a number of factors, including the following material factors:

each of First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s business, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings and prospects. In reviewing these factors, the First Merchants Board of Directors considered that the Merger (1) will expand First Merchants’ business within demographically attractive markets in Central Indiana;southeastern Michigan; (2) will increase First Merchants’ core deposit base, an important funding source; (3) will provide First Merchants with an experienced management team and quality bank branches in and around Central Indiana;southeastern Michigan; and (4) will provide First Merchants with the opportunity to sell First Merchants’ broad array of products to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s client base;

its understanding of the current and prospective environment in which First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT operate, including national and local economic conditions, the competitive environment for financial institutions generally, and the likely effect of these factors on First Merchants both with and without the proposed transaction;

its review and discussions with First Merchants’ management concerning the due diligence examination of Ameriana Bancorp;MBT;

the complementary nature of the cultures of the two companies, which management believes should facilitate integration and implementation of the transaction;

the financial and other terms of the Merger Agreement, including the fixed Exchange Ratio, tax treatment and deal protection and termination fee provisions, which it reviewed with its outside financial and legal advisors;

the potential risk of diverting management attention and resources from the operation of First Merchants’ business towards the completion of the Merger; and

the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the Merger and the expectation that such regulatory approvals will be received in a timely manner and without the imposition of unacceptable conditions.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the First Merchants Board of Directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes the material factors considered by the First Merchants Board of Directors. In reaching its decision to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the First Merchants Board of Directors did not quantify or assign any relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The First Merchants Board of Directors considered all these factors as a whole, including discussions with, and questioning of, First Merchants’ management and First Merchants’ financial and legal advisors, and overall considered the factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

For the reasons set forth above, the First Merchants Board of Directors unanimously determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are advisable and in the best interests of First Merchants and its shareholders, and unanimously approved and adopted the Merger Agreement.

Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Reasons for the Merger

In reaching the conclusion that the Merger Agreement is in the best interests of and advisable for Ameriana Bancorp and its shareholders, and in approving the Merger Agreement, Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors consulted with senior management, its legal counsel and its financial advisor and considered a number of factors, including, among others, the following, which are not presented in order of priority:

the business strategy and strategic plan of Ameriana Bancorp, its prospects for the future and projected financial results;

the consideration offered by First Merchants, which represents: 168.8% of Ameriana Bancorp’s tangible book value; 31.3x of Ameriana Bancorp’s trailing twelve (12) month earnings; and a 42.6% premium over the market value of Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock as of the day prior to the date of the Merger Agreement;

the understanding of Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors of the strategic options available to Ameriana Bancorp and the Board of Directors’ assessment of those options with respect to the prospects and estimated results of the execution by Ameriana Bancorp of its business plan as an independent entity under various scenarios and the determination that none of those options or the execution of the business plan were more likely to create greater present value for Ameriana Bancorp’s shareholders than the value to be paid by First Merchants;

the challenges facing Ameriana Bancorp’s management to grow Ameriana Bancorp’s franchise and enhance shareholder value given current market conditions, increased operating costs resulting from regulatory initiatives and compliance mandates, interest rate pressure and competition;

the Merger Consideration offered by First Merchants equaled or exceed the consideration that could reasonably be expected from other potential acquirers with apparent ability to consummate the acquisition of Ameriana Bancorp;

the ability of First Merchants to pay the Merger Consideration and the strength and recent performance of the First Merchants currency;

the ability of First Merchants to execute a merger transaction from a financial and regulatory perspective and its recent history of being able to successfully integrate merged institutions into its existing franchise;

the geographic fit and increased customer convenience of the expanded branch network of First Merchants;

First Merchants’ business, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings and prospects, taking into account the results of Ameriana Bancorp’s due diligence review of First Merchants, and information provided by Ameriana Bancorp’s financial advisor;

the historical stock market performance for Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants common stock;

the greater market capitalization, increased dividend rate and significantly increased trading liquidity of the common stock of First Merchants;

the terms of the Merger Agreement, including the representations and warranties of the parties, the covenants, the consideration, the benefits to Ameriana Bancorp’s employees and the absence of burdensome contingencies in the Merger Agreement;

the financial analysis presented by River Branch to the Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors, and the opinion delivered to the Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors by River Branch to the effect that, as of the date of the opinion, and subject to and based on the qualifications and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of common stock of Ameriana Bancorp in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to such shareholders;

the likelihood of expeditiously obtaining the necessary regulatory approval without unusual or burdensome conditions; and

the long-term and short-term interests of Ameriana Bancorp and its shareholders, the interests of the employees, customers, creditors and suppliers of Ameriana Bancorp, and community and societal considerations, including those of the communities in which Ameriana Bancorp maintains offices;

the wider array of financial products and services that would be available to customers of Ameriana Bancorp and the communities served by Ameriana Bancorp; and

the Merger will generally allow shareholders to defer recognition of taxable gain, to the extent they receive First Merchants common stock.

The Ameriana Bancorp Board of Directors also considered a number of potential risks and uncertainties associated with the Merger in connection with its deliberation of the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the following:

the potential risk of diverting management attention and resources from the operation of Ameriana Bancorp’s business and towards the completion of the Merger;

the restrictions on the conduct of Ameriana Bancorp’s business prior to the completion of the merger, which are customary for public company merger agreements involving financial institutions, but which, subject to specific exceptions, could delay or prevent Ameriana Bancorp from undertaking business opportunities that may arise or any other action it would otherwise take with respect to the operations of Ameriana Bancorp absent the pending Merger;

the potential risks associated with achieving anticipated cost synergies and savings and successfully integrating Ameriana Bancorp’s business, operations and workforce with those of First Merchants;

the Merger-related costs;

the larger number of potentially terminated employees due to entering into a transaction with an in-market financial institution with significant branch overlap;

the fact that the interests of certain of Ameriana Bancorp’s directors and executive officers may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Ameriana Bancorp’s other shareholders as described under the heading “THE MERGER—Interests of Ameriana Bancorp’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”;

that, while Ameriana Bancorp expects that the Merger will be consummated, there can be no assurance that all conditions to the parties’ obligations to complete the Merger Agreement will be satisfied, including the risk that necessary regulatory approvals or the Ameriana Bancorp shareholder approval might not be obtained and, as a result, the Merger may not be consummated;

the risk of potential employee attrition and/or adverse effects on business and customer relationships as a result of the pending Merger;

the fact that: (1) Ameriana Bancorp would be prohibited from affirmatively soliciting acquisition proposals after execution of the Merger Agreement; and (2) Ameriana Bancorp would be obligated to pay to First Merchants a termination fee if the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, which may discourage other parties potentially interested in a strategic transaction with Ameriana Bancorp from pursuing such a transaction; and

the other risks described under the heading “RISK FACTORS.”

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes the material factors considered by the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp. In reaching its decision to adopt and approve the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and to recommend that its shareholders approve the Merger Agreement,

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MBT’s Board of Directors consulted with MBT management, as well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered a number of Ameriana Bancorpfactors, including the following material factors:

the review undertaken by the MBT Board of Directors and management with respect to the strategic alternatives available to MBT;
the business strategy and strategic plan of MBT and its prospects for the future as an independent institution, including the risks inherent in successful execution of its strategic plan, its projected financial results, and expectations relating to the proposed Merger with First Merchants;
a review of the challenges facing MBT in the current competitive, economic, financial and regulatory climate, and the potential benefits of aligning MBT with a larger organization;
the consistency of the Merger with MBT’s long-term strategic plan to seek profitable future expansion, leading to continued growth in overall shareholder value;
a review of the historical financial statements and condition of MBT and certain other internal information, primarily financial in nature, relating to the business, earnings and balance sheet of MBT;
a review of the historical financial statements and condition of First Merchants and certain other information, primarily financial in nature, relating to the business, earnings and financial condition of First Merchants;
the synergies of the combination of the balance sheets of MBT with it stable core deposit base and First Merchants historic loan demand;
its review and discussions with MBT management and its advisors concerning the due diligence examination of First Merchants;
the fact that the Merger would combine two established banking franchises to create a bank with over $10 billion in assets;
the complementary nature of the businesses of MBT and First Merchants and the anticipated improved stability of the combined company’s business and earnings in varying economic and market climates;
the belief of MBT senior management that the management teams and employees of MBT and First Merchants possess complementary skills and expertise and the potential advantages of a larger institution when pursuing, or seeking to retain, talent;
the financial strength of First Merchants based on First Merchants’ historical earnings and profitability expectations over the near and long term;
the strength, recent performance and liquidity of First Merchants’ common stock;
the financial and other terms of the Merger Agreement, including the fixed Exchange Ratio, tax treatment and deal protection and termination fee provisions, which it reviewed with its outside financial and legal advisors;
the fact that, based on the closing price of First Merchants’ common stock on October 8, 2018, of $45.64, the implied price per share value of MBT common stock would be $12.55;
the ability of MBT’s shareholders to benefit from First Merchants’ potential acquisition and organic growth and stock appreciation over time since it is more likely that the combined entity will have superior future earnings and prospects compared to MBT’s earnings and prospects on an independent basis as the result of greater operating efficiencies and better penetration of commercial and consumer banking markets;
the ability of First Merchants to complete a merger transaction from a financial and regulatory perspective;
the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the Merger and the expectation that such regulatory approvals will be received in a timely manner and without the imposition of unacceptable conditions;

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the complementary geographic fit and customer convenience of the branch networks of the combined banks;
the creation of a First Merchants Michigan Regional Advisory board with representatives on it from the MBT Board of Directors;
the potential continued representation of certain of MBT’s management on the management team of the combined entity and the participation of an MBT director on the First Merchants Board of Directors;
the anticipated effect of the acquisition on MBT’s employees due to the lack of significant market overlap and the severance policy of First Merchants;
the anticipated effect on MBT’s customers and the communities served by MBT;
the belief that, while no assurances could be given, the business and financial advantages contemplated in connection with the Merger were likely to be achieved within a reasonable time frame, particularly in light of the fact that First Merchants has transition experience due to successfully completed acquisitions in the past; and
the opinion of Sandler O’Neill orally delivered to the MBT Board of Directors on October 8, 2018, and subsequently confirmed in writing on October 9, 2018, to the effect that, as of that date, and based upon and subject to the conditions, limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of MBT common stock.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the MBT Board of Directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes the material factors considered by the MBT Board of Directors. In reaching its decision to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the MBT Board of Directors did not quantify or assign any relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The MBT Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp considered all these factors as a whole, including discussions with, and questioning of, Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s management and Ameriana Bancorp’s independentMBT’s financial and legal advisors, and overall considered the factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

The Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp unanimouslyMBT approved the Merger Agreement and recommends that Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders vote“FOR” the approval of the Merger Proposal,“FOR” the Adjournment Proposal and“FOR” the Merger-Related Compensation Proposal, and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal. Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders should be aware that Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s directors and executive officers have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders. The Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the Merger Agreement, and in recommending that the Merger Proposal be approved by the shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. See “—“THE MERGER—Interests of Ameriana Bancorp’s Directors and Executive OfficersCertain Persons in the Merger.”

This summary of the reasoning of the Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT and other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed under the heading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.”

Opinion of River Branch Capital LLCMBT’s Financial Advisor

OpinionMBT retained Sandler O’Neill to act as financial advisor to MBT’s Board of Ameriana Bancorp’s Financial Advisor

By letter dated August 24, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp retained River Branch to render financial advisory and investment banking servicesDirectors in connection with generalMBT’s consideration of a possible business combination. MBT selected Sandler O’Neill as its financial strategyadvisor because Sandler O’Neill is a nationally recognized investment banking firm whose principal business specialty is financial institutions. In the ordinary course of its investment banking business, Sandler O’Neill is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and planningtheir securities in connection with mergers and to actacquisitions and other corporate transactions.

Sandler O’Neill acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Ameriana BancorpMBT in connection with a potential strategic combination. In its capacity as financial advisor, River Branch provided a fairness opinion (the “River Branch Opinion”)the proposed Merger and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to the execution of the Merger Agreement. At the October 8, 2018 meeting at which MBT’s Board of Directors considered the Merger and the Merger Agreement, Sandler O’Neill delivered to the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp (the “Ameriana Board”) in connection with the Merger. At the meeting of the Ameriana Board on June 26, 2015, River Branch renderedMBT its oral opinion, to the Ameriana Board (whichwhich was subsequently confirmed in writing by delivery of River Branch’s written opinion dated the same date) that, based upon and subjecton October 9, 2018, to the various factors, assumptions and limitations set forth in such opinion, River Branch representatives’ experience as investment bankers, River Branch’s work as described in such opinion and other factors River Branch deemed relevant,effect that, as of such date, the Merger Consideration set forth inExchange Ratio was fair to the Merger Agreement was fair,holders of MBT common stock from a financial point of view, to the holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock. The River Branch written opinion, dated June 26, 2015, is sometimes referred to herein as the River Branch Opinion.view.

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The full text of Sandler O’Neill’s opinion is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement and prospectus. The opinion outlines the River Branch Opinion, which sets forth, among other things, theprocedures followed, assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Sandler O’Neill in rendering its opinion, is

attached asAnnex B to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.opinion. The summarydescription of the River Branch Opinionopinion set forth hereinbelow is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Ameriana BancorpHolders of MBT common shareholders shouldstock are urged to read the full textentire opinion carefully in connection with their consideration of the proposed Merger.

Sandler O’Neill’s opinion carefullyspeaks only as of the date of the opinion. The opinion was directed to MBT’s Board of Directors in connection with its consideration of the Merger Agreement and in its entirety. The River Branch Opinion is addressedthe Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of MBT as to how such shareholder should vote at any meeting of shareholders called to consider and vote upon the Ameriana Board, isapproval of the Merger. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion was directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger ConsiderationExchange Ratio to the holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock and doesdid not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or act on any matters relating to the Merger. The River Branch Opinion was reviewed and approved by the fairness opinion committee of River Branch. River Branch provided its opinion to the Ameriana Board on June 26, 2015 in connection with and for the purposes of the Ameriana Board’s evaluation of the Merger. The River Branch Opinion addressed only the fairness, from a financial point of view, as of June 26, 2015, of the Merger Consideration to the holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock. River Branch expressed no view or opinion as to any of the legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the Merger and any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or any terms or other aspects of the Merger Agreement, the Merger or any such other transactions. River Branch expressed no opinion as to the fairness of any consideration paid in connection with the Merger to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Ameriana Bancorp or as toaddress the underlying business decision by Ameriana Bancorpof MBT to engage in the Merger, the form or enter intostructure of the Merger Agreement. River Branchor the other transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement, the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any other alternative transactions or business strategies that might exist for MBT or the effect of any other transaction in which MBT might engage.

Sandler O’Neill also did not express any opinion as to the fairnessamount of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the Merger by Ameriana Bancorp officers, directorsany MBT or employees,First Merchants officer, director, or employee, or class of such persons, if any, relative to the amount of compensation to be received in the Merger by the holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock.any other shareholder. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion was approved by Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee.

In arriving at River Branch’sconnection with its opinion, River Branch has,Sandler O’Neill reviewed and considered, among other things:

A draft of the Merger Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2018;
Certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of MBT that Sandler O’Neill deemed relevant;
Certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of First Merchants that Sandler O’Neill deemed relevant;
Publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for MBT for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, as provided by the senior management of MBT;
Publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for First Merchants for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020 with an estimated dividend payout ratio for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of First Merchants;
The pro forma financial impact of the Merger on First Merchants based on certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments and cost savings, as provided by the senior management of First Merchants
The publicly reported historical price and trading activity for MBT common stock and First Merchants common stock, including a comparison of certain stock market information for MBT common stock and First Merchants common stock and certain stock indices as well as publicly available information for certain other similar companies, the securities of which were publicly traded;
A comparison of certain financial information for MBT and First Merchants with similar institutions for which information was publicly available;
The financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the bank and thrift industry (on a regional and nationwide basis), to the extent publicly available;
The current market environment generally and the banking environment in particular; and
Such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as Sandler O’Neill considered relevant.

(i)reviewed a draft dated June 23, 2015 of the Merger Agreement;

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(ii)held discussions with certain senior officers, directors and other representatives and advisors of Ameriana Bancorp and certain senior officers and other representatives and advisors of First Merchants regarding certain aspects of the Merger and the past and current businesses, operations, regulatory relations, financial condition and future prospects of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants and the effects of the Merger thereon, and such other matters as River Branch believed necessary or appropriate to River Branch’s inquiry;

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(iii)reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information relating to Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants as well as certain financial forecasts and other information and data relating to Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants, which were provided to and/or discussed with River Branch by management of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants, respectively, including information relating to the potential strategic implications and operational benefits (including the amount, timing and achievability thereof) anticipated by management of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants to result from the Merger;

Sandler O’Neill also discussed with certain members of senior management of MBT the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of MBT and held similar discussions with certain members of senior management of First Merchants and its representatives regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of First Merchants.

(iv)reviewed the financial terms of the Merger as set forth in the Merger Agreement in relation to, among other things: current and historical market prices and trading volumes of Ameriana Bancorp common stock and First Merchants common stock, the historical and projected earnings and other operating data of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants, and the capitalization and financial condition of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants;

(v)compared the financial and operating performance of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants with publicly available information concerning certain other companies River Branch deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of Ameriana Bancorp common stock and First Merchants common stock and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies;

(vi)considered, to the extent publicly available, the financial terms of certain other transactions that River Branch considered relevant in evaluating the Merger and analyzed certain financial, stock market and other publicly available information relating to the businesses of other companies whose operations River Branch considered relevant in evaluating those of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants;

(vii)reviewed certain estimated potential pro forma financial effects of the Merger on First Merchants, including the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and synergies expected to result from the Merger (the “Synergies”) as prepared by management of First Merchants;

(viii)considered the current market environment generally and the commercial banking environment in particular; and

(ix)conducted such other analyses and examinations and considered such other information and financial, economic and market criteria as River Branch deemed appropriate for purposes of its opinion.

In renderingperforming its opinion, River Branch assumed andreview, Sandler O’Neill relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and data publicly available orreviewed by Sandler O’Neill from public sources, that was provided to Sandler O’Neill by MBT or First Merchants, or their respective representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by Sandler O’Neill and Sandler O’Neill assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering its opinion without any independent verification or discussed with River Branch. River Branchinvestigation. Sandler O’Neill further relied on the assurances of the respective senior managements of MBT and First Merchants that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make any of such information inaccurate or misleading. Sandler O’Neill was not asked to undertake, and did not undertake, an independent verification of any of such information, and River BranchSandler O’Neill did not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to River Branch or derived there from, including the Synergies, River Branch assumed that such forecasts were reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants to which such analyses or forecasts relate. River Branch did not express a view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the Synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based. River Branch assumed, with the Ameriana Board’s consent, that the financial results (including the potential strategic implications, Synergies and operational benefits anticipated to result from the Merger) reflected in such forecasts and other information and data will be realized in the amounts and at the times projected.

River BranchSandler O’Neill did not make anyan independent evaluation or perform an appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants, or any of their respective subsidiaries, and Sandler O’Neill was not furnished with any evaluations or appraisals prepared by others. Sandler O’Neill rendered no opinion or evaluation on the collectability of any such assets nor was River Branch furnished with such evaluations or appraisals. River Branch representatives are not experts in the independent verificationfuture performance of loan and lease losses andany loans of MBT or First Merchants or any of their respective subsidiaries. Sandler O’Neill did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of allowancesthe allowance for loan and lease losses of Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants, noror the combined entity after the Merger, and did River Branchnot review any individual credit files relating to Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants or evaluate the solvency, financial capability or fair valueany of Ameriana Bancorp or First Merchants under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. River Branchtheir respective subsidiaries. Sandler O’Neill assumed, with the Ameriana Board’sMBT’s consent, and without independent verification, that the respective allowances for loan and lease losses for both Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants arewere adequate to cover such losses and willwould be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity. River Branch representatives are not accountants

In preparing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for MBT for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, as such relied uponprovided by the reportssenior management of the independent registered public accounting firmsMBT. In addition, in preparing its analyses Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for each of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants for the accuracyyears ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and completenessdividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020 with an estimated dividend payout ratio for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of First Merchants. Sandler O’Neill also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments and cost savings, as provided by the senior management of First Merchants. With respect to the foregoing information, the respective senior managements of MBT and First Merchants confirmed to Sandler O’Neill that such information reflected (or, in the case of the audited financial statements madepublicly available median analyst estimates referred to River Branch. River Branch representatives are not legal, regulatory or tax expertsabove, were consistent with) the best currently available projections, estimates and as such relied on the assessments made by advisors to Ameriana Bancorp with respect to such issues, and River Branch assumed that Ameriana Bancorp relied upon the advicejudgment of its legal counsel and other advisorsthose respective senior managements as to all legal, regulatorythe future financial performance of MBT and tax matters with respect to Ameriana Bancorp, First Merchants, the Mergerrespectively, and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. River Branch assumed, with the Ameriana Board’s consent, that the Mergermatters covered thereby, and all related transactions will be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement, without waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement and that, in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases for the Merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on Ameriana Bancorp, First Merchants or on the future results of operations or financial condition of the combined entity or the contemplated benefits of the Merger, including without limitation the cost savings, revenue enhancements and related expenses expected to result from the Merger.

Representatives of Ameriana Bancorp advised River Branch, and River Branch furtherSandler O’Neill assumed that the final terms offuture financial performance reflected in such information would be achieved. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to such information, or the Merger Agreement would not vary materially from those set forth in the draft reviewed by River Branch. Other than the sale of First Merchants Insurance Group effective June 12, 2015, the effects of

assumptions on which were conveyed to River Branch by First Merchants management, River Branchsuch information was based. Sandler O’Neill also assumed that there werehad been no material changeschange in Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s or First Merchants’ assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to River Branch. River BranchSandler O’Neill. Sandler O’Neill assumed in all respects material to River Branch’sits analysis that Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants willwould remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to River Branch’s analyses,its analyses.

Sandler O’Neill also assumed, with MBT’s consent, that (i) each of the parties to the Merger Agreement would comply in all material respects with all material terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and all related agreements, that all of the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement and all relatedsuch agreements are and will bewere true and correct andin all material respects, that each partythe parties to such agreements willwould perform in all material respects all of the covenants and agreementsother obligations required to be performed by such party under such agreements. River Branch also assumed,agreements and that the conditions precedent in such agreements were and would not be waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases with respect to the Merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition would be imposed that would have an adverse effect on MBT, First Merchants or the benefits contemplated by the Merger or any related transactions, and (iii) the Merger and any related

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transactions would be consummated in accordance with the Ameriana Board’s consent, thatterms of the Merger will qualifyAgreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements. With MBT’s consent, Sandler O’Neill relied upon the advice that MBT received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors as a tax-free reorganization for federal incometo all legal, accounting and tax purposes.

The River Branch Opinion relates onlymatters relating to the fairness, from aMerger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to any such matters.

Sandler O’Neill’s analyses and opinion were necessarily based on financial, point of view,regulatory, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Sandler O’Neill as of, the date of such opinion, to holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock. River Branch did not express any opinion as to what the value of First Merchants common stock actually will be when issued pursuant to the Merger or the price or volume at which First Merchants common stock or Ameriana Bancorp will trade at any time. The River Branch Opinion did not address the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist or may have been available to or considered by Ameriana Bancorp or the effect of any other transaction in which Ameriana Bancorp might engage.

The River Branch opinion was necessarily based upon information available to River Branch, and financial, economic, regulatory, market and other conditions and circumstances existing, as of the date of theits opinion. Events occurring after the date hereofof the opinion could materially affect theSandler O’Neill’s opinion. River BranchSandler O’Neill has not undertaken to and has no obligation to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw its opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date thereof. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to the trading values of MBT common stock or First Merchants common stock at any time or what the opinion.value of First Merchants common stock would be once it is actually received by the holders of MBT common stock.

In accordance with customary investment banking practice, River Branch employed generally accepted valuation methods in reachingrendering its opinion.opinion, Sandler O’Neill performed a variety of financial analyses. The followingsummary below is not a complete description of all the analyses underlying Sandler O’Neill’s opinion or the presentation made by Sandler O’Neill to MBT’s board of directors, but is a summary of the material financial analyses undertakenperformed and presented by River Branch in connection with rendering the River Branch Opinion.Sandler O’Neill. The following summary however, does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analysis performed by River Branch. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses includeincludes information presented in tabular format. The tables are not intended to stand alone, and inIn order to more fully understand the financial analyses, used by River Branch, thethese tables must be read together with the full text of each summary. Considering the data set forth herein without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of River Branch’s financial analyses.

Summary of Proposal

River Branch reviewed the financial terms of the Merger. Using an exchange ratio of 0.9037 shares of First Merchants’ common stock for every one share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock and based on a First Merchants closing stock price on June 25, 2015 of $24.94, River Branch calculated an approximate aggregate transaction value of $68.9 million, or $22.54 per share (the “Per Share Consideration”). Based on Ameriana Bancorp’s most recent publicly filed financial statements as of March 31, 2015, River Branch calculated the following Per Share Consideration multiples:

Price / LTM EPS

31.3x

Price / 2015 EPS(1)

28.6x

Price / 2016 EPS(2)

22.0x

Price / Book

163.9%

Price / TBV

168.8%

One Day Premium(3)

42.6%

(1)Based on Ameriana Bancorp management projections.

(2)Based on Ameriana Bancorp management projections.
(3)Based on Ameriana Bancorp’s stock price of $15.81 per share, on June 25, 2015.

First Merchants Trading Range

River Branch reviewed certain historical stock price information for First Merchants and calculated the implied transaction value per share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, based on the volume weighted average stock price of First Merchants calculated over different periods of time, ranging from five days preceding the date of the announcement of the Merger to 180 days preceding the date of the announcement of the Merger, as shown in the following table:

Time Period

  First
Merchants
Stock Price
  Implied
Transaction
Value
 

5 Days

  $24.61 (1)  $22.24  

10 Days

  $24.44 (1)  $22.09  

20 Days

  $24.16 (1)  $21.83  

30 Days

  $23.92 (1)  $21.61  

60 Days

  $23.55 (1)  $21.28  

90 Days

  $23.43 (1)  $21.18  

180 Days

  $22.67 (1)  $20.49  

Source: SNL Financial.

(1)Based on volume-weighted average prices.

Ameriana Bancorp Comparable Public Company Analysis

Using publicly available information, River Branch compared selected financial and market data of Ameriana Bancorp with similar data for companies River Branch deemed comparable to Ameriana Bancorp.accompanying text. The comparable group consisted of Midwest exchange traded banks with assets, as of the most recently reported period, less than $1.5 billion and for which 2015 estimated earnings were available. The group was comprised of the following companies and is referred to herein as the Ameriana Comparable Group:

BankFinancial CorporationFarmers National Banc Corp.HopFed Bancorp, Inc.
Pulaski Financial Corp.LCNB Corp.Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.
MutualFirst Financial, Inc.Baylake Corp.
Civista Bancshares, Inc. (formerly First Citizens Banc Corp.)First Internet Bancorp

In all instances, multiples were based on closing stock prices on June 25, 2015. For each of the following analyses performed by River Branch, financial and market data and earnings per share estimates for the selected companies were based on the selected companies’ filings with the SEC and information River Branch obtained from SNL Financial and S&P CapitalIQ. The multiples and ratios for each of the selected companies were based on the most recent publicly available information. Throughout River Branch’s analysis the high and the low bounds of the ranges presented represented the 80th and 20th percentile values, respectively.

With respect to the Ameriana Comparable Group table below, the information River Branch presented included the following:

net income divided by average assets, or ROAA;

net income divided by average equity, or ROAE;

non-interest income divided by operating revenue, or Efficiency Ratio;

non-performing assets divided by total assets, or NPAs / Assets;

multiple of price to book value, or Price / Book;

multiple of price to tangible book value, or Price / TBV;

multiple of price to last twelve months earnings per share, or Price / LTM EPS;

multiple of price to estimated 2015 earnings per share, or Price / 2015E EPS; and

multiple of price to estimated 2016 earnings per share, or Price / 2016E EPS.

Results of River Branch’s analysis were presented for the Ameriana Comparable Group, as shown in the following table:

Ameriana Comparable Group

   

Ameriana

6/25/15

  

Per Share
Consideration

  

High

  

Median

  

Low

ROAA

  0.45%  n/a  0.96%  0.86%  0.76%

ROAE

  5.3%  n/a  9.8%  9.0%  7.1%

Efficiency Ratio

  84%  n/a  65%  71%  73%

NPAs / Assets

  3.6%  n/a  1.0%  1.4%  1.7%

TCE / TA

  8.4%  n/a  10.3%  9.3%  8.7%

Price / Book Value

  n/a  1.64x  1.21x  1.16x  1.01x

Price / TBV

  n/a  1.69x  1.34x  1.17x  1.15x

Price / LTM EPS

  n/a  31.3x  17.4x  13.2x  11.7x

Price / 2015 EPS

  n/a  28.6x  17.9x  12.8x  11.9x

Price / 2016 EPS

  n/a  22.0x  18.4x  11.5x  10.6x

Based on the analysis above, River Branch then applied the range of multiples to the applicable metrics of Ameriana Bancorp. The analysis indicated the following equity values per share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, as compared to the Per Share Consideration:

Ameriana Comparable Group Indicated Value Range

Low – High

Price / Book

$13.82 - $16.59

Price / TBV

$15.35 - $17.87

Price / LTM EPS

$8.42 - $12.50

Price / 2015 EPS

$9.40 - $14.14

Price / 2016 EPS

$10.85 - $18.84

Ameriana Bancorp Precedent Transaction Analysis

Using publicly available information, River Branch compared the proposed financial terms of the Merger to publicly available financial terms of a group of transactions selected by River Branch involving companies in the depository industry.

The transactions group included 39 nationwide transactions announced since January 1, 2014 with announced target total assets between $300 million and $600 million and with target non-performing assets-to-total assets less than 5.0%. The group was comprised of the following transactions and is referred to herein as the Ameriana Precedent Group:

Buyer / Seller
Bear State Financial / Metropolitan National Bank
Home Bancorp / Louisiana Bancorp
Home BancShares / Florida Business BancGroup
Liberty Bank / Naugatuck Valley Financial
Southwest Bancorp / First Commercial Bancshares
Bank of the Ozarks / Bank of the Carolinas
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc./ Magna Bank
Heritage Commerce Corp/ Focus Business Bank
First Financial Bankshares / FBC Bancshares
WSFS Financial / Alliance Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania
Wintrust Financial / Community Financial Shares
Ameris Bancorp / Merchants & Southern Banks of Florida
Farmers National Banc / National Bancshares
United Community Banks / MoneyTree
Cathay General Bancorp / Asia Bancshares
Stupp Bros., Inc / Southern Bancshares
ESB Bancorp MHC/ Citizens National Bancorp
Heartland Financial USA / Community Banc-Corp. of Sheboygan
Pacific Premier Bancorp / Independence Bank
First Horizon National / TrustAtlantic Financial
IBERIABANK / Florida Bank Group
Cape Bancorp / Colonial Financial Services
Old National Bancorp/ Founders Financial
Business First Bancshares / American Gateway Financial
Magnolia Banking / First National Bancshares of Hempstead County
First Midwest Bancorp / Great Lakes Financial Resources
State Bank Financial / Georgia-Carolina Bancshares
Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania / Valley Green Bank
BNC Bancorp / Harbor Bank Group
Independent Bank Group / Houston City Bancshares
Glacier Bancorp / FNBR Holding
Green Bancorp / SP Bancorp
Home BancShares / Florida Traditions Bank
CB Financial Services / FedFirst Financial
F.N.B. Corporation / OBA Financial Services
Simmons First National / Delta Trust & Banking
CVB Financial / American Security Bank
IBERIABANK Corporation/ First Private Holdings
HomeTrust Bancshares / Jefferson Bancshares

With respect to the Ameriana Precedent Group, the information River Branch presented included the following:

ROAA;

ROAE;

Efficiency Ratio;

NPAs / Assets;

Price / Book;

Price / TBV;

Price / LTM EPS;

deal value premium over tangible common equity as a % of core deposits, or Core Deposit Premium; and

Per Share Consideration as a premium to target’s stock price one day prior to announcement, or One Day Premium.

Results of River Branch’s analysis were presented for the Ameriana Precedent Group, as shown in the following table:

Ameriana Precedent Group

   

Ameriana

6/25/15

  

Per Share
Consideration

  

High

  

Median

  

Low

ROAA

  0.45%  n/a  1.10%  0.73%  0.41%

ROAE

  5.3%  n/a  11.0%  6.4%  3.8%

Efficiency Ratio

  84%  n/a  66%  75%  83%

NPAs / Assets

  3.6%  n/a  0.6%  1.3%  2.4%

TCE / TA

  8.4%  n/a  12.2%  10.7%  9.0%

Price / Book Value

  n/a  1.64x  1.70x  1.40x  1.20x

Price / TBV

  n/a  1.69x  1.70x  1.42x  1.30x

Price / LTM EPS

  n/a  31.3x  28.6x  20.2x  15.3x

Core Deposit Premium

  n/a  8.0%  11.4%  7.0%  4.7%

One Day Premium

  n/a  42.6%  51.7%  25.1%  10.4%

Based on the analysis above, River Branch then applied the range of multiples to the applicable metrics of Ameriana Bancorp. The analysis indicated the following equity values per share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, as compared to the Per Share Consideration:

Ameriana Precedent Group Indicated Value Range

Low - High

Price / Book Value

$16.50 - $23.32

Price / TBV

$17.40 - $22.64

Price / LTM EPS

$11.00 - $20.60

Core Deposit Premium

$18.68 - $26.38

One Day Premium

$17.45 - $23.98

Ameriana Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

River Branch calculated a range of implied values for Ameriana Bancorp common stock by estimating the present value of cash flows Ameriana Bancorp could provide to equity holders through 2019 and a terminal value utilizing the following assumptions, among others:

financial projections from 2015 – 2019 provided by Ameriana Bancorp management;

maintenance of an 8.00% tangible common equity-to-tangible asset ratio;

discount rates from 14.5% to 16.5%;

annual budget variance of (10%) to 10%; and

perpetual cash flow growth of 4.0% beginning in 2020 to calculate terminal value using the Gordon Growth Model.

The calculations resulted in a range of implied values of $7.85 to $14.91 per share of Ameriana Bancorp common stock as compared to the Per Share Consideration, as indicated in the following table:

Discount

Rate

  Percentage of Management Forecasted Net Income Achieved
  90%  95%  100%  105%  110%

14.5%

  $9.82  $11.01  $12.26  $13.56  $14.91

15.5%

  $8.74  $9.81  $10.93  $12.09  $13.30

16.5%

  $7.85  $8.82  $9.82  $10.87  $11.95

The discounted cash flow analysis is a widely used valuation methodology that relies on numerous assumptions, including asset growth rates, perpetual growth rates and discount rates, and the results of such methodology are highly dependent on these assumptions. The analysis doestables alone do not purport to be indicative of the actual values or expected values of Ameriana Bancorp. In addition, the analysis relates only to the potential value achieved by Ameriana Bancorp as a stand-alone entity based on assumptions described herein. In addition, the analysis is not intended to, and does not purport to, reflect values achieved on a post-Merger basis with First Merchants.

Contribution Analysis

River Branch analyzed the relative contribution of certain balance sheet and income statement items of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants and compared those relative contributions to the pro forma ownership of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants common shareholders based on the Exchange Ratio. This analysis excluded any acquisition related accounting adjustments or cost synergies projected to be achieved through the Merger and was based on Ameriana Bancorp’s and First Merchants’ common stock prices as of June 25, 2015. The income statement items were based on historical financial information for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2015. The results of River Branch’s analysis are set forth in the following table:

   First Merchants
as % of Total
  Ameriana
as % of Total
 

Total Assets

   92.4  7.6

Gross Loans

   92.4  7.6

Total Deposits

   92.2  7.8

Tangible Common Equity

   92.8  7.2

Reported Net Income (LTM)

   96.7  3.3

2015 Estimated Net Income (1)

   96.6  3.4

Pro Forma Ownership at Proposed Exchange Ratio

   93.3  6.7

(1)Based on Ameriana Bancorp management projections.

Pro Forma Financial Impact Analysis

River Branch performed pro forma merger analyses combining projected income statement and balance sheet information for Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants. Assumptions regarding the accounting treatment, acquisition related adjustments, and cost synergies were used to evaluate the pro forma financial impact the Merger would have on both Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants. In the course of this analysis, River Branch used financial projections provided by Ameriana Bancorp management and consensus EPS estimates sourced from available research analyst reports. The analysis indicated the Merger is expected to be accretive to Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants’ estimated earnings per share in 2016, along with 149% dividend accretion to Ameriana Bancorp shareholders.

First Merchants Comparable Public Company Analysis

Using publicly available information, River Branch compared financial and market data of First Merchants with similar data for a group of peer banks which First Merchants identified in its most recent proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders, filed March 4, 2015, consisting of Midwest financial institutions of relatively similar size to First Merchants. The group was comprised of the following companies and is referred to herein as the First Merchants Comparable Group:

1st Source Corporation

First Commonwealth FinancialMainSource Financial Group, Inc.

Chemical Financial Corporation

First Financial CorporationMB Financial Inc.

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.National Penn Bancshares, Inc

F. N. B. Corporation

Heartland Financial USA, IncOld National Bancorp

First Busey Corporation

Independent Bank CorporationPark National Corporation

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc

Republic Bancorp, Inc.S & T Bancorp, Inc.

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

In all instances, multiples were based on closing stock prices on June 25, 2015. For each of the following analyses performed by River Branch, financial and market data and earnings per share estimates for the selected companies were based on the selected companies’ filings with the SEC and information River Branch obtained from SNL Financial and S&P CapitalIQ. The multiples and ratios for each of the selected companies were based on the most recent publicly available information.

With respect to the First Merchants Comparable Group, the information River Branch presented included the following:

ROAA;

ROAE;

Efficiency Ratio;

NPAs / Assets;

Price / Book;

Price / TBV;

Price / LTM EPS;

Price / 2015E EPS; and

Price / 2016E EPS.

Results of River Branch’s analysis were presented for the First Merchants Comparable Group, as shown in the following table:

First Merchants Comparable Group

   First Merchants  High  Median  Low

ROAA

  1.10%  1.19%  0.98%  0.83%

ROAE

  9.0%  9.8%  8.5%  6.9%

Efficiency Ratio

  59%  57%  63%  67%

NPAs / Assets

  1.1%  0.7%  0.8%  1.8%

TCE / TA

  9.2%  10.7%  8.8%  8.3%

Price / Book

  1.27x  1.59x  1.34x  1.23x

Price / TBV

  1.81x  2.18x  1.84x  1.55x

Price / LTM EPS

  14.7x  19.0x  16.5x  14.5x

Price / 2015 EPS

  13.9x  16.6x  15.2x  14.5x

Price / 2016 EPS

  13.3x  14.9x  14.0x  13.1x

Based on the analysis above, River Branch then applied the range of multiples to the applicable metrics of First Merchants. The analysis indicated the following equity values per share of First Merchants common stock, as compared to the closing stock price of First Merchants on June 25, 2015 of $24.94:

First Merchants Comparable Group Indicated Value Range

Low - High

Price / Book

$24.09 - $31.06

Price / TBV

$21.43 - $30.15

Price / LTM EPS

$24.61 - $32.26

Price / 2015 EPS

$25.91 - $29.69

Price / 2016 EPS

$24.58 - $28.10

First Merchants Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

River Branch calculated a range of implied values for First Merchants common stock by estimating the present value of cash flows First Merchants could provide to equity holders through 2017 and a terminal value utilizing the following assumptions, among others:

financial projections from 2015 – 2017 based on consensus research analyst estimates;

maintenance of an 8.00% tangible common equity-to-tangible asset ratio;

discount rates from 10.5% to 12.5%;

annual budget variance of (10%) to 10%; and

perpetual cash flow growth of 4.0% beginning in 2018 to calculate terminal value using the Gordon Growth Model.

The calculations resulted in a range of implied values of $15.20 to $38.75 per share of First Merchants’ common stock as compared to the closing stock price of First Merchants on June 25, 2015 of $24.94.

Discount Rate

  Percentage of Analyst Forecasted EPS Achieved Each Year
  90%  95%  100%  105%  110%

10.5%

  $19.49  $23.35  $27.81  $32.92  $38.75

11.5%

  $17.06  $20.34  $24.12  $28.44  $33.38

12.5%

  $15.20  $18.04  $21.30  $25.04  $29.28

The discounted cash flow analysis is a widely used valuation methodology that relies on numerous assumptions, including asset growth rates, perpetual growth rates and discount rates, and the results of such methodology are highly dependent on these assumptions. The analysis does not purport to be indicative of the actual values or expected values of First Merchants. In addition, the analysis relates only to the potential value achieved by First Merchants as a stand-alone entity based on assumptions described herein. In addition, the analysis is not intended to, and does not purport to, reflect values achieved on a post-Merger basis.

The foregoing summary of certain material financial analyses does not purport to beconstitute a complete description of the analyses or data presented by River Branch.financial analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgments as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. The process, therefore, is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. River BranchSandler O’Neill believes that the foregoing summary and its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the foregoing summaryfactors and these analyses to be considered without considering all of itsfactors and analyses, as a whole, including the methodologiesor attempting to ascribe relative weights to some or all such factors and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading oran incomplete view of the processesevaluation process underlying the analyses and its opinion. Also, no company included in Sandler O’Neill’s comparative analyses described below is identical to MBT or First Merchants and no transaction is identical to the Merger. Accordingly, an analysis of comparable companies or transactions involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies and other factors that could affect the public trading values or Merger transaction values, as the case may be, of MBT and First Merchants and the companies to which they were compared. In arriving at its opinion, River BranchSandler O’Neill did not attribute any particular weight to any analysesanalysis or factors considered byfactor that it considered. Rather, Sandler O’Neill made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. Sandler O’Neill did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor

(positive (positive or negative), considered in isolation supported or failed to support its opinion. Rather, River Branch consideredopinion, rather, Sandler O’Neill made its determination as to the totalityfairness of the factorsMerger Consideration to the holders of MBT common stock on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all its analyses performed in determining its opinion. taken as a whole.

In performing its analyses, River BranchSandler O’Neill also made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business economic, monetary, regulatory, market and othereconomic conditions and various other matters, many of which cannot be predicted and are beyond Ameriana Bancorp’s, First Merchants’ or River Branch’s control. In addition, analyses based upon forecasts of future results are inherently uncertain, as they are subject to numerous factors or events beyond the control of the partiesMBT, First Merchants, and their advisors. Accordingly, forecasts and theSandler O’Neill. The analyses used or performed by River BranchSandler O’Neill are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, both of which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by thosesuch analyses. Moreover, River Branch’sSandler O’Neill prepared its analyses are notsolely for purposes of rendering its opinion and provided such analyses to MBT’s Board of Directors at its October 8, 2018 meeting. Estimates on the values of companies do not purport to be appraisals or otherwise reflective ofnecessarily reflect the prices at which businessescompanies or their securities may actually could be bought or sold,sold. Such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty and the range of valuations resulting from any particular analysis described above should not be taken to be River Branch’s view of Ameriana Bancorp’s or First Merchants’ actual value. None of the selected companies reviewed is identical to Ameriana Bancorp or First Merchants. However, the companies selected were chosen because they are publicly traded companies with operations and businesses that, for purposes of River Branch’s analysis,values may be considered similar to thosematerially different. Accordingly, Sandler O’Neill’s analyses do not necessarily reflect the value of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock or First Merchants as applicable. The analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics ofcommon stock or the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies compared to Ameriana Bancorpprices at which MBT or First Merchants as applicable.common stock may be sold at any time. The analyses of River BranchSandler O’Neill and its opinion were among a number of factors taken into consideration by the Ameriana BoardMBT’s board of directors in making its determination to approve the Merger Agreement and the analyses described abovebelow should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of the AmerianaMBT’s Board to approve the Merger Agreement.

As a part of its investment banking business, River Branch and its affiliates are continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, investments for passive and control purposes, private placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes. River Branch was selected to advise Ameriana BancorpDirectors with respect to the fairness of the Merger.

Summary of Proposed Merger Consideration and Implied Transaction Metrics. Sandler O’Neill reviewed the financial terms of the proposed transaction. Sandler O’Neill calculated an implied purchase price per share of $12.45, or an aggregate implied transaction value of approximately $288.0 million, consisting of the implied

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value of 0.2750 shares of First Merchants common stock based on the basisclosing price of First Merchants common stock on October 5, 2018. Based upon financial information for MBT as of or for the most recent available completed quarter (“MRQ”) ended June 30, 2018, the publicly available consensus median analyst 2018 and 2019 earnings per share estimates for MBT and the closing price of MBT common stock on October 5, 2018, Sandler O’Neill calculated the following implied transaction metrics:

Purchase Price Per Share / LTM EPS
23.1
x
Purchase Price Per Share / YTD EPS Annualized(1)
16.4
x
Purchase Price Per Share / 2018 Estimated EPS(2)
15.7
x
Purchase Price Per Share / 2019 Estimated EPS(2)
14.7
x
Purchase Price Per Share / June 30, 2018 Book Value Per Share
238
%
Purchase Price Per Share / June 30, 2018 Tangible Book Value Per Share
238
%
Tangible Book Premium / Core Deposits(3) (“Core Deposit Premium”)
15.2
%
Market Premium as of October 5, 2018
9.7
%
Market Premium based on FRME’s ($46.72) & MBTF’s ($11.29) 20-Day VWAP’s
13.8
%
(1)June 2018 YTD earnings per common share as reported by MBT Financial Corp. annualized.
(2)Based on median consensus analyst earnings per share estimates.
(3)Core Deposits defined as deposits less time deposits with a balance of at least $100,000.

Stock Trading History. Sandler O’Neill reviewed the historical publicly reported trading prices of MBT common stock and First Merchants common stock for the three-year period ended October 5, 2018. Sandler O’Neill then compared the relationship between the movements in the price of MBT common stock and First Merchants common stock, respectively, to movements in their respective peer groups (as described below) as well as certain stock indices.

MBT’s Three-Year Stock Performance

 
Beginning Value
October 5, 2015
Ending Value
October 5, 2018
MBT
 
100
%
 
180.7
%
SNL U.S. Bank Index
 
100
%
 
147.6
%
MBT Peer Group
 
100
%
 
152.0
%

First Merchants’ Three-Year Stock Performance

 
Beginning Value
October 5, 2015
Ending Value
October 5, 2018
First Merchants
 
100
%
 
173.5
%
SNL U.S. Bank Index
 
100
%
 
147.6
%
First Merchants Peer Group
 
100
%
 
147.8
%

Comparable Company Analyses. Sandler O’Neill used publicly available information to compare selected financial information for MBT with a group of financial institutions selected by Sandler O’Neill. The MBT peer group included 16 United States-based banks headquartered in the continental 48 states with securities publicly traded on major United States exchanges and assets between $1.0 billion and $2.0 billion, but excluded targets of announced merger transactions and the companies Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. & Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “MBT Peer Group”). The MBT Peer Group consisted of the following companies:

First Business Financial Services, Inc.
Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.
Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.
Ames National Corporation
Macatawa Bank Corporation
Level One Bancorp, Inc.
Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc.
Mackinac Financial Corporation
LCNB Corp.
Middlefield Banc Corp.
BankFinancial Corporation
Limestone Bancorp, Inc.
Civista Bancshares, Inc.
First Savings Financial Group, Inc.
County Bancorp, Inc.
Ohio Valley Banc Corp.

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The analysis compared publicly available financial information for MBT with corresponding data for the MBT Peer Group as of or for the twelve months ended June 30, 2018 with pricing data as of October 5, 2018. The table below sets forth the data for MBT and the high, low, mean, and median data for the MBT Peer Group. Certain financial data prepared by Sandler O’Neill, as referenced in the table presented below, may not correspond to the data presented in MBT’s historical financial statements, as a result of the different periods, assumptions and methods used by Sander O’Neill to compute the financial data presented.

MBT Comparable Company Analysis

 
MBT
Peer Group
High
Peer Group
Low
Peer Group
Mean
Peer Group
Median
Total Assets ($ millions)
 
1,322
 
 
1,900
 
 
1,025
 
 
1,460
 
 
1,484
 
Loans / Deposits
 
64.6
%
 
119.2
%
 
68.7
%
 
94.6
%
 
97.9
%
Non-Performing Assets(1) / Total Assets
 
0.28
%
 
2.30
%
 
0.05
%
 
0.74
%
 
0.64
%
Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets
 
9.1
%
 
12.4
%
 
6.4
%
 
9.7
%
 
9.7
%
Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio
 
14.8
%
 
16.6
%
 
9.3
%
 
12.9
%
 
12.2
%
Total Risk Based Capital Ratio
 
15.7
%
 
17.8
%
 
11.8
%
 
14.4
%
 
14.0
%
CRE / Total Risk Based Capital Ratio
 
132
%
 
412
%
 
102
%
 
266
%
 
260
%
YTD Return on Average Assets (“ROAA”)
 
1.34
%
 
1.52
%
 
0.37
%
 
1.04
%
 
1.10
%
YTD Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (“ROATCE”)
 
14.6
%
 
14.8
%
 
5.2
%
 
11.2
%
 
11.7
%
YTD Net Interest Margin
 
3.55
%
 
4.37
%
 
2.91
%
 
3.68
%
 
3.74
%
YTD Efficiency Ratio
 
64.6
%
 
76.3
%
 
40.0
%
 
63.2
%
 
64.9
%
Stock Price / Tangible Book Value
 
217
%
 
215
%
 
121
%
 
159
%
 
162
%
Stock Price / YTD Annualized Earnings Per Share(2)
 
14.9
x
 
29.6
x
 
11.0
x
 
15.5
x
 
14.5
x
Stock Price / Mean Consensus Analyst 2018E Earnings Per Share
 
14.2
x
 
19.5
x
 
11.6
x
 
14.5
x
 
14.3
x
Stock Price / Mean Consensus Analyst 2019E Earnings Per Share
 
13.4
x
 
16.3
x
 
10.6
x
 
12.4
x
 
12.2
x
Current Dividend Yield
 
3.5
%
 
3.5
%
 
0.0
%
 
1.8
%
 
1.9
%
Market Capitalization ($ millions)
 
261
 
 
390
 
 
97
 
 
225
 
 
206
 
(1)Excludes restructured loans.
(2)June 2018 YTD earnings per common share annualized.

Sandler O’Neill used publicly available information to perform a similar analysis for First Merchants by comparing selected financial information for First Merchants with a group of financial institutions selected by Sandler O’Neill. The First Merchants peer group included 13 United States-based banks with securities publicly traded on major United States exchanges and assets between $5.0 billion and $20.0 billion (the “First Merchants Peer Group”). The First Merchants Peer Group consisted of the following companies:

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.
First Busey Corporation
Old National Bancorp
Park National Corporation
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.
1st Source Corporation
First Financial Bancorp.
Midland States Bancorp, Inc.
Great Western Bancorp, Inc.
Enterprise Financial Services Corp.
Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
Republic Bancorp, Inc.
Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

The analysis compared publicly available financial information for First Merchants with corresponding data for the First Merchants Peer Group as of or for the twelve months ended June 30, 2018 with pricing data as of October 5, 2018. The table below sets forth the data for First Merchants and the high, low, mean, and median data for the First Merchants Peer Group. Certain financial data prepared by Sandler O’Neill, as referenced in the table presented below, may not correspond to the data presented in First Merchants’ historical financial statements, as a result of the different periods, assumptions and methods used by Sander O’Neill to compute the financial data presented.

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First Merchants Comparable Company Analysis

 
First
Merchants
Peer Group
High
Peer Group
Low
Peer Group
Mean
Peer Group
Median
Total Assets ($ millions)
 
9,735
 
 
18,130
 
 
5,266
 
 
10,367
 
 
9,049
 
Loans / Deposits
 
94.4
%
 
136.2
%
 
78.8
%
 
97.3
%
 
94.7
%
Non-Performing Assets(1) / Total Assets
 
0.30
%
 
1.16
%
 
0.14
%
 
0.53
%
 
0.45
%
Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets
 
9.4
%
 
14.8
%
 
7.0
%
 
9.2
%
 
8.4
%
Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio
 
12.0
%
 
30.0
%
 
9.8
%
 
13.4
%
 
11.8
%
Total Risk Based Capital Ratio
 
13.8
%
 
30.2
%
 
11.9
%
 
14.8
%
 
13.4
%
CRE / Total Risk Based Capital Ratio
 
218
%
 
238
%
 
22
%
 
161
%
 
188
%
YTD Return on Average Assets
 
1.60
%
 
1.67
%
 
0.56
%
 
1.18
%
 
1.17
%
YTD Return on Average Tangible Common Equity
 
18.7
%
 
20.4
%
 
7.6
%
 
13.7
%
 
13.6
%
YTD Net Interest Margin
 
3.96
%
 
4.85
%
 
1.87
%
 
3.65
%
 
3.78
%
YTD Efficiency Ratio
 
50.4
%
 
76.9
%
 
42.2
%
 
57.3
%
 
57.3
%
Stock Price / Tangible Book Value
 
257
%
 
269
%
 
123
%
 
211
%
 
229
%
Stock Price / YTD Annualized Earnings Per Share(2)
 
14.7
x
 
24.8
x
 
10.4
x
 
15.6
x
 
16.1
x
Stock Price / Mean Consensus Analyst 2018E Earnings Per Share
 
14.3
x
 
17.4
x
 
9.9
x
 
15.0
x
 
15.4
x
Stock Price / Mean Consensus Analyst 2019E Earnings Per Share
 
13.2
x
 
16.2
x
 
8.6
x
 
12.9
x
 
13.2
x
Current Dividend Yield
 
1.9
%
 
3.7
%
 
0.0
%
 
2.1
%
 
2.4
%
Market Capitalization ($ millions)
 
2,244
 
 
3,030
 
 
740
 
 
1,846
 
 
1,732
 
(1)Excluded restructured loans.
(2)June 2018 YTD earnings per common share annualized.

Analysis of Precedent Transactions. Sandler O’Neill reviewed a group of merger and acquisition transactions consisting of bank and thrift transactions where targets were headquartered in the Midwest region, announced between November 8, 2016 and October 5, 2018 with target company assets between $750 million and $2.0 billion (the “Regional Precedent Transactions”). Sandler O’Neill also reviewed a national group of merger and acquisition transactions consisting of bank and thrift transactions announced between November 8, 2016 and October 5, 2018 with target company assets between $1.0 billion and $2.0 billion (the “Nationwide Precedent Transactions”).

The Regional Precedent Transactions group was composed of the following transactions:

Acquiror
Target
MidWestOne Financial Grp Inc.
ATBancorp
First Busey Corp.
Banc Ed Corp.
Old National Bancorp
Klein Financial Inc.
WesBanco Inc.
Farmers Capital Bank Corp.
Byline Bancorp Inc.
First Evanston Bancorp Inc.
Midland States Bancorp Inc.
Alpine Bancorp. Inc.
National Bank Holdings Corp.
Peoples Inc.
First Merchants Corp.
Independent Alliance Banks Inc
First Busey Corp.
First Community Financial Partners
Midland States Bancorp Inc.
Centrue Financial Corporation

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Using the latest publicly available information prior to the announcement of the relevant transaction, Sandler O’Neill reviewed the following transaction metrics: transaction price to last-twelve-months earnings per share, transaction price to tangible book value per share, core deposit premium (to the extent publicly available), and 1-day market premium. Sandler O’Neill compared the indicated transaction metrics for the Merger to the high, low, mean and median metrics of the Regional Precedent Transactions.

 
First
Merchants /
MBT
Regional
Precedent
Transactions
High
Regional
Precedent
Transactions
Low
Regional
Precedent
Transactions
Mean
Regional
Precedent
Transactions
Median
Transaction price/LTM earnings per share(1)
 
23.1
x
 
28.9
x
 
18.2
x
 
24.1
x
 
23.6
x
Transaction price/Tangible book value per share
 
238
%
 
265
%
 
139
%
 
187
%
 
173
%
Core deposit premium(2)
 
15.2
%
 
22.6
%
 
6.8
%
 
11.1
%
 
8.2
%
1-Day market premium
 
9.7
%(3)
 
74.4
%
 
10.4
%
 
11.1
%
 
8.2
%
(1)Excluded the multiples of the MidWestOne Financial Grp Inc./ ATBancorp and National Bank Holdings Corp./ Peoples Inc. transactions as not meaningful.
(2)Core deposits defined as total deposits, less time deposit accounts with a balance of at least $100,000.
(3)First Merchants / MBT as of October 5, 2018.

The Nationwide Precedent Transactions group was composed of the following transactions:

Acquiror
Target
MidWestOne Financial Grp Inc.
ATBancorp
Allegiance Bancshares Inc.
Post Oak Bancshares Inc.
TriCo Bancshares
FNB Bancorp
Byline Bancorp Inc.
First Evanston Bancorp Inc.
Glacier Bancorp Inc.
Inter-Mountain Bancorp. Inc.
Midland States Bancorp Inc.
Alpine Bancorp. Inc.
Pacific Premier Bancorp
Plaza Bancorp
Southside Bancshares Inc.
Diboll State Bancshares Inc.
Carolina Financial Corp.
First South Bancorp Inc.
First Merchants Corp.
Independent Alliance Banks Inc
Heartland Financial USA Inc.
Citywide Banks of Colorado Inc
FB Financial Corp
American City Bank/Clayton Ban
First Busey Corp.
First Community Financial Partners
Renasant Corp.
Metropolitan BancGroup Inc.
Veritex Holdings Inc.
Sovereign Bancshares Inc.
Southern National Bancorp of VA
Eastern Virginia Bankshares

Using the latest publicly available information prior to the announcement of the relevant transaction, Sandler O’Neill reviewed the following transaction metrics: transaction price to last-twelve-months earnings per share, transaction price to tangible book value per share, core deposit premium (to the extent publicly available), and 1-day market premium. Sandler O’Neill compared the indicated transaction metrics for the Merger to the high, low, mean and median metrics of the Nationwide Precedent Transactions.

 
First
Merchants /
MBT
Nationwide
Precedent
Transactions
High
Nationwide
Precedent
Transactions
Low
Nationwide
Precedent
Transactions
Mean
Nationwide
Precedent
Transactions
Median
Transaction price/LTM earnings per share(1)
 
23.1
x
 
27.8
x
 
9.8
x
 
20.7
x
 
20.8
x
Transaction price/Tangible book value per share
 
238
%
 
265
%
 
155
%
 
202
%
 
192
%
Core deposit premium(2)
 
15.2
%
 
22.6
%
 
6.8
%
 
13.1
%
 
13.0
%
1-Day market premium
 
9.7
%(3)
 
74.4
%
 
2.8
%
 
23.7
%
 
15.5
%
(1)Excluded the multiples of the MidWestOne Financial Grp Inc./ ATBancorp transaction as not meaningful.
(2)Core deposits defined as total deposits, less time deposit accounts with a balance of at least $100,000.
(3)First Merchants / MBT as of October 5, 2018.

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Net Present Value Analyses. Sandler O’Neill performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of MBT common stock, assuming publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for MBT for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, as provided by the senior management of MBT. To approximate the terminal value of MBT common stock at December 31, 2022, Sandler O’Neill applied price to 2022 earnings multiples ranging from 14.0x to 18.0x and multiples of December 31, 2022 tangible book value ranging from 150% to 200%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 10.0% to 14.0%, which were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of MBT common stock. As illustrated in the following tables, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of MBT common stock of $10.03 to $14.50 when applying multiples of earnings and $7.67 to $11.29 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Imputed Present Values Per Share Based on Earnings Multiples

Discount Rate
14.0x
15.0x
16.0x
17.0x
18.0x
10.0%
$
11.64
 
$
12.36
 
$
13.07
 
$
13.78
 
$
14.50
 
11.0%
 
11.21
 
 
11.89
 
 
12.58
 
 
13.26
 
 
13.95
 
12.0%
 
10.80
 
 
11.45
 
 
12.11
 
 
12.77
 
 
13.43
 
13.0%
 
10.40
 
 
11.03
 
 
11.67
 
 
12.30
 
 
12.93
 
14.0%
 
10.03
 
 
10.63
 
 
11.24
 
 
11.85
 
 
12.46
 

Imputed Present Values Per Share Based on Tangible Book Multiples

Discount Rate
150%
160%
170%
180%
190%
200%
10.0%
$
8.88
 
$
9.36
 
$
9.84
 
$
10.32
 
$
10.81
 
$
11.29
 
11.0%
 
8.56
 
 
9.02
 
 
9.48
 
 
9.94
 
 
10.41
 
 
10.87
 
12.0%
 
8.25
 
 
8.69
 
 
9.14
 
 
9.58
 
 
10.02
 
 
10.47
 
13.0%
 
7.95
 
 
8.38
 
 
8.81
 
 
9.23
 
 
9.66
 
 
10.09
 
14.0%
 
7.67
 
 
8.08
 
 
8.49
 
 
8.90
 
 
9.31
 
 
9.72
 

Sandler O’Neill also considered and discussed with the MBT Board of Directors how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to earnings. To illustrate this impact, Sandler O’Neill performed a similar analysis, assuming MBT’s earnings varied from 15% above estimates to 15% below estimates. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for MBT common stock, applying the price to 2022 earnings multiples range of 14.0x to 18.0x referred to above and a discount rate of 12.00%.

Imputed Present Values per Share Based on Earnings Multiples:

Annual Estimate Variance
14.0x
15.0x
16.0x
17.0x
18.0x
(15.0%)
 
9.41
 
 
9.97
 
 
10.53
 
 
11.09
 
 
11.65
 
(10.0%)
 
9.88
 
 
10.47
 
 
11.06
 
 
11.65
 
 
12.24
 
(5.0%)
 
10.34
 
 
10.96
 
 
11.58
 
 
12.21
 
 
12.83
 
0.0%
 
10.80
 
 
11.45
 
 
12.11
 
 
12.77
 
 
13.43
 
5.0%
 
11.26
 
 
11.95
 
 
12.64
 
 
13.33
 
 
14.02
 
10.0%
 
11.72
 
 
12.44
 
 
13.16
 
 
13.89
 
 
14.61
 
15.0%
 
12.18
 
 
12.93
 
 
13.69
 
 
14.45
 
 
15.20
 

Sandler O’Neill also performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of First Merchants common stock, assuming that First Merchants performed in accordance with publicly available median consensus analyst earnings per share estimates for First Merchants for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020 with an estimated dividend payout ratio for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of First Merchants. To approximate the terminal value of First Merchants common stock at December 31, 2022, Sandler O’Neill applied price to

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2022 earnings multiples ranging from 12.0x to 19.0x and multiples of December 31, 2022 tangible book value ranging from 200% to 250%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 9.0% to 13.0%, which were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of First Merchants common stock. As illustrated in the following tables, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of First Merchants common stock of $32.16 to $57.17 when applying multiples of earnings and $38.06 to $54.63 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Imputed Present Values per Share Based on Earnings Multiples

Discount Rate
12.0x
13.0x
14.0x
15.0x
16.0x
17.0x
18.0x
19.0x
9.0%
$
37.56
 
$
40.36
 
$
43.16
 
$
45.96
 
$
48.77
 
$
51.57
 
$
54.37
 
$
57.17
 
10.0%
 
36.11
 
 
38.80
 
 
41.49
 
 
44.18
 
 
46.87
 
 
49.56
 
 
52.25
 
 
54.94
 
11.0%
 
34.73
 
 
37.31
 
 
39.89
 
 
42.47
 
 
45.06
 
 
47.64
 
 
50.22
 
 
52.80
 
12.0%
 
33.41
 
 
35.89
 
 
38.37
 
 
40.85
 
 
43.33
 
 
45.81
 
 
48.29
 
 
50.77
 
13.0%
 
32.16
 
 
34.54
 
 
36.93
 
 
39.31
 
 
41.69
 
 
44.08
 
 
46.46
 
 
48.84
 

Imputed Present Values per Share Based on Tangible Book Multiples

Discount Rate
200%
210%
220%
230%
240%
250%
9.0%
$
44.49
 
$
46.52
 
$
48.55
 
$
50.58
 
$
52.60
 
$
54.63
 
10.0%
 
42.76
 
 
44.71
 
 
46.66
 
 
48.60
 
 
50.55
 
 
52.49
 
11.0%
 
41.12
 
 
42.99
 
 
44.85
 
 
46.72
 
 
48.59
 
 
50.46
 
12.0%
 
39.55
 
 
41.35
 
 
43.14
 
 
44.93
 
 
46.73
 
 
48.52
 
13.0%
 
38.06
 
 
39.78
 
 
41.51
 
 
43.23
 
 
44.96
 
 
46.68
 

Sandler O’Neill also considered and discussed with the MBT Board of Directors how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to earnings. To illustrate this impact, Sandler O’Neill performed a similar analysis assuming First Merchants’ earnings varied from 15% above estimates to 15% below estimates. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for First Merchants common stock, applying the price to 2022 earnings multiples range of 12.0x to 19.0x referred to above and a discount rate of 11.00%.

Imputed Present Values per Share Based on Earnings Multiples:

Annual Estimate Variance
12.0x
13.0x
14.0x
15.0x
16.0x
17.0x
18.0x
19.0x
(15.0%)
$
30.08
 
$
32.27
 
$
34.47
 
$
36.66
 
$
38.86
 
$
41.05
 
$
43.25
 
$
45.44
 
(10.0%)
 
31.63
 
 
33.95
 
 
36.28
 
 
38.60
 
 
40.93
 
 
43.25
 
 
45.57
 
 
47.90
 
(5.0%)
 
33.18
 
 
35.63
 
 
38.08
 
 
40.54
 
 
42.99
 
 
45.44
 
 
47.90
 
 
50.35
 
0.0%
 
34.73
 
 
37.31
 
 
39.89
 
 
42.47
 
 
45.06
 
 
47.64
 
 
50.22
 
 
52.80
 
5.0%
 
36.28
 
 
38.99
 
 
41.70
 
 
44.41
 
 
47.12
 
 
49.83
 
 
52.55
 
 
55.26
 
10.0%
 
37.83
 
 
40.67
 
 
43.51
 
 
46.35
 
 
49.19
 
 
52.03
 
 
54.87
 
 
57.71
 
15.0%
 
39.38
 
 
42.35
 
 
45.32
 
 
48.28
 
 
51.25
 
 
54.22
 
 
57.19
 
 
60.16
 

Sandler O’Neill noted that the net present value analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such experiencemethodology are highly dependent upon the numerous assumptions that must be made, and its familiaritythe results thereof are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results.

Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Sandler O’Neill analyzed certain potential pro forma effects of the Merger, assuming the Merger closes at the end of the first calendar quarter of 2019. Sandler O’Neill utilized the following information and assumptions: (a) publicly available median consensus analyst earnings per share estimates for First Merchants for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020 and an estimated dividend payout ratio, as provided by First Merchants senior management; (b) publicly available median consensus analyst earnings per share estimates for MBT for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per

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share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, as provided by the senior management of MBT; and (c) certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments and cost savings, as provided by First Merchants senior management. The analysis indicated that the Merger could be accretive to First Merchants’ estimated earnings per share (excluding one-time transaction costs and expenses) in the years ending December 31, 2019 through December 31, 2022 and dilutive to First Merchants’ estimated tangible book value per share at close and at December 31, 2019, December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2021, but accretive in the year ending December 31, 2022.

In connection with Ameriana Bancorp.this analysis, Sandler O’Neill considered and discussed with the MBT Board of Directors how the analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including the impact of final purchase accounting adjustments determined at the closing of the Merger, and noted that the actual results achieved by the combined company may vary from projected results and the variations may be material.

ForSandler O’Neill’s Relationship. Sandler O’Neill is acting as MBT’s independent financial advisory services renderedadvisor in connection with the Merger River Branch receivedand will receive a non-refundable cash retainerfee for such services in an amount equal to two-thirds of $100,000 due at1.10% of the aggregate value of the transaction immediately prior to closing as determined under MBT’s engagement letter with Sandler O’Neill (the “Transaction Fee”), a substantial portion of which is contingent upon the closing of the Merger. At the time of signing of the Merger Agreement, Sandler O’Neill received a portion of the Transaction Fee equal to $166,667. The balance of the Transaction Fee, less a $30,000 retainer fee paid by MBT upon its execution of Sandler O’Neill’s engagement letter, and a fairness opinion feeestimated at $1,940,000 based on an estimated transaction value as of $200,000 due upon deliverythe date of such opinion. In addition, contingent upon the completionpublic announcement of the Merger Ameriana Bancorp has agreedon October 10, 2018, is payable to pay River Branch a fee of 1.25% ofSandler O’Neill upon the total consideration to be received by holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock at the consummationclosing of the Merger. In addition, Ameriana BancorpSandler was also paid $250,000 from MBT upon rendering its opinion. MBT has also agreed to indemnify Sandler O’Neill against certain claims and liabilities arising out of Sandler O’Neill’s engagement and to reimburse River BranchSandler O’Neill for certain of its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its service and will indemnify River Branch for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the federal securities laws.Sandler O’Neill’s engagement.

DuringIn the two years preceding the date of itsSandler O’Neill’s opinion, letter, River Branch has performedSandler O’Neill provided certain other investment banking services to MBT. Most recently, Sandler O’Neill was retained by MBT in August 2017 to act as MBT’s financial and strategic advisory services for Ameriana Bancorp foradvisor in connection with a possible business combination, which it did not receive any compensation from Ameriana Bancorp, beyondtransaction was never consummated. Sander O’Neill also informed the non-refundable cash retainer referencedBoard of Directors of MBT that in the previous paragraph. There are no material relationships that existed during the two years prior topreceding the date of River Branch’sSandler O’Neill’s opinion or that are mutually understoodSandler O’Neill had provided certain investment banking services to be contemplatedFirst Merchants. Most recently, Sandler O’Neill acted as (i) financial advisor in connection with First Merchants’ acquisition of Independent Alliance Banks, Inc., which any compensation was received or is intended to be receivedtransaction closed in July 2017, and (ii) financial advisor in connection with First Merchants’ acquisition of Arlington Bank, which transaction closed in May 2017. In addition, the ordinary course of Sandler O’Neill’s business as a resultbroker-dealer, Sandler O’Neill may purchase securities from and sell securities to MBT, First Merchants and their respective affiliates. Sandler O’Neill may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of a relationship between River BranchMBT and First Merchants.Merchants or their respective affiliates for Sandler O’Neill’s own account and for the accounts of its customers.

Dissenting ShareholdersDonnelly Penman Co-financial Advisor.

Donnelly Penman participated as a co-financial advisor to MBT in connection with the Merger. In connection with its role Donnelly Penman will receive a fee for such services in an amount to one-third of 1.10% of the aggregate value of the transaction, a substantial portion of which is contingent upon the closing of the Merger. At the time of signing of the Merger Agreement, Donnelly Penman received a portion of the transaction fee equal to $83,333. The shareholdersbalance of Ameriana Bancorp are not entitledthe transaction fee, less a $15,000 retainer fee paid by MBT upon its execution of Donnelly Penman’s engagement letter and estimated at $970,000 based on an estimated transaction value as of the date of the public announcement of the Merger on October 10, 2018, is payable to dissenters’ rights under Indiana CodeSection 23-1-44, as amended, becauseDonnelly Penman upon the sharesclosing of Ameriana Bancorp common stock are traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market.the Merger.

Registration of First Merchants Common Stock

Shares of First Merchants common stock to be issued to Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders in the Merger will be registered under the Securities Act. These shares may be traded freely without restriction by those Ameriana

BancorpMBT shareholders not considered to be “affiliates” of First Merchants under the Securities Act after the Merger is complete. At the present time, there are no persons involved in the management of Ameriana BancorpMBT who are anticipated to be an “affiliate” of First Merchants after the Merger.

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Regulatory Approvals

The Merger cannot be completed until First Merchants Bank receives necessary regulatory approvals, which include the approval of the Federal Reserve Board as to the MergerIndiana Department of Financial Institutions (the “Indiana DFI”) and the OCC as to the Bank Merger.Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). First Merchants Bank has filed an application with the OCC for approvalIndiana DFI on or about November 2, 2018, and an application with the FDIC on or about November 23, 2018, but cannot be certain when or if such approvals will be obtained. First Merchants Bank has also sent required notice to the Michigan Department of the Bank MergerInsurance and withFinancial Services (the “Michigan DIFS”) on or about November 30, 2018. First Merchants has also requested that the Federal Reserve Board for approvalof Governors (the “Federal Reserve”) waive its right to receive an application in connection with the Merger as permitted under Regulation Y of the Merger. First Merchants cannot be certain when such approvals will be obtained or if they will be obtained.

In reviewing the applications, the federal banking regulators consider various factors including:

1.the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of First Merchants and its subsidiaries;

2.the competitive effects of the Merger and Bank Merger; and

3.the convenience and needs of the community served by Ameriana Bank.

The federal banking regulators may not approve the Merger if they find that the effect of the Merger substantially lessens competition, tends to create a monopoly or results in a restraint of trade, unless the regulators find that the anti-competitive effects of the proposed Merger are outweighed by the public interest and the probable effect of the Merger in meeting the convenience and needs of the communities to be served.Bank Holding Company Act.

After the regulators’FDIC’s approval is received, the Bank Merger cannot be completed for thirty (30)30 days. During this 30-day waiting period, the United States Department of Justice has the authority to challenge the Bank Merger on antitrust grounds. With the approval of the regulatorsFDIC and the Department of Justice, the waiting period can be reduced to fifteen (15)15 days.

The approval of the federal banking regulatorsIndiana DFI and the FDIC is not the opinion of the regulatory authorities that the Merger or the Bank Merger is favorable to the Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants shareholders from a financial point of view or that the regulators haveIndiana DFI or the FDIC has considered the adequacy of the terms of the Merger or the Bank Merger. The approvals in no way constitute an endorsement or a recommendation of the Merger or the Bank Merger by the federal banking regulators.FDIC.

Effective Date of the Merger

The Merger will be consummated if the Merger Proposal is approved by the Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders, all required consents and approvals are obtained and all other conditions to the Merger are either satisfied or waived. The Merger will become effective when the Articles of Merger are filed with the Secretary of State of Indiana and the Certificate of Merger is filed with the Michigan Corporations Division, or at such later date and time as may be specified in the Articles of Merger and the Certificate of Merger. The closing of the Merger will likely occur in the month in which any applicable waiting period following the last approval of the Merger expires or on such other date as agreed to by the parties. We currently anticipate that the Merger will be completed during the fourth quarter of 2015 or first quarter of 2016.2019. However, completion of the Merger could be delayed if there is a delay in obtaining the required shareholder or regulatory approvals or in satisfying the other conditions to completion of the Merger. Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants have the right, subject to certain conditions, to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger is not completed by January 31, 2016June 30, 2019 (or March 31, 2016September 30, 2019 if the sole impediment to closing is the lack of a necessary regulatory approval).

The NASDAQ Global Select Market Listing

First Merchants will file a notification with The NASDAQ Global Select Market regarding the issuance of First Merchants common stock in the Merger. Following the Merger, the First Merchants shares issued to Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will be listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Accounting Treatment

The Merger will be accounted for as an acquisition transaction for accounting and financial reporting purposes. As a result, Ameriana Bancorp’s assets, including identified intangible assets, and liabilities will be recorded by First Merchants on its books at their fair values and added to those of First Merchants. Any excess payment by First Merchants over the fair value of the net assets and identifiable intangibles of Ameriana Bancorp will be recorded as goodwill on the financial statements of First Merchants. Conversely, any excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the payment made by First Merchants will be allocated as a reduction of all assets.

Registration Statement

First Merchants has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC in order to register the shares of First Merchants common stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger under the Securities Act. Because First Merchants common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, it is exempt from the statutory registration requirements of each state in the United States. Therefore, First Merchants has not taken any steps to register its stock under state laws.

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

When considering the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, you should be aware that certain of the directors and officers of Ameriana BancorpMBT have interests in the Merger other than their interests as Ameriana Bancorp shareholders, pursuant to certain agreements and understandings that are set forth in the Merger Agreement.MBT shareholders. These interests are different from, or in conflict with, your interests as Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders. The members of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors and the First Merchants’ Board of Directors were aware of these additional interests, and considered them, when they approved the Merger Agreement. Except as follows, to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, the named executive officers and directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT do not have any material interest in the Merger apart from their interests as shareholders.

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Cash PaymentMBT Executive Officer Agreements. Certain executive officers of MBT and Monroe Bank & Trust currently have change in control agreements, severance benefit agreements and long term incentive awards that provide for Outstanding Options. Undercash payments, the acceleration of vesting of equity awards and the provision of certain benefits, following a change in control of MBT. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement all Ameriana Bancorp stock options that are outstanding and unexercised at the timesubject to closing of the Merger, whetherto the extent those arrangements are “double trigger” arrangements those arrangements have been amended to eliminate any requirement that the covered participating executive experience an actual or not vested, will be converted into the rightconstructive termination of their employment in order to receive the payments and benefits. In exchange for the cash payments provided under the amended agreements the covered executives must provide a full release to MBT and an express agreement permitting the enforcement of any applicable noncompetition and non-solicitation covenants contained in an amountthose agreements by First Merchants following the Merger. The aggregate cash payments to be made to MBT’s executive officers, comprised of its five named executive officers (H. Douglas Chaffin, John L. Skibski, Thomas G. Myers, Scott E. McKelvey, and Audrey Mistor) plus Wendy Warrington (MBT’s Senior Vice President and Organizational Effectiveness Director), in connection with the Merger under change in control and severance agreements is equal to $3,278,020 and the total value of the acceleration of equity awards to such executive officers, based upon the average closing market price of Ameriana Bancorp$43.63 of First Merchants common stock forover the ten (10) tradingfive business days precedingfollowing the fourth calendar day prior to the datefirst public announcement of the Merger less applicable exercise price. As ofon October 7, 2015, the10, 2018, is $668,784. The aggregate cash payments to be made to such MBT executive officers and directorsthe total value of Ameriana Bancorpthe acceleration of equity awards to such executive officers is equal to $3,946,804.

MBT Director Death Benefit Only Plan. MBT Directors Peter H. Carlton, H. Douglas Chaffin, Joseph S. Daly, Michael J. Miller and Debra J. Shah are participants in a legacy death benefit only plan that was frozen to new director participants in 2006 (“Director DBO Plan”). The Director DBO Plan provides death benefits to the participating director’s beneficiaries in the event of the death of the director during service as a group held options to purchase an aggregatedirector. In the event of [●] shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, including options to purchase [●] shares which have not yet vested. If none of such options are exercised prior to completion of the Merger, the executive officers and directors of Ameriana Bancorp, as a group will receive an aggregate of approximately $[●] upon conversion of their stock options. See “THE MERGER—Merger- Related Compensation Payable to Ameriana Bancorp’s Named Executive Officers” beginning on page 61 for the amounts payable to the named executive officers.

Employment Agreements with Ameriana Bank. Ameriana Bank maintains an employment agreement with each of Jerome J. Gassen, President and Chief Executive Officer, John L. Letter, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Deborah C. Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer (each referred to as the “executive”), respectively. Each agreement has a thirty-six (36) month term and may be renewed by the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bank for an additional year on an annual basis. The employment agreements are terminable with or without cause by Ameriana Bank.

If the executive involuntarily separates from service or separates from service for “good reason” (as described in the agreements), in either case during the then current term of the employment agreement following a change in control Ameriana Bank orof MBT the Bank will payDirector DBO Plan also provides those same death benefits during the executive a lump sum amount equal to 2.99 times his or her average annual compensationdirector’s post retirement and for the most recent five taxable years ending before the year in which the change in control occurs. Section 280Glife of the Internal Revenue Code provides that payments related to a change in control that equal or exceed three times an individual’s “base amount” (defined as average annual taxable

compensation overdirector. In connection with entering into the five preceding calendar years) constitute “excess parachute payments.” If the change in control payments exceed three times the individual’s base amount, the Internal Revenue Code imposes a 20% excise tax on the amount that exceeds the individual’s base amount and Section 280GMerger Agreement, each of the Internal Revenue Code limitsparticipating directors in the employer’s deductionDirector DBO Plan executed agreements that terminate their rights under the Director DBO Plan upon the consummation of the Merger in exchange for a cash payment. The cash payment represents approximately 66 and two-thirds percent (6623%) of the projected actuarial net present value of the benefit arrangement to the base amount. The employmentparticipating directors. Under the terms of these termination agreements limit the participating directors will receive the following payments made underupon the agreements toclosing of the executivesMerger: Mr. Carlton $645,009, Mr. Chaffin $507,324, Mr. Daly $461,764, Mr. Miller $645,009 and Ms. Shah $640,788. At the election of each of those participating directors, such amount may be paid in connection with a change in control so that the payments will not constitute excess parachute payments.shares of common stock of First Merchants.

Indemnification and Continued Director and Officer Liability Coverage. From and after the effective time of the Merger, First Merchants has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless each person who is now, or who has been at any time before the effective time of the Merger, an officer or director of Ameriana BancorpMBT and its subsidiaries against all losses, costs, damages or expenses incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation that is a result of matters that existed or occurred at or before the effective time of the Merger to the same extent as Ameriana BancorpMBT currently provides for indemnification of its officers and directors. In addition, First Merchants has agreed to provide directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage for a period of six (6) years following the effective time of the Merger to the officers and directors of AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust and Ameriana BancorpMBT immediately before the effective time of the Merger under the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy currently maintained by Ameriana BancorpMBT or under a policy with comparable or better coverage.

Merger-Related Compensation Payablecoverage, subject to Ameriana Bancorp’s Named Executive Officers

This section sets forth the information required by Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K regarding the compensation payable to each named executive officer of Ameriana Bancorp that is based on or otherwise relates to the Merger. This compensation is referred to as “golden parachute” compensation by the applicable SEC disclosure rules, andcertain limitations in this section we use such term to describe the merger-related compensation payable to Ameriana Bancorp’s named executive officers. The three (3) “named executive officers” of Ameriana Bancorp are Jerome J. Gassen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameriana Bancorp, John J. Letter, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Ameriana Bancorp, and Deborah C. Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of Ameriana Bancorp. Ameriana Bancorp shareholders are being asked to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, such compensation for these executive officers (see “Merger-Related Compensation Proposal” beginning on page 38). Because the vote to approve such compensation is advisory only, it will not be binding on either Ameriana Bancorp or First Merchants. Accordingly, if the Merger Agreement.

Board Appointment. The Merger Agreement obligates First Merchants to appoint one person who is completed, the compensation will be paid (or payable) regardlesscurrently a member of the outcome of the vote to approve such compensation, subject only to the conditions applicable thereto, which are described below.

Except as noted in the footnotes to the table, the amounts indicated below are estimates of amounts that would be payable if the Merger were consummated on September 30, 2015. See the footnotes to the table for additional information.

Golden Parachute Compensation

Name And Principal Position

 Cash
($) (1)
  Equity
($) (2)
  Perquisites/
Benefits

($) (3)
  Total
($)
 

Jerome J. Gassen

President and Chief Executive Officer

 $905,415   $80,530       $985,945  

John J. Letter

Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 $385,371   $42,480       $427,851  

Deborah C. Robinson

Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer

 $334,339   $58,600       $392,939  

(1)The amounts in this column represent the cash severance payable to Messrs. Gassen and Letter and Ms. Robinson under their employment agreements upon qualifying terminations of employment.
(2)The amounts in this column represent the aggregate value of the cash payment in cancellation of the Ameriana stock options, based on a per share value of $21.61, less the applicable per share exercise price.

Litigation Relating to the Merger

On July 8, 2015, a purported shareholder of Ameriana Bancorp filed a putative class action lawsuit captioned Shiva Stein, individually and on behalf of others similarly situated vs. Ameriana Bancorp et al., Cause No. 49D10-1507-PL-022566 in the Marion County, Indiana Superior Court 10 against Ameriana Bancorp, itsMBT Board of Directors and(chosen by First Merchants. Plaintiff amendedMerchants after consultation with MBT) to the complaint on September 23, 2015. The amended complaint alleges direct and derivative claims for breach of fiduciary duties by the members of theFirst Merchants Board of Directors regarding the proposed Merger and claims againstDirectors. Such person will be entitled to receive compensation from First Merchants for allegedly aidingservice to the Board. As of the date of this proxy statement and abetting those alleged breaches. The plaintiff seeks (1) class certification, (2)prospectus, it has not yet been determined which MBT director will be appointed to enjoin the Merger, (3) a declaration that the Merger Agreement is unlawful and unenforceable, (4) an order directing the members of Ameriana Bancorp’sFirst Merchants Board of Directors to commence a new sales process, (5) an order rescinding the Merger Agreement, and (6) compensatory damages, expert fees, attorneys’ fees, and costs in an unspecified amount. At this early stage of the litigation, it is not possible to assess the probability of a material adverse outcome or reasonably estimate any potential financial impact of the lawsuit on Ameriana Bancorp. Ameriana Bancorp, its Board of Directors and First Merchants believe the claims against them are without merit and intend to contest the matter vigorously.Directors.

On September 22, 2015, a purported shareholder of Ameriana Bancorp filed a putative class action lawsuit captioned Darrell F. Ewing v. Ameriana, et al., No. 1:15-CV-01491 in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Indiana against Ameriana Bancorp, its Board of Directors and First Merchants. The complaint generally alleges various claims of federal securities law violations and that the Directors of Ameriana Bancorp breached their fiduciary duties by providing materially inadequate disclosures and material disclosure omissions with respect to the proposed Merger. The plaintiff seeks (1) class certification, (2) to enjoin the Merger or, in the event the Merger is completed before entry of an injunction, to rescind the Merger or be awarded an unspecified amount of rescissory damages, (3) compensatory damages in an unspecified amount, and (4) costs and expenses, including attorneys’ and expert fees. At this early stage of the litigation, it is not possible to assess the probability of a material adverse outcome or reasonably estimate any potential financial impact of the lawsuit on Ameriana Bancorp. Ameriana Bancorp, its Board of Directors and First Merchants believe the claims against them are without merit and intend to contest the matter vigorously.

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THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The following summary highlights certain material provisions of the Merger Agreement. Because this is a summary of the Merger Agreement, it does not contain a description of all of the terms of the Merger Agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement. You should read carefully the entire Merger Agreement, which is attached to this document asAnnex A and is incorporated herein by reference.

Description of the Merger

Under the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement unanimously approved by each of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s and First Merchants’ Boards of Directors, Ameriana BancorpMBT will merge with and into First Merchants and the separate corporate existence of Ameriana BancorpMBT will cease. Immediately following the Merger, AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will mergebe consolidated and merged with and into First Merchants Bank and AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust will cease to exist as a separate entity. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of First Merchants, as in effect prior to the Merger, will be the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of First Merchants after the Merger.

Representations and Warranties

The Merger Agreement contains some customary representations and warranties made both by Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants, including representations and warranties relating to:

due organization and existence;

corporate power and authorization to enter into the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;

capitalization;

governmental filings, notices, authorizations, consents and approvals required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;

third-party filings, notices, authorizations, consents and approvals required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;

corporate books and records;

compliance with law;

accuracy of statements;
litigation and pending proceedings;

financial statements;

absence of certain material changes or events;

absence of undisclosed liabilities;

absence of default under material contracts and agreements;

loans and investments;investments (by MBT only);

employee benefits plans and plan compliance;

taxes, returns and reports;

subsidiaries;

title to assets;assets (by MBT only);

certain obligations to employees;employees (by MBT only);

properties owned and leased;leased (by MBT only);

shareholder rights plans;plans (by MBT only);

indemnification agreements;

deposit insurance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;

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reports to regulatory agencies;

environmental matters;matters (by MBT only);

compliance with the securities laws and filingslaws;
compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission;Commission filing requirements; and

brokerage fees.

The representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement will not survive the effective date of the Merger or the termination of the Merger Agreement. After the effective date of the Merger or termination of the Merger Agreement, neither Ameriana Bancorp andnone of the parties to the Merger Agreement, their respective subsidiaries, or the respective officers and directors of Ameriana Bancorp and its subsidiaries nor First Merchants and its officers and directorsany of them will have any liability for any of their representations and warranties made in the Merger Agreement unless the Merger Agreement is terminated as a result of a willful breach, in which case the non-breaching party may recover appropriate damages from the breaching party.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s obligations to complete the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, among other things, at or prior to the effective time of the Merger:

1.the approval of the Merger Agreement at the special meeting by a majorityat least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock;

2.the receipt of all regulatory approvals required for the Merger and the Bank Merger and the expiration of any regulatory waiting periods prior to consummation of the Merger;

3.

the representations and warranties made by the parties in the Merger Agreement must be true, accurate and correct in all material respects on and as of the effective date of the Merger, except that representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below) must be true and correct in all respects, and provided that for those representations and warranties which address matters only as of an earlier date, then they shall be tested as of such earlier date. For the purpose of the Merger Agreement, a “Material Adverse Effect” means any effect, circumstance, occurrence or change that (i) is material and adverse to the financial position, results of operations or business of Ameriana BancorpMBT and AmerianaMonroe Bank Ameriana Insurance Agency, Inc.,& Trust and AmerianaMB&T Financial Services, Inc. (collectively, the “Subsidiaries”) taken as a whole, or First Merchants and First Merchants Bank taken as a whole, as applicable or (ii) would materially impair the ability of Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants, as applicable, to perform its obligations under the Merger Agreement; provided, however, that a Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in banking and similar laws of general applicability to banks or their holding companies or interpretations thereof by courts or governmental authorities, (b) changes in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or regulatory accounting requirements applicable to banks or their holding companies generally, (c) any modifications or changes to valuation policies and practices in connection with the Merger or restructuring charges taken in connection with the Merger, in each case in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,GAAP, (d) effects of any action taken with the prior written consent of the other party hereto, (e) changes in the general level of interest rates (including the impact on the securities portfolios of Ameriana BancorpMBT and AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust, or First Merchants and First Merchants Bank, as applicable) or conditions or circumstances relating to or that affect either the United States economy, financial or securities markets or the banking industry, generally, (f) changes resulting from expenses (such as legal, accounting and investment bankers’ fees) incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated therein, including without limitation payment of any amounts due to, or the provision of any benefits to, any officers or employees under agreements,

plans or other arrangements in existence of or contemplated by the Merger Agreement and disclosed to First Merchants, (g) the impact of the announcement of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and compliance with the Merger Agreement on the business, financial condition or results of operations of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries, or First Merchants and First Merchants Bank, as applicable and (h) the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack within the United States or any of its possessions or offices; provided

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that in no event shall a change in the trading price of the First Merchants common stock, by itself, be considered to constitute a Material Adverse Effect on First Merchants (it being understood that the foregoing proviso shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any effect underlying such decline has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect);

4.the covenants made by the parties must have been complied with in all material respects from the date of the Merger Agreement through and as of the effective date of the Merger;

5.Ameriana Bancorp must have received an opinion of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and that no gain or loss will be recognized in the Merger by a U.S. Holder to the extent the U.S. Holder receives shares of First Merchants common stock as the sole consideration for the U.S. Holder’s shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, except that gain or loss will be recognized with respect to any cash received.

6.First Merchants must have received an opinion of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code;

7.6.the Registration Statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement and prospectus is a part, relating to the First Merchants shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement, must have become effective under the Securities Act, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued or threatened by the SEC;

8.7.the shares of First Merchants common stock to be issued in the Merger shall have been listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market (subject to official notice of issuance);

9.8.there must be no order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or prohibits the consummation of the Merger or the Bank Merger; and

10.9.receipt by each party of an officer’s certificate, certain legal opinions and various closing documents.

The conditions to completion of the Merger are subject to waiver by the party benefiting from such condition. The conditions may also be altered by the written agreement of both parties. If these and other conditions are not satisfied or waived, First Merchants and/or Ameriana Bancorp may terminate the Merger Agreement. See “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Termination; Waiver; Amendment,” “THE MERGER—Regulatory Approvals,” “THE MERGER—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger,” “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES,” andAnnex A.

Termination; Waiver; Amendment

First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT may terminate the Merger Agreement at any time before the Merger is completed, including after the Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders have approved the Merger, if one of the events which gives the party the right to terminate occurs. The Merger Agreement may be terminated:

1.by mutual consent of First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT in writing;

2.by either First Merchants or Ameriana BancorpMBT if there has been a material breach by the other of any of the covenants or any of the representations or warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement, which is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice given by the non-breaching party to the party committing the breach;

3.by either First Merchants or Ameriana BancorpMBT if any event, fact or circumstance has occurred with respect to the other party that has had or could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such party;

4.by either First Merchants or Ameriana BancorpMBT if any governmental or regulatory approval required to permit the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement shall have been denied and such denial is final and non-appealable;

5.by either First Merchants or Ameriana BancorpMBT if any court or governmental or regulatory authority shall have issued a final non-appealable order enjoining or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement;

6.by either First Merchants or Ameriana BancorpMBT in the event of the failure of MBT’s shareholders to approve the Merger Agreement at the special meeting; provided, however, that MBT may only terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause if it has complied in all material respects with its obligations to convene a meeting of its shareholders and use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the requisite vote to consummate the Merger;

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7.by either First Merchants or MBT if the Merger has not been completed by January 31, 2016,June 30, 2019, provided the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation warranty or covenant and, provided, further, that if the sole impediment to closing is the lack of any necessary regulatory approval, then such termination date shall be extended to March 31, 2016;September 30, 2019;

7.8.by Ameriana BancorpMBT if its Board of Directors determines in the exercise of its fiduciary duties that it must terminate the Merger Agreement after receipt of an unsolicited superior acquisition proposal from a third party;

8.9.by First Merchants if Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors withdraws or modifies its recommendation to Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders to vote for the Merger following receipt of a proposal of an acquisition from a third party;

9.10.by First Merchants if Ameriana BancorpMBT fails to give First Merchants timely notice of any inquiry by a third party with respect to an acquisition of Ameriana BancorpMBT or Ameriana Bank; orMonroe Bank & Trust;

10.11.by First Merchants if Ameriana BancorpMBT gives First Merchants notice that it intends to furnish information to or enter into discussions or negotiations with a third party relating to a proposed acquisition of Ameriana BancorpMBT or AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust and those negotiations are not terminated within sixty (60) days.days;
12.by MBT, if MBT’s Board of Directors so determines by a majority vote of the members of such Board, at any time during the five (5) business day period commencing on the Determination Date if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(i)the FMC Market Value is less than 80% of the Initial FMC Market Value; and
(ii)the quotient obtained by dividing the FMC Market Value by the Initial FMC Market Value (“Buyer Ratio”) shall be less than the quotient obtained by dividing the Final Index Price by the Initial Index Price, minus 0.20 (the “Index Ratio”).

If MBT elects to exercise its termination right pursuant to this clause 12, it must give prompt written notice thereof to First Merchants. During the five (5) business day period commencing with its receipt of such notice, First Merchants shall have the option to increase the Exchange Ratio, at its sole discretion, to (x) the quotient, the numerator of which is equal to the product of the Initial FMC Market Value, the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect) and the Index Ratio, and the denominator of which is equal to the FMC Market Value, or (y) the quotient determined by dividing the Initial FMC Market Value by the FMC Market Value, and multiplying the quotient by the product of the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect) and 0.80. If First Merchants so elects, it shall give, within such five (5) business day period, written notice to MBT of such election and the revised Exchange Ratio, whereupon no termination shall be deemed to have occurred pursuant to this clause 12 and the Merger Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, except as the Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified.

For purposes of this clause 12, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

“Determination Date” shall mean the later of the date on which (i) all regulatory approvals required pursuant to the Merger Agreement (see clause 2 under “Conditions to Completion of the Merger” above), and waivers, if applicable, have been received (disregarding any waiting period), and (ii) the approval of the Merger Agreement, the Merger and any other matter required to be approved by the shareholders of MBT in order to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated herein is obtained.

“Final Index Price” means the average of the closing price of the Index on each of ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Determination Date.

“FMC Market Value” shall be the average of the daily closing sales prices of a share of First Merchants Common Stock as reported on NASDAQ for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Determination Date.

“Index” means the NASDAQ Bank Index; provided, however, that if the NASDAQ Bank Index is not available for any reason, “Index” shall mean such substitute or similar index as substantially replicates the NASDAQ Bank Index.

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“Initial FMC Market Value” means the average of the daily closing sales prices of a share of First Merchants Common Stock, as reported on NASDAQ, for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of the Merger Agreement.

“Initial Index Price” means the average of the closing prices of the Index for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of the Merger Agreement.

If First Merchants or any company belonging to the Index declares or effects a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reclassification, or similar transaction with respect to the outstanding common stock, and the record date therefor shall be after the date of the Merger Agreement and prior to the Determination Date, the prices for the common stock of such company shall be proportionately and appropriately adjusted for the purpose of applying this clause 12.

Upon termination for any of these reasons, the Merger Agreement will be void and of no further force or effect. However, if either First Merchants or Ameriana BancorpMBT willfully breaches any of the representations and warranties or agreements set forth in the Merger Agreement, then the other party will be entitled to recover appropriate damages for the breach. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if First Merchants terminates the Merger Agreement under items 8,clauses 9, 10 or 1011 above or if Ameriana BancorpMBT terminates the Merger Agreement in accordance with item 7clause 8 above, Ameriana BancorpMBT must pay First Merchants $1,500,000$12,680,000 as a termination fee to reimburse First Merchants for the considerable time and expense invested by First Merchants in furtherance of the Merger. Additionally, if the Merger Agreement is terminated by either party pursuant to clause 7 above as a result of the failure to obtain any of the required regulatory approvals and such failure is a result of a regulatory issue directly and solely related to First Merchants, First Merchants shall pay to MBT an amount in cash equal to $2,500,000 as a termination fee to reimburse MBT for the considerable time and expense invested by MBT in furtherance of the Merger.

First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT can agree to amend the Merger Agreement and can waive their right to require the other party to adhere to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, where the law allows. However, First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT cannot amend the Merger Agreement after the Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders approve the Merger without their further approval if the amendment would decrease the Merger Consideration or materially adversely affect the rights of Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders or the tax consequences of the Merger to the shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp.MBT.

Restrictions Affecting the Parties Prior to Completion of the Merger

The Merger Agreement contains a number of restrictions regarding the conduct of the business of First Merchants, Ameriana BancorpMBT and Ameriana Bankthe Subsidiaries until the Merger is completed. Among other items and subject to certain limited exceptions, Ameriana BancorpMBT and Ameriana Bankthe Subsidiaries may not take any of the following actions, without the prior written consent of First Merchants:

make any change to their capital structure, including redemption of shares of common stock;

authorize an additional class of stock or issue, or authorize the issuance of any capital stock or any options or other instruments convertible into shares of capital stock, except pursuant to the MBT’s director deferred compensation plan, or the exercise of the stock optionsonly stock appreciation rights (SOSARs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) outstanding as of the date of the Merger Agreement;

declare, distribute or pay any dividends, authorize a stock split or make any other distribution to their shareholders, except for (i) Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s quarterly cash dividend in an amount not to exceed $0.04$0.10 per share; provided, however, Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants shallwill coordinate Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s dividend schedule for the quarter in which the Merger is completed so that Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders do not receive dividends on both First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock during the same calendar quarter; (ii) and Ameriana Bancorp’s expenses of operation and its business and payment of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger;

except for the fiduciary obligations of Ameriana BancorpMBT to entertain a superior third-party acquisition proposal, merge, combine or consolidate with or, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (including the sale, transfer or disposal of other real estate owned), sell their assets or securities to any other person or entity or effect a share exchange or enter into any transaction not in the ordinary course of business;

incur any liability or obligation, make any commitment, payment or disbursement, enter into any contract or agreement, or acquire or dispose of any property, other than real estate owned, or asset having a fair market value in excess of $150,000 except for payments and disbursements made in the

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ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, property acquired or disposed of in connection with foreclosures of mortgages or enforcement of security interests, loans in the ordinary course of business and deposit liabilities and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank in each case in the ordinary course of business;

subject any of their assets or properties to any mortgage, lien, or encumbrance, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

promote or increase or decrease the rate of compensation or enter into any agreement to promote or increase or decrease the rate of compensation of any director, officer, or employee of Ameriana BancorpMBT or AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust, except for promotions and non-material increases in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with their past practices;

subject to certain exceptions, execute, create, institute, modify or amend any employee benefit plan or agreement for current or former directors, officers or employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary, change the level of benefits or payments under any such employee benefit plan or agreement or increase or decrease any severance or termination pay benefits or any other fringe or employee benefits other than as required by law or regulatory authorities or as specifically provided in the Merger Agreement;

amend their Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws from those in effect on June 26, 2015;October 9, 2018;

subject to certain exceptions, modify, amend or institute new employment practices or enter into, renew, modify, amend or extend any employment or severance agreement with any present or former directors, officers or employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary;

give, dispose, sell, convey, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber or otherwise transfer or grant a security interest in any commoncapital stock of any Subsidiary;

fail to maintain Ameriana Bank’smake additions to Monroe Bank & Trust’s reserve for loan losses or any other reserve account in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with sound banking practices; or

other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible or liable for the obligations of any other individual, corporation or entity.

In addition, until the Merger is consummated or the Merger Agreement is terminated, First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT shall carry on their business diligently and in the ordinary course of business and use their best efforts to preserve their business organizations and existing business relationships intact.

This discussion of the restrictions imposed by the Merger Agreement is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes material restrictions imposed on the parties. Please refer to the Merger Agreement, attached asAnnex A, for a complete listing of the restrictions.

Fees and Expenses

First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT will pay their own fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger, including the fees of any investment bankers engaged by such party.

Management After the Merger

First Merchants will be the surviving corporation in the Merger and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s separate corporate existence will cease. Accordingly, the directors and officers of Ameriana BancorpMBT will no longer serve in such capacities after the completion of the Merger. Similarly, First Merchants Bank will be the surviving national banking associationsubsidiary in the Mergerconsolidation and merger with AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust (the “Bank Merger”) and Ameriana Bank’sMonroe Bank & Trust’s separate corporate existence will cease.

The directors of First Merchants and First Merchants Bank immediately prior to the MergersMerger will continue to be the directors of First Merchants and First Merchants Bank following the Merger and the Bank Merger, respectively, until they resign or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. However, the Merger Agreement obligates First Merchants to appoint one person who is currently a member of the MBT Board of Directors (chosen by First Merchants after consultation with MBT) to the First Merchants Board of Directors. As of the date of this proxy statement and prospectus, it has not yet been determined which

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MBT director will be appointed to the First Merchants Board of Directors. Additionally, all members of the Board of Directors of Monroe Bank & Trust, who have agreed to serve in such capacity and would not otherwise be prohibited to serve under applicable law, will be appointed to First Merchants Bank’s Michigan regional advisory board, as soon as practicable after the effective time of the Merger.

The officers of First Merchants and First Merchants Bank immediately prior to the Merger will continue to be the officers of First Merchants and First Merchants Bank following the MergersMerger and the Bank Merger, respectively, until they resign or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

Indemnification and Insurance of Ameriana BancorpMBT Directors and Officers

First Merchants has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless each director and officer of Ameriana BancorpMBT and AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust for six (6) years after the effective time of the Merger in connection with any losses arising out of the fact that any such person is or was a director or officer of Ameriana BancorpMBT or AmerianaMonroe Bank & Trust at or prior to the effective time of the Merger to the same extent as would have been available under the articlesArticles of incorporation, bylawsIncorporation, Bylaws or other indemnification agreement of Ameriana BancorpMBT and Ameriana Bank.Monroe Bank & Trust.

In addition, First Merchants has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to include Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s and Ameriana Bank’sMonroe Bank & Trust’s present and former directors and officers on its existing insurance, or to obtain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance “tail” policy coverage for Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s and Ameriana Bank’sMonroe Bank & Trust’s present and former directors and executive officers, for a period of six (6) years (the “Tail Coverage Period”), which will provide the directors and officers with coverage containing terms no less advantageous than the coverage currently provided by Ameriana BancorpMBT to such directors and officers for claims based on activity prior to the effective time of the Merger. However, for each year of the Tail Coverage Period, First Merchants has no obligation during the 6-year period to pay an aggregate amount in premiums which is more than two (2)1.5 times the current annual amount spent by Ameriana BancorpMBT to maintain its current directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage. If First Merchants is unable to obtain the coverage described above, First Merchants has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain as much comparable insurance as is available.

After the Merger, Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s and Ameriana Bank’sMonroe Bank & Trust’s officers and employees who become officers, directors or employees of First Merchants or its subsidiaries shall have the same directors and officers insurance coverage and indemnification protection that First Merchants provides to other officers, directors and employees of First Merchants or its subsidiaries.

Employee Benefit Plans

The Merger Agreement provides that the current employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries who continue as employees of First Merchants or its subsidiaries following the Merger will be entitled to participate

in the employee benefit plans of First Merchants. With respect to each employee benefit plan or benefit arrangement maintained by First Merchants in which employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries subsequently participate, for purposes of determining eligibility, vesting, vacation and severance entitlement, First Merchants will ensure that service with Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries will be treated as service with First Merchants; provided, however, that service with Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank shall not be treated as service with First Merchants for purposes of benefit accrual, except with respect to severance benefits.

Voting Agreement

Each member of the Board of Directors and certain executive officers havehas entered into a voting agreement with First Merchants as of the date of the Merger Agreement whereby the parties have agreed, subject to their fiduciary duties to entertain a superior third-party acquisition proposal under the Merger Agreement, to vote, or cause to be voted, all of their shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock and shares owned by certain affiliates over which they have voting control in favor of the Merger Proposal. ThePatriot Partners and Castle Creek, two significant shareholders of MBT, have also entered into the same voting agreement. As of the record date, the number of shares of common stock subject to such voting agreement is 156,0285,092,450 shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock, representing 5.1%22.1% of the outstanding shares.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following is a general discussion of the material federal income tax consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders (as hereinafter defined) of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock that exchange their shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock for shares of First Merchants common stock. The following discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”),the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, published pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and case law, all as currently in effect and which are subject to differing interpretations and subject to change at any time by legislative, judicial or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion is limited to U.S. Holders, who hold their shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment).

This discussion does not address the federal income tax consequences of shareholders who are not U.S. Holders, nor does it address all of the tax consequences relevant to certain U.S. Holders including, but not limited to, S corporations, partnerships or other pass-through entities (including investors in pass-through entities), financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, trusts described in Sections 1361(c)(2)(A) and 1361(d)) of the Internal Revenue Code),Code, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities that use a mark to market method of accounting, persons who hold Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale conversion or other integrated transaction, persons who acquired their shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock through the exercise of an employee stock option or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified plan, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts and foreign persons or persons whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar. This discussion also does not address the tax consequences of persons who are subject to alternative minimum tax, nor does it address the tax consequences of the Merger under state, local or foreign tax laws.

All U.S. Holders including, but not limited to, the U.S. Holders referenced immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors about the tax consequences of the Merger to them.

For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S., a corporation or entity taxed as a corporation that was organized under the laws of the U.S. or any state or the District of Columbia, an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source, or a trust that (i) is subject to the supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one (1) or more U.S. Persons (as(as hereinafter defined) or (ii) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. Person. For purposes of this discussion, “U.S. Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to it by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Tax Consequences of the Merger Generally

The parties intend for the Merger to qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

It is a condition to the obligationclosing of First Merchants to complete the Merger that First Merchants obtain an opinion from the law firm of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP deliver an opinion, effective as of the date on or about this proxy statement and prospectus, to First Merchants substantially to the effect that, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Merger towill be effected pursuant totreated as a “reorganization” within the Merger Agreement constitutes a reorganization undermeaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is a condition toSuch opinion will comply with the obligation of Ameriana Bancorp to complete the Merger that Ameriana Bancorp receive an opinion from the law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP that the Merger constitutes a reorganization under Section 368(a)regulations and guidance of the Internal Revenue Code, and that no gain or loss will be recognized in the Merger by a U.S. Holder to the extent the U.S. Holder receives shares of First Merchants common stock as the sole consideration for the U.S. Holder’s shares of Ameriana Bancorp common stock, except that gain or loss will be recognizedSEC with respect to any cash received.the persons entitled to rely on tax opinions contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy and prospectus is a part.

The obligation of each of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP to deliver such opinionsopinion is conditioned on the Merger satisfying the statutory and regulatory requirements of a

“reorganization. “reorganization.” The determination by tax counsel as to whether the Merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code is based on the facts and law existing as of the effective date of the Merger.

These opinionsThis opinion will be subject to customary qualifications and assumptions, including that the Merger will be completed according to the terms of the Merger Agreement. In rendering the tax opinions, eachopinion, such counsel may require and rely on factual representations of First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. If any of such assumptions or representations is or becomes inaccurate, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger could be adversely affected. Neither of these opinionsThe opinion will not be binding on the IRS. First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT do not intend to request any ruling from the IRS as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger. Consequently, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not assert, or that a court will not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences set forth below or any of the tax consequences described in the tax opinions.opinion.

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Tax Consequences to First Merchants, First Merchants Shareholders and Ameriana BancorpMBT

No gain or loss will be recognized by First Merchants, First Merchants shareholders or Ameriana BancorpMBT with respect to the Merger.

Tax Consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock

Exchange of Ameriana Bancorp Common Stock for First Merchants Common Stock

In general, a U.S. Holder who receives First Merchants common stock in exchange for Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock will not recognize any gain or loss on the exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes.purposes, except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares of First Merchants common stock (as discussed below). The aggregate tax basis of First Merchants common stock received by each of thea U.S. HoldersHolder in exchange for their Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock (including any fractional shares of First Merchants common stock deemed received and redeemed for cash as described below) will be equal to the U.S. Holder’s aggregate adjusted tax basis in their MBT common stock exchanged. In addition, the holding period of the First Merchants common stock received in the Merger (including any fractional shares of First Merchants common stock deemed received and redeemed for cash as described below) generally will include the holding period of MBT common stock surrendered in the exchange. If a U.S. Holder acquired different blocks of MBT common stock at different times or at different prices, the First Merchants common stock received in the Merger will be allocated pro rata to each block of MBT common stock, and the basis and holding period of each block of First Merchants common stock received will be determined on a block-for-block basis depending on the basis and holding period of the blocks of MBT common stock exchanged for such block of First Merchants common stock.

A U.S. Holder who receives cash in lieu of fractional shares of First Merchants common stock will be treated as having received such fractional share of First Merchants common stock pursuant to the Merger and then as having sold that fractional share of First Merchants common stock for cash. As a result, a U.S. Holder will generally berecognize gain or loss equal to suchthe difference between the amount of cash received and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Ameriana Bancorpfractional share of First Merchants common stock exchanged.determined as described above. Any resultant gain or loss will be capital in nature, and will be long-term or short-term, depending on the period of time the exchanged MBT common stock were held. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Cash payments received in the Merger by a U.S. Holder may, under certain circumstances, be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless the U.S. Holder provides proof of an applicable exemption, furnishes its taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, their social security number) and otherwise complies with all applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amounts withheld from payments to a U.S. Holder under the backup withholding rules are not an additional tax and will be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Reporting Requirements

U.S. Holders who are “significant holders” and receive First Merchants common stock in exchange for Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock are required to file a statement with their U.S. federal income tax return setting forth certain information, including, but not limited to, their tax basis (determined immediately before the Merger) in the Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock exchanged in the Merger and the fair market value (determined immediately before the Merger) of the Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock exchanged in the Merger.

A “significant holder” is a holder of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock who immediately before the Merger either (i) owned at least five percent (5%)5% of the total outstanding stock of Ameriana BancorpMBT by vote or by value or (ii) owned Ameriana Bancorp common stock of MBT with a tax basis of at least $1 million.

All Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will be required to retain permanent tax records of the tax basis of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock exchanged and the First Merchants common stock and cash if any, received in the Merger.

This discussion is of a general nature only, is not exhaustive, and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular shareholder. Because of the complexity of the tax law and because of the unique tax consequences to the shareholders following the Merger, each shareholder is strongly urged to consult such shareholder’s own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences to such shareholder of the Merger, including the applicability and effect of federal, state, local, foreign and other tax laws in such shareholder’s particular circumstances.

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DESCRIPTION OF FIRST MERCHANTS

The following information should be read with the financial statements incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and prospectus.

Business

First Merchants is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana and was organized in September 1982. First Merchants common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRME.”

First Merchants has one (1) full-service Indiana commercial bank charter, First Merchants Bank, National Association, which opened for business in Muncie, Indiana, in March 1893. First Merchants Bank also operates Lafayette Bank and Trust, Commerce National Bank and First Merchants Trust CompanyPrivate Wealth Advisors as divisionsa division of First Merchants Bank. First Merchants Bank includes over one hundred (100) bankinghas 116 full-service branch locations in twenty-six (26)thirty-one Indiana, two Illinois and two (2) counties in each of Ohio counties. In addition to its branch network, First Merchant Banks’s delivery channels include ATMs, check cards, remote deposit capture, interactive voice response systems and Illinois.internet technology. First Merchants Bank’s business activities are currently limited to one (1) significant business segment, which is community banking. First Merchants Bank offers a broad range of financial services, including accepting time deposits, savings and demand deposits; making consumer, commercial, agri-business and real estate mortgage loans; renting safe deposit facilities; providing personal and corporate trust services; providing full-service brokerage and private wealth management; and providing letters of credit, repurchase agreements and other corporate services.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2015,2018, First Merchants had consolidated assets of $6.1$9.8 billion, consolidated deposits of $4.8$7.6 billion and shareholders’ equity of $750 million.$1.4 billion. As of June 30, 2015,December 31, 2017, First Merchants and its subsidiaries had 1,4641,684 full-time equivalent employees.

First Merchants’ principal office is located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana 47305. Its telephone number is (765) 747-1500.

Incorporation of Certain Information Regarding First Merchants by Reference

The foregoing information concerning First Merchants does not purport to be complete. Certain additional information relating to First Merchants’ business, management, executive officer and director compensation, voting securities and certain relationships is incorporated by reference in this document from other documents filed by First Merchants with the SEC and listed under “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” on page 123.71. If you desire copies of any of these documents, you may contact First Merchants at its address or telephone number indicated under “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” on page 123.71.

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DESCRIPTION OF AMERIANA BANCORPMBT

The following information should be read with the financial statements included within this proxy statement and prospectus.

Business

Ameriana BancorpMBT Financial Corp. (“MBT”) is a registered bank holding company underas defined by the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended incorporated in 1989 under Indiana law and(the “BHCA”) headquartered in New Castle, Indiana. Ameriana Bancorp’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary is Ameriana Bank, an Indiana state bank (the “Bank”).

At June 30, 2015, on a consolidated basis, Ameriana Bancorp had assets of approximately $481 million, deposits of approximately $389 million, and shareholders’ equity of approximately $41 million. Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital MarketMonroe, Michigan. It was incorporated under the symbol “ASBI.”

Regulation and Supervision of Ameriana Bancorp

Certainlaws of the regulatory requirements that are or will be applicable to Ameriana Bancorp orState of Michigan in January 2000, at the direction of the management of Monroe Bank are described below. The description& Trust, for the purpose of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete explanation of such statutes and regulations and their effects on Ameriana Bancorp and the Bank and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual statutes and regulations.

General.Asbecoming a bank holding company Ameriana Bancorp is subjectby acquiring all the outstanding shares of Monroe Bank & Trust.

Monroe Bank & Trust was incorporated and chartered as Monroe State Savings Bank under the laws of the State of Michigan in 1905. In 1940, Monroe Bank & Trust consolidated with Dansard Bank and moved to Federal Reserve Board regulations, examinations, supervision, reporting requirements and regulations concerningthe present address of its activities. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has enforcement authority over Ameriana Bancorp. Asmain office at 10 Washington Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161. Monroe Bank & Trust operated as a public reporting company registered with the SEC, Ameriana Bancorp is requiredunit bank until 1950 when it opened its first branch office in Ida, Michigan. It then continued its expansion to file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. Ameriana Bancorp is also subject to regular examination by the Federal Reserve Board.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Actits present total of 1999 authorized a bank holding company that meets specified conditions,20 branch offices, including its main office. Monroe Bank & Trust changed its name from “Monroe State Savings Bank” to “Monroe Bank & Trust” in 1968.

Monroe Bank & Trust provides customary retail and commercial banking and trust services to its customers, including checking and savings accounts, time deposits, safe deposit facilities, commercial loans, personal loans, real estate mortgage loans, installment loans, IRAs, ATM and night depository institution subsidiaries being well-capitalizedfacilities, treasury management services, telephone and well managed, to opt to become a “financial holding company,” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities than previously permitted. Such activities can include insurance underwritinginternet banking, personal trust, employee benefit and investment banking. The Dodd-Frank Act added the requirements that the holding company itself be well-capitalizedmanagement services. Monroe Bank & Trust’s service areas are comprised of Monroe, Wayne, and “well managed.” Ameriana Bancorp has not opted to become a financial holding company. The Federal Reserve Board has the power to order a holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity, or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary, when it has reasonable cause to believe that the continuation of such activity or such ownership or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any bank subsidiary of that holding company.Lenawee counties in Southern Michigan.

Dividends.The Federal Reserve Board has the power to prohibit dividendsMonroe Bank & Trust’s deposits are insured by bank holding companies if their actions constitute unsafe or unsound practices. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies, which expresses the Federal Reserve Board’s view that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the company’s net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board also indicated that it would be inappropriate for a bank holding company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends. Under the prompt corrective action regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Reserve Board may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company’s bank subsidiary is classified as “undercapitalized.” See“Regulation and Supervision of the Bank—Federal Banking Law-Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.” The Federal Reserve Board has long had a policy under which bank holding companies are required to serve as a source of strength for their depository subsidiaries by providing capital, liquidity and other resources in times of financial distress. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength doctrine and required the issuance of implementing regulations.

Stock Repurchases.As a bank holding company, Ameriana Bancorp is required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of Ameriana Bancorp’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order, directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. This requirement does not apply to bank holding companies that are“well-capitalized,” “well-managed” and are not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues.

Acquisitions. Ameriana Bancorp is required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any bank or bank holding company or merge with another bank holding company. Prior Federal Reserve Board approval will also be required for Ameriana Bancorp to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after giving effect to such acquisition, Ameriana Bancorp would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting shares of such bank or bank holding company. In evaluating such transactions, the Federal Reserve Board considers the financial and managerial resources of and future prospects of the companies involved, competitive factors and the convenience and needs of the communities to be served. Bank holding companies may acquire additional banks in any state, subject to certain restrictions such as deposit concentration limits. With certain exceptions, the Bank Holding Company Act (the “BHCA”) prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of a company that is not a bank or a bank holding company, or from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks, or providing services for its subsidiaries. The principal exceptions to these prohibitions involve certainnon-bank activities, which, by statute or by Federal Reserve Board regulation or order, have been identified as activities closely related to the business of banking. The activities of Ameriana Bancorp are subject to these legal and regulatory limitations under the BHCA and the related Federal Reserve Board regulations.

Under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978 (the “CBCA”), notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Board if any person (including a company), or any group acting in concert, seeks to acquire 10% of any class of Ameriana Bancorp’s outstanding voting securities, unless the Federal Reserve Board determines that such acquisition will not result in a change of control of the bank. Under the CBCA, the Federal Reserve Board has 60 days within which to act on such notice taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the proposed acquirer, the convenience and needs of the community served by the bank and the antitrust effects of an acquisition.

Under the BHCA, any company would be required to obtain prior approval from the Federal Reserve Board before it may obtain “control” of Ameriana Bancorp within the meaning of the BHCA. Control for BHCA purposes generally is defined to mean the ownership or power to vote 25% or more of any class of Ameriana Bancorp’s voting securities or the ability to control in any manner the election of a majority of Ameriana Bancorp’s directors.

Under Indiana banking law, prior approval of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions is also required before any person may acquire control of an Indiana bank or bank holding company. The Department will issue a notice approving the transaction if it determines that the persons proposing to acquire the Indiana bank or bank holding company are qualified in character, experience and financial responsibility, and the transaction does not jeopardize the interests of the public.

Capital Requirements. The Federal Reserve Board maintains guidelines regarding the capital adequacy of bank holding companies, which require bank holding companies to maintain on a consolidated basis, specified minimum ratios of capital to total assets and capital to risk-weighted assets. These requirements, which generally apply to bank holding companies with consolidated assets of $500 million or more, are substantially similar to,

but somewhat more generous than, those applicable to the Bank.See “—Regulation and Supervision of the Bank—Federal Banking Law—Capital Requirements.” The Dodd-Frank Act required the Federal Reserve Board to adopt consolidated capital requirements for holding companies that are equally as stringent as those applicable to the depository institution subsidiaries. That means that certain instruments that had previously been includable in Tier 1 capital for bank holding companies, such as trust preferred securities, will no longer be eligible for inclusion. The revised capital requirements are subject to certain grandfathering and transition rules.

Regulation and Supervision of the Bank

General. The Bank, as an Indiana chartered commercial bank, is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Bank must file reports with the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC describing its activities and financial condition. The Bank is also subject to certain reserve requirements promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. This supervision and regulation is intended primarily for the protection of depositors.

The Dodd-Frank Act provides for the establishment of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve Board. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will assume responsibility for implementing federal consumer financial protection and fair lending laws and regulations, a function currently handled by federal bank regulatory agencies. However, institutions of $10 billion or less in total assets will continue to be examined for compliance by, and subject to the enforcement authority of, the federal bank regulator.

Federal Banking Law

Capital Requirements. The Bank is required to maintain a 4% minimum leverage capital requirement consisting of a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS rating system). Tier 1 capital is the sum of common stockholders’ equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (including any related surplus) and minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries, minus all intangible assets (other than certain mortgage and certain other servicing assets, purchased credit card relationships, credit-enhancing interest-only strips and certain deferred tax assets), identified losses, investments in certain financial subsidiaries and non-financial equity investments.

In addition to the leverage capital ratio, state chartered nonmember banks must maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8%, of which at least half must be Tier 1 capital. Qualifying total capital consists of Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital (also referred to as supplementary capital) items. Tier 2 capital items include allowances for loan losses in an amount of up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, cumulative preferred stock and preferred stock with a maturity of over 20 years, certain other capital instruments and up to 45% of pre-tax net unrealized holding gains on equity securities. The includable amount of Tier 2 capital cannot exceed the institution’s Tier 1 capital. Qualifying total capital is further reduced by the amount of the bank’s investments in banking and finance subsidiaries that are not consolidated for regulatory capital purposes, reciprocal cross-holdings of capital securities issued by other banks, most intangible assets and certain other deductions. Under the FDIC risk-weighted system, all of a bank’s balance sheet assets and the credit equivalent amounts of certain off-balance sheet items are assigned to one of four broad risk-weight categories from 0% to 100%, based on the regulators’ perception of the risks inherent in the type of assets or item. The aggregate dollar amount of each category is multiplied by the risk weight assigned to that category. The sum of these weighted values equals the bank’s risk-weighted assets.

At December 31, 2014, the Bank’s ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total assets was 9.49%, its ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 14.38% and its ratio of total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets was 15.64%.

Basel III. On July 9, 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel III”) and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule applies to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more and top-tier savings and loan holding companies.

The rule established a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), increased the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets) and assigned a higher risk weight (150%FDIC”) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual statusapplicable legal limits and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property.

The rule also includes changes in what constitutes regulatory capital, some of which are subject to a two-year transition period. These changes include the phasing-out of certain instruments as qualifying capital. In addition, Tier 2 capitalMonroe Bank & Trust is no longer limited to the amount of Tier 1 capital included in total capital. Mortgage servicing rights, certain deferred tax assets and investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries over designated percentages of common stock will be required to be deducted from capital, subject to a two-year transition period. Finally, Tier 1 capital will include accumulated other comprehensive income (which includes all unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities), subject to a two-year transition period.

The new capital requirements also include changes in the risk-weights of assets to better reflect credit risk and other risk exposures. These include a 150% risk weight (up from 100%) for certain high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans and non-residential mortgage loans that are 90 days past due or otherwise on nonaccrual status; a 20% (up from 0%) credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable; a 250% risk weight (up from 100%) for mortgage servicing rights and deferred tax assets that are not deducted from capital; and increased risk-weights (from 0% to up to 600%) for equity exposures.

Finally, the rule limits capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.

The final rule became effective on January 1, 2015. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets, increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. It is management’s belief that, as of December 31, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp and the Bank have met all capital adequacy requirements under Basel III on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were currently effective.

Investment Activities. State-chartered FDIC-insured banks are generally limited in their activities as principal and their equity investments to the type and amount authorized for national banks, notwithstanding state law. Federal law and regulations permit exceptions to these limitations. The FDIC is authorized to permit institutions to engage in state authorized activities or investments not permissible for national banks (other than non-subsidiary equity investments) if they meet all applicable capital requirements and it is determined that such activities or investments do not pose a significant risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund. The FDIC has adopted regulations governing the procedures for institutions seeking approval to engage in such activities or investments. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 specifies that a non-member bank may control a subsidiary that engages in activities as principal that would only be permitted for a national bank to conduct in a “financial subsidiary” if a bank meets specified conditions and deducts its investment in the subsidiary for regulatory capital purposes.

Interstate Banking and Branching. The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 permitted bank holding companies to acquire banks in any state subject to specified concentration limits

and other conditions. The Interstate Banking Act also authorizes the interstate merger of banks. In addition, among other things, the Interstate Banking Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, permits banks to establish de novo branches on an interstate basis provided that state banks chartered by the target state are permitted to establish de novo branches in the state.

Dividend Limitations. The Bank may not pay dividends on its capital stock if its regulatory capital would be reduced below the amount then required for the liquidation account established for the benefit of certain depositors of the Bank at the time of its conversion to stock form. In addition, the Bank may not pay dividends that exceed retained net income for the applicable calendar year to date, plus retained net income for the preceding two years without prior approval from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.

Earnings of the Bank appropriated to bad debt reserves and deducted for federal income tax purposes are not available for payment of cash dividends or other distributions to stockholders without payment of taxes at the then current tax rate by the Bank on the amount of earnings removed from the reserves for such distributions.

Under FDIC regulations, the Bank is prohibited from making any capital distributions if, after making the distribution, the Bank would fail to meet any applicable capital requirements. For additional information about dividend limitations see Note 12 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors, with less risky institutions paying lower assessments. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned. The assessment rate ranges from 2.5 to 45 basis points based on domestic deposits to one based on average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity. No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the federal deposit insurance assessment. The rate schedules will automatically adjust in the future when the Deposit Insurance Fund reaches certain milestones. No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the federal deposit insurance assessment.

The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target Deposit Insurance Fund ratio from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more are supposed to fund the increase. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the FDIC.

The FDIC has the authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums would likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For such purposes, the law establishes five capital tiers: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.

The Federal Reserve Board has adopted regulations to implement prompt corrective action. Among other things, the regulations define the relevant capital measures for the five capital categories. For the period ended December 31, 2014, an institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater, and a leverage capital ratio of 5% or greater, and is not subject to a regulatory order, agreement, or directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. An institution is deemed to be “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4% or greater, and generally a leverage capital ratio of 4% or greater. An institution is deemed to be “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, or generally a leverage capital ratio of less than 4%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3%, or a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%. An institution is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.

As a result of Basel III (discussed further above), effective January 1, 2015, an institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.5% or greater, and a leverage capital ratio of 5% or greater, and is not subject to a regulatory order, agreement, or directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. An institution is deemed to be “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5% or greater and generally a leverage capital ratio of 4% or greater. An institution is deemed to be “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.5% or generally a leverage capital ratio of less than 4%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%. An institution is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.

“Undercapitalized” institutions are subject to growth, capital distribution (including dividend), and other limitations, and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. An institution’s compliance with such a plan is required to be guaranteed by any company that controls the undercapitalized institution in an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the bank’s total assets when deemed undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve the status of adequately capitalized. If an undercapitalized institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” Significantly undercapitalized institutions are subject to one or more additional restrictions including, but not limited to, a regulatory order requiring them to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized; requirements to reduce total assets, cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks, or dismiss directors or officers; and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers, and capital distributions by the parent holding company.

Beginning 60 days after becoming “critically undercapitalized,” critically undercapitalized institutions also may not make any payment of principal or interest on certain subordinated debt, extend credit for a highly leveraged transaction, or enter into any material transaction outside the ordinary course of business. In addition, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver is required for a critically undercapitalized institution within 270 days after it obtains such status.

Enforcement. The FDIC has extensive enforcement authority over nonmember insured state banks, including the Bank. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, issue cease and desist orders and remove directors and officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. The FDIC has authority under federal law to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured bank under certain circumstances, including on the basis of the institution’s financial condition or upon the occurrence of other events, including (1) insolvency; (2) substantial dissipation of assets or earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices; (3) existence of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business; and (4) insufficient capital, or the incurring of losses that will deplete substantially all of the institution’s capital with no reasonable prospect of replenishment without federal assistance.

Reserve Requirements. Under Federal Reserve Board regulations, the Bank is required to maintain non-interest earning reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) and regular checking accounts). The regulations generally provide that reserves be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts as follows for 2014: a 3% reserve ratio was assessed on net transaction accounts up to and including $89.0 million; a 10% reserve ratio is applied above $89.0 million. The first $13.3 million of otherwise reservable balances (subject to adjustments by the Federal Reserve Board) are exempted from the reserve requirements. The amounts are adjusted annually and, for 2015, will require a 3% ratio for up to $103.6 million and an exemption of $14.5 million. At December 31, 2014, the Bank met applicable Federal Reserve Board reserve requirements.

Federal Home Loan Bank System.The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks governedsupervised and regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Board (“FHFB”). As a member, the BankFDIC and Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation.

Incorporation of Certain Information Regarding MBT by Reference

The foregoing information concerning MBT does not purport to be complete. Certain additional information relating to MBT’s business, management, executive officer and director compensation, voting securities and certain relationships is required to purchase and hold stockincorporated by reference in the FHLB of Indianapolis. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank held stock in the FHLB of Indianapolis in the amount of $3.8 million and was in compliancethis document from other documents filed by MBT with the above requirement.

Loans to Executive Officers, DirectorsSEC and Principal Stockholders.Loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders of a state nonmember bank must be madelisted under “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” on substantially the same terms as those prevailing for comparable transactions with persons who are not executive officers, directors, principal stockholders or employees of the Bank unless the loan is made pursuant to a compensation or benefit plan that is widely available to employees and does not favor insiders. Loans to any executive officer, director and principal stockholder together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated interests generally may not exceed 15% of the Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus and all loans to such persons may not exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. Loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders, and their respective affiliates, in excess of the greater of $25,000 or 5% of capital and surplus (on any loans where the total outstanding amounts to $500,000 or more) must be approved in advance by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Bank with any “interested” director not participating in the voting. State nonmember banks are prohibited from paying the overdraftspage 71. If you desire copies of any of their executive officersthese documents, you may contact MBT at its address or directors unless payment is made pursuant to a written, pre-authorized interest-bearing extension of credit plan that specifies a method of repayment or transfer of funds from another account at the bank.

Transactions with Affiliates. A state nonmember bank or its subsidiaries may not engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate in an amount greater than 10% of such bank’s capital stock and surplus, and for all such transactions with all affiliates, a state non-member bank is limited to an amount equal to 20% of capital stock and surplus. All such transactions must also betelephone number indicated under “WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank or subsidiary as those provided to a nonaffiliate. Certain covered transactions must meet prescribed collateralization requirements. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and similar other types of transactions. An affiliate of a state non-member bank is any company or entity that controls or is under common control with the state non-member bank and, for purposes of the aggregate limit on transactions with affiliates, any subsidiary that would be deemed a financial subsidiary of a national bank. In a holding company context, the parent holding company of a state non-member bank (such as Ameriana Bancorp) and any companies that are controlled by such parent holding company are affiliates of the state non-member bank. The BHCA further prohibits a depository institution from extending credit to or offering any other services, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or certain of its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution, subject to certain limited exceptions.

page 71Indiana Banking Law

Branching. An Indiana bank is entitled to establish one or more branchesde novo or by acquisition in any location or locations in Indiana and in other states (subject to the requirements of federal law for interstate banking). The Bank is required to file an application with the Department of Financial Institutions. Approval of the application is contingent upon the Department’s determination that after the establishment of the branch, the Bank will have adequate capital, sound management and adequate future earnings. An application to branch must also be approved by the FDIC.

Lending Limits. Indiana banks are not subject to percentage of asset or capital limits on their commercial, consumer and non-residential mortgage lending, and accordingly, have more flexibility in structuring their portfolios than federally chartered savings banks. Indiana law provides that a bank may not make a loan or extend credit to a borrower or group of borrowers in excess of 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional 10% of capital and surplus may be lent if secured by specified readily marketable collateral.

Enforcement. The Department has authority to take enforcement action against an Indiana bank in appropriate cases, including the issuance of cease and desist orders, removal of directors or officers, issuance of civil money penalties and appointment of a conservator or receiver.

Other Activities. The Bank is authorized to engage in a variety of agency and fiduciary activities including acting as executors of an estate, transfer agent and in other fiduciary capacities. On approval from the Department of Financial Institutions, the Bank would be permitted to exercise any right granted to national banks.

Taxation

Federal Taxation. Ameriana Bancorp and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return on a calendar year end. Banks are subject to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) in the same general manner as other corporations. However, institutions, such as the Bank, which met certain definitional tests and other conditions prescribed by the Code benefited from certain favorable provisions regarding their deductions from taxable income for annual additions to their bad debt reserve.

Ameriana Bancorp’s federal income tax returns have not been audited in the past five years.

State Taxation. The State of Indiana imposes a franchise tax which is assessed on qualifying financial institutions, such as the Bank. The tax is based upon federal taxable income before net operating loss carryforward deductions (adjusted for certain Indiana modifications) and is levied at a rate of 8.5% of apportioned adjusted taxable income. The rate will be reduced to 6.5%, phased in by 0.5% increments over four years beginning in 2014.

Ameriana Bancorp’s state income tax returns have not been audited by the State of Indiana since 2008.

Information about Ameriana Bancorp’s Properties

The following table sets forth the location of Ameriana Bancorp’s office facilities at December 31, 2014 and certain other information relating to these properties at that date.

   Year
Acquired
   Total
Investment
   Net
Book Value
   Owned/
Leased
   Square
Feet
 
       (Dollars in thousands)     

Main Office:

2118 Bundy Avenue

New Castle, Indiana

   1958    $2,037    $395     Owned     20,500  

Branch Offices:

1311 Broad Street

New Castle, Indiana (1)

   1890     1,215     168     Owned     18,000  

956 North Beechwood Avenue

Middletown, Indiana

   1971     363     28     Owned     5,500  

22 North Jefferson Street

Knightstown, Indiana

   1979     633     286     Owned     3,400  

1810 North State Street

Greenfield, Indiana

   1995     2,659     1,824     Owned     7,600  

99 South Dan Jones Road

Avon, Indiana

   1995     1,844     1,186     Owned     12,600  

   Year
Acquired
   Total
Investment
   Net
Book Value
   Owned/
Leased
 Square
Feet
 
       (Dollars in thousands)     

1724 East 53rd Street

Anderson, Indiana

   1993     750     492    Owned  3,000  

488 West Main Street

Morristown, Indiana

   1998     364     217    Owned  2,600  

7435 West U.S. 52

New Palestine, Indiana

   1999     947     579    Owned  3,300  

11521 Olio Road

Fishers, Indiana

   2008     2,148     1,843    Owned  2,500  

3975 West 106th Street

Carmel, Indiana

   2008     2,098     1,828    Owned  3,500  

3333 East State Road 32

         

Westfield, Indiana

   2008     619     489    Leased (2)  5,000  

11991 Fishers Crossing Drive

Fishers, Indiana

   2013     812     809    Owned  2,400  

107 West Logan Street

Noblesville, Indiana

   2013     623     619    Owned  3,200  

Lease for Space Under Construction

for Future Branch Office:

         

5915 N. College Avenue

         

Indianapolis, Indiana

   2014     59     59    Leased (3)  2,375  

Land Acquired for Future

Branch Office:

         

2437 East Main Street

Plainfield, Indiana

   2008     1,377     1,377    Owned  —    

Former Branch Office Used to

House Lending Personnel:

6653 West Broadway

McCordsville, Indiana

   2004     1,141     923    Owned  3,400  

Ameriana Insurance Agency, Inc.:

1908 Bundy Avenue

New Castle, Indiana

   1999        Owned  5,000  
     391     266     
    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total

    $20,080    $13,388     
    

 

 

   

 

 

    

(1)The Bank closed this branch on July 6, 2015.
(2)The initial lease expires on May 31, 2029 and the Bank has options for four additional terms of five years each.
(3)The initial lease expires in mid-2025, and the Bank has options for two additional terms of five years each.

The total net book value of $13.4 million shown above for Ameriana Bancorp’s office facilities is $2.1 million less than the total of $15.5 million shown for premises and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet. This difference represents the net book value as of December 31, 2014 for furniture, equipment and automobiles.

Ameriana Bancorp Legal Proceedings

On March 18, 2014, the City of Noblesville filed action seeking to take title of the real estate purchased by the Bank that was used to open a banking center in September 2014. The suit seeks to acquire title pursuant to condemnation proceedings and the City has made an offer to acquire the real estate for $375,000. That offer has been rejected by the Bank. The City has agreed not to take action before July 1, 2016, during which time the Bank can continue to operate its banking center. The Court has now entered its order approving the agreement.

On July 8, 2015, a purported shareholder of Ameriana Bancorp filed a putative class action lawsuit captioned Shiva Stein, individually and on behalf of others similarly situated vs. Ameriana Bancorp et al., Cause No. 49D10-1507-PL-022566 in the Marion County, Indiana Superior Court 10 against Ameriana Bancorp, its Board of Directors and First Merchants. Plaintiff amended the complaint on September 23, 2015. The amended complaint alleges direct and derivative claims for breach of fiduciary duties by the members of the Board of Directors regarding the proposed Merger and claims against First Merchants for allegedly aiding and abetting those alleged breaches. The plaintiff seeks (1) class certification, (2) to enjoin the Merger, (3) a declaration that the Merger Agreement is unlawful and unenforceable, (4) an order directing the members of Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors to commence a new sales process, (5) an order rescinding the Merger Agreement, and (6) compensatory damages, expert fees, attorneys’ fees, and costs in an unspecified amount. At this early stage of the litigation, it is not possible to assess the probability of a material adverse outcome or reasonably estimate any potential financial impact of the lawsuit on Ameriana Bancorp. Ameriana Bancorp, its Board of Directors and First Merchants believe the claims against them are without merit and intend to contest the matter vigorously.

On September 22, 2015, a purported shareholder of Ameriana Bancorp filed a putative class action lawsuit captioned Darrell F. Ewing v. Ameriana, et al., No. 1:15-CV-01491 in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Indiana against Ameriana Bancorp, its Board of Directors and First Merchants. The complaint generally alleges various claims of federal securities law violations and that the Directors of Ameriana Bancorp breached their fiduciary duties by providing materially inadequate disclosures and material disclosure omissions with respect to the proposed Merger. The plaintiff seeks (1) class certification, (2) to enjoin the Merger or, in the event the Merger is completed before entry of an injunction, to rescind the Merger or be awarded an unspecified amount of rescissory damages, (3) compensatory damages in an unspecified amount, and (4) costs and expenses, including attorneys’ and expert fees. At this early stage of the litigation, it is not possible to assess the probability of a material adverse outcome or reasonably estimate any potential financial impact of the lawsuit on Ameriana Bancorp. Ameriana Bancorp, its Board of Directors and First Merchants believe the claims against them are without merit and intend to contest the matter vigorously.

Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “ASBI.” On March 19, 2015, there were 316 holders of record of Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock. Ameriana Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends depends on a number of factors including Ameriana Bancorp’s capital requirements, financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations and general economic conditions. No assurance can be given that Ameriana Bancorp will continue to pay dividends or that they will not be reduced in the future.

The payment of dividends by Ameriana Bancorp depends substantially upon receipt of dividends from the Bank, which is subject to various regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends. Under current regulations, the Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend or repurchase any of its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause its net worth to be reduced below regulatory capital requirements or the amount required for its liquidation account.

In addition, without prior approval, current regulations allow the Bank to pay dividends to Ameriana Bancorp not exceeding retained net income for the applicable calendar year to date, plus retained net income for the preceding two years. Application is required by the Bank to pay dividends in excess of this restriction.

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market and the cash dividends declared on Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock for each full quarterly period during the last two fiscal years.

     2014     2013 

Quarter Ended:

    High     Low     Dividends
Declared
     High     Low     Dividends
Declared
 

March 31

    $14.00      $13.00      $0.02      $9.30      $7.42      $0.01  

June 30

     16.73       13.11       0.02       10.88       9.00       0.01  

September 30

     20.00       13.15       0.02       12.96       10.07       0.01  

December 31

     18.50       14.38       0.02       14.07       12.50       0.01  

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market and the cash dividends declared on Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock for each full quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015.

     2015 
                 Dividends 

Quarter Ended:

    High     Low     Declared 

March 31

    $18.00      $14.79      $0.04  

June 30

     22.00       15.21       0.04  

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information about Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock that may be issued under the Ameriana Bancorp’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014. Ameriana Bancorp does not maintain any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by shareholders.

Plan Category

  Number of securities
to be issued upon
the exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in the first
column)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   74,850    $12.25     178,400  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   74,850    $12.25     178,400  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

The following discussion and analysis of Ameriana Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Ameriana Bancorp’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2015, as well as the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and other detailed information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, in each case, included elsewhere in this registration statement.

The Bank began operations in 1890 and conducts business through its main office at 2118 Bundy Avenue, New Castle, Indiana and through thirteen (13) branch offices located throughout Central Indiana. Ameriana Bancorp’s primary markets are in Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Madison, Marion and Shelby counties.

The Bank has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ameriana Insurance Agency (“AIA”) and Ameriana Financial Services, Inc. (“AFS”). AIA provides insurance sales from offices in New Castle, Greenfield and

Avon, Indiana. AFS operates a brokerage facility in conjunction with LPL Financial that provides non-bank investment product alternatives to its customers and the general public. Ameriana Bancorp and the Bank employed 140 full-time equivalent employees at August 18, 2015. Ameriana Bancorp holds all of the common securities of Ameriana Capital Trust I.

What Ameriana Bancorp Does.The Bank is a community-oriented financial institution. Its principal business consists of attracting deposits from the general public and investing those funds, along with borrowed funds, primarily in mortgage loans on single-family residences, multi-family loans, construction loans, commercial real estate loans, and commercial and industrial loans, and, to a lesser extent, consumer loans, leases and loans to municipalities. It has from time to time purchased loans and loan participations in the secondary market. It also invests in various federal and government agency obligations and other investment securities permitted by applicable laws and regulations, including mortgage-backed, municipal and equity securities. It offers customers in its market area time deposits with terms ranging from three months to seven years, interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts and money market accounts. Its primary source of borrowings is FHLB advances. Through its subsidiaries, it engages in insurance, investment and brokerage activities.

Its primary source of income is net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on its loan and investment portfolios and the interest expense incurred on its deposits and borrowings. Its loan portfolio typically earns more interest than the investment portfolio, and its deposits typically have a lower average rate than FHLB advances and other borrowings. Several factors affect its net interest income. These factors include loan, investment, deposit, and borrowing portfolio balances, their composition, the length of their maturities, re-pricing characteristics, liquidity, credit, and interest rate risk, as well as market and competitive conditions and the current interest rate environment.

Competition.The geographic markets the Bank serves are highly competitive for deposits, loans and other financial services, including retail brokerage services and insurance. Its direct competitors include traditional banking and savings institutions, as well as other non-bank providers of financial services, such as insurance companies, brokerage firms, mortgage companies and credit unions located in the Bank’s market area. Additional significant competition for deposits comes from money market mutual funds and corporate and government debt securities, and Internet banks. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates and loan origination fees, and the range of services offered by the various financial institutions. Competition for origination of loans normally comes from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers and insurance companies.

Ameriana Bancorp expects competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Technological advances, for example, have lowered barriers to entry into the industry, allowed banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the Internet and made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks. Changes in federal law permit affiliation among banks, securities firms and insurance companies, which promotes a competitive environment in the financial services industry. Competition for deposits and the origination of loans could limit Ameriana Bancorp’s growth in the future.

Lending Activities. The principal lending activity of the Bank has been the origination of conventional first mortgage loans secured by residential property and commercial real estate, and commercial loans and consumer loans. The residential mortgage loans have been predominantly secured by single-family homes and have included construction loans.

The majority of the Bank’s mortgage loan portfolio is secured by real estate located in Henry, Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, Madison, Shelby, Delaware and Marion Counties in Indiana.

The following table sets forth information concerning the Bank’s loans by type of loan as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in Thousands) 
   At June 30,   At December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Real estate loans:

    

Commercial

  $116,472    $111,455  

Residential

   163,467     163,839  

Construction

   18,637     13,570  

Commercial loans and leases

   30,196     29,358  

Municipal loans

   1,895     785  

Consumer loans

   1,875     2,018  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans

  $332,542    $321,025  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less:

    

Undisbursed loan proceeds

   594     302  

Deferred loan fees, net

   622     707  

Allowance for loan losses

   3,904     3,903  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   5,120     4,912  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans—net

  $327,422    $316,113  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The risk characteristics of each loan portfolio segment are as follows:

Commercial Real Estate:These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Bank’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral and risk grade criteria. As a general rule, the Bank avoids financing single purpose projects unless other underwriting factors are present to help mitigate risk. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans.

Construction Real Estate:Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based on estimates of costs and value associated with the completed project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Bank until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, timely completion and sale of the property, sale of the property at a price commensurate with the initial estimate, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.

Commercial Loans and Leases:Commercial loans and leases are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

Residential and Consumer: With respect to residential loans that are secured by one-to four-family residences and are generally owner occupied, the Bank generally establishes a maximum loan-to-value ratio and requires private mortgage insurance if that ratio is exceeded. Home equity loans are typically secured by a subordinate interest in one-to four-family residences, and consumer loans are secured by consumer assets such as automobiles or recreational vehicles. Some consumer loans are unsecured such as small installment loans and certain lines of credit. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income of the borrowers, which can be impacted by economic conditions in their market areas such as unemployment levels. Repayment can also be impacted by changes in property values on residential properties. Risk is mitigated by the fact that the loans are of smaller individual amounts and spread over a large number of borrowers.

Municipal:Municipal loans are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most municipal loans are secured by the full faith and credit of the municipality. The availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the municipality to collect taxes or other revenue.

Ameriana Bancorp’s Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—June 30, 2015.

Ameriana Bancorp recorded net income of $188,000, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the three-month period ended June 30, 2015, which represented a $415,000 decrease from the same period a year earlier that was due primarily to $407,000 in legal and investment banking fees, as well as other costs related to the Merger, and approximately $130,000 related to two new banking centers opened during the last half of 2014. Following is additional summary information for the year:

Ameriana Bancorp declared a quarterly dividend of $0.04 per share, which represented a $0.02 per share increase over the same quarter a year earlier.

At June 30, 2015, the Bank’s tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.41%, the common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the tier 1 risk-based capital ratio were both 13.44%, and the total risk-based capital ratio was 14.62%. All four ratios were considerably above the levels required under regulatory guidelines to be considered “well capitalized.” The new Basel III capital rules did not have a significant impact on the Bank’s capital ratios.

63

Net interest income on a fully-tax equivalent basis for the second quarter of 2015 represented an increase of $26,000, or 0.7%, over the same quarter of 2014. The improvement was the net result of the benefit from a $9.8 million, or 2.4%, increase in average interest-earning assets to $420.4 million being partly offset by a decrease in net interest margin.

Net interest margin of 3.50% on a fully tax-equivalent basis for the second quarter of 2015 was six basis points lower than the same period in 2014.

The Bank did not record a provision for loan losses in the second quarter of 2015, compared to a $150,000 provision in the year earlier quarter, which reflected the declining pressure of economic conditions on credit quality, and a decrease in loan charge-offs.

Other income of $1.5 million for the second quarter of 2015 represented an increase of $130,000, or 9.4%, from the year earlier quarter that resulted primarily from the following changes:

A $100,000 increase in gains on sales of loans and servicing rights compared to the same quarter a year earlier that resulted from a larger percentage of new loans being sold in the secondary market compared to the same quarter a year earlier, when a strategy was in place to put most new residential mortgage loan originations into the Bank’s portfolio; and

A $62,000 increase in OREO income that related primarily to the receipt in the second quarter of rental income from a recently acquired residential condominium project; partly offset by

$35,000 in write-downs of OREO, compared with a $7,000 net gain in the same quarter a year earlier.

$4.9 million in other expense for the second quarter of 2015 was $818,000, or 20.3%, higher than the same quarter in 2014 and resulted primarily from the following changes:

A $500,000 increase in legal and professional fees, which included $407,000 in legal and investment banking fees related to the Merger;

A $154,000, or 6.6%, increase in salaries and employee benefits that was due primarily to a $109,000 cost for personnel hired for the two new banking centers opened in the last half of 2014, and normal annual salary increases, partly offset by a $16,000 decrease in expense related to Ameriana Bancorp’s frozen defined benefit plan and a $24,000 decrease in the expense related to the retirement plan for certain officers;

A $54,000 increase in OREO expense to $121,000, of which $70,000 related to a residential condominium project acquired in December 2014;

A $50,000 increase in data processing expense that related primarily to Ameriana Bancorp’s cost to support greater use of new technology by Ameriana Bancorp’s customers; and

A $34,000 increase in furniture and equipment expense, with $22,000 related to the two new banking centers opened in the last half of 2014.

Income before income taxes was $305,000 for the second quarter of 2015 and income tax expense was $117,000, which resulted in an effective rate of 38.4% that was higher than the statutory rate due primarily to a significant amount of non-deductible Merger related expense, partly offset by a significant amount of tax-exempt income from bank-owned life insurance.

For the second quarter of 2015, total assets decreased by $2.0 million, or 0.4%, to $480.7 million:

Investments in interest-bearing demand deposits decreased $14.9 million to $14.8 million at June 30, 2015, of which $14.6 million was invested at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The deposits withdrawn from the Federal Reserve Bank were used primarily to fund loan portfolio and investment portfolio growth during the quarter.

The $65.0 million total at June 30, 2015 for available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities represented a $6.4 million increase for the quarter that resulted primarily from $9.6 million in purchases of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pass-through mortgage-backed securities reduced by principal payments. The portfolio consists primarily of mortgage-backed securities insured by either Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Net loans receivable increased $7.5 million, or 2.4%, during the quarter to $327.4 million, and the Bank had a strong loan pipeline at June 30, 2015.

Total non-performing loans of $4.5 million, or 1.4% of total net loans at June 30, 2015, represented a decrease of $29,000 for the quarter.

The allowance for loan losses of $3.9 million at June 30, 2015 was 1.17% of total loans and 86.0% of non-performing loans, compared to 1.23% and 87.2%, respectively, at March 31, 2015.

The Federal Home Loan Bank repurchased $1.1 million of its stock in the second quarter, reducing Ameriana Bancorp’s investment to $2.7 million at June 30, 2015.

$27.8 million cash value of life insurance at June 30, 2015 represented an $800,000 decrease that resulted from the receipt of a death benefit exceeding the increase in cash value of other policies during the quarter. The Bank realized a $20,000 gain from its share of the death benefit from the split-dollar BOLI policy.

OREO of $6.7 million at June 30, 2015 represented a $76,000 increase from March 31, 2015, as the Bank acquired two single-family residential properties with a total book value of $111,000, and had write-downs totaling $35,000 for four properties that were based on new appraisals.

During the second quarter of 2015, total deposits decreased by $1.2 million, or 0.3%, to $389.4 million and resulted from a $473,000 decrease in non-maturity deposits, coupled with a $701,000 decline in certificate of deposit balances.

Total shareholders’ equity of $41.4 million at June 30, 2015 represented a decrease of $149,000 for the quarter, and resulted from a $309,000 reduction to a $134,000 unrealized gain net of income tax related to Ameriana Bancorp’s available-for-sale investment securities portfolio and $121,000 in shareholder dividends declared during the quarter, partly offset by net income of $188,000, $67,000 from the exercise of stock options and $26,000 of share-based compensation related to stock options.

Financial Condition. The balance sheet totals of $480.7 million at June 30, 2015 represented an increase of $7.9 million, or 1.7%, from the December 31, 2014 totals of $472.8 million. The increase resulted primarily from $10.5 million, or 2.8%, growth in the Bank’s deposit accounts, partly offset by a $3.0 million reduction in borrowings. The growth in total assets for the period included an $11.3 million increase in net loans receivable, a $9.8 million increase in investment securities, partly offset by a $12.3 million reduction in interest-bearing demand deposits and a $1.1 million decrease in FHLB stock.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $11.7 million during the first half of 2015 to $21.5 million at June 30, 2015. Included in the total at June 30, 2015 was $14.6 million of interest-bearing demand deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Cash and cash equivalents represent an immediate source of liquidity to fund loans or meet deposit outflows. The decrease for the first six months of 2015 resulted primarily from the total use of funds for growth in the loan portfolio, growth in the investment securities portfolio and repayment of an FHLB advance exceeding funds provided by growth in deposit accounts.

At June 30, 2015, the Bank held $3.9 million in FDIC insured bank certificates of deposit, which had a weighted-average rate of 1.29% and a weighted-average remaining life of 1.5 years. There were no purchases and one $248,000 maturity during the first half of 2015.

Investment securities available-for-sale decreased by $264,000 to $47.8 million at June 30, 2015 from $48.1 million at December 31, 2014. The decrease resulted primarily from $4.5 million in principal repayments on mortgage-backed pass-through and collateralized mortgage obligation securities, partly offset by purchases of a Fannie Mae and a Freddie Mac pass-through mortgage-backed security totaling $4.8 million.

Investment securities held-to-maturity increased by $10.0 million to $17.1 million at June 30, 2015 from $7.1 million at December 31, 2014, primarily the result of the purchase of $7.4 million of Fannie Mae mortgage-backed pass through securities and $3.1 million of tax-exempt local municipal bonds, partly offset by $419,000 of principal repayments on mortgage-backed pass-through securities and the maturity of a $35,000 local municipal bond.

All mortgage-backed pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations in the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios, with a total fair value of $57.7 million at June 30, 2015, are insured by either Ginnie Mae, a U.S. Government agency, or by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, each a U.S. Government sponsored enterprise.

Net loans receivable increased by $11.3 million to $327.4 million at June 30, 2015 from $316.1 million at December 31, 2014, as construction loans increased $5.1 million to $18.6 million, commercial real estate loans increased $5.0 million to $116.5 million, commercial loans and leases increased $838,000 to $30.2 million and the Bank added a $1.1 million municipal loan, increasing total municipal loans to $1.9 million. Consumer loans totaling $1.9 million at June 30, 2015, represented a $143,000 decline for the six-month period. Residential mortgage loans originated for sale into the secondary market totaled $5.6 million, and new originations retained in the portfolio were less than repayments during the first six months of 2015. As a result total residential real

estate loans declined $372,000 to $163.5 million at June 30, 2015. The Bank’s mortgage-banking strategy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains consistent with the Bank’s overall balance sheet management objectives.

Premises and equipment of $15.9 million at June 30, 2015 represented a $385,000 increase from $15.5 million at December 31, 2014. The net increase resulted from capital expenditures totaling $937,000, partly offset by $544,000 of depreciation and an $8,000 disposition during the period. $500,000 of the capital expenditure total was for the purchase of replacement ATMs that are compatible with a new operating system and capable of supporting chip card technology, and $239,000 represented initial expenditures related to the new Broad Ripple Banking Center that is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Federal Home Loan Bank repurchased $1.1 million of its stock in the second quarter, reducing Ameriana Bancorp’s investment from $3.8 million at December 31, 2014 to $2.7 million at June 30, 2015.

Goodwill was $656,000 at June 30, 2015, unchanged from December 31, 2014. Goodwill of $457,000 relates to deposits associated with a banking center acquired in 1998, and $199,000 is the result of three separate insurance business acquisitions. The Bank’s impairment tests reflected no impairment of the goodwill as of June 30, 2015.

Ameriana Bancorp has investments in life insurance on employees and directors, which had a balance or cash surrender value of $27.8 million and $28.4 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The reduction of $622,000 for the six month period was the result of a $1.0 million death benefit received by the Bank from a split-dollar BOLI policy with a $981,000 cash surrender value. The non-taxable increase in cash surrender value of this life insurance was $359,000 for the first six months of 2015, compared to $357,000 for the same period a year earlier.

OREO totaled $6.7 million at June 30, 2015, a $43,000 increase from December 31, 2014. There were three single-family properties with a total book value of $151,000 transferred to OREO, two sales of properties with book values totaling $73,000 that resulted in gains totaling $32,000, and four write-downs totaling $35,000 during the six-month period ended June 30, 2015.

Other assets of $8.8 million at June 30, 2015 represented a $73,000 decrease from December 31, 2014, which resulted primarily from a $447,000 net decrease in total prepaid expense, partly offset by a $304,000 increase in the income tax asset and a $76,000 increase in interest and dividends receivable.

Total liabilities increased $7.5 million, or 1.7%, from $431.8 million at December 31, 2014 to $439.3 million at June 30, 2015, primarily due to the increase in deposits.

Total deposits of $389.4 million at June 30, 2015 represented an increase of $10.5 million, or 2.8%, from December 31, 2014. The Bank has maintained a strong focus on nurturing existing and attracting new core deposit relationships, while limiting its efforts related to highly rate-sensitive deposits. During the first six months of 2015, money market, savings and checking balances, exclusive of public funds checking accounts, increased $12.6 million, as customers continued to choose more liquid deposit products, due primarily to the ongoing economic uncertainty and related low interest rate environment. Public funds checking balances increased $706,000 to $43.4 million at June 30, 2015. Total certificates of deposit balances declined $2.8 million during the same period to $134.2 million, due mostly to a migration of maturing balances to the Bank’s non-maturity deposit products. The Bank has concentrated on strategies designed to grow total balances in multi-product deposit relationships, and continues to utilize pricing strategies designed to produce growth with an acceptable marginal cost for both existing and new deposits.

Total borrowed money of $42.8 million at June 30, 2015 was down $3.0 million from December 31, 2014 as a result of the maturity of a FHLB advance with an interest rate of 2.70%. Wholesale funding options and strategies are continuously analyzed to ensure that the Bank retains sufficient sources of credit to fund all of its needs, and to control funding costs by using this alternative to organic deposit account funding when appropriate.

Drafts payable of $1.2 million at June 30, 2015 decreased $119,000 from $1.3 million at December 31, 2014. This difference will vary and is a function of the dollar amount of checks issued near period end and the time required for those checks to clear.

Total shareholders’ equity of $41.4 million at June 30, 2015 represented a $387,000 increase over the total of $41.1 million at December 31, 2014. The increase resulted from net income of $690,000, $125,000 from exercises of stock options and $42,000 in share-based compensation related to stock options, partly offset by $242,000 in dividends declared and a $228,000 decrease to a $134,000 unrealized gain net of income tax related to Ameriana Bancorp’s available-for-sale investment securities portfolio, during the six-month period ended June 30, 2015. Ameriana Bancorp’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios were all considerably above the levels required under regulatory guidelines to be considered “well capitalized.”

Results of Operations—Second Quarter of 2015 compared to the Second Quarter of 2014.

Ameriana Bancorp recorded net income of $188,000, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015, compared to net income of $603,000, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2014.

The earnings decline of $415,000, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same quarter a year earlier was due primarily to $407,000 in legal and investment banking fees, as well as other costs related to the Merger, and approximately $130,000 related to two new banking centers opened during the last half of 2014.

Net Interest Income.Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent basis of $3.7 million for the second quarter of 2015 represented an increase of $26,000, or 0.7%, compared to the same period of 2014. Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent basis was positively affected by the benefit from a $9.8 million, or 2.4%, increase in average interest-earning assets to $420.4 million, partly offset by a decrease in net interest margin. Net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis for the second quarter of 2015 of 3.50% was six basis points lower than the year earlier period.

Tax-exempt interest was $54,000 for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $36,000 for the same period of 2014, and resulted from municipal securities and municipal loans. Tax-equivalent adjustments were $23,000 and $15,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively.

“Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent basis” is calculated by increasing net interest income by an amount that represents the additional taxable interest income that would be needed to produce the same amount of after-tax income as the tax-exempt interest income included in net interest income for the period.

“Net interest margin on fully tax-equivalent basis” is calculated by dividing annualized “net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent basis” by average interest-earning assets for the period.

Ameriana Bancorp’s “fully tax-equivalent basis” calculations are based on a federal income tax rate of 34%.

Provision for Loan Losses.The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:

   (Dollars in thousands) 
   Three Months Ended June 30, 
       2015          2014     

Balance at beginning of quarter

  $3,984   $4,100  

Provision for loan losses

   —      150  

Charge-offs

   (121  (263

Recoveries

   41    17  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net charge-offs

   (80  (246
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $3,904   $4,004  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Allowance to total loans

   1.17  1.26
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Allowance to non-performing loans

   85.95  87.58
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp did not record a provision for loan losses for the second quarter of 2015, compared to a $150,000 provision for the year earlier quarter, which was reflective of the declining pressure of economic conditions on credit quality, including a decrease in loan charge-offs. Net charge-offs decreased from $246,000 for the second quarter of 2014 to $80,000 for the second quarter of 2015. Total charge-offs of $121,000 for the second quarter of 2015 included loans with specific reserves totaling $53,000 at March 31, 2015.

The following table summarizes Ameriana Bancorp’s non-performing loans:

   (Dollars in thousands) 
   June 30, 
   2015  2014 

Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis

  $4,427   $4,551  

Accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more

   115    21  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total of non-accrual and 90 days or more past due loans (1)

  $4,542   $4,572  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Percentage of total net loans

   1.39  1.46
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other non-performing assets (2)

  $6,682   $5,666  

Total non-performing assets

  $11,224   $10,238  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Percentage of total assets

   2.34  2.16
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Troubled debt restructurings in total of nonaccrual and 90 days or more past due loans (1)

  $1,411   $2,466  

Total troubled debt restructurings

  $10,904   $11,918  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Total non-accrual loans and accruing loans 90 days or more past due at June 30, 2015 included $1.4 million of TDRs, which consisted of four residential real estate loans totaling $976,000 and three commercial loans totaling $435,000.
(2)Other non-performing assets represent property acquired through foreclosure or repossession. This property is carried at the lower of its fair market value or its carrying value.

The allowance for loan losses of $3.9 million at June 30, 2015 was $100,000 lower than a year earlier, but the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans ratio remained relatively stable at 85.95% at June 30, 2015 compared to 87.58% at June 30, 2014, due to a lower total of non-performing loans. Non-performing loans of $4.5 million at June 30, 2015 represented a $30,000 decrease from the total of $4.6 million at June 30, 2014. It is management’s opinion that the allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2015 is adequate based on measurements of the credit risk in the entire portfolio as of that date.

At June 30, 2015, the Bank had $10.9 million in loans categorized as TDRs, with seven loans totaling $1.4 million also included in the table above in the total for loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis. The total of $10.9 million included $3.7 million related to a hotel in northern Indiana, a $3.3 million multi-family loan, 20 loans on single-family properties totaling $2.6 million, an $888,000 loan for developed commercial land and three commercial loans totaling $435,000.

Other Income.Ameriana Bancorp recorded other income of $1.5 million for the second quarter of 2015, an increase of $130,000, or 9.4%, from the same period a year earlier that resulted primarily from the following changes:

A $100,000 increase in gains on sales of loans and servicing rights to $125,000 from $25,000 that resulted from a larger percentage of new loans being sold in the secondary market in the first quarter of 2015 compared with the same quarter a year earlier, when a strategy was in place to put most new loan originations into the Bank’s portfolio; and

A $62,000 increase in OREO income that related primarily to the receipt of rental income from a recently acquired residential condominium project; partly offset by

$35,000 in OREO write-downs, compared with a $7,000 net gain in the year earlier quarter.

Other Expense.Total other expense of $4.9 million for the second quarter of 2015 was $818,000, or 20.3%, higher than the second quarter of 2014, with the following major differences:

A $500,000 increase in legal and professional fees for the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same quarter a year earlier that resulted primarily from $407,000 in legal and investment banking fees related to the recently announced merger with First Merchants Corporation, $68,000 in consulting fees for an information technology systems evaluation and a $33,000 increase in fees related to successful appeals of real estate tax assessments;

A $154,000, or 6.6%, increase in salaries and employee benefits to $2.5 million that was due primarily to $163,000 in increased compensation costs, of which $86,000 related to personnel hired for the two new banking centers opened in the last half of 2014 and the difference being related primarily to normal annual salary increases, partly offset by a $9,000 net reduction in benefits that resulted primarily from a $16,000 decrease in retirement benefits expense related to Ameriana Bancorp’s frozen defined benefit plan and a $24,000 decrease in the expense related to the retirement plan for certain officers;

A $54,000 increase in OREO expense to $121,000, due primarily to $70,000 of expense related to a residential condominium project acquired in December 2014;

A $50,000 increase in data processing expense to $301,000 that related primarily to Ameriana Bancorp’s cost to support greater use of new technology by Ameriana Bancorp’s customers; and

A $34,000 increase in furniture and equipment expense, with $22,000 related to the opening of two new banking centers during the last half of 2014.

Income Tax Expense.Ameriana Bancorp recorded income tax expense of $117,000 on pre-tax income of $305,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2015, compared to income tax expense of $223,000 on pre-tax income of $826,000 for the same period a year earlier. The second quarter of 2015 had a significant amount of non-deductible merger related expense. Both quarters had a significant amount of tax-exempt income, primarily from bank-owned life insurance.

Ameriana Bancorp has a deferred state tax asset that is primarily the result of operating losses sustained since 2003. Ameriana Bancorp started recording a valuation allowance against its current period state income tax benefit in 2005 due to its concern that it may not be able to use more than the tax asset already recorded on the books without modifying the use of Ameriana Investment Management, Inc. (“AIMI”), Ameriana Bancorp’s

investment subsidiary, which was liquidated effective December 31, 2009. Operating income from AIMI was not subject to state income taxes under state law, and as a result was also a major factor in the growth of the deferred state tax asset.

Ameriana Bancorp also has a deferred federal tax asset that is composed of tax benefit from a net operating loss carry-forward and tax credits. The federal loss carry-forward expires in 2026, and the tax credits begin to expire in 2023. The tax credits include alternative minimum tax credits, which have no expiration date. Management believes that Ameriana Bancorp will be able to utilize the benefits recorded for loss carry-forwards and credits within the allotted time periods.

In addition to the liquidation of AIMI, the Bank has initiated several strategies designed to expedite the use of both the deferred state tax asset and the deferred federal tax asset. Through sales of $34.5 million of municipal securities and only two purchases since December 31, 2006, that segment of the investment securities portfolio has been reduced to $5.4 million. The proceeds from these sales have been reinvested in taxable financial instruments. The Bank has periodically evaluated a sale/leaseback transaction that could result in a taxable gain on its office properties, and also allow the Bank to convert nonearning assets to assets that will produce taxable income. Additionally, the Bank periodically considers reducing its current investment in tax-exempt bank owned life insurance policies that involve the reinvestment of the proceeds in taxable financial instruments with a similar or greater risk-adjusted after-tax yield. Sales of banking centers not important to long-term growth objectives that would result in taxable gains and reduced operating expenses could be considered by the Bank.

Results of Operations—Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014.

Ameriana Bancorp recorded net income of $690,000, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2015, a decrease of $642,000, or 48.20%, from net income of $1.3 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2014.

The earnings decline of $642,000, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2015 compared to the same period a year earlier was due primarily to $432,000 in legal and investment banking fees, as well as other costs related to the Merger, approximately $307,000 related to two new banking centers opened during the last half of 2014, and a total of $235,000 in interest income and expense reversal related to the repurchase of a non-performing loan by the servicer in the first six months of 2014.

Net Interest Income.Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent basis of $7.2 million for the first half of 2015 represented a decrease of $160,000, or 2.2%, compared to the same period of 2014, and was related primarily to $173,000 in interest income recognized on the repurchase of a non-performing loan by the servicer in the first six months of 2014, and a $120,000 decrease in loan prepayment fee income. Ameriana Bancorp experienced a $10.1 million, or 2.5%, increase in average interest-earning assets to $418.8 million for the first half of 2015, compared with the same period a year earlier. Ameriana Bancorp’s net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis for the first half of 2015 of 3.47% was sixteen basis points lower than the year earlier period.

Tax-exempt interest was $108,000 for the first six months of 2015 compared to $72,000 for the same period of 2014. Ameriana Bancorp’s tax exempt interest results from holdings of bank-qualified municipal securities and municipal loans. The tax-equivalent adjustments were $46,000 and $30,000 for the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Provision for Loan Losses.The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:

   (Dollars in thousands) 
   Six Months Ended June 30, 
       2015           2014     

Balance at beginning of year

  $3,903    $3,993  

Provision for loan losses

   105     300  

Charge-offs

   (159   (320

Recoveries

   55     31  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net charge-offs

   (104   (289
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $3,904    $4,004  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp recorded a provision for loan losses of $105,000 for the first six months of 2015, compared with $300,000 for the same period in 2014. The 2015 provision represents a $195,000, or 65.0%, decrease from the six-month period a year earlier. The lower provision is also reflective of the effect of slowly improving economic conditions on credit quality, including a reduced amount of loan charge-offs. Charge-offs of $159,000 for the six- month period ended June 30, 2015 included $83,000 for a residential real estate loan, $48,000 for a commercial loan and $28,000 for consumer loans. Charge-offs of $320,000 for the six-month period a year earlier included $101,000 for two commercial real estate loans, $80,000 for four residential real estate loans, $59,000 for two commercial loans, and $46,000 for two construction loans. The allowance to total loans was 1.17% at June 30, 2015, compared with 1.26% at June 30, 2014.

Other Income.Ameriana Bancorp recorded other income of $3.1 million for the first half of 2015, an increase of $325,000, or 11.8%, from the same period a year earlier that resulted primarily from the following changes:

A $139,000 increase in gains on sales of loans and servicing rights to $180,000 from $41,000 that resulted from a larger percentage of new loans being sold in the secondary market in the first half of 2015 compared with the same period a year earlier, when a strategy was in place to put most new loan originations into the Bank’s portfolio;

A $130,000, or 16.2%, increase in brokerage and insurance commissions to $932,000 for the first six months of 2015 from $802,000 for the same period a year earlier that resulted primarily from a $138,000 increase in the contingent bonus received by the Bank’s insurance subsidiary related to the claims loss experience on insured properties;

A $45,000 increase in other fees and service charges on deposit accounts to $1.3 million for the first half of 2015 compared to the year earlier period, that was due primarily to an increase in the number of checking accounts that resulted from the Bank’s continuing focus on growing core deposit relationships; and

A $39,000 increase in OREO income that related primarily to the receipt of rental income from a recently acquired residential condominium project.

Other Expense.The net increase of $1.2 million, or 15.3%, in other expense to $9.2 million for the first six months of 2015 compared with the same period of 2014 resulted primarily from the net of the following differences:

A $519,000 increase in legal and professional fees for the first half of 2015 compared to the year earlier period that resulted primarily from $432,000 in legal and investment banking fees related to the Merger, $68,000 in consulting fees for an information technology systems evaluation and a $29,000 increase in fees related to successful appeals of real estate tax assessments;

A $255,000, or 5.6%, increase in salaries and employee benefits to $4.8 million that was due primarily to $271,000 in increased compensation costs, of which $175,000 related to personnel hired for the two new banking centers opened in the last half of 2014 and the difference being related primarily to normal annual salary increases, partly offset by a $16,000 net reduction in benefits that resulted primarily from a $31,000 decrease in retirement benefits expense related to Ameriana Bancorp’s frozen defined benefit plan and a $48,000 decrease in the expense related to the retirement plan for certain officers;

A $139,000 increase in OREO expense to $245,000 of which $132,000 related to a residential condominium project acquired in December 2014;

A $99,000 increase in other expense that related primarily to the reversal of $62,000 of loan expense in the first half of 2014 as a result of the repurchase of a non-performing loan by the servicer;

A $97,000 increase in data processing expense to $581,000 that related primarily to Ameriana Bancorp’s cost to support greater use of new technology by the Bank’s customers;

A $55,000 increase in furniture and equipment expense, with $42,000 related to the opening of two new banking centers during the last half of 2014; and

A $34,000 increase in net occupancy expense due primarily to a $34,000 reduction in rental income that resulted from the loss of a tenant in a building housing one of the Bank’s banking centers.

Income Tax Expense.Ameriana Bancorp had income before income taxes of $1.0 million for the first six months of 2015, and recorded income tax expense of $274,000, an effective tax rate of 28.4% that resulted from a large amount of tax-exempt income, partly offset by a significant amount of non-deductible merger related expense. Ameriana Bancorp had income before income taxes of $1.8 million for the same period of 2014, and recorded income tax expense of $507,000, an effective rate of 27.6% that was also a result of a large amount of tax-exempt income. For both six-month periods, the Bank had a significant amount of tax-exempt income from BOLI, in addition to tax-exempt income from municipal loans and municipal securities.

Ameriana Bancorp’s Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—December 31, 2014.

Ameriana Bancorp recorded net income of $2.4 million, or $0.79 per share, for 2014, compared to net income of $2.2 million, or $0.73 per share, for 2013. The growth in earnings for 2014 was due primarily to an improvement in net interest income and a reduction in the provision for loan losses, partly offset by lower total noninterest income and higher total noninterest expense. Following is additional summary information for the year:

Consistent with its capital contingency plan, Ameriana Bancorp paid a de minimis quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share, or $0.04 per share for each year from 2010 through 2013. In 2014, the quarterly dividend was increased to $0.02 per share, or $0.08 per share for the year.

Ameriana Bancorp’s tangible common equity ratio at December 31, 2014 was 8.45%.

At December 31, 2014, the Bank’s tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.49%, the tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 14.38%, and the total risk-based capital ratio was 15.64%. All three ratios were considerably above the levels required under regulatory guidelines to be considered “well capitalized.”

Net interest income of $15.1 million for 2014 represented an increase of $1.2 million over 2013 due primarily to increases of $25.3 million in average interest-earning and $745,000 in prepayment fees, which included a $651,000 prepayment fee related to a match-funded commercial real estate loan. These metrics contributed to a six basis point increase in net interest margin from 3.63% for 2013 to 3.69% for 2014.

The Bank recorded a $322,000 provision for loan losses in 2014 compared with a $755,000 provision in 2013. The improvement was due primarily to a reduction in nonperforming loans and net charge-offs.

Total nonperforming loans of $4.4 million, or 1.37%, of total loans at December 31, 2014, represented a $676,000 decrease from $5.1 million, or 1.60% of total loans at December 31, 2013.

Net charge-offs declined $589,000 from $1.0 million in 2013 to $412,000 in 2014.

The allowance for loan losses was $3.9 million, or 1.22% of total loans at December 31, 2014, compared with $4.0 million, or 1.26% of total loans at December 31, 2013.

Other income of $5.6 million for 2014 was $184,000, or 3.2%, lower than the total for the prior year, due primarily to the $341,000 decrease in gains on sales of mortgage loans and servicing rights that resulted from a decline in demand in the Bank’s markets, coupled with management’s decision to retain a substantial portion of the 2014 loan originations for the Bank’s portfolio. The change in other income also included the following differences:

Fees and service charges on deposit accounts of $2.7 million for 2014 represented a $228,000, or 9.3%, improvement over 2013 that was due primarily to an increase in the number of checking accounts that resulted from the Bank’s continuing focus on growing core deposit relationships.

A $57,000 decrease in brokerage and insurance commissions to $1.6 million for 2014 included a $38,000 decrease in commissions and fees earned by the Bank’s investment services subsidiary that resulted primarily from a lower volume of sales, and a $34,000 decrease in the contingency bonus received by the Bank’s insurance subsidiary related to claims loss experience.

The Bank had no sales of investment securities in 2014, compared to $167,000 in net gains from $10.2 million in sales in 2013.

A $32,000 decrease in the net loss from sales and write-downs of other real estate owned to $3,000 for 2014 compared with $35,000 for 2013.

A $60,000 increase in other real estate owned income to $280,000 that resulted primarily from the January 2014 collection of $26,000 in delinquent rent from a tenant of a commercial strip center.

Other expense for 2014 of $17.2 million was $1.1 million, or 6.9%, higher than 2013, due primarily to a prepayment penalty of $614,000 paid to the Federal Home Loan Bank related to a borrowing for a match-funded commercial real estate loan, and to costs associated with two new banking centers. The change in other expense also included the following differences:

Total salaries and employee benefits of $9.3 million for 2014 represented an increase of $323,000, or 3.6%, from 2013 that was due in part to $155,000 of expense related to the two new banking centers opened in the last half of 2014, and a $71,000 increase in the expense of Ameriana Bancorp’s frozen multi-employer defined benefit retirement plan.

A $56,000 decrease in furniture and equipment expense to $778,000 related mostly to reduced ATM maintenance expense and lower depreciation.

A $149,000 increase in legal and professional fees to $723,000 was due primarily to a $72,000 increase in legal fees, a $38,000 increase in fees related to successful appeals of real estate tax assessments and a $16,000 increase in recruiting fees.

A $127,000 decrease in FDIC insurance premiums resulted primarily from a reduction in the Bank’s assessment rate.

A $90,000 increase in data processing expense related primarily to Ameriana Bancorp’s cost to support greater use of new technology by its customers.

A $168,000 increase in marketing expense to $529,000 for 2014 related primarily to media advertising to build brand awareness in the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area.

An $84,000 decrease in other real estate owned expense to $277,000 related primarily to real estate tax refunds from successful appeals of assessments that resulted in a $55,000 expense reduction.

A $66,000 decrease in loan expense resulted primarily from an expense reversal of $62,000 as a result of the repurchase of a non-performing loan by the servicer.

A $102,000 increase in other noninterest expense to $1.7 million resulted primarily from a $101,000 increase in expense related to split-dollar life insurance agreements.

Ameriana Bancorp had income before income taxes of $3.2 million for 2014 and recorded income tax expense of $867,000, an effective rate of 26.8%, which was lower than the statutory rate due primarily to a significant amount of tax-exempt bank-owned life insurance.

Ameriana Bancorp’s total assets of $472.8 million at December 31, 2014 were up $14.2 million, or 3.1%, from $458.6 million at December 31, 2013:

Net loans receivable were $316.1 million at December 31, 2014, which represented a $4.1 million, or 1.3%, increase from $312.0 million at December 31, 2013. Portfolio growth efforts in 2014 were hampered mostly by prepayments of large commercial real estate loans, for which the Bank received $778,000 in prepayment fees, and also by a weak local single-family residential mortgage market. Total prepayment fees received were partly offset by a $614,000 prepayment penalty paid to the Federal Home Loan Bank related to one of the commercial real estate loans that was match-funded.

The growth in total loans outstanding to $321.0 million at December 31, 2014 resulted from a $6.7 million increase in commercial real estate loans to $111.5 million, a $2.2 million increase in construction loans to $13.6 million, and a $104,000 increase in commercial loans to $29.4 million, partly offset by a $4.7 million decrease in residential real estate loans to $163.8 million, a $212,000 decrease in municipal loans to $785,000 and a $14,000 decrease in consumer loans to $2.0 million.

Reflective of the effect of the low interest rate environment coupled with competitive pricing pressures, the 4.67% weighted-average rate for the loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 represented a sixteen basis point decrease from 4.83% at December 31, 2013.

The Bank experienced an increase of $15.0 million, or 37.4%, in the investment securities portfolio during 2014 to $55.2 million, which was due primarily to $21.0 million in purchases of Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed securities and a $1.1 million increase in the market value of the available for sale portfolio, partly offset by $6.9 million of principal payments on mortgage securities.

Ameriana Bancorp had an $8.6 million decrease in interest-bearing demand deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to $27.0 million that was due primarily to growth in the investment securities portfolio.

Other real estate owned of $6.6 million at December 31, 2014 represented an increase of $1.5 million from December 31, 2013, with the addition of ten properties totaling $2.4 million, the sale of 18 properties with a total book value of $900,000, and $26,000 in write-downs during the year. The additions included a residential condominium project with a book value of $1.5 million.

Total deposits of $378.9 million at December 31, 2014 represented an increase of $16.2 million, or 4.5%, for the year. Non-maturity deposits grew $24.8 million, or 11.4%, to $241.9 million, while certificates of deposit decreased $8.6 million, or 5.9%, to $137.0 million.

The Bank achieved a seven basis point reduction in the weighted average cost of interest-bearing deposits to 0.48% at December 31, 2014 from 0.55% at the end of 2013.

Total borrowings decreased by $5.0 million in 2014 to $45.8 million, due to the Bank prepaying a 4.60% Federal Home Loan Bank note with a maturity date of November 20, 2018 that had been used to match-fund a commercial real estate loan in 2008.

Financial Condition. Total assets increased by $14.2 million, or 3.1%, to $472.8 million at December 31, 2014 from $458.6 million at December 31, 2013. This change was due primarily to an increase in investment securities that were funded primarily from growth in deposit balances, as loan growth efforts were limited by a weak local single-family residential mortgage market and by a significant volume of prepayments of commercial real estate loans.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $7.7 million to $33.1 million at December 31, 2014 from $40.8 million at December 31, 2013. Interest-bearing demand deposits decreased $8.7 million to $27.1 million at December 31, 2014, with the totals for both year-end dates consisting almost entirely of balances with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Interest-Bearing Time Deposits. At December 31, 2014, the Bank held $4.2 million in FDIC-insured bank certificates of deposit, which had a weighted-average interest rate of 1.24% and a weighted-average remaining life of approximately 2.0 years.

Securities. Investment securities increased $15.0 million, or 37.4%, to $55.2 million at December 31, 2014 from $40.2 million at December 31, 2013. This change was due primarily to $21.0 million in purchases of Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities and a $1.1 million increase in the market value of the available for sale portfolio that resulted from a decline in market interest rates during 2014, partly offset by $6.9 million of principal repayments on the mortgage securities and $271,000 of net amortization of purchase premiums and discounts.

All mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations at December 31, 2014 are guaranteed by either Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. All of Ameriana Bancorp’s investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment, and such impairment, if any, is recognized as a charge to earnings. There were no other than temporarily impaired investment securities as of December 31, 2014.

The following table identifies changes in the investment securities carrying values:

(Dollars in thousands)               
   2014   2013   $ Change  % Change 

December 31:

       

Available for sale:

       

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $44,198    $33,806    $10,392    30.74

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,019     2,214     (195  (8.81

Mutual funds

   1,867     1,783     84    4.71  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  
   48,084     37,803     10,281    27.20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Held to maturity:

       

GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

   4,736     —       4,736    —    

Municipal securities

   2,346     2,347     (1  (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  
   7,082     2,347     4,735    201.75  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Totals

  $55,166    $40,150    $15,016    37.40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

The following table identifies the percentage composition of the invested securities.

   2014  2013  2012 

December 31:

    

Available for sale

    

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

   80.1  84.2  83.8

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   3.7    5.5    6.1  

Mutual funds

   3.4    4.5    4.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   87.2    94.2    94.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Held to maturity:

    

GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

   8.6    —      —    

Municipal securities

   4.2    5.8    5.6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   12.8    5.8    5.6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Totals

   100.0  100.0  100.0
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statement for more information on investment securities.

Loans. Net loans receivable totaled $316.1 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $4.1 million, or 1.3% from $312.0 million at December 31, 2013. Additional growth was hindered by prepayments of large commercial real estate loans, for which the Bank received $778,000 in prepayment fees, and also by a weak local single-family residential mortgage loan market. Total prepayment fees received were partly offset by a $614,000 prepayment penalty paid to the Federal Home Loan Bank related to one of the commercial real estate loans that was match-funded.

Residential real estate loans decreased $4.7 million to $163.8 million at December 31, 2014, from $168.5 million at December 31, 2013. New loan originations involved a mix of owner-occupied single-family and investment properties, as well as a blend of fixed-rate and, to a lesser degree, variable-rate notes. During 2014, the Bank originated $32.5 million in non-construction residential real estate loans, including home equity loans, and sold $4.7 million into the secondary market.

Commercial real estate loans increased $6.7 million to $111.5 million at December 31, 2014, from $104.8 million at December 31, 2013. Commercial loans and leases increased $104,000 to $29.4 million at December 31, 2014 from $29.3 million at December 31, 2013. Non-construction commercial real estate loans totaling $38.1 million were originated in 2014, and $12.3 million in other commercial loans were also added in 2014.

Construction loans increased $2.2 million to $13.6 million at December 31, 2014 from $11.4 million at December 31, 2013. Construction loan originations in 2014 totaled $13.0 million, which included eight commercial construction loans totaling $9.1 million and 17 residential construction loans totaling $3.9 million.

On December 31, 2014, the Bank had two loans to local municipalities totaling $785,000, compared to three loans totaling $997,000 at December 31, 2013. Municipal loans are usually added through a competitive bid process. No municipal loans were added in 2014 or in 2013.

Consumer loans declined $14,000 from December 31, 2013 to $2.0 million at December 31, 2014. This decrease reflected the impact of the local economy and competitive pressures on the Bank’s lending growth objectives. The Bank originated $1.2 million of consumer loans in 2014.

New loan volume in 2014 totaled $97.5 million. New loan volume in 2013 totaled $81.1 million. New residential loan additions, including $11.0 million of construction loans and $155,000 in purchases, increased to

$43.7 million in 2014 from $41.0 million in 2013. Commercial loan, commercial real estate, and commercial construction loan additions in 2014, including a $254,000 purchased loan, totaled $52.6 million, compared to $39.0 million in 2013. New consumer loans totaled $1.2 million in 2014 compared to $1.1 million in 2013.

Ameriana Bancorp generally retains loan servicing on loans sold. Loans that Ameriana Bancorp serviced for investors, primarily Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, totaled approximately $70.9 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $80.7 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease of $9.8 million for 2014 was due to $14.5 million of payoffs and other principal payments on loans serviced for investors exceeding the $4.7 million of loans sold with servicing retained during the year. Loans sold that Ameriana Bancorp service generate a steady source of fee income, with servicing fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% per annum of the loan principal amount.

Credit Quality. Nonperforming loans decreased $676,000 to $4.4 million at December 31, 2014 from $5.1 million at December 31, 2013. Nonaccrual residential real estate loans decreased $555,000 for the year to $2.2 million at December 31, 2014, primarily as a result of the repurchase of a loan with a $781,000 balance at December 31, 2013. Nonaccrual construction loans decreased by $371,000 and nonaccrual commercial loans declined $216,000 during 2014. There was one nonaccrual commercial real estate loan with a balance of $812,000 at December 31, 2014, an increase of $460,000 over a year earlier.

Ameriana Bancorp recorded net charge-offs of $412,000 in 2014 and $1.0 million in 2013. Total charge-offs were $505,000 in 2014 and $1.1 million in 2013. Total recoveries in 2014 were $93,000, while total recoveries were $139,000 in 2013.

The allowance for loan losses as a percent of loans was 1.22% at December 31, 2014 and 1.26% at December 31, 2013. As a result of the Bank’s review of collateral positions and historic loss ratios, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover all incurred and probable losses inherent in the portfolio at December 31, 2014.

Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment of $15.5 million at December 31, 2014 represented an $825,000 increase from $14.7 million at December 31, 2013. The net increase resulted primarily from capital expenditures totaling $1.8 million, of which $1.1 million related to the two new banking centers, partly offset by $966,000 of depreciation for the year.

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank. The $719,000 decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank stock to $3.8 million at December 31, 2014 was the result of a stock repurchase program initiated by the Federal Home Loan Bank in 2014.

Goodwill. Goodwill was $656,000 at December 31, 2014, unchanged from December 31, 2013. Goodwill of $457,000 relates to deposits associated with a banking center acquired on February 27, 1998, and $199,000 is the result of three separate acquisitions of insurance businesses. The results of the Bank’s impairment tests have reflected a fair value for the deposits at this banking center that exceeds the goodwill, and a fair value of the three insurance agency books of business purchased that exceeds the associated goodwill.

Cash Value of Life Insurance. Ameriana Bancorp has investments in life insurance on employees and directors, with a balance or cash surrender value of $28.4 million and $27.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The majority of these policies were purchased in 1999. Some policies were exchanged in 2014 to reduce Ameriana Bancorp’s concentration with one insurance carrier, and some policies with lower returns were exchanged in 2007 as part of a restructuring of the program. The nontaxable increase in cash surrender value of life insurance was $716,000 in 2014, compared to $720,000 in 2013.

Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate owned of $6.6 million at December 31, 2014 represented an increase of $1.5 million from December 31, 2013. Ten additions to other real estate owned totaling $2.4 million and the sale of eight properties with an aggregate book value of $900,000 occurred during 2014. The additions

included a residential condominium project with a book value of $1.5 million, two commercial real estate properties totaling $244,000, five single-family residential properties totaling $472,000 and 20 residential building lots totaling $195,000. The sales resulted in a net gain of $23,000, and consisted of five single-family properties, two residential building lots, and developed commercial land. Write-downs of other real estate owned during 2014 totaled $26,000, of which $24,000 related to an outlot adjacent to a strip retail center also owned by the Bank. All of the write-downs during 2014 were due to reduction of the property’s market value, evidenced by updated appraisals or valuations received during the period.

Other Assets. Other assets were $8.9 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $9.9 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease of $966,000 resulted primarily from a $1.0 million reduction of Ameriana Bancorp’s net income tax asset.

Deposits. The following table shows deposit changes by category:

(Dollars in thousands)

                

December 31,

  2014   2013   $ Change   % Change 

Noninterest-bearing deposits

  $61,063    $52,747    $8,316     15.77

Savings deposits

   32,997     30,009     2,988     9.96  

Interest-bearing checking

   112,899     98,234     14,665     14.93  

Money market deposits

   34,960     36,125     (1,165   (3.23

Certificates $100,000 and more

   46,157     51,188     (5,031   (9.83

Other certificates

   90,871     94,398     (3,527   (3.74
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Totals

  $378,947    $362,701    $16,246     4.48  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Non-maturity deposits increased $24.8 million, or 11.4%, to $241.9 million at December 31, 2014 from $217.1 million at December 31, 2013. The growth resulted primarily from a $23.0 million increase in checking account balances, noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits, which included a $7.0 million temporary public funds checking balance related to a municipal construction project. The $8.6 million decline in certificate balances resulted primarily from the Bank’s decision not to renew a maturing $7.5 million State of Indiana certificate deposit that was accepted in December 2013.

Borrowings. Borrowings decreased $5.0 million to $45.8 million at December 31, 2014 from $50.8 million at December 31, 2013, as the Bank prepaid a Federal Home Loan Bank note that had been used to match-fund a ten-year commercial real estate loan in 2008. The Bank received a $651,000 prepayment fee from the loan payoff and paid a $614,000 prepayment penalty to the Federal Home Loan Bank. In 2013, the Bank added a three-year Federal Home Loan Bank note with an interest rate of 0.77%. The proceeds from the note were used to purchase $8.1 million of Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities, with the balance of the purchase funded with cash from the Bank’s interest-bearing demand account at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In September 2012, the Bank prepaid a $10.0 million FHLB note that had an interest rate of 3.42% and maturity date of June 24, 2015, using the proceeds from a $10.0 million FHLB borrowing with an interest rate of 0.96% and maturity date of September 20, 2017. In November 2012, the Bank prepaid a $10.0 million FHLB note that had an interest rate of 3.40% and maturity date of July 24, 2015, using the proceeds from a $10.0 million borrowing with an interest rate of 0.92% and maturity date of November 28, 2017. This restructuring strategy, which included two prepayment penalties totaling $1.5 million that are being amortized over the lives of the two new borrowings, allowed the Bank to extend the debt during a low interest rate environment, and reduce the amount of interest expense that will be recorded during the period from the restructuring dates to the original maturity dates of the replaced borrowings.

At December 31, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp’s borrowings consisted of FHLB advances totaling $28.0 million, one $7.5 million repurchase agreement, and subordinated debentures of $10.3 million. The subordinated debentures were issued on March 7, 2006, and mature on March 7, 2036.

Yields Earned and Rates Paid. The following tables set forth the weighted average yields earned on interest-earning assets and the weighted average interest rates paid on the interest-bearing liabilities, together with the net yield on interest-earning assets. Yields are calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. The tax-equivalent adjustment was $60,000, $62,000 and $64,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

   Year Ended December 31, 
     2014       2013      2012   

Weighted Average Yield:

     

Loans

   5.22   4.99  5.35

Mortgage-backed pass through and collateralized mortgage obligations

   2.24     1.93    2.34  

Securities—taxable

   2.13     2.30    3.02  

Securities—tax-exempt

   8.00     8.00    8.01  

Other interest-earning assets

   0.74     0.81    0.79  

All interest-earning assets

   4.42     4.41    4.72  

Weighted Average Cost:

     

Demand deposits, money market deposit accounts, and savings

   0.10     0.11    0.18  

Certificates of deposit

   1.04     1.12    1.39  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances, Federal Reserve Bank discount window borrowings, repurchase agreement and subordinated debentures

   2.68     2.86    3.29  

All interest-bearing liabilities

   0.82     0.87    1.09  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest Rate Spread (spread between weighted average yield on all Interest-earning assets and all interest-bearing liabilities)

   3.60     3.54    3.63  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Tax Equivalent Yield (net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets)

   3.69     3.63    3.72  

   At December 31, 

Weighted Average Interest Rates:

  2014   2013  2012 

Loans

   4.67   4.83  5.07

Mortgage-backed pass through and collateralized mortgage obligations

   2.18     2.21    2.11  

Other securities—taxable

   1.87     2.01    2.00  

Other securities—tax-exempt

   7.95     7.95    7.95  

Other earning assets

   0.72     0.65    0.96  

Total interest-earning assets

   4.03     4.15    4.52  

Demand deposits, money market deposit accounts, and savings

   0.10     0.11    0.11  

Certificates of deposit

   0.99     1.06    1.19  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances, repurchase agreement, and subordinated debentures (1)

   2.48     2.69    2.86  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

   0.73     0.86    0.90  

Interest rate spread

   3.30     3.29    3.62  

(1)The actual weighted average rate at December 31, 2014 for Federal Home Loan Bank advances was 1.10%, but the effective rate was 2.17%, which was used in this calculation. The effective rate incorporates the impact on interest expense from the amortization of two prepayment penalties totaling $1.5 million that resulted when two advances of $10.0 million each were replaced in 2012 with new borrowings that have lower rates and later maturity dates.

Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table sets forth certain information regarding changes in interest income, interest expense and net interest income for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by old rate) and (2) changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by old volume). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have

been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to the rate and the changes due to volume. No material amounts of loan fees or out-of-period interest are included in the table. Nonaccrual loans were not excluded in the calculations. The information shown below was adjusted for the tax-equivalent benefit of bank qualified non-taxable municipal securities and municipal loans. The tax-equivalent adjustment was $60,000, $62,000 and $64,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2014 vs. 2013  2013 vs. 2012 
   Increase (Decrease)
Due to Changes in
  Increase (Decrease)
Due to Changes in
 
   Volume  Rate  Net
Change
  Volume  Rate  Net
Change
 
   (In thousands) 

Interest income:

       

Loans

  $(27 $730   $703   $342   $(1,151 $(809

Mortgage-backed securities

   290    102    392    (122  (134  (256

Securities—taxable

   —      (3  (3  2    (15  (13

Securities—tax-exempt

   —      —      —      —      —      —    

Other interest-earning assets

   93    (21  72    18    6    24  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest-earning assets

   356    808    1,164    240    (1,294  (1,054
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest expense:

       

Demand deposits and savings

   6    (2  4    14    (115  (101

Certificates of deposits

   87    (108  (21  (211  (360  (571

FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Bank discount window borrowings, repurchase agreement and subordinated debentures

   96    (85  11    32    (202  (170
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

   189    (195  (6  (165  (677  (842
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in net interest income

  $167   $1,003   $1,170   $405   $(617 $(212
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Drafts Payable. Drafts payable of $1.3 million at December 31, 2014 represented a decrease of $205,000 from $1.5 million at December 31, 2013. This difference will vary and is a function of the dollar amount of checks issued near period end and the time required for those checks to clear.

Other Liabilities. The total for other liabilities decreased $166,000 to $5.7 million at December 31, 2014, from $5.9 million at December 31, 2013, and included a $186,000 decrease in a payable related to the transfer of loan servicing on loans purchased by the bank in prior years, and a $111,000 increase in loan escrow balances.

Shareholders’ Equity. Total shareholders’ equity of $41.1 million at December 31, 2014 was $3.3 million higher than the total at December 31, 2013. This increase resulted from net income of $2.4 million, $511,000 related to vesting of stock options and from stock options exercised, and other comprehensive income of $702,000 from unrealized appreciation of available-for-sale securities, partially offset by $240,000 in dividends to shareholders.

Results of Operations – 2014 Compared to 2013.

Net Income.Ameriana Bancorp recorded net income of $2.4 million for 2014, or $0.79 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.2 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, for 2013. This increase of $179,000 resulted primarily from growth in net interest income and a reduction in the provision for loan losses, partly offset by lower total noninterest income and higher total noninterest expense. The following is a summary of changes in the components of net income for 2014 compared to 2013:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Net interest income of $15.1 million for 2014 represented an increase of $1.2 million over 2013, and resulted primarily from a $25.3 million increase in average interest-earning assets and a $745,000

increase in prepayment fees from commercial real estate loans. Total prepayment fee income for 2014 included one prepayment fee of $651,000 received on a commercial real estate loan that was match-funded with a FHLB borrowing in 2008. The $614,000 prepayment penalty paid to the FHLB is included in noninterest expense for 2014.

Provisions for loan losses of $322,000 were recorded during 2014, compared to $755,000 for the same period of 2013, a decrease of $433,000.

Other income for 2014 was $5.6 million, or a decrease of $184,000 from 2013, due primarily to the $341,000 reduction in gains on sales of loans and servicing rights.

$17.2 million in other expense for 2014 represented a $1.1 million, or 6.9%, increase from $16.1 million for 2013. The increase resulted primarily from a $614,000 prepayment penalty paid to the Federal Home Loan Bank related to a 2008 borrowing used to match-fund a commercial real estate loan.

The income tax expense of $867,000 on $3.2 million of pre-tax income for 2014 represented a reduced effective federal tax rate of 26.8% that resulted primarily from $857,000 of tax-exempt income from bank-owned life insurance, municipal securities and municipal loans. The income tax expense of $741,000 on $2.9 million of pre-tax income for 2013 represented a reduced effective federal tax rate of 25.3% that resulted from $865,000 of tax-exempt income from bank-owned life insurance, municipal securities and municipal loans.

Net Interest Income. Ameriana Bancorp derives the majority of its income from net interest income. The following table shows a breakdown of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for 2014 compared to 2013. The tax equivalent adjustment was $60,000 and $62,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, based on a tax rate of 34%.

Years ended December 31,

  2014  2013 
   Interest   

Yield/Rate

  Interest   

Yield/Rate

  Change 

Interest and fees on loans

  $16,633     5.22% $15,930     4.99% $703  

Other interest income

   1,573     1.69    1,112     1.65    461  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest income

   18,206     4.42    17,042     4.41    1,164  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest on deposits

   1,646     0.52    1,663     0.56    (17)

Interest on borrowings

   1,351     2.68    1,340     2.86    11  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest expense

   2,997     0.82    3,003     0.87    (6)
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest income

  $15,209     $14,039     $1,170  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest spread

     3.60%    3.54% 

Net interest margin

     3.69%    3.63% 

The 8.3% increase in net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis, as shown in the table above, was mostly the result of a $25.3 million, or 6.5% increase in average interest-earning assets, and a $745,000 increase in prepayment fee income that included a fee of $651,000 from one commercial real estate loan that was match-funded with a FHLB borrowing. Although average interest-bearing liabilities for 2014 represented a 5.5% increase over 2013, interest expense decreased $6,000, as both the average cost of deposits and the average cost of borrowings declined from a year earlier. Ameriana Bancorp’s interest-bearing liabilities have shorter overall maturities and typically reprice more frequently to market conditions than its interest-earning assets.

Ameriana Bancorp’s net interest margin on a fully-tax equivalent basis increased six basis points to 3.69% for 2014 from 3.63% for 2013.

Tax-exempt interest for 2014 was $141,000 compared to $145,000 for 2013. Tax-exempt interest is from qualifying municipal securities and municipal loans. Total interest income on a tax-equivalent basis of $18.2

million for 2014 represented an increase of $1.2 million compared to $17.0 million for 2013. This increase resulted primarily from Ameriana Bancorp’s growth in average interest-earning assets and significant increase in prepayment fee income. Total interest expense for 2014 decreased $6,000 compared to 2013, due mostly to the Bank taking advantage of market opportunities to reprice and continue to reduce its cost of interest-bearing deposits. For further information, see “—Financial Condition—Rate/Volume Analysis.”

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses represents the current period credit or cost associated with maintaining an appropriate allowance for loan losses. Periodic fluctuations in the provision for loan losses result from management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, assessment by management, third parties and banking regulators of the quality of the loan portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral on problem loans and the general economic conditions in the Bank’s market area. Ameriana Bancorp believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Ameriana Bancorp had a provision for loan losses of $322,000 for 2014 compared to a provision of $775,000 for 2013. The decrease in the provision was due primarily to a reduction in nonperforming loans and net charge-offs, and to an improvement in the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio. The allowance to total loans ratio was 1.22% at December 31, 2014, compared to 1.26% at December 31, 2013.

Other Income. The $184,000 decrease in total other income to $5.6 million in 2014 resulted primarily from the net of the following changes:

A $341,000 decrease in gains on sales of mortgage loans and servicing rights to $170,000 for 2014 from $511,000 for 2013, that resulted primarily from a decline in single-family home loan demand nationwide and management’s decision to retain a substantial portion of the 2014 new loan production in the Bank’s portfolio;

No sales of investment securities, compared to $167,000 in net gains from $10.2 million in sales of available-for-sale investment securities in 2013; and

A $57,000 decrease in brokerage and insurance commissions to $1.6 million for 2014 compared to the year earlier total, that included a $38,000 decrease in commissions and fees earned by the Bank’s investment services subsidiary that resulted primarily from a lower volume of sales, and an $18,000 decrease in revenue earned by the Bank’s insurance subsidiary that resulted primarily from a $34,000 decrease in the contingency bonus received related to the claims loss experience on insured properties; partially offset by

A $228,000, or 9.3%, increase in fees and service charges from deposit account relationships to $2.7 million that was due primarily to a 5.9% increase in the number of checking accounts that resulted from the Bank’s continuing focus on growing core deposit relationships;

A $32,000 decrease in the net loss from sales and write-downs of other real estate owned to $3,000 for 2014 from $35,000 for 2013. The $3,000 net loss for 2014 included write-downs of $26,000 that were partly offset by net gains of $23,000 from the sale of 8 properties with a total book value of $900,000. The net loss for 2013 included write-downs totaling $283,000, including a write-down of $141,000 related to a high-end single family property, offset in part by a $154,000 gain on the sale of a single-family residential property with the potential for increased value when converted to commercial use.

A $60,000 increase in other real estate owned income to $280,000 that resulted primarily from the January 2014 collection of $26,000 in delinquent rent from a tenant of a commercial strip center.

Other Expense. Ameriana Bancorp recorded a $1.1 million, or 6.9%, increase in total other expense to $17.2 million for 2014, compared to $16.1 million for 2013, due primarily to the following major differences:

A $614,000 prepayment penalty paid to the Federal Home Loan Bank related to a borrowing for a match-funded commercial real estate loan;

A $323,000, or 3.6%, increase in salaries and employee benefits to $9.3 million for 2014 from $9.0 million for 2013 that was due in part to $155,000 of expense related to the two new banking centers opened in the last half of 2014, and a $71,000 increase in the expense of Ameriana Bancorp’s frozen multi-employer defined benefit retirement plan;

A $168,000 increase in marketing expense to $529,000 for 2014 that related primarily to media advertising to build brand awareness in the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area;

A $149,000 increase in legal and professional fees to $723,000 that resulted primarily from a $72,000 increase in legal fees, a $38,000 increase in fees related to successful appeals of real estate tax assessments on office properties and other real estate owned, and a $16,000 increase in recruiting fees;

A $90,000 increase in data processing expense to $1.0 million for 2014 related primarily to Ameriana Bancorp’s cost to support greater use of new technology by its customers; and

A $102,000 increase in other noninterest expense to $1.7 million that resulted primarily from a $101,000 increase in expense related to split-dollar life insurance agreements; partly offset by

A $127,000 decrease in FDIC insurance premiums that resulted primarily from a reduction in the Bank’s assessment rate;

An $84,000 decrease in other real estate owned expense to $277,000, due primarily to real estate tax refunds from successful appeals of assessments that resulted in a $55,000 expense reduction;

A $66,000 decrease in loan expense that resulted primarily from the reversal of $62,000 of loan expense as a result of the repurchase of a non-performing loan by the servicer, and

A $56,000 decrease in furniture and equipment expense to $778,000 that related mostly to reduced ATM maintenance expense and lower depreciation.

Strategic Issues

To diversify the balance sheet and provide new avenues for loan and deposit growth, the Bank further expanded into the greater Indianapolis area, adding three (3) full-service offices in 2008 and 2009 in the suburban markets of Carmel, Fishers and Westfield. As a result, more than half of Ameriana Bancorp’s banking centers are located in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. These banking centers are focused on generating new deposit and lending relationships, where significant opportunities exist to win market share from smaller institutions lacking the depth of financial products and services, and large institutions that have concentrated on large business customers.

In 2012, the Bank closed its McCordsville Banking Center. The Fishers Banking Center, which is in close proximity to the McCordsville and Geist communities, allowed the Bank to serve the financial needs of its McCordsville customers from a consolidated and still convenient location. In 2013, the Bank purchased two vacant banking centers in Hamilton County. The Noblesville Banking Center opened in September 2014, and the Fishers Crossing Banking Center in November 2014. With the addition of these two (2) offices, Ameriana has five (5) locations in Hamilton County. A Broad Ripple Banking Center, the Bank’s first brick and mortar location in Marion County, is scheduled to open in the second half of 2015. The Bank is in the process of determining the appropriate time to construct a banking center building on its Plainfield property, based on its long-term expansion strategy. Although implementation of the expansion strategy has resulted in an initial negative effect on earnings, management believes that the Bank’s expansion into new markets is extremely important to its long-term sustainable growth.

On July 6, 2015, Ameriana consolidated the Downtown New Castle Banking Center with the Bundy Avenue Banking Center, also located in New Castle, where customers are provided full access to services and amenities that were not available at the Downtown Banking Center. Ameriana is committed to developing a branch network that meets the changing needs of customers while maximizing profitability for its shareholders.

Earnings pressure is expected to continue as the uncertain economy maintains stress on efforts to grow the loan portfolio, and also due to the current interest rate environment that has proven to be difficult for the financial institution industry, including pressure on net interest margins. Deposit acquisition remains competitive; however, the Bank’s disciplined pricing has resulted in further reduction of its cost of deposits. The Bank’s pricing strategies, along with an increase in the size of the investment portfolio, have mitigated the negative effect of the low interest rate environment. Managing noninterest expense prudently has been a priority of the Bank, and management has utilized aggressive cost control measures including job restructuring and eliminating certain discretionary expenditures, to limit growth in noninterest expense as new banking centers are added.

With the Bank’s mantra of “Soundness. Profitability. Growth—in that order, no exceptions,” the priorities, culture and risk strategy of the Bank are focused on asset quality and credit risk management. Despite the current economic pressures, as well as the industry’s challenges related to compliance and regulatory requirements, tightened credit standards, and capital preservation, management remains cautiously optimistic that business conditions will continue to improve over the longer term and is steadfast in the belief that Ameriana Bancorp is well positioned to grow and enhance shareholder value as this recovery occurs.

With a community banking history stretching over 125 years, the Bank has built its strong reputation with community outreach programs and being a workplace of choice. By combining its rich tradition with its ability to provide its customers with financial advice and solutions, the Bank will accomplish its mission by:

being Ameriana Bancorp’s customer’s first choice for financial advice and solutions;

informing and educating customers on the basics of money management; and

understanding and meeting customer’s financial needs throughout their life cycle.

Serving customers requires the commitment of all Bank associates to provide exceptional service and sound financial advice. The Bank believes these qualities will differentiate it from its competitors and increase profitability and shareholder value.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of Ameriana Bancorp are maintained in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. The financial position and results of operations of Ameriana Bancorp can be affected by these estimates and assumptions, and such estimates and assumptions are integral to the understanding of reported results. Critical accounting policies are those policies that management believes are the most important to the portrayal of Ameriana Bancorp’s financial condition and results, and they require management to make estimates that are difficult, subjective or complex, and subject to change if actual circumstances differ from those that were assumed. The following are Ameriana Bancorp’s critical accounting policies:

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses provides coverage for probable losses in Ameriana Bancorp’s loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses each quarter based on changes, if any, in underwriting activities, the loan portfolio composition (including product mix and geographic, industry or customer-specific concentrations), trends in loan performance, including the level of non-performing, delinquent and classified loans, regulatory guidance and economic factors. This

evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires the use of significant management estimates. Many factors can affect management’s estimates of specific and expected losses, including volatility of default probabilities, rating migrations, loss severity and economic and political conditions. The allowance is increased through provisions charged to earnings and reduced by net charge-offs.

Ameriana Bancorp determines the amount of the allowance based on relative risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. The allowance recorded for commercial loans is based on reviews of individual credit relationships and an analysis of the migration of commercial loans and actual loss experience. The allowance recorded for noncommercial loans is based on an analysis of loan mix, risk characteristics of the portfolio, fraud loss and bankruptcy experiences and historical losses, adjusted for current trends, for each loan category or group of loans. The allowance for loan losses relating to impaired loans is based on the loan’s observable market price, the collateral for certain collateral-dependent loans, or the discounted cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate.

Regardless of the extent of Ameriana Bancorp’s analysis of customer performance, portfolio trends or risk management processes, certain inherent but undetected losses are probable within the loan portfolio. This is due to several factors, including inherent delays in obtaining information regarding a customer’s financial condition or changes in their unique business conditions, the subjective nature of individual loan evaluations, collateral assessments and the interpretation of economic trends. Volatility of economic or customer-specific conditions affecting the identification and estimation of losses for larger, non-homogeneous credits and the sensitivity of assumptions utilized to establish allowances for homogenous groups of loans are among other factors. Ameriana Bancorp estimates a range of inherent losses related to the existence of these exposures. The estimates are based upon Ameriana Bancorp’s evaluation of risk associated with the commercial and consumer allowance levels and the estimated impact of the current economic environment. Future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary if conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review Ameriana Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require Ameriana Bancorp to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments at the time of their examination.

Mortgage Servicing Rights. Mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are capitalized and included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The value of the capitalized servicing rights represents the present value of the future servicing fees arising from the right to service loans in the portfolio. Critical accounting policies for MSRs relate to the initial valuation and subsequent impairment tests. The methodology used to determine the valuation of MSRs requires the development and use of a number of estimates, including anticipated principal amortization and prepayments of that principal balance. Events that may significantly affect the estimates used are changes in interest rates, mortgage loan prepayment speeds and the payment performance of the underlying loans. The carrying value of the MSRs is periodically reviewed for impairment based on a determination of fair value. Impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance and is recorded as amortization of intangible assets.

Valuation Measurements. Valuation methodologies often involve a significant degree of judgment, particularly when there are no observable active markets for the items being valued. Investment securities and residential mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value, as defined by FASB fair value guidance, which requires key judgments affecting how fair value for such assets and liabilities is determined. In addition, the outcomes of valuations have a direct bearing on the carrying amounts for goodwill and intangible assets. To determine the values of these assets and liabilities, as well as the extent to which related assets may be impaired, management makes assumptions and estimates related to discount rates, asset returns, prepayment rates and other factors. The use of different discount rates or other valuation assumptions could produce significantly different results, which could affect Ameriana Bancorp’s results of operations.

Income Tax Accounting. Ameriana Bancorp files a consolidated federal income tax return. The provision for income taxes is based upon income in its consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities

are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on Ameriana Bancorp’s deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax asset is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning Ameriana Bancorp’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, Ameriana Bancorp’s forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. Positive evidence includes the existence of taxes paid in available carry-back years as well as the probability that taxable income will be generated in future periods, while negative evidence includes any cumulative losses in the current year and prior two years and general business and economic trends. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp determined that its existing valuation allowance was adequate, largely based on available tax planning strategies and its projections of future taxable income. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require it to increase the valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Any required increase to the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on Ameriana Bancorp’s future earnings.

Positions taken in Ameriana Bancorp’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination. The benefit of an uncertain tax position is initially recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are both initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Differences between Ameriana Bancorp’s position and the position of tax authorities could result in a reduction of a tax benefit or an increase to a tax liability, which could adversely affect its future income tax expense.

Ameriana Bancorp believes its tax policies and practices are critical accounting policies because the determination of its tax provision and current and deferred tax assets and liabilities have a material impact on its net income and the carrying value of its assets. Ameriana Bancorp believes its tax liabilities and assets are adequate and are properly recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2015.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of operations, Ameriana Bancorp engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in Ameriana Bancorp’s financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit.

Ameriana Bancorp does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

Ameriana Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements and related data presented in this registration statement have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration of changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

Virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or at the same rate as changes in the prices of goods and services, which are directly affected by inflation, although interest rates may fluctuate in response to perceived changes in the rate of inflation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future obligations of a short-term nature. Historically, funds provided by operations, loan repayments and new deposits have been Ameriana Bancorp’s principal sources of liquid funds. In addition, Ameriana Bancorp has the ability to obtain funds through the sale of investment securities and mortgage loans, through borrowings from the FHLB system, and through the brokered certificates market. It regularly adjusts the investments in liquid assets based upon its assessment of (1) expected loan demand, (2) expected deposit flows, (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities and (4) the objectives of Ameriana Bancorp’s asset/liability program.

Ameriana Bancorp is a separate entity and apart from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, Ameriana Bancorp is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its shareholders and the payment of interest on its subordinated debentures. At times, Ameriana Bancorp has repurchased its stock. Substantially all of Ameriana Bancorp’s operating cash is obtained from subsidiary dividends. Payment of such dividends to Ameriana Bancorp by the Bank is limited under Indiana law.

At June 30, 2015, the Bank had $47.8 million in loan commitments outstanding and $59.3 million of additional commitments for line of credit receivables. Certificates of deposit due within one year of June 30, 2015 totaled $68.8 million, or 17.7% of total deposits. If these maturing certificates of deposit do not remain, other sources of funds must be used, including other certificates of deposit, brokered CDs, and borrowings. Depending on market conditions, the Bank may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than currently paid on the certificates of deposit due on or before June 30, 2016. However, based on past experiences the Bank believes that a significant portion of the certificates of deposit will remain. The Bank has the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered. The Bank held no brokered CDs at June 30, 2015 or at December 31, 2014.

Ameriana Bancorp’s primary investing activity, the origination and purchase of loans, is offset by the sale of loans and principal repayments. In the first six months of 2015, net loans receivable increased by $11.3 million, or 3.6%.

Financing activities consist primarily of activity in deposit accounts and FHLB advances. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products the Bank offers, and Ameriana Bancorp’s local competitors and other factors. Total deposits increased by $10.5 million, or 2.8%, during the first six months of 2015. The Bank had FHLB advances of $25.0 million and $28.0 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements set by the FDIC, including a risk-based capital measure. Ameriana Bancorp is also subject to similar capital requirements set by the Federal Reserve Board. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories.

Basel III. On July 9, 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel III”) and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule applies to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 billion or more and top-tier savings and loan holding companies.

The rule established a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), increased the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets) and assigned a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property.

The rule also includes changes in what constitutes regulatory capital, some of which are subject to a two-year transition period. These changes include the phasing-out of certain instruments as qualifying capital. In addition, Tier 2 capital is no longer limited to the amount of Tier 1 capital included in total capital. Mortgage servicing rights, certain deferred tax assets and investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries over designated percentages of common stock will be required to be deducted from capital, subject to a two-year transition period. Finally, Tier 1 capital will include accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), (which includes all unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities), subject to a two-year transition period. A key provision of the new rules permits all non-advanced approaches institutions, generally those institutions with less than $250 billion in total assets, to make a one-time, irrevocable election to opt out of the requirement to include most components of AOCI in Tier 1 capital. With the filing of their respective March 31, 2015 regulatory reports, the Bank and Ameriana Bancorp made the one-time, irrevocable election to opt out.

The new capital requirements also include changes in the risk-weights of assets to better reflect credit risk and other risk exposures. These include a 150% risk weight (up from 100%) for certain high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans and non-residential mortgage loans that are 90 days past due or otherwise on nonaccrual status; a 20% (up from 0%) credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable; a 250% risk weight (up from 100%) for mortgage servicing rights and deferred tax assets that are not deducted from capital; and increased risk-weights (from 0% to up to 600%) for equity exposures.

Finally, the rule limits capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.

The final rule became effective on January 1, 2015. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets, increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. It is management’s belief that, as of June 30, 2015, Ameriana Bancorp and the Bank have met all capital adequacy requirements under Basel III on a fully phased-in basis as if such requirements were currently effective.

There are five capital categories defined in the regulations, ranging from well capitalized to critically under-capitalized. Classification in any of the undercapitalized categories can result in actions by regulators that could have a material effect on a bank’s operations. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” and met all subject capital adequacy requirements. There are no conditions or events since June 30, 2015 that management believes have changed this classification.

Actual, required, and well capitalized amounts and ratios for the Bank are as follows:

June 30, 2015

 
   Actual Capital  Required for
Adequate Capital
  To be
Well Capitalized
 
   Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio 

Total risk-based capital ratio

(total capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $48,841     14.62 $26,721     8.00 $33,402     10.00

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

(tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $44,897     13.44 $20,041     6.00 $26,721     8.00

Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  $44,897     13.44 $15,030     4.50 $21,711     6.50

(common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)

          

Tier 1 leverage ratio

(tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets)

  $44,897     9.41 $19,077     4.00 $23,847     5.00

December 31, 2014

 
   Actual Capital  Required for
Adequate Capital
  To be
Well Capitalized
 
   Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio 

Total risk-based capital ratio

(risk based capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $48,737     15.64 $24,933     8.00 $31,167     10.00

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

(tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $44,823     14.38 $12,467     4.00 $18,700     6.00

Tier 1 leverage ratio

(tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets)

  $44,823     9.49 $14,175     3.00 $23,626     5.00

Actual, required, and well capitalized amounts and ratios for Ameriana Bancorp are as follows:

June 30, 2015

 
   Actual Capital  Required for
Adequate Capital
  To be
Well Capitalized
 
   Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio 

Total risk-based capital ratio

(total capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $51,116     15.17 $26,964     8.00 $33,705     10.00

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

(tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $47,172     14.00 $20,223     6.00 $26,964     8.00

Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

(common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $39,241     11.64 $15,167     4.50 $21,908     6.50

Tier 1 leverage ratio

(tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets)

  $47,172     9.85 $19,149     4.00 $23,937     5.00

December 31, 2014

 
   Actual Capital  Required for
Adequate Capital
  To be
Well Capitalized
 
   Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio 

Total risk-based capital ratio

(risk based capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $49,983     15.85 $25,233     8.00 $31,541     10.00

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

(tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)

  $46,069     14.61 $12,617     4.00 $18,925     6.00

Tier 1 leverage ratio

(tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets)

  $46,069     9.74 $14,149     3.00 $23,644     5.00

Available Information

Ameriana Bancorp’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are made available free of charge on its website,www.ameriana.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCK

The following summary comparison of First Merchants common stock and Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock includes the material features of such stocks and the material differences in the rights of holders of shares of such stocks. Because this is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that is important to you and is qualified in its entirety by reference to First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

Governing Law

Following the Merger, the rights of former Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders who receive First Merchants common stock in the Merger will be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana, the state in which First Merchants is incorporated, and by First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The rights of Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders are presently governed by the laws of the State of Indiana,Michigan, the state in which Ameriana BancorpMBT is incorporated, and by Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Articles of Incorporation Bylaws and the Shareholders Agreement.Bylaws. The rights of Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders differ in certain respects from the rights they will have as First Merchants shareholders, including certain preferential rights of preferred stockholders, the vote required for the amendment of certain significant provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and for the approval of certain significant corporate transactions.

Authorized But Unissued Shares

First Merchants
MBT
Authorized But Unissued Shares
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp
First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 50,000,000100,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value, of which 37,852,85249,658,419 shares were outstanding as of JulyOctober 31, 2015.2018. First Merchants’ Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock up to the amounts authorized in First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the Indiana Business Corporation Law and the Articles of Incorporation. First Merchants has 500,000 shares of preferred stock authorized. First Merchants has designated 116,000 of those preferred shares as Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, $1,000 per share liquidation amount, no shares of which are currently outstanding. First Merchants has designated 90,823.23 of the preferred shares as Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, $1,000 per share liquidation amount,authorized, no shares of which are currently outstanding. The preferred shares are available to be issued, without prior shareholder approval, in classes with the rights, privileges and preferences determined for each class by the Board of Directors of First Merchants.
The Articles of Incorporation of Ameriana BancorpMBT authorize the issuance of 15,000,00051,000,000 shares of capital stock, comprised of 50,000,000 authorized shares of MBT common stock, $1.00without par value. As of October 7, 2015, there were [●]value, and 1,000,000 authorized shares of MBT nonvoting preferred stock. 22,990,430 shares of MBT common stock are issued and outstanding, and there are no shares of MBT nonvoting preferred stock issued and outstanding. The Ameriana BancorpMBT’s Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock up to the amounts authorized in Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Articles of Incorporation, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the IndianaMichigan Business Corporation Law, theAct and its Articles of Incorporation, and the rules of a national securities exchange, if applicable. Incorporation.
As of the date of this proxy statement and prospectus, Ameriana Bancorp had 5,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock, no par value, authorized, none of which is issued and outstanding.
As of September 20, 2015,October 1, 2018, First Merchants had 316,46591,347 shares of its common stock reserved and remaining available for issuance under its 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan, and 76,486804 shares of its common stock reserved and remaining available for

issuance under its Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. In addition, as of September 20, 2015,October 1, 2018, First Merchants had no options granted but unexercised under its 1994 Stock Option Plan, 320,06226,606.998 options granted but unexercised under its 1999 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan, and 137,81173,100 options granted but unexercised under its 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan, with shares reserved and remaining available equal to the outstanding options under each plan.



The issuance of additional shares of First Merchants common stock or the issuance of additional First Merchants preferred stock may adversely affect the interests of First Merchants shareholders by diluting their voting and ownership interests.

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Restrictions on Transfer of Shares

First Merchants
MBT
Restrictions on Transfer of Shares
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp
The holders of First Merchants common stock are generally not restricted on sales of their shares. The shares are also registered under Section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and listed for exchange on The NASDAQ Global Select Market. As a result, a public market exists for the shares of common stock.
The holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock are generally not restricted on sales of their shares. The shares are also registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and are listed for exchange on The NASDAQ Capital Market.Global Select Market under the symbol of “MBTF.” As a result, a public market exists for the shares of common stock.

Preemptive Rights

Neither First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation nor MBT’s Articles of Incorporation provide for preemptive rights for shareholders to subscribe for any new or additional shares of common stock.

Dividend Rights

First Merchants
MBT
Preemptive Rights
Neither First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation nor Ameriana Bancorp’s Articles of Incorporation provide for preemptive rights for shareholders to subscribe for any new or additional shares of common stock.
Dividend Rights
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp

The holders of First Merchants common stock are entitled to dividends and other distributions when, as and if declared by its Boards of Directors.

The holders of MBT common stock are entitled to dividends and other distributions when, as and if declared by its Boards of Directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in MBT’s stock.
Generally, First Merchantsmay notpay a dividend if, after giving effect to the dividend:

Generally, MBT may not pay a dividend if, after giving effect to the dividend:
First Merchants would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or

MBT would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or
First Merchants’ total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy preferential rights of shareholders payable upon dissolution.

The holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock are entitled to dividends and other distributions when, as and if declared by its Boards of Directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in Ameriana Bancorp’s stock.

Generally, Ameriana Bancorpmay not pay a dividend if, after giving effect to the dividend:

•   Ameriana Bancorp would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or

•    Ameriana Bancorp’s

MBT’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy preferential rights of shareholders payable upon dissolution.

The amount of dividends, if any, that may be declared by First Merchants in the future will necessarily depend upon many factors, including, among other things, future earnings, capital requirements, business conditions and capital levels of subsidiaries (since First Merchants is primarily dependent upon dividends paid by its subsidiaries for revenues), the discretion of First Merchants’ Board of Directors and other factors that may be appropriate in determining dividend policies.



First Merchants Bank may pay cash dividends to First Merchants on its common stock only out of adjusted retained net profits for the year in which the dividend is paid and the two preceding years.



First Merchants Bank will ordinarily be restricted to paying dividends in a lesser amount to First Merchants than is legally permissible because of the need for the banks to maintain adequate capital consistent with the capital adequacy guidelines promulgated by the banks’

MBT’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock depends on its receipt of dividends from Monroe Bank & Trust. Monroe Bank & Trust is subject to restrictions and limitations in the amount and timing of the dividends it may pay to the Corporation. Dividends may be paid out of a Michigan commercial bank’s net income after deducting all bad debts. A Michigan commercial bank may only pay dividends on its common stock if the bank has a surplus amounting to not less than 20% of its capital after the payment of the dividend. If a bank has a surplus less than the amount of its capital, it may not declare or pay any dividend until an amount equal to at least 10% of net income for the preceding one-half year (in the case of quarterly or semi-annual dividends) or at least 10% of net income of the preceding two consecutive half-year periods (in the case of annual dividends) has been transferred to surplus.

Federal law also affects the ability of a Michigan commercial bank to pay dividends. The FDIC’s prompt

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First Merchants
MBT
principal federal regulatory authorities. If a bank’s capital levels are deemed inadequate by the regulatory authorities, payment of dividends to its parent holding company may be prohibited. First Merchants Bank is not currently subject to such a restriction.

corrective action regulations prohibit an insured depository institution from making capital distributions, including dividends, if the institution has a regulatory capital classification of “undercapitalized,” or if it would be undercapitalized after making the distribution. The FDIC may also prohibit the payment of dividends if it deems any such payment to constitute an unsafe and unsound banking practice. In addition, the Basel III capital rules include a capital conservation buffer that prohibits or limits the dividends a bank can pay if its risk-based capital ratios fall below certain thresholds.

Voting Rights

The holders of the outstanding shares of common stock of First Merchants and MBT are entitled to one (1) vote per share on all matters presented for shareholder vote. Neither First Merchants nor MBT shareholders have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaw Amendments

First Merchants
MBT
Voting Rights
The holders of the outstanding shares of common stock of First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp are entitled to one (1) vote per share on all matters presented for shareholder vote. Neither First Merchants nor Ameriana Bancorp shareholders have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaw Amendments
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp
Indiana law generally requires shareholder approval for most amendments to a corporation’s articles of incorporation by a majority of a quorum at a shareholder’s meeting (and, in certain cases, a majority of all shares held by any voting group entitled to vote). However, Indiana law permits a corporation in its articles of incorporation to specify a higher shareholder vote requirement for certain amendments. First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation require a super-majority shareholder vote of seventy-five percent (75%) of its outstanding shares of common stock for the amendment of certain significant provisions and a majority of its outstanding shares for all other amendments. See “COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCK—Number of Directors and Term of Office,” “COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCK—Removal of
The shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp have the right to amend, alter, repeal or rescind Articles X (Meetings of Stockholders; No Cumulative Voting), XI (Notice for Nominations and Proposals), XII (Directors), XIII (Removal of Directors), XIV (Capital Stock Acquisition Restriction), XV (Approval of Certain Business Combinations), XVI (Evaluation of Business Combination), XVII (Limited Liability of Directors), XVIII (Indemnification), XIX (Amendment of Bylaws) and XX (Amendment of Articles of Incorporation) of the Articles of Incorporation by the affirmative vote of at least eighty percent (80%) of the holders of Ameriana Bancorp’s common stock. The Articles of Incorporation specify that Ameriana Bancorp has the right to amend, alter, repeal and rescind all other sections of the Articles of

Directors,” and “COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCK—Anti-Takeover Provisions.”



Indiana law permits a board of directors to amend a corporation’s bylaws unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise. First Merchants’ Bylaws may generally be amended by an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. However, several provisions of First Merchants’ Bylaws require two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Board of Directors to approve amendments, including the provision regarding removal of directors and setting the number and classes of directors. In addition, First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation provide that its Bylaws may not be amended to repeal, modify or amend certain provisions of its Articles of Incorporation.

Incorporation

By majority vote of the outstanding shares, the shareholders of MBT have the right to amend, alter, repeal or rescind any provision of its Articles of Incorporation. However, Michigan law permits a corporation in accordance with the Indiana Business Corporation Law.

The Ameriana Bancorpits articles of incorporation to specify a higher shareholder vote requirement for certain amendments. MBT’s Articles of Incorporation require a vote of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of its outstanding common shares to approve a consolidation or merger of MBT with any other corporation and Michigan law requires that amendment of this provision be approved by sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of its outstanding common shares.

Michigan law and MBT’s Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors shall have the exclusive powerpermit MBT’s Bylaws to make, alter, amend, or repeal, or the Bylaws of the Ameriana Bancorpbe amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3)a majority of the numberdirectors of directors then in office, except as provided by the Indiana Business Corporation Law.MBT.

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Special Meetings of Shareholders

First Merchants
MBT
Special Meetings of Shareholders
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp
First Merchants’ Bylaws provide that a special meeting of shareholders may be called by the Board of Directors, the President, at the written request of a majority of the Board of Directors or at the written request of shareholders holding at least one-fourth (1/4) of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote on business for which the meeting is called.
Ameriana Bancorp’s
MBT’s Bylaws provide that a special meeting of shareholders may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, by a committeemajority of the Board of Directors which has been duly designatedacting with or without a meeting, or upon receipt of a request in writing, stating the purpose or purposes thereof, and signed by the Boardshareholders of Directors, by the Chairmanrecord owning a majority of the Boardissued and outstanding voting shares of Directors, by the President of Ameriana Bancorp, or otherwise as required by law.MBT.

Number of Directors and Term of Office

First Merchants
MBT
Number of Directors and Term of Office
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp
First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation provide that the number of directors shall be set in the Bylaws by the Board of Directors and shall be at least nine (9)9 and no more than 21 (twenty-one).15. First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation also provide for classes of directors with staggered terms. Amendment of this provision of First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation requires the approval of three-fourths (3/4) of the voting stock. First Merchants’ Bylaws specify that the number of directors is ten (10).10. The Bylaws provide that the number of directors may be amended only by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Board of Directors. Consistent with its Articles of Incorporation, First Merchants’ Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors is divided into three (3)3 classes with four (4)4 directors in one (1)1 of the classes and three (3)3 directors in the other two (2)2 classes. The directors in each class are elected for 3-year staggered terms. Thus, approximately only one-third (1/3) of First Merchants’ Board of Directors is elected at each annual meeting of shareholders. Because
The Articles of Incorporation of Ameriana Bancorp provide that the number of directors shall be between seven (7) and fifteen (15) as provided from time to time in the Bylaws. The Bylaws provide that the First Merchants’ Board of Directors shall initially consist of seven (7) members,is divided into three (3) groups. The membersclasses, a majority of each group shallFirst Merchants’ directors can be elected for staggered termsreplaced only after 2 annual meetings of three (3) years.shareholders. A decrease or increase in the number of directors requires the approval of two-thirds (2/3) vote of the directors then in office.

entire Board of Directors is required to amend this provision of First Merchants’ Bylaws.

First Merchants’ Board of Directors is divided into classes, a majority of First Merchants’ directors can be replaced only after two (2) annual meetings of shareholders. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Board of Directors is required to amend this provision of First Merchants’ Bylaws.
MBT’s Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than five (5) nor more than twelve (12) members, the exact number within such minimum limits to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the Board of Directors.

Directors shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting and until their successors are elected and qualified.

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Nomination of Directors

First Merchants
MBT
Nomination of Directors
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp

Under First Merchants’ Bylaws, only the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors may nominate a candidate for the Board of Directors. Shareholders may suggest a person for nomination by sending a notice to the Committee setting forth at a minimum:

MBT’s Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors or any shareholder entitled to vote may nominate a candidate for election to the Board of Directors; provided, however, that a shareholder must comply with the advance notice procedures and provision of information requirements set forth in MBT’s Bylaws.

Under MBT’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and Directors’ Policy, the Governance Committee of the Board will consider recommendations for nominations received from shareholders. The recommendation must include the name, age, business address, residence address, principal occupation of and number of shares of the MBT owned by the recommended candidate for nomination and the information that would be required to be disclosed in the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors under federal securities laws, including the candidate’s consent to be elected and to serve.
the name and address of each suggested nominee;

the age and principal occupation of each suggested nominee;

the total number of shares of First Merchants capital stock held by the notifying shareholder; and

the name and residence address of the notifying shareholder.

Removal of Directors

First Merchants

Ameriana Bancorp’s Articles of Incorporation and its Bylaws provide for the nomination of directors. Either a majority of independent directors of Ameriana Bancorp or a nominating committee composed of a minimum of three (3) directors shall select nominees for the election of directors. Shareholders may suggest a person for nomination by sending a notice to the Secretary of Ameriana Bancorp setting forth at a minimum:

•    the name, age, business address, and if known, residence address of each nominee proposed in the notice;

•    the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee;

•    the number of shares of stock of Ameriana Bancorp which are beneficially owned by each such nominee;

•    such other information as would be required to be included in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of the proposed nominee pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

•    the name and address of the shareholder who is providing notice; and

•    the class and number of shares of Ameriana Bancorp beneficially owned by the shareholder who is providing notice.

MBT
Removal of Directors
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp
First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that any director or all directors may be removed, with or without cause, at a meeting of shareholders upon the vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the election of directors. However, if two-
Ameriana Bancorp Articles of Incorporation provide that any or all of the members of the Board of Directors may be removed only for cause (i) by the shareholders at a meeting of the shareholders called expressly for that purpose, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of

thirds (2/3) of the entire Board of Directors recommends removal of a director to the shareholders, then such director may be removed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the election of directors at a shareholders meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Board of Directors is required to amend this provision of First Merchants’ Bylaws. Amendment of this provision of First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation requires the approval of three-fourths (3/4) of the voting stock.
MBT Articles of Incorporation provide that any or all of the members of the Board of Directors may be removed in accordance with the provisions of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, which provides that any director or all directors may be removed, with or without cause, at a meeting of shareholders upon the vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding shares then entitled to vote on the election of directors.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

First Merchants
MBT
The anti-takeover measures applicable to First Merchants described below may have the effect of discouraging a person or other entity from acquiring control of either company. These measures may have the effect of discouraging certain tender offers for shares of their common stock which might otherwise be made at premium prices or certain other acquisition
The anti-takeover measures applicable to MBT described below may have the effect of discouraging a person or other entity from acquiring control of either company. These measures may have the effect of discouraging certain tender offers for shares of their common stock which might otherwise be made at premium prices or certain other acquisition transactions

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MBT
transactions which might be viewed favorably by a significant number of shareholders.

Under Indiana law, any ten percent (10%) shareholder of an Indiana corporation, with a class of voting shares registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, such as First Merchants, is prohibited for a period of five (5) years from completing a business combination with the corporation unless, prior to the acquisition of such ten percent (10%) interest, the Board of Directors approved either the acquisition of such interest or the proposed business combination. If such prior approval is not obtained, the corporation and a ten percent (10%) shareholder may not consummate a business combination unless all provisions of the articles of incorporation are complied with and either a majority of disinterested shareholders approve the transaction or all shareholders receive a price per share as determined by Indiana law. A corporation may specifically adopt application of the business combination provision in its Articles of Incorporation and obtain the protection provided by this provision.

An Indiana corporation may elect to remove itself from the protection provided by the Indiana business combination provision, but such an election remains ineffective for eighteen (18) months and does not apply to a combination with a shareholder who acquired a ten percent (10%) ownership position prior to the election. First Merchants has adopted the protection provided by the business combination provision of directors,Indiana law.

In addition to the business combination provision, Indiana law contains a “control share acquisition” provision which, although different in structure from the business combination provision, may have a similar effect of discouraging or (ii)making more difficult a hostile takeover of an Indiana corporation. This provision also may have the effect of discouraging premium bids for outstanding shares.

Under this provision, unless otherwise provided in the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, if a shareholder acquires a certain amount of shares, approval of a majority of the disinterested shareholders must be obtained before the acquiring shareholder may vote the control shares. Under certain circumstances, the shares held by the acquirer may be redeemed by the corporation at the fair market value of the shares as determined by the control share acquisition provision. First Merchants is subject to the control share acquisition provision. The constitutional validity
which might be viewed favorably by a significant number of shareholders. The following is a summary description of these provisions:

MBT’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 50,000,000 shares of common stock. Authorized and unissued shares of common stock provide MBT’s Board of Directors with flexibility to effect, among other transactions, financings, acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits and employee stock options. However, these additional authorized shares may have an anti-takeover effect due to the potential dilution. The Board of Directors, consistent with its fiduciary duty, could issue additional common shares in amounts sufficient to dilute the voting power of persons who may desire to acquire a controlling interest in MBT.

In addition, MBT’s Articles of Incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) (66 2/3%) of MBT’s outstanding common shares to approve the consolidation or merger of MBT with any other corporation.

MBT’s Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for shareholders to nominate directors or bring other business before an annual meeting of shareholders. A person may not be nominated for election as a director unless that person is nominated by or at the direction of MBT’s Board of Directors or by a shareholder who has given appropriate notice to MBT before the meeting.

In addition, the Michigan Business Corporation Act contains an “anti-takeover” provision. Chapter 7A (the “Fair Price Act”) applies to MBT and may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in shareholders receiving a premium over market price for their shares.

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First Merchants
MBT
of the directors thencontrol share acquisition statute has been challenged in office.the past and has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court.

The control share acquisition provision does not apply to a plan of affiliation and merger if the corporation complies with the applicable merger provisions and is a party to the agreement of merger or plan of share exchange.

Anti-Takeover ProvisionsLiquidation Rights

The anti-takeover measures applicable to First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp described below may have the effect of discouraging a person or other entity from acquiring control of either company. These measures may have the effect of discouraging certain tender offers for shares of their common stock which might otherwise be made at premium prices or certain other acquisition transactions which might be viewed favorably by a significant number of shareholders.

Under Indiana law, any ten percent (10%) shareholder of an Indiana corporation, with a class of voting shares registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, such as First Merchants or Ameriana Bancorp, is prohibited for a period of five (5) years from completing a business combination with the corporation unless, prior to the acquisition of such ten percent (10%) interest, the Board of Directors approved either the acquisition of such interest or the proposed business combination. If such prior approval is not obtained, the corporation and a ten percent (10%) shareholder may not consummate a business combination unless all provisions of the articles of incorporation are complied with and either a majority of disinterested shareholders approve the transaction or all shareholders receive a price per share as determined by Indiana law. A corporation may specifically adopt application of the business combination provision in its Articles of Incorporation and obtain the protection provided by this provision.

An Indiana corporation may elect to remove itself from the protection provided by the Indiana business combination provision, but such an election remains ineffective for eighteen (18) months and does not apply to a combination with a shareholder who acquired a ten percent (10%) ownership position prior to the election. First Merchants has adopted the protection provided by the business combination provision of Indiana law.

In addition to the business combination provision, Indiana law contains a “control share acquisition” provision which, although different in structure from the business combination provision, may have a similar effect of discouraging or making more difficult a hostile takeover of an Indiana corporation. This provision also may have the effect of discouraging premium bids for outstanding shares. Under this provision, unless otherwise provided in the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, if a shareholder acquires a certain amount of shares, approval of a majority of the disinterested shareholders must be obtained before the acquiring shareholder may vote the control shares. Under certain circumstances, the shares held by the acquirer may be redeemed by the corporation at the fair market value of the shares as determined by the control share acquisition provision. First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp are subject to the control share acquisition provision. The constitutional validity of the control share acquisition statute has been challenged in the past and has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court.

The control share acquisition provision does not apply to a plan of affiliation and merger if the corporation complies with the applicable merger provisions and is a party to the agreement of merger or plan of share exchange.

First Merchants
MBT
Liquidation Rights
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp
In the event of any liquidation or dissolution of First Merchants, its shareholders are entitled to receive pro rata, according to the number of shares held, any assets distributable to shareholders, subject to the payment of First Merchants’ liabilities and any rights of creditors and holders of shares of First Merchants’ preferred stock then outstanding.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, either voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares shall be entitled to share, ratably according to the number of shares held by them, in all assets of Ameriana BancorpMBT available for distribution to its shareholders.
Redemption
First MerchantsAmeriana Bancorp
Under Indiana law, First Merchants may redeem or acquire shares of its common stock with funds legally available therefor, and shares so acquired constitute authorized but unissued shares. First Merchants may not redeem or acquire its shares of common stock if, after such redemption, it would not be able to pay its debts as they become due. Additionally, First Merchants may not redeem its shares if its total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus preferential rights of shareholders payable upon dissolution.Ameriana Bancorp’s Articles of Incorporation provide that Ameriana Bancorp may redeem or acquire shares of its securities pursuant to authorization by Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors and in such manner, upon such terms, and in such amounts as its Board of Directors determines, subject to any limitations or restrictions, if any, contained in the express terms of any shares outstanding or otherwise imposed by law. Under Indiana law, Ameriana Bancorp may redeem or acquire shares of its common stock with funds legally available therefor, and shares so acquired constitute authorized but unissued shares. Ameriana Bancorp may not redeem or acquire its shares of common stock if, after such redemption, it would not be able to pay its debts as they become due. Additionally, Ameriana Bancorp may not redeem its shares if its total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus any preferential rights of shareholders payable upon dissolution.
Director Liability

Under Indiana law, a director of First Merchants or Ameriana Bancorp will not be liable to shareholders for any action taken as a director, or any failure to take any action, unless:

•    The director has breached or failed to perform his duties as a director in good faith with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances and in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation; and

•    Such breach or failure to perform constitutes willful misconduct or recklessness.

Redemption

Under Indiana and Michigan law, First Merchants and MBT may only redeem or acquire shares of its common stock with funds legally available therefor, and shares so acquired constitute authorized but unissued shares. Neither First Merchants nor MBT may redeem or acquire its shares of common stock if, after such redemption, it would not be able to pay its debts as they become due. Additionally, neither First Merchants nor MBT may redeem its shares if its total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus preferential rights of shareholders payable upon dissolution.

Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees

First Merchants
MBT
Under Indiana law and First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation, First Merchants may indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent for any and all liability and expense incurred in connection with a proceeding which such person is involved in by reason of such person’s position with First Merchants, in which (a) the person is wholly successful or (b) the person acted in good faith in what the person reasonably believed to be in or at least not opposed to the best interests of First Merchants. If the person is wholly successful with respect to the claim or proceeding, the indemnification by First Merchants is mandatory. Finally, under Indiana law and their respective Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws, First Merchants is permitted to advance expenses to a person prior to final disposition of the proceeding if the person undertakes to repay any advanced amounts, if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.
Under Michigan law and MBT’s Articles of Incorporation, MBT shall indemnify their officers, directors, employees and agents and those persons serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another enterprise to the fullest extent permitted by law. Under Michigan law and MBT���s Articles of Incorporation MBT is required to advance expenses to a person prior to final disposition of the proceeding if the person undertakes to repay any advanced amounts, if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification. MBT’s Articles of Incorporation contain a provision that eliminates personal liability of its directors except in limited circumstances.

Under Indiana law and First Merchants’ and Ameriana Bancorp’s Articles of Incorporation, either corporation may indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent for any and all liability and expense incurred in connection with a proceeding which such person is involved in by reason of such person’s position with First Merchants or Ameriana Bancorp, as applicable, in which (a) the person is wholly successful or (b) the person acted in good faith in what the person reasonably believed to be in or at least not opposed to the best interests of

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First Merchants or Ameriana Bancorp, as applicable. If the person is wholly successful with respect to the claim or proceeding, the indemnification by First Merchants or Ameriana Bancorp, as applicable is mandatory. Finally, under Indiana law and their respective Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws, both First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp are permitted to advance expenses to a person prior to final disposition of the proceeding if the person undertakes to repay any advanced amounts, if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection withU.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the Merger Agreement will be passed upon for First Merchants and MBT by the law firm of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana and for Ameriana Bancorp by the law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, Washington D.C.Indiana.

EXPERTS

The audited consolidated financial statements of First Merchants and its affiliates and the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, incorporated by reference into this document, have been audited by BKD, LLP, independent registeredcertified public accountants, to the extent and for the periods indicated in their reportreports thereon, and have been so incorporated by reference in this document in reliance upon such reportreports of BKD, LLP given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The auditedMBT’s consolidated financial statements of Ameriana Bancorp and its affiliates as of December 31, 20142017, and 2013, have been included herein andfor each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, incorporated by reference into this document, have been audited by BKD, LLP,Plante & Moran, PLLC, an independent registered public accountants,accounting firm, as set forth in Plante & Moran PLLC’s report preceding such consolidated financial statements, and are included in reliance upon thesuch report of such firm appearing elsewhere herein, and upongiven on the authority of such firm as experts in auditingaccounting and accounting.auditing.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT YEAR

First Merchants

If the Merger is completed, Ameriana BancorpMBT shareholders will become shareholders of First Merchants. Any proposal which a First Merchants shareholder intendsintended to have presented at the 20162019 annual meeting of First Merchants and included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting must behave been received by the Secretary of First Merchants at First Merchants’ principal office no later than November 25, 2015,22, 2018, for inclusion in First Merchants’ proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting. Shareholder proposals, if any, intended to be presented at the 20162019 annual meeting of First Merchants that arewere not submitted by November 25, 201522, 2018 for inclusion in the proxy statement will be considered untimely. However, if the date of First Merchants’ 2019 annual meeting of the shareholders is more than thirty (30) days before or after May 10, 2019, then the deadline for submitting any shareholder proposal for inclusion in the proxy materials relating to First Merchants’ annual meeting will be a reasonable time before First Merchant begins to print and mail such proxy materials. In any event, the inclusion of any shareholder proposals in First Merchants’ proxy materials will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act, including Rule 14a-8.

Ameriana BancorpMBT

If the Merger occurs, there will be no Ameriana BancorpMBT annual meeting of shareholders for 2016.2019. In that case, shareholder proposals must be or must have been submitted to First Merchants in accordance with the procedures described above.

If the Merger is not completed, Ameriana BancorpMBT will hold its 20162019 annual meeting in accordance with its current governing documents and as required by IndianaMichigan law.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

First Merchants has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act, with respect to the common stock of First Merchants being offered in the Merger. This proxy statement and prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to First Merchants and the securities offered by this proxy statement and prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement. Statements contained in this proxy statement and prospectus concerning the provisions of such documents are necessarily summaries of such documents and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable documents filed with the SEC.

First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT each files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These filings are available to the public over the Internetinternet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy these materials at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also obtain additional information about First Merchants on its website at

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http://www.firstmerchants.com. You may obtain additional information about the BankMBT on its website at https://www.ameriana.com.www.mbandt.com. However, the contents of those websites are not incorporated by reference in, or otherwise a part of, this proxy statement and prospectus and are not soliciting material.

First Merchants “incorporates by reference” into this proxy statement and prospectus the information in documents it files with the SEC, which means that theyit can disclose important information to you through those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this proxy statement and prospectus. Some information contained in this proxy statement and prospectus updates the information incorporated by reference and some information filed by First Merchants subsequently with the SEC will automatically update this proxy statement and prospectus.

First Merchants incorporates by reference the documents and information listed below:

First Merchants’ Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A filed on February 27, 2015 and September 30, 2015, respectively;March 1, 2018;

First Merchants’ Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 201510, 2018, August 9, 2018, and August 7, 2015;November 9, 2018;

First Merchants’ Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2015 (except with respect to information furnished under Item 7.01); April 3, 2015, April 20, 2015, May 6, 2015, June11, 2018 (Form 8-K/A amending that certain Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 2017), May 11, 2018, August 15, 2015 (except with respect to information furnished under Item 7.01 therein),2018 (Form 8-K/A amending that certain Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2018) and June 29, 2015 (except with respect to information furnished under Item 7.01 therein);October 10, 2018; and

The description of First Merchants common stock set forth in the registration statement filed by First Merchants pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description.

First Merchants also incorporates by reference any of its filings (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items) made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the initial filing of the registration statement that contains this proxy statement and prospectus.

You may request, either orally or in writing, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference by First Merchants in this proxy statement and prospectus without charge by requesting them in writing or by telephone from First Merchants at the following addresses and telephone number:

First Merchants Corporation
200 East Jackson Street
Muncie, Indiana 47305
Attention: Brian T. Hunt,
Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (765) 747-1500

MBT “incorporates by reference” into this proxy statement and prospectus the information in documents it files with the SEC, which means that it can disclose important information to you through those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this proxy statement and prospectus. Some information contained in this proxy statement and prospectus updates the information incorporated by reference and some information filed by MBT subsequently with the SEC will automatically update this proxy statement and prospectus.

200 East Jackson StreetMBT incorporates by reference the documents and information listed below:

MBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2018 (including information specifically incorporated by reference into MBT’s Form 10-K from MBT’s definitive proxy statement relating to MBT’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2018);
MBT’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2018, August 9, 2018 and November 9, 2018;

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MBT’s Current Reports filed on May 9, 2018, August 8, 2018, and October 10, 2018; and
MBT’s description of MBT’s common stock, no par value, contained in MBT’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2014.

MBT also incorporates by reference any future filings (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items) made with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including those made after the date of filing of the initial registration statement that contains this proxy statement prospectus and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement.

Muncie, Indiana 47305The documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus are available from MBT upon request. MBT will provide a copy of any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus to any person, without charge, upon written or oral request. If exhibits to the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are not themselves specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus, then the exhibits will not be provided. Requests for such copies should be directed to the following:

John L. Skibski
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
MBT Financial Corp.
102 E. Front St.
Monroe, Michigan 48161
(734) 241-3431
john.skibski@mbandt.com

Attention: David L. Ortega,

                 Corporate Secretary

Telephone: (765) 747-1500

If you would like to request documents, please do so by November 27, 2015,February 7, 2019, in order to receive them before the Ameriana BancorpMBT special meeting.

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this proxy statement and prospectus. We have authorized no one to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this proxy statement and prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this document. If any material change occurs during the period that this proxy statement and prospectus is required to be delivered, this proxy statement and prospectus will be supplemented or amended.

All information regarding First Merchants in this proxy statement and prospectus has been provided by First Merchants, and all information in this proxy statement and prospectus regarding Ameriana BancorpMBT has been provided by Ameriana Bancorp.MBT.

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERIANA BANCORP

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Ameriana Bancorp:

•    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December  31, 2014 (Unaudited)

F-2

•    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)

F-3

•    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)

F-5

•    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

F-6

•    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June  30, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)

F-7

•    Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

F-8

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Ameriana Bancorp:

•    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-33

•    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

F-34

•    Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December  31, 2014 and 2013

F-35

•    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December  31, 2014 and 2013

F-36

•    Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

F-37

•    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December  31, 2014 and 2013

F-38

•    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-39

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

   June 30,
2015
(Unaudited)
  December 31,
2014
 

Assets

   

Cash on hand and in other institutions

  $6,707   $6,020  

Interest-bearing demand deposits

   14,780    27,122  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   21,487    33,142  

Interest-bearing time deposits

   3,916    4,164  

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

   47,820    48,084  

Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost

   17,141    7,082  

Loans held for sale

   339    332  

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $3,904 and $3,903

   327,422    316,113  

Premises and equipment, net

   15,896    15,511  

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank, at cost

   2,693    3,753  

Goodwill

   656    656  

Cash value of life insurance

   27,824    28,446  

Other real estate owned

   6,682    6,639  

Other assets

   8,823    8,896  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $480,699   $472,818  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   

Liabilities

   

Deposits

   

Noninterest-bearing

  $67,711   $61,063  

Interest-bearing

   321,692    317,884  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total deposits

   389,403    378,947  

Borrowings

   42,810    45,810  

Drafts payable

   1,179    1,298  

Other liabilities

   5,868    5,711  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   439,260    431,766  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   

Shareholders’ equity

   

Preferred stock—5,000,000 shares authorized and unissued

   —      —    

Common stock, $1.00 par value

   

Authorized 15,000,000 shares

   

Issued—3,254,662 and 3,245,684 shares

   3,254    3,246  

Outstanding—3,029,662 and 3,020,684 shares

   

Additional paid-in capital

   1,816    1,657  

Retained earnings

   39,233    38,785  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   134    362  

Treasury stock at cost—225,000 shares

   (2,998  (2,998
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   41,439    41,052  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $480,699   $472,818  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2015  2014   2015  2014 

Interest Income

      

Interest and fees on loans

  $3,883   $4,008    $7,651   $8,122  

Interest on mortgage-backed securities

   269    257     537    479  

Interest on investment securities

   64    43     127    87  

Other interest and dividend income

   62    77     132    171  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest income

   4,278    4,385     8,447    8,859  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest Expense

      

Interest on deposits

   368    414     741    834  

Interest on borrowings

   263    341     536    679  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest expense

   631    755     1,277    1,513  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

   3,647    3,630     7,170    7,346  

Provision for loan losses

   —      150     105    300  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses

   3,647    3,480     7,065    7,046  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other Income

      

Other fees and service charges

   697    698     1,331    1,286  

Brokerage and insurance commissions

   365    384     932    802  

Gains on sales of loans and servicing rights

   125    25     180    41  

Net gain (loss) from sales and write-downs of other real estate owned

   (35  7     (3  7  

Other real estate owned income

   119    57     183    144  

Increase in cash value of life insurance

   182    175     359    357  

Other

   60    37     90    110  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other income

   1,513    1,383     3,072    2,747  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other Expense

      

Salaries and employee benefits

   2,470    2,316     4,826    4,571  

Net occupancy expense

   337    339     793    759  

Furniture and equipment expense

   218    184     428    373  

Legal and professional fees

   666    166     847    328  

FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments

   94    91     185    180  

Data processing expense

   301    251     581    484  

Printing and office supplies

   79    61     155    126  

Marketing expense

   113    109     205    218  

Other real estate owned expense

   121    67     245    106  

Other

   456    453     908    809  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other expense

   4,855    4,037     9,173    7,954  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

   305    826     964    1,839  

Income tax

   117    223     274    507  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

  $188   $603    $690   $1,332  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
       2015           2014           2015           2014     

Basic Earnings Per Share

  $0.06    $0.20    $0.23    $0.45  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

  $0.06    $0.20    $0.23    $0.45  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends Declared Per Share

  $0.04    $0.02    $0.08    $0.04  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
       2015          2014         2015      2014   

Net Income

  $188   $603    $690   $1,332  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit of $160 and tax expense of $178 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively, and net of tax benefit of $118 and tax expense of $293 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively

   (309)   349     (228)   563  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   (309)   349     (228)   563  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  $(121)  $952    $462   $1,895  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

   Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Treasury
Stock
  Total 

Balance at December 31, 2014

  $3,246    $1,657    $38,785   $362   $(2,998 $41,052  

Net Income

   —       —       690    —      —      690  

Other comprehensive loss

   —       —       —      (228  —      (228

Share-based compensation

   —       42     —      —      —      42  

Exercise of stock options

   8     106     —      —      —      114  

Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options

   —       11     —      —      —      11  

Dividends declared ($0.08 per share)

   —       —       (242  —      —      (242
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

  $3,254    $1,816    $39,233   $134   $(2,998 $41,439  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2015  2014 

Operating Activities

   

Net income

  $690   $1,332  

Items not requiring (providing) cash

   

Provision for losses on loans

   105    300  

Depreciation and amortization

   773    595  

Increase in cash value of life insurance

   (359  (357

Net loss (gain) from sales and write-downs of other real estate owned

   3    (7

Share-based compensation

   42    40  

Mortgage loans originated for sale

   (5,625  (948

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans originated for sale

   5,717    974  

Gains on sales of mortgage loans and servicing rights

   (180  (41

Gain on split-dollar bank-owned life insurance death benefit

   (20  —    

Increase in accrued interest and dividends payable

   55    26  

Other adjustments

   580    89  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   1,781    2,003  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investing Activities

   

Purchase of available for sale securities

   (4,780  (16,242

Purchase of held to maturity securities

   (10,529  —    

Proceeds/principal from the maturity of held to maturity securities

   35    —    

Principal collected on available for sale mortgage-backed securities

   4,514    2,778  

Principal collected on held to maturity mortgage-backed securities

   419    —    

Net change in loans

   (11,565  (1,749

Proceeds from stock repurchased by Federal Home Loan Bank

   1,060    —    

Proceeds from split-dollar bank-owned life insurance death benefit

   998    —    

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned

   105    74  

Net purchases and construction of premises and equipment

   (937  (316
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (20,680  (15,455
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financing Activities

   

Net change in demand and savings deposits

   13,269    21,908  

Net change in certificates of deposit

   (2,813  (7,374

Decrease in drafts payable

   (119  (395

Repayment of borrowings

   (3,000  —    

Net change in advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance

   (26  40  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   114    47  

Cash dividends paid

   (181  (89
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   7,244    14,137  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (11,655  685  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

   33,142    40,867  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Quarter

  $21,487   $41,552  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

   

Interest paid on deposits

  $741   $836  

Interest paid on borrowings

  $542   $682  

Income tax paid

  $450   $95  

Non-cash supplemental information:

   

Transfers from loans to other real estate owned

  $151   $569  

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

AMERIANA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE A—BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of Ameriana Bancorp and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. The Bank has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ameriana Insurance Agency and Ameriana Financial Services, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (comprised only of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary to present fairly Ameriana Bancorp’s financial position and results of operations and cash flows. The consolidated condensed balance sheet of Ameriana Bancorp as of December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet Ameriana Bancorp as of that date. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the full year or for any other period. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes which are included in Ameriana Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

NOTE B—SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

On May 14, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share. This dividend, totaling approximately $121,000, was accrued for payment to shareholders of record on June 12, 2015 and was paid on July 2, 2015.

Cash received from options exercised under all share-based compensation arrangements for the second quarter of 2015 was $62,000, with a tax benefit realized of $5,000. No stock options were granted during the second quarter of 2015.

NOTE C—EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share were computed as follows:

  

(In thousands, except share data)

Three Months Ended June 30,

 
  2015  2014 
  Net
Income
  Weighted
Average
Shares
  Per Share
Amount
  Net
Income
  Weighted
Average
Shares
  Per Share
Amount
 

Basic Earnings Per Share: Income available to common shareholders

 $188    3,026,772   $0.06   $603    2,992,134   $0.20  
   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

  —      14,076     —      5,341   
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Diluted Earnings Per Share: Income available to common shareholders and assumed conversions

 $188    3,040,848   $0.06   $603    2,997,475   $0.20  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

(In thousands, except share data)

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
  2015  2014 
  Net
Income
  Weighted
Average
Shares
  Per Share
Amount
  Net
Income
  Weighted
Average
Shares
  Per Share
Amount
 

Basic Earnings Per Share: Income available to common shareholders

 $690    3,023,983   $0.23   $1,332    2,991,447   $0.45  
   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

  —      14,721     —      4,588   
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Diluted Earnings Per Share: Income available to common shareholders and assumed conversions

 $690    3,038,704   $0.23   $1,332    2,996,035   $0.45  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

All options to purchase common stock outstanding at June 30, 2015 were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, because the option’s exercise price was less than the average market price of the common shares for the period presented.

Options to purchase 15,232 shares of common stock at exercise prices of $15.35 to $15.56 per share were outstanding at June 30, 2014, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options were anti-dilutive, in that the option’s exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares for the period presented.

NOTE D—INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The following tables provide the composition of investment securities at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
 

Available for sale at June 30, 2015

        

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $43,887    $304    $123    $44,068  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   1,901     —       29     1,872  

Mutual fund

   1,846     34     —       1,880  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $47,634    $338    $152    $47,820  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
 

Held to maturity at June 30, 2015

        

GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $11,736    $4    $6    $11,734  

Municipal securities

   5,405     14     —       5,419  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $17,141    $18    $6    $17,153  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
 

Available for sale at December 31, 2014

        

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $43,675    $566    $43    $44,198  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,053     —       34     2,019  

Mutual fund

   1,826     41     —       1,867  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $47,554    $607    $77    $48,084  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
 

Held to maturity at December 31, 2014

        

GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $4,736    $20    $—      $4,756  

Municipal securities

   2,346     8     —       2,354  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $7,082    $28    $—      $7,110  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at June 30, 2015 by contractual maturity are shown below (dollars in thousands). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   Available for Sale 
   Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
 

Within one year

  $—      $—    

One to five years

   —       —    

Five to ten years

   —       —    

After ten years

   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   —       —    

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

   43,887     44,068  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   1,901     1,872  

Mutual fund

   1,846     1,880  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $47,634    $47,820  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Held to Maturity 
   Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
 

Within one year

  $360    $361  

One to five years

   1,559     1,563  

Five to ten years

   2,262     2,268  

After ten years

   1,224     1,227  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Municipal securities

   5,405     5,419  

GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

   11,736     11,734  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $17,141    $17,153  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed pass-through securities: The contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by either Ginnie Mae, a U.S. Government agency, or by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, U.S. Government-sponsored entities, institutions which the U.S. Government has affirmed its commitment to support. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of Ameriana Bancorp’s investment.

Collateralized mortgage obligations: The contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, a U.S. Government agency. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of Ameriana Bancorp’s investment.

Municipal Securities:The municipal securities consisted of non-rated local issue revenue bonds.

Mutual fund:The mutual fund balance consisted of an investment in the CRA Qualified Investment mutual fund, whose portfolio composition is primarily in debt securities with an average credit quality rating of AAA.

Certain investment securities are reported in the financial statements at an amount less than their historical cost. Total fair value of these investments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $19,775,000 and $12,122,000, respectively, which was approximately 30.4% and 22.0%, respectively, of Ameriana Bancorp’s investment portfolio at these dates.

Should the impairment of any of these securities become other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in net income in the period the other-than-temporary impairment is identified.

The following table shows Ameriana Bancorp’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

  Less Than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer  Total 
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 

Available for sale at June 30, 2015

      

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

 $17,859   $122   $44   $1   $17,903   $123  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

  —      —      1,872    29    1,872    29  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 $17,859   $122   $1,916   $30   $19,775   $152  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  Less Than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer  Total 
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 

Available for sale at December 31, 2014

      

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

 $5,540   $5   $4,563   $38   $10,103   $43  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

  —      —      2,019    34    2,019    34  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 $5,540   $5   $6,582   $72   $12,122   $77  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investment securities with a total market value of $8,508,000 and $8,499,000 were pledged at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, to secure a repurchase agreement.

There were no sales of available for sale securities during the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014.

NOTE E—LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

(Dollars in Thousands)

   At June 30,   At December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Real estate loans:

    

Commercial

  $116,472    $111,455  

Residential

   163,467     163,839  

Construction

   18,637     13,570  

Commercial loans and leases

   30,196     29,358  

Municipal loans

   1,895     785  

Consumer loans

   1,875     2,018  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans

   332,542     321,025  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less:

    

Undisbursed loan proceeds

   594     302  

Deferred loan fees, net

   622     707  

Allowance for loan losses

   3,904     3,903  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   5,120     4,912  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans—net

  $327,422    $316,113  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The risk characteristics of each loan portfolio segment are as follows:

Commercial Real Estate:These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Bank’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral and risk grade criteria. As a general rule, the Bank avoids financing single purpose projects unless other underwriting factors are present to help mitigate risk. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans.

Construction Real Estate:Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based on estimates of costs and value associated with the completed project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Bank until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, timely completion and sale of the property, sale of the property at a price commensurate with the initial estimate, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.

Commercial Loans and Leases:Commercial loans and leases are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an

unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

Residential and Consumer: With respect to residential loans that are secured by one-to four-family residences and are generally owner occupied, the Bank generally establishes a maximum loan-to-value ratio and requires private mortgage insurance if that ratio is exceeded. Home equity loans are typically secured by a subordinate interest in one-to four-family residences, and consumer loans are secured by consumer assets such as automobiles or recreational vehicles. Some consumer loans are unsecured such as small installment loans and certain lines of credit. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income of the borrowers, which can be impacted by economic conditions in their market areas such as unemployment levels. Repayment can also be impacted by changes in property values on residential properties. Risk is mitigated by the fact that the loans are of smaller individual amounts and spread over a large number of borrowers.

Municipal:Municipal loans are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most municipal loans are secured by the full faith and credit of the municipality. The availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the municipality to collect taxes or other revenue.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Methodology:

Bank policy is designed to ensure that an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) will be maintained. Primary responsibility for ensuring that the Bank has processes in place to consistently assess the adequacy of the ALLL rests with the Board. The Board has charged the Chief Credit Officer with responsibility for establishing the methodology to be used and to assess the adequacy of the ALLL quarterly. The methodology will be reviewed and affirmed by the Loan Review Officer. Quarterly, the Board will review recommendations from the Chief Credit Officer to adjust the allowance as appropriate.

The methodology employed by the Bank for each portfolio segment will at a minimum contain the following:

1.Loans will be segmented by type of loan.

2.Loans will be further segmented by risk grades.

3.The required ALLL for types of performing homogeneous loans which do not have a specific reserve will be determined by applying a factor based on historical losses averaged over the twelve quarters prior to the most recent quarter. In those instances where the Bank’s historical experience is not available, management will develop factors based on industry experience and best practices.

4.All criticized and classified loans will be tested for impairment by applying one of three methodologies:

a.Present value of future cash flows;

b.Fair value of collateral less cost to sell; or

c.The loan’s observable market price.

5.All troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) are considered impaired loans.

6.Loans tested for impairment will be removed from other pools to prevent layering (double-counting).

7.The required ALLL for each group of loans will be added together to determine the total required ALLL for the Bank. The required ALLL will be compared to the current ALLL to determine the required provision to increase the ALLL or credit to decrease the ALLL.

The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Bank over the twelve quarters prior to the most recent quarter. Management believes the

historical loss experience methodology is appropriate in the current economic environment, as it captures loss rates that are comparable to the current period being analyzed.

Management also factors in the following qualitative considerations:

1.Changes in policies and procedures;

2.Changes in national, regional and local economic and business conditions;

3.Changes in the composition and size of the portfolio and in the terms of loans;

4.Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;

5.Changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of non-accrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded loans;

6.Changes in the quality of the Bank’s loan review system;

7.Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans;

8.The existence and effect of any concentration of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and

9.The effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the existing portfolio.

The following table presents the balance and activity in allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

Allowance for Loan Losses

For Three Months Ended June 30, 2015

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
  Residential
Real Estate
Loans
  Construction
Real Estate
Loans
  Commercial
Loans and
Leases
  Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
  Total 

Balance at beginning of quarter

  $1,133   $1,983   $225   $512   $—      $131   $3,984  

Provision (credit) for losses

   (46  70    (23  —      —       (1  —    

Charge-offs (1)

   —      (58  —      (48  —       (15  (121

Recoveries

   —      26    —      5    —       10    41  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of quarter

  $1,087   $2,021   $202   $469   $—      $125   $3,904  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table presents the balance and activity in allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans and impairment methods as of June 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans

For Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Loans
  Construction
Real Estate
Loans
   Commercial
Loans and
Leases
  Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
  Total 

Balance at beginning of year

  $1,059    $1,934   $156    $637   $—      $117   $3,903  

Provision (credit) for losses

   28     139    45     (128  —       21    105  

Charge-offs (1)

   —       (83  —       (48  —       (28  (159

Recoveries

   —       31    1     8    —       15    55  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $1,087    $2,021   $202    $469   $—      $125   $3,904  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance:

           

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $70    $649   $—      $139   $—      $28   $886  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

   1,017     1,372    202     330    —       97    3,018  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,087    $2,021   $202    $469   $—      $125   $3,904  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending loan balance:

           

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $4,263    $7,275   $1,948    $435   $—      $88   $14,009  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

   112,209     156,192    16,689     29,761    1,895     1,787    318,533  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $116,472    $163,467   $18,637    $30,196   $1,895    $1,875   $332,542  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following tables present the balance and activity in allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Allowance for Loan Losses

For Three Months Ended June 30, 2014

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
  Residential
Real Estate
Loans
  Construction
Real Estate
Loans
  Commercial
Loans and
Leases
  Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
  Total 

Balance at beginning of quarter

  $1,273   $1,747   $332   $629   $—      $119   $4,100  

Provision for losses

   73    13    65    (19  —       18    150  

Charge-offs (1)

   (101  (80  (6  (58  —       (18  (263

Recoveries

   3    3    1    6    —       4    17  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of quarter

  $1,248   $1,683   $392   $558   $—      $123   $4,004  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

For Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
  Residential
Real Estate
Loans
  Construction
Real Estate
Loans
  Commercial
Loans and
Leases
  Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
  Total 

Balance at beginning of year

  $1,165   $1,743  ��$356   $623   $—      $106   $3,993  

Provision for losses

   181    14    80    (17  —       42    300  

Charge-offs (1)

   (101  (80  (46  (59  —       (34  (320

Recoveries

   3    6    2    11    —       9    31  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $1,248   $1,683   $392   $558   $—      $123   $4,004  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table presents the balance in allowance for loan losses and recorded investment in loans and impairment methods as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans

For Year Ended December 31, 2014

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Loans
   Construction
Real Estate
Loans
   Commercial
Loans and
Leases
   Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
   Total 

Ending allowance balance:

              

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $—      $319    $—      $166    $—      $12    $497  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

   1,059     1,615     156     471     —       105     3,406  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,059    $1,934    $156    $637    $—      $117    $3,903  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending loan balance:

              

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $4,263    $3,967    $2,004    $516    $—      $89    $10,839  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

   107,192     159,872     11,566     28,842     785     1,929     310,186  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $111,455    $163,839    $13,570    $29,358    $785    $2,018    $321,025  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Policy for Charging Off Loans:

ANNEX A loan should be charged off at any point in time when it no longer can be considered a bankable asset, meaning collectable within the parameters of policy. The Bank shall not renew any loan, or put a loan on a demand basis, only to defer a problem, nor is it appropriate to attempt long-term recoveries while reporting loans as assets.

An unsecured loan generally should be charged off no later than when it is 120 days past due as to principal or interest. For loans in the legal process of foreclosure against collateral of real and/or liquid value, the 120-day rule does not apply. Such charge-offs can be deferred until the foreclosure process progresses to the point where the Bank can adequately determine whether or not any ultimate loss will result. In similar instances where other legal actions will cause extraordinary delays, such as the settlement of an estate, if the loan is well collateralized, the 120-day period may be extended. On loans where the Bank is unsecured or not fully collateralized, the loan should be charged off or written down to the documented collateral value rather than merely being placed on non-accrual status.

All charge-offs and forgiveness of debt equal to or greater than $100,000 must be approved by the Loan Committee upon recommendation by the Chief Credit Officer. The Loan Committee consists of the Bank’s Chief

Executive Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Banking Officer and Loan Review Officer. Charge-offs less than $100,000 and greater than $10,000 and decisions to defer the charge-off of a loan must be approved by the Chief Credit Officer.

Narrative Description of Borrower Rating:

Grade 1—Highest Quality (Pass)

This loan represents a credit extension of the highest quality. The borrower’s historic (at least five years) cash flows manifest extremely large and stable margins of coverage. Balance sheets are conservative, well capitalized, and liquid. After considering debt service for proposed and existing debt, projected cash flows continue to be strong and provide ample coverage. The borrower typically reflects broad geographic and product diversification and has broad access to alternative financial markets. Also included in this category may be loans secured by U.S. government securities, U.S. government agencies, highly rated municipal bonds, insured savings accounts, and insured certificates of deposit drawn on high quality banks.

Grade 2—Excellent Quality (Pass)

This loan has a sound primary and secondary source of repayment. The borrower has proven access to alternative sources of financing. This loan carries a low level of risk, with minimal loss exposure. The borrower has the ability to perform according to the terms of the credit facility. The margins of cash flow coverage are strong. This category also includes loans secured by high quality traded stocks and lower grade municipal bonds (must still be investment grade).

Grade 3—Good Quality (Pass)

This loan has a sound primary source of repayment. The borrower may have access to alternative sources of financing, but sources are not as widely available as they are to a higher graded borrower. This loan carries a normal level of risk, with minimal loss exposure. The borrower has the ability to perform according to the terms of the credit facility. The margins of cash flow coverage are satisfactory but vulnerable to more rapid deterioration than the higher quality loans. Real estate loans in this category display advance rates below the suggested maximum, debt coverage well in excess of the suggested level, or are leased beyond the loan term by a “credit” tenant.

Grade 4—Acceptable Quality (Pass)

The borrower is a reasonable credit risk and demonstrates the ability to repay the debt from normal business operations. Risk factors may include reliability of margins and cash flows, liquidity, dependence on a single product or industry, cyclical trends, depth of management, or limited access to alternative financing sources. Historic financial information may indicate erratic performance, but current trends are positive. Quality of financial information is adequate, but is not as detailed and sophisticated as information found on higher graded loans. If adverse circumstances arise, the impact on the borrower may be significant. All small business loans extended based upon credit scoring should be classified in this category unless deterioration occurs, in which case they should bear one of the below mentioned grades.

Grade 5—Marginal Quality (Pass)

The borrower is an acceptable credit risk and while it can demonstrate it has the ability to repay the debt from normal business operations, the coverage is not as strong as an Acceptable Quality loan. Weakness in one or more areas are defined. Risk factors would typically include a higher leverage position than desirable, low liquidity, weak or sporadic cash flow, the lack of reasonably current and complete financial information, and/or overall financial trends are erratic.

Grade 6—Elevated Risk, Management Attention (Watch)

While the borrower at origination was not considered a high risk potential, there are characteristics related to the financial condition, and/or a level of concern regarding either or both the primary and secondary source of repayment, that may preclude this from being a pass credit. These credit facilities are considered “pass” credits but exhibit the potential of developing a more serious weakness in their operation going forward. Usually, a credit in this category will be upgraded or downgraded on further analysis within a short period of time.

Grade 7—Special Mention

These credit facilities have developing weaknesses that deserve extra attention from the loan officer and other management personnel. If the developing weakness is not corrected or mitigated, there may be deterioration in the ability of the borrower to repay the Bank’s debt in the future. This grade should not be assigned to loans which bear certain peculiar risks normally associated with the type of financing involved, unless circumstances have caused the risk to increase to a level higher than would have been acceptable when the credit was originally approved. Loans where actual, not potential, weaknesses or problems are clearly evident and significant should generally be graded in one of the grade categories below.

Grade 8—Substandard

Loans and other credit extensions bearing this grade are considered to be inadequately protected by the current sound worth and debt service capacity of the borrower or of any pledged collateral. These obligations, even if apparently protected by collateral value, have well-defined weaknesses related to adverse financial, managerial, economic, market, or political conditions which have clearly jeopardized repayment of principal and interest as originally intended. Furthermore, there is the possibility that some future loss will be sustained by the Bank if such weaknesses are not corrected. Clear loss potential, however, does not have to exist in any individual assets classified as substandard.

Grade 9—Doubtful

Loans and other credit extensions graded “9” have all the weaknesses inherent in those graded “8,” with the added characteristic that the severity of the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable or improbable based upon currently existing facts, conditions, and values. The probability of some loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific factors, the amount of loss cannot be determined. Such pending factors could include merger or liquidation, additional capital injection, refinancing plans, or perfection of liens on additional collateral. Loans in this classification should be placed in nonaccrual status, with collections applied to principal on the Bank’s books.

Grade 10—Loss

Loans in this classification are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset of the Bank. This classification does not mean the loan has absolutely no recovery value, but that it is neither practical nor desirable to defer writing off this loan even though partial recovery may be obtained in the future.

The following tables present the credit risk profile of Ameriana Bancorp’s loan portfolio based on rating category and payment activity as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Loan Portfolio Quality Indicators

At June 30, 2015

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Loans
   Construction
Real Estate
Loans
   Commercial
Loans and
Leases
   Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
   Total 

Rating:

              

Pass (Grades 1-5)

  $108,312    $153,754    $15,874    $29,513    $1,895    $1,788    $311,136  

Watch (Grade 6)

   3,897     3,633     1,703     248     —       —       9,481  

Special Mention (Grade 7)

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —    

Substandard (Grade 8)

   3,451     423     224     —       —       —       4,098  

Doubtful (Grade 9)

   812     5,657     836     435     —       87     7,827  

Loss (Grade 10)

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $116,472    $163,467    $18,637    $30,196    $1,895    $1,875    $332,542  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loan Portfolio Quality Indicators

At December 31, 2014

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Loans
   Construction
Real Estate
Loans
   Commercial
Loans and
Leases
   Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
   Total 

Rating:

              

Pass (Grades 1-5)

  $100,095    $157,518    $10,786    $28,516    $785    $1,929    $299,629  

Watch (Grade 6)

   7,097     327     1,721     325     —       —       9,470  

Special Mention (Grade 7)

   —       3,355     —       —       —       —       3,355  

Substandard (Grade 8)

   3,451     427     228     —       —       —       4,106  

Doubtful (Grade 9)

   812     2,212     835     517     —       89     4,465  

Loss (Grade 10)

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $111,455    $163,839    $13,570    $29,358    $785    $2,018    $321,025  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For all loan classes, the entire balance of a loan is considered delinquent if the minimum payment contractually required to be made is not received by the specified due date.

The following tables present Ameriana Bancorp’s loan portfolio aging analysis as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Loan Portfolio Aging Analysis

At June 30, 2015

   30-59 Days
Past Due (A)
   60-89 Days
Past Due
   90 Days
and Greater
   Total Past
Due
   Current   Total Loans
Receivable
   Total Loans
> 90 days
& Accruing
 

Real estate loans:

              

Commercial

  $200    $—      $812    $1,012    $115,460    $116,472    $—    

Residential

   4,189     175     1,852     6,216     157,251     163,467     110  

Construction

   —       888     836     1,724     16,913     18,637     —    

Commercial loans and leases

   368     —       67     435     29,761     30,196     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       1,895     1,895     —    

Consumer loans

   1     1     4     6     1,869     1,875     5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $4,758    $1,064    $3,571    $9,393    $323,149    $332,542    $115  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(A)Includes $924,000 in loans classified as nonaccrual that are less than 30 days past due, of which $556,000 are residential real estate loans and $368,000 are commercial loans.

Loan Portfolio Aging Analysis

At December 31, 2014

   30-59 Days
Past Due (A)
   60-89 Days
Past Due
   Greater than
90 Days
   Total Past
Due
   Current   Total Loans
Receivable
   Total Loans
> 90 days
& Accruing
 

Real estate loans:

              

Commercial

  $—      $—      $812    $812    $110,643    $111,455    $—    

Residential

   1,346     212     1,598     3,156     160,683     163,839     14  

Construction

   —       —       836     836     12,734     13,570     —    

Commercial loans and leases

   80     320     117     517     28,841     29,358     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       785     785     —    

Consumer loans

   10     4     1     15     2,003     2,018     1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,436    $536    $3,364    $5,336    $315,689    $321,025    $15  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(A)Includes $667,000 in loans classified as nonaccrual that are less than 30 days past due, of which $587,000 are residential real estate loans and $80,000 are commercial loans.

Impaired Loans:For all loan classes, a loan is designated as impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Payments with insignificant delays not exceeding 90 days outstanding are not considered impaired. Certain non-accrual and substantially delinquent loans may be considered to be impaired. Generally, loans are placed on non-accrual status at 90 days past due and accrued interest is reversed against earnings, unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. The accrual of interest on impaired and non-accrual loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due.

For all loan classes, when interest accrual is discontinued all unpaid accrued interest is reversed when considered uncollectible. When a loan is in a non-accrual status, all cash payments of interest are applied to loan principal. Should the loan be reinstated to accrual status, all cash payments of interest received while in non-accrual status will be taken into income over the remaining life of the loan using the level yield accounting method.

The following table presents impaired loans as of June 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

Impaired Loans

At June 30, 2015

           Three Months Ended
June 30, 2015
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2015
 
  Recorded
Balance
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Specific
Allowance
  Average
Investment
in Impaired
Loans (1)
  Interest
Income
Recognized
(2)
  Average
Investment
in Impaired
Loans (1)
  Interest
Income
Recognized
(2)
 

Loans without a specific valuation allowance:

       

Real estate loans:

       

Commercial

 $3,451   $3,929    N/A   $3,451   $43   $3,451   $86  

Residential

  2,819    3,120    N/A    2,706    14    2,684    28  

Construction

  1,948    1,948    N/A    1,962    17    1,976    33  

Commercial loans and leases

  67    95    N/A    69    —      70    —    

Municipal loans

  —      —      N/A    —      —      —      —    

Consumer loans

  —      —      N/A    —      —      —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $8,285   $9,092    N/A   $8,188   $74   $8,181   $147  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loans with a specific valuation allowance:

       

Real estate loans:

       

Commercial

 $812   $812   $70   $812   $—     $812   $—    

Residential

  4,456    4,467    649    1,180    4    1,161    8  

Construction

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Commercial loans and leases

  368    431    139    396    —      415    —    

Municipal loans

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Consumer loans

  88    88    28    71    —      72    —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $5,724   $5,798   $886   $2,459   $4   $2,460   $8  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

All Impaired Loans

 $14,009   $14,890   $886   $10,647   $78   $10,641   $155  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Includes all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during the three-month and six-month periods (not just impaired loans at June 30, 2015), and their average balance for only the period during which they were classified as impaired.
(2)Interest recorded in income during only the period the loans were classified as impaired, for all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015.

For all loan classes, interest income on loans individually classified as impaired is recognized on a cash basis after all past due and current principal payments have been made.

The following table presents impaired loans as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Impaired Loans

At June 30, 2014

           Three Months Ended
June 30, 2014
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
  Recorded
Balance
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Specific
Allowance
  Average
Investment
in Impaired
Loans (1)
  Interest
Income
Recognized
(2)
  Average
Investment
in Impaired
Loans (1)
  Interest
Income
Recognized
(2)
 

Loans without a specific valuation allowance:

       

Real estate loans:

       

Commercial

 $4,339   $4,817    N/A   $4,471   $59   $4,435   $110  

Residential

  2,655    2,920    N/A    3,273    17    3,014    35  

Construction

  1,222    2,057    N/A    1,389    18    1,329    36  

Commercial loans and leases

  70    98    N/A    564    —      399    —    

Municipal loans

  —      —      N/A    —      —      —      —    

Consumer loans

  —      —      N/A    —      —      —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $8,286   $9,892    N/A   $9,697   $94   $9,177   $181  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loans with a specific valuation allowance:

       

Real estate loans:

       

Commercial

 $—     $—     $—     $—     $—     $—     $—    

Residential

  2,589    2,662    381    2,609    21    2,602    42  

Construction

  3,149    3,149    245    2,901    25    3,025    51  

Commercial loans and leases

  148    192    109    163    —      161    —    

Municipal loans

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Consumer loans

  95    95    8    66    —      78    —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $5,981   $6,098   $743   $5,739   $46   $5,866   $93  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

All Impaired Loans

 $14,267   $15,990   $743   $15,436   $140   $15,043   $274  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Includes all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during the three-month and six-month periods (not just impaired loans at June 30, 2014), and their average balance for only the period during which they were classified as impaired.
(2)Interest recorded in income during only the period the loans were classified as impaired, for all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.

For all loan classes, interest income on loans individually classified as impaired is recognized on a cash basis after all past due and current principal payments have been made.

The following table presents impaired loans as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Impaired Loans

At December 31, 2014

               Year Ended
December 31, 2014
 
   Recorded
Balance
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Specific
Allowance
   Average
Investment
in Impaired
Loans (1)
   Interest
Income
Recognized
(2)
 

Loans without a specific valuation allowance:

          

Real estate loans:

          

Commercial

  $4,263    $4,742     N/A    $4,025    $176  

Residential

   2,686     2,923     N/A     2,342     58  

Construction

   2,004     2,004     N/A     1,744     72  

Commercial loans and leases

   70     99     N/A     221     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       N/A     —       —    

Consumer loans

   —       —       N/A     —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $9,023    $9,768     N/A    $8,332    $306  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans with a specific valuation allowance:

          

Real estate loans:

          

Commercial

  $—      $—      $—      $481    $22  

Residential

   1,281     1,340     319     2,806     78  

Construction

   —       —       —       2,368     55  

Commercial loans and leases

   446     495     166     222     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       —    

Consumer loans

   89     89     12     81     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,816    $1,924    $497    $5,958    $155  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

All Impaired Loans

  $10,839    $11,692    $497    $14,290    $461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Includes all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during 2014 (not just impaired loans at December 31, 2014), and their average balance for only the period during which they were classified as impaired.
(2)Interest recorded in income during only the period the loans were classified as impaired, for all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during 2014.

For all loan classes, interest income on loans individually classified as impaired is recognized on a cash basis after all past due and current principal payments have been made.

Non-Accrual Loans: Any loan which becomes 90 days delinquent, the full collection of principal and interest is in doubt, or a portion of principal has been charged off, should be placed on non-accrual status. The loan does not have to be placed on non-accrual if the charge-off is part of a Chapter 13 reaffirmation. At the time a loan is placed on non-accrual, all accrued but unpaid interest will be reversed from interest income. Placing the loan on non-accrual does not relieve the borrower of the obligation to repay interest.

For all loan classes, when a loan is on non-accrual status all payments are applied to loan principal.

A loan placed on non-accrual may be restored to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest has been brought current, and the Bank expects full payment of the remaining contractual principal and interest

including any previous charge-offs. Should the loan be reinstated to accrual status, all payments of interest received while in non-accrual status will be taken into income over the remaining life of the loan using the level yield accounting method. Restoring a non-accrual loan to accrual status requires the approval of the CCO. All loans placed on non-accrual status require the approval of the CCO and must be documented on the loan system and in the file.

The following table presents Ameriana Bancorp’s non-accrual loans at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Loans Accounted for on a Non-Accrual Basis

   At June 30,
2015
   At December 31,
2014
 

Real estate loans:

    

Commercial

  $812    $812  

Residential

   2,344     2,212  

Construction

   836     836  

Commercial loans and leases

   435     516  

Municipal loans

   —       —    

Consumer loans

   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $4,427    $4,376  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-accrual loans at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included $1,411,000 and $1,082,000 of TDRs, respectively.

Troubled Debt Restructurings:Our loan and lease portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified as a TDR, where concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from loss mitigation efforts and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructuring and typically are returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period of at least six consecutive months.

When we modify loans and leases as a TDR, we evaluate any possible impairment similar to other impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan or lease agreement, or use the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs for collateral dependent loans. If we determine that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded balance of the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized through a specific allowance or charge-off to the allowance. In periods subsequent to modification, we evaluate all TDRs, including those that have payment defaults, for possible impairment and recognize impairment through the allowance.

There were two loans classified as a TDR during the three-month and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, and they are shown in the table below identified by class (dollars in thousands). The modifications were both payment concessions, one extending the amortization period to reduce the monthly payment amount and the other allowing the borrower to make interest only payments for a period of time.

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2015
   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2015
 
   Modifications   Modifications 
   Number   Recorded
Balance Before
   Recorded
Balance
After
   Number   Recorded
Balance Before
   Recorded
Balance After
 

Real estate loans:

            

Commercial

   —      $—      $—       —      $—      $—    

Residential

   1     3,311     3,311     1     3,311     3,311  

Construction

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Commercial loans and leases

   1     308     308     1     308     308  

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Consumer loans

   —       —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   2    $3,619    $3,619     2    $3,619    $3,619  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no loans classified as a TDR during either the three-month period or the six-month period ended June 30, 2014.

There were no TDRs that had payment defaults during the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively. Default occurs when a loan or lease is 90 days or more past due or transferred to nonaccrual and is within 12 months of restructuring.

NOTE F—ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)

The FASB has issuedASU No. 2015-05, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” Existing GAAP does not include explicit guidance about a customer’s accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. Examples of cloud computing arrangements include:(a) software as a service;(b) platform as a service;(c) infrastructure as a service; and(d) other similar hosting arrangements. The amendments add guidance to Subtopic 350-40,Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software, which will help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement. The guidance already exists in theFASB Accounting Standards Codification™ in paragraphs 985-605-55-121 through 55-123, but it is included in a Subtopic applied by cloud service providers to determine whether an arrangement includes the sale or license of software. The amendments provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The amendments do not change the accounting for a customer’s accounting for service contracts. As a result of the amendments, all software licenses within the scope of Subtopic 350-40 will be accounted for consistent with other licenses of intangible assets. For public business entities, the amendments will be effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments either: (1) prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date; or (2) retrospectively. For prospective transition, the only disclosure requirements at transition are the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle, the transition method, and a qualitative description of the

financial statement line items affected by the change. For retrospective transition, the disclosure requirements at transition include the requirements for prospective transition and quantitative information about the effects of the accounting change. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and is still evaluating the impact the ASU will have on its financial position or results of operation.

The FASB has issued anASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” which is intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures (collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, and mortgage-backed security transactions). The ASU focuses on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations (public and private companies and not-for-profit organizations) that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In addition to reducing the number of consolidation models from four to two, the new standard simplifies theFASB Accounting Standards Codification™ (Codification) and improves current GAAP by:

Placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. A reporting organization may no longer have to consolidate a legal entity in certain circumstances based solely on its fee arrangement, when certain criteria are met.

Reducing the frequency of the application of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”).

Changing consolidation conclusions for public and private companies in several industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or VIEs.

The ASU will be effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015, for public companies. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and is still evaluating the impact the ASU will have on its financial position or results of operation.

NOTE G—RETIREMENT PLAN

Ameriana Bancorp entered into separate agreements with certain officers and directors that provide retirement benefits. Ameriana Bancorp records an expense equal to the projected present value of the payment due at the full eligibility date. The liability for the plan at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $2,099,000 and $2,102,000, respectively. The expense for the plan was $31,000 and $55,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively. The expense for the plan was $61,000 and $109,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively.

NOTE H—DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy has been established that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in active markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Recurring Measurements: Available-for-sale Securities

Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. The security valued in Level 1 is a mutual fund.

Level 2 securities include U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprise pass-through mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. Level 2 securities are valued by a third party pricing service commonly used in the banking industry utilizing observable inputs, and the values are reviewed by the Bank’s management. The pricing provider utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary based on asset class. These models incorporate available market information including quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics and, because many fixed-income securities do not trade on a daily basis, apply available information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector grouping and matrix pricing. In addition, model processes, such as an option adjusted spread model is used to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for securities with prepayment features. Ameriana Bancorp has reviewed the methodologies used by the third party and has determined that the securities are properly classified as Level 2.

Ameriana Bancorp held no Level 3 securities in its available-for-sale portfolio on either June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets recognized in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheet measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

     Fair Value Measurements Using 
Available-for-sale securities: Fair
Value
  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs

(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

At June 30, 2015:

    

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

 $44,068   $—     $44,068   $—    

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

  1,872    —      1,872    —    

Mutual fund

  1,880    1,880    —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 $47,820   $1,880   $45,940   $—    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At December 31, 2014:

    

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

 $44,198   $—     $44,198   $—    

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

  2,019    —      2,019    —    

Mutual fund

  1,867    1,867    —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 $48,084   $1,867   $46,217   $—    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Transfers between Levels

Transfers between levels did not occur during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015.

Level 3 Reconciliation

There is no reconciliation for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively, as there were no fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the available-for-sale portfolio during those periods.

Nonrecurring Measurements

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:

Collateral-Dependent Impaired Loans

The estimated fair value of collateral-dependent impaired loans is based on the appraised fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell. Collateral-dependent impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Ameriana Bancorp considers the appraisal or evaluation as the starting point for determining fair value and then considers other factors and events in the environment that may affect the fair value. Appraisals of the collateral underlying collateral-dependent loans are obtained when the loan is determined to be collateral-dependent and subsequently as deemed necessary by management. Appraisals are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by management. Appraisers are selected from the list of approved appraisers maintained by management. The appraised values are reduced by discounts to consider lack of marketability and estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of the loan is dependent on the sale of the collateral. These discounts and estimates are developed by management by comparison to historical results.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) is carried at the lower of fair value at acquisition date or current estimated fair value, less estimated cost to sell when the real estate is acquired. Estimated fair value of OREO is based on appraisals or evaluations. OREO is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Appraisals of OREO are obtained when the real estate is acquired and subsequently as deemed necessary by management. Appraisals are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by management. Appraisers are selected from the list of approved appraisers maintained by management.

Loan servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, impairment is recorded so that the servicing asset is carried at fair value. Fair value is determined based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model utilizes interest rate, prepayment speed, and default rate assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income and that can be validated against available market data.

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets recognized in the accompanying balance sheet measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
   Fair Value   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

At June 30, 2015:

        

Impaired loans

  $1,514    $—      $—      $1,514  

Other real estate owned

   379     —       —       379  

At December 31, 2014:

        

Impaired loans

  $940    $—      $—      $940  

Other real estate owned

   1,166     —       —       1,166  

Mortgage servicing rights

   530         530  

Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs:

The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in recurring and nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements at June 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

   Fair Value   

Valuation Technique

  

Unobservable Inputs

  

Rate/Rate Range

Impaired loans

  $1,514    Third party valuations  Discount to reflect realizable value  0.0% - 100.0%

Other real estate owned

   379    Third party valuations  Discount to reflect realizable value  7.0% - 11.0%

The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in recurring and nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

   Fair Value   

Valuation Technique

  

Unobservable Inputs

  

Rate/Rate Range

Impaired loans

  $940    Third party valuations  Discount to reflect realizable value  0.6% - 64.9%

Other real estate owned

   1,166    Third party valuations  Discount to reflect realizable value  6.4% - 7.0%

Mortgage servicing rights

   530    Third party valuations  

Discount rate

Prepayment speed

  

5.06% - 6.08%

10.22% - 22.74%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values are based on estimates using present value and other valuation techniques in instances where quoted market prices are not available. These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. As such, the derived fair value estimates may not be realized upon an immediate settlement of the instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of Ameriana Bancorp.

The following table presents the estimates of fair value of financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall (dollars in thousands) at June 30, 2015:

Fair Value Measurements Using

 
  Carrying
Value
  Fair Value  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

 $21,487   $21,487   $21,487   $—     $—    

Interest-bearing time deposits

  3,916    3,930    3,930    —      —    

Investment securities held to maturity

  17,141    17,153    —      11,734    5,419  

Loans held for sale

  339    339    —      339    —    

Loans

  327,422    333,305    —      319,296    14,009  

Stock in FHLB

  2,693    2,693    —      2,693    —    

Mortgage servicing rights

  537    537    —      —      537  

Interest and dividends receivable

  1,255    1,255    —      1,255    —    

Liabilities

     

Deposits

  389,403    389,801    255,188    134,613    —    

Borrowings

  42,810    39,105    —      32,520    6,585  

Drafts payable

  1,179    1,179    —      1,179    —    

Interest and dividends payable

  151    151    —      151    —    

The following table presents the estimates of fair value of financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall (dollars in thousands) at December 31, 2014:

Fair Value Measurements Using

 
  Carrying
Value
  Fair Value  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

 $33,142   $33,142   $33,142   $—     $—    

Interest-bearing time deposits

  4,164    4,162    4,162    —      —    

Investment securities held to maturity

  7,082    7,110    —      4,756    2,354  

Loans held for sale

  332    332    —      332    —    

Loans

  316,113    322,035    —      311,196    10,839  

Stock in FHLB

  3,753    3,753    —      3,753    —    

Mortgage servicing rights

  530    530    —      —      530  

Interest and dividends receivable

  1,179    1,179    —      1,179    —    

Liabilities

   

Deposits

  378,947    379,339    241,918    137,421    —    

Borrowings

  45,810    41,605    —      35,543    6,062  

Drafts payable

  1,298    1,298    —      1,298    —    

Interest and dividends payable

  97    97    —      97    —    

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Stock in FHLB: The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate those assets’ fair values.

Interest-bearing time deposits: The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate those assets’ fair values.

Held to maturity securities:The carrying amount for June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 represents the amortized cost balance as of that date. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

Loans held for sale:The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the insignificant time between originations and date of sale. The carrying amount is the amount funded.

Loans: The fair values for loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies external interest rates used to price new similar loans to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on loans.

Mortgage Servicing Rights: The initial amount recorded is an estimate of the fair value of the streams of net servicing revenues that will occur over the estimated life of the servicing arrangement, and the initial amount recorded is then amortized over the estimated life. Annually, a valuation of the servicing rights is performed by an independent third party and reviewed by the Bank’s management, with impairment, if any, recognized through a valuation allowance. The valuation is based on the discounted cash flow method utilizing Bloomberg’s Median Forecasted Prepayment Speeds for mortgage-backed securities assumed to possess enough similarities to the Bank’s servicing portfolio to facilitate a comparison.

Interest and Dividends Receivable/Payable: The fair value of accrued interest and dividends receivable/payable approximates carrying values.

Deposits: The fair values of non-maturity demand, savings, and money market accounts are equal to the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date. Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on deposits to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on deposits.

Borrowings: The fair value of borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation, based on borrowing rates for periods comparable to the remaining terms to maturity of the borrowings.

Drafts Payable: The fair value approximates carrying value.

NOTE I—COLLATERAL FOR LETTERS OF CREDIT

As of June 30, 2015, there were two outstanding letters of credit from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis totaling $5,014,000 that Ameriana Bancorp had collateralized with residential mortgage loans.

NOTE J—AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER

On June 26, 2015, First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp, entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, Ameriana Bancorp will, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, merge with and into First Merchants, whereupon the separate corporate existence of Ameriana Bancorp will cease and First Merchants will survive. Immediately following the Merger, Ameriana Bank will be merged with and into First Merchants Bank, a national bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants, with First Merchants Bank as the surviving bank. Based on the closing price of First Merchants’ common stock on June 26, 2015 of $25.13 per share, the transaction value is estimated at approximately $68.8 million. The transaction is expected to be a tax-free stock exchange for Ameriana Bancorp’s shareholders who will be receiving First Merchants’ common stock pursuant to the Merger. Subject to Ameriana Bancorp’s shareholders’ approval of the Merger, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the parties anticipate completing the Merger in the fourth quarter of 2015 or the first quarter of 2016.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, upon the completion of the Merger, each share of outstanding Ameriana Bancorp common stock, $1.00 par value per share, will be converted into 0.9037 shares

(the “Exchange Ratio”) of First Merchants common stock, $0.125 stated value per share. The Exchange Ratio is subject to adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalization, or similar transactions, or as otherwise described in the Merger Agreement. Fractional shares of First Merchants common stock in book entry form will be issued in respect of fractional interests arising from the Exchange Ratio. Immediately prior to the Merger, each outstanding stock option to purchase Ameriana Bancorp common stock will be converted into the right to receive cash in an amount equal to the average closing price of Ameriana Bancorp common stock for the ten (10) trading days preceding the fourth calendar day prior to the date of the Merger less the applicable exercise price.

Consummation of the Merger is subject to various conditions, including, among others, (i) requisite approvals of the holders of Ameriana Bancorp common stock; (ii) effectiveness of a Form S-4 registration statement relating to the First Merchants common stock to be issued in the Merger and listing of the First Merchants common stock to be issued in the Merger on the NASDAQ Global Select Market; and (iii) receipt of regulatory approvals.

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp. Under certain circumstances, termination of the Merger Agreement may result in the payment of a termination fee to First Merchants, all as more fully described in the Merger Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement which is attached hereto asAnnex A.

NOTE K—SUBSEQUENT EVENT

The Bank began soliciting offers after making a decision in July to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary Ameriana Insurance Agency, a full-service property, casualty, personal lines and healthcare insurance agency located in New Castle, Indiana. Management believes that this sale will allow for a greater allocation of time for and stronger focus on the core bank products and services that are critical to the Bank’s future growth.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Audit Committee, Board of Directors and Shareholders

Ameriana Bancorp

New Castle, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ameriana Bancorp as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing auditing procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits also included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ameriana Bancorp as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/BKD,LLP

BKD,
LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

March 26, 2015

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share data)

   December 31, 
   2014  2013 

Assets

   

Cash on hand and in other institutions

  $6,020   $5,049  

Interest-bearing demand deposits

   27,122    35,818  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   33,142    40,867  

Interest-bearing time deposits

   4,164    2,974  

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

   48,084    37,803  

Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost

   7,082    2,347  

Loans held for sale

   332    —    

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $3,903 and $3,993

   316,113    312,035  

Premises and equipment, net

   15,511    14,686  

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank

   3,753    4,472  

Goodwill

   656    656  

Cash value of life insurance

   28,446    27,731  

Other real estate owned

   6,639    5,171  

Other assets

   8,896    9,862  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $472,818   $458,604  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   

Liabilities

   

Deposits

   

Noninterest-bearing

  $61,063   $52,747  

Interest-bearing

   317,884    309,954  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total deposits

   378,947    362,701  

Borrowings

   45,810    50,810  

Drafts payable

   1,298    1,503  

Other liabilities

   5,711    5,877  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   431,766    420,891  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   

Shareholders’ equity

   

Preferred stock —5,000,000 shares authorized and unissued

   —      —    

Common stock, $1.00 par value

   

Authorized 15,000,000 shares

   

Issued—3,245,684 and 3,215,752 shares

   3,246    3,216  

Outstanding—3,020,684 and 2,990,752 shares

   

Additional paid-in capital

   1,657    1,176  

Retained earnings

   38,785    36,659  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   362    (340

Treasury stock—225,000 and 225,000 shares

   (2,998  (2,998
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   41,052    37,713  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $472,818   $458,604  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands, except for share data)

   Year Ended December 31, 
       2014          2013     

Interest Income

   

Interest and fees on loans

  $16,628   $15,924  

Interest on mortgage-backed securities

   1,026    634  

Interest on investment securities

   176    178  

Other interest and dividend income

   316    244  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest income

   18,146    16,980  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest Expense

   

Interest on deposits

   1,646    1,663  

Interest on borrowings

   1,351    1,340  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest expense

   2,997    3,003  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

   15,149    13,977  

Provision for loan losses

   322    755  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses

   14,827    13,222  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other Income

   

Other fees and service charges

   2,679    2,451  

Brokerage and insurance commissions

   1,583    1,640  

Net realized and recognized gains on available-for-sale securities (includes $167 for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications)

   —      167  

Gains on sales of loans and servicing rights

   170    511  

Net loss from sales and write-downs of other real estate owned

   (3  (35

Other real estate owned income

   280    220  

Increase in cash value of life insurance

   716    720  

Other

   192    127  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other income

   5,617    5,801  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other Expense

   

Salaries and employee benefits

   9,342    9,019  

Net occupancy expense

   1,469    1,486  

Furniture and equipment expense

   778    834  

Legal and professional fees

   723    574  

FDIC insurance premiums and assessments

   381    508  

Data processing expense

   1,007    917  

Printing and offices supplies

   284    264  

Marketing expense

   529    361  

Other real estate owned expense

   277    361  

Loan expense

   130    196  

Prepayment penalty on borrowing

   614    —    

Other

   1,677    1,575  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other expense

   17,211    16,095  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

   3,233    2,928  

Income tax expense (includes $57 for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to income tax expense from reclassification items)

   867    741  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

  $2,366   $2,187  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

  $0.79   $0.73  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

   Year Ended December 31, 
       2014           2013     

Net Income

  $2,366    $2,187  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $366 and net of tax benefit of $468 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively

   702     (916

Less: reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of taxes of $57 for the year ended December 31, 2013

   —       110  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   702     (1,026
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   3,068     1,161  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except for per share data)

   Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Treasury
Stock
  Total 

Balance at December 31, 2012

  $3,214    $1,052    $34,592   $686   $(2,998 $36,546  

Net Income

       2,187      2,187  

Other comprehensive loss

        (1,026   (1,026

Share-based compensation

     104        104  

Exercise of stock options

   2     20        22  

Dividends declared ($0.04 per share)

       (120    (120
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

  $3,216    $1,176    $36,659   $(340 $(2,998 $37,713  

Net Income

       2,366      2,366  

Other comprehensive income

        702     702  

Share-based compensation

     74        74  

Exercise of stock options

   30     387        417  

Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options

     20        20  

Dividends declared ($0.08 per share)

       (240    (240
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

  $3,246    $1,657    $38,785   $362   $(2,998 $41,052  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Ameriana Bancorp

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands, except share data)

   Year Ended December 31, 
         2014              2013       

Operating Activities

   

Net income

  $2,366   $2,187  

Items not requiring (providing) cash

   

Provision for losses on loans

   322    755  

Depreciation and amortization

   1,298    1,446  

Increase in cash value of life insurance

   (716  (720

Gain on sale of investments

   —      (167

Deferred taxes

   341    147  

Loss on sale or write-down of other real estate owned

   3    35  

Share-based compensation

   74    104  

Mortgage loans originated for sale

   (4,997  (14,076

Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans

   4,773    15,178  

Gains on sale of mortgage loans and servicing rights

   (170  (511

Increase in accrued interest payable

   18    4  

Other adjustments

   (31  1,605  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   3,281    5,987  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investing Activities

   

Purchases of available for sale securities

   (16,262  (18,195

Purchases of held to maturity securities

   (4,822  —    

Proceeds/principal from sale of available-for-sale securities

   —      10,184  

Net change in interest-bearing time deposits

   (1,190  2,730  

Principal collected on mortgage-backed securities

   6,858    7,730  

Net change in loans

   (6,801  149  

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned

   923    1,341  

Net purchases and construction of premises and equipment

   (1,790  (1,142

Proceeds from stock repurchased by Federal Home Loan Bank

   719    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   (22,365  2,797  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financing Activities

   

Net change in demand and savings deposits

   24,803    (1,105

Net change in certificates of deposit

   (8,557  7,103  

(Decrease) increase in drafts payable

   (205  260  

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

   —      5,000  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

   (5,000  —    

Net change in advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance

   111    70  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   417    22  

Cash dividends paid

   (210  (120
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   11,359    11,230  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (7,725  20,014  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

   40,867    20,853  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year

  $33,142   $40,867  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

   

Interest paid on deposits

  $1,648   $1,662  

Interest paid on borrowings

  $1,361   $1,337  

Income tax paid

  $190   $457  

Non-cash supplemental information:

   

Transfer from loans to other real estate owned

  $2,401   $266  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

1.Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameriana Bancorp and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank, and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ameriana Financial Services, Inc., and Ameriana Insurance Agency, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Ameriana Bancorp is a bank holding company whose principal activity is the ownership and management of the Bank and its subsidiaries. The Bank provides various banking services and engages in loan servicing activities for investors and operates in a single significant business segment. The Bank is subject to the regulation of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (the “DFI”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). Ameriana Bancorp’s gross revenues are substantially earned from the various banking services provided by the Bank. Ameriana Bancorp also earns brokerage and insurance commissions from the services provided by the other subsidiaries.

The Bank generates loans and receives deposits from customers located primarily in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and east central Indiana. Loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral including real property, business assets, or consumer assets. Ameriana Bancorp has sold various loans to investors while retaining the servicing rights.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Ameriana Bancorp considers all liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash equivalents consisted primarily of interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Beginning January 1, 2013, noninterest-bearing transaction accounts became subject to the $250,000 limit on FDIC insurance per covered institution. At December 31, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp’s cash accounts exceeded federally insured limits by $30,313,000, with $30,160,000 held by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and $153,000 held by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. Neither of those banks are insured.

Investment Securities

Debt securities are classified as held to maturity when Ameriana Bancorp has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported separately in accumulated comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded using the interest method as interest income from securities. Realized gains and losses are recorded as net security gains (losses). Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the specific identification method.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

With regard to other-than-temporary impairment of debt securities, when Ameriana Bancorp does not intend to sell a debt security, and it is more likely than not that Ameriana Bancorp will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it recognizes the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income. For held-to-maturity debt securities, the amount of an other-than-temporary impairment recorded in other comprehensive income for the noncredit portion of a previous other-than-temporary impairment is amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the security on the basis of the timing of future estimated cash flows of the security.

For equity securities, when Ameriana Bancorp has decided to sell an impaired available-for-sale security and the entity does not expect the fair value of the security to fully recover before the expected time of sale, the security is deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made. Ameriana Bancorp recognizes an impairment loss when the impairment is deemed other than temporary even if a decision to sell has not been made.

Valuation Measurements:Valuation methodologies often involve a significant degree of judgment, particularly when there are no observable active markets for the items being valued. In determining fair values for investment securities and residential mortgage loans held for sale, fair values, as defined in ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), require key judgments affecting how fair value for such assets and liabilities are determined. In addition, the outcomes of valuations have a direct bearing on the carrying amounts for goodwill and intangible assets. To determine the values of these assets and liabilities, as well as the extent to which related assets may be impaired, management makes assumptions and estimates related to discount rates, asset returns, prepayment rates and other factors. The use of different discount rates or other valuation assumptions could produce significantly different results, which could affect Ameriana Bancorp’s results of operations.

Loans Held for Sale:Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to noninterest income. Gains and losses on loan sales are recorded in noninterest income, and direct loan origination costs and fees are deferred at origination of the loan and are recognized in noninterest income upon sale of the loan.

Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding. A loan is impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that Ameriana Bancorp will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Payments with insignificant delays not exceeding 90 days outstanding are not considered impaired. Certain non-accrual and substantially delinquent loans may be considered to be impaired. Generally, loans are placed on non-accrual status at 90 days past due and accrued interest is reversed against earnings, unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. Ameriana Bancorp considers its investment in one-to four- family residential loans and consumer loans to be homogeneous and, therefore, they are generally excluded from separate identification of evaluation of impairment. Interest income is accrued on the principal balances of loans. The accrual of interest on impaired and non-accrual loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due.

When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed when considered uncollectible. Generally, interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received. Certain loan fees and direct costs are being deferred and amortized as an adjustment of yield on the loans over the contractual lives of the loans. When a loan is paid off or sold, any unamortized loan origination fee balance is credited to income.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Allowance for Loan Losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on an evaluation of the portfolio including consideration of past loan loss experience, current economic conditions, size, growth and composition of the loan portfolio, the probability of collecting all amounts due, and other relevant factors. Loan losses for impaired loans are measured by the present value of expected future cash flows, or the fair value of the collateral of the loan, if collateral dependent. The allowance is increased by provisions for loan losses charged against income. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the economic environment and market conditions. Management believes that as of December 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses was adequate based on information then available. A worsening or protracted economic decline in the areas within which Ameriana Bancorp operates would increase the likelihood of additional losses due to credit and market risks and could create the need for additional loss reserves.

Premises and Equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized.

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank is the amount of stock Ameriana Bancorp is required to own as determined by regulation. This stock is carried at cost and represents the amount at which it can be sold back to the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”). Ameriana Bancorp reviewed the FHLB stock and based on current performance of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Ameriana Bancorp determined there was no impairment of this stock at December 31, 2014.

Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than its carrying amount, goodwill impairment is indicated and goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. Subsequent increases in goodwill value are not recognized in the financial statements. There was no impairment of goodwill recognized in 2014 or 2013.

Other Real Estate Owned:Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in net income or expense from foreclosed assets.

Earnings per Share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares and divided by dilutive stock options outstanding during each year.

Mortgage Servicing Rights on originated loans are capitalized by estimating the fair value of the streams of net servicing revenues that will occur over the estimated life of the servicing arrangement. Capitalized servicing rights, which include purchased servicing rights, are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated servicing revenues. At least annually, the Bank engages a third party consulting firm to perform a valuation analysis, that is reviewed by management, of the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights. Based on the most recent valuation as of November 30, 2014, there was a $4,000 valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014, compared to none at December 31, 2013.

Stock Options: Ameriana Bancorp has stock plans which are described more fully in Note 10.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Income Tax in the consolidated statements of income includes deferred income tax provisions or benefits for all significant temporary differences in recognizing income and expenses for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Ameriana Bancorp and its subsidiaries file consolidated tax returns. Ameriana Bancorp and its subsidiaries are charged or given credit for income taxes as though separate returns were filed. Ameriana Bancorp Ameriana Bancorp recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

Ameriana Bancorp accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance (ASC 740,Income Taxes).The income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense, current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. Ameriana Bancorp determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effect of the differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Uncertain tax positions are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term “more likely than not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms examined and upon examination also included resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the “more likely than not” recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the “more likely than not” recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date, and is subject to management’s judgment.

Under U.S. GAAP, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax asset is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning our evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, our forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. Positive evidence includes the existence of taxes paid in available carry-back years as well as the probability that taxable income will be generated in future periods, while negative evidence includes any cumulative losses in the current year and prior two years and general business and economic trends. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 we determined that our existing valuation allowance was adequate, largely based on available tax planning strategies and our projections of future taxable income. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to increase the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. Any required increase to the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings.

2.Restriction on Cash and Due From Banks

The Bank is required to maintain reserve funds in cash and/or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The reserve required at December 31, 2014 was $458,000.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

3.Investment Securities

The amortized cost and approximate fair values of available for sale securities, together with unrealized gains and losses, are as follows:

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
 

Available for sale at December 31, 2014

        

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $43,675    $566    $43    $44,198  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,053     —       34     2,019  

Mutual fund

   1,826     41     —       1,867  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $47,554    $607    $77    $48,084  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Held to Maturity at December 31, 2014

        

GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $4,736    $20     —      $4,756  

Municipal securities

   2,346     8     —       2,354  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $7,082    $28     —      $7,110  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
 

Available for sale at December 31, 2013

        

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $34,205    $100    $499    $33,806  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,349     —       135     2,214  

Mutual fund

   1,787     —       4     1,783  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $38,341    $100    $638    $37,803  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Held to Maturity at December 31, 2013

        

Municipal securities

  $2,347     —       —      $2,347  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $2,347     —       —      $2,347  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   Available for Sale 
   Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
 

One to five years

  $—      $—    

Five to ten years

   —       —    

After ten years

   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   —       —    

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

   43,675     44,198  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,053     2,019  

Mutual funds

   1,826     1,867  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $47,554    $48,084  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

   Held to Maturity 
   Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
 

Less than one year

  $70    $70  

One to five years

   370     371  

Five to ten years

   610     612  

After ten years

   1,296     1,301  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,346     2,354  

GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

   4,736     4,756  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $7,082    $7,110  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Certain investment securities are reported in the consolidated financial statements at an amount less than their historical cost. Total fair value of these investments at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $12,122,000 and $32,002,000, respectively, which was approximately 22.0% and 79.6% of Ameriana Bancorp’s investment portfolio, respectively.

Should the impairment of any of these securities become other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in net income in the period the other-than-temporary impairment is identified.

The following table shows Ameriana Bancorp’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

At December 31, 2014

  Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or Longer   Total 
  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $5,540    $5    $4,563    $38    $10,103    $43  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   —       —       2,019     34     2,019     34  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $5,540    $5    $6,582    $72    $12,122    $77  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2013

  Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or Longer   Total 
  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backed pass-through securities

  $27,963    $498    $42    $1    $28,005    $499  

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,214     135     —       —       2,214     135  

Mutual fund

   1,783     4     —       —       1,783     4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $31,960    $637    $42    $1    $32,002    $638  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed pass-through securities: The contractual cash flows of those investments are guaranteed by either Ginnie Mae, a U.S. Government agency, or by U.S. Government-sponsored entities, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, institutions which the U.S. Government has affirmed its commitment to support. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of Ameriana Bancorp’s investment.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Collateralized mortgage obligations: The contractual cash flows of those investments are guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, a U.S. Government agency. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of Ameriana Bancorp’s investment.

Municipal securities:The municipal securities consisted of non-rated local issue tax increment revenue bonds.

Mutual fund:The mutual fund balance consisted of an investment in the CRA Qualified Investment mutual fund, whose portfolio composition is primarily in debt securities with an average credit quality rating of AAA.

Investment securities with a total market value of $8,499,000 and $8,914,000 were pledged at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, to secure a repurchase agreement.

There were no sales of available for sale securities during the year ended December 31, 2014. A gross gain of $178,000 and gross losses of $11,000 resulting from sales of available for sale securities were realized during the year ended December 31, 2013 with a tax expense of $57,000.

4.Loans

Classes of loans include:

   December 31, 
   2013   2013 

Real estate loans:

    

Commercial

  $111,455    $104,766  

Residential

   163,839     168,529  

Construction

   13,570     11,382  

Commercial loans and leases

   29,358     29,254  

Municipal loans

   785     997  

Consumer loans

   2,018     2,032  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   321,025     316,960  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deduct

    

Undisbursed loan proceeds

   302     248  

Deferred loan fees, net

   707     684  

Allowance for loan losses

   3,903     3,993  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   4,912     4,925  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $316,113    $312,035  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Executive officers and directors of Ameriana Bancorp and significant subsidiaries and their related interests are loan clients of Ameriana Bancorp’s affiliate bank in the normal course of business. An analysis of the 2014 and 2013 activity of these loans is as follows:

   2014   2013 

Balance at beginning of year

  $4,663    $5,571  

New loans

   —       —    

Repayments

   (41   (908
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

  $4,622    $4,663  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

At December 31, 2014, unfunded commitment amounts not included in the outstanding loan balances shown above totaled $100,000.

5.Allowance for Loan Losses

The risk characteristics of each loan portfolio segment are as follows:

Commercial Real Estate:These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Bank’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral and risk grade criteria. As a general rule, the Bank avoids financing single purpose projects unless other underwriting factors are present to help mitigate risk. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans.

Construction Real Estate:Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based on estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Bank until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, timely completion and sale of the property, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.

Commercial Loans and Leases:Commercial loans and leases are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans and leases may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

Residential and Consumer: With respect to residential loans that are secured by one-to four-family residences and are generally owner occupied, the Bank generally establishes a maximum loan-to-value ratio and requires private mortgage insurance if that ratio is exceeded. Home equity loans are typically secured by a subordinate interest in one-to four-family residences, and consumer loans are secured by consumer assets such as automobiles or recreational vehicles. Some consumer loans are unsecured such as small installment loans and certain lines of credit. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income of the borrowers, which can be impacted by economic conditions in their market areas such as unemployment levels. Repayment can also be impacted by changes in property values on residential properties. Risk is mitigated by the fact that the loans are of smaller individual amounts and spread over a large number of borrowers.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Municipal:Municipal loans are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most municipal loans are secured by the full faith and credit of the municipality. The availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the municipality to collect taxes or other revenue.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Methodology:

Bank policy is designed to ensure that an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) will be maintained. Primary responsibility for ensuring that the Bank has in place processes to consistently assess the adequacy of the ALLL rests with the Board. The Board has charged the Chief Credit Officer (“CCO”) with responsibility for establishing the methodology to be used and to assess the adequacy of the ALLL quarterly. The methodology will be reviewed and affirmed by the Loan Review Officer. Quarterly the Board will review recommendations from the CCO to adjust the allowance as appropriate.

The methodology employed by the CCO for each portfolio segment will at a minimum contain the following:

1)Loans will be segmented by type of loan.

2)Loans will be further segmented by risk grades.

3)The required ALLL for types of performing homogeneous loans which do not have a specific reserve will be determined by applying a factor based on historical losses averaged over the 12 quarters prior to the most recent quarter. In those instances, where the Bank’s historical experience is not available, the CCO will develop factors based on industry experience and best practices.

4)All criticized and classified loans will be tested for impairment by applying one of three methodologies:

a.Present value of future cash flows;

b.Fair value of collateral less cost to sell; or

c.The loan’s observable market price.

5)Loans tested for impairment will be removed from other pools to prevent layering (double-counting).

6)The required ALLL for each group of loans will be added together to determine the total required ALLL for the Bank. The required ALLL will be compared to the current ALLL to determine the required provision to increase the ALLL or credit to decrease the ALLL.

The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Bank over the 12 quarters prior to the most recent quarter. Management believes the historical loss experience methodology is appropriate in the current economic environment, as it captures loss rates that are comparable to the current period being analyzed.

We also factor in the following qualitative considerations:

1)Changes in policies and procedures;

2)Changes in national, regional and local economic and business conditions;

3)Changes in the composition and size of the portfolio and in the terms of loans;

4)Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

5)Changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of non-accrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded loans;

6)Changes in the quality of the Bank’s loan review system;

7)Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans;

8)The existence and effect of any concentration of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and

9)The effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the existing portfolio.

The following table presents the balance and activity in allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans and impairment methods as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment In Loans

For Year Ended December 31, 2014

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
  Residential
Real Estate
Loans
  Construction
Real Estate
Loans
  Commercial
Loans and
Leases
  Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
  Total 

Balance at beginning of year

  $1,165   $1,743   $356   $623   $—      $106   $3,993  

Provision (credit) for losses

   (11  382    (158  42    —       67    322  

Charge-offs (1)

   (106  (204  (46  (59  —       (90  (505

Recoveries

   11    13    4    31    —       34    93  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $1,059   $1,934   $156   $637   $—      $117   $3,903  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance:

         

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $—     $319   $—     $166   $—      $12   $497  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

   1,059    1,615    156    471    —       105    3,406  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,059   $1,934   $156   $637   $—      $117   $3,903  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending loan balance:

         

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $4,263   $3,967   $2,004   $516   $—      $89   $10,839  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

   107,192    159,872    11,566    28,842    785     1,929    310,186  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $111,455   $163,839   $13,570   $29,358   $785    $2,018   $321,025  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following table presents the balance and activity in allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans and impairment methods as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment In Loans

For Year Ended December 31, 2013

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
  Residential
Real Estate
Loans
  Construction
Real Estate
Loans
  Commercial
Loans and
Leases
  Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
  Total 

Balance at beginning of year

  $789   $1,504   $785   $1,080   $—      $81   $4,239  

Provision (credit) for losses

   855    638    (448  (358  —       68    755  

Charge-offs (1)

   (479  (441  (2  (137  —       (81  (1,140

Recoveries

   —      42    21    38    —       38    139  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $1,165   $1,743   $356   $623   $—      $106   $3,993  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance:

         

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $96   $495   $285   $148   $—      $8   $1,032  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

   1,069    1,248    71    475    —       98    2,961  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,165   $1,743   $356   $623   $—      $106   $3,993  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending loan balance:

         

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $4,836   $6,266   $4,113   $732   $—      $69   $16,016  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

   99,930    162,263    7,269    28,522    997     1,963    300,944  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $104,766   $168,529   $11,382   $29,254   $997    $2,032   $316,960  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1) Policy for Charging Off Loans:

A loan should be charged off at any point in time when it no longer can be considered a bankable asset, meaning collectable within the parameters of policy. The Bank shall not renew any loan, or put a loan on a demand basis, only to defer a problem, nor is it appropriate to attempt long-term recoveries while reporting loans as assets. An unsecured loan generally should be charged off no later than when it is 120 days past due as to principal or interest. For loans in the legal process of foreclosure against collateral of real and/or liquid value, the 120-day rule does not apply. Such charge-offs can be deferred until the foreclosure process progresses to the point where the Bank can adequately determine whether or not any ultimate loss will result. In similar instances where other legal actions will cause extraordinary delays, such as the settlement of an estate, yet collateral of value is realizable, the 120-day period could be extended. When a loan is unsecured or not fully collateralized, the loan should be charged off or written down to the documented collateral value rather than merely being placed on non-accrual status.

All charge-offs and forgiveness of debt greater than $50,000 must be approved by the Loan Committee upon recommendation by the CCO. The Loan Committee consists of the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Banking Officer and Loan Review Officer. Charge-offs between $10,000 and $50,000 must be approved by the CCO. Decisions to defer the charge-off of a loan must be approved by the CCO.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Narrative Description of Borrower Rating:

Grade 1—Highest Quality (Pass)

This loan represents a credit extension of the highest quality. The borrower’s historic (at least five years) cash flows manifest extremely large and stable margins of coverage. Balance sheets are conservative, well capitalized, and liquid. After considering debt service for proposed and existing debt, projected cash flows continue to be strong and provide ample coverage. The borrower typically reflects broad geographic and product diversification and has broad access to alternative financial markets. Also included in this category may be loans secured by U.S. government securities, U.S. government agencies, highly rated municipal bonds, insured savings accounts, and insured certificates of deposit drawn on high quality banks.

Grade 2—Excellent Quality (Pass)

This loan has a sound primary and secondary source of repayment. The borrower has proven access to alternative sources of financing. This loan carries a low level of risk, with minimal loss exposure. The borrower has the ability to perform according to the terms of the credit facility. The margins of cash flow coverage are strong. Loans secured by high quality traded stocks and lower grade municipal bonds (must still be investment grade).

Grade 3—Good Quality (Pass)

This loan has a sound primary source of repayment. The borrower may have access to alternative sources of financing, but sources are not as widely available as they are to a higher graded borrower. This loan carries a normal level of risk, with minimal loss exposure. The borrower has the ability to perform according to the terms of the credit facility. The margins of cash flow coverage are satisfactory but vulnerable to more rapid deterioration than the higher quality loans. Real estate loans in this category display advance rates below the suggested maximum, debt coverage well in excess of the suggested level, or are leased beyond the loan term by a “credit” tenant.

Grade 4—Acceptable Quality (Pass)

The borrower is a reasonable credit risk and demonstrates the ability to repay the debt from normal business operations. Risk factors may include reliability of margins and cash flows, liquidity, dependence on a single product or industry, cyclical trends, depth of management, or limited access to alternative financing sources. Historic financial information may indicate erratic performance, but current trends are positive. Quality of financial information is adequate, but is not as detailed and sophisticated as information found on higher graded loans. If adverse circumstances arise, the impact on the borrower may be significant. All small business loans extended based upon credit scoring should be classified in this category unless deterioration occurs, in which case they should bear one of the below mentioned grades.

Grade 5—Marginal Quality (Pass)

The borrower is an acceptable credit risk and while it can demonstrate it has the ability to repay the debt from normal business operations, the coverage is not as strong as an Acceptable Quality loan. Weakness in one or more areas are defined. Risk factors would typically include a higher leverage position than desirable, low liquidity, weak or sporadic cash flow, the lack of reasonably current and complete financial information, and/or overall financial trends are erratic.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Grade 6—Elevated Risk, Management Attention (Watch)

The borrower while at origination is not considered a high risk potential, there are characteristics related to the financial condition, and/or a level of concern regarding either or both the primary and secondary source of repayment, that may preclude this from being a pass credit. These credit facilities are considered “pass” credits but exhibit the potential of developing a more serious weakness in their operation going forward. Usually, a credit in this category will be upgraded or downgraded on further analysis within a short period of time.

Grade 7—Special Mention

These credit facilities have developing weaknesses that deserve extra attention from the loan officer and other management personnel. If the developing weakness is not corrected or mitigated, there may be deterioration in the ability of the borrower to repay the Bank’s debt in the future. This grade should not be assigned to loans which bear certain peculiar risks normally associated with the type of financing involved, unless circumstances have caused the risk to increase to a level higher than would have been acceptable when the credit was originally approved. Loans where actual, not potential, weaknesses or problems are clearly evident and significant should generally be graded in one of the grade categories below.

Grade 8—Substandard

Loans and other credit extensions bearing this grade are considered to be inadequately protected by the current sound worth and debt service capacity of the borrower or of any pledged collateral. These obligations, even if apparently protected by collateral value, have well-defined weaknesses related to adverse financial, managerial, economic, market, or political conditions which have clearly jeopardized repayment of principal and interest as originally intended. Furthermore, there is the possibility that some future loss will be sustained by the Bank if such weaknesses are not corrected. Clear loss potential, however, does not have to exist in any individual assets classified as substandard.

Grade 9—Doubtful

Loans and other credit extensions graded “9” have all the weaknesses inherent in those graded “8,” with the added characteristic that the severity of the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable or improbable based upon currently existing facts, conditions, and values. The probability of some loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific factors, the amount of loss cannot be determined. Such pending factors could include merger or liquidation, additional capital injection, refinancing plans, or perfection of liens on additional collateral. Loans in this classification should be placed in nonaccrual status, with collections applied to principal on the Bank’s books.

Grade 10—Loss

Loans in this classification are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset of the Bank. This classification does not mean the loan has absolutely no recovery value, but that it is neither practical nor desirable to defer writing off this loan even though partial recovery may be obtained in the future.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following tables present the credit risk profile of Ameriana Bancorp’s loan portfolio based on rating category and payment activity as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Loan Portfolio Quality Indicators

At December 31, 2014

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Loans
   Construction
Real Estate
Loans
   Commercial
Loans and
Leases
   Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
   Total 

Rating:

              

Pass (Grades 1-5)

  $100,095    $157,518    $10,786    $28,516    $785    $1,929    $299,629  

Watch (Grade 6)

   7,097     327     1,721     325     —       —       9,470  

Special Mention (Grade 7)

   —       3,355     —       —       —       —       3,355  

Substandard (Grade 8)

   3,451     427     228     —       —       —       4,106  

Doubtful (Grade 9)

   812     2,212     835     517     —       89     4,465  

Loss (Grade 10)

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $111,455    $163,839    $13,570    $29,358    $785    $2,018    $321,025  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loan Portfolio Quality Indicators

At December 31, 2013

   Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Loans
   Construction
Real Estate
Loans
   Commercial
Loans and
Leases
   Municipal
Loans
   Consumer
Loans
   Total 

Rating:

              

Pass (Grades 1-5)

  $100,086    $160,390    $8,541    $28,453    $997    $1,963    $300,430  

Watch (Grade 6)

   1,137     —       —       56     —       —       1,193  

Special Mention (Grade 7)

   2,250     3,488     —       13     —       —       5,751  

Substandard (Grade 8)

   942     1,884     1,634     —       —       —       4,460  

Doubtful (Grade 9)

   351     2,767     1,207     732     —       69     5,126  

Loss (Grade 10)

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $104,766    $168,529    $11,382    $29,254    $997    $2,032    $316,960  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For all loan classes, the entire balance of a loan is considered delinquent if the minimum payment contractually required to be made is not received by the specified due date.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following tables present Ameriana Bancorp’s loan portfolio aging analysis as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Loan Portfolio Aging Analysis

At December 31, 2014

   30-59 Days
Past Due (A)
   60-89 Days
Past Due
   Greater than
90 Days
   Total Past
Due
   Current   Total Loans
Receivable
   Total Loans
> 90 days
& Accruing
 

Real estate loans:

              

Commercial

  $—      $—      $812    $812    $110,643    $111,455    $—    

Residential

   1,346     212     1,598     3,156     160,683     163,839     14  

Construction

   —       —       836     836     12,734     13,570     —    

Commercial loans and leases

   80     320     117     517     28,841     29,358     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       785     785     —    

Consumer loans

   10     4     1     15     2,003     2,018     1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,436    $536    $3,364    $5,336    $315,689    $321,025    $15  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(A)Includes $667,000 in loans classified as nonaccrual that are less than 30 days past due, of which $587,000 are residential real estate loans and $80,000 are commercial loans.

Loan Portfolio Aging Analysis

At December 31, 2013

   30-59 Days
Past Due (A)
   60-89 Days
Past Due
   Greater than
90 Days
   Total Past
Due
   Current   Total Loans
Receivable
   Total Loans
> 90 days
& Accruing
 

Real estate loans:

              

Commercial

  $—      $—      $351    $351    $104,415    $104,766    $—    

Residential

   1,598     612     2,257     4,467     164,062     168,529     9  

Construction

   1,018     —       188     1,206     10,176     11,382     —    

Commercial loans and leases

   169     —       564     733     28,521     29,254     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       997     997     —    

Consumer loans

   36     —       —       36     1,996     2,032     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $2,821    $612    $3,360    $6,793    $310,167    $316,960    $9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(A)Includes $507,000 in loans classified as nonaccrual that are less than 30 days past due, of which $338,000 are residential real estate loans and $169,000 are commercial loans.

Impaired Loans:For all loan classes, a loan is designated as impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Payments with insignificant delays not exceeding 90 days outstanding are not considered impaired. Certain non-accrual and substantially delinquent loans may be considered to be impaired. Generally, loans are placed on non-accrual status at 90 days past due and accrued interest is reversed against earnings, unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. The accrual of interest on impaired and non-accrual loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

For all loan classes, when interest accrual is discontinued all unpaid accrued interest is reversed when considered uncollectible. When a loan is in a non-accrual status, all cash payments of interest are applied to loan principal. Should the loan be reinstated to accrual status, all cash payments of interest received while in non-accrual status will be taken into income over the remaining life of the loan using the level yield accounting method.

The following table presents impaired loans as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Impaired Loans

At December 31, 2014

   Recorded
Balance
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Specific
Allowance
   Average
Investment in
Impaired
Loans (1)
   Interest
Income
Recognized (2)
 

Loans without a specific valuation allowance:

          

Real estate loans:

          

Commercial

  $4,263    $4,742     N/A    $4,025    $176  

Residential

   2,686     2,923     N/A     2,342     58  

Construction

   2,004     2,004     N/A     1,744     72  

Commercial loans and leases

   70     99     N/A     221     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       N/A     —       —    

Consumer loans

   —       —       N/A     —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $9,023    $9,768     N/A    $8,332    $306  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans with a specific valuation allowance:

          

Real estate loans:

          

Commercial

  $—      $—      $—      $481    $22  

Residential

   1,281     1,340     319     2,806     78  

Construction

   —       —       —       2,368     55  

Commercial loans and leases

   446     495     166     222     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       —    

Consumer loans

   89     89     12     81     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,816    $1,924    $497    $5,958    $155  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

All Impaired Loans

  $10,839    $11,692    $497    $14,290    $461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Includes all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during 2014 (not just impaired loans at December 31, 2014), and their average balance for only the period during which they were classified as impaired.
(2)Interest recorded in income during only the period the loans were classified as impaired, for all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during 2014.

For all loan classes, interest income on loans individually classified as impaired is recognized on a cash basis after all past due and current principal payments have been made.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following table presents impaired loans as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Impaired Loans

At December 31, 2013

   Recorded
Balance
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Specific
Allowance
   Average
Investment
in Impaired
Loans (1)
   Interest
Income
Recognized (2)
 

Loans without a specific valuation allowance:

          

Real estate loans:

          

Commercial

  $3,542    $3,542     N/A    $3,679    $184  

Residential

   3,158     3,405     N/A     3,650     112  

Construction

   1,272     1,272     N/A     1,178     13  

Commercial loans and leases

   472     608     N/A     581     1  

Municipal loans

   —       —       N/A     —       —    

Consumer loans

   —       —       N/A     2     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $8,444    $8,827     N/A    $9,090    $310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans with a specific valuation allowance:

          

Real estate loans:

          

Commercial

  $1,294    $1,294    $96    $1,324    $63  

Residential

   3,108     3,151     495     3,023     59  

Construction

   2,841     3,016     285     2,871     102  

Commercial loans and leases

   260     299     148     293     —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       —    

Consumer loans

   69     69     8     54     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $7,572    $7,829    $1,032    $7,565    $224  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

All Impaired Loans

  $16,016    $16,656    $1,032    $16,655    $534  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Includes all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during 2013 (not just impaired loans at December 31, 2013), and their average balance for only the period during which they were classified as impaired.
(2)Interest recorded in income during only the period the loans were classified as impaired, for all loans that were classified as impaired at any time during 2013.

For all loan classes, interest income on loans individually classified as impaired is recognized on a cash basis after all past due and current principal payments have been made.

Non-Accrual Loans: Any loan which becomes 90 days delinquent, or has the full collection of principal and interest in doubt, or a portion of principal has been charged off will immediately be placed on non-accrual status. The loan does not have to be placed on non-accrual if the charge-off is part of a Chapter 13 reaffirmation. At the time a loan is placed on non-accrual, all accrued but unpaid interest will be reversed from interest income. Placing the loan on non-accrual does not relieve the borrower of the obligation to repay interest.

For all loan classes, when a loan is in a non-accrual status all cash payments of interest are applied to loan principal.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

A loan placed on non-accrual may be restored to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest has been brought current, and the Bank expects full payment of the remaining contractual principal and interest including any previous charge-offs. The Bank requires a period of satisfactory performance of not less than six months before returning a non-accrual loan to accrual status. Should the loan be reinstated to accrual status, all cash payments of interest received while in non-accrual status will be taken into income over the remaining life of the loan using the level yield accounting method.

The following table presents Ameriana Bancorp’s non-accrual loans at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Loans Accounted for on a Non-Accrual Basis

   At December 31,
2014
   At December 31,
2013
 

Real estate loans:

    

Commercial

  $812    $351  

Residential

   2,212     2,767  

Construction

   836     1,207  

Commercial loans and leases

   516     733  

Municipal loans

   —       —    

Consumer loans

   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $4,376    $5,058  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-accrual loans at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included $1,082,000 and $1,781,000 of troubled debt restructurings, respectively.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”):Our loan and lease portfolio includes certain loans where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from loss mitigation efforts and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as non-performing at the time of restructuring and only are returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a period of at least six consecutive months.

When we modify loans and leases in a TDR, we evaluate any possible impairment similar to other impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan or lease agreement, or use the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs for collateral dependent loans. If we determine that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded balance of the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized through a specific allowance or charge-off to the allowance. In periods subsequent to modification, we evaluate all TDRs, including those that have payment defaults, for possible impairment and recognize impairment through the allowance.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following table presents Ameriana Bancorp’s troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Troubled Debt Restructurings

   Total   Nonperforming 
   At December 31,
2014
   At December 31,
2013
   At December 31,
2014
   At December 31,
2013
 

Real estate loans:

        

Commercial

  $3,451    $3,542    $—      $—    

Residential

   2,639     3,997     885     498  

Construction

   1,168     3,755     —       1,019  

Commercial loans and leases

   197     264     197     264  

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —    

Consumer loans

   —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $7,455    $11,558    $1,082    $1,781  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans classified as a troubled debt restructuring during 2014 and 2013, segregated by class, are shown in the table below (dollars in thousands). These modifications consisted primarily of interest rate concessions.

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013 
   Modifications   Modifications 
   Number   Recorded
Balance Before
   Recorded
Balance After
   Number   Recorded
Balance Before
   Recorded
Balance After
 

Real estate loans:

            

Commercial

   —      $—      $—       —      $—      $—    

Residential

   1     164     164     2     448     448  

Construction

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Commercial loans and leases

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Municipal loans

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Consumer loans

   —       —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1    $164    $164     2    $448    $448  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The troubled debt restructuring included in the table above for 2014 did not increase the allowance for loan losses and did not result in a charge-off during the year ended December 31, 2014. The troubled debt restructurings included in the table above for 2013 increased the allowance for loan losses by $9,000 and resulted in charge-offs of $16,000 during the year ended December 31, 2013.

There were no troubled debt restructured loans that had payment defaults during 2014 or 2013. Default occurs when a loan or lease is 90 days or more past due or transferred to nonaccrual and is within 12 months of restructuring.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

6.Premises and Equipment

Major classifications of premises and equipment, stated at cost, are as follows:

   December 31, 
   2014   2013 

Land

  $4,681    $4,684  

Land improvements

   1,216     1,203  

Office buildings

   14,183     13,204  

Furniture and equipment

   8,030     7,290  

Automobiles

   128     161  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   28,238     26,542  

Less accumulated depreciation

   12,727     11,856  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $15,511    $14,686  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

7.Mortgage Servicing Rights

Loans being serviced by Ameriana Bancorp for investors, primarily Freddie Mac, totaled approximately $70,866,000 and $80,695,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such loans are not included in the preceding table in Note 4.

The aggregate fair value of capitalized mortgage servicing rights at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is based on comparable market values and expected cash flows, with impairment assessed based on portfolio characteristics including product type, investor type and interest rates.

   Year Ended December 31, 
       2014           2013     

Mortgage servicing rights

    

Balance at beginning of year

  $582    $576  

Servicing rights capitalized

   47     144  

Amortization of servicing rights

   (95   (150

(Increase) reduction to valuation allowance

   (4   12  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

  $530    $582  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Fair value disclosures    

Fair value as of the beginning of year

  $628    $576  

Fair value as of the end of year

  $530    $628  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

8.Deposits

Deposits by type are as follows:

   December 31, 
   2014   2013 

Demand

  $208,921    $187,106  

Savings

   32,997     30,009  

Certificates of $100,000 or more

   46,158     51,188  

Other certificates

   90,871     94,398  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $378,947    $362,701  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Certificates maturing in years ending after December 31, 2014:

2015

  $82,227  

2016

   19,934  

2017

   6,482  

2018

   7,659  

2019

   19,981  

Thereafter

   746  
  

 

 

 
  $137,029  
  

 

 

 

Deposits from related parties held by Ameriana Bancorp were $1,400,000 and $2,419,000 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

9.Borrowings

Borrowings at December 31, 2014 and 2013 include Federal Home Loan Bank advances totaling $28,000,000 and $33,000,000, respectively, with a weighted-average rate of 1.10% and 1.63%, respectively. The effective weighted-average rate at December 31, 2014 was 2.17%, when giving consideration to the impact on interest expense from the amortization of two prepayment penalties paid on advances that were replaced in 2012 with longer-term advances. The advances are secured by a combination of first mortgage loans and overnight deposits. At December 31, 2014, the mortgage loans pledged as collateral for Federal Home Loan Bank advances totaled $138,968,000.

Some advances are subject to restrictions or penalties in the event of prepayment.

Borrowings at December 31, 2014 and 2013 also include subordinated debentures in the amount of $10,310,000. The securities bear a rate equal to 150 basis points over the three-month LIBOR rate. At December 31, 2014, the interest rate was 1.74%. These subordinated debentures mature on March 15, 2036.

Borrowings at December 31, 2014 and 2013 also include a repurchase agreement with Barclays Capital, Inc. in the amount of $7,500,000 with a rate of 4.42%. The repurchase agreement had embedded interest rate caps with a notional value of $15,000,000 for a four-year term that ended on September 22, 2012. The interest rate caps would have provided a reduction of the interest rate during any quarter if three-month LIBOR had exceeded 3.81% on the quarterly determination date. These embedded interest rate caps were considered to be clearly and

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

closely related to the host instrument. The repurchase agreement has a seven-year term with a final repurchase date of September 22, 2015. At December 31, 2014, pledged investment securities for this repurchase agreement had a market value of $8,499,000.

Aggregate annual maturities of borrowings at December 31, 2014 are:

   FHLB
Advances
   Repurchase
Agreement
   Subordinated
Debentures
   Total 

Maturities in years ending December 31,

        

2015

  $3,000    $7,500    $—      $10,500  

2016

   5,000     —       —       5,000  

2017

   20,000     —       —       20,000  

2018

   —       —       —       —    

2019

   —       —       —       —    

Thereafter

   —       —      $10,310     10,310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $28,000    $7,500    $10,310    $45,810  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

10.Income Taxes

The components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

   December 31, 
   2014  2013 

Deferred tax assets:

   

Deferred compensation

  $897   $854  

General loan loss reserves

   1,635    2,021  

State and federal net operating loss carryforward and tax credits carryforward

   3,920    4,278  

Other real estate owned

   526    541  

Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale

   —      176  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   6,978    7,870  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

   

Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale

   (186  —    

FHLB stock dividends

   (210  (252

FHLB prepayment interest

   (358  (488

Deferred loan fees

   (199  (194

Mortgage servicing rights

   (220  (244

Deferred state tax

   (264  (283

Depreciation

   (215  (224

Prepaid expenses

   (233  (204

Goodwill

   (199  (198

Other

   (20  (2
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (2,104  (2,089
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance

   4,874    5,781  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Valuation allowance

   

Beginning balance

   (813  (996

Change during the period

   205    183  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending balance

   (608  (813
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

  $4,266   $4,968  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp had approximately $14,374,000 of state tax loss carryforward available to offset future franchise tax. As of December 31, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp had approximately $205,000 of federal tax loss carryforward available to offset future federal tax. Also, at December 31, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp had approximately $2,700,000 of tax credits available to offset future federal income tax. The state loss carryforward begins to expire in 2023. The federal loss carryforward expires in 2026. The tax credits begin to expire in 2023. Included in the $2,700,000 of tax credits available to offset future federal income tax are approximately $1,964,000 of alternative minimum tax credits which have no expiration date. Management believes that Ameriana Bancorp will be able to utilize the benefits recorded for both state and federal loss carryforwards and federal credits within the allotted time periods, except for the amount represented by the valuation allowance. The entire valuation allowance has been recorded for the possible inability to use a portion of the state net operating loss carryover. During 2014, Ameriana Bancorp reduced a portion of its state deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Ameriana Bancorp generated state taxable income in excess of previous years, so management determined a portion of this valuation allowance could be reduced. After the reduction of the state tax valuation allowance the total state tax recorded remains materially unchanged from previous years.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Retained earnings at December 31, 2014 includes an allocation of income to bad debt deductions of approximately $11,883,000 for which no provision for federal income taxes has been made. If, in the future, this portion of retained earnings is used for any purpose other than to absorb bad debt losses, including redemption of bank stock or excess dividends, or loss of “bank” status, federal income taxes may be imposed at the then applicable rates. The unrecorded deferred income tax liability on the above amount was approximately $4,000,000.

The effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations is reconciled to the statutory corporate tax rate as follows:

   Year Ended December 31, 
       2014          2013     

Statutory federal tax rate

   34.0  34.0

Cash value of life insurance

   (6.4  (8.2

Tax exempt interest—municipal securities and municipal loans

   (1.4  (1.5

Other

   0.6    1.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

   26.8  25.3
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The expense for income taxes consists of the following:

   Year Ended December 31, 
       2014           2013     

Federal

    

Current

  $526    $594  

Deferred

   341     147  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tax expense

  $867    $741  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With a few exceptions, Ameriana Bancorp is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.

11.Employee Benefits

Multi-Employer Defined Benefit Pension Plan.Ameriana Bancorp is a participating employer in a multi-employer defined benefit pension plan. Since the defined benefit pension plan is a multi-employer plan, no separate actuarial valuations are made with respect to each participating employer. Ameriana Bancorp froze its participation in the defined benefit pension plan on June 30, 2004 to stop accruing benefits to plan participants beyond what was already earned to that date and to prevent new participants from entering the plan. The change was made in an effort to control and reduce pension plan expense in the future. Ameriana Bancorp will continue to make contributions to meet required funding obligations.

Ameriana Bancorp participates in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (the “Pentegra Plan”), a non-contributory pension plan covering all qualified employees. The trustees of the Financial Institutions Retirement Fund administer the Pentegra Plan, employer identification number 35-0377080 and plan number 6087. The Pentegra Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and as a multiple-

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the internal Revenue Code. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that require contributions to the Pentegra Plan.

The Pentegra Plan is a single plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 413(c) and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of the liabilities. Accordingly, under the Pentegra Plan contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers. There is no separate valuation of the Pentegra Plan benefits or segregation of the Pentegra Plan assets specifically for Ameriana Bancorp, because the Pentegra Plan is a multi-employer plan and separate actuarial valuations are not made with respect to each employer. If Ameriana Bancorp chooses to stop participating in the multi-employer plan, they may be required to pay an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. The funded status of the Pentegra Plan, market value of plan assets divided by funding target, as of July 1, 2014 and 2013 was 89.15% and 84.45%, respectively.

Ameriana Bancorp had expenses of $423,000 and $352,000 for the years ended December 2014 and 2013, respectively. Ameriana Bancorp cash contributions to the Pentegra Plan for these same periods were $392,000 and $650,000, respectively. Total contributions made to the Pentegra Plans were $190,752,000 and $136,478,000 for the plan years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Ameriana Bancorp’s contributions to the Pentegra Plan were not more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan.

401(k) Plan.The 401(k) plan covers substantially all full-time employees of Ameriana Bancorp. Ameriana Bancorp matches employees’ contributions to the 401(k) plan at the rate of 100% for the first 4% of base salary contributed by participants. Effective April 1, 2011, Ameriana Bancorp added an employee stock ownership plan component to its 401(k) plan. Matching contributions made to the 401(k) plan by Ameriana Bancorp will be used to purchase shares of Ameriana Bancorp stock.

Expense for the 401(k) plan was $239,000 and $237,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Split-dollar Life Insurance AgreementsBETWEEN
.Ameriana Bancorp adopted the accounting guidance for separate agreements which split the life insurance policy benefits between an employer and the employee. This guidance requires the employer to recognize a liability for future benefits payable to the employee under these agreements. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, Ameriana Bancorp had a recorded a liability of $1,186,000 and $1,109,000, respectively. During 2014 and 2013, Ameriana Bancorp recognized net expense of $76,000 and net income of $14,000, respectively.

Executive Retirement Plan. Effective January 1, 2008, Ameriana Bancorp terminated a supplemental retirement plan (the “Plan”) that provided retirement and death benefits to certain officers and directors. At that time, the officers and directors covered by that Plan voluntarily elected to forego their benefits under the Plan. Instead, Ameriana Bancorp entered into separate agreements with these officers and directors that provide retirement and death benefits. Ameriana Bancorp is recording an expense equal to the projected present value of the payment due at the full eligibility date. The liability for the plan at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2,102,000 and $2,012,000, respectively. The expense for the plan was $218,000 and $219,000 for 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Employment or Change in Control Agreements.Ameriana Bancorp has entered into employment or change in control agreements with certain officers that provide for the continuation of salary and certain benefits for a specified period of time under certain conditions. Under the terms of the agreements, these payments could occur in the event of a change in control of Ameriana Bancorp, as defined, along with other specific conditions. The severance payment under these agreements is generally three times the annual salary of the officer in the event of a change in control.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Stock Options.Under the 1996 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (“1996 Plan”) and the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”), Ameriana Bancorp has granted options to individuals to purchase common stock at a price equal to the fair market value at the date of grant, subject to the terms and conditions of the plans. Options vest and are fully exercisable when granted or over an extended period subject to continuous employment or under other conditions set forth in the plans. The period for exercising options shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant. The plans also permit grants of stock appreciation rights. An amendment of the 1996 Plan extended the plan’s term by five years and increased the number of shares reserved under the plan from 176,000 to 352,000 shares. The 2006 Plan permits the granting of up to 225,000 shares. The 1996 Plan and 2006 Plan were approved by the stockholders of Ameriana Bancorp.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.

A summary of option activity under the Plan as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below.

   Shares   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 

Outstanding, beginning of year

   183,982    $13.50     3.44    $107,000  

Granted

   —       —        

Exercised

   (29,932   13.93      

Expired

   (71,500   14.80      

Forfeited

   (7,700   11.93      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Outstanding, end of year

   74,850    $12.25     5.07    $468,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exercisable, end of year

   50,550    $12.40     3.31    $308,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no options granted during the year ended December 31, 2014. There were 52,500 options granted in the year ended December 31, 2013, with a weighted-average grant-date value of $7.90. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $61,000 and $2,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2014, there was $176,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.75 years. During 2014, Ameriana Bancorp recognized $74,000 of share-based compensation expense. As of December 31, 2013, there was $302,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan, and during 2013, Ameriana Bancorp recognized $104,000 of share-based compensation expense.

Cash received from options exercised under all share-based compensation arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $417,000 and $22,000, respectively. The tax benefit realized from the options exercised during 2014 was $20,000 and there was no actual tax benefit realized from the options exercised during 2013.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for the options granted during the year ended December 31, 2013:

Expected volatility

71.66

Expected dividends

0.335

Expected term (in years)

6.0

Risk-free rate

1.815

12.Dividend and Capital Restrictions

The payment of dividends by Ameriana Bancorp depends substantially upon receipt of dividends from the Bank, which is subject to various regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends. Under current regulations, the Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend or repurchase any of its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause its net worth to be reduced below regulatory capital requirements or the amount required for its liquidation account.

In addition, without prior approval, current regulations allow the Bank to pay dividends to Ameriana Bancorp not exceeding retained net income for the applicable calendar year to date, plus retained net income for the preceding two years. Application is required by the Bank to pay dividends in excess of this restriction.

On August 26, 2013, following notification by the FDIC and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bank rescinded the previously adopted resolution noted below.

On July 26, 2010, following a joint examination by and discussions with the FDIC and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”), the Board of Directors of the Bank adopted a resolution agreeing to obtain prior written consent from the FDIC and the DFI before declaring or paying any dividends. All requests from the Bank to declare and pay a quarterly dividend to Ameriana Bancorp had been approved by the FDIC and DFI prior to approval by the Bank’s Board of Directors and payment by the Bank, for all dividends paid before the resolution was rescinded on August 26, 2013.

On November 25, 2013, following notification by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp rescinded the previously adopted resolution noted below.

On December 17, 2009, following an off-site review by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp adopted a resolution agreeing to seek and obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Bank at least thirty days before taking any of the following actions:

The payment of corporate dividends;

The payment of interest on trust preferred securities;

Any increase in debt or issuance of trust preferred obligations; and

The redemption of Ameriana Bancorp stock.

All requests from Ameriana Bancorp to pay quarterly dividends to shareholders and to make quarterly interest payments on the trust preferred securities had been approved by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago prior to approval by Ameriana Bancorp’s Board of Directors and payment by Ameriana Bancorp, for all payments before the resolution was rescinded on November 25, 2013. There had been no requests from Ameriana Bancorp for approval of an increase in debt or issuance of trust preferred obligations, or redemption of Ameriana Bancorp stock.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

13.Earnings Per Share

   2014   2013 
   Net
Income
   Weighted-
Average
Shares
   Per Share
Amount
   Net
Income
   Weighted-
Average
Shares
   Per Share
Amount
 

Basic Earnings Per Share:

            

Income available to common shareholders

  $2,366     2,996,733    $0.79    $2,187     2,988,991    $0.73  
      

 

 

       

 

 

 

Effect of Dilutive Stock Options

   —       6,230       —       263    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

            

Income available to common shareholders and assumed conversions

  $2,366     3,002,963    $0.79    $2,187     2,989,254    $0.73  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

An option to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.80 was outstanding at December 31, 2014, but was not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option’s exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

Options to purchase 91,732 shares of common stock at exercise prices of $14.80 to $15.56 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2013, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option’s exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

14.Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), included in shareholders’ equity, are as follows:

   2014   2013 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $186 and net of income tax benefit of $176 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively

  $362    $(340
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

15.Regulatory Matters

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies and is assigned to a capital category. The assigned capital category is largely determined by three ratios that are calculated according to the regulations. The ratios are intended to measure capital relative to assets and credit risk associated with those assets and off-balance sheet exposures. The capital category assigned can also be affected by qualitative judgments made by regulatory agencies about the risk inherent in the entity’s activities that are not part of the calculated ratios.

There are five capital categories defined in the regulations, ranging from well capitalized to critically undercapitalized. Classification in any of the undercapitalized categories can result in actions by regulators that could have a material effect on a bank’s operations. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Bank was categorized as well capitalized and met all subject capital adequacy requirements. There are no conditions or events since December 31, 2014, that management believes have changed this classification.

On August 26, 2013, following notification by the FDIC and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bank rescinded the previously adopted resolution noted below.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

On July 26, 2010, following a joint examination by and discussions with the FDIC and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, the Board of Directors of the Bank adopted a resolution agreeing to, among other things, adopt a capital plan to increase its Tier 1 Leverage Ratio to 8.50% by June 30, 2010 and to maintain a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 12.00%.

Actual and required capital amounts and ratios for the Bank are as follows:

   December 31, 2014 
   Required for
Well Capitalized
   Required For
Adequate Capital
   Actual Capital 
   Ratio  Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio  Amount 

Total risk-based capital ratio

   10.00 $31,167     8.00 $24,933     15.64 $48,737  

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

   6.00    18,700     4.00    12,467     14.38    44,823  

Tier 1 leverage ratio

   5.00    23,626     3.00    14,175     9.49    44,823  

   December 31, 2013 
   Required for
Well Capitalized
   Required For
Adequate Capital
   Actual Capital 
   Ratio  Amount   Ratio  Amount   Ratio  Amount 

Total risk-based capital ratio

   10.00 $30,274     8.00 $24,219     15.16 $45,897  

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

   6.00    18,164     4.00    12,109     13.91    42,110  

Tier 1 leverage ratio

   5.00    22,223     3.00    13,334     9.47    42,110  

16.Fair Value of Financial Instruments

DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy has been established that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in active markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Available-for-Sale Securities

Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. The securities valued in Level 1 are mutual funds.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Level 2 securities include U.S. agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. Level 2 securities are valued by a third party pricing service commonly used in the banking industry utilizing observable inputs, and the values are reviewed by the Bank’s management. The pricing provider utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary based on asset class. These models incorporate available market information including quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics and, because many fixed-income securities do not trade on a daily basis, apply available information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector grouping and matrix pricing. In addition, model processes, such as an option adjusted spread model is used to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for securities with prepayment features.

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets recognized in the accompanying balance sheet measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

       Fair Value Measurements Using 

Available-for-sale securities:

  Fair Value   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

At December 31, 2014:

        

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backedpass-through securities

  $44,198    $—      $44,198    $—    

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,019     —       2,019     —    

Mutual funds

   1,867     1,867     —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $48,084    $1,867    $46,217    $—    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2013:

        

Ginnie Mae and GSE mortgage-backedpass-through securities

  $33,806    $—      $33,806    $—    

Ginnie Mae collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,214     —       2,214     —    

Mutual funds

   1,783     1,783     —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $37,803    $1,783    $36,020    $—    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transfers between Levels

Transfers between levels did not occur during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Collateral-Dependent Impaired Loans, Net of ALLL

The estimated fair value of collateral-dependent impaired loans is based on the appraised fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell. Collateral-dependent impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Ameriana Bancorp considers the appraisal or evaluation as the starting point for determining fair value and then considers other factors and events in the environment that may affect the fair value. Appraisals of the collateral

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

underlying collateral-dependent loans are obtained when the loan is determined to be collateral-dependent and subsequently as deemed necessary by management. Appraisals are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by management. Appraisers are selected from the list of approved appraisers maintained by management. The appraised values are reduced by discounts to consider lack of marketability and estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of the loan is dependent on the sale of the collateral. These discounts and estimates are developed by management by comparison to historical results.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) is carried at the lower of fair value at acquisition date or current estimated fair value, less estimated cost to sell when the real estate is acquired. Estimated fair value of OREO is based on appraisals or evaluations. OREO is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Appraisals of OREO are obtained when the real estate is acquired and subsequently as deemed necessary by management. Appraisals are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by management. Appraisers are selected from the list of approved appraisers maintained by management.

Loan servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, impairment is recorded so that the servicing asset is carried at fair value. Fair value is determined based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model utilizes interest rate, prepayment speed, and default rate assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income and that can be validated against available market data.

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets recognized in the accompanying balance sheet measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
   Fair Value   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

At December 31, 2014:

        

Impaired loans

  $940    $—      $—      $940  

Other real estate owned

   1,166     —       —       1,166  

Mortgage servicing rights

   530     —       —       530  

At December 31, 2013:

        

Impaired loans

  $6,353    $—      $—      $6,353  

Other real estate owned

   2,401     —       —       2,401  

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs:

The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

                                                                                                
   Fair Value   Valuation Technique  Unobservable Inputs  Rate/Rate Range

Impaired loans

  $940    Third party valuations  Discount to reflect
realizable value
  0.6% – 64.9%

Other real estate owned

   1,166    Third party valuations  Discount to reflect
realizable value
  6.4% – 7.0%

Mortgage servicing rights

   530    Third party valuation  Discount rate  5.06% – 6.08%
      Prepayment speed  10.22% – 22.74%

The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

                                                                                                
   Fair Value   Valuation Technique  Unobservable Inputs  Rate/Rate Range

Impaired loans

  $6,353    Third party valuations  Discount to reflect
realizable value
  0.0% – 77.88%

Other real estate owned

   2,401    Third party valuations  Discount to reflect
realizable value
  6.0% – 20.7%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values are based on estimates using present value and other valuation techniques in instances where quoted market prices are not available. These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of Ameriana Bancorp.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following table presents the estimates of fair value of financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

December 31, 2014—Fair Value Measurements Using

 
   Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $33,142    $33,142    $33,142    $—      $—    

Interest-bearing time deposits

   4,164     4,162     4,162     —       —    

Investment securities held to maturity

   7,082     7,110     —       4,756     2,354  

Loans held for sale

   332     332     —       332     —    

Loans

   316,113     322,035     —       311,196     10,839  

Stock in FHLB

   3,753     3,753     —       3,753     —    

Mortgage servicing rights

   530     530     —       —       530  

Interest and dividends receivable

   1,179     1,179     —       1,179     —    

Liabilities

      

Deposits

   378,947     379,339     241,918     137,421     —    

Borrowings

   45,810     41,605     —       35,543     6,062  

Drafts payable

   1,298     1,298     —       1,298     —    

Interest and dividends payable

   97     97     —       97     —    

The following table presents the estimates of fair value of financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

December 31, 2013—Fair Value Measurements Using

 
   Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets

          

Cash and cash equivalents

  $40,867    $40,867    $40,867    $—      $—    

Interest-bearing deposits

   2,974     2,983     2,983     —       —    

Investment securities held to maturity

   2,347     2,347     —       —       2,347  

Loans

   312,035     319,232     —       303,216     16,016  

Stock in FHLB

   4,472     4,472     —       4,472     —    

Mortgage servicing rights

   582     582     —       —       582  

Interest and dividends receivable

   818     818     —       818     —    

Liabilities

          

Deposits

   362,701     363,536     217,115     146,421     —    

Borrowings

   50,810     46,897     —       41,330     5,567  

Drafts payable

   1,503     1,503     —       1,503     —    

Interest and dividends payable

   78     78     —       78     —    

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Stock in FHLB: The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate those assets’ fair values.

Interest-bearing time deposits:The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate those assets’ fair values.

Held-to-maturity securities:The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets for December 31, 2012, the date the securities were reclassified from available-for-sale, represents their approximate fair value and became their new amortized cost basis as of that date.

Loans Held for Sale: The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair values.

Loans: The fair values for loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates used to price new similar loans to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on loans.

Mortgage Servicing Rights:The fair value is determined by a valuation performed by an independent third party that is reviewed by the Bank’s management. The valuation is based on the discounted cash flow method, utilizing Bloomberg’s Median Forecasted Prepayment Speeds for mortgage-backed securities assumed to possess enough similarities to the Bank’s servicing portfolio to facilitate a comparison.

Interest and Dividends Receivable/Payable: The fair value of accrued interest receivable/payable approximates carrying values.

Deposits: The fair values of non-maturity demand, savings, and money market accounts are equal to the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date. Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on deposits to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on deposits.

Borrowings: The fair value of borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation, based on borrowing rates for periods comparable to the remaining terms to maturity of the borrowings.

Drafts Payable: The fair value approximates carrying value.

17.Commitments to Originate Loans

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, Ameriana Bancorp had outstanding commitments to originate loans of approximately $28,530,000 and $24,485,000, respectively. The outstanding commitments for 2014 included $4,497,000 for one-to four-family mortgage loans, $14,871,000 for commercial real estate loans, $6,239,000 for a commercial real estate construction loan and $2,923,000 for commercial loans. The outstanding commitments for 2013 included $1,901,000 for one-to four-family mortgage loans, $6,493,000 for commercial real estate loans, $3,100,000 for a commercial real estate construction loan and $12,991,000 for commercial loans. In addition, Ameriana Bancorp had $59,881,000 and $50,450,000 of conditional commitments for lines of credit at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. The same credit policies are used in making such commitments as are used for

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

instruments that are included in the consolidated balance sheets. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally 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. Each customer’s credit worthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, real estate, equipment, and income-producing commercial properties. In addition, Ameriana Bancorp had $5,014,000 and $6,091,000 of letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by Ameriana Bancorp to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers.

18.Parent Company Financial Information

The following are condensed financial statements for the parent company, Ameriana Bancorp, only:

   December 31, 

Balance Sheets

  2014   2013 

Assets

    

Cash

  $1,294    $610  

Investment in Bank

   46,446     43,908  

Investments in affiliates

   310     310  

Other assets

   3,438     3,237  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $51,488    $48,065  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    

Notes payable, other

  $10,310    $10,310  

Other liabilities

   126     42  

Shareholders’ equity

   41,052     37,713  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $51,488    $48,065  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

   Year Ended December 31, 

Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

      2014           2013     

Dividends from Bank

  $1,200    $1,250  

Interest income

   5     6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,205     1,256  

Operating expense

   955     892  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed income of Bank

   250     364  

Income tax benefit

   323     301  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   573     665  

Equity in undistributed income of Bank and affiliates

   1,793     1,522  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

  $2,366    $2,187  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $366 and net of tax benefit of $468 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

   702     (916

Less: Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of taxes of $57 for the year ended December 31, 2013.

   —       110  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   702     (1,026
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

  $3,068    $1,161  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 

Statements of Cash Flows

      2014           2013     

Operating Activities

    

Net income

  $2,366    $2,187  

Items not requiring (providing) cash:

    

Undistributed income of Bank and affiliates

   (1,793   (1,522

Other adjustments

   (96   (266
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   477     399  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities

    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   417     22  

Cash dividends paid

   (210   (120
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   207     (98
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash

   684     301  

Cash at beginning of year

   610     309  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash at end of year

  $1,294    $610  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

19.Accounting Developments

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)

In January 2014, the FASB issuedASU 2014-01, “Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects,” to permit entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The ASU modifies the conditions that an entity must meet to be eligible to use a method other than the equity or cost methods to account for qualified affordable housing project investments. The ASU is effective

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

In January 2014, the FASB issuedAccounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-04, “Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure,” to reduce diversity by clarifying when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

In April 2014, the FASB issuedASU 2014-08,Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This update seeks to better define the groups of assets which qualify for discontinued operations, in order to ease the burden and cost for prepares and stakeholders. This issue changed “the criteria for reporting discontinued operations” and related reporting requirements, including the provision for disclosures about the “disposal of and individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation.” The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted only for disposals or classifications as held for sale. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB, in joint cooperation with IASB, issuedASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The topic of Revenue Recognition had become broad, with several other regulatory agencies issuing standards which lacked cohesion. The new guidance establishes a “common framework” and “reduces the number of requirements to which an entity must consider in recognizing revenue” and yet provides improved disclosures to assist stakeholders reviewing financial statements. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and is still evaluating the impact the ASU will have on its financial position or results of operations.

In June 2014, the FASB issuedASU 2014-11, “Transfers and Servicing.” This update addresses the concerns of stakeholders’ by changing the accounting practices surrounding repurchase agreements. The new guidance changes the “accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to secured borrowing accounting, which is consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements.” The amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is prohibited. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

In June 2014, the FASB issuedASU 2014-12,Compensation—Stock Compensation.” This update defines the accounting treatment for share-based payments and “resolves the diverse accounting treatment of those awards in practice.” The new requirement mandates that “a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition.” Compensation cost will now be recognized in the period in which it becomes likely that the performance target will be met. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

In August 2014, FASB, issuedASU 2014-14, “Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” The objective of this update is to reduce diversity in practice by addressing the classification of foreclosed mortgage loans that are fully or partially guaranteed under government programs. Currently, some creditors reclassify those loans to real estate as with other foreclosed loans that do not have guarantees; others reclassify the loans to other receivables. The amendments affect creditors that hold government-guaranteed mortgage loans, including those guaranteed by the FHA and the VA. The amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2015, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity should adopt the amendments in this update using either a prospective transition method or a modified retrospective transition method. For prospective transition, an entity should apply the amendments in this update to foreclosures that occur after the date of adoption. For the modified retrospective transition, an entity should apply the amendments in the update by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment (through a reclassification to a separate other receivable) as of the beginning of the annual period of adoption. Prior periods should not be adjusted. However, a reporting entity must apply the same method of transition as elected under ASU No. 2014-04. Early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, is permitted if the entity already has adopted update2014-04. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

In August 2014, FASB, issuedASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” The update provides U.S. GAAP guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and about related footnote disclosures. For each reporting period, management will be required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. Ameriana Bancorp will adopt the methodologies prescribed by this ASU by the date required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

20.Significant Estimates, Concentrations and Contingencies

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require disclosure of certain significant estimates and current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations. Estimates related to the allowance for loan losses are reflected in the footnote regarding loans. Current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations of credit risk are discussed in the footnote on commitments and credit risk.

Litigation

Neither Ameriana Bancorp nor the Bank is involved in any pending legal proceedings other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. Such routine legal proceedings, in the aggregate, are believed by management to be immaterial to the financial condition and results of operations of Ameriana Bancorp.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Approximately 36% and 47% of Ameriana Bancorp’s investment in bank-owned life insurance was held by two carriers at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The reduction from 47% to 36% was primarily the result of replacing policies in 2014 with those from another insurance carrier.

Ameriana Bancorp

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

21.Risks and Uncertainties

Ameriana Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses contains certain assumptions on the value of collateral dependent loans as well as certain economic and industry conditions which may be subject to change within the next year. These changes could have an adverse impact on the allowance for loan loss in the near term.

ANNEX A

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER

BETWEEN

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
AND
MBT FINANCIAL CORP.

AND

AMERIANA BANCORP


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER

BETWEEN

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

AND

AMERIANA BANCORP

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER (the “Agreement”), is entered as of the 26th9th day of June, 2015,October, 2018, by and betweenFIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION, an Indiana corporation (“First Merchants”) andAMERIANA BANCORPMBT FINANCIAL CORP., an Indianaa Michigan corporation (“Ameriana BancorpMBT”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, First Merchants is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, with its principal place of business in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana, with First Merchants Bank, National Association, a nationalan Indiana commercial bank (“FMB”) as its wholly-owned subsidiary;

WHEREAS, Ameriana BancorpMBT is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, with its principal place of business in New Castle, HenryMonroe, Monroe County, Indiana,Michigan, with AmerianaMonroe Bank an Indiana state& Trust, a Michigan commercial bank (the“Bank”) as its wholly-owned subsidiary;

WHEREAS,, Ameriana Insurance Agency, Inc., an Indiana corporation (“Insurance”) and Ameriana MB&T Financial Services, Inc., an Indianaa Michigan corporation ((““Financial”MB&T Financial) are is a wholly-owned bysubsidiary of the Bank (the“Subsidiary Corporations”) (the Bank and the Subsidiary CorporationsMB&T Financial are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the“Subsidiaries”or individually as a“Subsidiary”);

WHEREAS,all of the common securities of Ameriana Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the“Trust”) are held by Ameriana Bancorp;

WHEREAS, it is the desire of First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT to effect a series of transactions whereby (i) Ameriana BancorpMBT will consolidate and merge with and into First Merchants, and (ii) the Bank will merge with and into FMB; and

WHEREAS, a majority of the entire Boards of Directors of First Merchants FMB, Ameriana Bancorp and the BankMBT have approved this Agreement designatedand authorized its execution; and

WHEREAS, for federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the merger of MBT with and into First Merchants shall qualify as a plan of reorganization“reorganization” within the provisionsmeaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and authorized its execution.First Merchants and MBT desire to and hereby adopt this Agreement as a plan of reorganization for purposes of Sections 354 and 361 of the Code;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT hereby make this Agreement and prescribe the terms and conditions of the merger of Ameriana BancorpMBT with and into First Merchants and the Bank with and into FMB and the mode of carrying the transactions into effect as follows:

SECTION 1



THE MERGERS

1.1Ameriana BancorpMBT Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Effective Date (as defined in Section 11 hereof), Ameriana BancorpMBT shall be merged with and into First Merchants whichpursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and otherwise in accordance with the Indiana Business Corporation Law and the Michigan Business Corporation Act (the “Merger”). First Merchants, as the continuing corporation, shall sometimes be referred to herein as the “Continuing Company” and shall continue its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Indiana, pursuant to the provisions of and with the effect provided in the Indiana Business Corporation Law and particularly Indiana Code § 23-1-40 (the “Merger”).

§23-1-40.

1.2The Bank Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Effective Date and immediately after the Merger, the Bank shall be consolidated and merged with and into FMB pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger attached hereto asExhibit A (the“Bank Merger Agreement”) and otherwise in accordance with 12 U.S.C. §215a and The§1828(c), the Indiana Financial Institutions Act, as amended, and the Michigan Banking Code of 1999, as amended, together with any regulations promulgated thereunder (the“Bank Merger”).

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1.3Right to Revise Mergers. The parties may, at any time, change the method of effecting the Merger or the Bank Merger if and to the extent the parties deem such change to be desirable, including, without limitation, to provide for the merger of Ameriana BancorpMBT into a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants and/or the merger of the Bank or either of them into FMB or wholly-owned subsidiaries of First Merchants or FMB; provided, however, that no such change, modification or amendment shall (a) alter or change the amount or kind of consideration to be received by the shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT specified in Section 3 hereof as a result of the Merger, except in accordance with the terms of Section 3 hereof; (b) adversely affect the tax treatment to the shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp;MBT; or (c) materially impede or delay receipt of any approvals referred to in this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

SECTION 2



EFFECT OF THE MERGER

Upon the Merger becoming effective:

2.1General Description. The separate existence of Ameriana BancorpMBT shall cease, and the Continuing Company shall possess all of the assets of Ameriana Bancorp and all of its rights, privileges, immunities, powers, and franchisesMBT and shall be subjectsucceed to and assume all of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, franchises, duties, obligations and liabilities of Ameriana Bancorp.MBT.

2.2Name, Offices, and Management. The name of the Continuing Company shall continue to be “First Merchants Corporation.” Its principal office shall be located at 200 E. Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana. The Board of Directors of the Continuing Company, until such time as their successors have been elected and qualified, shall consist of the current Board of Directors of First Merchants. The officers of First Merchants immediately prior to the Effective Date shall continue as the officers of the Continuing Company.

2.3Capital Structure. The amount of capital stock of the Continuing Company shall not be less than the capital stock of First Merchants immediately prior to the Effective Date increased by the amount of capital stock issued in accordance with Section 3 hereof.

2.4Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Continuing Company shall be those of First Merchants immediately prior to the Effective Date until the same shall be further amended as provided therein or by law.

2.5Assets and Liabilities. The title to all assets, real estate and other property owned by First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT shall vest in the Continuing Company without reversion or impairment. All liabilities of Ameriana BancorpMBT shall be assumed by the Continuing Company.

2.6Additional Actions. If, at any time after the Effective Date, the Continuing Company shall consider or be advised that any further deeds, assignments or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary or desirable (a) to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Continuing Company its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries, or (b) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries and their respective officers and directors shall be deemed to have granted to the Continuing Company an irrevocable power of attorney to

execute and deliver all such deeds, assignments or assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or proper to vest, perfect or confirm title to and possession of such rights, properties or assets in the Continuing Company and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, and the officers and directors of the Continuing Company are authorized in the name of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries or otherwise to take any and all such action.

SECTION 3



CONSIDERATION TO BE DISTRIBUTEDDISTRUBUTED

3.1Consideration. Upon and by reason of the Merger becoming effective, the shareholders of Ameriana Bancorpholders of record, on the Effective Date, of MBT common stock, without par value (“MBT Common Stock”) shall be entitled to receive, in exchange for the Ameriana Bancorp common shares, $1.00 par value, (“Ameriana Bancorpeach share of MBT Common Stock held, a 0.2750 (the “Exchange Ratio”) held, 0.9037 (the “Exchange Ratio”)sharesshare of First Merchants’ common stock (“ (“First Merchants Common Stock”Stock). The Exchange Ratio shall be subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 3.3.

3.2Fractional First Merchants Common Shares. FractionalCertificates for fractional shares of First Merchants Common Stock in book entry form willshall not be issued in respect of fractional interests arising from the Exchange Ratio. Each holder

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of MBT Common Stock who would have otherwise been entitled to a fraction of a share of First Merchants Common Stock, upon surrender of all such shareholder’s certificates representing MBT Common Stock, shall be paid in cash (without interest), an amount rounded to the nearest whole cent, determined by multiplying the First Merchants Average Price (as defined below) by the fractional share of First Merchants Common Stock to which such holder of MBT Common Stock would otherwise be entitled. No such holder of MBT Common Stock shall be entitled to dividends, voting rights, or any other rights in respect of any fractional share. The term “First Merchants Average Price” shall mean the average closing price of a share of First Merchants Common Stock as reported by Bloomberg, L.P. for the ten (10) days that First Merchants Common Stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market preceding the fourth (4th) calendar day prior to the Effective Date. The First Merchants Average Price shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted to reflect any share adjustment as contemplated by Section 3.3 hereof.

3.3Recapitalization. If, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Date, First Merchants issues a stock dividend with respect to its shares of common stock, combines, subdivides, or splits up its outstanding shares or takes any similar recapitalization action, then the Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted so that each Ameriana Bancorp shareholderholder of MBT Common Stock shall receive such number of shares of First Merchants Common Stock as represents the same percentage of outstanding shares of First Merchants Common Stock at the Effective Date as would have been represented by the number of shares of First Merchants Common Stock such shareholder would have received if the recapitalization had not occurred.

3.4Distribution of First Merchants’ Common Stock.

(a)   Each share of common stock of First Merchants outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall remain outstanding unaffected by the Merger.

(b)   On or prior to the Effective Date, First Merchants shall (i) authorize the issuance of and shall make available to American Stock Transfer as& Trust Company, LLC or such other exchange agent hereunderselected by First Merchants (the “Exchange Agent”), for the benefit of the registered shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock for exchange in accordance with this Section 3, certificates or book entry for shares (as requested by the registered shareholder of MBT) of First Merchants Common Stock (the “First Merchants Stock Certificates”) to be issued pursuant to Section 3.1, and (ii) shall deposit with the Exchange Agent sufficient cash for payment of cash in lieu of any fractional shares of First Merchants Common Stock to be issued in book entry form in an account established for the holder at the Exchange Agent.accordance with Section 3.2. Such shares of First Merchants Common Stock Certificates and cash are referred to in this Section 3 as the “Exchange Fund.” First Merchants shall be solely responsible for the payment of any fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent.

(c)   Within three (3) business days following the Effective Date, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each Ameriana Bancorp shareholderholder of MBT Common Stock a letter of transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”) providing (i) with respect to MBT shareholders whose shares of MBT Common Stock are held in certificate form that delivery shall be effected and risk andof loss of title to the certificates representing MBT Common Stock shall pass only upon delivery of the certificates to the Exchange Agent and (ii) with respect to MBT shareholders whose shares of MBT Common Stock are held in certificate form instructions as to the transmittal to the Exchange Agent of certificates representing shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock and, with respect to all holders of MBT Common Stock, instructions as to the issuance of shares of First Merchants Common Stock in exchange therefor pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Distribution of shares of First Merchants Common Stock throughCertificates (or book entry formentry) and cash payments in an account established by the holder at the Exchange Agentlieu of fractional shares shall be made by the Exchange Agent to each former shareholderholder of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock within five (5) business days following the later of the Effective Date or with respect to MBT shareholders whose shares of MBT Common Stock are held in certificate form, the date of such shareholder’s delivery to the Exchange Agent of such shareholder’s certificates representing Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock, accompanied byand with respect to all holders of MBT Common Stock a properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal. The number of shares of First Merchants Common Stock issuableInterest shall not accrue or be payable with respect to each Ameriana Bancorp shareholder shall be rounded to the nearest thousandth of a share.any cash payments.

(d)   Following the Effective Date, stock certificates representing Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock shall be converted to, and deemed to evidence only the right to receive such number of shares of First Merchants Common Stock as determined in accordance with Sections 3.1 and 3.2 above (for all corporate purposes other than the payment of dividends). and cash for fractional shares, as applicable. No dividends or other distributions otherwise payable subsequent to the Effective Date on shares of First Merchants Common Stock shall be paid to any shareholder entitled to receive the same until such shareholder has surrendered such shareholder’s certificates for Ameriana Bancorp MBT

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Common Stock to the Exchange Agent in exchange for First Merchants Common Stock. Upon surrender or compliance with the provisions of Section 3.4(c), there shall be paid to the record holder of the First Merchants Common Stock the amount of all dividends and other distributions, without interest thereon, withheld with respect to such common stock.

(e)   From and after the Effective Date, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of Ameriana BancorpMBT of any shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock.

(f)   Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the shareholdersholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock for twelve (12) months after the Effective Date shall be paid, distributed, or otherwise released to First Merchants, or its successors in interest. Any shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT who have not theretofore complied with this Section 3 shall thereafter look only to First Merchants, or its successors in interest, for the issuance of shares of First Merchants Common Stock and any unpaid dividends and distributions on First Merchants Common Stock deliverable in respect of each share of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock such shareholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of First Merchants, the Exchange Agent or any other person shall be liable to any former holder of shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock for any amount delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.

(g)   First Merchants shall be entitled to rely upon the stock transfer books of Ameriana BancorpMBT to establish the persons entitled to receive shares of First Merchants Common Stock, which books, in the absence of actual knowledge by First Merchants of any adverse claim thereto, shall be conclusive with respect to the ownership of such stock.

(h)   With respect to any certificate for Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock which has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, First Merchants shall be authorized to issue First Merchants Common Stock to the registered owner of such certificate upon receipt of an affidavit of lost stock certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to First Merchants, and upon compliance by the Ameriana Bancorp’s shareholdersuch registered owner with all procedures historically required by Ameriana BancorpMBT in connection with lost, stolen, or destroyed certificates.certificates, with any costs incurred at the shareholder’s expense.

3.5Employee Stock OptionsEquity Awards. Immediately prior to the Closing, each then outstanding option to purchase Ameriana Bancorpstock appreciation right (SOSAR) and restricted stock unit (RSU), whether unvested or vested, shall be exchanged for shares of MBT Common Stock according to their respective award agreement terms. The number of RSU’s subject to each award shall be converted intoassume MBT performance at the right to receive cash infull payout at the amount per share equal to the average closing price of Ameriana Bancorp common stockTarget level for the ten (10) trading days preceding the fourth calendar day prior to Effective Date less the applicable exercise price (the “Option Payment Amount”), and the Option Payment Amount shall be paid by First Merchants to the respective option holders within five (5) business days following the Closing.all relevant future periods. Upon paymentissuance of the Option Payment Amountshares of MBT Common Stock to an optiona holder of SOSARs or RSUs any optionaward agreement between Ameriana BancorpMBT and such option holder and the option holder’s rights thereunder shall terminate and be of no further force or effect.

SECTION 4



NO DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

ShareholdersHolders of Ameriana Bancorp are not entitled to dissenters’ rights under Indiana Code § 23-1-44, as amended, because the shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock, are traded onpursuant to the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Michigan Business Corporation Act, MBT’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, contract or otherwise, do not have, and the Board of Directors of MBT have not taken any action that would cause any holder of shares of MBT Common Stock to have, the right of a shareholder to dissent and obtain payment for shares under Section 450.1762 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act or any successor statute.

SECTION 5



REPRESENTATIONS AND


WARRANTIES OF AMERIANA BANCORPMBT

Ameriana BancorpMBT hereby makes the representations and warranties set forth below to First Merchants with respect to itself and the Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this Section 5, a Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter” is defined as the letter referencing Section 5 of this Agreement which shall be prepared by Ameriana BancorpMBT and delivered to First Merchants contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement.

5.1Organization and Authority. Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, the Bank, Insurance and MB&T Financial are each a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Indiana. Ameriana BancorpMichigan. MBT and each of the Subsidiaries have the corporate power and authority (corporate and otherwise) to conduct their respective businesses in the manner and by the means utilized as of the date hereof. Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s only subsidiaries aresubsidiary is the Subsidiaries and the Trust.Bank. The Bank’s only subsidiary is MB&T Financial. The Bank is subject to primary federal regulatory supervision and regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.Corporation (“FDIC”). Other than the Subsidiaries, MBT has no direct or indirect subsidiaries.

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5.2Authorization.

(a)   Ameriana BancorpMBT has the corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder, subject to satisfaction of the conditions precedent in Section 9. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by all parties, will have been duly authorized and will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, subject to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 9 hereof, enforceable in accordance with its terms except to the extent limited by insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, readjustment of debt or other laws of general application relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights. The respective Boards of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Bank, and Ameriana BancorpMBT as the sole shareholder of the Bank, have approved the Merger and the Bank Merger pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Bank Merger Agreement. The Board of Directors of MBT has adopted this Agreement and agreed to recommend to MBT’s shareholders that they approve this Agreement and the transactions described herein subject to Section 7.5 hereof.

(b)   Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 9 hereof, does or will (i) conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s or any Subsidiary’s organizational documents; (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under any federal, foreign, state or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or court or administrative order or decree, or any note, bond, indenture, loan, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment, to which Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary is subject or bound, the result of which would have a Material Adverse Effect; (iii) result in the creation of, or give any person, corporation or entity the right to create, any lien, charge, encumbrance, security interest, or any other rights of others or other adverse interest upon any right, property or asset of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary; (iv) terminate, or give any person, corporation or entity the right to terminate, amend, abandon, or refuse to perform, any note, bond, indenture, loan, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment to which Ameriana Bancorp,MBT or any Subsidiary or the Trust is subject or bound, the result of which would have a Material Adverse Effect; or (v) accelerate or modify, or give any party thereto the right to accelerate or modify, the time within which, or the terms according to which, Ameriana Bancorp,MBT or any Subsidiary or the Trust is to perform any duties or obligations or receive any rights or benefits under any note, bond, indenture, loan, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment.

For the purpose of this Agreement, a “Material Adverse Effect” means any effect, circumstance, occurrence or change that (i) is material and adverse to the financial position, results of operations or business of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or First Merchants and FMB taken as a whole, as applicable or (ii) would materially impair the ability of Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants, as applicable, to perform its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that a Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in banking and similar laws of general applicability to banks or their holding companies or interpretations thereof by courts or governmental

authorities, (b) changes in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or regulatory accounting requirements applicable to banks or their holding companies generally, (c) any modifications or changes to valuation policies and practices in connection with the Merger or restructuring charges taken in connection with the Merger, in each case in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,GAAP, (d) effects of any action taken with the prior written consent of the other party hereto, (e) changes in the general level of interest rates (including the impact on the securities portfolios of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Bank, or First Merchants and FMB, as applicable) or conditions or circumstances relating to or that affect either the United States economy, financial or securities markets or the banking industry, generally, (f) changes resulting from expenses (such as legal, accounting and investment bankers’ fees) incurred in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, including without limitation payment of any amounts due to, or the provision of any benefits to, any officers or employees under agreements, plans or other arrangements in existence on the date of or contemplated by this Agreement and disclosed to First Merchants, (g) the impact of the announcement of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and compliance with this Agreement on the business, financial condition or results of operations of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries, or First Merchants and FMB, as applicable and (h) the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack within the United States or any of its possessions or offices; provided that in no event shall a change in the trading price of the First Merchants Common Stock, by itself, be considered to constitute a Material Adverse Effect on First Merchants (it being understood that the foregoing proviso shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any effect underlying such decline has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect).

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(c)   Other than required filings with NASDAQ and FINRA and the filing of articles of merger (the “Articles of Merger”) with the Indiana Secretary of State and a certificate of merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Corporations Division of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (the “Michigan Corporations Division”), for the Merger, and filing of articles of merger, certificates of merger or other filings necessary to consummate the Bank Merger, and such notices and filings made in connection or in compliance with the banking regulatory approvals contemplated by Section 9.4 and federal and state securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, no notice to, filing with, authorization of, exemption by, or consent or approval of, any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by Ameriana BancorpMBT of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(d)   Other than those filings, authorizations, consents and approvals referenced in Section 5.2(c) above and except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, no notice to, filing with, authorization of, exemption by, or consent or approval of, any third party is necessary for the consummation by Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for such authorizations, exemptions, consents or approvals, the failure of which to obtain, would not be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

5.3Capitalization.

(a)   As of the date of this Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT has 15,000,000authorized Fifty-One Million (51,000,000) shares of Ameriana Bancorpcapital stock, comprised of Fifty Million (50,000,000) authorized shares of MBT Common Stock authorized, 3,029,662without par value, 22,990,430 shares of which are issued and outstanding, and One Million (1,000,000) authorized shares of MBT nonvoting Preferred Stock, none of which are outstanding. SuchAll of the issued and outstanding shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any shareholders. As of the date of this Agreement, Ameriana Bancorp has 5,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock, no par value, authorized, none of which is issued and outstanding. Ameriana BancorpMBT has no capital stock authorized, issued or outstanding other than as described in this Section 5.3(a) and, except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, Ameriana BancorpMBT has no intention or obligation to authorize or issue additional shares of its capital stock.

(b)   As of the date of this Agreement, the Bank has 5,00010,000,000 shares of common stock, $1.00$3.125 par value, authorized and outstanding, all of which are held beneficially and of record by Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. Such issued and outstanding shares of Bank common stock have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Bank, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any Bank shareholders.shareholder. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Bank common stock are owned by Ameriana BancorpMBT free and clear of all liens, pledges, charges, claims, encumbrances, restrictions, security interests, options and preemptive rights and of all other rights of any other person, corporation or entity with respect thereto. The Bank also has 1,000 shares of serial

preferred stock, $1.00 par value, authorized, none of which is outstanding. The Bank has no capital stock authorized, issued or outstanding other than as described in this Section 5.3(b) and has no intention or obligation to authorize or issue any other shares of capital stock.

(c)   As of the date of this Agreement, InsuranceMB&T Financial has 1,00060,000 shares of common stock, withoutno par value per share, authorized and outstanding, all of which are held beneficially and of record by the Bank. Such issued and outstanding shares of Insurance common stock have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Insurance, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any Insurance shareholders. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Insurance common stock are owned by the Bank free and clear of all liens, pledges, charges, claims, encumbrances, restrictions, security interests, options and preemptive rights and of all other rights of any other person, corporation or entity with respect thereto. Insurance has no capital stock authorized, issued or outstanding other than as described in this Section 5.3(c) and has no intention or obligation to authorize or issue any other shares of capital stock.

(d) As of the date of this Agreement, Financial has 1,000 shares of common stock, without par value, authorized and outstanding, all of which are held beneficially and of record by the Bank. Such issued and outstanding shares ofMB&T Financial common stock have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action of theMB&T Financial, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any MB&T Financial shareholders.shareholder. All of the issued and outstanding shares of MB&T Financial common stock are owned by the Bank free and clear of all liens, pledges, charges, claims, encumbrances, restrictions, security interests, options and preemptive rights and of all other rights of any other person, corporation or entity with respect thereto. MB&T Financial has no capital stock authorized, issued or outstanding other than as described in this Section 5.3(d)5.3(c) and has no intention or obligation to authorize or issue any other shares of capital stock.

(e) As of the date of this Agreement, Trust has 310 shares of common securities authorized and outstanding, $1,000 per share liquidation value, and 10,000 shares of preferred securities authorized and outstanding, $1,000 per share liquidation value. All of the common securities of Trust are held beneficially and of record by Ameriana Bancorp. Such issued and outstanding Trust common securities have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Trust, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any Trust securityholders. All of the issued and outstanding common securities of the Trust are owned by Ameriana Bancorp free and clear of all liens, pledges, charges, claims, encumbrances, restrictions, security interests, options and preemptive rights and of all other rights of any other person, corporation or entity with respect thereto. The Trust has no capital stock authorized, issued or outstanding other than as described in this Section 5.3(e) and has no intention or obligation to authorize or issue any other shares of capital stock.

(f) The Ameriana Bancorp Disclosure Letter contains a list of option holders of Ameriana Bancorp, the number of options to purchase Ameriana Bancorp Common Stock held by each and the applicable exercise price of each.(d)   Except as set forth inon the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter there are no options, commitments, calls, agreements, understandings, arrangements or subscription rights regarding the issuance, purchase or acquisition of capital stock, or any securities convertible into or representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive the capital stock, equity interests, or any debt securities, of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary by which Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary is or may become bound. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Subsidiary has any outstanding contractual or other obligation to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its respective outstanding shares of capital stock.stock or equity interests, as applicable.

(g)(e)   Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management (as defined below), no person or entity beneficially owns five percent (5%) or more of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s outstanding common shares.

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5.4Organizational Documents. The respective Articles of Incorporation and By-LawsBylaws of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries have been delivered to First Merchants and represent true, accurate and complete copies of

such corporate documents of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries in effect as of the date of this Agreement. The organizational documents of the Trust have been provided to First Merchants and represent true, accurate and complete copies of such corporate documents of the Trust in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

5.5Compliance with Law. Neither Ameriana BancorpExcept as disclosed on the MBT Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of MBT’s Management (as defined below), neither MBT nor any Subsidiary has engaged in any activity nor taken or omitted to take any action which has resulted or to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’s Management, could reasonably be expected to result, in the violation of any local, state, federal or foreign law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance or of any order, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or body, the violation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Ameriana Bancorp. Ameriana BancorpMBT. MBT and each Subsidiary possess all licenses, franchises, permits and other authorizations necessary for the continued conduct of their respective businesses without material interference or interruption, except where the failure to possess such licenses or other authorizations would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, and such licenses, franchises, permits and authorizations shall be transferred to First Merchants on the Effective Date without any material restrictions or limitations thereon or the need to obtain any consents of third parties, except as otherwise set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Subsidiary areis subject to any agreement, commitment or understanding with, or order and directive of, any regulatory agency or government authority with respect to the business or operations of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary. The Bank has not received any notice of enforcement actions or criticisms since January 1, 20132014 from any regulatory agency or government authority relating to its compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, the USA Patriot Act, the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any laws with respect to the protection of the environment or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Ameriana BancorpMBT has not received any notice of enforcement actions or criticisms since January 1, 2013,2014, from any regulatory agency or government authority relating to its compliance with any securities laws applicable to Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. The Bank received a rating of “satisfactory” or better in its most recent examination or interim review with respect to the Community Reinvestment Act.

5.6Accuracy of Statements. No information which has been or shall be supplied by Ameriana BancorpMBT with respect to its businesses, operations and financial condition for inclusion in the proxy statement, and registration statement, or regulatory applications relating to the Merger or the Bank Merger contains or shall contain (in the case of information relating to the proxy statement at the time it is mailed and for the regulatory applications and registration statement, and each amendment or supplement thereto, if any, at the time it becomes effective) any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or shall omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

5.7Litigation and Pending Proceedings. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, there are no claims of any kind, nor any action, suits, proceedings, arbitrations or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, threatened in any court or before any government agency or body, arbitration panel or otherwise (nor does Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management have any knowledge of a basis for any claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or investigation) which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, there are no material uncured violations, criticisms or exceptions, or violations with respect to which material refunds or restitutions may be required, cited in any report, correspondence or other communication to Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary as a result of an examination by any regulatory agency or body.body which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.8Financial Statements.

(a)   Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s consolidated audited balance sheets as of the end of the two (2) fiscal years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the unaudited consolidated balance sheet for the three monthsperiod ended March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years or period then ended (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Financial Information”) present

fairly the consolidated financial condition or position of Ameriana BancorpMBT as of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of operations of Ameriana BancorpMBT for the respective periods covered thereby and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principlesGAAP applied on a consistent basis.

(b)   All loans reflected in the Financial Information and which have been made, extended or acquired since March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 (i) have been made for good, valuable and adequate consideration in the ordinary course of

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business; (ii) constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor and any guarantor named therein; (iii) are evidenced by notes, instruments or other evidences of indebtedness which are true, genuine and what they purport to be; and (iv) to the extent that the Bank has a security interest in collateral or a mortgage securing such loans, are secured by perfected security interests or mortgages naming the Bank as the secured party or mortgagee, except for such unperfected security interests or mortgages naming the Bank as secured party or mortgagee which, on an individual loan basis, would not materially adversely affect the value of any such loan and the recovery of payment on any such loan if the Bank is not able to enforce any such security interest or mortgage.

5.9Absence of Certain Changes. Except for events and conditions relating to the business and interest rate environment in general, the accrual or payment of Merger-related expenses, or as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, since March 31, 2015,June 30, 2018, no events have occurred which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, between the period from March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 to the date of this Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT and each Subsidiary have carried on their respective businesses in the ordinary and usual course consistent with their past practices (excluding the incurrence of fees and expenses of professional advisors related to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby) and there has not been any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to Ameriana Bancorp’s common sharesMBT’s Common Stock (other than normal quarterly cash dividends) or any split, combination or reclassification of any stock of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary or, with the exception of the issuance of shares in connection with the MBT Director Deferred Compensation Plan, , exercise of stock options,only stock appreciation rights, or the vesting of any performance stock units, any issuance or the authorization of any issuance of any securities in respect of, or in lieu of, or in substitution for Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s or any Subsidiary’s common shares.shares or equity interests, as applicable.

5.10Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor the Bank has any liabilities, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise, existing or arising out of any transaction or state of facts existing on or prior to the date hereof, except (a) as and to the extent disclosed, reflected or reserved against in the Financial Information, (b) any agreement, contract, obligation, commitment, arrangement, liability, lease or license which individually is less than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($250,000.00) per year and which may be terminated within one year from the date of this Agreement, (c) liabilities incurred since March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice that either alone or when considered with all similar liabilities, have not had or would not reasonably be expected have a Material Adverse Effect on Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, (d) liabilities incurred for reasonable legal, accounting, financial advising fees and out-of-pocket expenses or fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (e) unfunded loan commitments made in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business consistent with past practices. Neither MBT nor the Subsidiaries have entered into any reinsurance or similar agreements in order to participate in a captive insurance pool or program.

5.11Title to Assets.

(a)   Ameriana BancorpMBT and each Subsidiary have good and marketable title in fee simple absolute to all personal property reflected in the March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 Financial Information, good and marketable title to all other properties and assets which Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary purports to own, good and marketable title to or right to use by terms of any lease or contract all other property used in Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s or any Subsidiary’s business, and good and marketable title to all property and assets acquired since March 31, 2015,June 30, 2018, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, restrictions, security interests, charges, claims or encumbrances of any nature, except such minor imperfections of title, if any, as do not materially detract from the value of or interfere with the use of the property and which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)   The operation by Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary of such properties and assets is in material compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of any governmental authority or third party having jurisdiction over such use except for such noncompliance that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.12Loans and Investments.

(a)   Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, there is no loan of the Bank in excess of OneTwo Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($100,000.00)250,000.00) that, as of June 30, 2018, (i) has been classified by Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, applying applicable regulatory examination standards, as “Other Loans Specially Mentioned,” “Substandard,

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“Substandard,” “Doubtful” or “Loss,“Loss;nor is there any loan of the Bank in excess of One Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) that(ii) has been identified by accountants or auditors (internal or external) as having a significant risk of uncollectibility. The Bank’s report of classified assets and all loans in excess of One Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) that Ameriana Bancorp’suncollectibility, or (iii) has been identified by MBT Management has determined to be ninety (90) days or more past due with respect to principal or interest or has placed on nonaccrual status are set forth in the Ameriana Bancorp Disclosure Letter.status.

(b)   The reserves for loan and lease losses and the carrying value for other real estate owned which are shown on each of the balance sheets contained in the Financial Information arewere adequate in the judgment of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management and consistent with applicable bank regulatory standards and under GAAP to provide for losses, net of recoveries relating to loans and leases previously charged off, on loans and leases outstanding and other real estate owned (including accrued interest receivable) as of the applicable date of such balance sheet.

(c)   Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, none of the investments reflected in the Financial Information and none of the investments made by Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary since March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 is subject to any restrictions, whether contractual or statutory, which materially impairs the ability of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary to dispose freely of such investment at any time. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Subsidiary is a party to any repurchase agreements with respect to securities.

5.13Employee Benefit Plans.

(a)   The Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter contains a list identifying each “employee benefit plan,” as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), which (i) is subject to any provision of ERISA, and (ii) is currently maintained, administered or contributed to by Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary or any other entity, trade or business that, together with Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, would be treated as a single employer under the provisions of Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code (“Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate”), and covers any employee, director or former employee or director of Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate under which Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate has any liability. The Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter also contains a list of all “employee benefit plans” as defined under ERISA which have been terminated by Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate since January 1, 2010.2013. Copies of such plans (and, if applicable, related trust agreements or insurance contracts) and all amendments thereto and written interpretations thereof have been furnished to First Merchants together with the three (3) most recent annual reports (Form 5500) prepared in connection with any such plan and the current summary plan descriptions (and any summary of material modifications thereto). Such plans are hereinafter referred to individually as an “Employee Plan” and collectively as the “Employee Plans.” The Employee Plans which individually or collectively would constitute an “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2)(A) of ERISA are identified as such in the list referred to above.

(b)   The Employee Plans have been operated in material compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, rulings and other requirements, as well as pursuant to the terms of their governing documents (to the extent consistent with ERISA).

(c)   To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, no “prohibited transaction,” as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, for which no statutory or administrative exemption exists, and no “reportable event,” as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, for which a notice is required to be filed, has occurred with respect to any Employee Plan that could subject Ameriana BancorpMBT to material taxes or penalties. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary nor any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate has any material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), to the Department of Labor (“DOL”), to the Employee Benefits Security Administration, with respect to any Employee Plan, except for routine premium payments to the PBGC.

(d)   To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, no “fiduciary,” as defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA, of an Employee Plan has failed to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of ERISA in such a way as to cause material liability to Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate.

(e)   Each of the Employee Plans which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has been timely amended to comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Code. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, Ameriana BancorpMBT and/or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate, as applicable, sought and received favorable determination letters from the IRS (or are otherwise relying on an opinion letter issued to a prototype plan sponsor) and has furnished to First Merchants copies of the most recent IRS determination letters with respect to any such Employee Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.

(f)   Except as disclosed in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, no Employee Plan has incurred an “accumulated funding deficiency,” as determined under Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA. Ameriana BancorpMBT has at all

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times met the minimum funding standard, and has made all contributions required, under Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA. No facts or circumstances exist that may subject Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, any Subsidiary, or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate, to any liability under Sections 4062, 4063 or 4064 of ERISA. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary nor any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate ever has engaged in any transaction within the meaning of Section 4069 of ERISA. Except as disclosed in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, there exist no facts or circumstances which could subject Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate thereof, to withdrawal liability within the meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA or to contingent withdrawal liability under Section 4204 of ERISA. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate ever has been a party to a transaction within the meaning of Section 4212(c) of ERISA.

(g)   No Employee Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA has been terminated or incurred a partial termination (either voluntarily or involuntarily), in such a way as to cause material additional liability to Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate.

(h)   No claims involving an Employee Plan (other than normal benefit claims) have been filed in a court of law or, to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, have been threatened to be filed in a court of law.

(i)   ThereExcept as set forth in the MBT Disclosure Letter, there is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement covering any employee, director or former employee or director of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary that, individually or collectively, could give rise to the payment of any amount that would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G or Section 162(a)(1) of the Code.

(j)   To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, no event has occurred that would cause the imposition of the tax described in Section 4980B of the Code on Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, Ameriana BancorpMBT has materially complied with all requirements of Section 601 of ERISA, as applicable, with respect to any Employee Plan.

(k)   The Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter contains a list of each employment, severance or other similar contract, arrangement or policy and each plan or arrangement (written or oral) providing for insurance coverage (including any self-insured arrangements), workers’ compensation, disability benefits, supplemental unemployment benefits, vacation benefits, retirement benefits or deferred compensation, profit sharing, bonuses, stock options, stock appreciation or other forms of incentive compensation or post-

retirementpost-retirement insurance, compensation or benefits which (i) is not an Employee Plan, (ii) was entered into, maintained or contributed to, as the case may be, by Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary and (iii) covers any employee, director or former employee or director of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary. Such contracts, plans and arrangements as are described above, copies or descriptions of all of which have been furnished previously to First Merchants, are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Benefit Arrangements.” Each of the Benefit Arrangements has been maintained in compliance in all material respects with its terms and with the requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and regulations which are applicable to such Benefit Arrangements.

(l)   Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter or as required by applicable law, neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate has any present or future liability in respect of post-retirement health and medical benefits for former employees or directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate.

(m)   Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, there has been no amendment to, written interpretation or announcement (whether or not written) by Ameriana BancorpMBT, any Subsidiary or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate relating to, or change in employee participation or coverage under, any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement administered by Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Ameriana BancorpMBT ERISA Affiliate which would increase materially the expense of maintaining such Employee Plans or Benefit Arrangements above the level of the expense incurred in respect thereof for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.2017.

(n)   Except as otherwise provided in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, the transactions contemplated by the Agreement will not cause acceleration of vesting in, or payment of, any material benefits under any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement and will not otherwise materially accelerate or increase any obligation under any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement.

(o)   With respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation plan that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, such plan has been identified on the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter and, except as otherwise set forth in the MBT Disclosure Letter, has been operated in accordance with, and is in documentary compliance with in all material respects, Section 409A of the Code and the guidance issued thereunder.

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5.14Obligations to Employees. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, all accrued obligations and liabilities of Ameriana BancorpMBT and any Subsidiary, whether arising by operation of law, by contract or by past custom, for payments to trust or other funds, to any government agency or body or to any individual director, officer, employee or agent (or his heirs, legatees or legal representative) with respect to unemployment compensation or social security benefits and all pension, retirement, savings, stock purchase, stock bonus, stock ownership, stock option, stock appreciation rights or profit sharing plan, any employment, deferred compensation, consultant, bonus or collective bargaining agreement or group insurance contract or other incentive, welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement maintained by Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary for their current or former directors, officers, employees and agents have been and are being paid to the extent required by law or by the plan or contract, and adequate actuarial accruals and/or reserves for such payments have been and are being made by Ameriana BancorpMBT or aany Subsidiary in accordance with generally accepted accounting and actuarial principles, except where the failure to pay any such accrued obligations or liabilities or to maintain adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment thereof would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, all obligations and liabilities of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries, whether arising by operation of law, by contract, or by past custom, for all forms of compensation which are or may be payable to their current or former directors, officers, employees or agents have been and are being paid, and adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment therefore have been and are being made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,GAAP, except where the failure to pay any such obligations and liabilities or to maintain adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment thereof would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All accruals and reserves referred to in this Section 5.14 are correctly and accurately reflected and accounted for in the books, statements and records of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries, except where the failure to correctly and accurately reflect and account for such accruals and reserves would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.15Taxes, Returns and Reports. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries have (a) duly filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns of every type and kind required to be filed by them as of the date hereof, and each return is true, complete and accurate in all material respects; (b) paid all material taxes, assessments and other governmental charges due and payable or claimed to be due and payable upon them or any of their income, properties or assets; and (c) not requested an extension of time for any such payments (which extension is still in force). Except for taxes not yet due and payable, the reserve for taxes on the Financial Information is adequate to cover all of Ameriana BancorpMBT’s and the Subsidiaries’ tax liabilities (including, without limitation, income taxes and franchise fees) that may become payable in future years with respect to any transactions consummated prior to March 31, 2015.June 30, 2018. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor the Bank has or will have, any liability for taxes of any nature for or with respect to the operation of their business, including the assets of any subsidiary,Subsidiary, from March 31, 2015,June 30, 2018, up to and including the Effective Date, except to the extent reflected on their Financial Information or on financial statements of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries subsequent to such date and as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Subsidiary has received written notice that it is currently under audit by any state or federal taxing authority. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, none of the federal, state, or local tax returns of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary have been audited by any taxing authority during the past five (5) years.years.3

5.16Deposit Insurance. The deposits of the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and the Bank has paid all premiums and assessments with respect to such deposit insurance.

5.17Reports. Since January 1, 2013, Ameriana Bancorp2015, MBT and the Bank have timely filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any required amendments thereto, that Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary was required to file with (i) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), (ii) the IndianaMichigan Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions,Services (the “Michigan DIFS”), (iii) the FDIC, and (iv) any federal, state, municipal or local government, securities, banking, environmental, insurance and other governmental or regulatory authority, and the agencies and staffs thereof (collectively, the “MBT Regulatory Authorities”), having jurisdiction over the affairs of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank except where such failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All such reports filed by Ameriana BancorpMBT and any Subsidiary complied in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the applicable MBT Regulatory Authorities and were true, accurate and complete in all material respects and, to the extent required, were prepared in conformity with regulatory accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. Except as set forth in the Ameriana Bancorp Disclosure Letter, there is no unresolved violation with respect to any report or statement filed by, or any examination of, Ameriana Bancorp or any Subsidiary.

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5.18Absence of Defaults. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Subsidiary is in violation of its respective Articles of Incorporation or By-LawsBylaws or to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management in default under any material agreement, commitment, arrangement, loan, lease, insurance policy or other instrument, whether entered into in the ordinary course of business or otherwise and whether written or oral, and there has not occurred any event known to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice or both, would constitute such a default, except for such violations or defaults which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.19Tax and Regulatory Matters. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any SubsidiarySubsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any action or has any knowledge of any fact or circumstance that would (a) prevent the transactions contemplated hereby from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code or (b) materially impede or delay receipt of any regulatory approval required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.20Real Property.

(a)   A list of the locations of each parcel of real property owned by Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary (other than real property acquired in foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure in the course of the

collection of loans and being held by Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank for disposition as required by law) is set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter under the heading of “Ameriana Bancorp“MBT Owned Real Property” (such real property being herein referred to as the “Ameriana BancorpMBT Owned Real Property”). A list of the locations of each parcel of real property leased by Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary is also set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter under the heading of “Ameriana Bancorp“MBT Leased Real Property” (such real property being herein referred to as the “Ameriana BancorpMBT Leased Real Property”). Ameriana BancorpMBT shall update the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter within ten (10) days after acquiring or leasing any real property after the date hereof. Collectively, the Ameriana BancorpMBT Owned Real Property and the Ameriana BancorpMBT Leased Real Property are herein referred to as the “Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property.”

(b)   There is no pending action involving Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary as to the title of or the right to use any of the Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property.

(c)   Other than the Ameriana BancorpMBT Owned Real Property, neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Subsidiary has any interest in any other real property except interests as a mortgagee, and except for any real property acquired in foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure and being held for disposition as required by law.

(d)   None of the buildings, structures or other improvements located on the Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property encroaches upon or over any adjoining parcel of real estate or any easement or right-of-way or “setback” line and all such buildings, structures and improvements are located and constructed in conformity with all applicable zoning ordinances and building codes.

(e)   None of the buildings, structures or improvements located on the Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property are the subject of any official complaint or notice by any governmental authority of violation of any applicable zoning ordinance or building code, and there is no zoning ordinance, building code, use or occupancy restriction or condemnation action or proceeding pending, or, to the best knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, threatened, with respect to any such building, structure or improvement. The Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property is in good condition for its intended purpose, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and has been maintained (as to the Ameriana BancorpMBT Leased Real Property, to the extent required to be maintained by Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank) in accordance with reasonable and prudent business practices applicable to like facilities. The Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property has been used and operated in all material respects in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances applicable thereto.

(f)   Except as may be reflected in the Financial Information, and except for liens for taxes not yet due and payable or with respect to such easements, liens, defects or encumbrances, real estate taxes and assessments or other monetary obligations such as contributions to an Owners’ Association, as do not individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the use or value of the Ameriana BancorpMBT Owned Real Property Ameriana Bancorpand which would not have a Material Adverse Effect, MBT and the Subsidiaries have, and at the Effective Date will have, good and marketable title to their respective Ameriana BancorpMBT Owned Real Property, free and clear of all liens, mortgages, security interests, encumbrances and restrictions of any kind or character.

(g)   Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter and to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, neither Ameriana Bancorp norMBT or any Subsidiary has not caused or allowed the generation, treatment, storage, disposal or release at any Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property of any Toxic Substance (as defined below), except in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and except where such noncompliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. “Toxic Substance” means any hazardous, toxic or dangerous substance, pollutant,

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waste, gas or material, including, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum products, metals, liquids, semi-solids or solids, that are regulated under any federal, state or local statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or other law pertaining to environmental protection, contamination, quality, waste management or cleanup.

(h)   Except as disclosed in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter and to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, there are no underground storage tanks located on, in or under any Ameriana

BancorpMBT Owned Real Property and no such Ameriana BancorpMBT Owned Real Property has previously contained an underground storage tank. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter and to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, neither Ameriana Bancorp nor the BankMBT or any Subsidiary do not own or operate any underground storage tank at any Ameriana BancorpMBT Leased Real Property and no such Ameriana BancorpMBT Leased Real Property has previously contained an underground storage tank. To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, no Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property is or has been listed on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (“CERCLIS”).

(i)   Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter and to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, no Toxic Substance has been released, spilled, discharged or disposed at, in, on or under any Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property nor, to the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, are there any other conditions or circumstances affecting any Ameriana BancorpMBT Real Property, in each case, which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(j)   To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’s Management, the Ameriana Bancorp Real Property is not “property” within the definition of Indiana Code §13-11-2-174. To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’s Management, neither Ameriana Bancorp nor any Subsidiary is required to provide a “disclosure document” to First Merchants as a result of the Merger pursuant to the Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law (Indiana Code §13-25-3-1et seq.).

(k) To the knowledge of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management, there are no mechanic’s or materialman’s liens against the Ameriana BancorpMBT Leased Real Property, and no unpaid claims for labor performed, materials furnished or services rendered in connection with constructing, improving or repairing the Ameriana BancorpMBT Leased Real Property in respect of which liens may or could be filed against the Ameriana BancorpMBT Leased Real Property.

5.21Securities Law Compliance. Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ CapitalGlobal Select Market under the symbol of “ASBI.“MBTF.Ameriana BancorpMBT has complied in all material respects with all applicable state, federal or foreign securities laws, statutes, rules, regulations or orders, injunctions or decrees of any applicable government agency relating thereto. Since January 1, 2014, Ameriana Bancorp2017, MBT has filed all reports and other documents required to be filed by it under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) and the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”), including Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, copies of which have previously been delivered to First Merchants. Since January 1, 2014,2017, all such SEC filings were true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of the dates of the filings (except for information included therein as of a certain date, which shall have been true and correct as of such date), and no such filings, at the time they were filed, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, at the time and in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not false or misleading.

5.22Broker’s or Finder’s Fees. Except for River Branch Capital LLC,Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and Donnelly Penman & Partners Inc., no agent, broker or other person acting on behalf of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary or under any authority of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary is or shall be entitled to any commission, broker’s or finder’s fee or any other form of compensation or payment from any of the parties hereto, other than attorneys’ or accountants’ fees, in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.23Shareholder Rights Plan. Ameriana BancorpMBT does not have a shareholder rights plan or any other plan, program or agreement involving, restricting, prohibiting or discouraging a change in control or merger of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank or which may be considered an anti-takeover mechanism.

5.24Indemnification Agreements. Except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Subsidiary is a party to any indemnification, indemnity or reimbursement agreement, contract, commitment or understanding to indemnify any present or former director, officer, employee,

shareholder or agent against any liability or hold the same harmless from liability other than as expressly provided in the Articles of Incorporation or By-LawsBylaws of Ameriana Bancorp andMBT or the Subsidiaries.

5.25Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties contained in this Section 5 shall expire on the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement, and thereafter Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries and all directors and officers of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries shall have no further liability with respect thereto.

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SECTION 6



REPRESENTATIONS AND


WARRANTIES OF FIRST MERCHANTS

First Merchants hereby makes the following representations and warranties set forth below to Ameriana Bancorp with respect to itself and FMB.MBT. For the purposes of this Section, “First Merchants Disclosure Letter” is defined as a letter referencing Section 6 of this Agreement which shall be prepared by First Merchants and delivered to Ameriana BancorpMBT contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement.

6.1Organization and Qualification. First Merchants is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Indiana and FMB is a nationalcommercial bank duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United StatesState of America.Indiana. First Merchants and FMB have the power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to conduct their respective businesses in the manner and by the means utilized as of the date hereof. First Merchants’ only subsidiaries are FMB and the other entities listed on Exhibit 21 to First Merchants’ Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the period ending December 31, 2014 (the2017 (each, a “First Merchants Subsidiary”, and collectively, theFirst Merchants Subsidiaries”). FMB is subject to primary federal regulatory supervision and regulation by the OCC.FDIC.

6.2Authorization.

(a)   First Merchants and FMB have the corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out their obligations hereunder subject to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 9. The Agreement, when executed and delivered, will have been duly authorized and will constitute a valid and binding obligation of First Merchants and FMB, subject to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 9 hereof, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent limited by insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, readjustment of debt, or other laws of general application relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditor’s rights. The Board of Directors of First Merchants and FMB have approved the Merger and Bank Merger pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Bank Merger Agreement.

(b)   Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 9 hereof does or will (i) conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under either First Merchants’ or FMB’s Articles of Incorporation Articles of Association or By-laws;By-Laws; (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under any federal, foreign, state, or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or court or administrative order or decree, or any note, bond, indenture, loan, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement, or commitment, to which either First Merchants or FMB is subject or bound, the result of which would have a Material Adverse Effect; (iii) result in the creation of, or give any person, corporation or entity the right to create, any lien, charge, claim, encumbrance, security interest, or any other rights of others or other adverse interest upon any right, property or asset of either First Merchants or FMB; (iv) terminate, or give any person, corporation or entity the right to terminate, amend, abandon, or refuse to perform, any note, bond, indenture, loan, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement, or commitment to which First Merchants or FMB is a party or by which either First Merchants or FMB is subject or bound, the result of which would have a Material

Adverse Effect on First Merchants; or (v) accelerate or modify, or give any party thereto the right to accelerate or modify, the time within which, or the terms according to which, either First Merchants or FMB is to perform any duties or obligations or receive any rights or benefits under any note, bond, indenture, loan, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement, or commitment.

(c)   Other than in connection or in compliance with the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, the Bank Merger Act, federal and state securities laws, and applicable federal and Indiana banking statutes and Indiana corporate statutes, all as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, no notice to, filing with, authorization of, exemption by, or consent or approval of, any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by First Merchants and FMB of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(d)   Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, other than those filings, authorizations, consents and approvals referenced in Section 6.2(c) above and filings and approvals relating to the listing of the shares of First Merchants common stockCommon Stock to be issued in the Merger on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and certain other filings and approvals with NASDAQ relating to the change in the number of shares of First

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Merchants outstanding as a result of the Merger, no notice to, filing with, authorization of, executionexemption by, or consent or approval of, any third party is necessary for the consummation by First Merchants or FMB of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for such authorizations, exemptions, consents or approvals, the failure of which to obtain, would not be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

6.3Capitalization.

(a)   As of April 30, 2015,July 31, 2018, First Merchants had 50,000,000One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of First Merchants Common Stock authorized, without par value, $0.125 stated value, of which 37,783,28049,560,536 shares were issued and outstanding. Such issued and outstanding shares of First Merchants Common Stock have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action of First Merchants, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any shareholders.

(b)   First Merchants has authorized 500,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value (“First Merchants Preferred Stock”). First Merchants has designated 116,000 of those shares of First Merchants Preferred Stock as Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A authorized, $1,000 per share liquidation amount, no shares of which are issued and outstanding. First Merchants also has designated 90,823.23 shares of the First Merchants Preferred Stock as Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B authorized, $1,000 per share liquidation amount, no shares of which are currently outstanding.

(c)   The shares of First Merchants Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger will be duly authorized, fully paid, validly issued and nonassessable and subject to no preemptive rights.

6.4Organizational Documents. The Articles of Incorporation and By-lawsBy-Laws of First Merchants in force as of the date hereof have been delivered to Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. The documents delivered by it represent true, accurate and complete copies of the corporate documents of First Merchants in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

6.5Compliance with Law. ExceptTo the knowledge of “First Merchants’ Management” (as defined below), except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary has engaged in any activity nor taken or omitted to take any action which has resulted or to the knowledge of “First Merchants’ Management” (as defined below), could reasonably be expected to result, in the violation of any local, state, federal or foreign law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance or of any order, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or body, the violation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, First Merchants and each First Merchants Subsidiary possess all licenses, franchises, permits and other authorizations necessary for the continued conduct of their respective businesses without material interference or interruption. Neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary are subject to any agreement, commitment or understanding with, or order and directive of, any regulatory agency or

government authority with respect to the business or operations of First Merchants or FMB. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, FMB has not received any notice of enforcement actions or criticisms since January 1, 20132014 from any regulatory agency or government authority relating to its compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, the USA Patriot Act, the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any laws with respect to the protection of the environment or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, First Merchants has not received any notice of enforcement actions or criticisms since January 1, 20132015 from any regulatory agency or government authority relating to its compliance with any securities, tax or employment laws applicable to First Merchants. FMB received a rating of “satisfactory” or better in its most recent examination or interim review with respect to the Community Reinvestment Act.

6.6Accuracy of Statements. No information which has been or shall be supplied by First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary with respect to its respective businesses, operations and financial condition for inclusion in the proxy statement, and registration statement, and regulatory applications relating to the Merger or the Bank Merger contains or shall contain (in the case of information relating to the proxy statement at the time it is mailed and for the regulatory applications and registration statement, and each amendment or supplement thereto, if any, at the time it becomes effective) any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or shall omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

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6.7Litigation and Pending Proceedings. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, there are no claims of any kind, nor any action, suits, proceedings, arbitrations or investigations pending or to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management threatened in any court or before any government agency or body, arbitration panel or otherwise (nor does First Merchants’ Management have any knowledge of a basis for any claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or investigation) which could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, there are no material uncured violations, criticisms or exceptions, or violations with respect to which material refunds or restitutions may be required, cited in any report, correspondence or other communication to First Merchants as a result of an examination by any regulatory agency or body.

6.8Financial Statements.

(a)   First Merchants’ consolidated audited balance sheets as of the end of the two (2) fiscal years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the unaudited consolidated balance sheet for the three monthsperiod ended March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years or period then ended (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “First Merchants Financial Information”) present fairly the consolidated financial condition or position of First Merchants as of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of operations of First Merchants for the respective periods covered thereby and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principlesGAAP applied on a consistent basis.

(b)   All loans reflected in the First Merchants Financial Information and which have been made, extended or acquired since March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 (i) have been made for good, valuable and adequate consideration in the ordinary course of business; (ii) constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor and any guarantor named therein; (iii) are evidenced by notes, instruments or other evidences of indebtedness which are true, genuine and what they purport to be; and (iv) to the extent that FMB has a security interest in collateral or a mortgage securing such loans, are secured by perfected security interests or mortgages naming FMB as the secured party or mortgagee, except for such unperfected security interests or mortgages naming FMB as secured party or mortgagee which, on an individual loan basis, would not materially adversely affect the value of any such loan and the recovery of payment on any such loan if FMB is not able to enforce any such security interest or mortgage.

6.9Absence of Certain Changes. Except for events and conditions relating to the business and interest rate environment in general, the accrual or payment of Merger-related expenses, or as set forth in the First Merchants

Disclosure Letter, since March 31, 2015,June 30, 2018, no events have occurred which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, between the period from March 31, 2015June 30, 2018 to the date of this Agreement, First Merchants and each First Merchants Subsidiary have carried on their respective businesses in the ordinary and usual course consistent with their past practices (excluding (a) the incurrence of reasonable fees and expenses of professional advisors related to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) the sale of all of the outstanding capital stock of First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc. on June 12, 2015 and the incurrence of reasonable fees and expenses of professional advisors in connection therewith)hereby). Since March 31, 2015,June 30, 2018, there has not been any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to First Merchants’ common sharesCommon Stock (other than normal quarterly cash dividends) or any split, combination or reclassification of any stock of First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary or any issuance or the authorization of any issuance of any securities in respect of, or in lieu of, or in substitution for First Merchants’ common shares.Common Stock.

6.10Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary has any liabilities, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise, existing or arising out of any transaction or state of facts existing on or prior to the date hereof, except (a) as and to the extent disclosed, reflected or reserved against in the First Merchants Financial Information, (b) any agreement, contract, obligation, commitment, arrangement, liability, lease or license which individually is less than FourFive Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($400,000.00)500,000.00) per year and which may be terminated within one year from the date of this Agreement, and (c) unfunded loan commitments made in the ordinary course of the Bank’sMBT’s business consistent with past practices.

6.11Title to Assets.

(a) Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, First Merchants and each First Merchants Subsidiary have good and marketable title in fee simple absolute to all personal property reflected in the March 31, 2015 First Merchants Financial Information, good and marketable title to all other properties and assets which First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary purports to own, good and marketable title to or right to use by terms of any lease or contract all other property used in First Merchants’ or any First Merchants Subsidiary’s business, and good and marketable title to all property and assets acquired since March 31, 2015, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, restrictions, security interests, charges, claims or encumbrances of any nature, except such minor imperfections of title, if any, as do not materially detract from the value of or interfere with the use of the property and which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The operation by First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary of such properties and assets and of its furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, computer software and hardware, and all other tangible personal property is in compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of any governmental authority or third party having jurisdiction over such use except for such noncompliance that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.12Loans and Investments.

(a) Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, there is no loan of any other First Merchants Subsidiary in excess of One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) that has been classified by First Merchants applying bank regulatory examination standards as “Other Loans Specially Mentioned,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful” or “Loss,” nor is there any loan of FMB in excess of One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) that has been identified by accountants or auditors (internal or external) as having a significant risk of uncollectibility. FMB’s loan watch list and all loans in excess of One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) that First Merchants’ Management has determined to be ninety (90) days or more past due with respect to principal or interest or has placed on nonaccrual status are set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter.

(b) The reserves for loan and lease losses and the carrying value for other real estate owned which are shown on each of the balance sheets contained in the First Merchants Financial Information are adequate in the judgment of management and consistent with applicable bank regulatory standards and under GAAP to provide for losses, net of recoveries relating to loans and leases previously charged off, on loans and leases outstanding and other real estate owned (including accrued interest receivable) as of the applicable date of such balance sheet.

(c) Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, none of the investments reflected in the First Merchants Financial Information and none of the investments made by First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary since March 31, 2015 is subject to any restrictions, whether contractual or statutory, which materially impairs the ability of First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary to dispose freely of such investment at any time. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary is a party to any repurchase agreements with respect to securities.

6.13Employee Benefit Plans.

(a)   The First Merchants Disclosure Letter contains a list identifying each “employee benefit plan,” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, which (i) is subject to any provision of ERISA, and (ii) is currently maintained, administered or contributed to by First Merchants or any entity, trade or business that, together with

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First Merchants, would be treated as a single employer under the provisions of Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code (“First Merchants ERISA Affiliate”), and covers any employee, director or former employee or director of First Merchants or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate under which First Merchants or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate has any liability. The First Merchants Disclosure Letter also contains a list of all “employee benefit plans” as defined under ERISA which have been terminated by First Merchants or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate since January 1, 2010.2013. Copies of such plans (and, if applicable, related trust agreements or insurance contracts) and all amendments thereto and written interpretations thereof have been furnished to Ameriana BancorpMBT together with the three (3) most recent annual reports (Form 5500) prepared in connection with any such plan and the current summary plan descriptions (and any summary of material modifications thereto). Such plans are hereinafter referred to individually as a “First Merchants Employee Plan” and collectively as the “First Merchants Employee Plans.” The First Merchants Employee Plans which individually or collectively would constitute an “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2)(A) of ERISA are identified as such in the list referred to above.

(b)   The First Merchants Employee Plans have been operated in material compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, rulings and other requirements, as well as pursuant to the terms of their governing documents (to the extent consistent with ERISA).

(c)   Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure letter, to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, no “prohibited transaction,” as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, for which no statutory or administrative exemption exists, and no “reportable event,” as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, for which a notice is required to be filed, has occurred with respect to any First Merchants Employee Plan that could subject First Merchants to material taxes or penalties. Neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate has any material liability to the PBGC, to the IRS, to the DOL, to the Employee Benefits Security Administration, with respect to any First Merchants Employee Plan, except for routine premium payments to the PBGC.

(d)   To the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, no “fiduciary,” as defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA, of a First Merchants Employee Plan has failed to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of ERISA in such a way as to cause material liability to First Merchants or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate.

(e)   Each of the First Merchants Employee Plans which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has been timely amended to comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Code. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, First Merchants and/or any First

Merchants ERISA Affiliate, as applicable, sought and received favorable determination letters from the IRS and has furnished to Ameriana BancorpMBT copies of the most recent IRS determination letters with respect to any such Employee Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.

(f)   No First Merchants Employee Plan has incurred an “accumulated funding deficiency,” as determined under Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA. First Merchants has at all times met the minimum funding standard, and has made all contributions required, under Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA. No facts or circumstances exist that may subject First Merchants, or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate, to any liability under Sections 4062, 4063 or 4064 of ERISA. Neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate ever has engaged in any transaction within the meaning of Section 4069 of ERISA. Except as disclosed in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, there exist no facts or circumstances which could subject First Merchants, or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate thereof, to withdrawal liability within the meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA or to contingent withdrawal liability under Section 4204 of ERISA. Neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate ever has been a party to a transaction within the meaning of Section 4212(c) of ERISA.

(g)   No First Merchants Employee Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA has been terminated or incurred a partial termination (either voluntarily or involuntarily), in such a way as to cause material additional liability to First Merchants or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate.

(h)   No claims involving a First Merchants Employee Plan (other than normal benefit claims) have been filed in a court of law or, to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, have been threatened to be filed in a court of law.

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(i)   There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement covering any employee, director or former employee or director of First Merchants or any Subsidiary that, individually or collectively, could give rise to the payment of any amount that would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G or Section 162(a)(1) of the Code.

(j)   To the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, no event has occurred that would cause the imposition of the tax described in Section 4980B of the Code on First Merchants or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate. To the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, First Merchants has materially complied with all requirements of Section 601 or ERISA, as applicable, with respect to any First Merchants Employee Plan.

(k)   The First Merchants Disclosure Letter contains a list of each employment, severance or other similar contract, arrangement or policy and each plan or arrangement (written or oral) providing for insurance coverage (including any self-insured arrangements), workers’ compensation, disability benefits, supplemental unemployment benefits, vacation benefits, retirement benefits or deferred compensation, profit sharing, bonuses, stock options, stock appreciation or other forms of incentive compensation or post-retirement insurance, compensation or benefits which (i) is not a First Merchants Employee Plan, (ii) was entered into, maintained or contributed to, as the case may be, by First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary and (iii) covers any employee, director or former employee or director of First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary. Such contracts, plans and arrangements as are described above, copies or descriptions of all of which have been furnished previously to First Merchants, are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “First Merchants Benefit Arrangements.” Each of the First Merchants Benefit Arrangements has been maintained in compliance in all material respects with its terms and with the requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and regulations which are applicable to such First Merchants Benefit Arrangements.

(l)   Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate has any present or future liability in respect of post-retirement health and medical benefits for former employees or directors of First Merchants or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate.

(m)   Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, there has been no amendment to, written‘written interpretation or announcement (whether or not written) by First Merchants or any First Merchants

ERISA Affiliate relating to, or change in employee participation or coverage under, any First Merchants Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement administered by First Merchants or any First Merchants ERISA Affiliate which would increase materially the expense of maintaining such First Merchants Employee Plans or First Merchants Benefit Arrangements above the level of the expense incurred in respect thereof for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.2017.

(n)   Except as otherwise provided in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, the transactions contemplated by the Agreement will not cause acceleration of vesting in, or payment of, any material benefits under any First Merchants Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement and will not otherwise materially accelerate or increase any obligation under any First Merchants Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement.

(o)   With respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation plan that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, such plan has been identified on the First Merchants Disclosure Letter and has been operated in accordance with, and is in documentary compliance with, Section 409A of the Code and the guidance issued thereunder.

6.14Obligations to Employees. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, all accrued obligations and liabilities of First Merchants and any First Merchants Subsidiary, whether arising by operation of law, by contract or by past custom, for payments to trust or other funds, to any government agency or body or to any individual director, officer, employee or agent (or his heirs, legatees or legal representative) with respect to unemployment compensation or social security benefits and all pension, retirement, savings, stock purchase, stock bonus, stock ownership, stock option, restricted stock grant, stock appreciation rights or profit sharing plan, any employment, deferred compensation, consultant, bonus or collective bargaining agreement or group insurance contract or other incentive, welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement maintained by First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary for their current or former directors, officers, employees and agents have been and are being paid to the extent required by law or by the plan or contract, and adequate actuarial accruals and/or reserves for such payments have been and are being made by First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary in accordance with generally accepted accounting and actuarial principles, except where the failure to pay any such accrued obligations or liabilities or to maintain adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment thereof would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, all obligations and liabilities of First Merchants and any First Merchants Subsidiary, whether arising by operation of law, by contract, or by past custom, for all forms of compensation which are or may be payable to their current or former directors, officers, employees or agents have been and are being paid, and adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment therefor have been and are being made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, except where the failure to pay any such obligations and liabilities or to maintain adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment thereof would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All accruals and reserves referred to in this Section 6.14 are correctly and accurately reflected and accounted for in the books, statements and records of First Merchants and any Subsidiary, except where the failure to correctly and accurately reflect and account for such accruals and reserves would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.156.12   Taxes, Returns and Reports. First Merchants and FMB have (a) duly filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns of every type and kind required to be filed by them as of the date hereof, and each return is true, complete and accurate in all material respects; (b) paid all material taxes, assessments and other governmental charges due and payable or claimed to be due and payable upon them or any of their income, properties or assets; and (c) not requested an extension of time for any such payments (which extension is still in force). Except for taxes not yet due and payable, the reserve for taxes on the First Merchants Financial Information is adequate to cover all of First Merchants’ and FMB’s tax liabilities (including, without limitation, income taxes and franchise fees) that may become payable in future years with respect to any transactions consummated prior to March 31, 2015.June 30, 2018. Neither First Merchants nor FMB has or will have, any liability for taxes of any nature for or with respect to the operation of their business, including the assets of any subsidiary, from March 31, 2015,June 30, 2018, up to and including the Effective Date, except to the extent reflected on the First Merchants Financial Information or on financial statements of First Merchants or any subsidiary subsequent to such date and as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter. Neither First Merchants nor FMB has received written

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notice that it is currently under audit by any state or federal taxing authority. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, none of the federal, state, or local tax returns of First Merchants or FMB have been audited by any taxing authority during the past five (5) years.

6.166.13   Deposit Insurance. The deposits of FMB are insured by the FDIC in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and FMB has paid all premiums and assessments with respect to such deposit insurance.

6.176.14   Reports. Since January 1, 2013,2015, First Merchants and the First Merchants Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any required amendments thereto, that they were required to file with (i) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, (ii) the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, (iii) the FDIC, (iv) the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, and (v) any federal, state, municipal or local government, securities, banking, environmental, insurance and other governmental or regulatory authority, and the agencies and staffs thereof (collectively, the “FMC Regulatory Authorities having jurisdiction over the affairs of First Merchants and the First Merchants Subsidiaries,”), except where such failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All such reports filed by First Merchants and the First Merchants Subsidiaries complied in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency applicable FMC Regulatory Authorities and were true, accurate and complete in all material respects and, to the extent required, were prepared in conformity with generally accepted regulatory accounting principlesGAAP applied on a consistent basis. There is no unresolved violation with respect to any report or statement filed by, or any examination of First Merchants or FMB.

6.186.15   Absence of Defaults. Neither First Merchants nor FMB is in violation of its Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws or, to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, in default under any material agreement, commitment, arrangement, loan, lease, insurance policy or other instrument, whether entered into in the ordinary course of business or otherwise and whether written or oral, and there has not occurred any event known to First Merchants’ Management that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice or both, would constitute such a default, except for defaults which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.196.16   Tax and Regulatory Matters. Neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary has taken or agreed to take any action or has any knowledge of any fact or circumstance that would (a) prevent the transactions contemplated hereby from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code or (b) materially impede or delay receipt of any regulatory approval required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

6.20Real Property.

(a) A list of the locations of each parcel of real property owned by First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary (other than real property acquired in foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure in the course of the collection of loans and being held by First Merchants or FMB for disposition as required by law) is set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter under the heading of “First Merchants Owned Real Property” (such real property being herein referred to as the “First Merchants Owned Real Property”). A list of the locations of each parcel of real property leased by First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary is also set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter under the heading of “First Merchants Leased Real Property” (such real property being herein referred to as the “First Merchants Leased Real Property”). First Merchants shall update the First Merchants Disclosure Letter within ten (10) days after acquiring or leasing any real property after the date hereof. Collectively, the First Merchants Owned Real Property and the First Merchants Leased Real Property are herein referred to as the “First Merchants Real Property.”

(b) There is no pending action involving First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary as to the title of or the right to use any of the First Merchants Real Property.

(c) Other than the First Merchants Owned Real Property, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary has any interest in any other real property except interests as a mortgagee, and except for any real property acquired in foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure and being held for disposition as required by law.

(d) Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, (i) none of the buildings, structures or other improvements located on the First Merchants Owned Real Property encroaches upon or over any adjoining parcel of real estate or any easement or right-of-way or “setback” line and all such buildings, structures; and (ii) improvements are located and constructed in conformity with all applicable zoning ordinances and building codes.

(e) Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, (i) none of the buildings, structures or improvements located on the First Merchants Owned Real Property are the subject of any official complaint or notice by any governmental authority of violation of any applicable zoning ordinance or building code; and (ii) there is no zoning ordinance, building code, use or occupancy restriction or condemnation action or proceeding pending, or, to the best knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, threatened, with respect to any such building, structure or improvement. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, the First Merchants Real Property is in good condition for its intended purpose, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and has been maintained (as to the First Merchants Leased Real Property, to the intent required to be maintained by First Merchants or any First Merchants Subsidiary) in accordance with reasonable and prudent business practices applicable to like facilities. The First Merchants Owned Real Property has been used and operated in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances applicable thereto.

(f) Except as may be reflected in the First Merchants Financial Information, liens for taxes not yet due and payable or with respect to such easements, liens, defects, encumbrances, real estate taxes and assessments or other monetary obligations such as contributions to an Owner’s Association, as do not individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the use or value of the First Merchants Owned Real Property, First Merchants and the First Merchants Subsidiary have, and at the Effective Date will have, good and marketable title to their respective First Merchants Owned Real Property, free and clear of all liens, mortgages, security interests, encumbrances and restrictions of any kind or character.

(g) Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter and to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary has caused or allowed the generation, treatment, storage, disposal or release at any First Merchants Real Property of any Toxic Substance, except in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and except where such noncompliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(h) Except as disclosed in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter and to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, there are no underground storage tanks located on, in or under any First Merchants Owned Real Property and no such First Merchants Owned Real Property has previously contained an underground storage tank. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter and to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary own or operate any underground storage tank at any First Merchants Leased Real Property and no such First Merchants Leased Real Property has previously contained an underground storage tank. To the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, no First Merchants Real Property is or has been listed on the CERCLIS.

(i) Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter and to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, no Toxic Substance has been released, spilled, discharged or disposed at, in, on or under any First Merchants Real Property nor, to the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, are there any other conditions or circumstances affecting any First Merchants Real Property, in each case, which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(j) To the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, the First Merchants Real Property is not “property” within the definition of Indiana Code §13-11-2-174. To the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary is required to provide a “disclosure document” to First Merchants as a result of the Merger pursuant to the Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law (Indiana Code §13-25-3-1etseq.).

(k) To the knowledge of First Merchants’ Management, there are no mechanic’s or materialman’s liens against the First Merchants Leased Real Property, and no unpaid claims for labor performed, materials

furnished or services rendered in connection with constructing, improving or repairing the First Merchants Leased Real Property in respect of which liens may or could be filed against the First Merchants Leased Real Property.

6.216.17   Securities Law Compliance. First Merchants’ common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “FRME.” First Merchants has complied in all material respects with all applicable state, federal or foreign securities laws, statutes, rules, regulations or orders, injunctions or decrees of any applicable government agency relating thereto. Since January 1, 2014,2017, First Merchants has filed all reports and other documents required to be filed by it under the 1934 Act and the 1933 Act, including First Merchants’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, copies of which have previously been delivered to Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. Since January 1, 2014,2017, all such SEC filings were true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of the dates of the filings (except for information included therein as of a certain date, which shall have been true and correct as of such date), and no such filings, at the time they were filed, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, at the time and in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not false or misleading.

6.226.18   Broker’s or Finder’s Fees. Except for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, no agent, broker or other person acting on behalf of First Merchants or under any authority of First Merchants is or shall be entitled to any commission, broker’s or finder’s fee or any other form of compensation or payment from any of the parties hereto, other than attorneys’ or accountants’ fees, in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

6.236.19   Indemnification Agreements. Except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary is a party to any indemnification, indemnity or reimbursement agreement, contract, commitment or understanding to indemnify any present or former director, officer, employee, shareholder or agent against any liability or hold the same harmless from liability other than as expressly provided in the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of First Merchants and the First Merchants Subsidiaries.

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6.20   Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties contained in this Section 6 shall expire on the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement, and thereafter First Merchants and the First Merchants Subsidiaries and all directors and officers of First Merchants and the First Merchants Subsidiaries shall have no further liability with respect thereto.

SECTION 7



COVENANTS OF AMERIANA BANCORPMBT

Ameriana BancorpMBT covenants and agrees with First Merchants and covenants and agrees to cause the Bank to act, as follows:

7.1Shareholder ApprovalApproval.. Ameriana Bancorp shall submit

(a)   Following the execution of this Agreement, to its shareholders for approval at a meeting to be called and heldMBT shall take, in accordance with applicable law and theits Articles of Incorporation and By-LawsBylaws, all action necessary to convene a meeting of Ameriana Bancorpits shareholders as soonpromptly as reasonably practicable (and in any event within forty-five (45) days following the effectiveness oftime when the Registration Statement (as defined below) provided for in Section 8.1 below,becomes effective, subject to extension with the consent of First Merchants, which shall not unreasonably be withheld, conditioned or delayed) to consider and vote upon the approval of this Agreement and the Board of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp shall recommendtransactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) and any other matter required to be approved by the shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp that such shareholders approve this AgreementMBT in order to consummate the Merger and shall not thereafter withdrawthe transactions contemplated hereby (including any adjournment or modify its recommendation, except as otherwise provided inpostponement thereof, the “Shareholder Meeting”).

(b)   Subject to Section 7.5 hereof. The Boardhereof, MBT shall cooperate with First Merchants in the preparation of Directors of Ameriana Bancorp shallan appropriate proxy statement and other proxy solicitation materials (the “Proxy Statement”) and use its reasonable best efforts to obtain anythe requisite vote of itsMBT’s shareholders necessaryto approve this Agreement and to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, and shall ensure that the Shareholder Meeting is called, noticed, convened, held and conducted, and that all proxies solicited by MBT in connection with the Shareholder Meeting are solicited in compliance with the Michigan Business Corporation Act, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of MBT, and all other applicable legal requirements. MBT shall keep First Merchants updated with respect to the proxy solicitation results in connection with the Shareholder Meeting as reasonably requested by First Merchants.

(c)   Subject to Section 7.5 hereof, MBT’s Board of Directors shall recommend that MBT’s shareholders vote to approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) and any other matters required to be approved by MBT’s shareholders for consummation of the approval of this Agreement.Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.2Other Approvals. As soon as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Bank shall use their reasonable best efforts to procure upon reasonable terms and conditions any consents,

authorizations, approvals, registrations, and certificates from any applicable MBT Regulatory Authorities as may be required by applicable law, and to satisfy all other requirements prescribed by law which are necessary for consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger on the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement.

7.3Conduct of Business.

(a)   Except as otherwise set forth on the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, on and after the date of this Agreement and until the Effective Date or until this Agreement shall be terminated as herein provided, neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any Subsidiary shall, without the prior written consent (which may include consent via electronic mail) of First Merchants, (i) make any changes in their capital structure, including, but not limited to the redemption of shares of common stock; (ii) authorize an additional class of stock or issue, or authorize the issuance of any capital stock or any options or other instruments convertible into shares of capital stock, except pursuant to the Director Deferred Compensation Plan, or the exercise of, stock optionsSOSARs and RSUs outstanding as of the date of this Agreement);Agreement; (iii) declare, distribute or pay any dividends on their common shares, or authorize a stock split, or make any other distribution to their shareholders, except for Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s quarterly cash dividend in an amount not to exceed $0.04$0.10 per share; provided, however, Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants shall coordinate Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s dividend schedule for the quarter in which Closing occurs so that Ameriana Bancorp shareholders doholder of MBT Common Stock does not receive dividends on both First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT common stock duringattributable to the same calendar quarter; (iv) merge, combine or consolidate with or, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (including the sale, transfer or disposal of other real estate owned), sell their assets or any of their securities to any other person,

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corporation or entity, effect a share exchange or enter into any other transaction not in the ordinary course of business; (v) incur any new liability or obligation, make any new commitment, payment or disbursement, enter into any new contract, agreement, understanding or arrangement or engage in any new transaction, or acquire or dispose of any property, other than other real estate owned, or asset the fair market value of which exceeds One Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($150,000.00), in the aggregate, except for payments or disbursements made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, the acquisition or disposition of personal or real property in connection with either foreclosures on mortgages or enforcement of security interests, the origination or sale of loans by the Bank in the ordinary course of business and the creation of deposit liabilities and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (vi) subject any of their properties or assets to a mortgage, lien, claim, charge, option, restriction, security interest or encumbrance, except for such mortgages, liens or other encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (vii) promote or increase or decrease the rate of compensation (except for promotions andnon-material increases in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with past practices) or enter into any agreement to promote or increase or decrease the rate of compensation of any director, officer or employee of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank; (viii) except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, as specifically authorized by this Agreement or as required by applicable law, execute, create, institute, modify or amend any pension, retirement, savings, stock purchase, stock bonus, stock ownership, stock option, stock appreciation or depreciation right or profit sharing plans, any employment, deferred compensation, consultant, bonus or collective bargaining agreement, group insurance contract or other incentive, welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement for current or former directors, officers or employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary, change the level of benefits or payments under any of the foregoing or increase or decrease any severance or termination pay benefits or any other fringe or employee benefits or pay any bonuses other than as required by law or regulatory authorities; (ix) amend their respective Articles of Incorporation orBy-Laws Bylaws from those in effect on the date of this Agreement; (x) except as set forth in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter or as specifically authorized by this Agreement, modify, amend or institute new employment policies or practices, or enter into, renew, modify, amend or extend any employment or severance agreements with respect to any present or former directors, officers or employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary; (xi) give, dispose, sell, convey, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber or otherwise transfer or grant a security interest in any capital stock of any Subsidiary; (xii) fail to make additions to the Bank’s reserve for loan losses, or any other reserve account, in the ordinary course of business and in accordance

with sound banking practices; (xiii) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible or liable for the obligations of any other individual, corporation or other entity; and (xiv) agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the foregoing actions. The prior consent of First Merchants for the items listed above may be withheld, conditioned or delayed in its sole discretion; provided, however, consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.discretion.

(b)   Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, in full force and effect insurance on its properties and operations and fidelity coverage on its directors, officers and employees in such amounts and with regard to such liabilities and hazards as customarily are maintained by other companies operating similar businesses.

(c)   Ameriana BancorpMBT shall provide and shall cause the Subsidiaries to provide First Merchants and its representatives full access, during normal business hours and on reasonable advance notice to Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, to further information (to the extent permissible under applicable law) and the Subsidiaries’ premises for purposes of (i) observing the Subsidiaries’ business activities and operations and to consult with Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s officers and employees regarding the same on an ongoing basis to verify compliance by Ameriana BancorpMBT with all terms of this Agreement, and (ii) making all necessary preparations for conversion of the Bank’s information technology systems;provided,however,systems, including, but not limited to, installation of a hardware or software device(s) within the Bank’s network to perform system penetration testing or assess previous security breaches. First Merchants may hire, at its expense, a mutually-agreeable third party consultant to perform cybersecurity system testing and monitoring (based on a mutually-agreeable project scope) in order to confirm that the Bank’s technology systems are free of security breaches and, if necessary, provide remediation and notices related thereto. MBT and First Merchants shall each receive the results of the testing and reasonably coordinate their efforts on any potential remediation and notices. None of the foregoing actions shall not unduly interfere with the business operations of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries nor shall such actions be permitted if such access relates to, (i) pending or threatened litigation or investigations if, in the opinion of counsel to Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, such access would or might adversely affect the confidential nature of, or any privilege relating

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to, the matters being discussed, or (ii) matters involving an Acquisition Proposal;provided, however, that noProposal. No investigation pursuant to this Section 7.3 shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty made in this Agreement by Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. First Merchants will use such information as is provided to it by Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries, or representatives thereof, solely for the purpose of conducting business, legal and financial reviews of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries and for such other purposes as may be related to this Agreement, and First Merchants will, and will direct all of its agents, employees and advisors to, maintain the confidentiality of all such information in accordance with the terms of Section 8.5 below. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor any of the Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of its customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of the entity in possession or control of such information or contravene any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree, fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The parties will make appropriate and reasonable substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.

7.4Preservation of Business. On and after the date of this Agreement and until the Effective Date or until this Agreement is terminated as herein provided, Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries shall (a) carry on their business diligently, substantially in the same manner as heretofore conducted, and in the ordinary course of business; (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve their business organizations intact, to keep their present officers and employees and to preserve their present relationship with customers and others having business dealings with them; and (c) not do or fail to do anything which will cause a material breach of, or material default in, any contract, agreement, commitment, obligation, understanding, arrangement, lease or license to which they are a party or by which they are or may be subject or bound.

7.5Other Negotiations.

(a)   Ameriana BancorpMBT shall not, and shall cause the Bank to not, during the term of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, solicit, encourage or facilitate inquiries or proposals or enter into any agreement with respect to, or initiate or participate in any negotiations or discussions with any person or entity concerning, any proposed transaction or series of transactions involving or affecting Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries (or the securities or assets of the foregoing) that, if effected, would constitute an acquisition of

control of either Ameriana BancorpMBT, or the Subsidiaries within the meaning of 12 U.S.C. §1817(j) (disregarding the exceptions set forth in 12 U.S.C. §1817(j)(17)) and the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board thereunder (each, an “Acquisition Proposal”), or furnish any information to any person or entity proposing or seeking an Acquisition Proposal.

(b)   Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors determines in good faith and after consultation with outside counsel, that in light of an Acquisition Proposal, it is necessary to provide such information or engage in such negotiations or discussions in order to act in a manner consistent with such Board’s fiduciary duties, Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors may, in response to an Acquisition Proposal which was not solicited by or on behalf of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank or which did not otherwise result from a breach of Section 7.5(a), subject to its compliance with Section 7.5(c), (i) furnish information with respect to Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank to such person or entity making such Acquisition Proposal pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement that is no less restrictive than the Confidentiality Agreement between Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants and (ii) participate in discussions or negotiations regarding such Acquisition Proposal. In the event that Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors determines in good faith and after consultation with outside counsel, that the Acquisition Proposal is a Superior Acquisition Proposal (as defined below) and that it is necessary to pursue such Superior Acquisition Proposal in order to act in a manner consistent with such Board’s fiduciary duties, Ameriana BancorpMBT may (A) withdraw, modify or otherwise change in a manner adverse to First Merchants, the recommendation of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors to its shareholders with respect to this Agreement and the Merger, and/or (B) terminate this Agreement in order to concurrently enter into an agreement with respect to such Superior Acquisition Proposal;provided,however, that Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.5(b) unless and until (x) five (5)ten (10) business days have elapsed following the delivery to First Merchants of a written notice of such determination by Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors and during such five (5)ten (10) business-day period, Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Bank otherwise cooperate with First Merchants with the intent of enabling the parties to engage in good faith negotiations so that the Merger and other transactions contemplated hereby may be effected and (y) at the end of such five (5)ten (10) business-day period Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors continues reasonably to believe the Acquisition Proposal at issue constitutes a Superior Acquisition Proposal. A “Superior Acquisition Proposal” shall mean any Acquisition Proposal containing terms which Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment (based on the advice of an independent financial advisor) to be more favorable to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders

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than the Merger and for which financing, to the extent required, is then committed or which, in the good faith judgment of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors, is reasonably capable of being obtained by such third party.party, but shall exclude any Acquisition Proposal the terms of which were made known to MBT’s Board of Directors prior to the date of this Agreement.

(c)   In addition to the obligations of Ameriana BancorpMBT set forth in Section 7.5(a) and (b), Ameriana BancorpMBT shall advise First Merchants orally and in writing as soon as reasonably practicable of any request (whether oral or in writing) for information or of any inquiries, proposals, discussions or indications of interest (whether oral or in writing) with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, the material terms and conditions of such request or Acquisition Proposal and the identity of the person or entity making such request or Acquisition Proposal. Ameriana BancorpMBT shall keep First Merchants reasonably informed of the status and details (including amendments or proposed amendments) of any such request or Acquisition Proposal, including the status of any discussions or negotiations with respect to any Superior Acquisition Proposal.

7.6Announcement; Press Releases. In connection with the execution of this Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants intend to jointly issue a press release mutually acceptable to the parties. Except as otherwise required by law, neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor the Bank shall issue any additional press releases or make any other public announcements or disclosures relating to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby without the prior approval of First Merchants provided, however, that nothing in this Section 7.6 shall be deemed to prohibit any party from making any disclosure that its counsel deems necessary in order to satisfy such party’s disclosure obligation imposed by law.

7.7Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter. Ameriana BancorpMBT shall supplement, amend and update as of the Effective Date the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter with respect to any matters hereafter arising which, if in existence or having occurred as of the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter. If, at any time prior to the Effective Date, Ameriana BancorpMBT becomes aware of a fact or matter that might indicate that any of the representations and warranties of Ameriana BancorpMBT herein may be untrue, incorrect or misleading in any material respect, Ameriana BancorpMBT shall promptly disclose such fact or matter to First Merchants in writing.

7.8Confidentiality. Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause their respective officers, employees, and authorized representatives to hold in strict confidence all confidential data and information obtained by them from First Merchants, unless such information (a) was already known to Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries, (b) becomes available to Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries from other sources, (c) is independently developed by Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries, (d) is disclosed by Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries with and in accordance with the terms of prior written approval of First Merchants, or (e) is or becomes readily ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or public disclosure of such information is required by law or requested by a court or other governmental agency, commission, or regulatory body. Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries further agree that, in the event this Agreement is terminated, they will return to First Merchants, or destroy, all information obtained by Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries from First Merchants or a First Merchants Subsidiary, including all copies made of such information by Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries. This provision shall survive the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement.

7.9Cooperation. Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Bank shall generally cooperate with First Merchants and its officers, employees, attorneys, accountants and other agents, and, generally, do such other acts and things in good faith as may be reasonable, necessary or appropriate to timely effectuate the intents and purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, (a) Ameriana BancorpMBT shall cooperate and assist First Merchants in the preparation of and/or filing of all regulatory applications, the Registration Statement, and all other documentation required to be prepared for consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger and obtaining all necessary approvals, and (b) Ameriana BancorpMBT shall furnish First Merchants with all information concerning itself and the Subsidiaries that First Merchants may request in connection with the preparation of the documentation referenced above.

7.10Ameriana BancorpMBT Fairness Opinion. On the date hereof or as soon as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, Ameriana BancorpMBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to procure the written opinion from River Branch Capital LLCSandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. to the Board of Directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT to the effect that, as of the date of this Agreement, the consideration to be paid in the MergerExchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock (the “Ameriana BancorpMBT Fairness Opinion”). The Ameriana BancorpMBT Fairness Opinion shall be included in the Proxy Statement (as defined below).

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7.11SECFinancial Statements and Other Reports.

(a) Promptly upon its becoming available, Ameriana BancorpMBT shall furnish to First Merchants one (1) copy of each financial statement, report, notice, or proxy statement sent by Ameriana BancorpMBT to its shareholders generally and of each regular or periodic report, registration statement or prospectus filed by Ameriana with the SEC or any successor agency, and of any notice or communication received by Ameriana from the SEC, which is not available on the SEC’s EDGAR internet database.

(b) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Ameriana Bancorp for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the Registration Statement will, at the time the Registration Statement and each amendment or supplement thereto, if any, becomes effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading, and (ii) the Proxy Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto will, at the date of mailing, contain any

untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.MBT Regulatory Authorities.

7.12Adverse Actions. Neither Ameriana BancorpMBT nor the Bankany Subsidiary shall (a) take any action while knowing that such action would, or is reasonably likely to, prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code; or (b) knowingly take any action that is intended or is reasonably likely to result in (i) any of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect at any time at or prior to the Effective Date, (ii) any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Section 9 not being satisfied, (iii) a material violation of any provision of this Agreement, or (iv) a material delay in the consummation of the Merger except, in each case, as may be required by applicable law or regulation.

7.13Bank Merger Agreement.Agreement Ameriana Bancorp. MBT shall cause the appropriate officers of the Bank to execute and deliver the Bank Merger Agreement contemporaneously herewith.

7.14   Change in Control and Severance Agreements. Prior to the Effective Date, MBT may amend the MBT change in control and severance agreements as more fully described in the MBT Disclosure Letter (the “Change in Control Agreements”) to eliminate the need for affected employees to resign in order to be entitled to benefits thereunder in exchange for the restrictive covenants provided thereunder being expressly enforceable by First Merchants or FMB according to their terms following the Effective Date.

7.15   Incentive Compensation Plans. Prior to the Effective Date, MBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain necessary consents from grantees of stock only stock appreciation rights and restricted stock awards to permit the vesting of such awards and exchange for the merger consideration as provided in Section 3.1 and Section 3.2, respectively, less any applicable exercise price or tax withholdings. MBT shall take action prior to the Effective Date to cause the termination of the MBT Financial Corp. Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, 2008 Stock Incentive Plan and 2018 Stock Incentive Plan as of the Effective Date.

7.16   Death Benefit Only Plan. Subject to the continuing rights of existing participants, if requested by First Merchants, MBT shall cause the Executive and Director Death Benefit Only Plans to be terminated prior to the Effective Date.

7.17   Annual Incentive Pay Plan. Except as disclosed in the MBT Disclosure Schedule, if requested by First Merchants, MBT shall cause the Annual Incentive Pay Plans and pending Awards to be terminated prior to the Effective Date.

7.18   Postretirement Health Benefit Plan. Subject to the continuing rights of existing participants, if requested by First Merchants, MBT shall cause the Postretirement Benefit Plans to be terminated prior to the Effective Date.

7.19   Employee Stock Purchase Plan. If requested by First Merchants, MBT shall cause the Employee Stock Purchase Plan to be terminated prior to the Effective Date.

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SECTION 8



COVENANTS OF FIRST MERCHANTS

First Merchants covenants and agrees with Ameriana BancorpMBT as follows:

8.1Approvals. As soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within sixty (60) days following execution and delivery of this Agreement, First Merchants will file an application with each of the Federal Reserve Board and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (the “Indiana DFI”) for approval of the Merger and an application with the Officeeach of the Comptroller ofIndiana DFI and the Currency (“OCC”)FDIC for approval of the Bank Merger, and take all other appropriate actions necessary to obtain the regulatory approvals referred to herein, and Ameriana BancorpMBT will use all reasonable and diligent efforts to assist in obtaining all such approvals. In advance of filing any applications for such regulatory approvals, First Merchants shall provide Ameriana BancorpMBT and its counsel with a copy of such applications (but excluding any information contained therein regarding First Merchants and its business or operations for which confidential treatment has been requested) and provide an opportunity to comment thereon, and thereafter shall promptly advise Ameriana BancorpMBT and its counsel of any material communication received by First Merchants or its counsel from any regulatory authorities with respect to such applications. In addition, First Merchants agrees to prepare, in cooperation with and subject to the review and comment of Ameriana BancorpMBT and its counsel, a registration statement on Form S-4, including a prospectus of First Merchants (the “Registration Statement”), to be filed no later than sixty (60) days after the date hereof by First Merchants with the SEC in connection with the issuance of First Merchants common stockCommon Stock in the Merger (including the proxy statements and prospectus and other proxy solicitation materials of, and to be filed by, Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants constituting a part thereof (the “Proxy Statement”) and all related documents). First Merchants agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC and to keep the Registration Statement effective so long as is necessary to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby. First Merchants agrees to advise Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, promptly after First Merchants receives notice thereof, of the time when the Registration Statement has become effective or any supplement or amendment has been filed, of the issuance of any stop order or the suspension of the qualification of First Merchants common stockCommon Stock for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of the receipt of any comment letters from the SEC regarding, or of any request by the SEC for the amendment or supplement of, the Registration Statement, or for additional information. First Merchants shall also take any action required to be taken under any applicable state securities laws in connection with the Merger and each of Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants shall furnish all information concerning it and the holders of Ameriana Bancorp Common Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action. First Merchants agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to list, prior to the Effective Date, on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (subject to official notice of issuance), the shares of First Merchants Common Stock to be issued to the holders of shares of Ameriana BancorpMBT Common Stock in the Merger.

8.2Employee Benefit PlansPlans..

(a)   First Merchants shall take such action as may be necessary so that, immediatelyas soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date, employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries shall be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans of First Merchants. With respect to each employee benefit plan or benefit arrangement maintained by First Merchants in which employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries subsequently participate, for purposes of determining eligibility, vesting, vacation and severance entitlement, First Merchants will ensure that service with Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries will be treated as service with First Merchants; provided, however, that service with Ameriana BancorpMBT or the BankSubsidiaries shall not be treated as service with First Merchants for purposes of benefit accrual, except with respect to severance benefits. OnceAt its discretion, First Merchants shall either (a) cause the Bank’s employees are covered underMBT Retirement Plan and related money purchase pension Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) to be merged with and into the First Merchants’ tax-qualified retirement plans,Retirement Income and Savings Plan, with employees of MBT and the Subsidiaries eligible to participate in such First Merchants in its sole discretion, shall determine whether Ameriana Bancorp’splan subject to and pursuant to the Subsidiaries’ tax-qualified retirement plan(s) are terminatedterms thereof; (b) assume sponsorship of the 401(k) Plan effective as of the Effective Date; or merged into First Merchants’ plan(s). In the event First Merchants determines(c) direct MBT to take such reasonable steps to terminate the Ameriana Bank 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan prior to the Effective Date (which MBT hereby agrees to take), in which case, First Merchants agrees that any outstanding participant loans under that planthe 401(k) Plan may be rolled over to the First Merchants’ Retirement Income and Savings Plan so that participants can continue to repay outstanding loans via payroll deduction.deduction, if permitted under the terms of the respective plans.

(b)Coverage Under First Merchants’ Health and Welfare Plan. With respect to First Merchants’ health and welfare plans under which employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries and their eligible dependents become participants, First Merchants agrees to (i) waive all restrictions and limitations for pre-existing conditions, (ii) honor any deductible, co-paymentco-payments and out-of-pocket maximums incurred by Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s or the Subsidiaries’ employees and their eligible dependents under the health plans in which they participated immediately prior to

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the Effective Date during the portion of the calendar year prior to the Effective Date in satisfying any deductibles, co-payments or out-of-pocket maximums under health plans of First Merchants in which they are eligible to participate after the Effective Date in the same plan year in which such deductibles, co-payments or out-of-pocket maximums were incurred, and (iii) waive any waiting period limitation or evidence of insurability requirement that would otherwise be applicable to an employee of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries and his or her eligible dependents on or after the Effective Date, in each case to the extent such employee or eligible dependent had satisfied any similar limitation or requirement under an analogous plan prior to the Effective Date.

(c)Severance. To the extent that First Merchants terminates the employment ofFor any employee of Ameriana BancorpMBT who did not have an employment agreement, change in control agreement or severance agreement, who is not offered employment with First Merchants or FMB with salary and bonus opportunities substantially the Subsidiaries, thensame as the salary and bonus opportunities of their current employment with MBT or whose employment is terminated by First Merchants or FMB (other than for cause) on or within six (6) months of the Effective Date, First Merchants agrees that it shall provide such employees with severance and outplacement benefits identical to those currently offered to First Merchants employees as listed on the First Merchants Disclosure Letter.Letter; provided, however, the minimum severance benefit will be four (4) weeks.

(d)COBRA. First Merchants shall be responsible for providing COBRA continuation coverage to any qualified employee or former employee of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries and to their respective qualified beneficiaries, on and after the Effective Date, regardless of when the qualifying event occurred.

(e)Employment and ChangeDeferred Compensation Plans. As set forth in Control Agreements.Schedule 8.2(f) of the Disclosure Schedule First Merchants shall honor all obligations underwork with MBT to find a mutually agreeable transition or termination with respect to the Ameriana BancorpMBT supplemental executive retirement agreement (SERP) together with the related SERP split dollar plan and Ameriana Bank employment and change in control agreements.director deferred compensation plans.

8.3Announcement; Press Releases. In connection with the execution of this Agreement, Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants intend to jointly issue a press release mutually acceptable to the parties. Except as otherwise required by law, neither First Merchants nor a First Merchants Subsidiary shall issue any additional press releases or make any other public announcements or disclosures relating to the Merger or the Bank Merger without the prior approval of Ameriana BancorpMBT provided, however, that nothing in this Section 8.3 shall be deemed to prohibit any party from making any disclosure that its counsel deems necessary in order to satisfy such party’s disclosure obligation imposed by law.

8.4Confidentiality. First Merchants shall, and shall use its best efforts to cause the First Merchants Subsidiaries and its officers, employees, and authorized representatives to, hold in strict confidence all confidential data and information obtained by them from Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, unless such information (i) was already known to First Merchants prior to entering into merger discussions with MBT, (ii) becomes available to First Merchants from other sources, (iii) is

independently developed by First Merchants, (iv) is disclosed by First Merchants with and in accordance with the terms of prior written approval of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, or (v) is or becomes readily ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or public disclosure of such information is required by law or requested by a court or other governmental agency, commission, or regulatory body. First Merchants further agrees that in the event this Agreement is terminated, it will return to Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, or will destroy, all information obtained by it regarding Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank, including all copies made of such information by First Merchants. This provision shall survive the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement.

8.5Directors and Officers Insurance.

(a)   For a period of at least six (6) years from the Effective Date (the “Tail Coverage Period”), First Merchants shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain an endorsement to its director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy to cover the present and former officers and directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Bank (determined as of the Effective Date) with respect to claims against such directors and officers arising from facts or events which occurred before the Effective Date, which insurance shall contain at least the same coverage and amounts, and contain terms and conditions no less advantageous, as that coverage currently provided by Ameriana Bancorp;MBT; provided however, that if First Merchants is unable to obtain such endorsement, then Ameriana BancorpFirst Merchants may purchase tail coverage under itsMBT’s existing director and officer liability insurance policy for such claims; provided further that in no event shall First Merchants be required to expend inmore than 1.5 times the aggregate duringannual amount paid by MBT for its director and officer liability insurance coverage prior to the Effective Date for each year of the Tail Coverage Period more than two times the current annual amount spent by Ameriana Bancorppurchased (the “Insurance Amount”) to maintain or procure its current directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage;; provided further, that if First Merchants is unable to maintain or obtain the insurance called for by this Section 8.5, First Merchants shall use its reasonable best

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efforts to obtain as much comparable insurance as is available for the Insurance Amount; provided, further, that officers and directors of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Bank may be required to make application and provide customary representations and warranties to First Merchants’ insurance carrier for the purpose of obtaining such insurance.

(b)   Following the Effective Date, First Merchants will provide any Ameriana BancorpMBT or Subsidiary officers, directors and employees who become officers, directors and employees of the Continuing Company or its subsidiaries with the same directors and officers liability insurance coverage and indemnification protections that First Merchants provides to other officers, directors and employees of First Merchants or its subsidiaries. In addition, First Merchants further agrees to indemnify and advance expenses to the current and former directors and officers and employees of Ameriana Bancorp orMBT and the Subsidiaries and any person who becomes an officer, director or employee between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Date followingafter the Effective Date, for all actions taken by them prior to the Effective Date in their respective capacities as directors and officers and employees of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries to the same extent (and subject to the same limitations) as the indemnification provided by Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries under their respective Articles of Incorporation and By-lawsBylaws (as applicable) to such directors officers and employeesofficers immediately prior to the Effective Date and as permitted under applicable law and to the fullest extent such person would have been indemnified or have the right to advancement of expenses pursuant to Ameriana Bancorp’s Articles of Incorporation and bylaws as in effect on the date of this Agreement and as permitted by applicable law, and First Merchants and the Continuing Company shall also advance expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, provided that the person to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that such person is not entitled to indemnification.law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnity obligations contained herein shall be limited as may be required by applicable federal banking laws and regulations.

(c)   All rights to indemnification and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring on or prior to the Effective Date now existing in favor of the current or former directors or officers of Ameriana BancorpMBT and the Subsidiaries as provided in their respective Articles of Incorporation and By-lawsBylaws and any existing indemnification agreements or arrangements of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the Subsidiaries described in the Ameriana BancorpMBT Disclosure Letter, shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect

in accordance with their terms to the extent permitted by law, and shall be honored by First Merchants following the Effective Date with respect to acts or omissions of such individuals occurring or alleged to occur on or prior to the Effective Date.

(d)   In the event of any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal or administrative, including, without limitation, any such claim, action suit, proceeding or investigation in which any individual who is now, or has been at any time prior to the date of this Agreement, or who becomes prior to the Effective Date, a director or officer of Ameriana BancorpMBT or any Subsidiary (the “Indemnified Parties”), is, or is threatened to be, made a party based in whole or in part on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to (i) the fact that he is or was a director, officer or employee of Ameriana BancorpMBT or a Subsidiary or any of their predecessors or (ii) this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether in any case asserted or arising before or on or after the Effective Date, the parties hereto agree to cooperate and use their best reasonable efforts to defend against and respond thereto.

(e)   If First Merchants shall consolidate with or merge into any other entity and shall not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger or shall transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any entity, then and in each case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of First Merchants shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 8.5.

8.6SEC and Other Reports.

(a) Promptly upon its becoming available, First Merchants shall furnish to Ameriana BancorpMBT one (1) copy of each financial statement, report, notice, or proxy statement sent by First Merchants to its shareholders generally and of each regular or periodic report, registration statement or prospectus filed by First Merchants with the SEC or any successor agency, and of any notice or communication received by First Merchants from the SEC, which is not available on the SEC’s EDGAR internet database.

(b) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by First Merchants for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the Registration Statement will, at the time the Registration Statement and each amendment or supplement thereto, if any, becomes effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading, and (ii) the Proxy Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto will, at the date of mailing, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

8.7First Merchants Disclosure Letter. First Merchants shall supplement, amend and update as of the Effective Date the First Merchants Disclosure Letter with respect to any matters hereafter arising which, if in existence or having occurred as of the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter. If, at any time prior to the Effective Date, First Merchants becomes aware of a fact or matter that might indicate that any of the representations and warranties of First Merchants herein may be untrue, incorrect or misleading in any material respect, First Merchants shall promptly disclose such fact or matter to First MerchantsMBT in writing.

8.8Adverse Actions. Neither First Merchants nor any First Merchants Subsidiary shall (a) take any action while knowing that such action would, or is reasonably likely to, prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section��Section 368 of the Code; or (b) knowingly take any action that is intended or is reasonably likely to result in (i) any of its representations and warranties set forth in this

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Agreement being or becoming untrue in any respect at any time at or prior to the Effective Date, (ii) any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Section 9 not being satisfied, (iii) a material violation of any provision of this Agreement, or (iv) a material delay in the consummation of the Merger except, in each case, as may be required by applicable law or regulation.

8.9Cooperation. First Merchants shall generally cooperate with Ameriana BancorpMBT and its officers, employees, attorneys, accountants and other agents, and, generally, do such other acts and things in good faith as may be reasonable, necessary or appropriate to timely effectuate the intents and purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.10Bank Merger Agreement.Agreement. First Merchants shall cause the appropriate officers of FMB to execute and deliver the Bank Merger Agreement upon approval by FMB’s Board of Directors.

8.11Preservation of Business. On and after the date of this Agreement and until the Effective Date or until this Agreement is terminated as herein provided, First Merchants and the First Merchants Subsidiaries shall (a) except as set forth in the First Merchants Disclosure Letter, carry on their business diligently, substantially in the same manner as heretofore conducted, and in the ordinary course of business; (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve their business organizations intact, to keep their present officers and employees and to preserve their present relationship with customers and others having business dealings with them; and (c) not do or fail to do anything which will cause a material breach of, or material default in, any contract, agreement, commitment, obligation, understanding, arrangement, lease or license to which they are a party or by which they are or may be subject or bound.

8.12   Regional Board. All members of the Board of Directors of the Bank, who have agreed to serve in such capacity and would not be otherwise prohibited to serve under applicable law, shall be appointed to FMB’s Michigan regional advisory board, as soon as practicable after the Effective Date.

8.13   Representation on FMC Board. First Merchants shall cause one (1) Person who is currently a member of the MBT Board of Directors (who may be chosen by First Merchants after the opportunity for consultation regarding its choice having been afforded to MBT) to be vetted and appointed for a term to the First Merchants Board of Directors according to the First Merchants Bylaws and Corporate Governance guidelines as soon as practicable after the Effective Date.

SECTION 9



CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE MERGER AND THE BANK MERGER

The obligation of each of the parties hereto to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction and fulfillment of each of the following conditions on or prior to the Effective Date:

9.1Shareholder Approval. The shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT shall have approved the Merger as required by applicable law.

9.2Registration Statement Effective. First Merchants shall have registered its shares of First Merchants Common Stock to be issued to shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT in accordance with this Agreement with the SEC pursuant to the 1933 Act, and all state securities and “blue sky” approvals and authorizations required to offer and sell such shares, if any, shall have been received by First Merchants. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC and no stop order shall have been issued or threatened. The shares of First Merchants Common Stock shall have been listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (subject to official notice of issuance).

9.3Tax Opinions.

(a) Ameriana Bancorp shall have obtained an opinion of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the parties, dated on or about the Effective Date to the effect that the Merger effected pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and that no gain or loss will be recognized by shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp to the extent they receive shares of First Merchants Common Stock in the Merger in exchange for their shares of Ameriana Bancorp Common Stock, except that gain or loss will be recognized with respect to any cash received. Such opinion shall be based upon factual representations received by counsel from Ameriana Bancorp and First Merchants, which representations may take the form of written certifications.

(b) First Merchants shall have obtained an opinion of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the parties, dated on or about the Effective Datedate the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is delivered to MBT shareholders to the effect that the Merger effected pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Such opinion shall be based uponon factual representations received by counsel from Ameriana BancorpMBT and First Merchants, which representations may take the form of written certifications.

Such opinion will comply with the regulations and guidance of the SEC with respect to the persons entitled to rely on tax opinions contained in the Registration Statement.

9.4Regulatory Approvals. The Federal Reserve Board and the Indiana Department of Financial InstitutionsDFI shall have authorized and approved the Merger and the transactions related thereto. The OCCIndiana DFI and the FDIC shall have approved the

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Bank Merger and the transactions related thereto. In addition, all appropriate orders, consents, approvals and clearances from all other regulatory agencies and governmental authorities whose orders, consents, approvals or clearances are required by law for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained. All regulatory approvals remain in full force and effect and all statutory waiting periods shall have expired or been terminated.

9.5Officer’s Certificate. First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT shall have delivered to each other a certificate signed by their respective Chairman or President and their Secretary, dated the Effective Date, certifying that (a) all of the representations and warranties of their respective corporations are true, accurate and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Date, except that representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or a Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct in all respects, and provided that for those representations and warranties which address matters only as of an earlier date, then they shall be tested as of such earlier dateprovided, however, that neither party will be deemed to have breached a representation or warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact, event or circumstance unless such fact, event or circumstance, individually or taken together with all other facts, events or circumstances inconsistent with any representation or warranty has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect (it being understood that for purposes of determining the accuracy of such representations and warranties, all “Material Adverse Effect” qualifications and other materiality qualifications contained in such representations and warranties shall be disregarded);date; (b) all the covenants of their respective corporations have been complied with in all material respects from the date of this Agreement through and as of the Effective Date; and (c) their respective corporations have satisfied and fully complied with in all material respects all conditions necessary to make this Agreement effective as to them. Additionally Ameriana BancorpMBT shall certify as to the number of shares of its capital stock are issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date.

9.6No Judicial Prohibition. Neither Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, the Bank nor First Merchants shall be subject to any order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or prohibits the consummation of the Merger or the Bank Merger.

9.7Ameriana BancorpMBT Fairness Opinion. Ameriana BancorpMBT shall have obtained the Ameriana BancorpMBT Fairness Opinion. Such opinion shall be provided orally to Ameriana BancorpMBT Board of Directors on or prior to the date hereof and a written copy of such fairness opinion shall be delivered to Ameriana BancorpMBT within thirty (30) days of the date hereof.

9.8Bank Merger Agreement. FMB and the Bank shall have entered into the Bank Merger Agreement.

SECTION 10



TERMINATION OF MERGER

10.1Manner of Termination. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Date by written notice delivered by First Merchants to Ameriana BancorpMBT or by Ameriana BancorpMBT to First Merchants only for the following reasons:

(a)   By the mutual consent of First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, if the Board of Directors of each so determines by vote of a majority of the members of its entire Board;

(b)   By First Merchants or Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, if its respective Board of Directors so determines by vote of a majority of the members of its entire Board, in the event of either: (i) a material breach by the other party of any representation or warranty contained herein which breach cannot be or has not been cured within thirty (30) days after the giving of written notice to the breaching party of such breach; (ii) a material breach by the other party of any of the covenants or agreements contained herein, which breach cannot be or

has not been cured within thirty (30) days after the giving of written notice to the breaching party of such breach; or (iii) any event, fact or circumstance shall have occurred with respect to the other party that has had or could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such party;

(c)   by either First Merchants or Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, in the event of the failure of Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders to approve the Agreement at the Ameriana Bancorp Shareholder Meeting; provided, however, that Ameriana BancorpMBT shall only be entitled to terminate the Agreement pursuant to this clause if it has complied in all material respects with its obligations under Section 7.1;

(d)   by either First Merchants or Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, if either (i) any approval, consent or waiver of any governmental or regulatory authority, agency, court, commission, or other administrative entity (“Governmental Entity”) required to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been denied and such denial has become final and non-appealable or (ii) any court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued a final, unappealable order enjoining or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

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(e)   By Ameriana BancorpMBT or First Merchants, if the transaction contemplated herein has not been consummated by January 31, 2016;June 30, 2019; provided that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein; and provided further, that if the sole impediment to closing is the lack of receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals described in Section 9.4, then such termination date shall be extended to March 31, 2016;September 30, 2019;

(f)   By Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, in accordance with the terms of Section 7.5(b) of this Agreement;

(g)   By First Merchants, if Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Board of Directors fails to make, withdraws or modifies its recommendation for Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s shareholders to vote in favor of the Merger following receipt of a written proposal for an Acquisition Proposal; or

(h)   By First Merchants, (i) if Ameriana BancorpMBT breaches in any material respect its notice obligations under Section 7.5(c) or (ii) if within sixty (60) days after giving First Merchants written notice pursuant to Section 7.5(c) of an Acquisition Proposal, Ameriana BancorpMBT does not terminate all discussions, negotiations and information exchanges related to such Acquisition Proposal and provide First Merchants with written notice of such termination.

(i)   By MBT, if MBT’s Board of Directors so determines by a majority vote of the members of such Board, at any time during the five (5) business day period commencing on the Determination Date if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i)   The FMC Market Value is less than eighty percent (80%) of the Initial FMC Market Value; and

(ii)   The quotient obtained by dividing the FMC Market Value by the Initial FMC Market Value (“Buyer Ratio”) shall be less than the quotient obtained by dividing the Final Index Price by the Initial Index Price, minus 0.20 (the “Index Ratio”).

If MBT elects to exercise its termination right pursuant to this Section 10.1(i), it shall give prompt written notice thereof to First Merchants. During the five (5) business day period commencing with its receipt of such notice, First Merchants shall have the option to increase the Exchange Ratio, at its sole discretion, to (x) the quotient, the numerator of which is equal to the product of the Initial FMC Market Value, the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect) and the Index Ratio, and the denominator of which is equal to the FMC Market Value, or (y) the quotient determined by dividing the Initial FMC Market Value by the FMC Market Value, and multiplying the quotient by the product of the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect) and 0.80. If First Merchants so elects, it shall give, within such five (5) business day period, written notice to MBT of such election and the revised Exchange Ratio, whereupon no termination shall be deemed to have occurred pursuant to this Section 10.1(i) and this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, except as the Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified.

For purposes of this Section 10.1(i), the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

Determination Date” shall mean the later of the date on which (i) all regulatory approvals required pursuant to Section 9.4 (and waivers, if applicable) have been received (disregarding any waiting period), and (ii) the approval of this Agreement, the Merger and any other matter required to be approved by the shareholders of MBT in order to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated herein is obtained.

Final Index Price” means the average of the closing price of the Index on each of ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Determination Date.

FMC Market Value” shall be the average of the daily closing sales prices of a share of First Merchants Common Stock as reported on NASDAQ for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Determination Date.

Index” means the NASDAQ Bank Index; provided, however, that if the NASDAQ Bank Index is not available for any reason, “Index” shall mean such substitute or similar index as substantially replicates the NASDAQ Bank Index.

Initial FMC Market Value” means the average of the daily closing sales prices of a share of First Merchants Common Stock, as reported on NASDAQ, for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of this Agreement.

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Initial Index Price” means the average of the closing prices of the Index on each of ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of this Agreement.

If First Merchants or any company belonging to the Index declares or effects a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reclassification, or similar transaction with respect to the outstanding common stock, and the record date therefor shall be after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Determination Date, the prices for the common stock of such company shall be proportionately and appropriately adjusted for the purpose of applying this Section 10.1(i).

10.2Effect of Termination. Except as provided below, in the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.1 hereof, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and, no party shall have any liability to any other party for costs, expenses, damages or otherwise, except that Sections 7.8, 8.4, 10.2, 13.9, and 13.12 shall survive any termination of this Agreement; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 10.1(b)(i) and (ii) hereof on account of a willful breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth herein or any willful breach of any of the agreements set forth herein, then the non-breaching party shall be entitled to recover appropriate damages from the breaching party, including, without limitation, reimbursement to the non-breaching party of its costs, fees and expenses (including attorneys’, accountants’ and advisors’ fees and expenses) incident to the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement and related documentation.documentation; provided further, however, that nothing in the foregoing proviso shall be deemed to constitute liquidated damages for the breach by a party of the terms of this Agreement or otherwise limit the rights of the non-breaching party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, inthe following termination fees shall be payable as provided below.

(i)   In the event of termination by Ameriana BancorpMBT in accordance with Section 10.1(f) or by First Merchants in accordance with Section 10.1(g), Section 10.1(h)(i) or Section 10.1(h)(ii), then Ameriana BancorpMBT shall pay First Merchants the sum of OneTwelve Million FiveSix Hundred Eighty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($1,500,000)12,680,000.00) as a termination fee. Such payment shall be made within ten (10) days of the date of notice of termination. First Merchants shall also be entitled to recover from Ameriana BancorpMBT its reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in the enforcement of this provision. The termination fee payable by the Company constitutes liquidated damages and not a penalty and shall be the sole remedy of First Merchants in the event of termination of this Agreement based on Sections 10.1(f), 10.1(g), 10.1(h)(i) or 10.1(h)(ii).

(ii)   If this Agreement is terminated by either party pursuant to Section 10.1(e) as a result of the failure to obtain any of the required regulatory approvals and such failure is a result of a regulatory issue directly and solely related to First Merchants, First Merchants shall pay to MBT an amount in cash equal to Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000).

SECTION 11



EFFECTIVE DATE OF MERGER

Subject to the terms and upon satisfaction of all requirements of law and the conditions specified in this Agreement, the Merger shall become effective at the close of business on the day specified in the Articles of Merger of Ameriana BancorpMBT with and into First Merchants (the “Articles of Merger”) as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Indiana and the Certificate of Merger of MBT with and into First Merchants as filed with the Michigan Corporations Division (the “Effective Date”). Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the Effective Date shall be no later than the last business day of the month in which both (a) any waiting period following the last approval of the Merger and Bank Merger by a state or federal regulatory agency or governmental authority expires and (b) the conditions precedent to the Merger and the Bank Merger outlined in Section 9 have been satisfied.

SECTION 12



CLOSING

12.1Closing Date and Place. The closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) and the Bank Merger shall take place at the main office of First Merchants on the Effective Date or at such other time and place as mutually agreed to by First Merchants and Ameriana Bancorp.MBT.

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12.2Merger-Articles of Merger. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, on the Effective Date, the Articles of Merger shall be duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Indiana.Indiana, and the Certificate of Merger shall be duly filed with the Michigan Corporations Division.

12.3Bank Merger-Articles of Merger. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, on the Effective Date, the articles of merger, certificates of merger or other filings necessary to consummate the Bank Merger shall be duly filed.

SECTION 13



MISCELLANEOUS

13.1Effective Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, but none of the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of any other person, firm, or corporation whomsoever; except that (a) the terms and provisions of Sections 8.2(c) and 8.5 of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the current and former employees, officers and directors of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, as applicable, as specified in such sections and shall be enforceable by such individuals against First Merchants, and (b) the terms and provisions of Section 3.4 shall inure to the benefit of the former shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp.MBT. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests, or obligations hereunder shall be assigned or transferred by either party hereto without the prior written consent of the other party.

13.2Waiver; Amendment.

(a)   First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT may, by an instrument in writing executed in the same manner as this Agreement: (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the covenants or agreements of the other party under this Agreement; (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations or warranties of the other party contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto; (iii) waive the performance by the other party of any of the covenants or agreements to be performed by it or them under this Agreement; or (iv) waive the satisfaction or fulfillment of any condition the nonsatisfaction or nonfulfillment of which is a condition to the right of the party so waiving to terminate this Agreement. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach hereunder.

(b)   Notwithstanding the prior approval by the shareholders of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, this Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented by the written agreement of Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, First Merchants, the Bank and FMB without further approval of such shareholders, except that no such amendment, modification or supplement shall decrease the consideration specified in Section 3 hereof, or shall otherwise materially adversely affect the rights of the shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT or the tax consequences of the Merger to the shareholders of Ameriana BancorpMBT without the further approval of such shareholders.

13.3Notices. Any and all notices or other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be given (i) when delivered in person, or (ii) on the day of transmission if sent via facsimile transmission to the facsimile number given below, provided telephonic confirmation of receipt is obtained promptly after completion of transmission, or (iii) on the fifth (5th)(5th) day after sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

If to First Merchants:
With a copy to:

200 E. Jackson Street


Muncie, IN 47305


Attn: Michael C. Rechin

Brian T. Hunt, Esq.
General Counsel
FAX: (765) 741-7283

Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP
2700 Market Tower
10 West Market Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2982
Attn: Jeremy E. Hill, Esq.
FAX: (317) 236-9907
If to MBT:
With a copy to:
102 E. Front Street
Monroe, Michigan 48161
Attn: H. Douglas Chaffin
President and Chief Executive Officer


FAX: (765) 741-7283

(734) 241-3431

Bingham Greenebaum Doll

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

2700 Market Tower

10 West Market
1000 Jackson Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2982


Toledo, OH 43604
Attn: Jeremy E. Hill,Martin D. Werner, Esq.


FAX: (317) 236-9907

If to Ameriana Bancorp:With a copy to:

2118 Bundy Avenue

New Castle, Indiana 47362

Attn: Jerome J. Gassen

President and Chief Executive Officer

FAX: (765) 529-2232

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

607 14th Street, NW, Suite 900

Washington, DC 20005-2018

Attn: Gary R. Bronstein, Esq.

FAX: (202) 204-5616

(419) 241-6894

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or to such substituted address as any of them have given to the other in writing.

13.4Headings. The headings in this Agreement have been inserted solely for the ease of reference and should not be considered in the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

13.5Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained herein shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision or provisions had never been contained herein.

13.6Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. In addition, this Agreement and the documents to be delivered hereunder may be executed by the parties hereto either manually or by facsimile signatures, each of which shall constitute an original signature.

13.7Governing Law. This Agreement is executed in and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana, without regard to choice of law principles.

13.8Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any other agreement, whether oral or written, between First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT relating to the matters contemplated hereby, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto.

13.9Expenses. First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT shall each pay their own expenses incidental to the transactions contemplated hereby. It is understood that the fees of the investment bankers for the fairness opinion desired hereunder shall be borne by the engaging party whether or not the Merger is consummated. This provision shall survive the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement.

13.10Securityholder Litigation. Each party shall notify the other party hereto in writing of any litigation related to this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement that is brought, or, to the knowledge of either party, threatened in writing, against it and/or the members of its Board of Directors (any such litigation and/or the executive officers or members of the Board of Directors of a party (a “Transaction Litigation”)), and shall keep the other party reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof. Each party shall give the other party the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of any Transaction Litigation, and, except to the extent required by applicable law, neither party shall settle, agree to any undertakings or approve or otherwise agree to any waiver that may be sought in connection with such Transaction Litigation, without the prior written consent of the other party (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

13.11Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, “Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management” means any of Jerome J. GassenH. Douglas Chaffin and John J. Letter;L. Skibski; and “First Merchants’ Management” means any of Michael C. Rechin and Mark K. Hardwick. The phrases “to the knowledge of”, “known to” and similar formulations with respect to Ameriana Bancorp’sMBT’s Management or First MerchantsMerchants’ Management means matters that are within the actual conscious knowledge of such persons after due inquiry. For purposes of this Agreement, “business day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day that a federal savings bank or a national banking association is authorized or required by applicable law to be closed.

13.12Survival of Contents. The provisions of Sections 7.8, 8.4, 8.5, 10.2, 13.9 and this Section 13.12 shall survive beyond the termination of this Agreement. The provisions of Sections 7.8, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 13.9 and this Section 13.12 shall survive beyond the Effective Date.

[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, First Merchants and Ameriana BancorpMBT have made and entered into this Agreement as of the day and year first above written and have caused this Agreement to be executed and attested by their duly authorized officers.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
By:
By:

/s/ Michael C. Rechin

Michael C. Rechin, President

and Chief Executive Officer
MBT FINANCIAL CORP.
AMERIANA BANCORP, INC.
By:
/s/ H. Douglas Chaffin
By:

/s/ Jerome J. Gassen

Jerome J. Gassen,
H Douglas Chaffin, President

and Chief Executive Officer


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EXHIBIT A


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


Merging

AMERIANA
MONROE BANK

an Indiana state & TRUST,
A Michigan commercial bank,


with and into


FIRST MERCHANTS BANK

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

a national
an Indiana commercial bank

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement and Plan”), made and entered into as of the 26th9th day of June, 2015,October, 2018, by and between FIRST MERCHANTS BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a nationalan Indiana commercial bank (“FMB”), andAMERIANAMONROE BANK & TRUST, an Indiana statea Michigan commercial bank (the “Bank”) (FMB and the Bank are sometimes referred to collectively as the “Constituent Companies”).

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, the Constituent Companies desire to consummate the business combination transaction outlined in this Agreement and Plan pursuant to which the Bank will consolidate and merge with and into FMB pursuant to the Bank Merger Act,in accordance with 12 U.S.C. Section 215a§1828(c), the Michigan Banking Code of 1999, as amended, and the Indiana Financial Institutions Act (collectively, the “Law”);

WHEREAS, this Agreement and Plan is being executed in connection with, and the consummation of this Agreement and Plan is expressly contingent upon the closing of, that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (“First Merchants”) and Ameriana Bancorp, an IndianaMBT Financial Corp., a Michigan corporation (“Ameriana Bancorp”MBT”) dated as of even date herewithOctober 9, 2018 (the “Holding Company Merger”);

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of both FMB and the Bank have approved the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

WHEREAS, First Merchants, as the sole shareholder of FMB, and Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, as the sole shareholder of the Bank, have also adopted this Agreement and Plan and approved the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and Plan;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual provisions, agreements, covenants, conditions and grants contained in this Agreement and Plan, and in accordance with the provisions of the Law, the parties mutually covenant and agree as follows:

ARTICLE I


THE MERGER

1.1The Merger. At the “Effective Time” (as defined below), the Bank shall be consolidated and merged with and into FMB in accordance with applicable provisions of the Law (the “Merger”). The separate existence and company organization of the Bank shall cease, and the company existence of FMB, including all its purposes, powers and objectives, shall continue unaffected and unimpaired by the Merger. FMB shall continue to be governed by the


laws applicable laws of The National Bank Act (12 U.S.C. Section 1, et. seq.)to state-chartered nonmember commercial banks under the Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder and shall succeed to all the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, duties and liabilities of the Bank as set forth in the Law.

1.2Further Assurances. If, after the Effective Time, FMB shall consider or be advised that any further deeds, assignments or assurances in the Law or any other things are necessary or desirable to (a) vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in FMB, its right, title or interest in, to or under any rights, properties or assets of the Bank, or (b) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement and Plan, the Bank and its officers and directors shall be deemed to have granted to FMB an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver all such deeds, assignments or assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or proper to vest, perfect or confirm title to and possession of such rights, properties or assets in FMB and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and Plan, and the officers and directors of FMB are authorized in the name of the Bank or otherwise to take any and all such action.

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1.3Offices.Immediately following the Merger, FMB’s principal office shall be located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana 47305 and the Bank’s principal office at 2118 Bundy Avenue, New Castle, Indiana 47362102 E. Front Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161 shall become a branch office of FMB.

1.4Savings Accounts.By virtue of the Merger, savings accounts held at the Bank shall automatically, by operation of law, become savings accounts held at FMB.

13.13Liquidation Account. The liquidation account established by the Bank pursuant to the plan of conversion adopted in connection with the Bank’s conversion from mutual to stock form shall, to the extent required by law, continue to be maintained by FMB after the Effective Time for the benefit of those persons and entities who were savings account holders of the Bank on the eligibility record date and supplemental eligibility record date for such conversion and who continue from time to time to have rights therein.

ARTICLE II



ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION,INCORPORATION, CODE OF BYLAWS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

2.1Name. The name of the surviving national bank shall be “First Merchants Bank, National Association.Bank.

2.2Articles of AssociationIncorporation.The Articles of AssociationIncorporation of FMB shall be the Articles of AssociationIncorporation of the surviving national bank.

2.3Code of Bylaws.The Code of Bylaws of FMB (the “Code of Bylaws”) shall be the Code of Bylaws of the surviving national bank.

2.4Officers and Directors.The directors of FMB shall all remain directors of the surviving national bank and shall hold such offices from the Effective Time until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified in the manner provided in the Code of Bylaws. The officers of FMB shall all remain officers of the surviving national bank and shall hold such offices from the Effective Time until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified in the manner provided in the Code of Bylaws.

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ARTICLE III


CAPITAL STOCK OF THE SURVIVING NATIONAL BANK

3.1Shares of the Bank. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any further action on the part of FMB or the Bank, all five thousand (5,000)ten million (10,000,000) issued and outstanding shares of the common capital stock of the Bank, whose separate existence shall cease, shall automatically and by operation of law be canceled, void and of no further effect.

3.2Shares of FMB. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any further action on the part of FMB or the Bank, all one hundred fourteen thousand (114,000) issued and outstanding shares of the common capital stock of FMB, shall represent all of the issued and outstanding shares of the common capital stock of the surviving national bank.

ARTICLE IV



NO DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

First Merchants, as the sole shareholder of FMB, and Ameriana Bancorp,MBT, as the sole shareholder of the Bank, have adopted this Agreement and Plan and approved and consented to this Merger.

ARTICLE V



GENERAL PROVISIONSPROVISION

5.1Condition Precedent to Closing.The following conditions must be satisfied prior to the closing of the Merger:

(a)   appropriate approvals must be obtained from or notices filed with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and

(b)   the Holding Company Merger must occur.

5.2Effective Time. The Merger shall become effective immediately following the Holding Company Merger, or such later time as designated by First Merchants and otherwise approved by the OCCIndiana Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “Effective Time”).

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5.3Manner of Termination.This Agreement and Plan and the transactions contemplated hereby may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time:

(a)   by the mutual consent of FMB and the Bank; or

(b)   automatically and without further action by either FMB or the Bank if the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason.

5.4Effect of Termination.Upon termination as provided in Section 5.3, this Agreement and Plan shall be void and of no further force or effect, and there shall be no obligation on the part of FMB or the Bank or their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, or shareholders, except for payment of their respective expenses in connection with this Agreement and Plan.

[The remainder of this page was intentionally left blankblank.].]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement and Plan by their respective officers duly authorized as of the date and year first above written.

“FMB”
“FMB”

FIRST MERCHANTS BANK,

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

a national bank,

an Indiana state commercial bank,
ATTEST:
By:

      Secretary/Cashier
By:
Printed:

Michael C. Rechin

Its:

President and Chief Executive Officer

“BANK”
MONROE BANK & TRUST,
ATTEST:

    Secretary/Cashier
“BANK”

AMERIANA BANK,

an IndianaMichigan state commercial bank,

ATTEST:
By:

      Secretary/Cashier
Printed:

  Jerome J. Gassen

By:
Printed: H. Douglas Chaffin
Its:

President and Chief Executive Officer

ATTEST:

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    Secretary/Cashier

A-1-5


ANNEX B

OPINION OF RIVER BRANCH CAPITAL LLC


LOGO

June 26, 2015October 9, 2018

Board of Directors
MBT Financial Corp.
102 East Front Street
Monroe, MI 48161

Ameriana BancorpLadies and Gentlemen:

2118 Bundy Avenue

New Castle, IN 47362

MembersMBT Financial Corp. (“MBT”) and First Merchants Corporation (“First Merchants”) are proposing to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which MBT will, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, merge with and into First Merchants with First Merchants being the surviving entity (the “Merger”). Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the BoardAgreement, at the Effective Time, each share of Directors:

MBT’s common stock, no par value (“MBT Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for certain shares of MBT Common Stock as specified in the Agreement, shall be entitled to receive a 0.2750 share (the “Exchange Ratio”) of the common stock, no par value, of First Merchants (“First Merchants Common Stock”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Agreement. You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to the holders of Ameriana Bancorp (the “Company”) common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “CompanyMBT Common Stock”Stock.

Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”, “we” or “our”), as part of the Merger Consideration (defined below) to be paid to such holders pursuant to the proposed Merger set forth in an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) to be entered into by and between the Company and First Merchants Corporation (“First Merchants”). As more fully describedits investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the Merger Agreement, pursuant to the termsvaluation of the Merger Agreementfinancial institutions and subject to the termstheir securities in connection with mergers and conditions set forth therein, (i) the Company will be merged (the “Merger”)acquisitions and other corporate transactions. In connection with and into First Merchants with First Merchants as the surviving entity in the Merger and (ii) upon and by reason of the Merger becoming effective, the shareholders of the Company of record on the Effective Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement) shall be entitled to receive in exchange for each share of Company Common Stock 0.9037 shares (the “Merger Consideration”) of First Merchants common stock, $0.125 stated value per share (“First Merchants Common Stock”). The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Merger Agreement.

In arriving at ourthis opinion, we have reviewed and considered, among other things: (i) reviewed a draft of the Agreement, dated June 23, 2015October 6, 2018; (ii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of MBT that we deemed relevant; (iii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of First Merchants that we deemed relevant; (iv) publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for MBT for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, as provided by the senior management of MBT; (v) publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for First Merchants for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020 with an estimated dividend payout ratio for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of First Merchants; (vi) the pro forma financial impact of the Merger Agreement; (ii) held discussions withon First Merchants based on certain assumptions relating to purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and transaction expenses, as provided by the senior officers, directors and other representatives and advisors of the Company and certain senior officers and other representatives and advisorsmanagement of First Merchants regarding certain aspects ofMerchants; (vii) the Merger and the past and current businesses, operations, regulatory relations, financial condition and future prospects of the Company and First Merchants and the effects of the Merger thereon, and such other matters as we believed necessary or appropriate to our inquiry, (iii) reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information relating to the Company and First Merchants as well as certain financial forecasts and other information and data relating to the Company and First Merchants, which were provided to and/or discussed with us by management of the Company and First Merchants, respectively, including information relating to the potential strategic implications and operational benefits (including the amount, timing and achievability thereof) anticipated by management of the Company and First Merchants to result from the Merger; (iv) reviewed the financial terms of the Merger as set forth in the Merger Agreement in relation to, among other things: current andreported historical market pricesprice and trading volumes of Companyactivity for MBT Common Stock and First Merchants Common Stock, the historical and projected earnings and other operating dataincluding a comparison of the Company and First Merchants, and the capitalization and financial condition of the Company and First Merchants; (v) compared the financial and operating performance of the Company and First Merchants with publicly availablecertain stock market information concerning certain other companies we deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of the Companyfor MBT Common Stock and First Merchants Common Stock and certain stock indices as well as publicly tradedavailable information for certain other similar companies, the securities of such other companies; (vi) considered, to the extentwhich are publicly available,traded; (viii) a comparison of certain financial information for MBT and First Merchants with similar financial institutions for which information is publicly available; (ix) the financial terms of certain other transactions that we considered relevantrecent business combinations in evaluating the Mergerbank and analyzed certain financial, stock marketthrift industry (on a regional and other publicly available information relatingnationwide basis), to the businesses of other companies whose operations we considered relevant in evaluating those ofextent publicly available; (x) the Company and First Merchants; (vii) reviewed certain estimated potential pro forma financial effects of the Merger on First Merchants, including the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and synergies expected to result from the Merger (the “Synergies”) as prepared by management of First Merchants; (viii) considered the

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current market environment generally and the commercial banking environment in particular; and (ix) conducted(xi) such other information, financial studies, analyses and examinations and considered such other informationinvestigations and financial, economic and market criteria as we deemed appropriate for purposesconsidered relevant. We also discussed with certain members of this opinion.the management of MBT and its representatives the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of MBT and held similar discussions with certain members of the management of First Merchants and its representatives regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of First Merchants.


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In renderingperforming our opinion,review, we have assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and data publicly available orreviewed by us from public sources, that was provided to us by MBT or First Merchants or their respective representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by us, and we have assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion without any independent verification or discussed with us.investigation. We have relied on the assurances of the respective managements of MBT and First Merchants that they are not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make any of such information inaccurate or misleading. We have not been asked to and have not undertaken an independent verification of any of such information and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to us or derived there from, including the Synergies, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of the Company and First Merchants to which such analyses or forecasts relate. We express no view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the Synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based. We have assumed, with your consent, that the financial results (including the potential strategic implications, Synergies and operational benefits anticipated to result from the Merger) reflected in such forecasts and other information and data will be realized in the amounts and at the times projected.

We did not make anyan independent evaluation or perform an appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the CompanyMBT or First Merchants or any of their respective subsidiaries, or the collectability of any such assets, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. We are not experts inrender no opinion or evaluation on the independent verificationcollectability of loan and lease losses andany assets or the future performance of any loans of MBT or First Merchants. We did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of allowancesthe allowance for loan and lease losses of the CompanyMBT or First Merchants, noror of the combined entity after the Merger, and we have wenot reviewed any individual credit files relating to the CompanyMBT or First Merchants or evaluated the solvency, financial capability or fair value of the Company or First Merchants under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters.Merchants. We have assumed, with your consent, and without independent verification, that the respective allowances for loan and lease losses for both the CompanyMBT and First Merchants are adequate to cover such losses and will be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity. We are not accountants

In preparing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for MBT for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and have relied upondividends per share for the reportsyears ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, as provided by the senior management of the independent registered public accounting firmsMBT. In addition, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus median analyst earnings per share estimates for each of the Company and First Merchants for the accuracyyears ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as well as a long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter and completenessdividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020 with an estimated dividend payout ratio for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of First Merchants. Sandler O’Neill also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and transaction expenses, as provided by the senior management of First Merchants. With respect to the foregoing information, the respective managements of MBT and First Merchants confirmed to us that such information reflected (or, in the case of the audited financial statements madepublicly available analyst estimates referred to us. We are not legal, regulatory or tax expertsabove, were consistent with) the best currently available estimates and have relied on the assessments made by advisorsjudgments of those respective managements as to the Company with respect to such issues,future financial performance of MBT and First Merchants, respectively, and the other matters covered thereby, and we have assumed that the Company has relied upon the advice of its legal counsel and other advisorsfuture financial performance reflected in such information would be achieved. We express no opinion as to all legal, regulatory and tax matters with respect to the Company, First Merchants, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. We have assumed, with your consent, that the Merger and all related transactions will be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement, without waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement and that, in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases for the Merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on the Company, First Merchants or on the future results of operations or financial condition of the combined entitysuch information, or the contemplated benefits of the Merger, including without limitation the cost savings, revenue enhancements and related expenses expected to result from the Merger.

Representatives of the Company have advised us, and we further have assumed, that the final terms of the Merger Agreement will not vary materially from those set forth in the draft reviewed by us. Other that the sale of First Merchants Insurance Group effective June 12, 2015, the effects ofassumptions on which have been conveyed to us by First Merchants management, wesuch information is based. We have also assumed that there has been no material change in the Company’s or First Merchants’respective assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of MBT or First Merchants since thatthe date of the most recent financial statements made available to us. We have assumed in all respects material to our analysis that the CompanyMBT and First Merchants will remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to our analyses,analysis.

We have also assumed, with your consent, that (i) each of the parties to the Agreement will comply in all material respects with all material terms and conditions of the Agreement and all related agreements, that all of

Ameriana BancorpB-2June 26, 2015


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the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement and all relatedsuch agreements are and will be true and correct andin all material respects, that each partyof the parties to such agreements will perform in all material respects all of the covenants and agreementsother obligations required to be performed by such party under such agreements. We alsoagreements and that the conditions precedent in such agreements are not and will not be waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases with respect to the Merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have assumed,an adverse effect on MBT, First Merchants, the Merger or any related transactions, (iii) the Merger and any related transactions will be consummated in accordance with your consent, thatthe terms of the Agreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements, and (iv) the Merger will qualify as a

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tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes.

Our opinion, Finally, with your consent, we have relied upon the advice that MBT has received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors as set forth herein, relates onlyto all legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the fairness, from a financial point of view, as ofMerger and the date hereof, to holders of Company Common Stock of the Merger Consideration to be receivedother transactions contemplated by the holders of Company Common Stock.Agreement. We are not expressing anyexpress no opinion as to what the value of First Merchants Common Stock actually will be when issued pursuant to the Merger or the price or volume at which First Merchants Common Stock or Company Common Stock will trade at any time. Our opinion does not address the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist or may have been available to or considered by the Company or the effect of any other transaction in which the Company might engage.such matters.

Our opinion is necessarily based upon information available to us, andon financial, regulatory, economic, regulatory, market and other conditions as in effect on, and circumstances existing,the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof could materially affect this opinion. We have not undertaken to and have no obligation to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw this opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date hereof. We express no opinion as to the trading values of MBT Common Stock or First Merchants Common Stock at any time or what the value of First Merchants Common Stock will be once it is actually received by the holders of MBT Common Stock.

River Branch Capital LLC hasWe have acted as MBT’s financial advisor to the Company in connection with the proposed Merger and will receive a fee for suchour services, a significantsubstantial portion of which is contingent upon the consummationclosing of the Merger. We will also will receive a fee in connection with the delivery offor rendering this opinion. The CompanyMBT has also agreed to indemnify us against certain claims and liabilities arising out of our engagement and to reimburse us for certain of our out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with our engagement. In the two years preceding the date hereof we have provided certain other investment banking services to MBT. Most recently, Sandler O’Neill was retained by MBT in August 2017 to act as MBT’s financial advisor in connection with a possible business combination, which transaction was never consummated. As we have previously informed the Board of Directors of MBT, in the two years preceding the date hereof we have provided certain investment banking services to First Merchants. Most recently, Sandler O’Neill acted as (i) financial advisor in connection with First Merchants’ acquisition of Independent Alliance Banks, Inc., which transaction closed in July 2017, and (ii) financial advisor in connection with First Merchants’ acquisition of Arlington Bank, which transaction closed in May 2017. In addition, in the ordinary course of our business as a broker-dealer, we may purchase securities from and our affiliates may maintain relationships with the Company,sell securities to MBT, First Merchants and their respective affiliates. We may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of MBT, First Merchants and their respective affiliates for our own account and for the accounts of our customers.

Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are providedis directed to the Board of Directors of the CompanyMBT in connection with its evaluationconsideration of the proposedAgreement and the Merger and our opinion is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholdershareholder of MBT as to how any such stockholdershareholder should vote or act onat any matters relatingmeeting of shareholders called to consider and vote upon the proposedapproval of the Agreement and the Merger. Our opinion is notdirected only to be quoted or referred to, in whole or in part, in a registration statement, prospectus, proxy statement, or in any other document, nor shall this opinion be used for any other purposes, without our prior written consent. This opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, as of the date hereof,Exchange Ratio to holders of Company Common Stock of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of CompanyMBT Common Stock. We express no view or opinion asStock and does not address the underlying business decision of MBT to any ofengage in the legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the Merger, and any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or any terms or other aspects of the Merger Agreement, the Merger or any such other transactions including without limitation the form or structure of the Merger or any such other transactions. We express no opinion as totransactions contemplated in the fairnessAgreement, the relative merits of any consideration paid in connection with the Merger as compared to any other alternative transactions or business strategies that might exist for MBT or the holderseffect of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of the Company or as to the underlying decision by the Company to engagetransaction in the Merger or enter into the Merger Agreement.which MBT might engage. We also do not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the Merger by Company officers, directorsany officer, director or employees,employee of MBT or First Merchants, or any class of such persons, if any, relative to the compensation to be received in the Merger by the holders of Company Common Stock.

any other shareholder. This opinion has been reviewed and approved by our Fairness Opinion Committee.Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee. This opinion may not be reproduced without Sandler O’Neill’s prior written consent; provided, however, Sandler O’Neill will provide its consent for the opinion to be included in regulatory filings to be completed in connection with the Merger.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our experience as investment bankers, our work as described above and other factors we deemed relevant, we are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Merger ConsiderationExchange Ratio is fair to be received by the holders of CompanyMBT Common Stock in the proposed Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Company Common Stock.view.

Very truly yours,

/s/ RIVER BRANCH CAPITAL LLC

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20.Indemnification of Directors and Officers of First Merchants Corporation

First Merchants is an Indiana corporation. First Merchants officers and directors are and will be indemnified under Indiana law, First Merchants Articles of Incorporation, as amended and Bylaws, as amended. Section 23-1-37-1et seq. of the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the “Indiana Business Corporation Law”) requires a corporation, unless limited by its articles of incorporation, to indemnify a director or an officer of the corporation who is wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal, against reasonable expenses, including counsel fees, incurred in connection with the proceeding. First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation do not contain any provision limiting such indemnification.

The Indiana Business Corporation Law also permits a corporation to indemnify a director, officer, employee, or agent who is made a party to a proceeding because the person was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation against liability incurred in the proceeding if (a) the individual’s conduct was in good faith, and (b) the individual reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in the individual’s official capacity with the corporation, that the conduct was in the corporation’s best interests, and (ii) in all other cases, that the individual’s conduct was at least not opposed to the corporation’s best interests, and (c) in the case of a criminal proceeding, the individual either (i) had reasonable cause to believe the individual’s conduct was lawful, or (ii) had no reasonable cause to believe the individual’s conduct was unlawful.

First Merchants’ Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and Bylaws, as amended, provide that First Merchants will indemnify any person satisfying the standard of conduct outlined above as determined by (a) the First Merchants Board of Directors acting by a quorum consisting of Directors who are not parties to or who have been wholly successful with respect to such claim, action, suit or proceeding; or (b) independent legal counsel chosen by First Merchants.

First Merchants may advance expenses to or, where appropriate, may at its expense undertake the defense of any such person upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such expenses if it should ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to the indemnification outlined above.

As permitted by the Indiana Business Corporation Law, the directors and officers of First Merchants are covered by an insurance policy indemnifying them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws, which might be incurred by them in such capacity.

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Item 21.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) The following Exhibits are being filed as part of this Registration Statement except those which are incorporated by reference:

(a)The following Exhibits are being filed as part of this Registration Statement except those which are incorporated by reference:

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

  2.1
  3.1
  3.2

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March 1, 2017)

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

  3.3First Merchants Corporation Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation for the Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011)
  4.1
  4.2
  4.3
  4.4
  4.5
4.6
  4.6
Upon request, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission a copy of the instruments defining the rights of holders of its (a) 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $5 million and (b) 6.75% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2028 in aggregate principal amount of $65 million. (Incorporated
  5.1
  8.1
  8.2Opinion of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
10.1
21.1
23.1
23.2
23.2
23.3
23.4Consent of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2)
23.5Consent of River Branch Capital LLC
24.1
99.1Form

Previously filed.

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Item 22.Undertakings.(b)Financial Statement Schedules:

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period inAll schedules for which offers or sales are beingprovision is made a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement (notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a twenty percent (20%) change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement); and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fide offering thereof.

(5) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the registrant undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

(6) That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (5) above, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment has become effective, and that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fide offering thereof.

(7) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one (1) business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(8) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in this registration statement when it became effective.

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(9) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinionaccounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressedhave been omitted because they are not required, amounts which would otherwise be required to be shown with respect to any item are not material, are inapplicable or the required information has already been provided elsewhere or incorporated by reference in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by theregistration statement.

Item 22.Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.hereby undertakes:

(1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement (notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement); and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4)That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(5)That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145©, the registrant undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
(6)That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (5) above, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to this registration statement and will not be used until such amendment has become effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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(7)To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of this registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
(8)To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in this registration statement when it became effective.
(9)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Muncie, State of Indiana, as of the 2nd19th day of October, 2015.December, 2018.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
By:
By:

/s/ Michael C. Rechin

Michael C,C. Rechin, Chief Executive Officer
and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed as of the 2nd19th day of October, 2015December, 2018 by the following persons in the capacities indicated.

/s/ Michael C. Rechin

Michael C. Rechin

Chief Executive Officer, President and

Director (Principal Executive Officer)

Michael C. Rechin

/s/ Mark K. Hardwick

Mark K. Hardwick

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief

Financial Operating Officer (Principal Financial

and Accounting Officer)

Mark K. Hardwick

*

Charles E. Schalliol

*
Chairman of the Board and Director
Charles E. Schalliol

*

Director
Michael R. Becher

Director

*

Roderick English

Director
Michael J. Fisher

*

Director
F. Howard Halderman

Director

*

Director
William L. Hoy
*
Director
Gary J. Lehman
*
Director
Michael C. Marhenke
*
Director
Patrick A. Sherman

Director

*

William L. Hoy

Director

*

Terry L. Walker

Director

*

Gary J. Lehman

Director


*

Jean L. Wojtowicz

Director

* By:
*By:
/s/ Michael C. Rechin
Michael C. Rechin

Attorney-in-fact
December 19, 2018
Attorney-in-fact
October 2, 2015


FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

  2.1Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of June 26, 2015 by and between First Merchants Corporation and Ameriana Bancorp (attached as Annex A to the proxy statement and prospectus contained in this Registration Statement)
  3.1First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2011)
  3.2Bylaws of First Merchants Corporation dated October 28, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009)
  3.3First Merchants Corporation Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation for the Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011)
  4.1First Merchants Corporation Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of First Merchants Capital Trust II dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
  4.2Indenture dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
  4.3Guarantee Agreement dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
  4.4Form of Capital Securities Certification of First Merchants Capital Trust II (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
  4.5First Merchants Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 filed on August 21, 2009)
  4.6Upon request, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission a copy of the instruments defining the rights of holders of its (a) 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $5 million and (b) 6.75% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2028 in aggregate principal amount of $65 million. (Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2013)
  5.1Opinion of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP (legality)
  8.1Opinion of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP (tax matters)
  8.2Opinion of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
10.1Voting Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of First Merchants’ Form 8-K filed on June 26, 2015)
21.1Subsidiaries of First Merchants Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 of registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2015)
23.1Consent of BKD, LLP (with respect to First Merchants Corporation)
23.2Consent of BKD, LLP (with respect to Ameriana Bancorp)
23.2Consent of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP (legality) (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3Consent of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP (tax matters) (included in Exhibit 8.1)
23.4Consent of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2)
23.5Consent of River Branch Capital LLC
24.1Power of Attorney included on “Signature” page of Form S-4 †
99.1Form of Proxy for Ameriana Bancorp Shareholder Meeting

Previously filed.