First Defiance Announces 2008 First Quarter Earnings

DEFIANCE, Ohio, April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- First Defiance Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:FDEF) today announced that net income for its first quarter ended March 31, 2008 totaled $3.42 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared to $3.61 million or $0.50 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The 2008 results included $750,000 of acquisition related charges associated with the March 14, 2008 acquisition of Pavilion Bancorp. of Adrian, Michigan ("Pavilion") and its subsidiary the Bank of Lenawee. Excluding the after tax impact of those charges, First Defiance had earnings of $3.91 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The 2008 quarterly results also included 17 days of operations of the eight banking centers acquired in the Pavilion acquisition.

First Defiance announced the agreement to acquire Pavilion on October 2, 2007. The purchase price was $37.50 cash plus 1.4209 shares of First Defiance stock for each share of Pavilion stock. The acquisition was valued at $55.2 million. Banking centers acquired include three in Adrian, two in Tecumseh and one each in Morenci, Hudson and Hillsdale, Michigan. At the closing date, Pavilion had $257.3 million in assets, $225.9 million in net loans and $208.3 million in deposits.

"We're encouraged by the results of our 2008 first quarter, particularly the substantial improvement in our net interest margin in a very difficult rate environment," said William J. Small, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Defiance Financial Corp. "We also successfully completed the acquisition of Pavilion Bancorp. This was our largest acquisition yet and teams from throughout the combined organization worked extremely hard to make the transition as smooth as possible for our new customers."

Net Interest Margin Increased by 24 Basis Points from 2007 Fourth Quarter

Net interest income increased to $13.6 million for the first three months of 2008, a 13.4% increase from the 2007 first quarter. Net interest margin improved to 3.76% for the 2008 first quarter, a 13 basis point improvement over last year's first quarter margin of 3.63% and a 24 basis point improvement from the 2007 fourth quarter margin of 3.52%. Yield on interest earning assets declined by 45 basis points, to 6.77% from 7.22% in the 2007 first quarter while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 59 basis points, to 3.37% from 3.96%. The margin also was favorably impacted by an increase in non-interest bearing deposits, which had an average balance of $124.6 million in the 2008 first quarter compared to $97.9 million in the same period in 2007. The Pavilion acquisition had a favorable impact on the margin as Pavilion generally has historically operated at a higher margin than First Defiance. However, in the 2008 first quarter, the Pavilion results were included in only the last 17 of the 91 days.

"We reacted quickly to the Fed's rate cuts in the first quarter because we knew the impact on our loan yields would be severe," commented Mr. Small. "At the same time, we have been aggressively growing non-interest bearing deposit balances. As a result, we've improved the overall mix in our funding, which has been a long-term strategic goal."

Provision for Loan Losses Increased, Credit Quality Impacted by Acquisition

The provision for loan losses more than doubled in the 2008 first quarter, to $1.1 million compared to $457,000 in the first quarter of 2007. The significant increase was due primarily to an increase in the loan loss reserve for one large impaired loan caused by a reduction in the appraised value of that loan's real estate collateral. Excluding the specific allowance recorded for that one loan, the Company's provision was very consistent with the level of provision expense recorded over the last several quarters.

"These are among the toughest credit times this industry has seen in my 30 years in the business," said Mr. Small. "And although we're not immune to these difficulties, I think our portfolio has held up well. While our non- performing assets increased to $16.9 million from $11.7 million at the end of December, $4.4 million in non-performing loans and $1.2 million in Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) came with the Pavilion acquisition. Non-performing loans originated by First Federal Bank actually decreased by $75,000 during the 2008 first quarter while OREO balances decreased by $246,000. Although we doubled our loan loss provision compared to last year's first quarter, the impaired loan that caused most of the increase continues to pay as agreed, despite the weaknesses that caused us to consider the relationship impaired."

"Net charge-offs of $491,000 for the quarter are higher than we like, but they represented only 0.15% of average loans outstanding calculated on an annual basis," said Mr. Small. "Our expectation is that the ratio of net charge-offs to average assets will be higher for the balance of the year, both because of the acquisition and because of our market area's overall economic condition. We're seeing increases in delinquencies, and we are working harder to keep borrowers from falling past due. Our local economies remain generally healthy, though far from robust. The southern Michigan counties where our branches are located are probably struggling a little bit more than the communities where our Ohio branches are located, but it's well within the range of what we projected."

"We are seeing a higher level of delinquencies in our mortgage and home equity portfolios than we are accustomed to," added Mr. Small. "We likely will see an increase in charge-offs of this type of loan during the balance of 2008. While we don't have subprime loans on our balance sheet, falling housing values in our market areas will have a negative impact on our asset quality. Overall however, I feel comfortable with our level of allowance for loan losses at March 31."

Mortgage Banking, Insurance Sales Increases Highlight Non-Interest Income Growth

First Defiance's non-interest income for the 2008 first quarter increased to $6.0 million from $5.6 million in the first quarter of 2007. Most of the increase was in mortgage banking income, which increased to $1.1 million in the 2008 first quarter from $782,000 in 2007. Gains from the sale of mortgage loans more than doubled to $1.1 million from $512,000 in the first quarter of 2007. Also, mortgage loan servicing revenue increased by $44,000 or 10.5% in the 2008 first quarter compared to 2007. The increases in gains and servicing revenue were partially offset by expense increases of $211,000 for the amortization of mortgage servicing rights and a $132,000 increase in expense associated with MSR valuation adjustments in the 2008 first quarter over the same period in 2007. The MSR valuation adjustment is a reflection of the declining fair value of certain sectors of the Company's portfolio of mortgage servicing rights. The interest rate environment that gives rise to increased mortgage origination activity also typically causes increases in MSR amortization and impairment, creating a natural hedge in the mortgage banking line of business.

Income from the sale of insurance products increased to $1.9 million for the 2008 first quarter, from $1.7 million in the same period of 2007. The increase is attributable to a full quarter of revenue from the late February 2007 acquisition of the Huber Harger Welt and Smith Agency in Bowling Green, Ohio. First Defiance's insurance subsidiary, First Insurance and Investments, typically recognizes contingent revenues during the first quarter. These revenues are bonuses paid by insurance carriers when the Company achieves certain loss ratios or growth targets. In 2008 First Insurance earned $784,000 of contingent income, compared to $754,000 recorded during the first quarter of 2007.

"We are pleased to report our third consecutive year of very strong contingent commissions at First Insurance," continued Mr. Small. "This amount is a reflection of effective management of our relationships with our insurance companies. These contingent commissions are generally recorded on a cash basis when they are received in the first quarter."

Non-Interest Expenses Up 14.5%, 8.1% Excluding Acquisition Charges

Total non-interest expense for First Defiance increased to $13.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, an increase of 14.5% from the $11.8 million of non-interest expense recognized in the 2007 first quarter. The 2008 amount includes $750,000 of acquisition related charges. If those costs are excluded, non-interest expense increased by 8.1%. Compensation and benefits increased by 8.7% between the 2007 and 2008 first quarters. The 2008 results included approximately $90,000 of compensation expense related to the 17 post-acquisition days of operating the former Bank of Lenawee offices. Compensation also increased because of year-over-year compensation increases, and a full three months of compensation associated with Huber Harger Welt and Smith, compared to just one month in 2007. Occupancy expense increased $266,000 because of the Pavilion and Huber Harger Welt and Smith acquisitions as well as the December 2007 opening of First Federal's new operations center.

Acquisition related costs include the costs of terminating certain long-term contracts, stay bonuses, and other non-recurring costs associated with the completion of the acquisition and the transition of operations. Management had initially estimated that total acquisition related costs for the Pavilion acquisition would exceed $3.5 million. However, certain costs associated with change in control agreements paid to former Pavilion officers were expensed by the seller prior to the closing date and the cost to terminate Bank of Lenawee's participation in a multiple employer defined benefit pension plan will be approximately $900,000 less than initially anticipated. As a result of these changes, management believes that the balance of acquisition related costs, most of which will be incurred in the 2008 second quarter, will be between $1.0 million and $1.25 million.

Balance Sheet Amounts

As a result of the March 14 completion of the Pavilion acquisition, total assets at March 31, 2008 were $1.89 billion, compared to $1.61 billion at December 31, 2007. Net loans receivable (excluding loans held for sale) were $1.52 billion at March 31, 2008 compared to $1.28 billion at December 31, 2007. Total deposits at March 31, 2008 were $1.41 billion compared to $1.22 billion at December 31, 2007, which included non-interest bearing deposits at March 31, 2008 of $168.0 million compared to $121.6 million at December 31, 2007. Total stockholders' equity increased to $194.8 million at March 31, 2008 compared to $166.0 million at the end of 2007, with the increase attributable to the 1,037,534 shares of First Defiance issued in the acquisition. Also at March 31, 2008, goodwill and other intangible assets totaled $67.2 million compared to $40.4 million at December 31, 2007. Many of the accounting adjustments recorded as of March 31, 2008 associated with the acquisition are preliminary and subject to adjustment as the accounting for the purchase price is further refined during the second quarter.

Conference Call

First Defiance Financial Corp. will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 to discuss the earnings results and business trends. The conference call may be accessed by calling 800-860-2442.

Internet access to the call is also available (in listen-only mode) at the following Web address: http://www.talkpoint.com/viewer/starthere.asp?Pres121308 (Due to URL length, please copy and paste into browser.)

The audio replay of the Internet Web cast will be available at www.fdef.com until Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 9 a.m.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

First Defiance Financial Corp. will host its Annual Meeting of Shareholders at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at the First Federal Bank operations center at 25600 Elliott Road in Defiance. Following the meeting, the audio replay, slide presentation and transcript will be available at the Company's Web site at www.fdef.com.

First Defiance Financial Corp.

First Defiance Financial Corp., headquartered in Defiance, Ohio, is the holding company for First Federal Bank of the Midwest and First Insurance & Investments. First Federal operates 36 full service branches and 45 ATM locations in northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and Fort Wayne, Indiana. First Insurance & Investments specializes in property and casualty and group health and life insurance, with offices in Defiance and Bowling Green, Ohio.

For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.fdef.com.

Financial Statements and Highlights Follow --
Safe Harbor Statement

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21 B of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be safe harbors created thereby. Those statements may include, but are not limited to, all statements regarding intent, beliefs, expectations, projections, forecasts and plans of First Defiance Financial Corp. and its management, and specifically include statements regarding: future movements of interest rates, the production levels of mortgage loan generation, the ability to continue to grow loans and deposits, the ability to benefit from a changing interest rate environment, the ability to sustain credit quality ratios at current or improved levels, the ability to sell OREO properties, continued strength in the market area for First Federal Bank of the Midwest, and the ability of the Company to grow in existing and adjacent markets. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including those inherent in general and local banking, insurance and mortgage conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions or capital market conditions and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. One or more of these factors have affected or could in the future affect the Company's business and financial results in future periods and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. Therefore, there can be no assurances that the forward-looking statements included in this news release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties in the forward- looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other persons, that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved. All forward-looking statements made in this news release are based on information presently available to the management of the Company. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
First Defiance Financial Corp. (Unaudited)

March 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2008 2007

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and amounts due from
depository institutions $40,030 $53,976
Interest-bearing deposits 1,548 11,577
41,578 65,553
Securities
Available-for sale, carried at
fair value 123,566 112,370
Held-to-maturity, carried at
amortized cost 1,081 1,117
124,647 113,487

Loans 1,535,354 1,289,696
Allowance for loan losses (18,556) (13,890)
Loans, net 1,516,798 1,275,806
Loans held for sale 7,400 5,751
Mortgage servicing rights 9,074 5,973
Accrued interest receivable 8,636 6,755
Federal Home Loan Bank stock 20,864 18,586
Bank Owned Life Insurance 28,696 28,423
Office properties and equipment 50,070 40,545
Real estate and other assets held for
sale 3,448 2,460
Goodwill 57,315 36,820
Core deposit and other intangibles 9,915 3,551
Other assets 7,606 5,694
Total Assets $1,886,047 $1,609,404

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Non-interest-bearing deposits $168,049 $121,563
Interest-bearing deposits 1,245,652 1,096,295
Total deposits 1,413,701 1,217,858
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank 163,966 139,536
Notes payable and other interest- bearing liabilities 51,361 30,055
Subordinated debentures 36,083 36,083
Advance payments by borrowers for tax
and insurance 594 762
Deferred taxes 5,654 1,306
Other liabilities 19,908 17,850
Total liabilities 1,691,267 1,443,450
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock - - Common stock, net 127 117
Additional paid-in-capital 140,176 112,651
Stock acquired by ESOP - (202)
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss (746) (415)
Retained earnings 127,923 126,630
Treasury stock, at cost (72,700) (72,827)
Total stockholders' equity 194,780 165,954
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $1,886,047 $1,609,404

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
First Defiance Financial Corp.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in thousands, except per share
amounts) 2008 2007
Interest Income:
Loans $22,812 $22,298
Investment securities 1,485 1,432
Interest-bearing deposits 99 11
FHLB stock dividends 243 292
Total interest income 24,639 24,033
Interest Expense:
Deposits 8,670 9,540
FHLB advances and other 1,655 2,003
Subordinated debentures 529 337
Notes Payable 194 169
Total interest expense 11,048 12,049
Net interest income 13,591 11,984
Provision for loan losses 1,058 457
Net interest income after provision
for loan losses 12,533 11,527
Non-interest Income:
Service fees and other charges 2,623 2,518
Mortgage banking income 1,114 782
Gain on sale of non-mortgage
loans 35 5
Loss on securities (81) - Insurance and investment sales
commissions 1,936 1,703
Trust income 111 86
Income from Bank Owned Life
Insurance 273 294
Other non-interest income 4 219
Total Non-interest Income 6,015 5,607
Non-interest Expense:
Compensation and benefits 7,124 6,552
Occupancy 1,669 1,403
State franchise tax 494 363
Acquisition related charges 750 - Data processing 1,029 953
Amortization of intangibles 191 143
Other non-interest expense 2,219 2,357
Total Non-interest Expense 13,476 11,771
Income before income taxes 5,072 5,363
Income taxes 1,653 1,757
Net Income $3,419 3,606

Earnings per share:
Basic $0.48 $0.51
Diluted $0.47 $0.50

Core operating earnings per share*:
Basic $0.54 $0.51
Diluted $0.54 $0.50

Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic 7,195 7,119
Diluted 7,241 7,229

* - See Non-GAAP Disclosure Reconciliations

Financial Summary and Comparison
First Defiance Financial Corp. (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per
share data) 2008 2007 % change
Summary of Operations

Tax-equivalent interest income (1) 24,843 24,207 2.6
Interest expense 11,048 12,049 (8.3)
Tax-equivalent net interest income
(1) 13,795 12,158 13.5
Provision for loan losses 1,058 457 131.5
Tax-equivalent NII after provision
for loan loss (1) 12,737 11,701 8.9
Securities losses (81) - NM
Non-interest income-excluding
securities losses 6,096 5,607 8.7
Non-interest expense 13,476 11,771 14.5
Non-interest expense-excluding non- core charges 12,726 11,771 8.1
One time acquisition related charges 750 - NM
Income taxes 1,653 1,757 (5.9)
Net Income 3,419 3,606 (5.2)
Core operating earnings (2) 3,906 3,606 8.3
Tax equivalent adjustment (1) 204 174 17.2

At Period End
Assets 1,886,047 1,518,414 24.2
Earning assets 1,689,813 1,372,475 23.1
Loans 1,535,354 1,237,072 24.1
Allowance for loan losses 18,556 13,752 34.9
Deposits 1,413,701 1,146,319 23.3
Stockholders' equity 194,780 164,540 18.4

Average Balances
Assets 1,645,436 1,510,176 9.0
Earning assets 1,475,882 1,358,948 8.6
Deposits and interest-bearing
liabilities 1,445,113 1,332,005 8.5
Loans 1,326,468 1,226,240 8.2
Deposits 1,236,354 1,128,765 9.5
Stockholders' equity 171,693 161,128 6.6
Stockholders' equity / assets 10.43% 10.67% (2.2)

Per Common Share Data
Net Income
Basic $0.48 $0.51 (5.9)
Diluted 0.47 0.50 (6.0)
Core operating earnings (2)
Basic $0.54 $0.51 7.2
Diluted $0.54 $0.50 8.1
Dividends 0.26 0.25 4.0
Market Value:
High $22.51 $30.25 (25.6)
Low 17.30 27.25 (36.5)
Close 18.35 28.70 (36.1)
Book Value 24.01 22.77 5.4
Tangible Book Value 15.72 17.16 (8.4)
Shares outstanding, end of period (000) 8,114 7,227 12.3
Performance Ratios (annualized)
Tax-equivalent net interest margin (1) 3.76% 3.63% 3.7
Return on average assets -GAAP 0.84% 0.97% (13.8)
Return on average assets -Core
Operating 0.95% 0.97% (1.6)
Return on average equity- GAAP 8.01% 9.08% (11.8)
Return on average equity- Core
Operating 9.15% 9.08% 0.8
Efficiency ratio (3) -GAAP 67.75% 66.26% 2.2
Efficiency ratio (3) -Core Operating 63.98% 66.26% (3.4)
Effective tax rate 32.59% 32.76% (0.5)
Dividend payout ratio (basic) 54.17% 49.02% 10.5

(1) Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been
adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using the statutory federal
income tax rate of 35%
(2) Core operating earnings Net income plus after tax effect of
acquisition related and other one-time charges. See Non-GAAP
Disclosure Reconciliation.
(3) Efficiency ratio Non-interest expense divided by sum of tax- equivalent net interest income plus non-interest income,
excluding securities gains or losses, net and asset sales
gains, net.
NM Percentage change not meaningful

Non-GAAP Disclosure Reconciliations
First Defiance Financial Corp.

Management believes that the presentation of the non-GAAP financial
measures in this release assists investors when comparing results
period-to-period in a more meaningful and consistent manner and provides a
better measure of results for First Defiance's ongoing operations.

Core operating earnings are net income adjusted to exclude
discontinued operations, merger, integration and restructuring expenses
and the results of certain significant transactions not representative of
ongoing operations.

Three months ended
Core Operating Earnings March 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2008 2007

Net Income $3,419 $3,606

Acquisition related charges 750 - Tax effect (263) - After-tax non-operating items 487 - Core operating earnings $3,906 $3,606

Acquisition related charges in 2008 reflect charges associated with the acquisition of Pavilion Bancorp.

Core Operating earnings is used as the numerator to calculate core
operating return on average assets, core operating return on average
equity and core operating earnings per share. Additionally, non-operating
items are deducted from non-interest expense in the numerator and non- interest income in the denominator of the core operating efficiency ratio
disclosed in the tables. Comparable information on a GAAP basis is also
provided in the tables.

Income from Mortgage Banking

Revenue from sales and servicing of mortgage loans consisted of the following:

Three months ended
March 31,
(dollars in thousands) 2008 2007

Gain from sale of mortgage loans $1,143 $512
Mortgage loan servicing revenue (expense):
Mortgage loan servicing revenue 465 421
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights (352) (141)
Mortgage servicing rights valuation
adjustments (142) (10)
(29) 270
Total revenue from sale and servicing
of mortgage loans $1,114 $782

Yield Analysis
First Defiance Financial Corp.
Three Months Ended March 31,
2008
Average Yield
Balance Interest(1) Rate(2)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable $1,326,468 $22,826 6.92%
Securities 116,717 1,675 5.80%
Interest Bearing Deposits 14,087 99 2.83%
FHLB stock 18,610 243 5.25%
Total interest-earning assets 1,475,882 24,843 6.77%
Non-interest-earning assets 169,554
Total assets $1,645,436
Deposits and Interest-bearing
liabilities:
Interest bearing deposits $1,111,711 $8,670 3.14%
FHLB advances and other 146,520 1,655 4.54%
Other Borrowings 25,958 194 3.01%
Subordinated debentures 36,281 529 5.86%
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,320,470 11,048 3.37%
Non-interest bearing deposits 124,643 - - Total including non-interest-bearing
demand deposits 1,445,113 11,048 3.07%
Other non-interest-bearing
liabilities 28,630
Total liabilities 1,473,743
Stockholders' equity 171,693
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $1,645,436
Net interest income; interest rate
spread $13,795 3.40%
Net interest margin (3) 3.76%
Average interest-earning assets to
average interest bearing liabilities 112%

(1) Interest on certain tax exempt loans and securities is not taxable
for Federal income tax purposes. In order to compare the tax-exempt
yields on these assets to
taxable yields, the interest earned on these assets is adjusted
to a pre-tax equivalent amount based on the marginal corporate
federal income tax rate of 35%.
(2) Annualized
(3) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average
interest-earning assets.

Yield Analysis
First Defiance Financial Corp.
Three Months Ended March 31,
2007
Average Yield
Balance Interest(1) Rate(2)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable $1,226,240 $22,308 7.38%
Securities 112,999 1,596 5.72%
Interest Bearing Deposits 1,124 11 3.97%
FHLB stock 18,585 292 6.37%
Total interest-earning assets 1,358,948 24,207 7.22%
Non-interest-earning assets 151,228
Total assets $1,510,176
Deposits and Interest-bearing
liabilities:
Interest bearing deposits $1,030,831 $9,540 3.75%
FHLB advances and other 159,840 2,003 5.08%
Other Borrowings 22,501 169 3.05%
Subordinated debentures 20,899 337 6.54%
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,234,071 12,049 3.96%
Non-interest bearing deposits 97,934 - - Total including non-interest-bearing
demand deposits 1,332,005 12,049 3.67%
Other non-interest-bearing
liabilities 17,043
Total liabilities 1,349,048
Stockholders' equity 161,128
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $1,510,176
Net interest income; interest rate
spread $12,158 3.26%
Net interest margin (3) 3.63%
Average interest-earning assets to
average interest bearing liabilities 110%

(1) Interest on certain tax exempt loans and securities is not taxable
for Federal income tax purposes. In order to compare the tax-exempt
yields on these assets to taxable yields, the interest earned on these
assets is adjusted to a pre-tax equivalent amount based on the
marginal corporate federal income tax rate of 35%.
(2) Annualized
(3) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average
interest-earning assets.

Selected Quarterly Information
First Defiance Financial Corp.

(dollars in thousands, except per
share data) 1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr
2008 2007 2007
Summary of Operations
Tax-equivalent interest income (1) $24,843 $25,383 $25,177
Interest expense 11,048 12,669 12,962
Tax-equivalent net interest income (1) 13,795 12,714 12,215
Provision for loan losses 1,058 603 671
Tax-equivalent NII after provision for
loan losses (1) 12,737 12,111 11,544
Investment securities gains (81) - 21
Non-interest income (excluding
securities gains/losses) 6,096 5,268 5,563
Non-interest expense 13,476 12,161 12,296
Acquisition and other on-time charges 750 - - Income taxes 1,653 1,474 1,515
Net income 3,419 3,558 3,129
Core operating earnings (2) 3,906 3,558 3,129
Tax equivalent adjustment (1) 204 186 188

At Period End
Total assets $1,886,047 $1,609,404 $1,579,946
Earning assets 1,689,813 1,439,097 1,432,735
Loans 1,535,354 1,289,696 1,264,872
Allowance for loan losses 18,556 13,890 13,427
Deposits 1,413,701 1,217,858 1,208,164
Stockholders' equity 194,780 165,954 164,706
Stockholders' equity / assets 10.33% 10.31% 10.42%
Goodwill 57,315 36,820 36,515

Average Balances
Total assets $1,645,436 $1,589,264 $1,550,174
Earning assets 1,475,882 1,432,061 1,397,521
Deposits and interest-bearing
liabilities 1,445,113 1,404,065 1,367,421
Loans 1,326,468 1,265,307 1,244,531
Deposits 1,236,354 1,212,486 1,177,594
Stockholders' equity 171,693 165,762 164,751
Stockholders' equity / assets 10.43% 10.43% 10.63%

Per Common Share Data
Net Income:
Basic $0.48 $0.51 $0.44
Diluted 0.47 0.50 0.44
Core operating earnings (2)
Basic 0.54 0.51 0.44
Diluted 0.54 0.50 0.44
Dividends 0.26 0.26 0.25
Market Value:
High $22.51 $26.93 $29.64
Low 17.30 20.58 23.99
Close 18.35 22.02 27.00
Book Value 24.01 23.51 23.21
Shares outstanding, end of period (in
thousands) 8,114 7,059 7,095

Performance Ratios (annualized)
Tax-equivalent net interest margin (1) 3.76% 3.52% 3.47%
Return on average assets -GAAP 0.84% 0.89% 0.80%
Return on average assets -Core
Operating 0.95% 0.89% 0.80%
Return on average equity- GAAP 8.01% 8.52% 7.53%
Return on average equity- Core
Operating 9.15% 8.52% 7.53%
Efficiency ratio (3) -GAAP 67.75% 67.63% 69.16%
Efficiency ratio (3) -Core Operating 63.98% 67.63% 69.16%
Effective tax rate 32.59% 29.29% 32.62%
Dividend payout ratio (basic) 54.17% 50.98% 56.82%

(1) Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been
adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using the statutory federal income
tax rate of 35%
(2) See Non-GAAP Disclosure Reconciliation
(3) Efficiency ratio Non-interest expense divided by sum of
tax-equivalent net interest income plus non-interest income, excluding
securities gains, net and asset sales gains, net.

Selected Quarterly Information
First Defiance Financial Corp.

(dollars in thousands, except per
share data) 2nd Qtr 2007 1st Qtr 2007
Summary of Operations
Tax-equivalent interest income (1) $24,709 $24,207
Interest expense 12,410 12,049
Tax-equivalent net interest income (1) 12,299 12,158
Provision for loan losses 575 457
Tax-equivalent NII after provision
for loan losses (1) 11,724 11,701
Investment securities gains - - Non-interest income (excluding
securities gains/losses) 5,670 5,607
Non-interest expense 11,882 11,771
Acquisition and other on-time charges - - Income taxes 1,724 1,757
Net income 3,611 3,606
Core operating earnings (2) 3,611 3,606
Tax equivalent adjustment (1) 177 174
At Period End
Total assets $1,540,675 $1,518,414
Earning assets 1,385,803 1,372,475
Loans 1,245,027 1,237,072
Allowance for loan losses 13,417 13,752
Deposits 1,167,198 1,146,319
Stockholders' equity 164,657 164,540
Stockholders' equity / assets 10.69% 10.84%
Goodwill 36,551 36,464

Average Balances
Total assets $1,527,863 $1,510,176
Earning assets 1,376,030 1,358,948
Deposits and interest-bearing
liabilities 1,344,186 1,332,005
Loans 1,231,192 1,226,240
Deposits 1,157,793 1,128,765
Stockholders' equity 164,591 161,128
Stockholders' equity / assets 10.77% 10.67%
Per Common Share Data
Net Income:
Basic $0.51 $0.51
Diluted 0.50 0.50
Core operating earnings (2)
Basic 0.51 0.51
Diluted 0.50 0.50
Dividends 0.25 0.25
Market Value:
High $30.00 $30.25
Low 26.71 27.25
Close 29.82 28.70
Book Value 22.94 22.77
Shares outstanding, end of period (in
thousands) 7,178 7,227

Performance Ratios (annualized)
Tax-equivalent net interest margin (1) 3.58% 3.63%
Return on average assets -GAAP 0.95% 0.97%
Return on average assets -Core
Operating 0.95% 0.97%
Return on average equity- GAAP 8.80% 9.08%
Return on average equity- Core
Operating 8.80% 9.08%
Efficiency ratio (3) -GAAP 66.12% 66.26%
Efficiency ratio (3) -Core Operating 66.12% 66.26%
Effective tax rate 32.31% 32.76%
Dividend payout ratio (basic) 49.02% 49.02%

Selected Quarterly Information
First Defiance Financial Corp.

(dollars in thousands, except per
share data) 1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr
2008 2007 2007
Loan Portfolio Composition
One to four family residential real
estate $265,413 $231,921 $230,075
Construction 17,328 13,146 15,392
Commercial real estate 733,476 601,851 592,914
Commercial 332,772 283,072 267,897
Consumer finance 41,209 37,743 38,280
Home equity and improvement 151,563 128,080 127,641
Total loans 1,541,761 1,295,813 1,272,199
Less:
Loans in process 5,363 5,085 6,301
Deferred loan origination fees 1,044 1,032 1,026
Allowance for loan loss 18,556 13,890 13,427
Net Loans $1,516,798 $1,275,806 $1,251,445

Allowance for loan loss activity
Beginning allowance $13,890 $13,427 $13,417
Provision for loan losses 1,058 603 671
Reserve from acquisitions 4,099 - - Credit loss charge-offs:
One to four family residential
real estate 57 33 128
Commercial real estate 464 135 586
Commercial - 7 - Consumer finance 27 42 25
Home equity and improvement 72 30 10
Total charge-offs 620 247 749
Total recoveries 129 107 88
Net charge-offs (recoveries) 491 140 661
Ending allowance $18,556 $13,890 $13,427

Credit Quality
Non-accrual loans $13,497 $9,217 $8,523
Loans over 90 days past due and still
accruing - - - Total non-performing loans (1) 13,497 9,217 8,523
Real estate owned (REO) 3,448 2,460 3,392
Total non-performing assets (1) $16,945 $11,677 $11,915
Net charge-offs 491 140 661

Allowance for loan losses / loans 1.21% 1.08% 1.06%
Allowance for loan losses / non- performing assets 109.51% 118.95% 112.69%
Allowance for loan losses / non- performing loans 137.48% 150.70% 157.54%
Non-performing assets / loans plus REO 1.10% 0.90% 0.94%
Non-performing assets / total assets 0.90% 0.73% 0.75%
Net charge-offs / average loans
(annualized) 0.15% 0.04% 0.21%

Deposit Balances
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits $168,049 $121,563 $109,128
Interest-bearing demand deposits and
money market 408,979 342,367 330,168
Savings deposits 144,184 105,873 98,719
Retail time deposits less than
$100,000 529,990 509,720 524,347
Retail time deposits greater than
$100,000 162,400 137,927 142,645
National/Brokered time deposits 99 408 3,157
Total deposits $1,413,701 $1,217,858 $1,208,164

(1) Non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and loans that are deemed impaired under the criteria of FASB Statement No. 114. Non-performing assets are non-performing loans plus real estate and other assets acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu thereof.

Selected Quarterly Information
First Defiance Financial Corp.

(dollars in thousands, except per
share data) 2nd Qtr 2007 1st Qtr 2007
Loan Portfolio Composition
One to four family residential real
estate $234,819 $243,632
Construction 16,346 14,277
Commercial real estate 583,046 579,463
Commercial 255,022 242,543
Consumer finance 40,693 40,857
Home equity and improvement 123,936 123,404
Total loans 1,253,862 1,244,176
Less:
Loans in process 7,761 6,012
Deferred loan origination fees 1,074 1,092
Allowance for loan loss 13,417 13,752
Net Loans $1,231,610 $1,223,320

Allowance for loan loss activity
Beginning allowance $13,752 $13,579
Provision for loan losses 575 457
Reserve from acquisitions - - Credit loss charge-offs:
One to four family residential
real estate 10 85
Commercial real estate 936 146
Commercial 11 81
Consumer finance 23 71
Home equity and improvement 41 - Total charge-offs 1,021 383
Total recoveries 111 99
Net charge-offs (recoveries) 910 284
Ending allowance $13,417 $13,752

Credit Quality
Non-accrual loans $6,427 $8,211
Loans over 90 days past due and still
accruing - - Total non-performing loans (1) 6,427 8,211
Real estate owned (REO) 3,324 2,581
Total non-performing assets (1) $9,751 $10,792
Net charge-offs 910 284

Allowance for loan losses / loans 1.08% 1.11%
Allowance for loan losses / non- performing assets 137.60% 127.43%
Allowance for loan losses / non- performing loans 208.76% 167.48%
Non-performing assets / loans plus
REO 0.78% 0.87%
Non-performing assets / total assets 0.63% 0.71%
Net charge-offs / average loans
(annualized) 0.30% 0.09%

Deposit Balances
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits $107,111 $101,089
Interest-bearing demand deposits and
money market 314,923 313,327
Savings deposits 97,004 88,345
Retail time deposits less than
$100,000 504,301 498,136
Retail time deposits greater than
$100,000 136,319 136,248
National/Brokered time deposits 7,540 9,174
Total deposits $1,167,198 $1,146,319

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: First Defiance Financial Corp.

CONTACT: William J. Small, Chairman, President and CEO of First Defiance
Financial Corp., +1-419-782-5015, bsmall@first-fed.com

Web site: http://www.fdef.com/
http://www.talkpoint.com/viewer/starthere.asp?Pres121308

2008-04-21 19:04:44 0341220 PRNEWSWIRE

Legal Disclaimer: We are not responsible for the content of the news. Please, contact each company regarding their message.

HOME || Press Release Archive || © Leigh Media Corporation || Terms of Use || Privacy Policy || Publish Your Press Release Here

Market Segmentation Starts Here || Free Advertising