On April 20, 2017, First Financial Bancorp. issued its earnings press release that included the results of operations and financial condition for the first>quarter of 2017. A copy of the earnings press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. First Financial Bancorp. also provided electronic presentation slides on its web site used in connection with the earnings conference call. A copy of the electronic presentation slides is included in this Report as Exhibit 99.2.

The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01 Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits:

The following exhibits shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of the Securities Act.

99.1 First Financial Bancorp. Press Release dated April 20, 2017 – Furnished.

99.2 First Financial Bancorp. April 20, 2017 Earnings Call slides – Furnished.

About FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. (NASDAQ:FFBC)

First Financial Bancorp. (First Financial) is a regional bank holding company. First Financial is engaged in the business of commercial banking and other banking and banking-related activities through its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, National Association (the Bank). The range of banking services provided by First Financial to individuals and businesses include commercial lending, real estate lending and consumer financing. First Financial offers deposit products that include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing accounts, time deposits and cash management services for commercial customers. First Financial’s Wealth Management division provides a range of trust and asset management services. It operates over 110 banking centers. The Company’s operating markets are located within the regions of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. First Financial operates over 60 banking centers in Ohio, approximately 40 banking centers in Indiana and over four banking centers in Kentucky.

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. (NASDAQ:FFBC) Recent Trading Information

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. (NASDAQ:FFBC) closed its last trading session up +0.85 at 27.40 with 185,622 shares trading hands.