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FirstMerit Corporation Announces Revision of Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Earnings Related to Reclassification of a Commercial Credit Relationship

   FirstMerit logo. (PRNewsFoto)

AKRON, OH USA
             Full Year 2005 Diluted EPS Reduced by $0.04 to $1.56

    AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FirstMerit Corporation
(Nasdaq: FMER) announced today a revision to its fourth quarter and full year
2005 earnings based on a charge of $3.5 million after-tax, or $0.04 per
diluted share, due to an increased loan loss provision expense recorded in the
fourth quarter of 2005.  The increase is related to a subsequent event that
provided the Company with additional information on one criticized commercial
relationship, originally downgraded to criticized asset status during the
fourth quarter of 2005.  The information was received by the Company after its
earnings release on January 19, 2006.
    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001220/FIRSTMERITLOGO )
    Earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter and full year 2005 were
affected by the $3.5 million charge. The revised full year 2005 net income is
$130.5 million, or $1.56 per diluted share, instead of $134.0 million, or
$1.60 per share, as originally reported on January 19, 2006. This compares
with $103.2 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for 2004. For the fourth
quarter of 2005, FirstMerit is reporting revised net income of $27.7 million,
or $0.34 per diluted share, instead of $31.2 million, or $0.38 per diluted
share, as originally reported, compared with $28.4 million or $0.33 per share,
for the prior-year quarter.
    In late January, after further review of the borrower's financial
condition, FirstMerit concluded that the borrower's financial condition was
significantly worse than what previously had been represented to the bank.
Based on this analysis, FirstMerit concluded that the financial schedules for
December 31, 2005 included in the January 19, 2006 earnings release did not
reflect the full scope of impairment to this credit relationship.  The
Company's revised nonperforming assets at December 31, 2005, are
$72.3 million, instead of $60.7 million as previously reported.  The estimate
of loss related to this commercial relationship is now fully reflected with
the additional loan loss provision expense.
    These changes are reflected in the schedules that are part of this release
and will also be reflected in the financial statements and supplementary data
to be filed with FirstMerit's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005, which FirstMerit intends to file on or about March 2, 2006.
    FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company
headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of $10.2 billion as of December 31,
2005 and 160 banking offices in 24 Ohio and Western Pennsylvania counties.
FirstMerit provides a complete range of banking and other financial services
to consumers and businesses through its core operations.  Principal wholly-
owned subsidiaries include:  FirstMerit Bank, N.A., FirstMerit Mortgage
Corporation, FirstMerit Title Agency, Ltd., FirstMerit Credit Life Insurance
Company, and FirstMerit Community Development Corporation.

    Forward-Looking Statement
    This release contains forward-looking statements relating to present or
future trends or factors affecting the banking industry, and specifically the
financial condition and results of operations, including without limitation,
statements relating to the earnings outlook of the Company, as well as its
operations, markets and products. Actual results could differ materially from
those indicated. Among the important factors that could cause results to
differ materially are interest rate changes, continued softening in the
economy, which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability
to generate loans, changes in the mix of the Company's business, competitive
pressures, changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements
and those risk factors detailed in the Company's periodic reports and
registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Company undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking
statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

    Analysts: Tom O'Malley
    (330) 384-7109

    Media: Jacque Sir Louis
    (330) 849-8877



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)                                         Quarters
    (Dollars in thousands)
                                              2005         2005        2005
    EARNINGS                                 4th Qtr     3rd Qtr     2nd Qtr

    Net interest income FTE (a)               $88,152      88,347      88,432
    Provision for loan losses                  16,260       9,974       5,972
    Other income                               47,586      47,846      50,095
    Other expenses                             79,274      78,926      79,397
    FTE adjustment (a)                            650         641         655
    Net income                                 27,656      36,594      36,145
    Diluted EPS                                  0.34        0.43        0.43

    PERFORMANCE RATIOS

    Return on average assets (ROA)              1.07%       1.41%       1.40%
    Return on average common equity (ROE)      11.52%      14.90%      15.07%
    Net interest margin FTE (a)                 3.73%       3.70%       3.74%
    Efficiency ratio                           58.26%      57.81%      57.14%
    Number of full-time equivalent
     employees                                  3,057       3,073       3,078

    MARKET DATA

    Book value/common share                    $11.39       11.65       11.69
    Period-end common share mkt value           25.91       26.79       26.11
    Market as a % of book                        228%        230%        223%
    Cash dividends/common share                 $0.28        0.28        0.27
    Common stock dividend payout ratio         82.35%      65.12%      62.79%
    Average basic common shares                82,786      83,489      83,603
    Average diluted common shares              83,082      83,978      83,890
    Period end common shares                   82,335      83,442      83,522
    Common shares repurchased               1,228,293     178,872     145,143
    Common stock market capitalization     $2,133,300   2,235,411   2,180,759

    ASSET QUALITY

    Gross charge-offs                         $22,736      14,207      15,422
    Net charge-offs                            18,379      10,002      10,278
    Allowance for loan losses (b)              90,661      92,780      92,808
    Reserve for unfunded lending
     commitments (b)                            6,072       5,857       5,785
    Nonperforming assets (NPAs)                72,257      51,398      53,985
    Net charge-off/average loans ratio          1.09%       0.60%       0.62%
    Allowance for loan losses/period-end
     loans                                      1.36%       1.39%       1.40%
    Allowance for credit losses/period-
     end loans (c)                              1.45%       1.47%       1.49%
    NPAs/loans and other real estate            1.08%       0.77%       0.82%
    Allowance for loan
     losses/nonperforming loans               145.61%     221.46%     208.74%
    Allowance for credit
     losses/nonperforming loans (c)           155.36%     235.44%     221.76%

    CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY

    Period-end tangible equity to assets        7.93%       8.17%       8.19%
    Average equity to assets                    9.33%       9.46%       9.32%
    Average equity to loans                    14.22%      14.66%      14.58%
    Average loans to deposits                  92.11%      91.73%      90.16%

    AVERAGE BALANCES

    Assets (b)                            $10,211,619  10,295,827  10,329,167
    Deposits                                7,273,980   7,245,562   7,321,860
    Loans                                   6,699,997   6,646,112   6,601,204
    Earning assets                          9,368,139   9,465,288   9,489,431
    Shareholders' equity                      952,715     974,147     962,239

    ENDING BALANCES

    Assets (b)                            $10,161,317  10,290,243  10,314,268
    Deposits                                7,233,650   7,352,026   7,173,857
    Loans                                   6,681,243   6,695,290   6,611,011
    Goodwill                                  139,245     139,245     139,245
    Intangible assets                           3,756       3,978       4,200
    Earning assets                          9,270,305   9,429,183   9,492,583
    Total shareholders' equity                937,580     972,348     976,016

    NOTES:
    (a) - Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis restates
          interest on tax-exempt securities and loans as if such interest were
          subject to federal income tax at the statutory rate.  Net interest
          income on an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally
          accepted in the United States of America.
    (b) - As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending
          commitments has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses
          to other liabilities.  Amounts presented prior to December 31, 2004,
          have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
    (c) - The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan
          losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)                                           Quarters
    (Dollars in thousands)
                                                    2005              2004
    EARNINGS                                       1st Qtr           4th Qtr

    Net interest income FTE (a)                     86,685            87,993
    Provision for loan losses                       11,614             9,358
    Other income                                    44,939            39,402
    Other expenses                                  75,911            80,279
    FTE adjustment (a)                                 675               669
    Net income                                      30,088            28,369
    Diluted EPS                                       0.36              0.33

    PERFORMANCE RATIOS

    Return on average assets (ROA)                   1.19%             1.12%
    Return on average common equity (ROE)           12.48%            11.49%
    Net interest margin FTE (a)                      3.73%             3.76%
    Efficiency ratio                                58.33%            60.69%
    Number of full-time equivalent
     employees                                       3,081             3,158

    MARKET DATA

    Book value/common share                          11.32             11.66
    Period-end common share mkt value                26.76             28.49
    Market as a % of book                             236%              244%
    Cash dividends/common share                       0.27              0.27
    Common stock dividend payout ratio              75.00%            81.82%
    Average basic common shares                     84,097            84,286
    Average diluted common shares                   84,497            84,777
    Period end common shares                        83,612            84,191
    Common shares repurchased                      816,208           197,235
    Common stock market capitalization           2,237,457         2,398,602

    ASSET QUALITY

    Gross charge-offs                               16,740            17,873
    Net charge-offs                                 11,795            12,553
    Allowance for loan losses (b)                   97,115            97,296
    Reserve for unfunded lending
     commitments (b)                                 6,479             5,774
    Nonperforming assets (NPAs)                     46,703            45,891
    Net charge-off/average loans ratio               0.74%             0.78%
    Allowance for loan losses/period-end
     loans                                           1.49%             1.51%
    Allowance for credit losses/period-
     end loans (c)                                   1.59%             1.60%
    NPAs/loans and other real estate                 0.71%             0.71%
    Allowance for loan
     losses/nonperforming loans                    235.71%           240.14%
    Allowance for credit
     losses/nonperforming loans (c)                251.44%           254.39%

    CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY

    Period-end tangible equity to assets             7.93%             8.39%
    Average equity to assets                         9.56%             9.70%
    Average equity to loans                         15.06%            15.26%
    Average loans to deposits                       88.27%            86.69%

    AVERAGE BALANCES

    Assets (b)                                  10,226,765        10,120,109
    Deposits                                     7,354,689         7,421,815
    Loans                                        6,492,044         6,434,115
    Earning assets                               9,421,693         9,314,744
    Shareholders' equity                           977,888           982,147

    ENDING BALANCES

    Assets (b)                                  10,274,154        10,122,627
    Deposits                                     7,324,551         7,365,447
    Loans                                        6,530,546         6,433,083
    Goodwill                                       139,245           139,245
    Intangible assets                                4,424             4,647
    Earning assets                               9,453,738         9,343,491
    Total shareholders' equity                     946,731           981,257

    NOTES:
    (a) - Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis restates
          interest on tax-exempt securities and loans as if such interest were
          subject to federal income tax at the statutory rate.  Net interest
          income on an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally
          accepted in the United States of America.
    (b) - As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending
          commitments has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses
          to other liabilities.  Amounts presented prior to December 31, 2004,
          have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
    (c) - The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan
          losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited, except December 31, 2004,
     which is derived from the                   December 31,     December 31,
     audited financial statements)                  2005             2004

    ASSETS
      Cash and due from banks                      $225,953           169,052
      Investment securities (at fair
       value) and federal funds sold              2,546,496         2,862,015
      Loans held for sale                            42,566            48,393
      Loans:
       Commercial loans                           3,533,399         3,290,819
       Mortgage loans                               628,581           639,715
       Installment loans                          1,524,355         1,592,781
       Home equity loans                            778,697           676,230
       Credit card loans                            145,592           145,042
       Leases                                        70,619            88,496
         Total loans                              6,681,243         6,433,083
      Less allowance for loan losses                (90,661)          (97,296)
    Net loans                                     6,590,582         6,335,787
      Premises and equipment, net                   120,420           121,198
      Goodwill                                      139,245           139,245
      Intangible assets                               3,756             4,647
      Accrued interest receivable and
       other assets                                 492,299           442,290
          Total assets                          $10,161,317        10,122,627

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
      Deposits:
        Demand-non-interest bearing              $1,523,731         1,470,543
        Demand-interest bearing                     830,248           841,595
        Savings and money market accounts         2,304,177         2,384,510
        Certificates and other time
         deposits                                 2,575,494         2,668,799
        Total deposits                            7,233,650         7,365,447

      Securities sold under agreements to
       repurchase                                 1,426,037         1,336,471
      Wholesale borrowings                          401,104           300,220
      Accrued taxes, expenses, and other
       liabilities                                  162,946           139,232

         Total liabilities                        9,223,737         9,141,370

      Commitments and contingencies

      Shareholders' equity:
        Preferred stock, without par
         value: authorized and unissued
         7,000,000 shares                                --                --
        Preferred stock, Series A,
         without par value: designated
         800,000 shares; none outstanding                --                --
        Convertible preferred stock,
         Series B, without par value:
         designated 220,000 shares; none
         outstanding                                     --                --
        Common stock, without par value:
          authorized 300,000,000 shares;
          issued 92,026,350 at December 31,
          2005 and December 31, 2004                127,937           127,937
        Capital surplus                             108,210           110,513
        Accumulated other comprehensive
         loss                                       (42,850)          (14,208)
        Retained earnings                           994,487           956,802
        Treasury stock, at cost,
         9,691,424 and 7,835,399
         shares at December 31, 2005,
         December 31, 2004, respectively           (250,204)         (199,787)
    Total shareholders' equity                      937,580           981,257
    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                                     $10,161,317        10,122,627

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



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                    Quarterly Periods
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)                  Dec 31,     Sept 30,     June 30,
                                             2005         2005        2005

    ASSETS
    Cash and due from banks                  $192,189     197,412     197,548
    Investment securities/fed funds sold    2,619,248   2,764,724   2,833,818
    Loans held for sale                        48,894      54,452      54,409
    Loans:
      Commercial loans                      3,519,807   3,441,231   3,434,946
      Mortgage loans                          637,877     641,532     641,865
      Installment loans                     1,556,212   1,594,801   1,601,775
      Home equity loans                       772,757     754,492     704,054
      Credit card loans                       142,743     140,873     137,919
      Leases                                   70,601      73,183      80,645
        Total loans                         6,699,997   6,646,112   6,601,204
    Less allowance for loan losses (a)         91,916      91,852      96,342

        Net loans                           6,608,081   6,554,260   6,504,862

    Total earning assets                    9,368,139   9,465,288   9,489,431

    Premises and equipment, net               117,387     117,471     118,392
    Accrued interest receivable and other
     assets                                   625,820     607,508     620,138

    TOTAL ASSETS                          $10,211,619  10,295,827  10,329,167

    LIABILITIES
    Deposits:
      Demand-non-interest bearing          $1,488,679   1,457,487   1,470,673
      Demand-interest bearing                 817,009     838,549     834,708
      Savings and money market accounts     2,332,528   2,333,331   2,370,280
      Certificates and other time
       deposits                             2,635,764   2,616,195   2,646,199

        Total deposits                      7,273,980   7,245,562   7,321,860

    Securities sold under agreements to
     repurchase                             1,443,740   1,478,857   1,385,644
    Wholesale borrowings                      375,167     442,035     498,088

        Total funds                         9,092,887   9,166,454   9,205,592
    Accrued taxes, expenses and other
     liabilities (a)                          166,017     155,226     161,336

        Total liabilities                   9,258,904   9,321,680   9,366,928

    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Preferred stock                                 -           -           -
    Common stock                              127,937     127,937     127,937
    Capital surplus                           108,303     108,564     108,559
    Accumulated other comprehensive
     (loss) income                            (39,834)    (25,682)    (26,883)
    Retained earnings                         994,301     982,419     968,408
    Treasury stock                           (237,992)   (219,091)   (215,782)

        Total shareholders' equity            952,715     974,147     962,239

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
     EQUITY                               $10,211,619  10,295,827  10,329,167

    (a)  As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments
         has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses.  Amounts
         presented prior to December 31, 2004 have been reclassified to
         conform to the current presentation.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                   Quarterly Periods
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)                   March 31,        December 31,
                                                2005              2004

    ASSETS
    Cash and due from banks                        190,740           198,077
    Investment securities/fed funds sold         2,876,415         2,831,253
    Loans held for sale                             53,234            49,376
    Loans:
      Commercial loans                           3,346,425         3,272,545
      Mortgage loans                               646,528           642,569
      Installment loans                          1,598,953         1,612,132
      Home equity loans                            674,913           670,366
      Credit card loans                            141,440           141,953
      Leases                                        83,785            94,550
        Total loans                              6,492,044         6,434,115
    Less allowance for loan losses (a)              96,438            99,675

        Net loans                                6,395,606         6,334,440

    Total earning assets                         9,421,693         9,314,744

    Premises and equipment, net                    119,916           121,147
    Accrued interest receivable and other
     assets                                        590,854           585,816

    TOTAL ASSETS                                10,226,765        10,120,109

    LIABILITIES
    Deposits:
      Demand-non-interest bearing                1,447,226         1,462,830
      Demand-interest bearing                      820,974           829,650
      Savings and money market accounts          2,392,023         2,423,790
      Certificates and other time
       deposits                                  2,694,466         2,705,545

        Total deposits                           7,354,689         7,421,815

    Securities sold under agreements to
     repurchase                                  1,326,242         1,262,156
    Wholesale borrowings                           412,149           300,550

        Total funds                              9,093,080         8,984,521
    Accrued taxes, expenses and other
     liabilities (a)                               155,797           153,441

        Total liabilities                        9,248,877         9,137,962

    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Preferred stock                                     -                 -
    Common stock                                   127,937           127,937
    Capital surplus                                108,478           110,217
    Accumulated other comprehensive
     (loss) income                                 (16,998)          (12,559)
    Retained earnings                              960,740           953,566
    Treasury stock                                (202,269)         (197,014)

        Total shareholders' equity                 977,888           982,147

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
     EQUITY                                     10,226,765        10,120,109

    (a)  As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments
         has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses.  Amounts
         presented prior to December 31, 2004 have been reclassified to
         conform to the current presentation.



    AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
    Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES       Three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands)                        December 31, 2005

                                             Average                Average
                                             Balance     Interest    Rate

    ASSETS
    Cash and due from banks                    $192,189
    Investment securities and federal
     funds sold:
    U.S. Treasury securities and U.S.
     Government agency obligations
     (taxable)                                2,266,774     21,651    3.79%
    Obligations of states and political
     subdivisions (tax exempt)                   97,395      1,633    6.65%
    Other securities and federal funds
     sold                                       255,079      3,437    5.35%

    Total investment securities and
     federal funds sold                       2,619,248     26,721    4.05%

    Loans held for sale                          48,894        762    6.18%
    Loans                                     6,699,997    115,126    6.82%

    Total earning assets                      9,368,139    142,609    6.04%

    Allowance for loan losses                   (91,916)
    Other assets                                743,207

    Total assets                            $10,211,619

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Deposits:
    Demand - non-interest bearing            $1,488,679         --       --
    Demand - interest bearing                   817,009      1,953    0.95%
    Savings and money market accounts         2,332,528     10,352    1.76%
    Certificates and other time deposits      2,635,764     23,831    3.59%

    Total deposits                            7,273,980     36,136    1.97%

    Securities sold under agreements to
     repurchase                               1,443,740     13,423    3.69%
    Wholesale borrowings                        375,167      4,898    5.18%

    Total interest bearing liabilities        7,604,208     54,457    2.84%

    Other liabilities                           166,017

    Shareholders' equity                        952,715

    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                                 $10,211,619


    Net yield on earning assets              $9,368,139     88,152    3.73%

    Interest rate spread                                              3.20%

    Notes:  Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans have been
            adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis.  Net interest income
            on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis restates interest on tax-
            exempt securities and loans as if such interest were subject to
            federal income tax at the statutory rate.  Net interest income on
            an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally
            accepted in the United States of America.  Nonaccrual loans
            have been included in the average balances.



    AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
    Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES         Three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands)                          September 30, 2005

                                               Average                 Average
                                               Balance      Interest     Rate

    ASSETS
    Cash and due from banks                     197,412
    Investment securities and federal
     funds sold:
    U.S. Treasury securities and U.S.
     Government agency obligations
     (taxable)                                2,408,219      22,621     3.73%
    Obligations of states and political
     subdivisions (tax exempt)                   99,273       1,638     6.55%
    Other securities and federal funds
     sold                                       257,232       3,056     4.71%

    Total investment securities and
     federal funds sold                       2,764,724      27,315     3.92%

    Loans held for sale                          54,452         660     4.81%
    Loans                                     6,646,112     110,535     6.60%

    Total earning assets                      9,465,288     138,510     5.81%

    Allowance for loan losses                   (91,852)
    Other assets                                724,979

    Total assets                             10,295,827

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Deposits:
    Demand - non-interest bearing             1,457,487          --        --
    Demand - interest bearing                   838,549       1,732     0.82%
    Savings and money market accounts         2,333,331       8,700     1.48%
    Certificates and other time deposits      2,616,195      21,637     3.28%

    Total deposits                            7,245,562      32,069     1.76%

    Securities sold under agreements to
     repurchase                               1,478,857      12,535     3.36%
    Wholesale borrowings                        442,035       5,559     4.99%

    Total interest bearing liabilities        7,708,967      50,163     2.58%

    Other liabilities                           155,226

    Shareholders' equity                        974,147

    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                                  10,295,827

    Net yield on earning assets               9,465,288      88,347     3.70%

    Interest rate spread                                                3.22%

    Notes:  Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans have been
            adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis.  Net interest income
            on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis restates interest on tax-
            exempt securities and loans as if such interest were subject to
            federal income tax at the statutory rate.  Net interest income on
            an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally
            accepted in the United States of America.  Nonaccrual loans
            have been included in the average balances.



    AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
    Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES         Three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands)                            June 30, 2005

                                               Average                 Average
                                               Balance      Interest     Rate

    ASSETS
    Cash and due from banks                     197,548
    Investment securities and federal
     funds sold:
    U.S. Treasury securities and U.S.
     Government agency obligations
     (taxable)                                2,478,319      23,722     3.84%
    Obligations of states and political
     subdivisions (tax exempt)                   99,756       1,673     6.73%
    Other securities and federal funds
     sold                                       255,743       3,037     4.76%

    Total investment securities and
     federal funds sold                       2,833,818      28,432     4.02%

    Loans held for sale                          54,409         804     5.93%
    Loans                                     6,601,204     105,196     6.39%

    Total earning assets                      9,489,431     134,432     5.68%

    Allowance for loan losses                   (96,342)
    Other assets                                738,530

    Total assets                             10,329,167

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Deposits:
    Demand - non-interest bearing             1,470,673          --        --
    Demand - interest bearing                   834,708       1,230     0.59%
    Savings and money market accounts         2,370,280       7,517     1.27%
    Certificates and other time deposits      2,646,199      20,696     3.14%

    Total deposits                            7,321,860      29,443     1.61%

    Securities sold under agreements to
     repurchase                               1,385,644      10,624     3.08%
    Wholesale borrowings                        498,088       5,933     4.78%

    Total interest bearing liabilities        7,734,919      46,000     2.39%

    Other liabilities                           161,336

    Shareholders' equity                        962,239

    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                                  10,329,167

    Net yield on earning assets               9,489,431      88,432     3.74%

    Interest rate spread                                                3.30%

    Notes:  Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans have been
            adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis.  Net interest income
            on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis restates interest on tax-
            exempt securities and loans as if such interest were subject to
            federal income tax at the statutory rate.  Net interest income on
            an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally
            accepted in the United States of America.  Nonaccrual loans
            have been included in the average balances.



    AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
    Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES         Three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands)                            March 31, 2005

                                               Average                 Average
                                               Balance      Interest     Rate

    ASSETS
    Cash and due from banks                     190,740
    Investment securities and federal
     funds sold:
    U.S. Treasury securities and U.S.
     Government agency obligations
     (taxable)                                2,518,784      23,818     3.83%
    Obligations of states and political
     subdivisions (tax exempt)                  101,571       1,763     7.04%
    Other securities and federal funds
     sold                                       256,060       2,763     4.38%

    Total investment securities and
     federal funds sold                       2,876,415      28,344     4.00%

    Loans held for sale                          53,234         627     4.78%
    Loans                                     6,492,044      99,546     6.22%

    Total earning assets                      9,421,693     128,517     5.53%

    Allowance for loan losses                   (96,438)
    Other assets                                710,770

    Total assets                             10,226,765

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Deposits:
    Demand - non-interest bearing             1,447,226          --        --
    Demand - interest bearing                   820,974         956     0.47%
    Savings and money market accounts         2,392,023       6,375     1.08%
    Certificates and other time deposits      2,694,466      20,600     3.10%

    Total deposits                            7,354,689      27,931     1.54%

    Securities sold under agreements to
     repurchase                               1,326,242       8,841     2.70%
    Wholesale borrowings                        412,149       5,059     4.98%

    Total interest bearing liabilities        7,645,854      41,831     2.22%

    Other liabilities                           155,797

    Shareholders' equity                        977,888

    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                                  10,226,765

    Net yield on earning assets               9,421,693      86,686     3.73%

    Interest rate spread                                                3.31%

    Notes:  Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans have been
            adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis.  Net interest income
            on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis restates interest on tax-
            exempt securities and loans as if such interest were subject to
            federal income tax at the statutory rate.  Net interest income on
            an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally
            accepted in the United States of America.  Nonaccrual loans
            have been included in the average balances.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

                                           Quarters ended  Twelve months ended
    (Unaudited)                             December 31,      December 31,
    (In thousands except per share data)
                                            2005     2004     2005     2004
    Interest income:
      Interest and fees on loans,
       including held for sale            $115,850   98,792  433,143  385,919
      Interest and dividends on
       investment securities and federal
       funds sold                           26,109   26,590  108,303  111,476
          Total interest income            141,959  125,382  541,446  497,395
    Interest expense:
      Interest on deposits:
        Demand-interest bearing              1,953      704    5,871    2,152
        Savings and money market accounts   10,352    5,310   32,944   19,145
        Certificates and other time
         deposits                           23,831   20,463   86,764   81,540
      Interest on securities sold under
       agreements to repurchase             13,423    7,182   45,423   26,259
      Interest on wholesale borrowings       4,898    4,399   21,449   17,494
         Total interest expense             54,457   38,058  192,451  146,590
         Net interest income                87,502   87,324  348,995  350,805
    Provision for loan losses               16,260    9,358   43,820   73,923
         Net interest income after
          provision for loan losses         71,242   77,966  305,175  276,882
    Other income:
      Trust department income                5,430    5,315   22,134   21,595
      Service charges on deposits           17,884   15,135   69,065   62,162
      Credit card fees                      10,601    9,937   40,972   37,728
      ATM and other service fees             3,157    2,892   12,867   11,879
      Bank owned life insurance income       3,092    3,113   12,264   12,314
      Investment services and insurance      2,696    2,560   10,608   12,850
      Manufactured housing income                3       10      148      165
      Investment securities gains, net          39   (4,508)   1,926   (2,997)
      Loan sales and servicing income        1,668    2,033    6,397    6,075
      Other operating income                 3,016    2,915   14,085   12,514
         Total other income                 47,586   39,402  190,466  174,285
    Other expenses:
      Salaries, wages, pension and
       employee benefits                    40,790   40,756  163,683  160,052
      Net occupancy expense                  5,746    5,468   23,730   22,557
      Equipment expense                      4,152    3,347   13,301   13,345
      Stationery, supplies and postage       2,546    2,821   10,050   10,716
      Bankcard, loan processing and other
       costs                                 7,042    6,355   24,012   24,307
      Professional services                  3,389    3,785   12,014   13,688
      Amortization of intangibles              222      222      889      889
      Other operating expense               15,387   17,525   65,829   66,375
         Total other expenses               79,274   80,279  313,508  311,929
             Income before income tax
              expense                       39,554   37,089  182,133  139,238
    Federal income taxes                    11,898    8,720   51,650   36,024
              Net income                   $27,656   28,369  130,483  103,214
    Other comprehensive income (loss),
     net of taxes
      Unrealized securities' holding
       gains (losses), net of taxes         (5,736)  (3,751) (24,041)  (6,679)
      Minimum pension liability
       adjustment, net of taxes             (3,166)      (2)  (3,349)      (2)
      Less: reclassification adjustment
       for securities' gains (losses)
       realized in net income,
          net of taxes                          25      845    1,252   (1,948)
     Total other comprehensive income
      (loss), net of taxes                  (8,927)  (4,598) (28,642)  (4,733)
        Comprehensive income               $18,729   23,771  101,841   98,481
     Net income applicable to common
      shares                               $27,656   28,369  130,483  103,214
     Net income used in diluted EPS
      calculation                          $27,659   28,377  130,501  103,244
    Weighted average number of common
     shares outstanding - basic             82,786   84,286   83,490   84,601
    Weighted average number of common
     shares outstanding - diluted           83,082   84,777   83,844   84,996
    Basic earnings per share                 $0.33     0.34     1.56     1.22
    Diluted earnings per share               $0.34     0.33     1.56     1.21
    Dividend per share                       $0.28     0.27     1.10     1.06

    Note:  Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to
           the current year presentation.  The accompanying notes are an
           integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME---LINKED
    QUARTERS

    (Unaudited)                                  Quarterly Results
    (Dollars in thousands,
     except share data)              2005     2005     2005     2005     2004
                                     4th Q    3rd Q    2nd Q    1st Q    4th Q

      Interest and fees on
       loans, including held for
       sale                      $115,850  111,169  105,975  100,149   98,792
      Interest and dividends -
       securities and federal
       funds sold                  26,109   26,700   27,802   27,692   26,590
          Total interest income   141,959  137,869  133,777  127,841  125,382
      Interest on deposits:
        Demand-interest bearing     1,953    1,732    1,230      956      704
        Savings and money market
         accounts                  10,352    8,700    7,517    6,375    5,310
        Certificates and other
         time deposits             23,831   21,637   20,696   20,600   20,463
         Securities sold under
          agreements to
          repurchase               13,423   12,535   10,624    8,841    7,182
        Wholesale borrowings        4,898    5,559    5,933    5,059    4,399
         Total interest expense    54,457   50,163   46,000   41,831   38,058
         Net interest income       87,502   87,706   87,777   86,010   87,324
    Provision for loan losses      16,260    9,974    5,972   11,614    9,358
         Net interest income
          after provision for
          loan losses              71,242   77,732   81,805   74,396   77,966
    Other income:
      Trust department income       5,430    5,515    5,684    5,505    5,315
      Service charges on
       deposits                    17,884   18,561   17,800   14,820   15,135
      Credit card fees             10,601   10,437   10,523    9,411    9,937
      ATM and other service fees    3,157    3,453    3,298    2,959    2,892
      Bank owned life insurance
       income                       3,092    3,074    3,024    3,074    3,113
      Investment services and
       insurance                    2,696    2,226    2,828    2,858    2,560
      Manufactured housing
       income                           3        3       40      102       10
      Investment securities
       gains (losses), net             39       40      (25)   1,872   (4,508)
      Loan sales and servicing
       income                       1,668    2,076    1,520    1,133    2,033
      Other operating income        3,016    2,461    5,403    3,205    2,915
         Total other income        47,586   47,846   50,095   44,939   39,402
    Other expenses:
      Salaries, wages, pension
       and employee benefits       40,790   42,149   41,351   39,393   40,756
      Net occupancy expense         5,746    5,567    5,881    6,536    5,468
      Equipment expense             4,152    2,962    3,002    3,185    3,347
      Stationery, supplies and
       postage                      2,546    2,559    2,484    2,461    2,821
      Bankcard, loan processing
       and other costs              7,042    5,802    5,444    5,724    6,355
      Professional services         3,389    2,632    3,843    2,150    3,785
      Amortization of
       intangibles                    222      222      222      223      222
      Other operating expense      15,387   17,033   17,170   16,239   17,525
         Total other expenses      79,274   78,926   79,397   75,911   80,279
    Income before income tax
     expense                       39,554   46,652   52,503   43,424   37,089
    Federal income taxes           11,898   10,058   16,358   13,336    8,720
        Net income                $27,656   36,594   36,145   30,088   28,369
    Other comprehensive income
     (loss), net of taxes          (8,927) (14,272)  18,540  (23,983)    (823)
        Comprehensive income      $18,729   22,322   54,685    6,105   27,546
    Net income applicable to
     common shares                 27,656   36,594   36,145   30,088   28,369
    Adjusted net income used in
     diluted EPS calculation       27,659   36,601   36,152   30,095   28,377
    Weighted-average common
     shares - basic                82,786   83,489   83,603   84,097   84,286
    Weighted-average common
     shares - diluted              83,082   83,978   83,890   84,497   84,777

    Basic net income per share      $0.33     0.44     0.43     0.36     0.34

    Diluted net income per share    $0.34     0.43     0.43     0.36     0.33

    Note:  Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to
           the current year presentation.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    ASSET QUALITY INFORMATION

    (Unaudited, except December 31, 2004 annual period which
     is derived from the audited financial statements)
    (Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
                                               Quarterly Periods

                                     Dec 31     Sep 30     June 30    Mar 31
    Allowance for Credit Losses (a)   2005       2005       2005       2005

    Allowance for loan losses,
     beginning of period (b)         $92,780     92,808     97,115     97,296
    Allowance related to loans
     sold                                  -          -          -          -
    Provision for loan losses         16,260      9,974      5,971     11,614
    Charge-offs                       22,736     14,207     15,422     16,740
    Recoveries                         4,357      4,205      5,144      4,945
      Net charge-offs                 18,379     10,002     10,278     11,795
    Allowance for loan losses, end
     of period                       $90,661     92,780     92,808     97,115
    Reserve for unfunded lending
     commitments,
       beginning of period (b)        $5,857      5,785      6,479      5,774
    Provision for credit losses          215         72       (694)       705
    Reserve for unfunded lending
     commitments,
       end of period                  $6,072      5,857      5,785      6,479

    Allowance for Credit Losses      $96,733     98,637     98,593    103,594

    Ratios (a) (b)

    Provision for loan losses as a
     % of average loans                0.96%      0.60%      0.36%      0.73%
    Provision for credit losses as
     a % of average loans              0.01%      0.00%     -0.04%      0.04%
    Net charge-offs as a % of
     average loans                     1.09%      0.60%      0.62%      0.74%
    Allowance for loan losses as a
     % of period-end loans             1.36%      1.39%      1.40%      1.49%
    Allowance for credit losses as
     a % of period-end loans           1.45%      1.47%      1.49%      1.59%
    Allowance for loan losses as a
     % of nonperforming loans        145.61%    221.46%    208.74%    235.71%
    Allowance for credit losses as
     a % of nonperforming loans      155.36%    235.44%    221.76%    251.44%


    Asset Quality

    Impaired loans:
      Nonaccrual                     $54,176     34,144     38,124     34,207
    Other nonperforming loans:
      Nonaccrual                       8,086      7,751      6,336      6,994

    Total nonperforming loans         62,262     41,895     44,460     41,201

    Other real estate ("ORE")          9,995      9,503      9,525      5,502

    Total nonperforming assets
     ("NPAs")                        $72,257     51,398     53,985     46,703

    NPAs as % of period-end loans
     + ORE                             1.08%      0.77%      0.82%      0.71%

    Past due 90 days or more &
     accruing interest               $17,931     21,451     17,969     22,899

    (a)  The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan
         losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.
    (b)  As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments
         has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses.  Amounts
         presented prior to December 31, 2004 have been reclassified to
         conform to the current presentation.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    ASSET QUALITY INFORMATION

    (Unaudited, except December 31, 2004 annual period which
     is derived from the audited financial statements)
    (Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
                                                        Annual Period

                                                   Dec 31            Dec 31
    Allowance for Credit Losses (a)                 2004              2004

    Allowance for loan losses, beginning
     of period (b)                                 100,491            91,459
    Allowance related to loans sold                      -           (12,671)
    Provision for loan losses                        9,358            73,923
    Charge-offs                                     17,873            78,999
    Recoveries                                       5,320            23,584
      Net charge-offs                               12,553            55,415
    Allowance for loan losses, end of
     period                                         97,296            97,296
    Reserve for unfunded lending
     commitments,
       beginning of period (b)                       5,619             6,094
    Provision for credit losses                        155              (320)
    Reserve for unfunded lending
     commitments,
       end of period                                 5,774             5,774

    Allowance for Credit Losses                    103,070           103,070

    Ratios (a) (b)

    Provision for loan losses as a % of
     average loans                                   0.58%             1.13%
    Provision for credit losses as a % of
     average loans                                   0.01%             0.00%
    Net charge-offs as a % of average
     loans                                           0.78%             0.85%
    Allowance for loan losses as a % of
     period-end loans                                1.51%             1.51%
    Allowance for credit losses as a % of
     period-end loans                                1.60%             1.60%
    Allowance for loan losses as a % of
     nonperforming loans                           240.14%           240.14%
    Allowance for credit losses as a % of
     nonperforming loans                           254.39%           254.39%

    Asset Quality

    Impaired loans:
      Nonaccrual                                    33,831            33,831
    Other nonperforming loans:
      Nonaccrual                                     6,685             6,685

    Total nonperforming loans                       40,516            40,516

    Other real estate ("ORE")                        5,375             5,375

    Total nonperforming assets ("NPAs")             45,891            45,891

    NPAs as % of period-end loans + ORE              0.71%             0.71%

    Past due 90 days or more & accruing
     interest                                       20,703            20,703

    (a)  The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan
         losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.
    (b)  As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments
         has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses.  Amounts
         presented prior to December 31, 2004 have been reclassified to
         conform to the current presentation.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION
    NONINTEREST INCOME AND NONINTEREST EXPENSE DETAIL

    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
                                       2005     2005    2005    2005    2004
    QUARTERLY OTHER INCOME DETAIL     4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 4th Qtr

    Trust department income            $5,430   5,515   5,684   5,505   5,315
    Service charges on deposits        17,884  18,561  17,800  14,820  15,135
    Credit card fees                   10,601  10,437  10,523   9,411   9,937
    ATM and other service fees          3,157   3,453   3,298   2,959   2,892
    Bank owned life insurance income    3,092   3,074   3,024   3,074   3,113
    Investment services and insurance   2,696   2,226   2,828   2,858   2,560
    Manufactured housing income             3       3      40     102      10
    Investment securities gains
     (losses), net                         39      40     (25)  1,872  (4,508)
    Loan sales and servicing income     1,668   2,076   1,520   1,133   2,033
    Other operating income              3,016   2,461   5,403   3,205   2,915

           Total Other Income         $47,586  47,846  50,095  44,939  39,402



                                       2005     2005    2005    2005    2004
    QUARTERLY OTHER EXPENSES DETAIL   4th Qtr  3 Qtr  2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 4th Qtr

    Salaries, wages, pension and
     employee benefits                $40,790  42,149  41,351  39,393  40,756
    Net occupancy expense               5,746   5,567   5,881   6,536   5,468
    Equipment expense                   4,152   2,962   3,002   3,185   3,347
    Taxes, other than federal income
     taxes                              1,578     849     880     735     908
    Stationery, supplies and postage    2,546   2,559   2,484   2,461   2,821
    Bankcard, loan processing and
     other costs                        7,042   5,802   5,444   5,724   6,355
    Advertising                         1,415   1,863   3,182   1,244   2,984
    Professional services               3,389   2,632   3,843   2,150   3,785
    Telephone                           1,136   1,206   1,095   1,119   1,204
    Amortization of intangibles           222     222     222     223     222
    Other operating expense            11,258  13,115  12,013  13,141  12,429

          Total Other Expenses        $79,274  78,926  79,397  75,911  80,279

    Note:  Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to
           the current year presentation.



    FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Net Charge-off Detail

    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)         Quarters ended           Year ended
                                    December 31,            December 31,
                                 2005          2004       2005        2004
    Allowance for loan
     losses - beginning of
     period (a)                  $92,780      100,491    97,296       91,459
    Loans charged off:
      Commercial                   7,890        4,245    19,349       25,073
      Mortgage                       639          576     1,721        1,174
      Installment                  9,063        9,196    29,307       35,958
      Home equity                  1,099          763     4,340        3,085
      Credit cards                 3,587        2,549    11,320       11,254
      Manufactured housing             -            -         -          443
      Leases                         458          544     3,068        2,012
        Total                     22,736       17,873    69,105       78,999
    Recoveries:
      Commercial                   1,256        1,227     4,166        6,068
      Mortgage                        13            -       190           42
      Installment                  1,878        2,757     9,495       11,545
      Home equity                    374          357     1,302        1,430
      Credit cards                   489          655     2,348        2,920
      Manufactured housing           203          192       710        1,088
      Leases                         144          122       439          491
        Total                      4,357        5,320    18,650       23,584

    Net charge-offs               18,379       12,553    50,455       55,415
    Allowance related to
     loans sold                        -            -         -      (12,671)
    Provision for loan
     losses                       16,260        9,358    43,820       73,923
    Allowance for loan
     losses - end of period      $90,661       97,296    90,661       97,296

    Average loans
     outstanding              $6,699,997    6,434,115 6,610,509    6,493,472
    Ratio to average loans:
      (Annualized) net
       charge-offs                 1.09%        0.78%     0.76%        0.85%
      Provision for loan
       losses                      0.96%        0.58%     0.66%        1.14%
    Loans outstanding -
     period-end               $6,681,243    6,433,083 6,681,243    6,433,083

    Allowance for loan losses:
      As a percent of
       period-end loans
       outstanding                 1.36%        1.51%     1.36%        1.51%
      As a multiple of
       (annualized) net
       charge-offs                  1.24         1.95      1.80         1.76
      As a multiple of
       (annualized) net
       charge-offs
       and allowance
       related to loans
       sold                         1.24         1.95      1.80         1.43

    (a)  As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments
         has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses
         to other liabilities.  Amounts presented prior to December 31, 2004
         have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.


SOURCE FirstMerit Corporation




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