First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Announces 2008 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Stable Core Operations -- Increased Regulatory Capital -- Higher Credit Costs and Market-Related Securities Impairment


ITASCA, IL--(Marketwire - January 28, 2009) - First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBI)

Operating Performance

--  2008 full year earnings of $49.3 million and diluted EPS of $1.00 as
    compared to $80.2 million and $1.62 for 2007
    
--  Fourth quarter 2008 net loss of $26.9 million and diluted net LPS of
    $0.57 versus $5.4 million and $0.11 for fourth quarter 2007
    
--  2008 pre-tax earnings, excluding provision expense and securities-
    related losses, of $152.3 million, consistent with 2007
    
--  Net interest margin of 3.71% for fourth quarter 2008 versus 3.53% in
    2007 and 3.63% in third quarter 2008
    
--  Full year 2008 salary and benefit costs down $11.7 million or 10.5%
    from 2007
    

Credit and Market-Related Actions

--  Loan loss reserve at December 31, 2008 of 1.75% of total loans versus
    1.25% at December 31, 2007 and 1.34% at September 30, 2008
    
--  Noncash securities impairment charges for fourth quarter of $34.5
    million
    
--  $10.4 million charge related to reduction in the cash surrender value
    of bank-owned life insurance
    

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company" or "First Midwest") (NASDAQ: FMBI), the holding company of First Midwest Bank, today reported results of operations and financial condition for fourth quarter and full year 2008. The Company's net income was $49.3 million for full year 2008 and its net loss was $26.9 million for fourth quarter 2008. This compares to net income of $80.2 million for full year 2007 and a net loss of $5.4 million for fourth quarter 2007. The Company reported a loss of $0.57 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2008 and earnings of $1.00 per diluted share for full year 2008, as compared to a loss of $0.11 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2007 and earnings of $1.62 per diluted share for full year 2007. Return on average assets was 0.59% for full year 2008 and a negative 1.31% for fourth quarter 2008 versus 0.99% for full year 2007 and a negative 0.27% for fourth quarter 2007. Return on average common equity was 6.48% for full year 2008 and a negative 13.89% for fourth quarter 2008 versus 10.69% for full year 2007 and a negative 2.91% for fourth quarter 2007.

In announcing these results the Company's President and CEO, Michael L. Scudder, commented, "Performance for the quarter was adversely impacted by higher loan loss provisions and securities-related losses, stemming from continued economic weakness. We are very disappointed in the necessity of these actions, however, these are extremely difficult economic times. Their severity requires that we address the problems of the day head on and our strong capital position and core operating performance provide us the ability to do so. As we end 2008, our tier 1 capital is at 11.62%, some $290 million in excess of regulatory minimums to be considered well capitalized. By addressing these issues proactively, First Midwest is better positioned to meet the needs of our clients and communities as well as benefit from future recovery in the market place."

Scudder further commented, "As we enter 2009, the year promises to be even more challenging than 2008. Consumers and businesses alike are experiencing increasing strain creating an environment of continuing credit weakness. Over the course of the year, we have worked to prepare ourselves for the demands of 2009, increasing our loan loss reserves, adding to our capital through the issuance of preferred securities, and reducing our dividend as well as expanding credit remediation resources and reducing our operating costs. For 2009, our focus will remain on the prudent management of these same elements."

Operating Performance

Income before taxes totaled $36.0 million for full year 2008, as compared to $94.0 million for full year 2007, with the difference largely due to higher provision for loan losses. Provision for loan losses for 2008 was $70.3 million as contrasted to $7.2 million in 2007. Excluding the provision for loan losses and market-related securities losses, income before taxes for both 2008 and 2007 was $152 million.

Total loans as of December 31, 2008 were $5.4 billion, up 2.6% compared to September 30, 2008, with the increase reflecting loans made to strong borrowers representing full customer relationships. Total average deposits for fourth quarter 2008 were $5.6 billion, compared to $5.8 billion for third quarter 2008 with the decline reflecting slightly lower retail deposits stemming from competitive pricing in our market and general economic conditions. The Company's ability to fund its lending activity predominantly with core customer deposits provides a competitive advantage given the current volatility in the cost and availability of wholesale funds.

The Company's tax equivalent net interest margin improved from the preceding quarter and from fourth quarter 2007. Tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.71% for fourth quarter 2008 and 3.61% for full year 2008 as compared to 3.63% for third quarter 2008, 3.53% for fourth quarter 2007, and 3.58% for full year 2007. Over this period, the yield on the Company's average earning assets declined 102 basis points while its cost of funds declined 126 basis points.

Fee-based revenues were $23.0 million for fourth quarter 2008 and $95.1 million for full year 2008, down 9.1% and 3.8%, respectively, from the same periods of 2007. In 2007 the Company ceased outsourcing its official check business as well as generating fees from mortgage originations. If both are excluded from the 2007 amount, fee-based revenues for the full year 2008 declined 1.0% from 2007, primarily due to lower trust revenue and retail sales of investment products.

Operating expenses continue to be well controlled as reflected by the Company's efficiency ratio of 53.5% for full year 2008. Noninterest expense was $46.6 million for fourth quarter 2008 and $194.3 million for full year 2008, down 7.3% and 2.4%, respectively, from the same periods of 2007. The declines were primarily due to reductions in salaries and benefits costs. In late 2007 and continuing into 2008, the Company initiated targeted staff reductions, primarily in support and administrative areas. Full time employees have declined over this period by 4.4%, or 83 full-time equivalents.

Credit Remediation

Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2008 were $127.8 million, representing 2.38% of total loans, with residential construction and development customer relationships accounting for $97.1 million of the total. Of such $97.1 million, undeveloped land and land with improvements totaled $28.4 million and $38.9 million, respectively. The increase in nonaccrual loans from September 30, 2008 of $74.5 million stems primarily from the impact of slowing market conditions on five residential developers.

As of December 31, 2008, loans 90 days past due and still accruing totaled $37.0 million, unchanged from September 30, 2008 and up $15.9 million from December 31, 2007. All such loans are believed to be adequately collateralized and in the process of collection.

Foreclosed real estate was $24.4 million as of December 31, 2008 as compared to $23.7 million as of September 30, 2008 and $6.1 million as of December 31, 2007, with 60% of this representing collateral underlying foreclosed residential developments.

Restructured loans totaled $3.3 million at December 31, 2008, up $1.0 million from September 30, 2008 and $3.0 million from December 31, 2007.

During fourth quarter 2008, net charge-offs totaled $18.3 million as compared to $9.3 million in third quarter 2008. Net charge-offs for full year 2008 were $38.2 million, compared to $7.8 million for full year 2007. The majority of the year over year increase is due to charge-offs of real estate construction and development loans. In fourth quarter 2008, the Company charged off $9.2 million related to residential construction, with four loans accounting for substantially the entire amount, and $5.6 million related to commercial and industrial loans, with the majority due to two individual loans.

In response to the anticipated impact of continuing economic weakness on real estate and related markets, the Company increased its reserve for loan losses to $93.9 million as of December 31, 2008, up $24.1 million from September 30, 2008 and $32.1 million from December 31, 2007. The reserve for loan losses represented 1.75% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2008, compared to 1.25% at December 31, 2007 and 1.34% at September 30, 2008. Provisions for loan losses for fourth quarter and full year 2008 were $42.4 million and $70.3 million, respectively, with full year 2008 provision exceeding net charge-offs by $32.1 million, or almost two times.

Given current conditions, the Company has taken a number of aggressive steps to manage and mitigate the impact on its loan portfolio. These steps include the assignment of additional dedicated resources to both the remediation of existing problem credits as well as pre-emptive analysis and communication with performing borrowers.

Securities Portfolio

Non-cash impairment charges totaling $34.5 million were recorded in fourth quarter 2008. Of such charges, $24.8 million related to three trust-preferred collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs") with an aggregate cost of $38.9 million. The remaining $9.7 million of non-cash impairment charges related to two whole loan mortgage backed securities with a combined par value of $16.6 million and a single Sallie Mae debt issuance with a par value of $10.0 million. These non-cash charges largely reflect the illiquidity and market risks existent generally.

The Company holds an additional $46.3 million of trust-preferred CDOs with a combined unrealized loss of $18.3 million. The after-tax impact of these unrealized losses has been recorded through shareholders' equity as a component of other comprehensive income.

At December 31, 2008 the Company held securities (substantially all classified as Available-for-Sale) with an amortized cost of $2.2 billion and a net unrealized loss of $3.3 million versus a net unrealized loss of $73.3 million at September 30, 2008 and $7.6 million at December 31, 2007. The $70.0 million improvement in the net unrealized loss position from September 30, 2008 was due to the recognition of the aforementioned non-cash impairment of $34.5 million in fourth quarter 2008 and $67.6 million of appreciation in the Company's $2.1 billion portfolio of fixed income municipal and government-sponsored mortgaged backed securities, partly offset by a decline in fair value of unimpaired CDOs.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")

At December 31, 2008, the cash surrender value of BOLI assets totaled $198.5 million, down $8.9 million from September 30, 2008. The decline stemmed from fourth quarter losses in certain underlying investment funds and Company actions taken to reposition the funds in shorter duration assets to mitigate future reinvestment risk.

Capital Management

All regulatory mandated ratios for characterization as "well capitalized" were significantly exceeded as of December 31, 2008 and improved versus December 31, 2007 as follows:

                          Minimum
                           "Well-                  Excess Over
                        Capitalized"            Required Minimums
                           Level    12/31/08       at 12/31/08    12/31/07
                           -----    --------    ----------------- --------
                                                   (Amounts in
                                                    millions)

Tier 1 Risk Based Capital   6.00%      11.60%       93%     $ 370     9.03%

Total Risk Based Capital   10.00%      14.36%       44%     $ 288    11.58%

Tier 1 Leverage Capital     5.00%       9.41%       88%     $ 359     7.46%

On December 5, 2008 the Company received $193.0 million from the sale of preferred shares to the U.S. Treasury as part of its Capital Purchase Program ("CPP"). In connection with the CPP investment, the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury a total of 193,000 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, at an initial fixed rate of 5% with a $1,000 per share liquidation preference, and a warrant to purchase up to 1.3 million shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $22.18 per share. Both the preferred shares and the warrants are accounted for as components of the Company's regulatory Tier 1 capital as of December 31, 2008. Preferred share proceeds received were temporarily invested in government sponsored mortgage-backed securities pending future deployment.

Responsive to the then environment, the Company announced in fourth quarter 2008 a reduction in its quarterly common stock dividend from $0.310 per share to $0.225 per share. This reduction would equate to approximately $16 million in retained capital over the course of a year.

The Board of Directors will continue to evaluate all aspects of the Company's capital plan each quarter, recognizing both current and anticipated conditions.

About the Company

First Midwest is the premier relationship-based banking franchise in the growing Chicagoland banking market. As one of the Chicago metropolitan area's largest independent bank holding companies, First Midwest provides the full range of both business and retail banking and trust and investment management services through some 100 offices located in 62 communities, primarily in metropolitan Chicago. First Midwest was recently recognized by the Alfred P. Sloan awards for Business Excellence in Workforce Flexibility in the greater Chicago Area.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. It is possible that actual results and the Company's financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect the Company's future results, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on currently available information. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty to update the contents of this press release after the date hereof.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss the Company's results, outlook and related matters will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. (ET). Members of the public who would like to listen to the conference call should dial 1-866-713-8310 (U.S. domestic) or 1-617-597-5308 (international) and enter passcode number 287-96-096. The number should be dialed at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call. The conference call will also be accessible as an audio webcast through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.firstmidwest.com/aboutinvestor_overview.asp. There is no charge to access the call. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available on the Company's website or by dialing 1-888-286-8010 (U.S. domestic) or 1-617-801-6888 (international) passcode number 713-29-279, beginning approximately one hour after the event through 11:59 pm (ET) on February 4, 2009. Please direct any questions regarding obtaining access to the conference call to First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Investor Relations, via e-mail, at investor.relations@firstmidwest.com.

Accompanying Financial Statements and Tables

Accompanying this press release is the following unaudited financial information:

--  Operating Highlights, Balance Sheet Highlights, Stock Performance
    Data, and Capital Ratios (1 page)
--  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition (1 page)
--  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (1 page)
--  Loan Portfolio Composition (1 page)
--  Asset Quality (1 page)
    

Press Release and Additional Information Available on Website

This press release, the accompanying financial statements and tables, and certain additional unaudited Selected Financial Information (totaling 3 pages) are available through the "Investor Relations" section of First Midwest's website at http://www.firstmidwest.com/aboutinvestor_selected.asp.


First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.           Press Release Dated January 28, 2009


Operating Highlights
Unaudited                    Quarters Ended               Years Ended
                     -------------------------------  --------------------
(Amounts in
 thousands except    Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,  Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
 per share data)       2008       2008       2007       2008       2007
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income           $ (26,890) $  24,191  $  (5,418) $  49,336  $  80,159
Diluted earnings per
 share               $   (0.57) $    0.50  $   (0.11) $    1.00  $    1.62
Return on average
 equity                 (13.89%)    13.09%     (2.91%)     6.48%     10.69%
Return on average
 assets                  (1.31%)     1.16%     (0.27%)     0.59%      0.99%
Net interest margin       3.71%      3.63%      3.53%      3.61%      3.58%
Efficiency ratio         59.06%     50.30%     53.87%     53.49%     52.50%


Balance Sheet Highlights
Unaudited                                           As Of
                                    -------------------------------------
(Dollar amounts in thousands except   Dec. 31,    Sept. 30,     Dec. 31,
 per share data)                        2008         2008         2007
                                    -----------  -----------  -----------
Total assets                        $ 8,528,341  $ 8,246,655  $ 8,091,518
Total loans                           5,360,063    5,223,582    4,963,672
Total deposits                        5,585,754    5,658,284    5,778,861
Total stockholders’ equity              908,279      718,909      723,975
Common stockholders’ equity             715,949      718,909      723,975
Book value per share                $     14.72  $     14.80  $     14.94
Period end shares outstanding            48,630       48,590       48,453


Stock Performance Data
Unaudited                                       Quarters Ended
                                    -------------------------------------
(Dollar amounts in thousands except   Dec. 31,    Sept. 30,     Dec. 31,
 per share data)                        2008         2008         2007
                                    -----------  -----------  -----------
Market Closing Price:
  Quarter End                       $     19.97  $     24.24  $     30.60
  High                              $     27.32  $     29.84  $     36.31
  Low                               $     14.33  $     14.00  $     29.89
Quarter end price to book value             1.4x         1.6x         2.0x
Quarter end price to full year 2008
 earnings                                 19.97x         N/A          N/A
Dividends declared per share        $     0.225  $     0.310  $     0.310
Common dividends paid               $    10,955  $    15,088  $    15,045


Capital Ratios
Unaudited                                           As Of
                                    -------------------------------------
                                      Dec. 31,    Sept. 30,     Dec. 31,
                                        2008         2008         2007
                                    -----------  -----------  -----------
Regulatory capital ratios:
  Total capital to risk-weighted
   assets                                 14.36%       12.04%       11.58%
  Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted
   assets                                 11.60%        9.42%        9.03%
  Tier 1 leverage to average assets        9.41%        7.59%        7.46%

Tangible common equity ratios:
  Tangible common equity to tangible
   assets                                  5.23%        5.44%        5.58%
  Tangible common equity, excluding
   other comprehensive loss, to
   tangible assets                         5.45%        6.09%        5.73%
  Tangible common equity to
   risk-weighted assets                    6.53%        6.69%        6.87%




First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.           Press Release Dated January 28, 2009


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition
Unaudited
                                                        December 31,
                                                  ------------------------
(Amounts in thousands)                                2008         2007
                                                  -----------  -----------
Assets
Cash and due from banks                           $   106,082  $   193,792
Funds sold and other short-term investments             8,226        1,439
Trading account securities                             12,358       18,352
Securities available-for-sale                       2,216,186    2,080,046
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost         84,306       97,671
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank
 stock, at cost                                        54,767       54,767
Loans                                               5,360,063    4,963,672
Reserve for loan losses                               (93,869)     (61,800)
                                                  -----------  -----------
    Net loans                                       5,266,194    4,901,872
                                                  -----------  -----------
Foreclosed real estate                                 24,368        6,053
Premises, furniture, and equipment                    120,035      125,828
Investment in bank owned life insurance               198,533      203,535
Goodwill and other intangible assets                  284,548      288,235
Accrued interest receivable and other assets          152,738      119,928
                                                  -----------  -----------
    Total assets                                  $ 8,528,341  $ 8,091,518
                                                  ===========  ===========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deposits
    Transactional deposits                        $ 3,457,954  $ 3,582,031
    Time deposits                                   1,950,362    2,100,390
    Brokered deposits                                 177,438       96,440
                                                  -----------  -----------
    Total deposits                                  5,585,754    5,778,861
Borrowed funds                                      1,698,334    1,264,228
Subordinated debt                                     232,409      230,082
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities        103,565       94,372
                                                  -----------  -----------
    Total liabilities                               7,620,062    7,367,543
                                                  -----------  -----------
Preferred stock                                       189,617            -
Common stock                                              613          613
Additional paid-in capital                            210,698      207,851
Retained earnings                                     837,390      844,972
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)                (18,042)     (11,727)
Treasury stock, at cost                              (311,997)    (317,734)
                                                  -----------  -----------
    Total stockholders' equity                        908,279      723,975
                                                  -----------  -----------
    Total liabilities and stockholders'equity     $ 8,528,341  $ 8,091,518
                                                  ===========  ===========




First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.          Press Release Dated January 28, 2009


Condensed Consolidated
 Statements of Income              Quarters Ended         Years Ended
Unaudited                           December 31,          December 31,
                                --------------------  --------------------
(Amounts in thousands except
 per share data)                  2008       2007       2008       2007
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Interest Income
Loans                           $  71,849  $  87,998  $ 302,931  $ 365,370
Securities                         25,583     26,009    104,448    108,470
Other                                 501        604      1,828      3,121
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total interest income            97,933    114,611    409,207    476,961
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Interest Expense
Deposits                           22,802     40,598    110,622    166,267
Borrowed funds                      6,416     12,148     37,192     55,540
Subordinated debt                   3,702      3,767     14,796     15,025
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total interest expense           32,920     56,513    162,610    236,832
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net interest income              65,013     58,098    246,597    240,129
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Provision for loan losses          42,385      2,042     70,254      7,233
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net interest income after
   provision for loan losses       22,628     56,056    176,343    232,896
Noninterest Income
Service charges on deposit
 accounts                          11,206     11,986     44,987     45,015
Trust and investment management
 fees                               3,420      4,061     15,130     15,701
Other service charges,
 commissions, and fees              4,554      5,324     18,846     22,183
Card-based fees                     3,868      3,979     16,143     15,925
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Subtotal, fee-based revenues     23,048     25,350     95,106     98,824
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Bank owned life insurance
 income                            (8,858)     2,117     (2,369)     8,033
Securities (losses) gains, net    (34,215)   (50,041)   (35,611)   (50,801)
Other                              (2,104)       109     (3,119)     4,197
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total noninterest income        (22,129)   (22,465)    54,007     60,253
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Noninterest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits     20,356     27,686     99,910    111,598
Net occupancy expense               5,967      5,480     23,378     22,054
Equipment expense                   2,454      2,744      9,956     10,540
Technology and related costs        1,848      1,760      7,429      7,084
Other                              15,956     12,594     53,632     47,861
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total noninterest expense        46,581     50,264    194,305    199,137
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before taxes               (46,082)   (16,673)    36,045     94,012
Income tax (benefit) expense      (19,192)   (11,255)   (13,291)    13,853
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net (Loss) Income               (26,890)    (5,418)    49,336     80,159
Preferred dividends                  (712)         -       (712)         -
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net (Loss) Income Applicable
   to Common Shares             $ (27,602) $  (5,418) $  48,624  $  80,159
                                =========  =========  =========  =========
  Diluted Earnings Per Share    $   (0.57) $   (0.11) $    1.00  $    1.62
  Dividends Declared Per Share  $   0.225  $   0.310  $   1.155  $   1.195
  Weighted Average Diluted
   Shares Outstanding              48,540     48,754     48,565     49,622




First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.          Press Release Dated January 28, 2009


                                                          Percent Change
Unaudited                        As Of                         From
                ---------------------------------------- ----------------
(Dollar amounts            % of
 in thousands)   12/31/08  total     9/30/08    6/30/08 9/30/08  6/30/08
                ---------- ------  ---------- ---------- -------  -------
Loan Portfolio
 Composition
  Commercial
   and
   industrial   $1,490,101   27.8% $1,485,541 $1,448,723     0.3%     2.9%
  Agricultural     142,635    2.7%    159,217    207,438   (10.4%)  (31.2%)
  Commercial
   real estate:
    Office,
     retail,
     and
     industrial  1,127,689   21.0%  1,092,268  1,048,547     3.2%     7.5%
    Residential
     land and
     development   509,059    9.5%    509,974    510,818    (0.2%)   (0.3%)
    Multifamily    237,646    4.4%    204,029    195,815    16.5%    21.4%
    Other
     commercial
     real estate 1,106,952   20.7%  1,021,662  1,014,759     8.3%     9.1%
                ---------- ------  ---------- ---------- -------  -------
      Total
       commer-
       cial
       real
       estate    2,981,346   55.6%  2,827,933  2,769,939     5.4%     7.6%
                ---------- ------  ---------- ---------- -------  -------
 Consumer:
   Home equity     477,105    8.9%    468,703    460,581     1.8%     3.6%
   Real estate
    1-4 family     198,197    3.7%    205,851    213,295    (3.7%)   (7.1%)
   Other
    consumer        70,679    1.3%     76,337     82,379    (7.4%)  (14.2%)
                ---------- ------  ---------- ---------- -------  -------
     Total
       consumer     745,981   13.9%    750,891    756,255   (0.7%)   (1.4%)
                ---------- ------  ---------- ---------- -------  -------
   Total loans  $5,360,063  100.0% $5,223,582 $5,182,355     2.6%     3.4%
                ========== ======  ========== ========== =======  =======
Commercial Real
 Estate Detail
 Office, Retail,
 and Industrial
   Office       $  373,242   33.1% $  352,200 $  337,424     6.0%    10.6%
   Retail          313,286   27.8%    300,570    281,942     4.2%    11.1%
   Industrial      441,161   39.1%    439,498    429,181     0.4%     2.8%
                ---------- ------  ---------- ---------- -------  -------
    Total
     office,
     retail,
     and
     industrial $1,127,689  100.0% $1,092,268 $1,048,547     3.2%     7.5%
                ========== ======  ========== ========== =======  =======
Residential Land
 and Development
  Structures    $  185,929   36.5% $  190,741 $  217,161    (2.5%)  (14.4%)
  Land             323,130   63.5%    319,233    293,657     1.2%    10.0%
                ---------- ------  ---------- ---------- -------  -------
   Total
    residential
    land and
    development $  509,059  100.0% $  509,974 $  510,818    (0.2%)   (0.3%)
                ========== ======  ========== ========== =======  =======
Other Commercial
 Real Estate
   Commercial
    land        $  280,120   25.3% $  263,030 $  285,411     6.5%    (1.9%)
   1-5 family
    investors      193,227   17.5%    178,540    168,259     8.2%    14.8%
   Service
    stations
    and truck
    stops          146,891   13.3%    134,677    120,670     9.1%    21.7%
   Warehouses
    and storage     85,276    7.7%     80,889     79,580     5.4%     7.2%
   Hotels           79,186    7.2%     67,217     67,574    17.8%    17.2%
   Restaurants      48,106    4.3%     44,872     47,313     7.2%     1.7%
   Medical          42,269    3.8%     42,253     43,347     0.0%    (2.5%)
   Automobile
    dealers         38,505    3.5%     38,866     37,562    (0.9%)    2.5%
   Mobile home
    parks           36,790    3.3%     29,670     25,217    24.0%    45.9%
   Recreational     14,515    1.3%     14,760     15,106    (1.7%)   (3.9%)
   Religious        11,224    1.0%     10,317     11,362     8.8%    (1.2%)
   Other           130,843   11.8%    116,571    113,358    12.2%    15.4%
                ---------- ------  ---------- ---------- -------  -------
     Total
      other
      commercial
      real
      estate    $1,106,952  100.0% $1,021,622 $1,014,759     8.3%     9.1%
                ========== ======  ========== ========== =======  =======




First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.           Press Release Dated January 28, 2009
                     -----------------------------------------------------
Unaudited                                As Of
                     -----------------------------------------------------
(Dollar amounts in              % of Loan    % of
 thousands)          12/31/08    Category    Total     9/30/08    6/30/08
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Asset Quality
Nonaccrual loans:
   Commercial and
    industrial       $  15,586       1.05%      12.2% $  13,961  $   5,222
   Office, retail,
    and industrial       2,533       0.22%       2.0%     1,195      1,125
   Residential land
    and development     97,060      19.07%      76.0%    28,335     11,664
   Multifamily           1,387       0.58%       1.1%     2,827      3,016
   Other commercial
    real estate          6,926       0.63%       5.4%     1,845        885
   Consumer              4,276       0.57%       3.3%     5,154      3,324
                     ---------  =========  ---------  ---------  ---------
     Total
      nonaccrual
      loans          $ 127,768       2.38%     100.0% $  53,317  $  25,236
                     =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
Restructured loans       3,260                            2,258        259
Foreclosed real
 estate                 24,368                           23,697      7,042
90 days past due
 loans (still
 accruing interest):
   Commercial and
    industrial       $   6,818       0.46%      18.4% $   4,006  $   4,530
   Agricultural          1,751       1.23%       4.7%     1,751          -
   Office, retail,
    and industrial       3,214       0.29%       8.7%     4,838      2,855
   Residential land
    and development      8,489       1.67%      23.0%    17,615     16,696
   Multifamily           1,881       0.79%       5.1%     1,216      2,071
   Other commercial
    real estate          6,586       0.59%      17.8%     2,469      3,410
   Consumer              8,260       1.11%      22.3%     5,421      7,948
                     ---------  =========  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Total 90 days
       past due
       loans         $  36,999       0.69%     100.0% $  37,316  $  37,510
                     =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
30-89 days past due
 loans               $ 116,206       2.17%         -  $ 104,769  $ 185,186
                     =========  =========  =========  =========  =========

Asset Quality Ratios
Nonaccrual loans to
 loans                    2.38%         -          -       1.02%      0.49%
Nonaccrual loans
 plus loans past due
 90 days to loans         3.07%         -          -       1.74%      1.21%
Reserve for loan
 losses              $  93,869          -          -  $  69,811  $  66,104
Reserve for loan
 losses to loans          1.75%         -          -       1.34%      1.28%
Reserve for loan
 losses to
 nonaccrual loans           73%         -          -        131%       262%
Reserve for loan
 losses to
 nonaccrual loans
 plus loans past
 due 90 days                57%         -          -         77%       105%
                     =========  =========  =========  =========  =========

                                     Quarters Ended
                     -----------------------------------------------------
(Dollar amounts in              % of Loan    % of
 thousands)          12/31/08    Category    Total     9/30/08    6/30/08
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Charge-off Data
Net loans
 charged-off:
   Commercial and
    industrial       $   5,601       0.38%      30.6% $   1,899  $   2,338
   Agricultural              -                               (4)        42
   Office, retail,
    and industrial         699       0.06%       3.8%         2         31
   Residential land
    and development      9,227       1.81%      50.3%     5,856        138
   Multifamily             164       0.07%       0.9%       (40)       830
   Other commercial
    real estate            397       0.04%       2.2%        62        116
   Consumer              2,239       0.30%      12.2%     1,547        961
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Total net
       loans
       charged-off   $  18,327       1.38%     100.0% $   9,322  $   4,456
                     =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
Net loan charge-offs
 to average loans
 (annualized):
   Quarter-to-date        1.38%         -          -       0.71%      0.35%
   Year-to-date           0.74%         -          -       0.52%      0.42%




First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.           Press Release Dated January 28, 2009

Securities Available-For-Sale
                                                  Collateralized  Other
                            U.S.         U.S.       Mortgage     Mortgage
Unaudited                 Treasury      Agency    Obligations    Backed
                        -----------  ------------ -----------  -----------
As of December 31, 2008
Amortized cost          $     1,039  $          - $   694,285  $   504,918

Gross unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Gross unrealized
   Gains                          2             -       7,668       13,421
  Gross unrealized
   losses                         -             -      (3,114)         (74)
                        -----------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Net unrealized
     gains (losses)               2             -       4,554       13,347
                        -----------  ------------ -----------  -----------
Fair value              $     1,041  $          - $   698,839  $   518,265
                        ===========  ============ ===========  ===========

As of September 30, 2008
Amortized cost          $       902  $      1,999 $   515,376  $   517,139

Gross unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Gross unrealized
   gains                          3             3       1,798        1,970
  Gross unrealized
   losses                         -             -      (6,827)      (3,068)
                        -----------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Net unrealized
     gains (losses)               3             3      (5,029)      (1,098)
                        -----------  ------------ -----------  -----------
Fair value              $       905  $      2,002 $   510,347  $   516,041
                        ===========  ============ ===========  ===========

As of December 31, 2007
Amortized cost          $     1,027  $     41,895 $   534,688  $   417,532

Gross unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Gross unrealized
   gains                          2           597       2,333        5,116
  Gross unrealized
   losses                        (1)            -      (2,221)      (2,328)
                        -----------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Net unrealized
     gains (losses)               1           597         112        2,788
                        -----------  ------------ -----------  -----------
Fair value              $     1,028  $     42,492 $   534,800  $   420,320
                        ===========  ============ ===========  ===========


                           State    Collateralized
                            and          Debt
Unaudited                Municipal   Obligations     Other        Total
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
As of December 31, 2008
Amortized cost          $   907,036  $    60,406  $    51,820  $ 2,219,504

Gross unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Gross unrealized
   gains                     12,606            -          213       33,910
  Gross unrealized
   losses                   (12,895)     (18,320)      (2,825)     (37,228)
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net unrealized
     gains (losses)            (289)     (18,320)      (2,612)      (3,318)
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Fair value              $   906,747  $    42,086  $    49,208  $ 2,216,186
                        ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========

As of September 30, 2008
Amortized cost          $   926,519  $    85,286  $    50,973  $ 2,098,194

Gross unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Gross unrealized
   gains                      1,987           80           26        5,867
  Gross unrealized
   losses                   (45,854)     (14,000)      (9,431)     (79,180)
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net unrealized
     gains (losses)         (43,867)     (13,920)      (9,405)     (73,313)
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Fair value              $   882,652  $    71,366  $    41,568  $ 2,024,881
                        ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========

As of December 31, 2007
Amortized cost          $   961,638  $    95,584  $    35,295  $ 2,087,659

Gross unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Gross unrealized
   gains                      7,728            -           34       15,810
  Gross unrealized
   losses                    (2,531)     (13,954)      (2,388)     (23,423)
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net unrealized
     gains (losses)           5,197      (13,954)      (2,354)      (7,613)
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Fair value              $   966,835  $    81,630  $    32,941  $ 2,080,046
                        ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========

Contact Information: CONTACT: Paul F. Clemens Chief Financial Officer (630) 875-7347 www.firstmidwest.com