FirstMerit (FMER) 8-K FirstMerit Reports Increase in First Quarter 2006 Earnings Per Share

For Release April 20, 2006, 7:30 a.m. EST

Analysts: Tom O’Malley	Media: Jacque Sir Louis
(330) 384-7109	(330) 849-8877

FirstMerit Reports Increase in First Quarter
2006 Earnings Per Share

First Quarter Highlights

• Diluted earnings per share of $0.37

• Increase in net interest margin from balance sheet restructuring initiative

• Average commercial loan growth of 6.6%

• Net income of $30.0 million

• Return on average common equity of 13.67%

• Return on average assets of 1.20%

AKRON, Ohio, — April 20, 2006 —FirstMerit Corporation (Nasdaq: FMER) today announced first quarter 2006 net income of $30.0 million, or $0.37 per diluted share. This compares with $30.1 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, for the first quarter 2005.

Returns on average common equity (“ROE”) and average assets (“ROA”) for the first quarter were 13.67% and 1.20%, respectively, compared with 12.48% and 1.19% for the first quarter 2005.

“We have established five key strategic initiatives – improving credit quality, accelerating revenue growth, remixing our balance sheet, operating more efficiently and effective capital management – that we believe will position FirstMerit for strong future performance and growth in shareholder returns. I am pleased to report that we made solid progress on these initiatives during the first quarter of 2006,” said John R. Cochran, chairman and CEO.

“Effective execution on our balance sheet restructuring initiative, which seeks to grow net interest income by reducing lower-yielding investment securities and growing the higher-yielding loan portfolio, contributed to a seven basis point expansion in the net interest margin over the prior and year-ago quarters. While revenues were affected by lower earning asset levels that resulted from this restructuring strategy, these measures position FirstMerit for increased revenue growth in the upcoming quarters, given the realization of balance sheet growth in 2006.”

Mr. Cochran continued, “Fee income, excluding securities gains, grew 5.37% year-over-year, with positive results from a number of initiatives developed in 2005 to boost service charges and credit card fees. First quarter operating expenses show an increase in our

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promotional activity that should translate into loans, deposits and higher fee income during the balance of the year.”

Total revenue, defined as net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) basis plus noninterest income net of securities transactions, totaled $131.9 million for the first quarter 2006, compared with $129.8 million reported in the first quarter 2005. FTE net interest income was $86.6 million for the first quarter 2006, a decline of $0.1 million, or 0.14%, compared with the year-ago quarter.

The Company is progressing on its plan to reduce lower-yielding investment securities from the earning asset mix and generate increased levels of net interest income from expected loan portfolio growth during 2006. For the first quarter of 2006, average investment securities accounted for 24.72% of average assets, compared with 28.13% for the first quarter 2005. Over that time, average loan growth, supported by commercial growth of $220.8 million, or 6.6%, offset a $376.4 million, or 13.09%, decrease in investment securities. In the first quarter of 2006, average loans grew $205.7 million, or 3.17%, and average earning assets declined by $175.8 million, or 1.87%, compared with the first quarter 2005. The reduction of the investment portfolio is a key element in the Company’s strategy to grow the balance sheet more profitably.

Noninterest income excluding securities transactions totaled $45.4 million for the first quarter 2006, compared with $43.1 million for the first quarter 2005, an increase of $2.3 million, or 5.37%. Service charges increased $1.2 million, or 8.41%, while credit card fees increased $1.3 million, or 13.39%. Compared with the fourth quarter 2005, noninterest income decreased $2.2 million, or 4.60%, reflecting an absence of seasonal credit card and deposit account activity.

Noninterest expense totaled $81.9 million for the first quarter 2006, compared with $75.9 million for the first quarter 2005. Increased employee benefits expense was the main driver of a $3.6 million, or 9.24% increase in salaries, wages and pension and employee benefits compared with the year-ago quarter. During the first quarter 2006, the Company also increased its marketing expenditures $1.5 million, compared with the first quarter of 2005, by implementing a direct marketing campaign designed to grow profitable new households. The efficiency ratio for the first quarter 2006 was 61.90%, compared with 58.33% for the first quarter 2005.

Net charge-offs totaled $9.2 million in the first quarter 2006, compared with $11.8 million for the first quarter 2005, or 0.56% and 0.74% of average loans, respectively. The $2.6 million, or 22.19%, reduction in net charge-offs reflects a return for the Company to its trend of improvement in year over year net charge-offs. As of March 31, 2006, nonperforming assets were $72.9 million, or 1.09%, of period-end loans plus other real estate, compared with $72.3 million, or 1.08% , at December 31, 2005, and $46.7 million, or 0.72%, at March 31, 2005.

The Company recorded $6.1 million of loan loss provision expenses in the first quarter 2006, compared with loan loss provision expenses of $11.6 million in the first quarter 2005. On March 31, 2006, criticized commercial assets (“substandard” and “doubtful”) accounted for 7.47% of total commercial loans, compared with criticized commercial asset levels of 9.19% on March 31, 2005, reflecting a $46.2 million decrease in criticized

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commercial credits. For the first quarter of 2006, loan loss provision expenses were $3.3 million below the level of reported net charge-offs which includes $3.1 million of charges associated with $9.0 million of commercial loans the Company intends to sell in the second quarter of 2006.

At March 31 2006, the allowance for loan losses was 1.31% of loans, compared with 1.36% at December 31, 2005, and 1.49% at March 31, 2005. The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. For comparative purposes the allowance for credit losses was 1.40% at March 31, 2006, compared with 1.45% at December 31, 2005, and 1.59% at March 31, 2005.

Assets at March 31, 2006 totaled $10.1 billion, compared with $10.3 billion at March 31, 2005, representing a decrease of $168.2 million, or 1.64%. Period-end loan growth of $152.1 million, or 2.33%, was driven by a $180.9 million, or 5.35% increase in the commercial lending portfolio. Offsetting the growth in the loan portfolio was a $399.7 decrease in the investment portfolio as part of the Company’s emphasis on restructuring the balance sheet for higher yielding earning asset mix.

Deposits totaled $7.5 billion at March 31, 2006, an increase of $186.0 million, or 2.54%, from $7.3 billion at March 31, 2005. Included in the total deposit growth is a $111.0 million reduction in brokered CDs. Noninterest bearing demand deposit accounts (DDA) increased $37.9 million, or 2.65%. Growth in noninterest interest DDA accounts primarily from new account acquisitions offset the declines in money market and savings account balances as customers sought higher returns than traditional savings investments.

Shareholders’ equity was $870.6 million at March 31, 2006. The Company’s capital position remains strong as the tangible equity to assets ratio was 7.31% at March 31, 2006. The common dividend per share paid in the first quarter 2006 was $0.28, a $0.01, or 3.7%, increase from the first quarter 2005. The Company also successfully executed an accelerated share repurchase program of 2,618,588 shares in the first quarter 2006, which reduced average diluted shares outstanding by 4.56% from the first quarter 2005.

First Quarter 2006

Conference Call:FirstMerit Corporation will host a conference call on April 20, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time. To participate in the conference call, please dial (888) 335-5539 ten minutes before start time and provide the reservation number: 7280148. A replay of the conference call will be available at approximately 4:30 p.m., on April 20, 2006 through May 19, 2006, by dialing (877) 519-4471, and entering the PIN: 7280148.

The 2006 earnings release will be available at approximately 7:30 a.m. on the Internet at www.firstmerit.com under the Investor Relations portion of the Web site. Any material non-public information will be posted on the Web site immediately after the conference call ends.

FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of $10.1 billion as of March 30, 2006 and 160 banking offices in 24 Ohio and Western Pennsylvania counties. FirstMerit provides a complete range of

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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. 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.

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FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Highlights

(Unaudited)	Quarters
(Dollars in thousands)
	2006			2005			2005			2005			2005
EARNINGS	1st Qtr			4th Qtr			3rd Qtr			2nd Qtr			1st Qtr
Net interest income FTE (a)	$	86,563			88,152			88,347			88,432			86,685
Provision for loan losses		6,106			16,260			9,974			5,972			11,614
Other income		45,397			47,586			47,846			50,095			44,939
Other expenses		81,899			79,274			78,926			79,397			75,911
FTE adjustment (a)		590			650			641			655			675
Net income		29,964			27,656			36,594			36,145			30,088
Diluted EPS		0.37			0.34			0.43			0.43			0.36
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets (ROA)		1.20	%		1.07	%		1.41	%		1.40	%		1.19	%
Return on average common equity (ROE)		13.67	%		11.52	%		14.90	%		15.07	%		12.48	%
Net interest margin FTE (a)		3.80	%		3.73	%		3.70	%		3.74	%		3.73	%
Efficiency ratio		61.90	%		58.26	%		57.81	%		57.14	%		58.33	%
Number of full-time equivalent employees		3,104			3,057			3,073			3,078			3,081
MARKET DATA
Book value/common share	$	10.91			11.39			11.65			11.69			11.32
Period-end common share mkt value		24.66			25.91			26.79			26.11			26.76
Market as a % of book		226	%		228	%		230	%		223	%		236	%
Cash dividends/common share	$	0.28			0.28			0.28			0.27			0.27
Common stock dividend payout ratio		75.68	%		82.35	%		65.12	%		62.79	%		75.00	%
Average basic common shares		80,374			82,786			83,489			83,603			84,097
Average diluted common shares		80,648			83,082			83,978			83,890			84,497
Period end common shares		79,766			82,335			83,442			83,522			83,612
Common shares repurchased		2,618,588			1,228,293			178,872			145,143			816,208
Common stock market capitalization	$	1,967,030			2,133,300			2,235,411			2,180,759			2,237,457
ASSET QUALITY
Gross charge-offs	$	14,914			22,736			14,207			15,422			16,740
Net charge-offs		9,178			18,379			10,002			10,278			11,795
Allowance for loan losses		87,589			90,661			92,780			92,808			97,115
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments		5,853			6,072			5,857			5,785			6,479
Nonperforming assets (NPAs)		72,941			72,257			51,398			53,985			46,703
Net charge-off/average loans ratio		0.56	%		1.09	%		0.60	%		0.62	%		0.74	%
Allowance for loan losses/period-end loans		1.31	%		1.36	%		1.39	%		1.40	%		1.49	%
Allowance for credit losses/period-end loans		1.40	%		1.45	%		1.47	%		1.49	%		1.59	%
NPAs/loans and other real estate		1.09	%		1.08	%		0.77	%		0.82	%		0.71	%
Allowance for loan losses/nonperforming loans		136.22	%		145.61	%		221.46	%		208.74	%		235.71	%
Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans		145.32	%		155.36	%		235.44	%		221.76	%		251.44	%
CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY
Period-end tangible equity to assets		7.31	%		7.94	%		8.18	%		8.19	%		7.93	%
Average equity to assets		8.79	%		9.33	%		9.46	%		9.32	%		9.56	%
Average equity to loans		13.27	%		14.22	%		14.66	%		14.58	%		15.06	%
Average loans to deposits		91.58	%		92.11	%		91.73	%		90.16	%		88.27	%
AVERAGE BALANCES
Assets	$	10,111,553			10,211,619			10,295,827			10,329,167			10,226,765
Deposits		7,313,509			7,273,980			7,245,562			7,321,860			7,354,689
Loans		6,697,732			6,699,997			6,646,112			6,601,204			6,492,044
Earning assets		9,245,882			9,368,139			9,465,288			9,489,431			9,421,693
Shareholders’ equity		888,818			952,715			974,147			962,239			977,888
ENDING BALANCES
Assets	$	10,100,717			10,154,359			10,285,329			10,313,955			10,268,898
Deposits		7,510,562			7,233,650			7,352,026			7,173,857			7,324,551
Loans		6,672,102			6,667,327			6,685,462			6,610,385			6,520,034
Goodwill		139,245			139,245			139,245			139,245			139,245
Intangible assets		3,533			3,756			3,978			4,200			4,424
Earning assets		9,193,741			9,256,389			9,419,355			9,491,957			9,443,226
Total shareholders’ equity		870,552			937,580			972,348			976,016			946,731

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.

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FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)
(Unaudited, except December 31, 2005, which is derived from the	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
audited financial statements)	2006			2005			2005
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	206,912			225,953			191,582
Investment securities (at fair value) and federal funds sold		2,460,321			2,546,496			2,860,021
Loans held for sale		61,318			42,566			63,171
Loans:
Commercial loans		3,562,968			3,519,483			3,382,102
Mortgage loans		625,514			628,581			637,885
Installment loans		1,509,714			1,524,355			1,601,498
Home equity loans		772,308			778,697			677,724
Credit card loans		135,916			145,592			137,044
Leases		65,682			70,619			83,781
Total loans		6,672,102			6,667,327			6,520,034
Less allowance for loan losses		(87,589	)		(90,661	)		(97,115	)
Net loans		6,584,513			6,576,666			6,422,919
Premises and equipment, net		119,571			120,420			118,059
Goodwill		139,245			139,245			139,245
Intangible assets		3,533			3,756			4,424
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		525,304			499,257			469,477
Total assets	$	10,100,717			10,154,359			10,268,898
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing	$	1,465,168			1,523,731			1,427,307
Demand-interest bearing		923,491			830,248			827,507
Savings and money market accounts		2,320,360			2,304,177			2,379,464
Certificates and other time deposits		2,801,543			2,575,494			2,690,273
Total deposits		7,510,562			7,233,650			7,324,551
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,272,362			1,426,037			1,281,745
Wholesale borrowings		285,143			401,104			557,282
Accrued taxes, expenses, and other liabilities		162,098			155,988			158,589
Total liabilities		9,230,165			9,216,779			9,322,167
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 March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005		127,937			127,937			127,937
Capital surplus		108,958			108,210			108,903
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(53,395	)		(42,850	)		(38,194	)
Retained earnings		1,002,035			994,487			963,618
Treasury stock, at cost, 12,257,585, 9,691,424 and 8,414,363 shares at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005, respectively		(314,983	)		(250,204	)		(215,533	)
Total shareholders’ equity		870,552			937,580			946,731
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	10,100,717			10,154,359			10,268,898

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

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FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	Quarterly Periods
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,
	2006			2005			2005			2005			2005
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	194,042			192,189			197,412			197,548			190,740
Investment securities/fed funds sold		2,500,021			2,619,248			2,764,724			2,833,818			2,876,415
Loans held for sale		48,129			48,894			54,452			54,409			53,234
Loans:
Commercial loans		3,567,263			3,519,807			3,441,231			3,434,946			3,346,425
Mortgage loans		630,702			637,877			641,532			641,865			646,528
Installment loans		1,513,938			1,556,212			1,594,801			1,601,775			1,598,953
Home equity loans		775,728			772,757			754,492			704,054			674,913
Credit card loans		141,821			142,743			140,873			137,919			141,440
Leases		68,280			70,601			73,183			80,645			83,785
Total loans		6,697,732			6,699,997			6,646,112			6,601,204			6,492,044
Less allowance for loan losses (a)		90,229			91,916			91,852			96,342			96,438
Net loans		6,607,503			6,608,081			6,554,260			6,504,862			6,395,606
Total earning assets		9,245,882			9,368,139			9,465,288			9,489,431			9,421,693
Premises and equipment, net		120,155			117,387			117,471			118,392			119,916
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		641,703			625,820			607,508			620,138			590,854
TOTAL ASSETS	$	10,111,553			10,211,619			10,295,827			10,329,167			10,226,765
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing	$	1,462,671			1,488,679			1,457,487			1,470,673			1,447,226
Demand-interest bearing		848,209			817,009			838,549			834,708			820,974
Savings and money market accounts		2,292,865			2,332,528			2,333,331			2,370,280			2,392,023
Certificates and other time deposits		2,709,764			2,635,764			2,616,195			2,646,199			2,694,466
Total deposits		7,313,509			7,273,980			7,245,562			7,321,860			7,354,689
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,295,178			1,443,740			1,478,857			1,385,644			1,326,242
Wholesale borrowings		433,257			375,167			442,035			498,088			412,149
Total funds		9,041,944			9,092,887			9,166,454			9,205,592			9,093,080
Accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities (a)		180,791			166,017			155,226			161,336			155,797
Total liabilities		9,222,735			9,258,904			9,321,680			9,366,928			9,248,877
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock		—			—			—			—			—
Common stock		127,937			127,937			127,937			127,937			127,937
Capital surplus		108,330			108,303			108,564			108,559			108,478
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(44,150	)		(39,834	)		(25,682	)		(26,883	)		(16,998	)
Retained earnings		998,173			994,301			982,419			968,408			960,740
Treasury stock		(301,472	)		(237,992	)		(219,091	)		(215,782	)		(202,269	)
Total shareholders’ equity		888,818			952,715			974,147			962,239			977,888
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	10,111,553			10,211,619			10,295,827			10,329,167			10,226,765

(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.

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

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES	Three months ended								Year ended								Three months ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2006								December 31, 2005								March 31, 2005
	Average					Average			Average					Average			Average					Average
	Balance			Interest		Rate			Balance			Interest		Rate			Balance			Interest		Rate
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	194,042								194,485								190,740
Investment securities and federal funds sold:
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable)		2,161,306			20,850		3.91	%		2,416,360			91,814		3.80	%		2,518,784			23,818		3.83	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt)		90,622			1,527		6.83	%		99,487			6,707		6.74	%		101,571			1,763		7.04	%
Other securities and federal funds sold		248,093			3,526		5.76	%		255,568			12,291		4.81	%		256,060			2,763		4.38	%
Total investment securities and federal funds sold		2,500,021			25,903		4.20	%		2,771,415			110,812		4.00	%		2,876,415			28,344		4.00	%
Loans held for sale		48,129			762		6.42	%		52,740			2,854		5.41	%		53,234			627		4.78	%
Loans		6,697,732			116,997		7.08	%		6,610,509			430,402		6.51	%		6,492,044			99,546		6.22	%
Total earning assets		9,245,882			143,662		6.30	%		9,434,664			544,068		5.77	%		9,421,693			128,517		5.53	%
Allowance for loan losses		(90,229	)							(94,118	)							(96,438	)
Other assets		761,858								729,398								710,770
Total assets	$	10,111,553								10,264,429								10,226,765
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand — non-interest bearing	$	1,462,671			—		—			1,466,106			—		—			1,447,226			—		—
Demand — interest bearing		848,209			2,362		1.13	%		827,829			5,871		0.71	%		820,974			956		0.47	%
Savings and money market accounts		2,292,865			10,748		1.90	%		2,356,813			32,944		1.40	%		2,392,023			6,375		1.08	%
Certificates and other time deposits		2,709,764			26,101		3.91	%		2,647,908			86,764		3.28	%		2,694,466			20,600		3.10	%
Total deposits		7,313,509			39,211		2.17	%		7,298,656			125,579		1.72	%		7,354,689			27,931		1.54	%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,295,178			11,923		3.73	%		1,409,135			45,423		3.22	%		1,326,242			8,841		2.70	%
Wholesale borrowings		433,257			5,965		5.58	%		431,787			21,449		4.97	%		412,149			5,059		4.98	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		7,579,273			57,099		3.06	%		7,673,472			192,451		2.51	%		7,645,854			41,831		2.22	%
Other liabilities		180,791								158,125								155,797
Shareholders’ equity		888,818								966,726								977,888
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	10,111,553								10,264,429								10,226,765
Net yield on earning assets	$	9,245,882			86,563		3.80	%		9,434,664			351,617		3.73	%		9,421,693			86,686		3.73	%
Interest rate spread							3.25	%							3.26	%							3.31	%

Notes: Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis. Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances.

Page 8

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)	Quarters ended
(In thousands except per share data)	March 31,
	2006			2005
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale	$	117,740			100,149
Interest and dividends on investment securities and federal funds sold		25,332			27,692
Total interest income		143,072			127,841
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest bearing		2,362			956
Savings and money market accounts		10,748			6,375
Certificates and other time deposits		26,101			20,600
Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase		11,923			8,841
Interest on wholesale borrowings		5,965			5,059
Total interest expense		57,099			41,831
Net interest income		85,973			86,010
Provision for loan losses		6,106			11,614
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		79,867			74,396
Other income:
Trust department income		5,394			5,505
Service charges on deposits		16,066			14,820
Credit card fees		10,671			9,411
ATM and other service fees		3,108			2,959
Bank owned life insurance income		2,986			3,074
Investment services and insurance		2,597			2,858
Manufactured housing income		3			102
Investment securities gains, net		16			1,872
Loan sales and servicing income		1,445			1,133
Other operating income		3,111			3,205
Total other income		45,397			44,939
Other expenses:
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits		43,031			39,393
Net occupancy expense		6,549			6,536
Equipment expense		2,958			3,185
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,453			2,461
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		5,827			5,724
Professional services		2,763			2,150
Amortization of intangibles		223			223
Other operating expense		18,095			16,239
Total other expenses		81,899			75,911
Income before income tax expense		43,365			43,424
Federal income taxes		13,401			13,336
Net income	$	29,964			30,088
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
Unrealized securities’ holding gains (losses), net of taxes		(9,748	)		(22,604	)
Unrealized hedging gain (loss), net of taxes		(787	)		18
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes		—			(183	)
Less: reclassification adjustment for securities’ gains (losses) realized in net income, net of taxes		10			1,217
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		(10,545	)		(23,986	)
Comprehensive income	$	19,419			6,102
Net income applicable to common shares	$	29,964			30,088
Net income used in diluted EPS calculation	$	29,969			30,095
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic		80,374			84,097
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted		80,648			84,497
Basic earnings per share	$	0.37			0.36
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.37			0.36
Dividend per share	$	0.28			0.27

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

Page 9

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

(Unaudited)	Quarterly Results
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)	2006			2005			2005			2005			2005
	1st Q			4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q
Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale	$	117,740			115,850			111,169			105,975			100,149
Interest and dividends — securities and federal funds sold		25,332			26,109			26,700			27,802			27,692
Total interest income		143,072			141,959			137,869			133,777			127,841
Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest bearing		2,362			1,953			1,732			1,230			956
Savings and money market accounts		10,748			10,352			8,700			7,517			6,375
Certificates and other time deposits		26,101			23,831			21,637			20,696			20,600
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		11,923			13,423			12,535			10,624			8,841
Wholesale borrowings		5,965			4,898			5,559			5,933			5,059
Total interest expense		57,099			54,457			50,163			46,000			41,831
Net interest income		85,973			87,502			87,706			87,777			86,010
Provision for loan losses		6,106			16,260			9,974			5,972			11,614
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		79,867			71,242			77,732			81,805			74,396
Other income:
Trust department income		5,394			5,430			5,515			5,684			5,505
Service charges on deposits		16,066			17,884			18,561			17,800			14,820
Credit card fees		10,671			10,601			10,437			10,523			9,411
ATM and other service fees		3,108			3,157			3,453			3,298			2,959
Bank owned life insurance income		2,986			3,092			3,074			3,024			3,074
Investment services and insurance		2,597			2,696			2,226			2,828			2,858
Manufactured housing income		3			3			3			40			102
Investment securities gains (losses), net		16			39			40			(25	)		1,872
Loan sales and servicing income		1,445			1,668			2,076			1,520			1,133
Other operating income		3,111			3,016			2,461			5,403			3,205
Total other income		45,397			47,586			47,846			50,095			44,939
Other expenses:
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits		43,031			40,790			42,149			41,351			39,393
Net occupancy expense		6,549			5,746			5,567			5,881			6,536
Equipment expense		2,958			4,152			2,962			3,002			3,185
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,453			2,546			2,559			2,484			2,461
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		5,827			7,042			5,802			5,444			5,724
Professional services		2,763			3,389			2,632			3,843			2,150
Amortization of intangibles		223			222			222			222			223
Other operating expense		18,095			15,387			17,033			17,170			16,239
Total other expenses		81,899			79,274			78,926			79,397			75,911
Income before income tax expense		43,365			39,554			46,652			52,503			43,424
Federal income taxes		13,401			11,898			10,058			16,358			13,336
Net income	$	29,964			27,656			36,594			36,145			30,088
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		(10,545	)		(8,927	)		(14,272	)		18,540			(23,986	)
Comprehensive income	$	19,419			18,729			22,322			54,685			6,102
Net income applicable to common shares		29,964			27,656			36,594			36,145			30,088
Adjusted net income used in diluted EPS calculation		29,969			27,659			36,601			36,152			30,095
Weighted-average common shares — basic		80,374			82,786			83,489			83,603			84,097
Weighted-average common shares — diluted		80,648			83,082			83,978			83,890			84,497
Basic net income per share	$	0.37			0.33			0.44			0.43			0.36
Diluted net income per share	$	0.37			0.34			0.43			0.43			0.36

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

Page 10

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ASSET QUALITY INFORMATION

(Unaudited, except December 31, 2005 annual period which
is derived from the audited financial statements)
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
	Quarterly Periods															Annual Period
	Mar 31			Dec 31			Sep 30			June 30			Mar 31			Dec 31
Allowance for Credit Losses	2006			2005			2005			2005			2005			2005
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period	$	90,661			92,780			92,808			97,115			97,296			97,296
Allowance related to loans sold		—			—			—			—			—			—
Provision for loan losses		6,106			16,260			9,974			5,971			11,614			43,820
Charge-offs		14,914			22,736			14,207			15,422			16,740			69,105
Recoveries		5,736			4,357			4,205			5,144			4,945			18,650
Net charge-offs		9,178			18,379			10,002			10,278			11,795			50,455
Allowance for loan losses, end of period	$	87,589			90,661			92,780			92,808			97,115			90,661
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, beginning of period	$	6,072			5,857			5,785			6,479			5,774			5,774
Provision for credit losses		(219	)		215			72			(694	)		705			298
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, end of period	$	5,853			6,072			5,857			5,785			6,479			6,072
Allowance for Credit Losses	$	93,442			96,733			98,637			98,593			103,594			96,733
Ratios
Provision for loan losses as a % of average loans		0.37	%		0.96	%		0.60	%		0.36	%		0.73	%		0.66	%
Provision for credit losses as a % of average loans		-0.01	%		0.01	%		0.00	%		-0.04	%		0.04	%		0.00	%
Net charge-offs as a % of average loans		0.56	%		1.09	%		0.60	%		0.62	%		0.74	%		0.76	%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of period-end loans		1.31	%		1.36	%		1.39	%		1.40	%		1.49	%		1.36	%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of period-end loans		1.40	%		1.45	%		1.48	%		1.49	%		1.59	%		1.45	%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans		136.22	%		145.61	%		221.46	%		208.74	%		235.71	%		145.61	%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans		145.32	%		155.36	%		235.44	%		221.76	%		251.44	%		155.36	%
Asset Quality
Impaired loans:
Nonaccrual	$	56,258			54,176			34,144			38,124			34,207			54,176
Other nonperforming loans:
Nonaccrual		8,044			8,086			7,751			6,336			6,994			8,086
Total nonperforming loans		64,302			62,262			41,895			44,460			41,201			62,262
Other real estate (“ORE”)		8,639			9,995			9,503			9,525			5,502			9,995
Total nonperforming assets (“NPAs”)	$	72,941			72,257			51,398			53,985			46,703			72,257
NPAs as % of period-end loans + ORE		1.09	%		1.08	%		0.77	%		0.82	%		0.72	%		1.08	%
Past due 90 days or more & accruing interest	$	18,640			17,931			21,451			17,969			22,899			17,931

Page 11

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION
NONINTEREST INCOME AND NONINTEREST EXPENSE DETAIL

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
	2006		2005		2005		2005			2005
QUARTERLY OTHER INCOME DETAIL	1st Qtr		4th Qtr		3rd Qtr		2nd Qtr			1st Qtr
Trust department income	$	5,394		5,430		5,515		5,684			5,505
Service charges on deposits		16,066		17,884		18,561		17,800			14,820
Credit card fees		10,671		10,601		10,437		10,523			9,411
ATM and other service fees		3,108		3,157		3,453		3,298			2,959
Bank owned life insurance income		2,986		3,092		3,074		3,024			3,074
Investment services and insurance		2,597		2,696		2,226		2,828			2,858
Manufactured housing income		3		3		3		40			102
Investment securities gains (losses), net		16		39		40		(25	)		1,872
Loan sales and servicing income		1,445		1,668		2,076		1,520			1,133
Other operating income		3,111		3,016		2,461		5,403			3,205
Total Other Income	$	45,397		47,586		47,846		50,095			44,939

	2006		2005		2005		2005		2005
QUARTERLY OTHER EXPENSES DETAIL	1st Qtr		4th Qtr		3 Qtr		2nd Qtr		1st Qtr
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits	$	43,031		40,790		42,149		41,351		39,393
Net occupancy expense		6,549		5,746		5,567		5,881		6,536
Equipment expense		2,958		4,152		2,962		3,002		3,185
Taxes, other than federal income taxes		1,819		1,578		849		880		735
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,453		2,546		2,559		2,484		2,461
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		5,827		7,042		5,802		5,444		5,724
Advertising		2,766		1,415		1,863		3,182		1,244
Professional services		2,763		3,389		2,632		3,843		2,150
Telephone		1,128		1,136		1,206		1,095		1,119
Amortization of intangibles		223		222		222		222		223
Other operating expense		12,382		11,258		13,115		12,013		13,141
Total Other Expenses	$	81,899		79,274		78,926		79,397		75,911

Page 12

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

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)	Quarters ended						Year ended
	March 31,						December 31,
	2006			2005			2005
Allowance for loan losses — beginning of period	$	90,661			97,296			97,296
Loans charged off:
Commercial		6,066			4,151			19,349
Mortgage		373			267			1,721
Installment		6,030			7,543			29,307
Home equity		620			752			4,340
Credit cards		1,774			2,420			11,320
Leases		51			1,607			3,068
Total		14,914			16,740			69,105
Recoveries:
Commercial		1,437			1,028			4,166
Mortgage		56			55			190
Installment		3,146			2,725			9,495
Home equity		378			293			1,302
Credit cards		449			576			2,348
Manufactured housing		169			208			710
Leases		101			60			439
Total		5,736			4,945			18,650
Net charge-offs		9,178			11,795			50,455
Provision for loan losses		6,106			11,614			43,820
Allowance for loan losses — end of period	$	87,589			97,115			90,661
Average loans outstanding	$	6,697,732			6,492,044			6,610,509
Ratio to average loans:
(Annualized) net charge-offs		0.56	%		0.74	%		0.76	%
Provision for loan losses		0.37	%		0.73	%		0.66	%
Loans outstanding — period-end	$	6,672,102			6,520,034			6,667,237
Allowance for loan losses:
As a percent of period-end loans outstanding		1.31	%		1.49	%		1.36	%
As a multiple of (annualized) net charge-offs		2.35			2.03			1.80

Page 13