First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (FMBI) reported earnings of $0.16 per share in the second quarter, down 63% from the corresponding period last year. The earnings decline was chiefly attributable to a hike in provision expense amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Earnings will likely improve in the year ahead due to FMBI's participation in the Paycheck Protection Program. Moreover, the provision expense will likely decline due to stability in the economic outlook. Furthermore, the non-interest expense will likely trend downwards after remaining elevated in the second quarter due to integration costs. Consequently, I'm expecting the net income