First Merchants reports Q1 EPS 94c, consensus 91c

Net income available to common stockholders was $54.9 million and diluted earnings per common share totaled $0.94 compared to adjusted net income and diluted earnings per common share of $50.1 million and $0.85 in the first quarter of 2024. “The first quarter was a strong start to the year with healthy loan growth and increasing profitability,” said Mark Hardwick, Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants (FRME) Bank. “Our 2025 priorities continue to focus on organic loan growth funded by low-cost core deposits, margin stabilization, fee income growth, expense management and credit quality. Given the market volatility and headlines, we are closely monitoring our clients and our markets but have yet to see any signs of stress.”