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First Merchants Corp. (FRME)
NASDAQ:FRME
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First Merchants (FRME) AI Stock Analysis

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FRME

First Merchants

(NASDAQ:FRME)

Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$43.00
▲(3.56% Upside)
First Merchants' strong financial performance and attractive valuation are key strengths, supported by positive earnings call sentiment. However, technical indicators suggest caution due to potential short-term weakness. Continued focus on revenue growth and cash flow management will be crucial for sustained performance.

First Merchants (FRME) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

First Merchants Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFirst Merchants Corporation operates as the financial holding company for First Merchants Bank that provides community banking services. It accepts time, savings, and demand deposits; and provides consumer, commercial, agri-business, and real estate mortgage loans, as well as public finance. The company also offers personal and corporate trust; brokerage and private wealth management; and letters of credit, repurchase agreements, and other corporate services. It operates 109 banking locations in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan counties. The company also offers its services through electronic and mobile delivery channels. First Merchants Corporation was founded in 1893 and is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.
How the Company Makes MoneyFirst Merchants generates revenue through several key streams. The primary source is net interest income, which comes from the difference between the interest earned on loans and the interest paid on deposits. This includes a variety of loan products such as commercial loans, residential mortgages, and consumer loans. Additionally, the company earns non-interest income from service fees, wealth management services, and transaction-based fees. Significant partnerships with local businesses and community organizations also contribute to its earnings by enhancing customer retention and expanding service offerings. The bank's focus on regional growth and strategic acquisitions further bolsters its revenue potential.

First Merchants Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 23, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 28, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong financial performance with significant increases in net income and earnings per share, robust loan growth, and improved credit quality. However, there were pressures on deposit costs and some notable nonaccrual loans. Overall, the positive aspects significantly outweigh the challenges.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
Second quarter net income was $56.4 million, an increase of $17 million or 43% from a year ago. Year-to-date net income totaled $111.2 million, an increase of $24.3 million or 28% from the first half of 2024. Earnings per share increased by $0.44 or 30% during the same period.
Robust Loan Growth
Achieved 9.1% annualized loan growth with $262 million of commercial loan growth for the quarter and $430 million of loan growth year-to-date, which is 9% annualized.
Improved Credit Quality
Provision for credit losses significantly reduced to $5.6 million compared to $24.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. Net charge-offs were just 0.07% of average loans annualized.
Increased Shareholder Returns
Repurchased an additional $22.1 million worth of shares this quarter. Year-to-date, $31.7 million worth of shares have been repurchased at an average price of $38.68.
Growing Tangible Book Value
Tangible book value per share increased by 8.5%, reflecting strong capital management and shareholder returns.
Negative Updates
Deposit Cost Pressures
Total cost of deposits increased by 7 basis points to 2.3% this quarter due to rising competitive deposit dynamics. This trend is expected to continue, leading to potential margin compression.
Nonaccrual Loans
The largest nonaccruals this quarter include a $12.9 million multifamily construction loan, a $6.8 million brewery, and a $6 million nursing home.
Company Guidance
During the Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, First Merchants Corporation reported robust financial performance with several key metrics. The company achieved a 9.1% annualized loan growth rate and earnings per share of $0.98. Return on assets was 1.23%, and the efficiency ratio stood at 54%. The second quarter net income reached $56.4 million, marking a significant 43% increase from the previous year, supported by improved credit quality and a reduced provision for credit losses of $5.6 million compared to $24.5 million in Q2 2024. Year-to-date net income totaled $111.2 million, up 28% from the first half of 2024, with earnings per share increasing by 30% to $1.92. The company repurchased $22.1 million worth of shares this quarter and $31.7 million year-to-date at an average price of $38.68. The tangible common equity ratio was 8.92%, exceeding the target level, providing capital flexibility. Total revenues in the second quarter were strong, with net interest income growing by $2.7 million and noninterest income by $1.3 million, while the pre-tax pre-provision earnings reached $70.7 million.

First Merchants Financial Statement Overview

Summary
First Merchants shows a solid financial position with consistent revenue growth and strong profitability metrics. While the company maintains a healthy balance between debt and equity, the rising debt levels in recent years warrant careful management. Cash flows remain stable, supporting ongoing operations and investments.
Income Statement
75
Positive
First Merchants has shown steady revenue growth over the years with a notable increase from 2022 to 2023. The Gross Profit Margin has slightly decreased, indicating higher costs or increased competition. However, the company's Net Profit Margin remains strong, showing efficiency in managing expenses relative to revenue. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are solid, reflecting good operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is moderate, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging debt. The Return on Equity (ROE) is robust, suggesting effective use of equity to generate profits. The Equity Ratio is stable, showcasing a strong equity base relative to total assets. However, the increase in total debt from 2023 to 2025 requires monitoring for potential risks of over-leverage.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Operating cash flow has been consistent, demonstrating reliable cash generation from core operations. The Free Cash Flow growth is positive, although the increase in investing outflows suggests significant investment activities. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio indicates strong cash conversion, but attention should be paid to maintaining this level amid fluctuating financing cash flows.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.04B1.05B999.49M712.95M555.96M558.43M
Gross Profit618.74M591.01M647.50M611.39M520.00M433.38M
EBITDA289.31M258.58M270.94M267.49M251.49M180.98M
Net Income225.71M201.40M223.79M222.09M205.53M148.60M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets18.59B18.31B18.41B17.94B15.45B14.07B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.44B1.77B2.18B2.23B2.99B2.50B
Total Debt1.16B1.16B1.03B1.31B634.25M684.91M
Total Liabilities16.24B16.01B16.16B15.90B13.54B12.19B
Stockholders Equity2.35B2.30B2.25B2.03B1.91B1.88B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow259.71M266.21M258.83M284.29M215.34M204.81M
Operating Cash Flow259.71M266.21M258.83M284.29M215.34M204.81M
Investing Cash Flow-649.45M-252.42M-344.43M-462.69M-1.48B-1.55B
Financing Cash Flow365.94M-38.82M75.65M133.84M1.24B1.36B

First Merchants Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price41.52
Price Trends
50DMA
39.53
Positive
100DMA
38.06
Positive
200DMA
39.58
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.70
Negative
RSI
62.93
Neutral
STOCH
91.58
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For FRME, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 41.52 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 39.41, above the 50-day MA of 39.53, and above the 200-day MA of 39.58, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.70 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 62.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 91.58 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for FRME.

First Merchants Risk Analysis

First Merchants disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. First Merchants reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

First Merchants Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$2.59B11.198.78%4.84%66.96%67.27%
79
Outperform
$2.48B12.007.59%3.40%8.75%5.16%
77
Outperform
$2.54B10.619.77%3.66%4.62%2.69%
77
Outperform
$3.51B16.3927.41%25.43%21.96%
71
Outperform
$2.67B26.204.32%2.36%49.10%
69
Neutral
$2.40B10.789.90%3.40%-1.18%23.43%
68
Neutral
$17.88B11.6810.28%3.72%9.78%1.27%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FRME
First Merchants
41.52
4.67
12.67%
FFBC
First Financial Bancorp
26.48
1.06
4.17%
BANC
Banc of California
16.92
3.29
24.14%
PFS
Provident Financial Services
19.84
1.92
10.71%
WAFD
Washington Federal
31.45
-3.74
-10.63%
TBBK
Bancorp
76.24
24.74
48.04%

First Merchants Corporate Events

Dividends
First Merchants Announces Cash Dividend for Shareholders
Positive
Aug 15, 2025

On August 15, 2025, First Merchants Corporation announced a cash dividend of $0.36 per common share, payable on September 19, 2025, to shareholders of record as of September 5, 2025. This announcement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing value to its shareholders, potentially impacting its market perception and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (FRME) stock is a Buy with a $45.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Merchants stock, see the FRME Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
First Merchants Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
Positive
Jul 15, 2025

On July 15, 2025, First Merchants Corporation announced a quarterly cash dividend of $46.88 per share on its 7.50% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series A, with a payment date set for August 15, 2025, to stockholders recorded by July 30, 2025. This declaration reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing returns to its shareholders and may influence its market positioning and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (FRME) stock is a Buy with a $45.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Merchants stock, see the FRME Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
First Merchants Announces Senior Notes Redemption Plan
Neutral
Jun 13, 2025

First Merchants Corporation announced the redemption of $5,000,000 in principal amount of its 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes, originally issued on November 1, 2013, and due in 2028. This redemption, scheduled for July 30, 2025, will result in no outstanding principal amount remaining for this issuance, potentially impacting the company’s financial obligations and capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (FRME) stock is a Buy with a $45.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Merchants stock, see the FRME Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
First Merchants Holds Annual Shareholder Meeting
Neutral
May 19, 2025

On May 16, 2025, First Merchants Corporation held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where F. Howard Halderman, Kevin D. Johnson, Clark C. Kellogg, and Michael C. Rechin were elected to the Board of Directors for one-year terms. Shareholders also approved a non-binding resolution on executive compensation and appointed Forvis Mazars, LLP as the independent auditor for 2025. These decisions reflect shareholder confidence in the current leadership and financial oversight, potentially impacting the corporation’s governance and financial transparency.

The most recent analyst rating on (FRME) stock is a Buy with a $45.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Merchants stock, see the FRME Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
First Merchants Announces Cash Dividend for Shareholders
Positive
May 16, 2025

On May 16, 2025, First Merchants Corporation announced a cash dividend of $0.36 per share, payable on June 20, 2025, to common shareholders of record as of June 6, 2025. This announcement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing returns to its shareholders and may impact trading activities around the ex-date of June 5, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (FRME) stock is a Buy with a $45.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Merchants stock, see the FRME Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 15, 2025