First Merchants Corporation (FRME)

Over the past six months, First Merchants Corp.'s stock (FRME) has trended down by 8.12%. Key events include the Q3 2025 earnings report with a net income of $55.9 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.94, driven by loan growth and a resilient balance sheet. The fourth-quarter 2025 financial results are scheduled to be reported on January 27, 2026. The corporation announced cash dividends on its preferred stock on January 12, 2026, and November 14, 2025. In September 2025, the company agreed to merge with First Savings Financial Group, Inc. for $241.3 million to enhance fee income and expand in Southern Indiana. In August 2025, First Merchants partnered with Old Second Bancorp, Inc. to sell five Illinois branch locations, exiting suburban Chicago markets. The company experienced loan growth, with total loans growing by $743.6 million (6.4%) over the past twelve months as of Q3 2025.

Explicit information regarding demand seasonality is not readily available. However, earnings reports and management commentary highlight strong and diversified loan growth across segments and markets, suggesting stable demand. The focus on organic growth and strategic acquisitions indicates continuous efforts to expand its customer base and service offerings throughout the year.

First Merchants Corporation (FRME) is a financial holding company based in Muncie, Indiana, operating in the community banking sector. It is listed on NASDAQ under the Financial Services sector, specifically in the Regional - Midwest Banks industry. The company offers a range of financial products and services to individual and business customers, including commercial and personal banking, investment advisory, debt capital, treasury management, and various depository products.

First Merchants Corporation has a significant presence across the Midwest, with over 111 banking center locations. Its geographic footprint primarily covers Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.

First Merchants Corporation has maintained a strong brand reputation, evidenced by recognitions such as TIME Magazine's "America's Best Mid-Sized Companies" in September 2024, Forbes' "World's Best Banks" and "America's Best Banks" in 2024, and S&P Global Market Intelligence's "Top 50 Public Banks" in 2023. The bank has also been honored by American Banker Best Banks to Work For and Newsweek's Best Banks. First Merchants Bank received an A+ on Culture Score with a 4.7 out of 5-star rating based on employee survey responses in June 2022.

First Merchants Corporation has substantial institutional ownership, with 568 institutional owners and shareholders holding 55,664,515 shares, accounting for 76.5% in September 2025. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and Dimensional Fund Advisors Lp. Individual ownership accounts for approximately 1.69% of the shares.