First Merchants CEO Mark Hardwick To Retire And Mike Stewart Named Successor
First Merchants Corporation CEO Mark Hardwick announced his retirement effective end of 2026 after 29 years, with current First Merchants Bank President Mike Stewart named as his successor, becoming President and CEO in early 2027. Hardwick's tenure saw significant expansion, including 18 acquisitions. Stewart, with 18 years at the company, will continue to focus on organic growth, technology, and customer relationships across Midwestern markets.
After a 569-share grant, First Merchants (FRME) director Kellogg holds 16,503 shares directly.
First Merchants Corp. director Clark C. Kellogg received a grant of 569 shares of common stock on September 30, 2026, valued at $39.78 per share. Following this transaction, his direct holdings increased to 16,503 shares, which include 7,142 restricted stock awards. He also maintains indirect ownership of shares through a revocable trust and a 401(k) plan.
First Merchants CEO Hardwick to retire, Stewart named successor By Investing.com
First Merchants Corporation has announced that CEO Mark Hardwick will retire at the end of 2026 after 29 years with the company. Mike Stewart, the current First Merchants Bank President, will succeed Hardwick as President and CEO starting in 2027. Hardwick oversaw 18 acquisitions during his tenure, and Stewart plans to focus on organic growth, technology implementation, and customer-centric products.
First Merchants CEO to retire; successor named
First Merchants Corp. CEO Mark Hardwick announced his retirement at the end of the year after nearly three decades with the bank. He will be succeeded by President Mike Stewart, who will take on the role of president and CEO starting in 2027. First Merchants Bank, based in Muncie, is the sixth-largest Indianapolis-area bank and 28th-largest public company in Indiana.
First Merchants Bank CEO Mark Hardwick to retire at the end
First Merchants Corporation announced that CEO Mark Hardwick will retire at the end of 2026 after 29 years with the bank. Mike Stewart, current First Merchants Bank President, will succeed him as President and CEO at the start of 2027. Stewart, with over 18 years at the bank, plans to continue focusing on organic growth, leveraging technology, and customer-centric products.
First Merchants Corporation to Report Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results, Host Conference Call and Webcast
First Merchants Corporation (Nasdaq: FRME) announced it will release its third-quarter 2026 financial results on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The company will also host an earnings conference call and webcast on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET. Details for registering for the call and accessing the webcast are provided in the announcement.
First Merchants (FRME) Finalized New Notes On A Valuation Story That Still Looks Open
First Merchants (FRME) recently completed a $100 million offering of fixed to floating rate subordinated notes, which has prompted investors to reassess the company's funding costs and risk profile. Despite a recent dip, the stock has shown strong long-term returns. While its P/E ratio of 13.8x is higher than industry averages, Simply Wall St's discounted cash flow model suggests the stock is undervalued at $40.37, with a fair value of $72.87.
First Merchants prices $100M subordinated notes offering
First Merchants Corporation has announced the pricing of a $100 million offering of subordinated notes due in 2036. The notes will feature an initial fixed interest rate of 6.750% before converting to a floating rate, and the company plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including potential share repurchases. These notes are intended to qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes.
A $100 million debt offering starts at 6.75% interest, then shifts to a floating rate.
First Merchants (FRME) announced the pricing of a $100 million subordinated notes offering. These notes will initially bear a 6.750% annual interest rate until October 1, 2031, after which the rate will reset quarterly to a floating rate based on Three-Month Term SOFR plus 202 basis points. The net proceeds from this offering are intended for general corporate purposes, including common-share repurchases, and the notes are designed to qualify as Tier 2 regulatory capital.
First Merchants (FRME) Stock Still Looks Cheap As Its 64% Run Continues
First Merchants (FRME) has seen a 64.5% share price increase over the last three years, prompting a review of its underlying financial performance. Despite this significant run, an Excess Returns model suggests the stock remains undervalued, with an estimated intrinsic value above its current trading price of US$40.65. Recent BBB+ senior unsecured debt and Stable outlook ratings from KBRA further support the bank's financial stability and potential for continued value creation.
Form 4 First Merchants Corporation For: 22 September
This article from Investing.com reports on a Form 4 filing for First Merchants Corporation. It indicates that the filing pertains to activities on September 22, 2026, and provides basic information without further detail on the content of the form.
Phantom stock grant boosts First Merchants (FRME) CEO’s stake
First Merchants (FRME) CEO Mark K. Hardwick received a grant of 30.386 phantom stock units on September 18, 2026, increasing his total holdings to 3,385.081 units. Each unit is economically equivalent to one share of FRME common stock and will be settled in cash or shares upon his separation from the company. The reference value for the granted units was $40.50 per unit.
First Merchants (NASDAQ: FRME) grants CIO 80 phantom stock units
First Merchants' Chief Information Officer, Stephan Fluhler, was granted 80.403 phantom stock units, bringing his total direct holdings to 1,733.307 shares. These units are economically equivalent to FRME common stock and will be settled in cash or shares upon his separation from the company. The transaction was reported in a Form 4 filing and does not involve a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan.
First Merchants Corporation - Common Stock (NQ: FRME)
This article provides recent news and stock information for First Merchants Corporation (FRME). Key updates include First Merchants Bank's new $2 billion community benefits agreement to expand its impact across the Midwest and its selection of Spiral to power personalized savings. The article also lists historical investigations related to other financial groups.
First Merchants Corp. (FRME) Q4 2025 Earnings Report - Results, Call & Slides
First Merchants Corp. (FRME) announced its Q4 2025 earnings, reporting an actual EPS of $0.99, beating the consensus estimate of $0.95. The company's actual revenue for the quarter was $269.77 million, significantly surpassing the expected revenue of $173.23 million, with a year-over-year revenue growth of 4.90%. The earnings announcement and conference call took place on January 26, 2026, and the next earnings date is estimated for October 27, 2026.
First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) Receives Average Recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from Analysts
First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) has received an average "Moderate Buy" rating from six analysts, with three issuing buy recommendations and three hold recommendations. The average 12-month price target is set at $49.00. The bank recently reported quarterly EPS of $0.74, missing the consensus estimate, and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, yielding 3.6% annually.
First Merchants Number of Employees 2026 | Employee Count & Headcount Data
First Merchants Corp. (Indiana) (NASDAQ: FRME) has approximately 2,160 employees as of March 2026, representing a 0.6% decline since 2023. The company is actively hiring, with 189 job postings in 2026, a 52.8% increase from 2025. The workforce is primarily concentrated in North America, and the average salary is $76,818 globally.
Crockett Crow, Hired at Northwest Bank - Columbus Business First
Northwest Bank has hired Crockett Crow as Regional Commercial Banking Relationship Manager to expand its presence in the Columbus market. Crow will focus on building relationships with commercial clients in Central Ohio and providing customized lending and banking solutions. He brings over 10 years of banking and financial services experience, including expertise in commercial real estate and lending, and holds a Master of Financial Economics from Ohio University.
3 Reasons to Avoid FRME and 1 Stock to Buy Instead
This article recommends avoiding First Merchants (FRME) due to disappointing long-term revenue growth, soft demand indicated by net interest income, and weak EPS growth. The author suggests that while FRME's valuation is fair, the upside potential is limited. Instead, the article advises investors to consider other opportunities, specifically mentioning "the Amazon and PayPal of Latin America."
First Merchants (FRME) Stock Looks Cheap Even After A 60% Gain
First Merchants (FRME) stock has seen a 60.4% gain over the past three years, yet an intrinsic value assessment suggests it remains undervalued by 40.4%. The company appears undervalued based on an Excess Returns model and a tailored P/E ratio, despite a mixed overall valuation picture. The key question for investors is whether the market is overestimating risks related to credit quality and funding costs, and if First Merchants can sustain the necessary return on equity to close the valuation gap.
How Rising Net Interest Income but Lower Earnings May Shape First Merchants’ (FRME) Profitability Trajectory
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) reported higher net interest income in Q2 and H1 2026, but net income and earnings per share declined, indicating profitability pressure. The bank's investment narrative is now focused on expense control, credit quality, and fee income rather than pure balance sheet growth. Despite a stock price potentially 39% above fair value, management continues to return cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, though repurchases have paused, suggesting a more cautious stance.
William Blair Investment Management LLC Purchases Shares of 622,443 First Merchants Corporation $FRME
William Blair Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake of 622,443 shares in First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME), valued at approximately $27.2 million, bringing their total ownership to 0.99%. This comes as other institutional investors also adjusted their holdings in the company, which reported quarterly EPS of $0.74 against a consensus of $1.02. First Merchants also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, yielding 3.5% annually.
First Merchants Corp (FRME) CRO stock grant and tax-share disposition detailed
First Merchants Corp's Chief Risk Officer, Eva D. Scurlock, received a grant of 4,000 shares of common stock at $43.63 per share on August 3, 2026, as an amendment to a previously reported award. Additionally, 224 shares were delivered or withheld on August 2, 2026, for tax liability or exercise price payment at $43.14 per share. Her direct holdings also include 5,479.470 Restricted Stock Awards, and the transactions were not made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan.
Price to sales forward of First Merchants Corporation – NASDAQ:FRME
This article provides the "Price to sales forward" metric for First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME). It lists the current value and changes, indicating the information was made by humans and sourced from FactSet. The article is very concise and focuses solely on this financial data point for the company.
First Merchants Corporation Revenue Breakdown – NASDAQ:FRME
First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) generated $687.67 million USD in revenue last year. The majority of this revenue, $662.95 million USD, came from its Community Banking segment. All of its revenue was generated within the United States.
Earnings Flash (FRME) First Merchants Corporation Posts Q2 Adjusted EPS $0.74 per Share
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) reported an adjusted EPS of $0.74 per share for the second quarter. This is a brief earnings flash, indicating the company's financial performance for the recent quarter.
Earnings Flash (FRME) First Merchants Corporation Reports Q2 Revenue $196.1M, vs. FactSet Est of $202.8M
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) reported its Q2 revenue at $196.1 million, falling short of FactSet's estimated $202.8 million. The company, a financial holding institution operating First Merchants Bank, provides a range of commercial and consumer banking services across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Recent news also included board and dividend updates, with the company announcing an equity buyback plan and increased quarterly dividend.
First Merchants Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results
First Merchants Corporation reported net income of $43.5 million, or $0.70 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2026. The company experienced expanding net interest margin, solid loan and deposit growth, and successfully completed the integration of First Savings. Despite two commercial lending relationships being placed on nonaccrual status, the corporation maintains a strong capital position and a positive outlook for its long-term growth strategy.
First Merchants (FRME) Stock May Still Be A Bargain As It Rose 55%
First Merchants (FRME) stock, despite a 54.7% return over the past three years, appears undervalued according to current valuations. Both the Excess Returns model and earnings-based multiples suggest the stock is trading below its intrinsic value. While a recent price target increase and acquisition point to stronger earnings, integration risks and execution on a larger asset base should also be considered.
Why Did Piper Sandler Raise First Merchants (FRME) Stock Price Target?
Piper Sandler raised its price target for First Merchants Corp (FRME) stock to $51 from $49, maintaining an Overweight rating. This adjustment was made as part of a review for Midwest banks ahead of Q2 results, citing First Merchants' strong adjusted earnings growth, expanded net interest margin, robust commercial loans business, and solid capital. The bank also completed an acquisition in Q1, further strengthening its position.
First Merchants (FRME) Looks Fairly Valued As Strong Results Shape The Story
First Merchants (FRME) has recently been removed from several Russell growth indices after reporting strong early 2026 results and announcing a share repurchase plan. The stock is currently trading at a P/E of 14.2x, which is above the US banks industry average but below its peer group and estimated fair P/E from regression analysis, suggesting it is fairly valued. While a discounted cash flow model suggests the stock is undervalued, investors should consider the full picture including risks to credit quality.
First Merchants Corporation Actuals & Estimates (NASDAQ:FRME)
This article provides an overview of First Merchants Corporation (FRME) stock, including its current price, historical performance, and analyst forecasts. It details financial actuals and estimates, such as revenue, net income, and dividends, along with information on future earnings dates and employee count. The article also touches on volatility, market capitalization, and investment recommendations from analysts.
FRME Forecast — Price Target — Prediction for 2027
This article provides a forecast for First Merchants Corporation (FRME) stock, including analyst price targets, past performance, and key financial data. According to analysts, FRME has a maximum price estimate of $51.00 and a minimum of $45.00. The company's stock has shown positive growth over the past year and pays quarterly dividends.
First Merchants Stock Up 15%: Why This $835,000 Insider Sale Doesn't Seem Like a Red Flag
A director at First Merchants Corporation (FRME) sold 20,000 shares worth approximately $835,000, which represented 6% of his direct holdings. Despite this significant sale, the transaction is considered normal portfolio management rather than a negative signal for the company, as the insider still retains substantial direct and indirect ownership. First Merchants has shown strong operational performance, with increased earnings and net interest income in the first quarter, and successfully completed an acquisition, indicating continued growth potential.
Loan losses (actual) to total loans of First Merchants Corporation - Depository Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, A – BOATS:FRMEP
This page from TradingView provides financial data specifically on the "Loan losses (actual) to total loans" for First Merchants Corporation's Depository Shares (FRMEP). It is part of the financial overview for these preferred shares, offered through the Blue Ocean Alternative Trade System (BOATS). The content appears to be a stub for a financial data series, indicating periods, values, and percentage changes related to loan losses.
Is It Time To Reassess First Merchants (FRME) After Recent Share Price Moves?
This article reassesses First Merchants (FRME) stock after recent price movements, noting its 4.3% year-to-date gain but recent dips. Using an Excess Returns analysis, the stock is estimated to be undervalued by 48.9% with an intrinsic value of $76.50 per share, compared to its current price of $39.10. Additionally, its P/E ratio of 12.51x, while above the industry average, is below Simply Wall St's calculated Fair Ratio of 14.44x, further suggesting undervaluation.
First Merchants Corporation - Common Stock (NQ: FRME) News
This page provides a collection of news headlines and press releases related to First Merchants Corporation (FRME), including past earnings reports, acquisition news, and analyst previews. The content spans from April 2021 to April 2022, detailing key financial events and market reactions for the company.
First Merchants (NASDAQ:FRME) Cut to "Sell" at Wall Street Zen
Wall Street Zen has downgraded First Merchants (NASDAQ:FRME) from "hold" to "sell," despite other analysts issuing "buy" or "overweight" ratings, resulting in a mixed "Moderate Buy" consensus. The company reported Q1 earnings of $1.03 per share, beating estimates, but revenue fell below expectations. Insider trading shows mixed signals, with a VP selling 5,000 shares while institutional investors continue to buy.
FRME SEC Filings - First Merchants Corp 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K Forms
This page provides a comprehensive resource for First Merchants Corporation (FRME) SEC filings, including 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K reports, and insider trading forms. It details the company's financial activities, material events, and dividend declarations, offering AI-powered summaries for easier analysis. The article also highlights recent filings and insider trading activities with specific examples.
First Merchant dividend preview: Can a 14-year streak lift the May payout again?
This article analyzes whether First Merchant will continue its 14-year dividend increase streak with its upcoming May payout. It implies an anticipation of positive news regarding the dividend, given the company's historical performance.
Will One‑Time Charges And Buybacks Reshape First Merchants' (FRME) Growth‑Focused Narrative?
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) reported higher net interest income but lower net income in Q1 2026 due to one-time charges from mortgage reclassification and acquisition integration. Despite these headwinds and rising net charge-offs, the bank completed a significant share buyback, raising questions about capital deployment amidst ongoing restructuring costs. Investors are urged to consider different perspectives on the bank's valuation given these factors and its concentrated Midwest footprint.
Precision Trading with First Merchants Corporation (FRME) Risk Zones
This article analyzes First Merchants Corporation (FRME), highlighting a strong near-term sentiment with neutral mid and long-term outlooks, based on AI models. It details three trading strategies—Position, Momentum Breakout, and Risk Hedging—alongside multi-timeframe signal analysis and specific risk-reward setups for investors.
A Look At First Merchants (FRME) Valuation After First Quarter Earnings And Credit Cost Pressures
First Merchants (FRME) valuation is analyzed following its first-quarter earnings, which reported US$151.3 million net interest income and US$28.16 million net income, along with increased net charge-offs. The article evaluates FRME's price-to-earnings ratio of 12.6x against peers and the broader industry, suggesting it appears undervalued based on an estimated fair P/E of 15.3x and a discounted cash flow model indicating a significant discount. However, it also highlights potential risks from higher net charge-offs and reliance on Midwest markets.
Vanguard Capital Management (FRME) reports 3.20M shares, 5.04% ownership
Vanguard Capital Management has reported a 5.04% passive investment stake in First Merchants Corp (FRME), holding 3,199,084 shares. This disclosure, made via a Schedule 13G filing, indicates sole dispositive power over all shares but only sole voting power for 468,473 shares. The filing highlights Vanguard's ownership through various affiliated funds and managed accounts, signaling a passive investment strategy.
Vanguard Portfolio Management (FRME) reports 3.41M shares, 5.37% stake
Vanguard Portfolio Management has reported a 5.37% stake in First Merchants Corp (FRME), holding 3,408,096 shares of Common Stock as of March 31, 2026. This Schedule 13G filing indicates passive beneficial ownership, with Vanguard maintaining sole voting power over 49,062 shares and sole dispositive power over all 3.41 million shares. The disclosure clarifies that these holdings are managed across Vanguard funds and other accounts, with control distributed among Vanguard Portfolio Management and its affiliates like Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company and Vanguard Global Advisers, LLC.
Why First Merchants Stock Is Sinking Today
First Merchants (FRME) stock is down today due to a weak first-quarter report. The company missed Wall Street revenue forecasts significantly and incurred substantial one-time charges, including acquisition expenses and a mark-to-market hit on mortgage loans. Operational challenges and recent insider selling are also contributing to investor concerns despite adjusted earnings per share exceeding expectations.
First Merchants Corporation 2026 Q1 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation (NASDAQ:FRME) 2026-04-25
First Merchants Corporation has published its Q1 2026 earnings call presentation, reporting earnings per share of $1.03, which beat estimates by $0.06. The company's revenue for the quarter was $193.28 million, surpassing expectations by $4.85 million and showing a 16.12% year-over-year increase. This presentation was released in conjunction with their earnings call.
First Merchants Corporation 7.50% PFD SER Aprice alerts declares $0.4688 dividend
First Merchants Corporation's 7.50% PFD SER A (FRMEP) has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.4688 per share. The dividend is payable on June 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of May 15, 2026. This declaration was made on April 25, 2026.
First Merchants Corporation 7.50% PFD SER Aprice alerts declares $0.4688 dividend
First Merchants Corporation (FRMEP) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.4688 per share for its 7.50% Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock. This dividend is payable on July 1, 2024, to shareholders of record as of June 14, 2024. The announcement provides key dates for investors regarding this preferred stock dividend.
First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) reported its Q1 2026 earnings, discussing the impact of its First Savings acquisition which closed on February 1st, 2026. Despite acquisition-related expenses and a mortgage loan repositioning charge, adjusted earnings per share grew 9.6% year-over-year. The company highlighted strong business strategy, solid capital ratios, and optimism for continued organic loan growth, improved net interest margin, and fee income expansion for the remainder of 2026.
