First Merchants (NASDAQ:FRME) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

First Merchants

First Merchants Corp, through its subsidiaries, provides its customers with financial services delivered locally by bankers. It offers personal banking, business banking, real estate mortgage lending, cash management services, brokerage, wealth management, and insurance. The company reports in only one segment which is community banking.

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Zscaler, TransMedics Group And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Tuesday&#39;s Pre-Market Session

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Why Credo Technology Group Shares Are Trading Higher By 40%; Here Are 20 Stocks Moving Premarket

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OSBC

Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSBC) signed an agreement with First Merchants Corp. (NASDAQ: FRME) to acquire five Illinois branches alongside certain branch-specific loans and deposits.

Old Second Bancorp to Acquire First Merchants&#39; 5 Branches in Illinois

First Merchants Corporation - Common Stock

First Merchants Corp

First Merchants Corporation - Depository Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, A

Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Damon Delmonte maintains First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $43 to $50.

Price Target

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Maintains Outperform on First Merchants, Raises Price Target to $50

U.S. stock futures were mixed this morning, with the Dow futures falling around 0.1% on Monday.
Shares of Zscaler Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>) fell sharply in today's pre-market trading following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42277443/zscaler-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-new-ai-opportunities-shares-slide">first-quarter results</a>.
Zscaler reported first-quarter revenue of $628 million, beating the consensus estimate of $606.19 million. The cybersecurity company reported adjusted earnings of 77 cents per share, beating analyst estimates of 63 cents per share, according to Benzinga Pro.
Zscaler expects fiscal second-quarter revenue to be in the range of $633 million to $635 million versus estimates of $633.84 million. The company anticipates second-quarter adjusted earnings of 68 cents to 69 cents per share versus estimates of 69 cents per share.
Zscaler shares dipped 7.4% to $192.95 in the pre-market trading session.
Here are some other stocks moving lower in pre-market trading.
<ul>
<li>Logistic Properties of the Americas (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LPA#NYSE">LPA</a>) fell 18.3% to $10.70 in pre-market trading after jumping 77% on Monday.</li>
<li>First Merchants Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) shares dipped 16.6% to $36.40 in pre-market trading.</li>
<li>indie Semiconductor, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INDI#NASDAQ">INDI</a>) shares declined 14% to $4.54 in pre-market trading after the company announced plans to offer $175 million in convertible senior notes due 2029.</li>
<li>United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) shares declined 8.4% to $37.50 in pre-market trading.</li>
<li>Guardian Pharmacy Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRDN#NASDAQ">GRDN</a>) shares fell 7.7% to $22.41 in pre-market trading.</li>
<li>CleanSpark, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLSK#NASDAQ">CLSK</a>) shares declined 7.2% to $13.48 in pre-market trading following fourth-quarter results.</li>
<li>TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMDX#NASDAQ">TMDX</a>) dipped 7.2% to $79.03 in pre-market trading after the company issued worse-than-expected FY24 revenue guidance.</li>
<li>Afya Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFYA#NASDAQ">AFYA</a>) shares fell 4.5% to $15.85 in pre-market trading.</li>
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Zscaler, TransMedics Group And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Tuesday's Pre-Market Session

Shares of Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDO#NASDAQ">CRDO</a>) rose sharply in today's pre-market trading after the company reported better-than-expected second-quarter financial results issued guidance that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRDO/earnings">was above estimates</a>.
Credo Technology Group shares jumped 40.2% to $67.00 in the pre-market trading session.
Here are some other stocks moving in pre-market trading.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Cheetah Net Supply Chain Service Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTNT#NASDAQ">CTNT</a>) gained 157% to $4.83 in pre-market trading. Cheetah Net Supply Chain Service expanded operations with acquisition of TW &amp; EW Services.</li>
<li>Volato Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOAR#NYSE">SOAR</a>) rose 82.2% to $0.4042 in pre-market trading after dipping 15% on Monday.</li>
<li>Janux Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JANX#NASDAQ">JANX</a>) gained 66.3% to $66.82 in pre-market trading after it announced doses selected for its phase 1b expansion trials.</li>
<li>Citius Oncology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTOR#NASDAQ">CTOR</a>) gained 60.8% to $1.64 in pre-market trading.</li>
<li>Shimmick Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHIM#NASDAQ">SHIM</a>) gained 30.7% to $3.66 in pre-market trading after the company announced a $4.5 million contract to complete seismic retrofitting and improvements to the Murray street bridge.</li>
<li>Serina Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SER#NYSE">SER</a>) gained 23.2% to $5.85 in pre-market trading as the company revealed a $10 million equity financing with strategic shareholder JuvVentures (UK) Limited.</li>
<li>Universe Pharmaceuticals INC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPC#NASDAQ">UPC</a>) gained 23.2% to $2.38 in pre-market trading after gaining 8% on Monday.</li>
<li>Nauticus Robotics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KITT#NASDAQ">KITT</a>) rose 18.8% to $1.33 in pre-market trading after the company announced it completed an Aquanaut Mark 2 Evaluation Agreement with a Global Supermajor Oil &amp; Gas customer.</li>
<li>Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIR#NASDAQ">VIR</a>) gained 14.8% to $9.36 in pre-market trading.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OPTT#NASDAQ">OPTT</a>) shares tumbled 40% to $0.4202 in pre-market trading after the company released preliminary financial results for second quarter fiscal 2025.</li>
<li>Gelteq Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GELS#NASDAQ">GELS</a>) shares fell 22.6% to $2.94 in pre-market trading. Gelteq shares jumped 93% on Monday after the company announced Healthy Extracts, its largest customer, increased its initial purchase order of Gelteq collagen and Mynus sugar blocker gels by 50%.</li>
<li>Aptorum Group Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APM#NASDAQ">APM</a>) fell 18.8% to $0.7002 in pre-market trading after jumping 24% on Monday.</li>
<li>Logistic Properties of the Americas (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LPA#NYSE">LPA</a>) fell 18.3% to $10.70 in pre-market trading after jumping 77% on Monday.</li>
<li>Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OMEX#NASDAQ">OMEX</a>) shares fell 18% to $0.6111 in pre-market trading after gaining over 60% on Monday.</li>
<li>The Lion Electric Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEV#NYSE">LEV</a>) declined 17.2% to $0.2377 in pre-market trading after gaining 55% on Monday.</li>
<li>Safe &amp; Green Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGBX#NASDAQ">SGBX</a>) fell 16.7% to $0.5694 in pre-market trading after gaining around 40% on Monday.</li>
<li>First Merchants Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) shares dipped 16.6% to $36.40 in pre-market trading.</li>
<li>Meiwu Technology Company Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WNW#NASDAQ">WNW</a>) fell 12.2% to $0.8601 in today's pre-market trading.</li>
<li>Zscaler Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>) dipped 7.4% to $192.95 in pre-market trading following first-quarter results.</li>
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</ul>

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Shares of banking-related companies are trading higher after Donald Trump won the US presidential election.

Piper Sandler analyst Nathan Race maintains First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $50 to $47.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on First Merchants, Lowers Price Target to $47

First Merchants shares are trading lower after the company reported worse-than-expected Q3 revenue results.

First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.95 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.90 by 5.56 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $155.976 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $166.335 million by 6.23 percent. This is a 3.26 percent decrease over sales of $161.225 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Beats

Earnings Misses

First Merchants Q3 2024 Adj. EPS $0.95 Beats $0.90 Estimate, Sales $155.976M Miss $166.335M Estimate

Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/osbc#NASDAQ">OSBC</a>) signed an agreement with First Merchants Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/frme#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) to acquire five Illinois branches alongside certain branch-specific loans and deposits. These branches are located in Southeast Chicago MSA.
<h2>Details of the Acquisition by Old Second Bancorp</h2>
OSBC will pay a total cash consideration of roughly $23 million, equivalent to a 7.5% deposit premium to First Merchants. The company expects to assume roughly $304 million in deposits and almost $12 million in loans associated with these branches.
The deal is expected to be completed by 2024-end, subject to regulatory approvals. Until then, these five branches will continue to operate under First Merchants&#39; name. These will be rebranded as Old Second Bancorp&#39;s branches immediately upon closure of the transaction.
<h2>OSBC&#39;s Strategic Rationale Behind the Deal</h2>
The acquisition is expected to strengthen OSBC&#39;s status as one of the largest banks headquartered in Chicagoland and significantly expand its existing branch network, specifically in the Southeast Chicago market.
For First Merchants, this divestiture completes its branch exit from suburban Chicago markets.
This move aligns with Old Second Bancorp&#39;s inorganic growth strategy to deepen its presence in the Illinois market. In December 2021, the company acquired West Suburban Bancorp, Inc. to enhance its presence in the west suburban Chicago area. The deal comprised the buyout of 34 branches with a retail and commercial client mix of loans and deposits.
<h2>Zacks Rank &amp; Price Performance</h2>
Year to date, shares of Old Second Bancorp have risen 7.3% compared with the industry&#39;s 14% growth.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/d3/75770.jpg?v=1648470476" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Currently, OSBC carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).&nbsp;
<h2>Similar Steps by Other Financial Services Firms</h2>
Earlier this month, State Street Corporation&#39;s asset management unit, State Street Global Advisors, announced an investment in a leading Australian fintech platform, Raiz Invest Limited. As part of the equity investment agreement, State Street Global Advisors will acquire 5% of Raiz&#39;s share capital through a placement.
Through this partnership, State Street Global Advisors&#39; trusted brand and deep knowledge of markets will come together with Raiz&#39;s mobile-first platform, which will help retail investors in Australia with micro-investments primarily in exchange-traded funds and model portfolios.
U.S. Bancorp&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/usb#NYSE">USB</a>) lead banking division, U.S. Bank, expanded its focus on the healthcare industry with the acquisition of Salucro Healthcare Solutions LLC. The buyout was completed on Aug. 21, 2024. The financial terms of the deal were kept under wraps.
Based in Tempe, AZ, Salucro is a provider of healthcare financial technology with a primary focus on patient payments and billing. Previously, Salucro had been a partner of Elavon, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank. In 2022, U.S. Bank made its initial investment in Salucro, and its platform was sold through Elavon as MedEpay.
The acquisition of Salucro extends U.S. Bank&#39;s more than a century of service to healthcare-focused clientele. Following the acquisition, Salucro&#39;s employees have now become part of U.S. Bank and will be integrated into Elavon, one of the largest global payments processing firms.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2328487/old-second-bancorp-to-acquire-first-merchants-5-branches-in-illinois?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_finance_sector-2328487">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Old Second Bancorp to Acquire First Merchants' 5 Branches in Illinois

In the preceding three months, 4 analysts have released ratings for First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>), presenting a wide array of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $46.25, a high estimate of $50.00, and a low estimate of $45.00. This current average reflects an increase of 9.47% from the previous average price target of $42.25. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1724860827_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive First Merchants is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Damon Delmonte</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damon Delmonte</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nathan Race</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$41.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Terry McEvoy</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to First Merchants. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of First Merchants compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of First Merchants's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
For valuable insights into First Merchants's market performance, consider these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators. Stay well-informed and make prudent decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FRME/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on First Merchants analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About First Merchants</h2>
First Merchants Corp, through its subsidiaries, provides its customers with financial services delivered locally by bankers. It offers personal banking, business banking, real estate mortgage lending, cash management services, brokerage, wealth management, and insurance. The company reports in only one segment which is community banking.
<h3>First Merchants: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is above the industry average, indicating that it is relatively larger in size compared to peers. This may suggest a higher level of investor confidence and market recognition.
Revenue Challenges: First Merchants's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 30 June, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -2.59%. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Financials sector.
Net Margin: First Merchants's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 24.67%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): First Merchants's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 1.8%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): First Merchants's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 0.22% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: First Merchants's debt-to-equity ratio is notably higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 0.42, the company relies more heavily on borrowed funds, indicating a higher level of financial risk.
<h2>How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Critical Insights From First Merchants Analyst Ratings: What You Need To Know

Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Damon Delmonte maintains First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $45 price target.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Maintains Outperform on First Merchants, Maintains $45 Price Target

Old Second National Bank Acquires 5 Illinois Branches from First Merchants Bank _____________
Proposed Acquisition to Add $304 Million in Deposits and $12 million in loans

Old Second Bancorp And First Merchants Corporation Announce Transaction Involving Chicagoland Branch Operations;  Old Second Will Purchase 5 Illinois Branch Locations; Old Second Assumes ~$304M In Deposits And Purchasing ~$12M In Brand-Related Loans; Old Second To Pay ~$23M

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Shares of banking companies are trading higher amid overall market strength following Fed Chair Powell's comments about the economy and future rate cuts.

Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Damon Delmonte reiterates First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $43 to $45.

Reiteration

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Reiterates Outperform on First Merchants, Raises Price Target to $45

Piper Sandler analyst Nathan Race maintains First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $41 to $50.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on First Merchants, Raises Price Target to $50

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Terry McEvoy maintains First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $40 to $45.

Stephens & Co. Maintains Overweight on First Merchants, Raises Price Target to $45

First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.68 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $0.80 by 15 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $159.905 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $160.510 million by 0.38 percent. This is a 2.59 percent decrease over sales of $164.154 million the same period last year.

First Merchants Q2 2024 Adj EPS $0.68 Misses $0.80 Estimate, Sales $159.905M Miss $160.510M Estimate

Commercial real estate (&quot;CRE&quot;) continues to be an area of concern amid the high-interest-rate environment. Because of their significant exposure to CRE loans, the long-term ratings of at least six regional banks in the United States have been placed under review for downgrade by Moody&#39;s Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mco#NYSE">MCO</a>). 
The banks are Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/onb#NASDAQ">ONB</a>), Fulton Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fult#NASDAQ">FULT</a>), F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fnb#NYSE">FNB</a>), WaFd, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wafd#NASDAQ">WAFD</a>), First Merchants Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/frme#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) and Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pgc#NASDAQ">PGC</a>). 
Notably, at the time when interest rates were low in the United States, various regional banks increased their concentrations in CRE, which, by nature, is a volatile asset class. 
Now, amid the higher interest rate environment (the Federal Reserve increased interest rates last year at the fastest pace in decades to contain the stubborn inflation, which slowed down credit demand), banks with a substantial concentration in CRE loans face ongoing credit quality and profitability issues. This is because higher rates have increased the longstanding risks of CRE for banks&#39; creditworthiness, particularly during cycle downturns. 
Moreover, unlike the largest regional banks, the above-mentioned banks are not subject to heightened prudential regulatory standards. Thus, these banks&#39; credit weaknesses are enlarged by lower regulatory requirements in relation to the larger banks. 
Accordingly, since CRE loans have a lower value now amid higher rates, these banks face heightened risks. 
According to Moody&#39;s, bank funding is under pressure now because depositors continue to switch to accounts with higher interest rates, which has been leading to a compression in banks&#39; net interest margins. 
Moody&#39;s said that its review for downgrade will focus on the extent to which the above-mentioned regional banks can maintain sufficient qualitative and quantitative risk mitigants to offset the dangers associated with their CRE loan exposures, especially with respect to their policy toward the amount of capital and liquidity that they retain. 
Particularly for FULT, Moody&#39;s will also consider the impact that the recent acquisition of Republic Bank will have on the bank&#39;s creditworthiness. 
Likewise, for WAFD, Moody&#39;s will consider the impact that the bank&#39;s loan sale (WAFD recently entered an agreement to sell a large pool of multi-family loans that it acquired as part of its acquisition of Luther Burbank) will have on its capital, liquidity and profitability profiles. 
Currently, WAFD, ONB, and FULT carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). FNB carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). 
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2285392/6-regional-banks-ratings-on-review-for-downgrade-by-moody-s?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|industry_focus-2285392">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Federal Reserve

Real Estate

WAFD

6 Regional Banks' Ratings on Review for Downgrade by Moody's

First Merchants Corporation announced that Jean L. Wojtowicz has been appointed as First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank Chair of the Board of Directors. Effective May 7, 2024, Wojtowicz succeeds Charles E. Schalliol, who retired after serving as Chair for the past seventeen years.
Schalliol said, "It has been my pleasure to serve as Chair of the Board of First Merchants for the past 17 years during which time First Merchants has enjoyed unprecedented success. I am confident that Jean will do an excellent job building on that success."
"Leading this esteemed board is a privilege I take seriously," says Wojtowicz. "The financial landscape is ever-changing. As Chair, I am committed to navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities to ensure the bank's long-term stability and growth for our shareholders, clients, teammates, and all stakeholders."
Ms. Wojtowicz, founder and President of Cambridge Capital Management Corporation, is in her 20th year as a board member for First Merchants Corporation. Ms. Wojtowicz will also serve as Chair of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee and as a member of the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees. In addition, Ms. Wojtowicz serves on several public, private, and governmental agency boards.

Management

First Merchants Board Chair Charles E. Schalliol Retires, Appoints Jean L. Wojtowicz As New Board Chair,  Effective May 7, 2024

Piper Sandler analyst Scott Siefers maintains First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $41 to $42.5.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on First Merchants, Raises Price Target to $42.5

First Merchants (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRME#NASDAQ">FRME</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.85 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.82 by 3.66 percent. This is a 20.56 percent decrease over earnings of $1.07 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $153.701 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $162.700 million by 5.53 percent. This is a 9.12 percent decrease over sales of $169.116 million the same period last year.

First Merchants Q1 2024 Adj EPS $0.85 Beats $0.82 Estimate, Sales $153.701M Miss $162.700M Estimate

First Merchants Non-GAAP EPS of $0.95 beats by $0.05, revenue of $155.98M misses by $10.46M

Strong capital position with Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 11.25% and Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio of 8.76%. Net interes...

First Merchants reports Q3 adjusted EPS 95c, consensus 90c

Piper Sandler analyst Nathan Race reiterated a Buy rating on First Merchants (FRME – Research Report) today and set a price target of $47.00. The c...

Piper Sandler Sticks to Their Buy Rating for First Merchants (FRME)

Piper Sandler lowered the firm's price target on First Merchants (FRME) to $47 from $50 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm rema...

First Merchants price target lowered to $47 from $50 at Piper Sandler

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First Merchants declares $0.35 dividend

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