First Merchants and First Savings Finalize Merger
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 02 2026
0mins
First Merchants (FRME) and First Savings Financial (FSFG) have finalized a merger of the two companies. Following regulatory approvals last month, the companies consummated their legal closing through a stock transaction effective February 1, 2026. As previously announced in late 2025, First Savings Bank will also merge with and into First Merchants Bank. "This merger strengthens our ability to serve Indiana communities with expanded capabilities and the same genuine, relationship-focused approach our customers expect," said Mark Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants Corporation. "First Savings Bank shares our commitment to community, culture, and long-term value, and together we are building a stronger, more diversified organization for the future."
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Analyst Views on FRME
Wall Street analysts forecast FRME stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 40.020
Low
46.00
Averages
48.00
High
50.00
Current: 40.020
Low
46.00
Averages
48.00
High
50.00
About FRME
First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company. It has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank (the Bank). The Bank operates First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors (a division of First Merchants Bank). Through the Bank, the Company offers a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services. Its commercial banking solutions include debt capital, treasury management services and depository products. Its consumer banking solutions include consumer deposit and lending products. Its mortgage banking offers consumer mortgage solutions to assist with the purchase, refinance, construction or renovation of residential properties. Its private wealth advisors offer personal wealth management services with expertise in investment management, private banking, fiduciary estate and financial planning. It operates approximately 111 banking locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
First Merchants Bank Recognized in Forbes' 2026 World's Best Banks List
- Recognition of Customer Trust: First Merchants Bank has been included in Forbes' 2026 World's Best Banks list based on feedback from over 54,000 customers, showcasing its excellence in customer trust and service quality, thereby reinforcing its market position in the Midwest.
- Community-Based Service: Amidst a trend of financial institutions reducing physical footprints, First Merchants Bank demonstrates a balance between digital innovation and in-person service through localized banking and community decision-making, addressing customer demands for personalized service.
- Global Recognition with Local Significance: The 2026 World's Best Banks list features 410 banks, emphasizing the importance of customer experience and sustained performance, with First Merchants' inclusion reflecting its ongoing commitment to trustworthiness and customer-first banking practices.
- Long-Standing Financial Institution: Founded in 1893, First Merchants Bank, with approximately $21 billion in assets, focuses on enhancing the financial wellness of diverse communities through a relationship-driven approach, continuously investing in digital tools to improve customer banking experiences.
See More
First Merchants Declares Quarterly Dividend Increase
- Dividend Increase: First Merchants has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous $0.36, demonstrating the company's robust performance in profitability and cash flow management.
- Stable Yield: The forward yield of 3.74% not only attracts income-seeking investors but also reflects the company's confidence in its future financial health and sustainability.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on June 19, with a record date of June 5 and an ex-dividend date also on June 5, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns and enhancing investor trust.
- Sustained Growth: First Merchants is expected to continue its 14-year streak of dividend growth, indicating the company's ability to maintain stable shareholder returns amidst market fluctuations, further solidifying its position in the financial services sector.
See More
First Merchants Corporation Declares Cash Dividend
- Dividend Declaration: First Merchants Corporation announced a cash dividend of $0.37 per common share on May 19, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on June 19, 2026, to common shareholders of record as of June 5, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and enhancing their confidence in the company.
- Company Overview: First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, operating under the charter of First Merchants Bank, which underscores its solid position in the financial services sector.
- Stock Trading Information: The company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the ticker symbol FRME, facilitating investor access to market information and trading opportunities.
See More
First Merchants Likely to Announce Dividend Increase
- Dividend Growth Expectation: First Merchants is likely to announce an annual dividend of $1.47 per share in May, representing a 2.1% increase from the previous quarterly payout of $0.36, thereby continuing its 14-year streak of dividend growth, which underscores the company's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Historical Dividend Performance: The last declared dividend of $0.36 per share in February 2026 yielded an annual return of 3.60%, while the increase from $0.35 to $0.36 in May 2024 reflects the company's strong cash flow and profitability, enhancing investor confidence.
- Long-Term Growth Potential: With a 5-year dividend growth rate of approximately 6.72% and an annual payout ratio of 36.18%, First Merchants demonstrates a solid balance between profit growth and shareholder returns, which is likely to bolster investor trust in the company's future.
- Ratings and Outlook: The company holds a D rating for safety, C- for growth, B for yield, and A for dividend consistency, indicating stability in its dividend policy and predictability, with expectations of mid-single-digit loan growth in 2026 further supporting sustainable dividend increases.
See More
First Merchants Expected to Announce Dividend Increase
- Dividend Growth Expectation: First Merchants is projected to announce a dividend increase in May, continuing its 14-year streak of dividend growth, with analysts expecting an annual dividend of $1.47 per share, implying a quarterly dividend of approximately $0.37, representing a 2.78% increase from the previous payout of $0.36.
- Historical Dividend Performance: The company last declared a dividend of $0.36 per share in February 2026, yielding 3.60%, and raised its dividend by 2.86% from $0.35 to $0.36 last May, demonstrating a consistent dividend policy.
- Dividend Growth Rate: First Merchants has achieved a 5-year dividend growth rate of approximately 6.72% while maintaining a 36.18% annual payout ratio, indicating robust profitability and cash flow management.
- Ratings and Outlook: According to the SA scorecard, First Merchants holds a D rating for safety, C- for growth, B for yield, and A for dividend consistency, with expectations to report its second-quarter financial results around late July 2026, reflecting ongoing market interest.
See More
First Merchants Corporation Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Revenue Growth: First Merchants Corporation reported a net income of $27.7 million for Q1 2026, translating to $0.45 per diluted share, indicating a strong performance and profitability in the market.
- Loan Repositioning: The company strategically repositioned $357 million of mortgage loans from held for investment to held for sale, expecting to complete the sale by the end of Q2, which will free up liquidity to pay down higher-cost deposits and fund future commercial loans.
- Stable Asset Quality: Despite $10.3 million in net charge-offs this quarter, the company's asset quality remains stable with a credit loss allowance of $212.5 million, representing a coverage ratio of 1.39%, showcasing effective risk management.
- Expense Outlook: The quarterly expense is projected to be between $111 million and $114 million, with cost synergies from the First Savings acquisition expected to gradually enhance operational efficiency as integration progresses.
See More
First Merchants Bank Recognized in Forbes' 2026 World's Best Banks List
- Recognition of Customer Trust: First Merchants Bank has been included in Forbes' 2026 World's Best Banks list based on feedback from over 54,000 customers, showcasing its excellence in customer trust and service quality, thereby reinforcing its market position in the Midwest.
- Community-Based Service: Amidst a trend of financial institutions reducing physical footprints, First Merchants Bank demonstrates a balance between digital innovation and in-person service through localized banking and community decision-making, addressing customer demands for personalized service.
- Global Recognition with Local Significance: The 2026 World's Best Banks list features 410 banks, emphasizing the importance of customer experience and sustained performance, with First Merchants' inclusion reflecting its ongoing commitment to trustworthiness and customer-first banking practices.
- Long-Standing Financial Institution: Founded in 1893, First Merchants Bank, with approximately $21 billion in assets, focuses on enhancing the financial wellness of diverse communities through a relationship-driven approach, continuously investing in digital tools to improve customer banking experiences.
See More
First Merchants Declares Quarterly Dividend Increase
- Dividend Increase: First Merchants has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous $0.36, demonstrating the company's robust performance in profitability and cash flow management.
- Stable Yield: The forward yield of 3.74% not only attracts income-seeking investors but also reflects the company's confidence in its future financial health and sustainability.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on June 19, with a record date of June 5 and an ex-dividend date also on June 5, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns and enhancing investor trust.
- Sustained Growth: First Merchants is expected to continue its 14-year streak of dividend growth, indicating the company's ability to maintain stable shareholder returns amidst market fluctuations, further solidifying its position in the financial services sector.
See More
First Merchants Corporation Declares Cash Dividend
- Dividend Declaration: First Merchants Corporation announced a cash dividend of $0.37 per common share on May 19, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on June 19, 2026, to common shareholders of record as of June 5, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and enhancing their confidence in the company.
- Company Overview: First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, operating under the charter of First Merchants Bank, which underscores its solid position in the financial services sector.
- Stock Trading Information: The company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the ticker symbol FRME, facilitating investor access to market information and trading opportunities.
See More
First Merchants Likely to Announce Dividend Increase
- Dividend Growth Expectation: First Merchants is likely to announce an annual dividend of $1.47 per share in May, representing a 2.1% increase from the previous quarterly payout of $0.36, thereby continuing its 14-year streak of dividend growth, which underscores the company's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Historical Dividend Performance: The last declared dividend of $0.36 per share in February 2026 yielded an annual return of 3.60%, while the increase from $0.35 to $0.36 in May 2024 reflects the company's strong cash flow and profitability, enhancing investor confidence.
- Long-Term Growth Potential: With a 5-year dividend growth rate of approximately 6.72% and an annual payout ratio of 36.18%, First Merchants demonstrates a solid balance between profit growth and shareholder returns, which is likely to bolster investor trust in the company's future.
- Ratings and Outlook: The company holds a D rating for safety, C- for growth, B for yield, and A for dividend consistency, indicating stability in its dividend policy and predictability, with expectations of mid-single-digit loan growth in 2026 further supporting sustainable dividend increases.
See More
First Merchants Expected to Announce Dividend Increase
- Dividend Growth Expectation: First Merchants is projected to announce a dividend increase in May, continuing its 14-year streak of dividend growth, with analysts expecting an annual dividend of $1.47 per share, implying a quarterly dividend of approximately $0.37, representing a 2.78% increase from the previous payout of $0.36.
- Historical Dividend Performance: The company last declared a dividend of $0.36 per share in February 2026, yielding 3.60%, and raised its dividend by 2.86% from $0.35 to $0.36 last May, demonstrating a consistent dividend policy.
- Dividend Growth Rate: First Merchants has achieved a 5-year dividend growth rate of approximately 6.72% while maintaining a 36.18% annual payout ratio, indicating robust profitability and cash flow management.
- Ratings and Outlook: According to the SA scorecard, First Merchants holds a D rating for safety, C- for growth, B for yield, and A for dividend consistency, with expectations to report its second-quarter financial results around late July 2026, reflecting ongoing market interest.
See More
First Merchants Corporation Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Revenue Growth: First Merchants Corporation reported a net income of $27.7 million for Q1 2026, translating to $0.45 per diluted share, indicating a strong performance and profitability in the market.
- Loan Repositioning: The company strategically repositioned $357 million of mortgage loans from held for investment to held for sale, expecting to complete the sale by the end of Q2, which will free up liquidity to pay down higher-cost deposits and fund future commercial loans.
- Stable Asset Quality: Despite $10.3 million in net charge-offs this quarter, the company's asset quality remains stable with a credit loss allowance of $212.5 million, representing a coverage ratio of 1.39%, showcasing effective risk management.
- Expense Outlook: The quarterly expense is projected to be between $111 million and $114 million, with cost synergies from the First Savings acquisition expected to gradually enhance operational efficiency as integration progresses.
See More
