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FRME
Volume: 124.4K

First Merchants (FRME) Stock Forecast & Price Target

First Merchants (FRME) Analyst Ratings

Based on 4 analyst ratings
Buy
Strong Buy 0%
Buy 75%
Hold 25%
Sell 0%
Strong Sell 0%

Bulls say

First Merchants Corp demonstrated robust strengthening in its regulatory capital ratios, with common equity tier 1 (CET1) rising to 11.7%, while tier-1 capital and total risk-based capital also experienced sequential increases. The company's average loans grew by 6% and end-of-period loans held for investment (HFI) surged 9%, reflecting strong demand and effective lending strategies, while profitability metrics such as return on assets (ROA) of 1.20% and return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 13.8% further signify operational efficiency. Additionally, strategic technology upgrades and selective hiring are anticipated to drive further growth in treasury management and core fee-based services, reinforcing a positive outlook for First Merchants' financial performance.

Bears say

First Merchants Corp's core fee income for the third quarter of the year reached $32.5 million, reflecting a 4% increase quarter-over-quarter but falling 1%-2% short of expectations, primarily due to a decline in mortgage GOS revenue. The company's allowance for credit losses (ACL) is expected to decrease moderately, projected at 1.36% by the end of 2026, which remains above many peers, indicating potential challenges in managing loan quality. Additionally, pressure on net interest margin (NIM) is anticipated, with forecasts suggesting a decline to 3.15% by the fourth quarter of 2026 due to expected loan yield headwinds and intensified deposit pricing competition.

First Merchants (FRME) has been analyzed by 4 analysts, with a consensus rating of Buy. 0% of analysts recommend a Strong Buy, 75% recommend Buy, 25% suggest Holding, 0% advise Selling, and 0% predict a Strong Sell.

This aggregate rating is based on analysts' research of First Merchants and is not a guaranteed prediction by Public.com or investment advice.

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FAQs About First Merchants (FRME) Forecast

Analysts have given First Merchants (FRME) a Buy based on their latest research and market trends.

According to 4 analysts, First Merchants (FRME) has a Buy consensus rating as of Apr 16, 2026. This rating is provided by third-party analysts and is not investment advice from Public.com.

Wall Street analysts have set a price target of $47, reflecting a 0.00% increase from the current stock price.

Financial analysts have set a price target of $47, indicating a 0.00% increase from the current stock price, but ratings and forecasts are frequently updated based on market conditions, earnings reports, and industry trends. This prediction is provided by third-party analysts and is not investment advice from Public.com.

First Merchants (FRME)

Volume: 124.4K

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