Missed NVDA?
Don’t Miss the Next One.
Join 5,000+ investors using Ticker Nerd’s Market Radar to stay ahead of major market moves, analyst upgrades, and trending opportunities — for free.
FRME Stock Forecast 2026-2027
$36.43
Current Price
$2.31B
Market Cap
Buy 4
Hold 2
Sell 0
Wall St Analyst Ratings
Distance to FRME Price Targets
+37.2%
To High Target of $50.00
+31.8%
To Median Target of $48.00
+18.0%
To Low Target of $43.00
FRME Price Momentum
-3.0%
1 Week Change
-13.4%
1 Month Change
-9.6%
1 Year Change
-2.8%
Year-to-Date Change
-15.7%
From 52W High of $43.22
+10.0%
From 52W Low of $33.13
📊 TOP ANALYST CALLS
Did FRME Make This Month's Elite Buy List?
We don't follow just any analyst — only the top 3% with a proven track record make our cut. See if First Merchants is one of their latest high-conviction picks.
Latest FRME Stock Price Targets & Analyst Predictions
Based on our analysis of 7 Wall Street analysts, FRME has a bullish consensus with a median price target of $48.00 (ranging from $43.00 to $50.00). The overall analyst rating is N/A (N/A/10). Currently trading at $36.43, the median forecast implies a 31.8% upside. This outlook is supported by 4 Buy, 2 Hold, and 0 Sell ratings.
The most optimistic forecast comes from Damon Delmonte at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, projecting a 37.2% upside. Conversely, the most conservative target is provided by Daniel Tamayo at Raymond James, suggesting a 18.0% upside.
Please note that analyst price targets are forward-looking estimates subject to substantial market, economic, and company-specific risks. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and actual stock performance may materially differ from these projections. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
FRME Analyst Ratings
4
Buy
2
Hold
0
Sell
FRME Price Target Range
Low
$43.00
Average
$48.00
High
$50.00
Current: $36.43
Latest FRME Stock Forecasts by Analyst
These are the latest 20 analyst ratings and price targets for FRME.
| Date | Firm | Analyst | Rating | Change | Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 4, 2026 | Piper Sandler | Nathan Race | Overweight | Maintains | $49.00 |
| Oct 27, 2025 | Piper Sandler | Nathan Race | Overweight | Maintains | $46.00 |
| Sep 29, 2025 | Stephens & Co. | Terry McEvoy | Equal-Weight | Reiterates | $46.00 |
| Sep 26, 2025 | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Damon Delmonte | Outperform | Maintains | $50.00 |
| Sep 26, 2025 | Raymond James | Daniel Tamayo | Market Perform | Downgrade | $N/A |
| Jul 28, 2025 | Piper Sandler | Nathan Race | Overweight | Maintains | $48.00 |
| Apr 28, 2025 | Piper Sandler | Nathan Race | Overweight | Maintains | $49.00 |
| Apr 28, 2025 | Raymond James | Daniel Tamayo | Outperform | Maintains | $43.00 |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Damon Delmonte | Outperform | Maintains | $49.00 |
| Apr 2, 2025 | Raymond James | Daniel Tamayo | Outperform | Maintains | $46.00 |
| Jan 31, 2025 | Raymond James | Daniel Tamayo | Outperform | Reiterates | $50.00 |
| Jan 31, 2025 | Piper Sandler | Nathan Race | Overweight | Reiterates | $55.00 |
| Jan 31, 2025 | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Damon Delmonte | Outperform | Maintains | $52.00 |
| Dec 4, 2024 | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Damon Delmonte | Outperform | Maintains | $50.00 |
| Oct 28, 2024 | Piper Sandler | Nathan Race | Overweight | Maintains | $47.00 |
| Aug 28, 2024 | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Damon Delmonte | Outperform | Maintains | $45.00 |
| Aug 7, 2024 | Stephens & Co. | Equal-Weight | Downgrade | $N/A | |
| Jul 29, 2024 | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Damon Delmonte | Outperform | Reiterates | $45.00 |
| Jul 29, 2024 | Piper Sandler | Nathan Race | Overweight | Maintains | $50.00 |
| Jul 26, 2024 | Stephens & Co. | Terry McEvoy | Overweight | Maintains | $45.00 |
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) Competitors
The following stocks are similar to First Merchants based on their market capitalization and industry sector. These similar stocks potentially provide investors with alternative investment opportunities within the same market segment.
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) Financial Data
First Merchants Corporation has a market capitalization of $2.31B with a P/E ratio of 9.4x. The company generates $641.70M in trailing twelve-month revenue with a 35.2% profit margin.
Revenue growth is -4.6% quarter-over-quarter, while maintaining an operating margin of +42.7% and return on equity of +9.5%.
Valuation Metrics
Market Cap
$2.31B
Enterprise Value
$3.08B
P/E Ratio
9.4x
PEG Ratio
-0.9x
Price/Sales
3.6x
Growth & Margins
Revenue Growth (YoY)
-4.6%
Gross Margin
N/A
Operating Margin
+42.7%
Net Margin
+35.2%
EPS Growth
-11.3%
Financial Health
Cash/Price Ratio
+14.2%
Current Ratio
N/A
Debt/Equity
0.4x
ROE
+9.5%
ROA
+1.2%
💡 SKIP THE NOISE
97% of Analyst Ratings Go Nowhere
We filter thousands of calls to find the few that actually matter. Get the top analyst buy ratings — tracked and updated every Monday and Thursday.
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) Business Model
About First Merchants Corporation
What They Do
Provides comprehensive financial and banking services.
Business Model
First Merchants Corporation operates as a financial holding company, generating revenue primarily through its subsidiary, First Merchants Bank. It offers a range of services including retail banking, commercial banking, treasury management, personal banking, mortgage lending, and wealth management, which cater to individual customers, small businesses, and community organizations.
Additional Information
The company is well-regarded for its customer-focused approach and community engagement, playing a significant role in local economies by facilitating access to credit and providing tailored financial solutions. With a presence across several Midwestern states, First Merchants Corporation is committed to maintaining strong banking relationships and pursuing strategic acquisitions to ensure its market presence and financial stability.
Company Information
Sector
Financial Services
Industry
Banks - Regional
Employees
2,120
CEO
Mr. Mark K. Hardwick CPA
Country
United States
IPO Year
1992
Website
www.firstmerchants.comFirst Merchants Corporation (FRME) Latest News & Analysis
Latest News
Quick Summary
First Merchants (FRME) is being evaluated for its potential as a strong dividend stock, highlighting the challenges investors face in identifying quality dividend-paying companies.
Why It Matters
The potential of First Merchants (FRME) as a dividend stock can influence investor interest and stock price, impacting overall market sentiment and investment strategies.
Source: Zacks Investment Research
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Quick Summary
First Merchants (FRME) is being evaluated for its potential as a strong dividend stock, highlighting the challenges investors face in identifying quality dividend-paying companies.
Why It Matters
The focus on First Merchants' dividend potential signals its financial health and attractiveness, impacting investor sentiment and stock performance.
Source: Zacks Investment Research
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Quick Summary
First Merchants Corporation declared a cash dividend of $0.36 per share, payable on March 20, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 6, 2026.
Why It Matters
The cash dividend indicates financial health and profitability of First Merchants Corporation, potentially attracting investors seeking income and signaling confidence in future performance.
Source: GlobeNewsWire
Market Sentiment:
Neutral
Quick Summary
First Merchants Corporation appointed Larry Myers to its Board of Directors following the merger with First Savings Bank on February 1, 2026, enhancing its presence in southern Indiana.
Why It Matters
Larry Myers' appointment to First Merchants' Board signals leadership continuity post-merger, potentially enhancing strategic direction and investor confidence in growth prospects.
Source: GlobeNewsWire
Market Sentiment:
Neutral
Quick Summary
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) held its Q4 2025 earnings call, discussing financial performance and key metrics. Full details are available in the transcript.
Why It Matters
The Q4 2025 earnings call for First Merchants Corporation (FRME) reveals financial performance, trends, and future guidance, influencing stock valuation and investor sentiment.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Market Sentiment:
Neutral
Quick Summary
First Merchants (FRME) reported Q3 earnings of $0.98 per share, surpassing the Zacks estimate of $0.96, but down from $1 per share in the same quarter last year.
Why It Matters
First Merchants' earnings beat estimates, indicating operational strength, but a year-over-year decline may raise concerns about future growth potential.
Source: Zacks Investment Research
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Frequently Asked Questions About FRME Stock
What is First Merchants Corporation's (FRME) stock forecast for 2026?
Based on our analysis of 7 Wall Street analysts, First Merchants Corporation (FRME) has a median price target of $48.00. The highest price target is $50.00 and the lowest is $43.00.
Is FRME stock a good investment in 2026?
According to current analyst ratings, FRME has 4 Buy ratings, 2 Hold ratings, and 0 Sell ratings. The stock is currently trading at $36.43. Always conduct your own research and consider your investment goals before making investment decisions.
What is the long-term price prediction for FRME stock?
Wall Street analysts predict FRME stock could reach $48.00 in the next 12 months. This represents a 31.8% increase from the current price of $36.43. Please note that this is a projection by Wall Street analysts and not a guarantee.
What is First Merchants Corporation's business model?
First Merchants Corporation operates as a financial holding company, generating revenue primarily through its subsidiary, First Merchants Bank. It offers a range of services including retail banking, commercial banking, treasury management, personal banking, mortgage lending, and wealth management, which cater to individual customers, small businesses, and community organizations.
What is the highest forecasted price for FRME First Merchants Corporation?
The highest price target for FRME is $50.00 from Damon Delmonte at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, which represents a 37.2% increase from the current price of $36.43.
What is the lowest forecasted price for FRME First Merchants Corporation?
The lowest price target for FRME is $43.00 from Daniel Tamayo at Raymond James, which represents a 18.0% increase from the current price of $36.43.
What is the overall FRME consensus from analysts for First Merchants Corporation?
The overall analyst consensus for FRME is bullish. Out of 7 Wall Street analysts, 4 rate it as Buy, 2 as Hold, and 0 as Sell, with a median price target of $48.00.
How accurate are FRME stock price projections?
Stock price projections, including those for First Merchants Corporation, are based on various factors including financial models, market conditions, and analyst forecasts. While these predictions provide valuable insights, they should be considered alongside your own research and risk tolerance.
Important Disclaimer
The information provided by Ticker Nerd is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial or investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Analyst ratings and price forecasts are sourced from Wall St analysts and other experts. These projections are speculative and do not guarantee future stock performance.
Last updated: March 15, 2026 12:36 PM UTC