FRME

First Merchants reported Q3 2026 revenue of $205.33 million, up 23.6% year-over-year, beating consensus estimates by 0.67%. EPS of $1.10 exceeded expectations of $1.04 by 5.77%.

Key metrics including efficiency ratio, net interest margin, and charge-offs aligned with analyst estimates. The stock has underperformed the broader market over the past month and carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

First Merchants (FRME) reported Q3 2026 earnings of $1.10 per share, beating consensus estimates of $1.04, with revenues of $205.33 million slightly exceeding expectations. However, the stock has underperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date, gaining 7% versus the market's 12.7%.

The company received a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating, suggesting near-term performance in line with the market. First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) from the same Midwest banking industry is expected to report results on October 27.

1st Source (SRCE) is positioned as a likely earnings beat candidate for Q3 2026 with a positive Earnings ESP of +0.55% and Zacks Rank #3, supported by a history of beating estimates. In contrast, First Merchants (FRME) faces a more uncertain outlook with a negative Earnings ESP of -0.64% despite expected year-over-year earnings growth of 5.1%.

First Merchants is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 21 with consensus estimates of $1.04 EPS (up 5.1% YoY) and $203.97M in revenues (up 22.8% YoY). However, the Earnings ESP is negative at -0.64%, and the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3, making it difficult to predict an earnings beat. The company missed consensus estimates significantly in the last quarter (-28.16% surprise).