Mark Hardwick, an insider at First Merchants Corp (FRME), recently acquired 3,290 shares of the company's stock at a price of $38.08 per share, amounting to a total transaction value of approximately $125,000. Following this purchase, Hardwick holds a total of 3,290 shares in First Merchants Corp.
This transaction highlights the potential confidence insiders may have in the company’s prospects. First Merchants Corp, a bank holding company based in Muncie, Indiana, provides a range of financial services through its single full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank. The company operates about 110 banking locations across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, employing 2,120 full-time staff.
As of December 18, 2025, First Merchants Corp boasts a market capitalization of $2.2 billion and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.64. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of 4.03, with an impressive dividend yield of 370.3%. Looking ahead, analysts anticipate earnings of $1.05 per share on revenue of $200.8 million for the upcoming earnings report on July 21, 2026.
While insider buying can serve as a positive indicator, it is essential for investors to consider such transactions within a broader context. Evaluating patterns of insider activity across multiple executives and time frames can provide more comprehensive insights into the company’s health and future performance.