Document
false0000712534 0000712534 2020-04-23 2020-04-23



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
DATE OF REPORT (Date of earliest event reported): April 23, 2020

 Commission File Number 0-17071
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana
35-1544218
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

200 East Jackson Street
P.O. Box 792
Muncie, IN 47305-2814
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
(765) 747-1500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.125 stated value per share
FRME
Nasdaq Global Select Market
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.






ITEM 2.02 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, First Merchants Corporation will conduct a first quarter 2020 earnings conference call and web cast at 2:30 p.m. (ET). A copy of the slide presentation utilized on the conference call is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit 99.1






SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

First Merchants Corporation
(Registrant)

By: /s/ Mark K. Hardwick
Mark K. Hardwick
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer



Dated: April 23, 2020







EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
Description

99.1




a1q2020earningscallslide
1Q 2020 | Earnings Highlights | April 23, 2020


 
Forward Looking Statement This presentation contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements can often, but not always, be identified by the use of words like “believe”, “continue”, “pattern”, “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “expect” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will”, would”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “can”, “may”, or similar expressions. These forward- looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to First Merchants’ goals, intentions and expectations; statements regarding the First Merchants’ business plan and growth strategies; statements regarding the asset quality of First Merchants’ loan and investment portfolios; and estimates of First Merchants’ risks and future costs and benefits. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements, including, among other things: possible changes in economic and business conditions; the existence or exacerbation of general geopolitical instability and uncertainty; the effects of a pandemic or other unforeseeable event; the ability of First Merchants to integrate recent acquisitions and attract new customers; possible changes in monetary and fiscal policies, and laws and regulations; the effects of easing restrictions on participants in the financial services industry; the cost and other effects of legal and administrative cases; possible changes in the credit worthiness of customers and the possible impairment of collectability of loans; fluctuations in market rates of interest; competitive factors in the banking industry; changes in the banking legislation or regulatory requirements of federal and state agencies applicable to bank holding companies and banks like First Merchants’ affiliate bank; continued availability of earnings and excess capital sufficient for the lawful and prudent declaration of dividends; changes in market, economic, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with the First Merchants’ business; and other risks and factors identified in each of First Merchants’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Merchants undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this presentation or press release. In addition, the company’s past results of operations do not necessarily indicate its anticipated future results. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES These slides contain non-GAAP financial measures. For purposes of Regulation G, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of the registrant’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the statement of income, balance sheet or statement of cash flows (or equivalent statements) of the issuer; or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. In this regard, GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, First Merchants Corporation has provided reconciliations within the slides, as necessary, of the non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.


 
Michael C. Rechin President Chief Executive Officer


 
1st Quarter 2020 Highlights Earnings Per Share of $.62; Net Income of $34.3 Million; ROA 1.09% Total Assets of $12.7 Billion; Grew by 24.3% over 1Q 2019 Organic Loan & Deposit Growth of 7.9% and 8.9%, respectively, over 1Q 2019 $19.8 Million Provision; Allowance increased by 22.9% over 1Q 2019 Tangible Common Equity to Assets of 9.91%; Allowance & Fair Value Marks totaling 1.54% of Loans $22.46 TBV Per Share, 11.9% Increase over 1Q 2019 4


 
Response to COVID-19 Supporting our Employees’ Health and Financial Stability Enabled over 1,000 associates to work from home Provided additional 80 hours of paid time off for all full time associates for COVID-19 related sick and dependent care Covered the cost of any medical testing or care related to COVID-19 under medical plans Supported employee physical health, mental health and financial wellness through Employee Assistance Program providing personalized counseling available 24/7 Around-the-clock personalized and confidential internal Human Resource support through myHR technology 5


 
Response to COVID-19 Supporting Businesses in our Communities SBA Paycheck Protection Program institution with more than 3,750 applications and greater than $750 Million funded to businesses benefiting more than 120,000 employees (FMB is, and has been, a preferred SBA Lender) Over $200 Million in Commercial Loan modifications, ~3% of the portfolio Evaluating and preparing for the potential rollout of the Main Street Lending Program to support larger businesses Extending credit to qualified borrowers of all sizes for working capital New Remote Deposit Capture and Wire modules provided to business clients for a specific period without monthly fees 6


 
Response to COVID-19 Supporting our Communities and Clients First Merchants CARES... $1,000,000 commitment to impacted First Merchants markets through local non profit organizations All Banking Centers are open and accessible to clients by drive thru with lobby service and individual meetings by appointment Leveraged digital banking, call center and banking centers to provide uninterrupted customer service Enhanced mobile and online services, such as increased mobile deposit limits, to allow more transactions to be completed outside of the branch Consumer and Mortgage Loan payment deferral for up to 90 days without incurring fees or impact to credit report Hardship Bridge Loans (0% interest rate) to qualified consumer banking customers providing deferred payments for 90 days Client alerts focused on COVID-19 Scams and Fraud Education and Prevention 7


 
Mark K. Hardwick Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer


 
Total Assets ($ in Millions) 2018 2019 Q1-’19 Q1-’20 1. Investments $1,633 $2,596 $1,863 $2,698 2. Loans 7,229 8,468 7,303 8,612 3. Allowance (81) (80) (81) (99) 4. Goodwill & Intangibles 470 579 468 577 5. BOLI 225 288 226 290 6. Other 409 606 432 616 7. Total Assets $9,885 $12,457 $10,211 $12,694 Annualized Asset Growth 26.0% 7.6% 1 1 Annualized from December 31, 2019 9


 
Loan Yield and Detail (as of March 31, 2020) YTD Yield = 4.85% Total Loans = $8.6 Billion Commercial Agricultural Real Estate Construction Land & Agricultural Land Public Non-Owner Land Development Production 2.7% Finance/Other Occupied 7.5% 1.0% Commercial 24.6% Variable = $5.7 Billion 6.8% Fixed = $2.9 Billion Residential Mortgage 13.1% Home Equity LIBOR- 6.6% Based Prime- 37% Based 17% Other Commercial Consumer Real Estate 1.5% Owner-Occupied 10.7% Commercial & Industrial Fixed Rate Other 25.5% 33% Variable Rates 13% 10


 
Investment Portfolio (as of March 31, 2020) Tax-Exempt Mortgage-Backed Municipals Securities $2.7 Billion Portfolio 47% 37% Modified duration of 4.3 years Tax equivalent yield of 3.16% Net unrealized gain of $121.7 Million Collateralized Mortgage Corporate U. S. Agencies Obligations Obligations 2% 13% 1% 11


 
Total Liabilities and Capital ($ in Millions) 2018 2019 Q1-’19 Q1-’20 1. Customer Non-Maturity Deposits $6,268 $8,147 $6,439 $8,256 2. Customer Time Deposits 1,241 1,478 1,375 1,411 3. Brokered Deposits 246 215 234 203 Total Deposits 7,755 9,840 8,048 9,870 4. Borrowings 538 599 481 716 5. Other Liabilities 51 98 92 206 6. Hybrid Capital 133 134 134 124 7. Common Equity 1,408 1,786 1,456 1,778 8. Total Liabilities and Capital $9,885 $12,457 $10,211 $12,694 12


 
Deposit Detail (as of March 31, 2020) Certificates & Time YTD Cost = 1.06% Certificates & Deposits Time Deposits Total = $9.9 Billion Savings >$100,000 <$100,000 Deposits 7% 7% 30% Brokered Deposits 2% Demand Deposits 54% 13


 
Capital Ratios Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio (Target = 12.50%) Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio (Target = 10.00%) Tangible Common Equity Ratio (TCE) (Target = 9.00%) 15.00% 14.71% 14.61% 14.56% 14.37% 14.25% 14.29% 13.81% 13.80% 14.00% 13.69% 13.00% 12.12% 12.14% 12.13% 11.98% 12.05% 12.00% 11.64% 11.58% 11.21% 11.04% 11.00% 10.16% 10.14% 10.07% 9.97% 9.95% 10.00% 9.91% 9.55% 9.32% 9.36% 9.00% 8.00% 1Q18 2Q18 3Q18 4Q18 1Q19 2Q19 3Q19 4Q19 1Q20 14


 
Net Interest Margin Q1 - '18 Q2 - '18 Q3 - '18 Q4 - '18 Q1 - '19 Q2 - '19 Q3 - '19 Q4 - '19 Q1 - '20 Net Interest Income - FTE ($millions) $ 82.5 $ 87.2 $ 89.2 $ 90.7 $ 87.8 $ 88.4 $ 92.3 $ 101.2 $ 97.8 Fair Value Accretion $ 3.2 $ 3.8 $ 3.2 $ 3.9 $ 2.3 $ 2.2 $ 2.5 $ 5.0 $ 3.5 Tax Equivalent Yield on Earning Assets 4.57% 4.74% 4.88% 4.97% 4.89% 4.86% 4.77% 4.63% 4.38% Interest Expense/Average Earning Assets 0.65% 0.75% 0.83% 0.93% 1.05% 1.15% 1.15% 1.01% 0.92% Net Interest Margin 3.92% 3.99% 4.05% 4.04% 3.84% 3.71% 3.62% 3.62% 3.46% Fair Value Accretion Effect 0.15% 0.18% 0.15% 0.17% 0.09% 0.09% 0.10% 0.18% 0.12% 15


 
Non-Interest Income ($ in Millions) 2018 2019 Q1-’19 Q1-’20 1. Service Charges on Deposit Accounts $ 21.0 $23.0 $ 5.1 $ 6.0 2. Wealth Management Fees 14.9 17.6 3.8 6.0 3. Card Payment Fees 18.0 20.2 4.8 5.9 4. Gains on Sales of Mortgage Loans 7.0 7.9 1.3 3.4 5. Derivative Hedge Fees 2.5 5.4 0.8 1.9 6. Other Customer Fees 1.9 1.7 0.5 0.4 7. Cash Surrender Value of Life Ins 4.2 4.5 1.0 1.4 8. Gains on Sales of Securities 4.3 4.4 1.1 4.6 9. Other 2.7 2.0 0.3 0.2 10. Total Non-Interest Income $76.5 $86.7 $18.7 $29.8 16


 
Non-Interest Expense ($ in Millions) 2018 2019 Q1-’19 Q1-’20 1. Salary & Benefits $131.7 $144.0 $33.0 $39.2 2. Premises & Equipment 32.7 35.8 8.7 10.2 3. Intangible Asset Amortization 6.7 6.0 1.5 1.5 4. Professional & Other Outside Services 8.2 15.4 1.9 2.3 5. OREO/Credit-Related Expense 1.5 2.4 1.2 0.5 6. FDIC Expense 2.9 0.7 0.7 1.5 7. Outside Data Processing 13.2 16.5 3.7 4.2 8. Marketing 4.7 6.7 1.1 1.4 9. Other 18.4 19.3 4.8 5.3 10. Total Non-Interest Expense $220.0 $246.8 1 $56.6 $66.1 1Includes acquisition-related expenses of $13.7 million 17


 
Earnings ($ in Millions) 2018 2019 Q1-’19 Q1’20 1. Net Interest Income $ 338.8 $356.7 $ 84.9 $93.9 2. Provision for Loan Losses (7.2) (2.8) (1.2) (19.8) 3. Net Interest Income after Provision 331.6 353.9 83.7 74.1 4. Non-Interest Income 76.5 86.7 18.7 29.8 5. Non-Interest Expense (220.0) (246.8) (56.6) (66.1) 6. Income before Income Taxes 188.1 193.8 45.8 37.8 7. Income Tax Expense (29.0) (29.3) (6.9) (3.5) 8. Net Income Avail. for Distribution $ 159.1 $164.5 $ 38.9 $34.3 1 9. EPS $ 3.22 $ 3.19 $ 0.78 $0.62 10. Efficiency Ratio 50.21% 52.73%2 51.18% 52.17% 1Acquisition-related expenses reduced EPS by $0.21 2Acquisition-related expenses increased the Efficiency Ratio by 3.04% 18


 
Per Share Results 2019 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total 1. Earnings Per Share $ .78 $ .83 1 $ .711 $ .87 1 $ 3.191 2. Dividends $ .22 $ .26 $ .26 $ .26 $ 1.00 3. Tangible Book Value $20.07 $21.01 $21.26 $21.94 2020 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total 1. Earnings Per Share $ .62 – – – $ .62 2. Dividends $ .26 – – – $ .26 3. Tangible Book Value $22.46 1Acquisition-related expenses reduced EPS by $0.01 in Q2; $0.17 in Q3; $0.03 in Q4; and $0.21 for full-year 2019 19


 
Dividends and Tangible Book Value Quarterly Dividends Tangible Book Value .26 0.26 $22.46 0.24 $21.94 .22 0.22 $19.12 0.20 .18 $16.96 0.18 $15.85 .15 $14.68 0.16 .14 $13.65 0.14 $12.17 $10.95 .11 0.12 $9.21 $9.64 0.10 .08 0.08 0.06 .05 0.04 .03 0.02 .01 0.00 3.93% Forward Dividend Yield Compound Annual Growth Rate of 10.12% Equals 41.9% Dividend Payout Ratio 20


 
Michele M. Kawiecki Senior Vice President Director of Finance


 
Other Impacts of CARES Act Deferral of CECL Elected Provision calculated using the incurred loss method; Increase in 1Q Provision driven by qualitative factor for economic conditions CECL preparedness reflected in 10-K disclosure of Day 1 CECL adoption increase of 55-65% CECL models were validated in 4Q 2019 Moody’s forecasts are used for CECL modeling Loan default rates primarily correlated with Unemployment Rate in CECL models Effective Tax Rate Rate is low due to $1.2 Million in Net Operating Loss Carry Back and level of Provision 22


 
ALLL and Fair Value Summary ($ in Millions) Q2-'19 Q3-'19 Q4-'19 Q1-'20 1. Beginning Allowance for Loan Losses (ALLL) $ 80.9 $ 81.3 $ 80.6 $ 80.3 2. Less: Net Charge-offs (Recoveries) 0.1 1.3 0.8 0.6 3. Add: Provision Expense 0.5 0.6 0.5 19.8 4. Ending Allowance for Loan Losses (ALLL) $ 81.3 $ 80.6 $ 80.3 $ 99.5 5. Specific Reserves $ 2.3 $ 2.3 $ 0.7 $ 0.6 6. ALLL/Non-Accrual Loans 317.0% 354.5% 503.4% 635.5% 7. ALLL/Non-Purchased Loans 1.19% 1.16% 1.11% 1.33% 8. ALLL/Loans 1.08% 0.97% 0.95% 1.15% 9. Fair Value Adjustment (FVA) $ 25.6 $ 41.3 $ 36.6 $ 33.1 10. Total ALLL plus FVA 106.8 121.9 116.9 132.5 11. Purchased Loans plus FVA 732.5 1,410.3 1,271.2 1,155.1 12. FVA/Purchased Loans plus FVA 3.49% 2.93% 2.88% 2.86% 23


 
John J. Martin Executive Vice President Chief Credit Officer


 
Loan Portfolio Trends Change Change Linked Quarter Year Over Year ($ in Millions) 2018 2019 Q1-'19 Q1-'20 $ % $ % 1. Commercial & Industrial $ 1,498 $ 1,802 $ 1,521 $ 1,858 $ 56 3.1% $ 337 22.2% 2. Sponsor Finance 233 312 272 345 33 10.6% 73 26.8% 3. CRE Owner Occupied 725 910 714 921 11 1.2% 207 29.0% 4. Construction, Land and 546 787 542 644 (143) (18.2%) 102 18.8% Land Development 5. CRE Non-Owner Occupied 1,861 1,899 1,884 2,114 215 11.3% 230 12.2% 6. Agricultural Production 92 94 80 87 (7) (7.4%) 7 8.8% 7. Agricultural Land 242 240 237 229 (11) (4.6%) (8) (3.4%) 8. Public Finance/Other Commercial 433 547 428 587 40 7.3% 159 37.1% 9. Total Commercial Loans 5,630 6,591 5,678 6,785 194 2.9% 1,107 19.5% 10. Residential Mortgage 970 1,149 980 1,127 (22) (1.9%) 147 15.0% 11. Home Equity 528 589 536 570 (19) (3.2%) 34 6.3% 12. Other Consumer 101 139 109 130 (9) (6.5%) 21 19.3% 13. Total Residential Mortgage and 1,599 1,877 1,625 1,827 (50) (2.7%) 202 12.4% Consumer Loans 14. Total Loans $ 7,229 $ 8,468 $ 7,303 $ 8,612 $ 144 1.7% $ 1,309 17.9% Construction Concentration1 50% 62% 49% 49% Investment RE Concentration1 221% 212% 221% 208% 1As a % of Risk Based Capital 25


 
Commercial Portfolio by NAICS ($ in Millions) Percent Average Q1 - '20 of Total Loan Segments based on NAICS Code Balances Loans Size Transportation & Other Segments Warehouse, $100 Manufacturing $ 666 7.7% $ 0.8 under $100MM, Manufacturing, $243 $666 Public Administration 534 6.2% 3.6 Specialty Trade, $102 Agriculture 370 4.3% 0.2 Private Household, $105 Public Admin, Other Administrative Services 302 3.5% 0.4 $534 Other Service, $118 Wholesale Trade 301 3.5% 0.7 Senior Living 298 3.5% 5.2 Construction, $137 Retail Trade 220 2.6% 0.2 Restaurant & Food Services, $152 Hotels 188 2.2% 2.1 Medical 173 2.0% 0.6 Professional Service, $153 Finance & Insurance 158 1.8% 0.6 Professional Service 153 1.8% 0.3 Finance & Insurance, $158 Restaurant & Food Services1 152 1.8% 0.3 Construction 137 1.6% 0.2 Medical, $173 Other Service 118 1.4% 0.2 Hotels, $188 Private Banking/Private Household 105 1.2% 0.3 Agriculture, Specialty Trade 102 1.2% 0.1 Retail Trade, $220 $370 Transportation & Warehouse 100 1.2% 0.1 Other Admin Wholesale Trade, Religious Organizations 98 1.1% 0.4 Senior Living, $298 Services, $302 Dental 86 1.0% 0.2 $301 Mining & Utilities 38 0.4% 1.2 Veterinary 21 0.2% 0.2 Total Commercial Portfolio by NAICS 4,320 50.2% 0.4 Lessors of Real Estate NAICS 2,465 28.6% Mortgage and Consumer Loans 1,827 21.2% Total Loans $ 8,612 100.0% 1 $44MM of loans with NAICS of Lessors of RE have been moved to Restaurants for clearer illustration of exposure. 26


 
Commercial Portfolio Mod Requests ($ in Millions) % Loans $ Loans Q1 - '20 with with Segments based on NAICS Code Balances Mods Mods Mod Requests and Loan Balances ($ in Millions) Manufacturing $ 666 2.5% $ 16.9 Public Administration 534 - - Manufacturing $666 Agriculture 370 - - Public Administration $534 Other Administrative Services 302 2.3% 6.8 Agriculture $370 Wholesale Trade 301 1.0% 3.0 Other Administrative Services $302 Senior Living 298 0.6% 1.7 Wholesale Trade $301 Retail Trade 220 5.6% 12.4 Senior Living $298 Hotels 188 1.8% 3.3 Retail Trade $220 Medical 173 2.8% 4.9 Hotels $188 Finance & Insurance 158 - 0.1 Medical $173 Professional Service 153 - 0.1 Finance & Insurance $158 Restaurant & Food Services1 152 14.3% 21.8 Professional Service $153 Construction 137 0.6% 0.8 Restaurant & Food Services $152 Other Services 118 4.8% 5.7 Construction $137 Private Banking/Private Household 105 0.2% 0.2 Other Service $118 Private Banking/Private Household $105 Specialty Trade 102 0.5% 0.5 Specialty Trade $102 Transportation & Warehouse 100 2.8% 2.8 Transportation & Warehouse $100 Religious Organizations 98 2.1% 2.1 Religious Organizations $98 Dental 86 16.5% 14.2 Dental $86 Mining & Utilities 38 - - Mining & Utilities $38 Veterinary 21 - - Veterinary $21 Total Commercial Portfolio by NAICS 4,320 2.3% 97.3 Lessors of Real Estate NAICS 2,465 4.5% 110.2 Loan Balance Mod Requests Mortgage and Consumer Loans 1,827 1.4% 26.2 Total Loans $ 8,612 $ 233.7 1 $44MM of loans with NAICS of Lessors of RE have been moved to Restaurants for clearer illustration of exposure. 27


 
C & I Line Utilization Line utilization stable Year over Year Isolated instances of defensive line draws 28


 
Structured Finance Public Finance (2015) $560MM in loans and $1.5B in deposits 85% Tax Based and 15% Public Private Partnerships Sponsor Finance (2016) $430MM in Commitments and $345MM in Balances Debt Capital Markets (2018) Primarily working Sell Side Transactions (FMB as Agent) Investment Real Estate, Middle Market and Sponsor support Asset Based Lending (2019) Systemically controlled draw process monitored by Secured Credit Department First Marketing piece mailed April 13, 2020 29


 
Sponsor Finance Market to Private Equity Firms in the Midwest and Southeast who acquire companies with less than $10 Million in EBITDA. Led by former Midwest Region Chief Risk Officer for GE Corporate Lending Monthly Portfolio Sheets Reviewed by Sponsor Finance line of business Quarterly Portfolio Review with Chief Credit Officer / Chief Banking Officer Senior Secured, Amortizing Term Loans and Revolving Lines of Credit Summary 38 Borrowers, $430 Million Committed and $345 Million Outstanding 14 Borrowers with Senior Leverage < 2x 7 Borrowers with Senior Leverage > 3x (2 of which are ABL) 1 Substandard Borrower ($25 Million Senior / $12 Million Junior / $85 Million Equity) 5 Borrowers seeking COVID P&I Deferrals 30


 
Investment Real Estate ($ in Millions) Percent % Loans $ Loans Q1 - '20 of Total Average with with Investment Real Estate Balances Loans Loan Size Mods Mods Multi-family $ 703 8.2% $ 1.3 1.6% $ 11.5 Commercial Real Estate 1,411 16.4% 1.1 5.3% 75.2 Retail - $233 million $ 2,114 $ 86.7 Investment Real Estate Loans by State % Total Top Metro Areas Balance Inv. RE Indianapolis, IN $ 323 15.3% Columbus, OH 214 10.1% Chicago, IL 188 8.9% Northwest Indiana 144 6.8% Fort Wayne, IN 130 6.1% Detroit, MI 76 3.6% 31


 
Mortgage Lending Pipeline strong with dollars up 52% at the end of the 1st quarter Year over Year Mortgage Pipeline Strong refinance demand has allowed for $140,000 small price premium to market $120,000 $124,500 Placing 15 year fixed rate fully salable on $100,000 balance sheet at yield favorable to $80,000 comparable MBS $82,000 $60,000 Able to offer extended locks with minimal $40,000 impact on gain sale percentage $20,000 The jumbo market for existing home $0 purchases remains strong in our Columbus Pipeline dollars in thousands and Indianapolis markets. Placing 7/1 and 3/31/2019 3/31/2020 10/1 jumbo mortgages on balance sheet 32


 
Residential Mortgage & Consumer Loan Mods ($ in Millions) Percent % Loans $ Loans Residential Mortgage and Q1 - '20 of Total with with Consumer Loans Balances Loans Mods Mods Residential Mortgage $ 1,127 13.1% 2.2% $ 24.6 Home Equity 570 6.6% 0.1% 0.8 Other Consumer 130 1.5% 0.6% 0.8 $ 1,827 21.2% 1.4% $ 26.2 33


 
Asset Quality Summary Change Change ($ in Millions) Linked Quarter Year Over Year 2018 2019 Q1-'19 Q1-'20 $ % $ % 1. Non-Accrual Loans $ 26.1 $ 16.0 $ 28.0 $ 15.6 $ (0.4) (2.5%) $ (12.4) (44.3%) 2. Other Real Estate 2.2 7.5 1.9 8.0 0.5 6.7% 6.1 321.1% 3. Renegotiated Loans 1.1 0.8 0.7 0.7 (0.1) (12.5%) - - 4. 90+ Days Delinquent Loans 1.9 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 200.0% 0.2 200.0% 5. Total NPAs & 90+ Days Delinquent $ 31.3 $ 24.4 $ 30.7 $ 24.6 $ 0.2 0.8% $ (6.1) (19.9%) 6. Total NPAs & 90+ Days/Loans & ORE 0.4% 0.3% 0.4% 0.3% 7. Classified Loans $167.4 $200.1 $ 165.1 $ 207.0 $ 6.9 3.4% $ 41.9 25.4% 8. Classified Loans/Total Loans 2.3% 2.4% 2.3% 2.4% 34


 
Non-Performing Asset Reconciliation ($ in Millions) Q2-'19 Q3-'19 Q4-'19 Q1-'20 1. Beginning Balance NPAs & 90+ Days Delinquent $ 30.7 $ 27.6 $ 30.5 $ 24.4 Non-Accrual 2. Add: New Non-Accruals 1.6 7.5 2.3 2.8 3. Less: To Accrual/Payoff/Renegotiated (2.5) (2.1) (6.9) (1.2) 4. Less: To OREO - (6.4) (0.8) (0.7) 5. Less: Charge-offs (1.5) (1.9) (1.3) (1.3) 6. Increase / (Decrease): Non-Accrual Loans (2.4) (2.9) (6.7) (0.4) Other Real Estate Owned (ORE) 7. Add: New ORE Properties - 6.5 0.8 0.7 8. Less: ORE Sold (0.5) (0.4) (0.3) (0.2) 9. Less: ORE Losses (write-downs) (0.3) (0.1) (0.1) - 10. Increase / (Decrease): ORE (0.8) 6.0 0.4 0.5 11. Increase / (Decrease): 90+ Days Delinquent 0.1 (0.1) - 0.2 12. Increase / (Decrease): Renegotiated Loans - (0.1) 0.2 (0.1) 13. Total NPAs & 90+ Days Delinquent Change (3.1) 2.9 (6.1) 0.2 14. Ending Balance NPAs & 90+ Days Delinquent $ 27.6 $ 30.5 $ 24.4 $ 24.6 35


 
Portfolio Summary Proactively engaging customers to chart path forward Using modifications to bridge and strategize Beginning the cycle with stronger credit profile and enhanced processes PPP forgiveness planning underway in anticipation of guidance Experienced workout staff with special asset process from last recession Maintaining existing underwriting standards while recognizing the impact of the situation 36


 
Michael C. Rechin President Chief Executive Officer


 
First Merchants Value Proposition Looking Forward… Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Earnings strength of $57.5 Million Tangible Common Equity of nearly 10% Allowance for loan losses & fair value marks total approximately 1.54% of loans 87% loan-to-deposit ratio produces excess liquidity Conservative underwriter, diversified loan portfolio, long-term consistent asset quality Industry leading profitability, Return on Assets, and Efficiency Ratios Trading multiple of just over 100% of Tangible Book Value is 50% of our historical average Well positioned for this challenge . . . and for the future “Strength and Stability” 38


 
First Merchants Corporation common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol FRME Additional information can be found at www.firstmerchants.com Investor Inquiries: Nicole Weaver, Investor Relations 765.521.7619 nweaver@firstmerchants.com 39


 
Appendix


 
Appendix – Non-GAAP Reconciliation CAPITAL RATIOS (dollars in thousands): 1Q18 2Q18 3Q18 4Q18 1Q19 2Q19 3Q19 4Q19 1Q20 Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio Total Stockholders' Equity (GAAP) 1,313,073 1,340,328 1,361,426 1,408,260 1,455,848 1,501,636 1,749,012 1,786,437 1,777,960 Adjust for Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss 21,725 24,868 35,409 21,422 1,595 (14,602) (25,648) (27,874) (53,656) Less: Preferred Stock (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) Add: Qualifying Capital Securities 65,975 66,030 66,086 66,141 66,197 66,252 66,308 66,363 56,419 Less: Tier 1 Capital Deductions - - - - - - - - - Less: Disallowed Goodwill and Intangible Assets (467,518) (466,063) (464,658) (463,525) (462,202) (460,885) (570,098) (569,468) (568,442) Less: Disallowed Deferred Tax Assets (2,594) (2,104) (1,111) - (4,037) (2,587) (3,460) - - Total Tier 1 Capital (Regulatory) $ 930,536 $ 962,934 $ 997,027 $ 1,032,173 $ 1,057,276 $ 1,089,689 $ 1,215,989 $ 1,255,333 $ 1,212,156 Qualifying Subordinated Debentures 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 Allowance for Loan Losses includible in Tier 2 Capital 76,420 77,543 78,406 80,552 80,902 81,274 80,571 80,284 99,454 Total Risk-Based Capital (Regulatory) $ 1,071,956 $ 1,105,477 $ 1,140,433 $ 1,177,725 $ 1,203,178 $ 1,235,963 $ 1,361,560 $ 1,400,617 $ 1,376,610 Net Risk-Weighted Assets (Regulatory) $ 7,831,727 $ 8,002,666 $ 8,001,191 $ 8,060,882 $ 8,176,677 $ 8,491,188 $ 9,474,126 $ 9,799,329 $ 9,978,462 Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio (Regulatory) 13.69% 13.81% 14.25% 14.61% 14.71% 14.56% 14.37% 14.29% 13.80% Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio Total Tier 1 Capital (Regulatory) $ 930,536 $ 962,934 $ 997,027 $ 1,032,173 $ 1,057,276 $ 1,089,689 $ 1,215,989 $ 1,255,333 $ 1,212,156 Less: Qualified Capital Securities (65,975) (66,030) (66,086) (66,141) (66,197) (66,252) (66,308) (66,363) (56,419) Add: Additional Tier 1 Capital Deductions - - - - - - - - - Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (Regulatory) $ 864,561 $ 896,904 $ 930,941 $ 966,032 $ 991,079 $ 1,023,437 $ 1,149,681 $ 1,188,970 $ 1,155,737 Net Risk-Weighted Assets (Regulatory) $ 7,831,727 $ 8,002,666 $ 8,001,191 $ 8,060,882 $ 8,176,677 $ 8,491,188 $ 9,474,126 $ 9,799,329 $ 9,978,462 Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio (Regulatory) 11.04% 11.21% 11.64% 11.98% 12.12% 12.05% 12.14% 12.13% 11.58% 1 Includes net unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale, net gains or losses on cash flow hedges, and amounts resulting from the application of the applicable accounting guidance for defined benefit and other postretirement plans. 41


 
Appendix – Non-GAAP Reconciliation TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY RATIO (dollars in thousands): 1Q18 2Q18 3Q18 4Q18 1Q19 2Q19 3Q19 4Q19 1Q20 Total Stockholders' Equity (GAAP) $ 1,313,073 $ 1,340,328 $ 1,361,426 $ 1,408,260 $ 1,455,848 $ 1,501,636 $ 1,749,012 $ 1,786,437 $ 1,777,960 Less: Preferred Stock (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) Less: Intangible Assets (474,777) (473,059) (471,409) (469,784) (468,256) (466,736) (579,751) (578,881) (577,366) Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP) $ 838,171 $ 867,144 $ 889,892 $ 938,351 $ 987,467 $ 1,034,775 $ 1,169,136 $ 1,207,431 $ 1,200,469 Total Assets (GAAP) $ 9,472,796 $ 9,734,715 $ 9,787,282 $ 9,884,716 $ 10,210,925 $ 10,737,857 $ 12,325,061 $ 12,457,254 $ 12,693,518 Less: Intangible Assets (474,777) (473,059) (471,409) (469,784) (468,256) (466,736) (579,751) (578,881) (577,366) Tangible Assets (non-GAAP) $ 8,998,019 $ 9,261,656 $ 9,315,873 $ 9,414,932 $ 9,742,669 $ 10,271,121 $ 11,745,310 $ 11,878,373 $ 12,116,152 Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP) 9.32% 9.36% 9.55% 9.97% 10.14% 10.07% 9.95% 10.16% 9.91% TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY PER SHARE (dollars in thousands): 4Q10 4Q11 4Q12 4Q13 4Q14 4Q15 4Q16 4Q17 4Q18 1Q19 2Q19 3Q19 4Q19 1Q20 Total Stockholders' Equity (GAAP) $ 454,408 $ 514,467 $ 552,236 $ 634,923 $ 726,827 $ 850,509 $ 901,657 $ 1,303,463 $ 1,408,260 $ 1,455,848 $ 1,501,636 $ 1,749,012 $ 1,786,437 $ 1,777,960 Less: Preferred Stock (67,880) (90,783) (90,908) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) (125) Less: Intangible Assets (154,019) (150,471) (149,529) (202,767) (218,755) (259,764) (258,866) (476,503) (469,784) (468,256) (466,736) (579,751) (578,881) (577,366) Tax Benefit 2,907 2,224 2,249 4,973 6,085 6,278 5,930 6,788 5,017 4,703 4,391 7,627 7,257 6,946 Tangible Common Equity, Net of Tax (non-GAAP) $ 235,416 $ 275,437 $ 314,048 $ 437,004 $ 514,032 $ 596,898 $ 648,596 $ 833,623 $ 943,368 $ 992,170 $ 1,039,166 $ 1,176,763 $ 1,214,688 $ 1,207,415 0 Shares Outstanding 25,574,251 28,559,707 28,692,616 35,921,761 37,669,948 40,664,258 40,912,697 49,158,238 49,349,800 49,428,468 49,456,594 55,345,672 55,368,482 53,754,137 Tangible Common Equity per Share (non-GAAP) $ 9.21 $ 9.64 $ 10.95 $ 12.17 $ 13.65 $ 14.68 $ 15.85 $ 16.96 $ 19.12 $ 20.07 $ 21.01 $ 21.26 $ 21.94 $ 22.46 42


 
Appendix – Non-GAAP Reconciliation EFFICIENCY RATIO (dollars in thousands): 2018 1Q19 2019 1Q20 Non Interest Expense (GAAP) $ 219,951 $ 56,621 $ 246,763 $ 66,171 Less: Intangible Asset Amortization (6,719) (1,528) (5,994) (1,514) Less: OREO and Foreclosure Expenses (1,470) (1,165) (2,428) (505) Adjusted Non Interest Expense (non-GAAP) 211,762 53,928 238,341 64,152 Net Interest Income (GAAP) 338,857 84,866 356,660 93,877 Plus: Fully Taxable Equivalent Adjustment 10,732 2,930 13,085 3,894 Net Interest Income on a Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis (non-GAAP) 349,589 87,796 369,745 97,771 Non Interest Income (GAAP) 76,459 18,713 86,688 29,799 Less: Investment Securities Gains (Losses) (4,269) (1,140) (4,415) (4,612) Adjusted Non Interest Income (non-GAAP) 72,190 17,573 82,273 25,187 Adjusted Revenue (non-GAAP) 421,779 105,369 452,018 122,958 Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP) 50.21% 51.18% 52.73% 52.17% FORWARD DIVIDEND YIELD 1Q20 Most recent quarter's dividend per share $ 0.26 Most recent quarter's dividend per share - Annualized $ 1.04 Stock Price at 3/31/20 $ 26.49 Forward Dividend Yield 3.93% DIVIDEND PAYOUT RATIO 2020 YTD Dividends per share $ 0.26 Earnings Per Share $ 0.62 Dividend Payout Ratio 41.9% 43


 
Appendix – Non-GAAP Reconciliation CONSTRUCTION AND INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE CONCENTRATIONS (dollars in thousands): 2018 1Q19 2019 1Q20 Total Risk-Based Capital (Subsidiary Bank Only) Total Stockholders' Equity (GAAP) $ 1,456,220 $ 1,487,947 $ 1,787,006 $ 1,850,513 Adjust for Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss 1 19,031 (908) (30,495) (56,807) Less: Preferred Stock (125) (125) (125) (125) Less: Tier 1 Capital Deductions - - - - Less: Disallowed Goodwill and Intangible Assets (463,076) (461,754) (569,021) (567,994) Less: Disallowed Deferred Tax Assets - (4,119) - - Total Tier 1 Capital (Regulatory) 1,012,050 1,021,041 1,187,365 1,225,587 Allowance for Loan Losses includible in Tier 2 Capital 80,552 80,902 80,284 99,454 Total Risk-Based Capital (Regulatory) $ 1,092,602 $ 1,101,943 $ 1,267,649 $ 1,325,041 Construction, Land and Land Development Loans $ 545,729 $ 542,501 $ 787,568 $ 643,674 Concentration as a % of the Bank's Risk-Based Capital 50% 49% 62% 49% Construction, Land and Land Development Loans $ 545,729 $ 542,501 $ 787,568 $ 643,674 Investment Real Estate Loans 1,865,544 1,887,995 1,902,692 2,118,148 Total Construction and Investment RE Loans $ 2,411,273 $ 2,430,496 $ 2,690,260 $ 2,761,822 Concentration as a % of the Bank's Risk-Based Capital 221% 221% 212% 208% 1 Includes net unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale, net gains or losses on cash flow hedges, and amounts resulting from the application of the applicable accounting guidance for defined benefit and other postretirement plans. ALLOWANCE AS A PERCENTAGE OF NON-PURCHASED LOANS (dollars in thousands): 2Q19 3Q19 4Q19 1Q20 Loans Held for Sale (GAAP) $ 5,854 $ 7,910 $ 9,037 $ 5,039 Loans (GAAP) 7,511,370 8,299,260 8,459,310 8,606,849 Total Loans 7,517,224 8,307,170 8,468,347 8,611,888 Less: Purchased Loans (706,916) (1,369,064) (1,234,616) (1,122,063) Non-Purchased Loans (non-GAAP) $ 6,810,308 $ 6,938,106 $ 7,233,731 $ 7,489,825 Allowance for Loan Losses (GAAP) $ 81,274 $ 80,571 $ 80,284 $ 99,454 Fair Value Adjustment (FVA) (GAAP) 25,545 41,265 36,622 33,058 Allowance plus FVA (non-GAAP) $ 106,819 $ 121,836 $ 116,906 $ 132,512 Purchased Loans (GAAP) $ 706,916 $ 1,369,064 $ 1,234,616 $ 1,122,063 Fair Value Adjustment (FVA) (GAAP) 25,545 41,265 36,622 33,058 Purchased Loans plus FVA (non-GAAP) $ 732,461 $ 1,410,329 $ 1,271,238 $ 1,155,121 Allowance as a Percentage of Non-Purchased Loans (non-GAAP) 1.19% 1.16% 1.11% 1.33% FVA as a Percentage of Purchased Loans plus FVA (non-GAAP) 3.49% 2.93% 2.88% 2.86% 44