FIRST MERCHANTS CORP 8-K

What Happened
First Merchants Corporation announced on January 12, 2026 that its Board declared a quarterly cash dividend on the 7.50% Non‑Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A. The dividend is $46.88 per preferred share (equivalent to $0.4688 per depositary share), payable February 16, 2026 to holders of record as of January 30, 2026. The company furnished a press release as Exhibit 99.1 to the Form 8‑K.

Key Details

• Dividend amount: $46.88 per preferred share (equals $0.4688 per depositary share).
• Series: 7.50% Non‑Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A.
• Record date: January 30, 2026; Payment date: February 16, 2026.
• Announcement filed on Form 8‑K (press release included as Exhibit 99.1).

Why It Matters
This confirms a scheduled cash distribution for holders of the Series A preferred shares, providing a predictable income payment for those investors. Because the shares are non‑cumulative, any missed dividends would not accrue for later payment — an important feature for assessing dividend risk. The filing does not report changes to common stock dividends or other corporate actions.