FIRST MERCHANTS CORP 8-K

What Happened
First Merchants Corporation (FRME) filed a Form 8‑K on April 16, 2026 to announce that its Board declared a quarterly cash dividend on its 7.50% Non‑Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A. The dividend is $46.88 per preferred share (equivalent to $0.4688 per depositary share) and is payable May 15, 2026 to stockholders of record as of April 30, 2026. The company furnished a press release as Exhibit 99.1 with the filing.

Key Details

• Security: 7.50% Non‑Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A.
• Dividend amount: $46.88 per preferred share (or $0.4688 per depositary share).
• Record date: April 30, 2026. Payment date: May 15, 2026.
• Form 8‑K furnished on April 16, 2026; press release included as Exhibit 99.1 (not “filed” under Section 18).

Why It Matters
This is a cash distribution for holders of First Merchants’ Series A preferred shares and depositary shares, providing a scheduled income payment. For investors, it confirms the Board’s continuation of payouts on the specified preferred issue; it does not announce changes to common stock dividends or other corporate actions. The filing simply notifies the market of the dividend terms and timing.