FRMEP:NASDAQFirst Merchants Corporation - Depository Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, A Analysis
Data as of 2026-04-04 - not real-time
$26.15
Latest Price
5/10Risk
Risk Level: Medium
Executive Summary
Undervalued on multiple fronts: FRMEP trades at a trailing P/E of 6.86, well below the regional‑bank industry average of 16.57, and its price‑to‑book ratio sits at 0.61, indicating a substantial discount to book value. The dividend yield of 7.17% is exceptionally high for the sector, and operating margins of 42.7% with a profit margin of 35.2% underscore solid profitability.
Technical signals are mixed but leaning bullish: the MACD histogram is positive (0.077) and the MACD line sits above the signal line, while the RSI of 62.8 suggests modest upward momentum without being overbought. Volume is on an increasing trend, providing better liquidity, though daily volume remains modest. Volatility over the past 30 days is around 13% and beta is near zero, implying limited market‑direction sensitivity. Overall, the stock appears attractively priced, dividend‑rich, and technically supported, making it a compelling value play with manageable risk.
Technical signals are mixed but leaning bullish: the MACD histogram is positive (0.077) and the MACD line sits above the signal line, while the RSI of 62.8 suggests modest upward momentum without being overbought. Volume is on an increasing trend, providing better liquidity, though daily volume remains modest. Volatility over the past 30 days is around 13% and beta is near zero, implying limited market‑direction sensitivity. Overall, the stock appears attractively priced, dividend‑rich, and technically supported, making it a compelling value play with manageable risk.
Market Outlook
Short Term
< 1 yearNeutral
Model confidence: 6/10
Key Factors
- Bullish MACD crossover
- RSI indicating continued momentum
- High dividend yield offering immediate income
Medium Term
1–3 yearsPositive
Model confidence: 7/10
Key Factors
- Significant valuation discount to peers
- Strong operating and profit margins
- Sustainable dividend supported by robust cash flow
Long Term
> 3 yearsPositive
Model confidence: 7/10
Key Factors
- Consistently low price-to-book and P/E ratios
- Stable earnings in a regional banking niche
- Attractive dividend yield enhancing total return
Key Metrics & Analysis
Financial Health
Revenue Growth-4.60%
Profit Margin35.22%
P/E Ratio6.9
ROE9.47%
ROA1.21%
P/B Ratio0.6
Op. Cash Flow$283.6M
Industry P/E16.6
Technical Analysis
TrendNeutral
RSI62.8
Support$25.01
Resistance$26.45
MA 20$25.74
MA 50$25.77
MA 200$25.71
MACDBullish
VolumeIncreasing
Fear & Greed Index78.8
Valuation
GradeUndervalued
TypeValue
Dividend Yield7.17%
Risk Assessment
Beta-0.03
Volatility13.07%
Sector RiskMedium
Reg. RiskMedium
Geo RiskLow
Currency RiskLow
Liquidity RiskMedium
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This analysis may contain inaccuracies and is provided for informational and research purposes only. It is not personal investment advice, a recommendation, or an instruction to buy, sell, or hold any asset.