[8-K] FIRST MERCHANTS CORP Reports Material Event

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

First Merchants Corporation announced a cash dividend of $0.36 per common share. The dividend is payable on December 19, 2025 to common stockholders of record as of December 5, 2025. The company furnished a press release as Exhibit 99.1.

The disclosure is presented under Item 8.01 (Other Events) and specifies that the information is furnished, not filed, under the Exchange Act.

8-K Event Classification

2 items: 8.01, 9.01

2 items

Item 8.01 Other Events Other

Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits

Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →

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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): November 14, 2025

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
001-41342			35-1544218
(Commission File Number)			(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			The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A			FRMEP			The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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 8.01 OTHER EVENTS

On November 14, 2025, First Merchants Corporation issued a press release announcing the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.36 per common share. The cash dividend is payable on December 19, 2025 to common stockholders of record as of December 5, 2025. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The information in this Form 8-K and the attached exhibit shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit 99.1			Press Release dated November 14, 2025 issued by First Merchants Corporation.
Exhibit 104			Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

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/ Michele M. Kawiecki

Michele M. Kawiecki

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Dated: November 14, 2025

FAQ

What dividend did First Merchants (FRME) declare?

The company declared a cash dividend of $0.36 per common share.

When is the FRME dividend payable?

The dividend is payable on December 19, 2025.

What is the record date for the FRME dividend?

Stockholders of record on December 5, 2025 will receive the dividend.

Which shares does the dividend apply to?

The dividend applies to common stock shares.

What exhibit contains the dividend press release?

The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.

Is the dividend information considered filed or furnished?

It is furnished and not deemed "filed" under the Exchange Act.

What form and item disclosed the dividend?

It was disclosed on a Form 8-K under Item 8.01 (Other Events).