Can MBINN sustain its Q4 2024 earnings growth?

**First Merchants Corporation (MBINN) is likely to sustain its Q4 2024 earnings growth**, based on several key factors: 1. **Consistent Performance**: First Merchants has demonstrated a strong financial performance in Q4 2024, exceeding EPS and revenue forecasts. The company's EPS was $1.00, surpassing the forecast of $0.89, and revenue reached $177.11 million, exceeding expectations. 2. **Strategic Initiatives**: The company has completed several strategic initiatives, including technology platform upgrades and branch network reductions, which are expected to enhance operational efficiency and support future growth. 3. **Loan Growth**: First Merchants achieved a 6% loan growth for Q4 2024, with a focus on core markets. The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for 2025, supported by robust C&I and investment real estate pipelines. 4. **Financial Stability**: The company's full-year net income was $200 million, with an EPS of $3.41, indicating robust growth in its core markets. Tangible book value per share rose to $26.78, reflecting a 25% increase over the last two years. 5. **Analyst Confidence**: Analysts have revised their earnings expectations upward for the upcoming period, indicating confidence in First Merchants' continued growth. 6. **Market Position**: First Merchants' focus on commercial and industrial lending, which comprises 50% of its loan portfolio, has positioned it well against competitors. In conclusion, First Merchants' strong financial performance, strategic initiatives, loan growth, financial stability, analyst confidence, and market position suggest that the company is well-equipped to sustain its Q4 2024 earnings growth.