First Mid Bancshares Inc (NASDAQ:FMBH), a regional financial holding company based in Mattoon, Illinois, has appeared on our radar following a screen that combines two strong stock selection methods: the Mark Minervini Trend Template and the ChartMill High Growth Momentum (HGM) rating. The Trend Template is a strict set of technical rules designed to identify stocks in sustained, dependable uptrends (Minervini’s Stage 2), while the HGM rating examines a company’s fundamental growth traits—earnings acceleration, revenue expansion, and profitability patterns. By overlapping these two systems, we aim to find securities that are not only technically sound but also supported by improving business fundamentals. Let’s examine why FMBH currently meets both conditions.
Recent Performance
First Mid Bancshares has been showing notable price strength. The stock is currently trading at $47.86, just 2.4% below its 52-week high of $49.03. Over the past month, the share price has climbed 8.65%, while the three- and six-month gains stand at 14.91% and 23.89%, respectively. On a 12-month basis, the stock has outperformed 73% of all other stocks in the market, a clear signal of relative leadership.
These returns are occurring against a broader market backdrop where the S&P 500 long-term trend is neutral but the short-term trend has turned positive. FMBH, however, is leading: it is trading near its 52-week high, while the S&P 500 remains in the upper portion of its range but not yet at new highs. This gap is a classic sign of a stock that is anticipating its sector or the broader market.
Valuation Metrics and Fundamental Strength
For a stock to qualify under the Minervini system, it must show accelerating earnings and revenue growth. FMBH passes this test convincingly.
Earnings Growth:
- EPS Growth (TTM): 20.23%
- EPS Growth (Last FY): 18.45% (vs. 11.26% the prior year)
- Quarter-over-Quarter EPS Growth: 18.75% (latest quarter), with acceleration visible over the last two quarters (21.84% and 19.75% in Q-1 and Q-2).
- Earnings Estimate Revisions (Next Year, 3 months): Upward revision of +3.39%, indicating analyst confidence is building.
The earnings acceleration from 11.26% to 18.45% in the most recent fiscal year, combined with three consecutive quarters of Q2Q growth above 18%, signals the type of momentum that Minervini highlights: “Big earnings attract big attention.”
Revenue Growth:
- Revenue Growth (TTM): 9.97%
- Revenue Growth (Last FY): 7.45% (vs. 15.97% the prior year, but now accelerating again in the latest quarter)
- Quarter-over-Quarter Revenue Growth: 19.15% (latest quarter), a notable acceleration from the 3.40% in the prior quarter.
The ability to post a 19.15% quarterly sales jump after a period of slower growth is exactly the kind of catalyst—be it new products, market share gains, or operational improvements—that the Minervini SEPA system looks for.
Profitability:
- Profit Margin (Latest Quarter): 27.08%, up from 26.84% in the prior quarter and 25.16% two quarters ago.
- Profit Margin (Last FY): 26.27%, compared to 24.28% the year before.
- Free Cash Flow (TTM) per Share: $3.80, with a 31.46% year-over-year growth rate.
Margins are improving steadily, and free cash flow generation is accelerating—both are positive signs of operational efficiency and pricing strength. These fundamentals provide the “why” behind the price trend.
Minervini Trend Template Compliance
A stock must pass all eight Trend Template criteria to be considered a valid candidate. Based on the technical report, FMBH meets every single one.
- Current price above 150-day and 200-day SMAs: Yes. The 150-day SMA is at $42.21, the 200-day is at $40.98, and the stock is at $47.86—well above both.
- 150-day and 200-day SMAs are rising: Yes. The 200-day SMA has increased from $40.94 to $40.98, while the 150-day is on a sustained upward slope.
- 50-day SMA ($44.28) above both 150-day ($42.21) and 200-day ($40.98): Yes, confirming bullish alignment across timeframes.
- 50-day SMA rising: Yes.
- Current price at least 30% above 52-week low ($34.16): The stock is 40.1% above its low, comfortably exceeding the 30% threshold.
- Current price within 25% of 52-week high ($49.03): The stock is just 2.4% below its high, far inside the 25% requirement.
- Relative Strength (CRS) of 73.91: Above the 70 minimum. While not in the 80s or 90s, a score of 74 still places the stock in the top quartile of market performers.
The stock’s long-term and short-term trends are both positive, and it is trading near the top of its recent range. The only neutral note is that it belongs to the Banks industry, where it is outperforming 54% of 370 peers—decent, but not industry-leading. However, its relative strength score and proximity to new highs suggest it is a leader within its niche.
Analyst Views
The fundamental story is supported by earnings estimate revisions. With a 3.39% upward revision to next year’s EPS estimates over the last three months and a history of beating EPS estimates in two of the last four quarters (average beat of 1.87%), analysts are cautiously optimistic. The revenue side shows a 49.75% expected Q2Q growth in the next quarter (based on estimates), which, if realized, would be a strong catalyst.
Summary of Technical Assessment
The ChartMill Technical Report awards FMBH a Technical Rating of 9 out of 10 and a Setup Rating of 7 out of 10.
- Technical Rating (9/10): Reflects a stock with a strong, consistent uptrend in both the short and long term. The yearly performance beats 73% of all stocks.
- Setup Rating (7/10): Indicates a decent consolidation pattern is forming. The stock is currently near its 52-week high, showing little resistance above. Additionally, a recent Pocket Pivot signal—a price/volume accumulation pattern where price rises on higher volume than any down day in the prior ten sessions—adds conviction.
The automated trade suggestion identifies an entry point at $49.04 (a buy stop above the 10-day high) with a stop loss at $46.73 (below near-term support). The worst-case loss is 4.71%, and for a 1% portfolio risk, you could use about 21.2% of capital. As always, this is an automated setup and not personalized advice.
You can review the full detailed technical analysis here: FMBH Technical Report.
Find More High-Growth Setups
This stock was identified through a screen combining the Minervini Trend Template with a High Growth Momentum rating of at least 4. If you want to find similar candidates that combine technical strength with accelerating fundamentals, you can explore the full list of results via the link below.
Click here to access the High Growth Momentum + Trend Template screener results
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own due diligence and consider consulting a financial advisor before making any trading decisions.
Read full article here »
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First Mid Bancshares Inc (NASDAQ:FMBH) Surges on Trend Template and High Growth Momentum Rating
First Mid Bancshares Inc (NASDAQ:FMBH), a regional financial holding company based in Mattoon, Illinois, has appeared on our radar following a screen that combines two strong stock selection methods: the Mark Minervini Trend Template and the ChartMill High Growth Momentum (HGM) rating. The Trend Template is a strict set of technical rules designed to identify stocks in sustained, dependable uptrends (Minervini’s Stage 2), while the HGM rating examines a company’s fundamental growth traits—earnings acceleration, revenue expansion, and profitability patterns. By overlapping these two systems, we aim to find securities that are not only technically sound but also supported by improving business fundamentals. Let’s examine why FMBH currently meets both conditions.
Recent Performance
First Mid Bancshares has been showing notable price strength. The stock is currently trading at $47.86, just 2.4% below its 52-week high of $49.03. Over the past month, the share price has climbed 8.65%, while the three- and six-month gains stand at 14.91% and 23.89%, respectively. On a 12-month basis, the stock has outperformed 73% of all other stocks in the market, a clear signal of relative leadership.
These returns are occurring against a broader market backdrop where the S&P 500 long-term trend is neutral but the short-term trend has turned positive. FMBH, however, is leading: it is trading near its 52-week high, while the S&P 500 remains in the upper portion of its range but not yet at new highs. This gap is a classic sign of a stock that is anticipating its sector or the broader market.
Valuation Metrics and Fundamental Strength
For a stock to qualify under the Minervini system, it must show accelerating earnings and revenue growth. FMBH passes this test convincingly.
Earnings Growth:
The earnings acceleration from 11.26% to 18.45% in the most recent fiscal year, combined with three consecutive quarters of Q2Q growth above 18%, signals the type of momentum that Minervini highlights: “Big earnings attract big attention.”
Revenue Growth:
The ability to post a 19.15% quarterly sales jump after a period of slower growth is exactly the kind of catalyst—be it new products, market share gains, or operational improvements—that the Minervini SEPA system looks for.
Profitability:
Margins are improving steadily, and free cash flow generation is accelerating—both are positive signs of operational efficiency and pricing strength. These fundamentals provide the “why” behind the price trend.
Minervini Trend Template Compliance
A stock must pass all eight Trend Template criteria to be considered a valid candidate. Based on the technical report, FMBH meets every single one.
The stock’s long-term and short-term trends are both positive, and it is trading near the top of its recent range. The only neutral note is that it belongs to the Banks industry, where it is outperforming 54% of 370 peers—decent, but not industry-leading. However, its relative strength score and proximity to new highs suggest it is a leader within its niche.
Analyst Views
The fundamental story is supported by earnings estimate revisions. With a 3.39% upward revision to next year’s EPS estimates over the last three months and a history of beating EPS estimates in two of the last four quarters (average beat of 1.87%), analysts are cautiously optimistic. The revenue side shows a 49.75% expected Q2Q growth in the next quarter (based on estimates), which, if realized, would be a strong catalyst.
Summary of Technical Assessment
The ChartMill Technical Report awards FMBH a Technical Rating of 9 out of 10 and a Setup Rating of 7 out of 10.
The automated trade suggestion identifies an entry point at $49.04 (a buy stop above the 10-day high) with a stop loss at $46.73 (below near-term support). The worst-case loss is 4.71%, and for a 1% portfolio risk, you could use about 21.2% of capital. As always, this is an automated setup and not personalized advice.
You can review the full detailed technical analysis here: FMBH Technical Report.
Find More High-Growth Setups
This stock was identified through a screen combining the Minervini Trend Template with a High Growth Momentum rating of at least 4. If you want to find similar candidates that combine technical strength with accelerating fundamentals, you can explore the full list of results via the link below.
Click here to access the High Growth Momentum + Trend Template screener results
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own due diligence and consider consulting a financial advisor before making any trading decisions.
Read full article here »