Core Viewpoint - First Mid Bancshares, Inc. reported solid financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by revenue growth, effective interest expense management, and strategic technology investments, despite facing higher provision expenses [2][9]. Financial Performance - Net income for the fourth quarter was 19.2million,or0.80 diluted EPS, with adjusted net income of 20.9million,or0.87 diluted EPS [9]. - Noninterest income increased to 26.4million,a21.156.3 million, up from 53.9millioninthepriorquarter,mainlyduetolegalandprofessionalfeesrelatedtotechnologyprojects[14].NetInterestIncomeandMargin−Netinterestincomeroseby1.4 million, or 2.4%, compared to the third quarter of 2024, with a net interest margin of 3.41%, an increase of 6 basis points from the previous quarter [3][5]. - Compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, net interest income increased by 1.5million,or2.62.6 million [4][9]. Loan Portfolio - Total loans reached 5.67billion,reflectinga57.9 million increase, with significant growth in construction, land development, and commercial and industrial loans [7]. - The average rate on new origination and renewed loans was approximately 7.4% [7]. Asset Quality - The allowance for credit losses increased by 1.4millionto70.2 million, with a ratio of allowance to total loans at 1.24% [8]. - Non-performing loans rose to 29.8million,withanon−performingloanstototalloansratioof0.5331.7 million to 6.06billion,primarilyduetoadeclineinnoninterest−bearingdeposits[11].−Theaveragecostoffundsdecreasedby17basispointsto1.830.24 per share, payable on February 28, 2025 [19].