As a regional bank, CrossFirst operates by providing deposit and lending products to commercial and consumer clients, offering private banking and commercial banking solutions with focus on commercial loans, real estate loans, and energy loans. The company is being acquired by First Busey Corporation, with shareholders approving the transaction in December 2024 and the holding company merger expected to close on March 1, 2025.
Cyborg Score Rationale
CrossFirst reported record full year 2024 net income of $78.5 million ($1.56 per diluted share). The company demonstrates strong regional market positioning with consistent profitability and strategic acquisition by a larger banking peer. Execution risks remain around the pending merger integration.
Top Insights
Achieved record net income of $78.5 million for full year 2024 with $1.56 EPS
Agreed to merger with First Busey Corporation (NASDAQ: BUSE) with holding company closing expected March 1, 2025 and bank subsidiary merger in late June 2025
Post-merger combined entity will operate 77 full-service locations across 10 states with approximately $20 billion in total assets
Merger expands Busey's presence in growth markets including Kansas City, Wichita, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix (May 2024)
Named Competitors
Cullen/Frost Bankers — Regional bank serving Texas with commercial and retail banking
Pinnacle Financial — Multi-state regional bank with wealth management focus
Zions Bancorporation — Multi-state regional banking with operations in Southwest/Mountain West
Recent Developments
(January 2025) Reported record fourth quarter 2024 net income of $22.1 million ($0.44 EPS) and full year net income of $78.5 million ($1.56 EPS)
(December 2024) Shareholders approved merger with First Busey Corporation
(August 2024) Announced merger agreement with First Busey Corporation
(January 2025) Federal Reserve approved Busey's acquisition of CrossFirst Bankshares
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