First Busey Corporation — Cyborg Score 6/10

Solid
Regional Banking

Strategic Profile

In 2025, First Busey's revenue was $666.84 million, an increase of 46.98% compared to the previous year's $453.70 million, with earnings of $125.39 million, an increase of 10.29%. The company provides asset management, investment, brokerage, fiduciary, philanthropic advisory, tax preparation, and farm management services, as well as payment technology solutions including text-based mobile bill pay and merchant services.

Cyborg Score Rationale

According to 6 analysts, the average rating for BUSE stock is "Buy" with a 12-month stock price target of $27.0, an increase of 2.12% from the latest price. However, recent commentary has focused on a weaker net interest margin and expectations for lower tangible book value per share, raising fresh questions about the bank's profitability and credit quality profile.

Top Insights

  • First Busey disclosed expected non-recurring pre-tax expense of about $9 million in Q1 2026 following the separation of former CEO Michael J. Maddox, effective January 27, 2026.
  • Q4 2025 showed strong net interest income and profits with share buybacks exceeding 10%, but rising net charge-offs and lower full-year earnings per share from continuing operations keep credit quality and profitability in focus.
  • The company has a market capitalization of $2.126 billion with a P/E ratio of 18.22 and forward dividend yield of 4.13%.
  • In Q4 2025, First Busey reported $0.68 earnings per share, beating analyst estimates of $0.61 by $0.07, with revenue of $201.78 million versus estimates of $197.70 million.

Named Competitors

  • KeyBank — Large regional bank with wealth management and investment services
  • Umpqua Bank — West-focused regional bank with consumer and commercial banking
  • Zions Bank — Multi-state regional banking system serving West and Mountain regions

Recent Developments

  • (January 2026) Leadership change: CEO Michael Maddox separated with ~$9M non-recurring charge; Van Dukeman reappointed CEO/President
  • (January 2026) Q4 2025 earnings beat with higher net interest income and profitability versus prior year
  • (May 2025) Completed CrossFirst Bankshares acquisition, expanding geographic footprint

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