Busey Bank Reports Q1 Adjusted ROAA of 1.42%
Reports Q1 adjusted ROAA 1.42%. Q1 Non-performing assets decreased by $8.2M compared to December 31, 2025, and decreased by $9.5M compared to March 31, 2025. Non-performing assets represented 0.28% of total assets as of March 31, 2026, a 4 basis point decrease from December 31, 2025, and a 3 basis point decrease from March 31, 2025. Van A. Dukeman, Chairman and CEO, said, "Busey posted strong results this quarter with adjusted diluted EPS of 67c, up 17.5% year-over-year, and continued strong profitability as adjusted return on average assets improved by 33 basis points to 1.42% and adjusted ROATCE improved by 287 basis points to 14.12%. Net interest margin continued its expansion, up 6 basis points quarter-over-quarter, to 3.77%. Wealth management fee income had another record quarter, with net inflows offsetting lower market valuations and sustaining relatively stable assets under care. Expenses remained well controlled as we identified, and executed on, additional synergies related to the CrossFirst acquisition, with the efficiency ratio improving 390 basis points from last year, to 54.8%. Capital remained strong with Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets at 12.31%, even after significant share repurchases of $65.6 million during the quarter. Tangible book value per common share2 grew 8.2% year-over-year to $20.14. As expected, loan and deposit balances were down seasonally. Credit remained strong with non-performing assets down 14.0% quarter-over-quarter and the ratio of allowance to loans was stable at 1.26%. As we look ahead to the rest of the year, we have significant momentum with the addition of talent to the organization, and new business pipelines are building."
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- Earnings Performance: First Busey reported a Q1 Non-GAAP EPS of $0.67, exceeding market expectations by $0.09, indicating a sustained improvement in profitability that may attract more investor interest.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenues of $197.17 million in Q1, reflecting a 40.1% year-over-year increase, demonstrating strong business expansion and market demand, which further solidifies its position in the financial services sector.
- Dividend Attractiveness Analysis: While First Busey's preferred shares offer high yields, they are perceived as overpriced by the market, which may influence investor purchasing decisions, necessitating close attention to future dividend policy changes.
- Quant Rating Focus: Seeking Alpha's quant rating on First Busey highlights its financial health, prompting investors to closely monitor historical earnings data and future financial performance to make more informed investment choices.
- Earnings Growth: First Busey reported Q1 adjusted earnings of $0.67 per diluted share, a significant increase from $0.00 in the same period last year, indicating robust performance and improved profitability.
- Market Reaction: This earnings growth may bolster investor confidence in First Busey, potentially driving its stock price higher and solidifying its position in the financial services sector.
- Business Strategy: The company successfully enhanced profitability through operational optimization and cost control measures, demonstrating its agility in a competitive market environment.
- Future Outlook: With economic recovery and rising interest rates, First Busey is poised to continue achieving earnings growth in the coming quarters, further strengthening its market competitiveness.

- Profitability Improvement: First Busey reported a net income of $50 million for Q1 2026, with adjusted EPS of $0.67, reflecting a 17.5% year-over-year increase, which significantly boosts investor confidence in the company's financial health.
- Return on Assets Enhancement: The adjusted return on average assets (ROAA) improved to 1.42%, up 33 basis points year-over-year, indicating effective asset management strategies that strengthen the company's market position.
- Effective Cost Control: The efficiency ratio improved by 390 basis points to 54.8% due to synergies from the CrossFirst acquisition, demonstrating significant success in cost management that enhances overall profitability.
- Strong Capital Adequacy: As of March 31, 2026, the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets ratio stood at 12.31%, maintaining robust capital levels even after $65.6 million in share repurchases, providing a solid foundation for future growth.
- Preferred Stock Performance: First Busey Corp's RPRSTG 8.25% Fixed Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (Ticker: BUSEP) is trading flat on Monday, indicating market confidence in its stability.
- Common Stock Dynamics: In contrast, the common shares (Ticker: BUSE) are down approximately 0.1%, reflecting a cautious market sentiment that could impact overall investor confidence.
- Dividend History: The historical dividend payments of this preferred stock demonstrate its stable income characteristics, attracting fixed-income investors and enhancing its appeal in the preferred stock market.
- Market Perspective: Despite fluctuations in the common stock's performance, the stability of the preferred shares may position them as a preferred choice for investors in uncertain market conditions, particularly within yield-seeking investment strategies.
- Significant Profit Growth: First Busey Corp's Q4 net income reached $56.16 million, with earnings per share (EPS) of $0.63, a substantial increase from last year's $28.11 million and $0.49 EPS, indicating a marked improvement in profitability.
- Adjusted Earnings Exceed Expectations: Excluding special items, the company reported adjusted earnings of $60.60 million, or $0.68 per share, surpassing analysts' expectations of $0.62, reflecting strong performance in its core business operations.
- Revenue Surge: The company's Q4 revenue rose 71.4% year-over-year to $200.25 million, up from $116.80 million last year, demonstrating a robust recovery in market demand and sales.
- Increased Market Confidence: The earnings beat has bolstered investor confidence in First Busey Corp, potentially leading to positive impacts on its future stock performance.
Third Quarter Profit: First Busey Corp. reported a third-quarter profit of $51.97 million, or $0.58 per share, an increase from $32.00 million, or $0.55 per share, in the previous year.
Adjusted Earnings: The company’s adjusted earnings for the period were $57.37 million, or $0.64 per share, surpassing analysts' expectations of $0.62 per share.
Revenue Growth: First Busey Corp. experienced a significant revenue increase of 67.1%, reaching $197.32 million compared to $118.08 million last year.
Earnings Summary: Key earnings figures include $51.97 million in earnings, $0.58 EPS, and $197.32 million in revenue, all showing positive growth compared to the previous year.










