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First Busey Posts Strong Q1 2026 Earnings Recovery

Story Highlights
  • First Busey’s Q1 2026 results showed strong adjusted profitability, with EPS up year over year and margins expanding despite a lower GAAP net income versus the prior quarter.
  • Integration-related costs from the CrossFirst acquisition lifted expenses but also produced efficiency gains, while capital and credit strength left the bank well positioned for growth and shareholder returns.
  • Looking for the best stocks to buy? Follow the recommendations of top-performing analysts.
First Busey Posts Strong Q1 2026 Earnings Recovery

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First Busey ( (BUSE) ) has issued an update.

On April 28, 2026, First Busey reported first-quarter 2026 net income of $50.0 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, versus $60.8 million in the prior quarter and a $30.0 million loss a year earlier, reflecting a sharp recovery from 2025. Adjusted net income rose to $58.6 million, or $0.67 per share, with adjusted return on average assets at 1.42% and adjusted return on average tangible common equity at 14.12%, supported by a net interest margin of 3.77% and record wealth management fee income.

Management highlighted that expenses were temporarily elevated due to integration and personnel costs tied to the CrossFirst acquisition and an executive departure, even as additional merger synergies helped improve the efficiency ratio to 54.8%. Capital and credit metrics remained solid, with a 12.31% Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, tangible book value per share up 8.2% year over year, seasonal declines in loans and deposits, and a 14% quarter-over-quarter drop in non-performing assets, positioning the bank to pursue growth and shareholder returns in a volatile macro environment.

The most recent analyst rating on (BUSE) stock is a Hold with a $27.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Busey stock, see the BUSE Stock Forecast page.

Spark’s Take on BUSE Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, BUSE is a Outperform.

BUSE scores well primarily on stable financial fundamentals (improving leverage and strong cash conversion) but is held back by declining profitability and ROE. Technicals are supportive with a bullish trend, though momentum is somewhat extended. Valuation is reasonable with an attractive dividend yield, while corporate events are net positive (dividends) but include near-term one-time costs tied to leadership changes.

To see Spark’s full report on BUSE stock, click here.

More about First Busey

First Busey Corporation, headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, operates as a regional financial services holding company whose primary business is commercial and consumer banking, along with wealth management services. The company focuses on net interest income, fee-based wealth management revenue and disciplined expense control to drive profitability and returns on tangible common equity.

Average Trading Volume: 638,494

Technical Sentiment Signal: Buy

Current Market Cap: $2.26B

Find detailed analytics on BUSE stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.

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