First Busey beats Q4 adjusted EPS expectations

Overview

• U.S.-based bank's Q4 adjusted EPS beat analyst expectations

• Net interest margin expanded to 3.71%, driven by deposit cost control

• Company completed CrossFirst merger, boosting noninterest income

Outlook

• Company well positioned for 2026 with strong capital and liquidity

• Company continues strategic reduction of high-cost, non-relationship deposits

• Company expects seasonal inflows of public funds in Q2 and Q3 2026

Result Drivers

• DEPOSIT COST CONTROL - Net interest margin expanded to 3.71%, driven by effective deposit cost control

• WEALTH MANAGEMENT INCOME - Record quarter for wealth management fee income due to strong investment performance and positive net flows

• DEPOSIT STRATEGY - Strategic reduction of high-cost, non-relationship deposits led to a decrease in total deposits

Key Details

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 4 "strong buy" or "buy", 3 "hold" and no "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the banks peer group is "buy"

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for First Busey Corp is $26.00, about 5.2% above its January 26 closing price of $24.72

• The stock recently traded at 10 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 9 three months ago

Press Release: ID:nGNX3Lsbyz

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