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First Busey Corp(BUSE)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$28.67
11/05/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for BUSE

11/05/2026: BUSE (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

First Busey Corporation is a Midwest-focused regional bank that distinguishes itself through a balanced business model including banking, wealth management, and a specialized payment processing segment. The company has a stable, conservative history of organic growth bolstered by targeted regional acquisitions. Its primary strength lies in its diversified revenue streams and deep-rooted community relationships, which provide a buffer during economic cycles. However, the company faces risks from Midwestern economic concentration and intense competition from larger regional and national peers. The stock is generally well-suited for value-oriented and dividend-seeking investors who are looking for a reliable, though moderate-growth, financial services firm to monitor over the long term.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitThe company is a mature regional bank with steady, moderate growth prospects rather than high-growth potential.
Momentum investorWeak fitThe stock typically exhibits value-oriented characteristics rather than strong price momentum trends.
Value investorStrong fitThe company is often traded at valuation multiples consistent with traditional regional bank value metrics.
Dividend investorStrong fitThe company maintains a reliable dividend policy, making it suitable for income-focused portfolios.
Low-risk investorMixed fitWhile more stable than high-growth sectors, it remains susceptible to banking industry volatility and regional economic shifts.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMediumRegional bank stocks can be volatile during interest rate cycles or economic downturns.
Valuation riskLowThe stock is generally priced based on traditional fundamental metrics, limiting extreme overvaluation risk.
Competition risk (banking competition)Medium / highIntense competition for deposits and loans from larger and peer banks limits pricing power.
Business qualityMediumThe company has a solid, established franchise but lacks the scale of dominant national players.
Dividend incomeLowThe dividend is relatively stable, though not immune to financial stress scenarios.
Execution riskMediumSuccess depends on the integration of acquisitions and the growth of the FirsTech segment.

Price Behavior

Rolling Over
PRICE PATH

Rolling Over

The price momentum is slowing down and beginning to turn downward.

Smooth
PRICE STABILITY

Smooth

The stock has moved along a generally orderly path with only modest fluctuations.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -21.77%
Avg. Invested days 38
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/05/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
BUSE receives a 4-star rating, supported by solid unit economics, and solid company fundamentals. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
BUSE has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with moderate financial health, solid growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, solid earnings growth (+19.0%) and strong cash generation (FCF margin 16.6%) are partially offset by modest insider ownership of 4.35%.

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
BUSE's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (16.6% of revenue). Liquidity is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Revenue growth is BUSE's strongest growth driver at +57.6% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, earnings growth (+19.0%, solid) is also solid, while free-cash-flow growth (+1.1%, moderate) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 69.7% and approximately 95.2% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 4.35% provides only moderate management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 9.46%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 6.27%
Wellington Management Company LLP 5.89%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 4.36%
State Street Corp 4.20%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
BUSE generates approximately $639 of gross profit, $179 of operating income, and $166 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Solid margins and strong cash conversion support the rating, although capital efficiency remains soft.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 27.53%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
BUSE has a liquid, relatively low-volatility profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedLow VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 2.42B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 11.99
1Y Target Price 31.83
Price to earnings Ratio 11.99
1Y Target Price 31.83
Volume (30-day avg) 857.7K shares
Beta 0.75
52 Weeks Range 21.31 - 31.43
Updated Date 11/04/2026
52 Weeks Range 21.31 - 31.43
Updated Date 11/04/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 3.57%
Basic EPS (TTM) 2.45

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Commercial & Retail BankingInterest earned on loans and securities; fees for banking services.This is the core engine, generating profit from the spread between interest collected on loans and interest paid on deposits.
Wealth ManagementAsset management and trust services fees.Provides recurring, fee-based revenue that is less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations.
Payment Processing (FirsTech)Transactional fees from billing and payment services.A unique, growing technology niche that provides a steady stream of non-interest income.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-27
When After Market
Estimate 0.67
Actual 0.63

Profitability

Profit Margin 28.05%
Operating Margin (TTM) 42.39%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 1.25%
Return on Equity (TTM) 9.77%

Valuation

Trailing PE 11.99
Forward PE 10.36
Enterprise Value 1.94B
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.96
Enterprise Value 1.94B
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.96
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.45
Enterprise Value to EBITDA -
Shares Outstanding 82.58M
Shares Floating 78.65M
Shares Outstanding 82.58M
Shares Floating 78.65M
Percent Insiders 4.35
Percent Institutions 69.74

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.