First Busey (BUSE) Q4 2025 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved record profitability in 4Q25, with adjusted ROAA of 1.41% and efficiency ratio of 55.0%, up from 1.02% and 61.8% in 4Q24, respectively.

• Adjusted diluted EPS rose to $0.68, and adjusted net income to common shareholders reached $61 million, both up sequentially and year-over-year.

• Wealth management segment delivered record revenue and assets under care, with AUC up $1.8 billion YoY to $15.7 billion.

• Tangible book value per share increased 13% YoY, with $70 million returned to shareholders via repurchases in 2025.

• Leadership changes included the immediate separation of Michael J. Maddox and new executive appointments.

Financial highlights

• Total operating revenue for 4Q25 was $201 million, up 4.4% QoQ; net interest income was $158 million, up 1.6% QoQ.

• Net interest margin expanded to 3.71%, up 13 bps QoQ and 76 bps YoY.

• Adjusted pre-provision net revenue was $85 million, and adjusted ROATCE was 13.58%.

• Total assets stood at $18.1 billion, loans at $13.6 billion, and deposits at $14.9 billion at year-end.

• Allowance for credit losses to loans was 1.28%.

Outlook and guidance

• Expectation for seasonal public fund deposit inflows in 2Q26 and 3Q26.

• Continued focus on organic growth in high-growth markets and leveraging recent acquisitions for synergy realization.

• Branch network efficiency and further optimization of funding costs remain priorities.

• Well positioned for 2026 with robust capital, liquidity, and disciplined risk management.

• Full realization of $25 million in annual pre-tax expense synergies from the CrossFirst acquisition expected in 2026.