First Busey Corp: Form 10-Q for the period ended Jun 30, 2026

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 62

SCOPE OF DISCUSSION

The following discussion and analysis are intended to assist readers in understanding Busey’s financial condition and results of operations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, and should be read in conjunction with Busey’s Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and the related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) included in this Quarterly Report, as well as Busey's 2025 Annual Report.

BUSINESS

First Busey Corporation is an $18.19 billion financial holding company headquartered in Leawood, Kansas. First Busey’s common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE,” and its depositary shares of Series B Preferred Stock are traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSEP.”

Busey provides a full range of banking, wealth management, and payment technology solutions to individuals and corporate clients through its subsidiaries, Busey Bank and FirsTech.

Banking Center Markets

Busey Bank, headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, serves the banking needs of its customers through 80 banking centers located across five geographical regions and verticals spanning 10 states.

East Region – Busey Bank serves its East Region through 17 banking centers in the suburban Chicago market and three banking centers located in southwest Florida.

Midwest Region – Busey Bank serves its Midwest Region through 21 banking centers in central Illinois, including six in the Chicago MSA; 20 banking centers in the St. Louis MSA, including eight banking centers in eastern Missouri and 12 banking centers in western Illinois; and one banking center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Central Region – Busey Bank serves its Central Region through three banking centers in the Kansas City MSA, including two locations in Leawood, Kansas and one in Kansas City, Missouri; one banking center in Wichita, Kansas; and three banking centers in Oklahoma, including two in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa.

Texas Region – Busey Bank serves its Texas Region through four banking centers across the Dallas-Fort Worth MSA, including locations in Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth, Texas.

West Region – Busey Bank serves its West region through three banking centers in Arizona, located in Phoenix and Tucson; three banking centers in Colorado, located in Denver and Colorado Springs; and one banking center in Clayton, New Mexico.

Verticals – Transcending geographical boundaries, Busey operates in several industry verticals, including Life Equity Lending, Structured Finance, Energy Banking, and SBA Lending.

Busey's Conservative Banking Strategy

Busey’s financial strength is built on a long-term conservative operating approach. The quality of Busey’s core deposit1 franchise is a critical value driver of the institution. Busey remains substantially core deposit funded, with robust liquidity. As of June 30, 2026, Busey’s loan to deposit ratio was 87.2% and core deposits represented 93.7% of total deposits. Busey maintains sufficient on- and off-balance sheet liquidity to manage deposit fluctuations and the liquidity needs of its customers.

Busey’s credit performance reflects its highly diversified, conservatively underwritten loan portfolio. Busey’s approach to lending and its underwriting standards are designed to emphasize relationship banking rather than transactional banking. In addition, as a matter of both policy and practice, Busey limits concentration exposures in any particular loan segment.

Busey’s conservative banking strategy is reflected in the strength of its capital base. Busey strives to consistently maintain capital ratios well in excess of thresholds required to be designated as well capitalized by applicable regulatory guidelines, thereby ensuring financial strength and flexibility across economic and operating cycles. As of June 30, 2026, Busey’s leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets was 11.9%, its common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets ratio was 12.5%, and its total capital to risk weighted assets ratio was 16.1%.

Business Combinations

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.

On March 1, 2025, Busey completed its acquisition of CrossFirst and its wholly-owned subsidiary, CrossFirst Bank. This transformative partnership helped create a premier commercial bank spanning 10 states.

CrossFirst Bank’s results of operations were included in Busey’s results of operations beginning March 1, 2025. First Busey operated CrossFirst Bank as a separate banking subsidiary until it was merged with and into Busey Bank on June 20, 2025. At the time of the bank merger, CrossFirst Bank’s banking centers became banking centers of Busey Bank.

Further information regarding Busey’s acquisitions is provided in Note 2. Business Combinations in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

1 Core deposits is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this MD&A.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2026

Net Income

Results of Busey’s operations, by operating segment, are presented below:

(dollars in thousands)

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Non-GAAP Adjusting Items and Non-GAAP Measures

Busey views certain non-operating items, including acquisition-related expenses, restructuring charges, and nonrecurring strategic events, as adjustments to net income reported under GAAP. Busey also adjusts for net securities gains and losses to align with industry and research analyst reporting. The objective of Busey’s presentation of adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings metrics is to allow investors and analysts to more clearly identify quarterly trends in core earnings performance. Pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

1. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, Busey sold available for sale debt securities with a book value of approximately $205.6 million for a pre-tax loss of $15.5 million and related estimated tax benefit of $4.3 million, as part of a balance sheet repositioning strategy.

2. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, Busey’s recorded expense for the initial provision for credit losses consisting of a Day 2 provision for loan losses of $42.4 million, and a Day 2 provision for unfunded commitments of $3.1 million. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, Busey recorded a $4.0 million adjustment to the initial provision for unfunded commitments for CrossFirst acquisition-date balances based on revised estimates resulting from implementation of a new CECL model.

3. Other acquisition expenses related to the acquisition of CrossFirst, which was completed on March 1, 2025. Final expenses for the acquisition of M&M were also included for 2025.

4. Restructuring expenses were incurred in connection with the execution on additional synergies related to the CrossFirst acquisition and also in connection with the previously announced departure of Michael J. Maddox in the first quarter of 2026.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures, which Busey believes facilitates the assessment of its financial results and peer comparability, is included in tabular form in this MD&A. See “Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

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Operating Performance Metrics

Operating performance metrics presented in the table below have been derived from information used by management to monitor and manage Busey’s financial performance:

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information,” included in this MD&A.

2. Annualized measure.

3. Beginning in 2026, Busey revised, for all periods presented, its calculation of return on average tangible common equity and adjusted return on average tangible common equity to eliminate the effects of intangible asset amortization from the numerator of both calculations.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income and fees earned on loans and investments (“interest-earning assets”) and interest expense incurred on deposits and borrowings (“interest-bearing liabilities”). Interest rate levels and volume fluctuations within interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities impact net interest income. Net interest margin is tax-equivalent net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.

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Certain assets with tax favorable treatment are evaluated on a tax-equivalent basis, assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. Tax favorable assets generally have lower contractual pre-tax yields than fully taxable assets. A tax-equivalent analysis is performed by adding the tax savings to the earnings on tax favorable assets. After factoring in the tax favorable effects of these assets, the yields may be more appropriately evaluated against alternative earning assets. In addition to yield, various other risks are factored into the evaluation process.

Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rates

The table below presents Busey’s Consolidated Average Balance Sheets, summarizing average balances for each major category of assets and liabilities, the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, the interest expense paid for interest-bearing liabilities, and the related interest yields for the periods indicated. Average information is provided on a daily average basis:

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

1. On a tax-equivalent basis and assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this MD&A.

2. Non-accrual loans are included in average portfolio loans.

3. Interest income includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $0.8 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2026, and the three months ended June 30, 2025.

4. Includes short-term and long-term borrowings. Interest expense includes non-usage fees on a revolving loan.

5. Annualized.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

1. On a tax-equivalent basis and assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this MD&A.

2. Non-accrual loans have been included in average portfolio loans.

3. Interest income includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $1.7 million and $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively.

4. Includes short-term and long-term borrowings. Interest expense includes non-usage fees on a revolving loan.

5. Annualized.

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Notable changes in average assets and average liabilities are summarized as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

(dollars in thousands)

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Changes in net interest income and net interest margin are summarized as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

(dollars in thousands)

1. Assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this MD&A.

2. Net interest income expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, stated on a tax-equivalent basis.

Busey continues to evaluate and execute off-balance sheet hedging and balance sheet strategies as well as embedding rate protection in asset originations to provide consistent and predictable net interest income performance across different interest rate environments. Busey continues strategic efforts to grow core customer deposits.

Net interest spread represents the difference between the average rate earned on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and is presented in the table below:

1. Net interest spread is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis.

Annualized net interest margins for the quarterly periods indicated were as follows:

Management attempts to mitigate the effects of an unpredictable interest-rate environment through effective portfolio management, prudent loan underwriting and pricing discipline, and operational efficiencies. For a description of accounting policies underlying the recognition of interest income and expense, refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Busey’s 2025 Annual Report.

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Noninterest Income

Changes in noninterest income are summarized in the tables below:

(dollars in thousands)

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

Total noninterest income provided $44.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, a decrease of 1.2% from the comparable period in 2025, resulting in part from declines in unrealized net gains on securities, which were elevated in the second quarter of 2025 due to Busey’s equity ownership in a financial institution that was the target of an announced acquisition at a significant market premium. Total noninterest income provided $86.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, an increase of 31.0% from the comparable period in 2025. Whereas the six months ended June 30, 2026, included six months of income as a larger organization after the acquisition of CrossFirst, the six months ended June 30, 2025, included only four months of income from CrossFirst following the acquisition, which was completed on March 1, 2025. The six months ended June 30, 2025, also included $15.5 million in net securities losses that were recorded in connection with a strategic balance sheet repositioning.

Wealth management fees provided income of $20.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 19.1% from the comparable period in 2025, and provided income of $39.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 15.3% from the comparable period for 2025, primarily due to increases in trust fee income. Busey’s Wealth Management division ended the second quarter of 2026 with $16.51 billion in assets under care, an increase of 17.0% compared to the balance on June 30, 2025. Busey’s portfolio management team continues to focus on long-term returns and managing risk in the face of volatile markets.

Payment technology solutions income is derived from Busey’s payment processing company, FirsTech. Payment technology solutions provided income of $5.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 0.2% from the comparable period in 2025, and provided income of $10.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 0.2% from the comparable period in 2025, primarily due to increases in income from lockbox and merchant processing services.

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Treasury management services, which consist primarily of business analysis and domestic wire transfers on commercial accounts, provided income of $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 4.8% from the comparable period in 2025, and provided income of $9.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 24.8% from the comparable period in 2025. Growth in treasury management services was primarily attributable to increased income from business analysis.

Capital markets income, which consists primarily of swap origination fees, foreign wire transfer fees on commercial accounts, syndication fees, and letter of credit fees, provided income of $1.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 49.2% from the comparable period in 2025, primarily due to increases in income from swap origination fees and letter of credit fees. Capital markets income provided $4.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 64.5% from the comparable period in 2025, primarily due to increases in income from swap origination fees and syndication fees.

Card services and ATM fees, which include both commercial and consumer accounts, provided income of $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 1.4% from the comparable period in 2025, and provided income of $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 10.1% from the comparable period in 2025, primarily due to fluctuations in income from interchange fees.

Other service charges on deposit accounts provided income of $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 7.0% from the comparable period in 2025, and provided income of $2.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 4.4% from the comparable period in 2025. Declines were largely related to lower non-sufficient fund charges.

Income on bank owned life insurance provided $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 6.2% from the comparable period in 2025. The decline was attributable to a decrease of $0.1 million in earnings on death proceeds, partially offset by an immaterial increase on the cash surrender value of the policies. Income on bank owned life insurance provided $3.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 1.9% from the comparable period in 2025, as a result of an increase of over $0.4 million on the cash surrender value of the policies, largely offset by a decrease of nearly $0.4 million in earnings on death proceeds.

Net securities gains of $2.4 million were recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 59.2% from net securities gains recognized during the comparable period in 2025, as a result of declines in unrealized net gains on securities, which were elevated in the second quarter of 2025 due to Busey’s approximately 3% equity ownership in a financial institution that was the target of an announced acquisition at a significant market premium. Net securities gains of $1.5 million were recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 115.4% over net securities losses recognized during the comparable period in 2025. Losses were realized during the six months ended June 30, 2025, in connection with a strategic balance sheet repositioning completed during the first quarter of 2025.

Other noninterest income provided $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 24.3% from the comparable period in 2025, and provided $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 4.6% from the comparable period in 2025. Decreases were primarily attributable to fluctuations in income recognized on private equity investments and mortgage revenue.

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Noninterest Expense

Changes in noninterest expense are summarized in the tables below:

(dollars in thousands)

1. Beginning in 2026, Busey now reports a single efficiency ratio, which was previously reported as the “adjusted efficiency ratio.” The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial GAAP measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this MD&A.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

1. Beginning in 2026, Busey now reports a single efficiency ratio, which was previously reported as the “adjusted efficiency ratio.” The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial GAAP measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this MD&A.

Total noninterest expense was $112.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 11.9% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, adjusted noninterest expense2 totaled $109.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 1.5% from the comparable period in 2025. Declines were primarily attributable to reductions in salaries and employee benefits and data processing. Total noninterest expense was $242.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 1.0% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, adjusted noninterest expense totaled $222.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 12.7% from the comparable period in 2025. Growth in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to increased expenses associated with Busey’s larger organization and expanded branch network, which affected the full first half of 2026, but only four months of the first half of 2025 following the acquisition of CrossFirst on March 1, 2025.

2 Adjusted noninterest expense is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this MD&A.

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Salaries and employee benefits totaled $67.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 13.6% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, which include severance, retention, and stock-based compensation expenses related to the CrossFirst acquisition, these expenses totaled $65.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 1.8% from the comparable period in 2025. Busey’s associate base declined by 117 full-time equivalent associates, from 1,950 at June 30, 2025 to 1,833 at June 30, 2026. Salaries and employee benefits totaled $152.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 4.8% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, these expenses totaled $134.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 13.7% from the comparable period in 2025. Busey’s associate base and footprint broadened in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, which was completed March 1, 2025, affecting four months during the first half of 2025 compared to six months during the first half of 2026.

Data processing expense totaled $8.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 36.8% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, data processing expense totaled $8.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 11.8% from the comparable period in 2025. Data processing expense totaled $18.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 20.6% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, data processing expense totaled $18.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 7.6% from the comparable period in 2025. Increases were primarily attributable to Company-wide investments in technology enhancements, as well as inflation-driven price increases.

Combined, net occupancy expense of premises and furniture and equipment expense totaled $10.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 0.5% from the comparable period in 2025. Combined, net occupancy expense of premises and furniture and equipment expense totaled $20.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 12.5% from the comparable period in 2025. Primary cost drivers in these expense categories include lease costs, repairs and maintenance, depreciation expense, real estate taxes, and utilities. Expense growth for the six months ended June 30, 2026, over the comparable period in 2025, resulted primarily from the addition of banking centers assumed in the CrossFirst acquisition, as well as new banking centers opened in 2025 and 2026.

Professional fees totaled $3.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 5.8% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, professional fees totaled $2.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 8.6% from the comparable period in 2025. Professional fees totaled $6.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 49.3% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, professional fees totaled $5.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 14.3% from the comparable period in 2025. Changes in professional fees were primarily related to legal and consulting expenses.

Amortization of intangible assets totaled $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 7.8% from the comparable period in 2025, and totaled $8.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 11.0% from the comparable period for 2025. The CrossFirst acquisition added an estimated $81.8 million of finite-lived intangible assets. Busey uses an accelerated amortization methodology.

Interchange expense totaled $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 15.5% from the comparable period in 2025, and totaled $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 16.2% from the comparable period in 2025. Fluctuations in interchange expense relate to payment and volume activity at FirsTech.

FDIC insurance expense totaled $2.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing a decrease of 3.1% from the comparable period in 2025, and totaled $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 4.6% from the comparable period in 2025.

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Other noninterest expense totaled $15.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 8.3% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, these expenses totaled $14.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 11.7% from the comparable period in 2025. Other noninterest expense totaled $28.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 13.5% from the comparable period in 2025. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, these expenses totaled $27.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing an increase of 16.6% from the comparable period in 2025. Significant drivers of the changes in other noninterest expense included marketing, business development, and card service fees.

Efficiency Ratio

The efficiency ratio3, which is a measure commonly used by management and the banking industry, measures the amount of expense incurred to generate a dollar of revenue. Busey’s efficiency ratio was 54.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to 55.3% for the same period in 2025, and was 54.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to 56.7% for the same period in 2025.

Taxes

Busey’s effective income tax rate was 22.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2026, and 22.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2026. Busey’s effective income tax rates were lower than the combined federal and state statutory rate of approximately 26.0% primarily as a result of investments in federal transferrable income tax credits, tax exempt interest income, apportionment changes, and discrete adjustments related to equity award vestings. Busey continues to monitor evolving federal and state tax legislation and its potential impact on operations on an ongoing basis. As of June 30, 2026, Busey was under examination by the Illinois Department of Revenue for M&M’s tax filings for the tax years 2022 and 2023.

3 The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this MD&A.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

Balance Sheet

Changes in significant items on Busey’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized in the table below:

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Loans

Busey believes that making sound and profitable loans is a necessary and desirable means of employing funds available for investment. Busey maintains lending policies and procedures designed to focus lending efforts on the types, locations, and duration of loans most appropriate for its business model and markets. While not specifically limited, Busey attempts to focus its lending on short to intermediate-term loans (0-10 years) in states where Busey maintains lending offices. Busey attempts to utilize government-assisted lending programs, such as the SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture lending programs, when prudent. Generally, loans are collateralized by assets, primarily real estate, and guaranteed by individuals. Loans are expected to be repaid primarily from cash flows of the borrowers or from proceeds from the sale of selected assets of the borrowers.

Management reviews and approves Busey Bank’s lending policies and procedures on a regular basis. Management routinely—at least quarterly—reviews the ACL in conjunction with reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, non-performing loans, and potential problem loans. Busey’s underwriting standards are designed to encourage relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Relationship banking implies a primary banking relationship with the borrower that includes, at a minimum, an active deposit banking relationship in addition to the lending relationship. Significant underwriting factors in addition to location, duration, a sound and profitable cash flow basis, and the borrower’s character, include the quality of the borrower’s financial history, the liquidity of the underlying collateral, and the reliability of the valuation of the underlying collateral.

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At no time is a borrower’s total borrowing relationship permitted to exceed Busey Bank’s regulatory lending limit. Busey generally limits such relationships to amounts substantially less than the regulatory limit. Loans to related parties, including loans to Busey’s executive officers and directors, are reviewed for compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Busey maintains an independent loan review department that reviews loans for compliance with Busey’s loan policy on a periodic basis. In addition, the loan review department reviews risk assessments made by Busey’s credit department, lenders, and loan committees. Results of these reviews are presented to management and the audit committee at least quarterly.

Busey Bank’s lending can be summarized into five primary lending activities, which can be further categorized as either commercial or retail lending. Commercial lending activities consist of C&I and other commercial loans, CRE loans, and real estate construction loans while retail lending activities consist of retail real estate loans and retail other loans. A description of each of the five primary lending activities can be found in “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio Loans” of Busey’s 2025 Annual Report.

Portfolio Composition

The composition of Busey’s loan portfolio as of the dates indicated, as well as changes in portfolio loan balances, were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

Continuing heavy payoff headwinds contributed to anticipated declines in portfolio loan balances during the six months ended June 30, 2026.

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Concentration of Credit Risk

As a matter of policy and practice, Busey limits the level of concentration exposure in any particular loan segment with the goal of maintaining a well-diversified loan portfolio. The following table presents the percentage of total portfolio loans for each lending activity:

Busey Bank originates loans across its regional operating model and through its specialty product lines, as described below:

• East – Suburban Chicago markets and southwest Florida
• Midwest – Central Illinois, the St. Louis MSA, and Indianapolis, Indiana
• Central – The Kansas City MSA, central Kansas, and Oklahoma
• Texas – The Dallas-Fort Worth MSA
• West – Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona
• Verticals – Busey’s Life Equity Lending, Structured Finance, Energy Banking, and SBA Lending products

The distribution of Busey Bank loans outstanding that were originated in each of these markets is presented in the tables below:

(dollars in thousands)

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

1. In 2026, Busey moved all of its banking centers in the St. Louis MSA from its East region to its Midwest region. In addition, Busey adjusted its methodology for allocation of purchase accounting, loan fees, and clearings. For comparative purposes, the table above reflects these changes applied to Busey’s 2025 loan balances.

Commercial Real Estate Loans

CRE loans comprised 41.3% of Busey’s total loan portfolio as of June 30, 2026, and CRE properties were 26.3% owner occupied. Owner occupied commercial real estate is generally dependent on the performance of the borrowers’ businesses, whereas non-owner occupied commercial real estate is generally reliant on property cash flows generated by third-party tenants.

(dollars in thousands)

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CRE loans are made across a variety of industries, as depicted in the table below. Balances reflected in the table below do not include loan origination fees or costs, purchase accounting adjustments, SBA discounts, or negative escrow amounts.

(dollars in thousands)

Allowance for Credit Losses and Provision for Loan Losses

The ACL is a significant estimate on Busey’s unaudited consolidated financial statements, affecting both earnings and capital. The ACL is recorded in accordance with GAAP to provide an adequate reserve for expected credit losses that is reflective of management’s best estimate of what is expected to be collected. Estimates of credit losses are based on a careful consideration of all significant factors affecting the collectability as of the evaluation date. The ACL is established through the provision for loan losses, charged to income. Provision expenses for loan losses were recorded as follows:

1. The six months ended June 30, 2025, included $42.4 million of provision for loan losses expense recorded to establish an initial allowance for non-PCD loans immediately following the close of the CrossFirst acquisition in accordance with ASC 326-20-30-15.

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The ACL and the ratio of ACL to portfolio loan balances is presented below by lending activity:

(dollars in thousands)

As of June 30, 2026, Busey management believed the level of the allowance to be appropriate based upon the information available. However, additional losses may be identified in the loan portfolio as new information is obtained. Factors that influence Busey’s calculation of its ACL include changes in economic conditions and forecasts, originated and acquired loan portfolio composition, credit performance trends, portfolio duration, and other factors.

Non-Performing Loans and Non-Performing Assets

Loans are considered past due if the required principal or interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory guidelines. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Typically, loans are secured by collateral. When a loan is classified as non-accrual and determined to be collateral dependent, it is appropriately reserved or charged down through the ACL to the fair value of Busey’s interest in the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. Busey’s loan portfolio is collateralized primarily by real estate.

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 85

The following table sets forth information concerning non-performing assets and asset quality ratios:

(dollars in thousands)

Asset quality continues to be strong. Busey Bank maintains a well-diversified loan portfolio and, as a matter of policy and practice, limits concentration exposure in any particular loan segment. Busey’s operating mandate and focus remain on emphasizing credit quality over asset growth.

Non-performing assets, which include non-performing loans, OREO, and other repossessed assets, increased to $70.3 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to $58.1 million as of December 31, 2025. Non-performing assets represented 0.39% of total assets as of June 30, 2026, compared to 0.32% as of December 31, 2025. The ACL was equal to 2.34 times the balance of non-performing assets as of June 30, 2026, compared to 2.99 times the balance of non-performing assets as of December 31, 2025.

Classified assets, which include non-performing assets and substandard loans, increased to $226.0 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to $174.5 million as of December 31, 2025. Classified assets represented 9.69% of the Bank’s Tier 1 capital and ACL at June 30, 2026, compared to 7.51% at December 31, 2025.

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 86

Asset quality metrics remain dependent upon market-specific economic conditions, and specific measures may fluctuate from period to period. If economic conditions were to deteriorate, Busey would expect the credit quality of its loan portfolio to decline and loan defaults to increase.

Potential Problem Loans

Potential problem loans are loans classified as substandard that are not individually evaluated, non-accrual, or 90+ days past due, but where current information indicates that the borrower may not be able to comply with loan repayment terms. Management assesses the potential for loss on such loans and considers the effect of any potential loss in determining its provision for expected credit losses. Potential problem loans increased to $155.7 million, or 1.2% of portfolio loans, as of June 30, 2026, compared to $116.4 million, or 0.9% of portfolio loans, as of December 31, 2025. Management continues to monitor these loans and work with the borrowers on restructurings, guarantees, additional collateral, or other planned actions. As of June 30, 2026, management identified no other loans that represent or result from trends or uncertainties that would be expected to materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital resources.

Deposits

Total deposits increased by 1.5% to $15.13 billion as of June 30, 2026, compared to $14.91 billion as of December 31, 2025. Busey focuses on deepening its customer relationships to maintain and protect its strong core deposit4 franchise. Core deposits include non-brokered transaction accounts, money market and savings deposit accounts, and time deposits of $250,000 or less. Core deposits represented 93.7% of total deposits as of June 30, 2026.

Deposits are federally insured up to the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000. When a portion of a deposit account exceeds the FDIC insurance limit, that portion is uninsured. Estimated uninsured deposits were $6.52 billion, or 43% of total deposits, as of June 30, 2026, compared to $6.46 billion, or 43% of total deposits, as of December 31, 2025. Excluding intercompany accounts, fully collateralized accounts (including preferred deposits), and pass-through accounts where clients have deposit insurance at the correspondent financial institution, the portion of Busey’s deposit base that was uninsured and not otherwise collateralized was estimated to be $5.30 billion, or 35% of total deposits, as of June 30, 2026, compared to $5.58 billion, or 37% of total deposits, as of December 31, 2025.

For additional information about Busey’s deposits, see “Note 6. Deposits.”

Liquidity

Liquidity management is the process by which Busey ensures that adequate liquid funds are available to meet the present and future cash flow obligations arising in the daily operations of its business. These financial obligations consist of needs for funds to meet commitments to borrowers for extensions of credit, fund capital expenditures, honor withdrawals by customers, pay dividends to stockholders, and pay operating expenses. Busey’s most liquid assets are cash and due from banks, interest-bearing bank deposits, and federal funds sold. Balances of these assets are dependent on Busey’s operating, investing, lending, and financing activities during any given period.

4 Core deposits is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

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Average liquid assets are summarized in the table below:

(dollars in thousands)

Unencumbered cash and securities on Busey’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized in the table below:

(dollars in thousands)

Busey’s primary sources of funds consist of deposits, investment maturities and sales, loan principal repayments, and capital funds. Additional liquidity is provided by the ability to borrow from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve Bank, and Busey’s revolving credit facility, as summarized in the table below:

(dollars in thousands)

Further, Busey could utilize brokered deposits as additional sources of liquidity, as needed.

As of June 30, 2026, management believed that adequate liquidity existed to meet all projected cash flow obligations. Busey seeks to achieve a satisfactory degree of liquidity by actively managing both assets and liabilities. Asset management guides the proportion of liquid assets to total assets, while liability management monitors future funding requirements and prices liabilities accordingly.

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 88

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

Busey Bank routinely enters into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. The balance of commitments to extend credit represents future cash requirements and some of these commitments may expire without being drawn upon.

The following table summarizes Busey’s outstanding commitments and reserves for unfunded commitments:

(dollars in thousands)

The following table summarizes Busey’s provision for unfunded commitments expenses (releases):

(dollars in thousands)

1. The six months ended June 30, 2025, included $7.2 million to establish an initial allowance for unfunded commitments in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, which included a $4.0 million adjustment to the initial provision for unfunded commitments that was recorded in the second quarter of 2025 resulting from the adoption of a new CECL model.

Busey anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet current loan commitments, including loan applications received and in process prior to the issuance of firm commitments.

Capital Resources

Busey’s capital ratios are in excess of those required to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to applicable regulatory guidelines. The Federal Reserve uses capital adequacy guidelines in its examination and regulation of bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks. Risk-based capital ratios are established by allocating assets and certain off-balance-sheet commitments into risk-weighted categories. These balances are then multiplied by the factor appropriate for that risk-weighted category. In order to avoid regulatory limits on dividends, equity repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments, banking institutions must maintain capital in excess of regulatory minimum capital requirements. The table below presents minimum capital ratios that include the capital conservation buffer in comparison to the capital ratios for Busey and Busey Bank as of June 30, 2026:

For further discussion of capital resources and requirements, see “Note 8. Regulatory Capital.”

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 89

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios, together with the related GAAP financial measures, in analysis of Busey’s performance and in making business decisions, as well as for comparison to Busey’s peers. Busey believes the adjusted measures are useful for investors and management to understand the effects of certain non-core and non-recurring noninterest items and provide additional perspective on Busey’s performance over time.

Non-GAAP disclosures have inherent limitations and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the results reported in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Tax effected numbers included in these non-GAAP disclosures are based on estimated federal income tax rates or effective tax rates as noted in the tables below.

The following tables present reconciliations between these non-GAAP measures and what management believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 90

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

Calculation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. The Day 2 provision represents the initial provision for credit losses recorded in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition to establish an allowance on non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments and is reflected within the provision for credit losses line on the Statements of Income (Unaudited).

2. In the second quarter of 2025, Busey recorded an adjustment to the initial provision for unfunded commitments for CrossFirst acquisition-date balances based on revised estimates resulting from implementation of a new CECL model.

3. Tax benefits were calculated using tax rates of 25.0% and 26.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively. Tax benefits for quarterly periods were calculated as the year-to-date tax amounts less the tax reported for previous quarters during the year.

4. A deferred tax valuation adjustment was recorded in the first quarter of 2025 in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition and the expansion of Busey’s footprint into new states. Additionally, 2025 included a write-off of deferred tax assets related to non-deductible compensation and acquisition-related expenses. Deferred tax adjustments are reflected within the income taxes line on the Statements of Income (Unaudited).

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 91

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

Calculation of Return On Average Assets, Return On Average Tangible Common Equity, and Related Adjusted Return Measures

(dollars in thousands)

1. Tax effects were calculated using income tax rates of 25.0% and 26.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively. Tax effects for quarterly periods were calculated as the year-to-date tax amounts less the tax reported for previous quarters during the year.

2. A reconciliation is provided in the previous table.

3. Annualized measure.

4. Beginning in 2026, Busey revised, for all periods presented, its calculation of return on average tangible common equity and adjusted return on average tangible common equity to eliminate the effects of intangible asset amortization from the numerator of both calculations.

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 92

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

Calculation of Net Interest Margin and Adjusted Net Interest Margin

(dollars in thousands)

1. Tax-equivalent adjustments were calculated using an estimated federal income tax rate of 21.0%, applied to non-taxable interest income on investments and loans.

2. Annualized measure.

Calculation of Pre-Provision Net Revenue and Related Measures

(dollars in thousands)

1. Annualized measure.

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RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

Calculation of Efficiency Ratio

(dollars in thousands)

1. Tax-equivalent adjustments were calculated using an estimated federal income tax rate of 21.0%, applied to non-taxable interest income on investments and loans.

2. Beginning in 2026, Busey changed the caption for this revenue measure, which was previously called “adjusted tax-equivalent revenue.” The calculation itself has not changed.

3. Beginning in 2026, to better align with industry standards, Busey revised its calculation of adjusted noninterest expense, for all periods presented, to exclude any adjustment for amortization of intangible assets.

4. Beginning in 2026, Busey changed the caption for the efficiency ratio numerator from “adjusted noninterest expense” to “adjusted noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets.” The calculation itself has not changed.

5. Beginning in 2026, Busey now reports a single efficiency ratio, which was previously reported as the “adjusted efficiency ratio.”

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 94

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

Calculation of Tangible Common Equity, and Related Measures and Ratio

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Calculation of Core Deposits and Related Ratio

(dollars in thousands)

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 95

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to Busey’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of Busey’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “position,” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Busey undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

A number of factors, many of which are beyond Busey’s ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (1) the strength of the local, state, national, and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures, the threat or implementation of tariffs, trade wars, and changes to immigration policy); (2) changes in, and the interpretation and prioritization of, local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and governmental policies (including those concerning Busey's general business); (3) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, military conflicts, acts of war or threats thereof, or other adverse external events that could increase levels of political and economic unpredictability, contribute to rising energy and commodity prices, affect global supply chains, increase the volatility of financial markets, and other matters beyond our control (including the conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine); (4) unexpected results of acquisitions, including the acquisition of CrossFirst, which may include the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that the transaction and integration costs may be greater than anticipated; (5) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by Busey's commercial borrowers; (6) the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative publicity about the banking industry, including investor and depositor sentiment regarding bank stability and liquidity; (7) new or revised accounting policies and practices as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory banking agencies, the FASB, the SEC, or the PCAOB; (8) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of Busey’s assets (including the impact of sustained elevated interest rates); (9) increased competition in the financial services sector (including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions, digital asset service providers, private credit, and fintech companies) and the inability to attract new customers; (10) technological changes implemented by us and other parties, including our third-party vendors, which may have unforeseen consequences to us and our customers, including the development and implementation of tools incorporating artificial intelligence; (11) the loss of key executives or associates, talent shortages, and employee turnover; (12) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation, investigations, or other legal proceedings, inquiries, and regulatory actions involving Busey (including with respect to First Busey’s Illinois franchise taxes); (13) fluctuations in the value of securities held in Busey’s securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (14) credit risk and risk from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral, and industry), within Busey's loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including CRE loans); (15) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (16) the level of non-performing assets on Busey’s balance sheets; (17) interruptions involving information technology and communications systems or third-party vendors; (18) breaches or failures of information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents; (19) the availability of future equity and debt issuances and other capital raising opportunities on favorable terms; (20) the economic impact on Busey and its customers of climate change, natural disasters, and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, and droughts; (21) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact Busey's cost of funds; (22) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (23) the effectiveness of Busey’s risk management framework; and (24) the ability of Busey to manage the risks associated with the foregoing. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

Additional information concerning Busey and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect Busey’s financial results, is included in Busey’s 2025 Annual Report.

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 96

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Busey’s most significant accounting policies are described in “Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies” of Busey’s 2025 Annual Report. Certain of these accounting policies require management to use significant judgment and estimates, which can have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. Busey considers these policies to be its critical accounting estimates. The judgment and assumptions made are based upon historical experience, future forecasts, or other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgment and assumptions, actual results could differ from estimates, which could have a material effect on Busey’s financial condition and results of operations.

For additional information regarding critical accounting estimates, see the section titled “Critical Accounting Estimates” included in Item 7 of Busey’s 2025 Annual Report. There have been no material changes in Busey’s application of critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2025.

Market risk is the risk of changes in asset values due to movements in underlying market rates and prices. Interest rate risk is a type of market risk to earnings and capital arising from movements in interest rates. Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk affecting Busey as other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, have a minimal impact or do not arise in the normal course of Busey’s business activities.

Busey has an asset-liability committee, whose policy is to meet at least quarterly, to review current market conditions and to structure the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) to optimize stability in net interest income in consideration of projected future changes in interest rates.

As interest rate changes do not impact all categories of assets and liabilities equally or simultaneously, the asset-liability committee primarily relies on balance sheet and income simulation analysis to determine the potential impact of changes in market interest rates on net interest income. In these standard simulation models, the balance sheet is projected over a one-year and a two-year time horizon and net interest income is calculated under current market rates and assuming permanent instantaneous shifts of +/-100 and +/-200 bps. The model assumes immediate and sustained shifts in the federal funds rate and other market rate indices and corresponding shifts in other non-market rate indices based on their historical changes relative to changes in the federal funds rate and other market indices. Assets and liabilities are assumed to remain constant as of the measurement date; variable-rate assets and liabilities are repriced based on repricing frequency; and prepayment speeds on loans are projected for both declining and rising rate environments.

Busey’s interest rate risk resulting from immediate and sustained changes in interest rates, expressed as a change in net interest income as a percentage of the net interest income calculated in the constant base model, was as follows:

Interest rate risk is monitored and managed within approved policy limits and any temporary exceptions to policy in periods of rapid rate movement are approved and documented. The calculation of potential effects of hypothetical interest rate changes is based on numerous assumptions and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Actual results would likely differ from simulated results due to the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and management strategies.

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 2026 Q2 — 97

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation of Busey’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, was carried out as of June 30, 2026, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and several other members of senior management. Based on this evaluation, Busey’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2026, Busey’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information First Busey is required to disclose in the reports First Busey files or submits under the Exchange Act was (1) accumulated and communicated to Busey’s management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (2) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

During the three months ended June 30, 2026, no change occurred in Busey’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Busey’s internal control over financial reporting.

There have been no material changes to the factors discussed in “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Busey’s 2025 Annual Report.