MetaCap

Bank First (BFC) vs First Busey (BUSE)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

First Busey (BUSE) has outperformed Bank First (BFC) over the past year, gaining 25.0% versus a gain of 12.1%. Over five years, BFC leads with a +110.6% price change compared with +14.1% for BUSE. First Busey is the larger company by market cap ($2.40 billion vs $1.63 billion), about 1.5 times the size.

On valuation, First Busey trades at a lower forward P/E (10.6x vs 12.4x for Bank First). First Busey offers the higher dividend yield (3.51% vs 1.32%). Bank First converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 41.1% versus 18.8%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

BFC+12.11%BUSE+25.03%
+37%+13%-12%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
BFC+111.70%BUSE+13.08%
+134%+46%-41%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

BFC versus BUSE key metrics
MetricBFCBUSE
Share price$147.48$29.06
Market cap$1.63B$2.40B
1-day change-0.34%-0.55%
YTD return+21.47%+22.82%
1-year return+12.11%+25.03%
5-year return+110.59%+14.10%
P/E ratio (TTM)19.1812.01
Forward P/E12.3610.61
EPS (TTM)$7.69$2.42
Dividend yield1.32%3.51%
Annual dividend$1.95$1.02
Revenue (latest FY)$173.88M$719.58M
Revenue growth (YoY)+10.41%+55.66%
Net income (latest FY)$71.50M$135.26M
Net margin41.12%18.80%
52-week high$159.10$31.70
52-week low$119.08$22.00
Distance from 52-week high-7.31%-8.33%
Analyst consensusnonebuy
Avg. price target upside+10.53%+11.60%
Average volume77.73K776.19K
Shares outstanding11.09M82.58M
Employees5541,833
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryMajor BanksMajor Banks

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • BUSE has outperformed BFC by 12.9 percentage points over the past year.
  • Bank First trades at a higher earnings multiple (19.2x vs 12.0x trailing P/E).
  • First Busey offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.51% vs 1.32%).
  • Bank First is more profitable, keeping 41.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 18.8 cents for First Busey.
  • First Busey grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+55.66% vs +10.41%).

About Bank First

BFC stock →

Bank First Corporation operates as a holding company for Bank First, N.A. that provides consumer and commercial financial services to businesses, professionals, and consumers, in Wisconsin.

Finance · Major Banks · 554 employees

About First Busey

BUSE stock →

First Busey Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Busey Bank that engages in the provision of retail and commercial banking products and services to individual, corporate, institutional, and governmental customers in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and FirsTech.

Finance · Major Banks · 1,833 employees

BFC vs BUSE FAQ

Which is bigger, Bank First or First Busey?

First Busey (BUSE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.40B compared with $1.63B for Bank First (BFC).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, BFC or BUSE?

BUSE returned +25.03% over the past 12 months, compared with +12.11% for BFC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, BFC or BUSE?

BUSE has the lower trailing P/E at 12.0, versus 19.2 for BFC. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, Bank First or First Busey?

First Busey has the higher yield at 3.51%, compared with 1.32% for Bank First.

Are Bank First and First Busey in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.

More comparisons