First Busey (BUSE) vs First Bancorp (FBNC)
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 First Bancorp (FBNC) over the past year, gaining 24.2% versus a gain of 17.5%. Over five years, FBNC leads with a +29.0% price change compared with +14.1% for BUSE. First Bancorp is the larger company by market cap ($2.45 billion vs $2.39 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while First Busey is growing revenue faster (+55.7% vs -3.6%).
On valuation, First Busey trades at a lower forward P/E (10.6x vs 11.7x for First Bancorp). First Busey offers the higher dividend yield (3.53% vs 1.59%). First Bancorp converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 164.2% versus 18.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BUSE | FBNC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $28.93 | $59.17 |
| Market cap | $2.39B | $2.45B |
| 1-day change | -0.99% | -0.94% |
| YTD return | +21.61% | +16.50% |
| 1-year return | +24.22% | +17.49% |
| 5-year return | +14.10% | +28.97% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 11.95 | 18.38 |
| Forward P/E | 10.56 | 11.74 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.42 | $3.22 |
| Dividend yield | 3.53% | 1.59% |
| Annual dividend | $1.02 | $0.94 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $719.58M | $67.62M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +55.66% | -3.57% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $135.26M | $111.05M |
| Net margin | 18.80% | 164.22% |
| 52-week high | $31.70 | $66.78 |
| 52-week low | $22.00 | $45.96 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -8.74% | -11.40% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +12.10% | +16.61% |
| Average volume | 776.19K | 225.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 82.58M | 41.40M |
| Employees | 1,833 | 1,396 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Major Banks | Major 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
- First Bancorp trades at a higher earnings multiple (18.4x vs 12.0x trailing P/E).
- First Busey offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.53% vs 1.59%).
- First Bancorp is more profitable, keeping 164.2 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 -3.57%).
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
About First Bancorp
FBNC stock →First Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for First Bank that provides banking products and services for individuals and businesses. The company accepts deposit products, such as checking, savings, and money market accounts; and time deposits, including certificate of deposits and individual retirement accounts.
Finance · Major Banks · 1,396 employees
BUSE vs FBNC FAQ
Which is bigger, First Busey or First Bancorp?
First Bancorp (FBNC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.45B compared with $2.39B for First Busey (BUSE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BUSE or FBNC?
BUSE returned +24.22% over the past 12 months, compared with +17.49% for FBNC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BUSE or FBNC?
BUSE has the lower trailing P/E at 12.0, versus 18.4 for FBNC. 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, First Busey or First Bancorp?
First Busey has the higher yield at 3.53%, compared with 1.59% for First Bancorp.
Are First Busey and First Bancorp in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.