First Busey Corp posts Q2 2026 earnings growth, declares dividend

First Busey Corporation reported second‑quarter 2026 results with adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.69, a 9.5% year‑over‑year increase. Net interest margin rose to 3.62%, while adjusted return on assets reached 1.43% and return on equity climbed to 14.61%. Wealth Management saw a third straight record quarter, ending the period with $16.51 billion in assets under care. The bank’s efficiency ratio improved to 54.0% and its Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio increased to 12.53% after repurchasing $128.8 million of its own shares. A quarterly dividend was announced for payment on July 31.

Institutional activity highlighted a significant reduction by Gamco Investors Inc., which sold 65,986 shares – a 69.8% drop in its holding – leaving a balance of 28,500 shares worth about $720,000. Other firms such as Allworth Financial LP, Geneos Wealth Management Inc., Parkside Financial Bank & Trust and Torren Management LLC added new positions in First Busey during the fourth quarter. The company’s stock opened at $30.23, trading near its one‑year high of $30.51.