First Busey Corporation (BUSE) vs Columbia Financial, Inc. (CLBK)

A side-by-side comparison of First Busey Corporation and Columbia Financial, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — BUSE vs CLBK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 8y
BUSE +33.6% (+3.7%/yr)CLBK +62.1% (+6.2%/yr)CLBK compounded faster over this window
50100150Start $1002020202220242026$134$162
BUSE CLBK

BUSE vs CLBK: by the numbers

  • •CLBK is the larger company ($2.49B vs $2.49B market cap).
  • •BUSE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.61 vs 42.75 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •BUSE converts more revenue to profit (24.65% vs 11.53% net margin).
  • •BUSE grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.75% vs 9.43% CAGR).
  • •BUSE pays the higher dividend yield (3.49% vs 0.44%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBUSECLBK
P/E ratio10.6142.75
Forward P/E11.5439.92
P/S ratio2.654.93
P/B ratio1.042.08

Profitability

MetricBUSECLBK
Operating margin16.52%11.80%
Net margin24.65%11.53%
ROE9.69%4.86%

First Busey Corporation: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Columbia Financial, Inc.: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Dividends

MetricBUSECLBK
Dividend yield3.49%0.44%
Payout ratio37.18%19.20%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBUSECLBK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.75%9.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-4.13%-0.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.08%5.66%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BUSE or CLBK?
BUSE has the lower trailing P/E: BUSE trades at 10.61 and CLBK at 42.75. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BUSE or CLBK?
Over the past five years, BUSE grew revenue faster — BUSE at a 16.75% CAGR versus CLBK at 9.43%.
Does BUSE or CLBK pay a bigger dividend?
BUSE yields 3.49% and CLBK yields 0.44% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BUSE or CLBK more profitable?
BUSE runs the higher net margin — BUSE at 24.65% versus CLBK at 11.53%.
How have BUSE and CLBK total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, BUSE delivered 7.08% and CLBK delivered 5.66% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.