First Busey Corporation (BUSE) vs First Bancorp (FBNC)
A side-by-side comparison of First Busey Corporation and First Bancorp 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.
Total return — BUSE vs FBNC
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yBUSE vs FBNC: by the numbers
- •BUSE is the larger company ($2.49B vs $2.49B market cap).
- •BUSE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.64 vs 18.67 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •FBNC converts more revenue to profit (31.13% vs 24.65% net margin).
- •BUSE grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.75% vs 5.97% CAGR).
- •BUSE pays the higher dividend yield (3.49% vs 1.54%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | BUSE | FBNC |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 10.64 | 18.67 |
| Forward P/E | 11.56 | 13.22 |
| P/S ratio | 2.66 | 5.81 |
| P/B ratio | 1.05 | 1.45 |
Profitability
| Metric | BUSE | FBNC |
|---|---|---|
| Operating margin | 16.52% | 26.56% |
| Net margin | 24.65% | 31.13% |
| ROE | 9.69% | 7.76% |
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.
First Bancorp: 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
| Metric | BUSE | FBNC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.49% | 1.54% |
| Payout ratio | 37.18% | 29.50% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | BUSE | FBNC |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.75% | 5.97% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -4.13% | -1.22% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 7.08% | 9.41% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, BUSE or FBNC?
- BUSE has the lower trailing P/E: BUSE trades at 10.64 and FBNC at 18.67. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, BUSE or FBNC?
- Over the past five years, BUSE grew revenue faster — BUSE at a 16.75% CAGR versus FBNC at 5.97%.
- Does BUSE or FBNC pay a bigger dividend?
- BUSE yields 3.49% and FBNC yields 1.54% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is BUSE or FBNC more profitable?
- FBNC runs the higher net margin — BUSE at 24.65% versus FBNC at 31.13%.
- How have BUSE and FBNC total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, BUSE delivered 6.68% and FBNC delivered 14.07% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
First Busey & First Bancorp appear in these rankings
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.