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.

Compare

Total return — BUSE vs FBNC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
BUSE +92.6% (+6.8%/yr)FBNC +280.3% (+14.3%/yr)FBNC compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$193$380
BUSE FBNC

BUSE 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

MetricBUSEFBNC
P/E ratio10.6418.67
Forward P/E11.5613.22
P/S ratio2.665.81
P/B ratio1.051.45

Profitability

MetricBUSEFBNC
Operating margin16.52%26.56%
Net margin24.65%31.13%
ROE9.69%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

MetricBUSEFBNC
Dividend yield3.49%1.54%
Payout ratio37.18%29.50%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBUSEFBNC
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.

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.