First Busey Corporation (BUSE) vs Merchants Bancorp (MBINM)

A side-by-side comparison of First Busey Corporation and Merchants 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 MBINM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 4y
BUSE +46.2% (+10.0%/yr)MBINM +41.9% (+9.1%/yr)BUSE compounded faster over this window
80100120140160Start $1002023202420252026$146$142
BUSE MBINM

BUSE vs MBINM: by the numbers

  • •MBINM is the larger company ($2.54B vs $2.50B market cap).
  • •MBINM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (5.12 vs 10.69 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •BUSE converts more revenue to profit (24.65% vs 20.51% net margin).
  • •MBINM grew revenue faster over the past five years (23.60% vs 16.75% CAGR).
  • •MBINM pays the higher dividend yield (8.13% vs 3.49%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBUSEMBINM
P/E ratio10.695.12
Forward P/E11.624.57
P/S ratio2.671.94
P/B ratio1.051.38

Profitability

MetricBUSEMBINM
Operating margin16.52%21.15%
Net margin24.65%20.51%
ROE9.69%11.22%

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.

Merchants 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

MetricBUSEMBINM
Dividend yield3.49%8.13%
Payout ratio37.18%41.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBUSEMBINM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.75%23.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-4.13%-0.37%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.08%N/A

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BUSE or MBINM?
MBINM has the lower trailing P/E: BUSE trades at 10.69 and MBINM at 5.12. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BUSE or MBINM?
Over the past five years, MBINM grew revenue faster — BUSE at a 16.75% CAGR versus MBINM at 23.60%.
Does BUSE or MBINM pay a bigger dividend?
BUSE yields 3.49% and MBINM yields 8.13% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BUSE or MBINM more profitable?
BUSE runs the higher net margin — BUSE at 24.65% versus MBINM at 20.51%.

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.