FIRST BUSEY CORP /NV/

NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

First Busey Corporation, a Nevada corporation organized in 1980, is a $19.46 billion financial holding company headquartered in Leawood, Kansas. Busey’s common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.”

Busey operates and reports its business inthree segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and FirsTech.

•The Banking operating segment provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through its banking center network in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Busey currently operates throughtwo wholly-owned bank subsidiaries, Busey Bank and CrossFirst Bank. For additional information about the CrossFirst acquisition, see“Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions.”

•The Wealth Management operating segment provides a full range of asset management, investment, brokerage, fiduciary, philanthropic advisory, tax preparation, and farm management services to individuals, businesses, and foundations.

•The FirsTech operating segment provides comprehensive and innovative payment technology solutions including online, mobile, and voice-recognition bill payments; money management and credit card networks; direct debit services; lockbox remittance processing for payments made by mail; and walk-in payments. FirsTech also provides additional tools to help clients with billing, reconciliation, bill reminders, and treasury services.

For additional information about First Busey's operating segments, see“Note 16. Operating Segments and Related Information.”

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read together with theaudited consolidated financial statements included in Busey's 2024 Annual Report. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements serve to update Busey’s 2024 Annual Report and may not include all information and notes necessary to constitute a complete set of financial statements.

Busey’s unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, and reflect the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on Busey’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In the opinion of Busey’s management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal, recurring adjustments needed to present fairly Busey’s results for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.

Use of Estimates

In preparing the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, Busey’s management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates which are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, goodwill, income taxes, and the determination of the ACL.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items in process of collection, amounts due from other banks, and interest-bearing deposits held with other financial institutions. The carrying amount of these instruments is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value. At March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents included $10.3 million contractually restricted to a third-party service provider, $24.4 million pledged to secure obligations under derivative contracts, and $43.9 million of reserved cash subject to call by the Federal Reserve Bank, as a member of the Federal Reserve System.

Income Taxes

Busey is subject to income taxes in U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. First Busey Corporation and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal and state income tax returns with each subsidiary computing its taxes on a separate entity basis. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations, which requires significant judgment.

As of March 31, 2025, Busey Bank was under examination by the Florida Department of Revenue for its 2020 to 2022 corporate income tax filings. Busey Bank accrued $0.1 million related to potential assessment adjustments and interest. Other than this, Busey hadno accruals for payments of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2025, or 2024.

As of March 31, 2025, Busey was also under examination by the Illinois Department of Revenue for M&M’s tax filings for the tax years 2022 and 2023.

Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01 “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards” to clarify that certain “profits interests” are within the scope of Topic 718 by amending the language and providing illustrative examples on how the scope guidance in paragraph 718-10-15-3 should be applied. This update is intended to improve clarity of the accounting standards codification, not to change the guidance. This update was adopted on a prospective basis for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2025. Busey does not currently have any Profit Interest and Similar Awards, so adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on its financial position and results of operations.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023‑07“Segment Reporting (Topic 820): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” requiring enhanced disclosures related to significant segment expenses. This standard was adopted on a retrospective basis beginning with the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2024, and for interim reporting periods within fiscal years starting January 1, 2025. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Busey’s financial position or results of operations, but resulted in enhanced disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04 “Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments” to clarify when certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an induced conversion. The amendments in this update may be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis and will be effective for Busey for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2026. Because Busey does not currently have any convertible debt, the Company does not expect adoption of this ASU to have any impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses” to require additional disclosures within the notes to the financial statements abut certain expense items. Specifically, disaggregation of income statement captions that contain expenses within the following five categories is required: (1) purchases of inventory, (2) employee compensation, (3) depreciation, (4) intangible asset amortization, and (5) depreciation, depletion, and amortization (“DD&A”) costs recognized as part of oil- and gas-producing activities or other amounts of depletion expense. Further, this update requires disclosure the total amount of selling expenses and the entity’s definition selling expenses. This update provides a practical expedient for banks and bank holding companies to continue presenting salaries and employee benefits in conformity with SEC Rule 210.9-04 instead of requiring those entities to apply the employee compensation definition included in Subtopic 220-40. The amendments in this update may be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis and will be effective for Busey beginning with the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2027, and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2028. Early adoption is permitted. Because this update relates only to disclosure, Busey does not expect adoption of this ASU to have any impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023‑09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which requires more detailed disclosures of income taxes paid net of refunds received, income from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit, and income tax expense from continuing operations. This standard is to be applied on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted, and will be effective for Busey for annual reporting periods beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Busey does not expect adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023‑06 “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative” which aligns certain GAAP disclosure requirements with the SEC’s disclosure requirements, in order to better facilitate comparisons between entities that are subject to the SEC’s existing disclosures with entities that were not previously subject to the SEC’s requirements. Amendments in this update should be applied prospectively, and the effective date for Busey for each amendment in this ASU will be the date on which the SEC removes the related disclosure from Regulation S‑X or Regulation S‑K. Early adoption is prohibited. If the SEC has not removed the related disclosures from Regulation S‑X or Regulation S‑K by June 30, 2027, the pending content of this update will be removed from the ASC and will not become effective for any entity. Busey does not expect adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Subsequent Events

Busey has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report were issued. On April 30, 2025, Busey issued a conditional notice of full redemption of its 5.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes, which it intends to redeem on June 1, 2025. The aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to, but excluding, June 1, 2025, is $128.3 million. Other than this, there were no significant events subsequent to the quarter ended March 31, 2025, through the filing date of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2. MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.

Effective March 1, 2025, Busey completed its previously announced acquisition of CrossFirst (NASDAQ: CFB), the holding company for CrossFirst Bank, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 26, 2024, by and between Busey and CrossFirst (the “CrossFirst Merger Agreement”). This partnership creates a premier commercial bank in the Midwest, Southwest, and Florida, with 78 full-service locations across 10 states—Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The combined holding company will continue to operate under the First Busey Corporation name. Busey common stock will continue to trade on the Nasdaq under the “BUSE” stock ticker symbol.

Merger of CrossFirst Bank into Busey Bank

CrossFirst Bank’s results of operations were included in Busey’s consolidated results of operations beginning March 1, 2025. Following the acquisition date through the end of the reporting period, CrossFirst revenue, consisting of net interest income and noninterest income, was $24.2 million and CrossFirst net loss was $34.5 million. The net loss resulted from non-recurring acquisition expenses, including provision expense for the establishment of an ACL on acquired loans. Busey will operate CrossFirst Bank as a separate banking subsidiary until it is merged with and into Busey Bank, which is expected to occur on June 20, 2025. At the time of the bank merger, CrossFirst Bank locations will become banking centers of Busey Bank.

CrossFirst Merger Consideration

Upon completion of the acquisition, each share of CrossFirst common stock converted into the right to receive 0.6675 of a share of Busey’s common stock. Cash was paid in lieu of fractional shares. The fair value of common shares issued in consideration of the CrossFirst acquisition was based on the closing price of Busey’s common stock on February 28, 2025.

Further, upon completion of the acquisition, each share of CrossFirst Series A Non-cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock converted to the right to receive one share of Busey Series A Non-cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock. The fair value of Busey Series A Non-cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock was based on the redemption price of $1,000 per share.

The total consideration paid also included the fair value of replacement equity awards related to past service totaling $6.0 million. Busey used a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of SSARs and market-based awards. Other awards were valued based on Busey’s closing stock price on February 28, 2025.

Acquisition Accounting

The CrossFirst acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair values as of March 1, 2025, the date of acquisition. Estimated fair values are considered provisional until final fair values are determined or the measurement period has passed, but no later than one year from the acquisition date. Review of all valuations and taxes are still being performed by management. Therefore, amounts are subject to change from the provisional amounts disclosed below.

As the total consideration paid for CrossFirst exceeded the estimated fair value of net assets acquired, goodwill of $51.4 million was recorded as a result of the acquisition. Goodwill recorded for this transaction reflects synergies expected from the acquisition and the greater revenue opportunities from Busey’s broader service capabilities in attractive new markets. Goodwill recorded for this transaction is not tax deductible and was assigned to the Banking operating segment.

Merchants and Manufacturers Bank Corporation

On April 1, 2024, Busey completed its acquisition of M&M and its wholly-owned subsidiary, M&M Bank, through a merger transaction. This partnership added M&M’s Life Equity Loan® products to Busey’s existing suite of services and expanded Busey’s presence in the suburban Chicago market. M&M’s results of operations were included in Busey’s results of operation beginning April 1, 2024.

Merger of M&M Bank into Busey Bank

Busey operated M&M Bank as a separate banking subsidiary of Busey until it was merged with Busey Bank on June 21, 2024. At the time of the bank merger, M&M Bank’s banking centers became banking centers of Busey Bank, except for M&M’s banking center located at 990 Essington Rd., Joliet, Illinois, which was closed in connection with the bank merger.

M&M Merger Consideration

At the effective time of the M&M acquisition, each share of M&M common stock converted to the right to receive, at the election of each stockholder and subject to proration and adjustment as provided in the M&M merger agreement, either (1) $117.74 in cash (“Cash Election”), (2)5.7294 shares of Busey common stock (“Share Election”), or (3) mixed consideration of $34.55 in cash and 4.0481 shares of Busey common stock (“Mixed Election”).

Most of the M&M common stockholders who submitted an election form by the election deadline made the Share Election to receive their merger consideration solely in the form of shares of Busey common stock. As a result of the elections of M&M common stockholders, and in accordance with the proration and adjustment provisions of the M&M merger agreement, the merger consideration paid to M&M common stockholders was comprised of an aggregate of 1,429,304 shares of Busey common stock and an aggregate of $12.2 million in cash, allocated as follows for each share of M&M stock: (1) $117.74 in cash for the Cash Election, (2) $5.3966 in cash and 5.4668 shares of Busey common stock for the Share Election, and (3) $34.55 in cash and 4.0481 shares of Busey common stock for the Mixed Election. Pursuant to the terms of the M&M merger agreement, M&M common stockholders that did not make an election or submit a properly completed election form by the election deadline of March 29, 2024, received cash consideration of $117.74 for each share of M&M common stock held. No fractional shares of Busey common stock were issued in the M&M acquisition. Fractional shares were paid in cash at the rate of $23.32 per share.

Additional merger consideration of $3.0 million was paid to redeem 300 shares of M&M preferred stock.

Acquisition Accounting

The M&M acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair values on April 1, 2024, the date of acquisition. Fair values, including initial accounting for deferred taxes, were subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date as additional information regarding the closing date fair values became available, and were final as of March 31, 2025. A final fair value adjustment of $0.1 million for deferred taxes was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2025, in connection with the M&M acquisition.

As the total consideration paid for M&M exceeded the estimated fair value of net assets acquired, goodwill of $15.9 million was recorded as a result of the acquisition. Goodwill recorded for this transaction reflects synergies expected from the acquisition and expansion within the Chicago metropolitan market, and was assigned to the Banking operating segment. None of the goodwill recognized in the M&M acquisition is expected to be tax deductible.

Acquisition Date Fair Values

Acquisition-date fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the fair value of consideration transferred, were estimated as follows:

1. Represents the value of replacement awards related to past service.

Loans Valuations

Estimated fair values for the loan portfolio acquired in the CrossFirst acquisition includes adjustments to certain receivables that were not considered impaired as of the acquisition date. These fair value adjustments were determined using a discounted cash flow model that applies various assumptions about coupon rates, remaining maturities, prepayment speeds, projected default probabilities, losses given defaults, and estimates of prevailing discount rates. Busey believes that all contractual cash flows related to these financial instruments will be collected. As such, these receivables were not considered impaired at the acquisition date and were not subject to the guidance related to PCD loans. Receivables acquired in the CrossFirst acquisition that were not subject to these requirements include non-PCD loans and customer receivables with a fair value of $4.70 billion and gross contractual amounts receivable of $4.79 billion.

A portion of acquired loans were PCD. The following table provides a reconciliation between the purchase price and the fair value of these loans:

1. In connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, Busey also acquired $110.7 million of previously charged-off principal in addition to the PCD assets listed above.

Pro Forma Results

The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the CrossFirst acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2024, and as if the M&M acquisition had occurred January 1, 2023. The pro forma results combine the historical results of CrossFirst and M&M into Busey’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited), including the impact of purchase accounting adjustments such as loan discount accretion, intangible assets amortization, and deposit accretion, net of taxes. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the acquisitions actually occurred on January 1, 2024, or on January 1, 2023, as applicable. Further, pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of future financial operating results. No assumptions have been applied to the pro forma results of operations regarding possible revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies, or asset dispositions. Only the merger related expenses that have been recognized are included in net income in the table below:

Other Acquisition Costs

Busey incurred acquisition related expenses as follows:

Acquisition related expenses for CrossFirst were comprised primarily of an initial provision to establish an ACL on non-PCD loans (recorded as provision expense), and multiple components of noninterest expense including an initial provision for unfunded commitments; salaries, wages and employee benefits (including equity compensation); data processing; and legal, professional, and consulting costs. Acquisition related expenses for M&M were comprised primarily of professional fees and data processing costs.

Of the total acquisition related expenses, the following legal, professional, and consulting costs were incurred to consummate the mergers:

NOTE 3. DEBT SECURITIES

Busey's portfolio of debt securities includes both available for sale and held to maturity securities. The tables below provide the amortized cost, unrealized or unrecognized gains and losses, and fair values of debt securities summarized by major category:

1. Includes securities marked at par, with no gain or loss to report.

1. Includes securities marked at par, with no gain or loss to report.

Maturities of Debt Securities

Amortized cost and fair value of debt securities, by contractual maturity or pre-refunded date, are shown below. Mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities may be called or prepaid; therefore, actual maturities could differ from the contractual maturities. All mortgage-backed securities were issued by U.S. government corporations and agencies:

Gains and Losses on Debt Securities Available for Sale

Realized gains and losses related to sales and calls of debt securities available for sale are summarized as follows:

1. During the first quarter of 2025, Busey sold available for sale debt securities with a book value of approximately $205.6 million for a pre-tax loss of $15.5 million, as part of a balance sheet repositioning strategy. During the first quarter of 2024, Busey sold available for sale debt securities with a book value of approximately $108.2 million for a pre-tax loss of $6.8 million, as part of a balance sheet repositioning strategy.

Debt securities with carrying amounts of $695.3 million on March 31, 2025, and $871.4 million on December 31, 2024, were pledged as collateral for public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and for other purposes as required.

Debt Securities in an Unrealized or Unrecognized Loss Position

The following information pertains to debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:

1. Gross losses for securities in a loss position for less than 12 months were insignificant, rounding to zero thousand.

Additional information about debt securities in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position is presented in the tables below:

Unrealized and unrecognized losses are related to changes in market interest rates and market conditions that do not represent credit-related impairments. Unless part of a corporate strategy or repositioning plan, Busey does not intend to sell securities that are in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position, and it is more likely than not that Busey will recover the amortized cost prior to being required to sell the debt securities. Full collection of the amounts due according to the contractual terms of the debt securities is expected; therefore, no ACL has been recorded in relation to debt securities, and the impairment related to noncredit factors on debt securities available for sale is recognized in AOCI, net of applicable taxes. As of March 31, 2025, Busey did not hold general obligation bonds of any single issuer that exceeded, in aggregate, 10% of Busey’s stockholders’ equity.

NOTE 4. PORTFOLIO LOANS

Loan Categories

Busey’s lending can be summarized in two primary categories: commercial and retail. Loans within these categories are further classified by lending activity: C&I and other commercial, commercial real estate, real estate construction, retail real estate, and retail other. Distributions of the loan portfolio by loan category and activity is presented in the following table:

Net deferred loan origination costs included in the balances above were $12.3 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $12.5 million as of December 31, 2024. Net accretable purchase accounting adjustments included in the balances above reduced loans by $105.3 million as of March 31, 2025, and $8.8 million as of December 31, 2024.

Busey didnot purchase any retail real estate loans during the three months ended March 31, 2025 or 2024.

Pledged Loans

Busey has an executed blanket lien with the FHLB. The principal balance of loans Busey has pledged as collateral that the banks are able to borrow against with the FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank for liquidity is set forth in the table below:

Risk Grading

Busey utilizes a loan grading scale to assign a risk grade to all of its loans. A description of the general characteristics of each grade is as follows:

•Pass– This category includes loans that are all considered acceptable credits, ranging from investment or near investment grade, to loans made to borrowers who exhibit credit fundamentals that meet or exceed industry standards.

•Watch– This category includes loans that warrant a higher-than-average level of monitoring to ensure that weaknesses do not cause the inability of the credit to perform as expected. These loans are not necessarily a problem due to other inherent strengths of the credit, such as guarantor strength, but have above average concern and monitoring.

•Special mention– This category is for “Other Assets Specially Mentioned” loans that have potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect Busey’s credit position at some future date.

•Substandard– This category includes “Substandard” loans, determined in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has not been stopped. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that Busey will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

•Substandard non-accrual– This category includes loans that have all the characteristics of a “Substandard” loan with additional factors that make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. Such loans are placed on non-accrual status and may be dependent on collateral with a value that is difficult to determine.

All loans are graded at their inception. Commercial lending relationships that are $1.0 million or less are usually processed through an expedited underwriting process. Most commercial loans greater than $1.0 million are included in a portfolio review at least annually. Commercial loans greater than $0.35 million that have a grading of special mention or worse are typically reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interim reviews may take place if circumstances of the borrower warrant a more frequent review.

The following table is a summary of Busey’s portfolio loans by risk grade, segregated by loan category:

Risk grades of portfolio loans and gross charge-offs are presented in the tables below by lending activity, further sorted by origination year:

Past Due and Non-accrual Loans

An analysis of portfolio loans that were past due and still accruing, or on a non-accrual status, is presented in the table below:

Gross interest income recorded on 90+ days past due loans, and that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans if they had been accruing interest in accordance with their original terms, was $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The amount of interest collected on those loans and recognized on a cash basis that was included in interest income wasimmaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

Loan Modifications for Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

The following tables present the amortized cost basis of loans that were modified—specifically in the form of (1) principal forgiveness, (2) an interest rate reduction, (3) an other-than-insignificant payment deferral, and/or (4) a term extension—for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the periods indicated, disaggregated by lending activity and the type of modification:

1. All modifications were for loans classified as substandard.

1. One loan was modified and classified as non-accrual during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

2. Modifications to extend loan terms also included, in some cases, interest rate increases during the extension period. All modifications were for loans classified as substandard.

The following table summarizes the effects of loan modifications made during the periods indicated for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty:

Performance of Modified Loans

Busey closely monitors the performance of the loans that are modified for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table depicts the payment performance of loans modified during the last twelve months:

No loans had a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2025, after having been modified during the 12 months before that default for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. A default occurs when a loan is 90 days or more past due or transferred to non-accrual status.

Collateral Dependent Loans

Management's evaluation as to the ultimate collectability of loans includes estimates regarding future cash flows from operations and the value of property, real and personal, pledged as collateral. These estimates are affected by changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of borrowers. Collateral dependent loans are loans in which repayment is expected to be provided solely by the operation or sale of the underlying collateral and there are no other available and reliable sources of repayment. Loans are written down to the lower of cost or fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell. Busey had $45.1 million and $19.3 million of collateral dependent loans secured by real estate or business assets as of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively.

Foreclosures

Busey’s recorded investment in residential real estate loans that were in the process of foreclosure was $5.7 million as of March 31, 2025. Busey follows Federal Housing Finance Agency guidelines on single-family foreclosures and real estate owned evictions on portfolio loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the portfolio loans’ amortized cost bases to present the net amount expected to be collected on the portfolio loans. The ACL is established through the provision for credit losses charged to income. Portfolio loans are charged off against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Recoveries are recognized up to the aggregate amount of previously charged-off balances.

Management estimates the ACL balance using relevant available information from internal and external sources relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. The ACL consists of three components: (i) specific allocations/individual reserves; (ii) quantitative reserves; and (iii) qualitative reserves. For Busey Bank, a non-discounted cash flow model is used for the quantitative reserves. The cumulative loss rate used as the basis for the estimate of credit losses is comprised of Busey’s historical loss experience beginning in 2010. Due to the continued economic uncertainty in the markets in which the Company operates, Busey will continue to utilize a forecast period of 12 months with an immediate reversion to historical loss rates beyond this forecast period in its ACL estimate. For CrossFirst Bank, a cohort method is used for the quantitative reserves, with a look-back period of approximately six years to establish the cohort population. Busey is working to develop a new model with combined bank data for use once Busey Bank and CrossFirst Bank merge.

The following tables summarize activity in the ACL attributable to each lending activity. Allocation of a portion of the ACL to one lending activity does not preclude its availability to absorb losses from other lending activities:

1. The Day 1 PCD is attributable to the CrossFirst acquisition (see“Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions”), and represents the initial adjustment to the fair value of the PCD loans.

2. The Day 2 provision for credit losses is attributable to the CrossFirst acquisition (see“Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions”), and represents the initial provision for non-PCD loans.

Net charge-offs during the three months ended March 31, 2025, included $29.6 million related to PCD loans acquired from CrossFirst Bank, which were fully reserved at acquisition and did not require recording additional provision expense.

NOTE 5. LEASES

Busey as the Lessee

Busey has operating leases consisting primarily of equipment leases and real estate leases for banking centers, ATM locations, and office space. The following table summarizes lease-related balances that Busey reported on its Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) and lease terms:

The following table presents lease costs, which are included in net occupancy and equipment expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited):

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was as follows:

1. The three months ended March 31, 2025, included $30.7 million right of use assets recognized in connection with the acquisition of CrossFirst (see“Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions”).

Busey was obligated under noncancelable operating leases for office space and other commitments. Future undiscounted lease payments with initial terms of one year or more, were as follows:

As of March 31, 2025, Busey had commitments totaling $5.7 million fortwo lease contracts with future accounting commencement dates.

Busey as the Lessor

Busey leases office and parking spaces to outside parties. Revenues recorded in connection with these leases, reported in other income on Busey’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited), are summarized as follows:

Noncancellable terms for these leases, all of which are operating leases, extend through 2030. Under the terms of these lease agreements, Busey is entitled to receive aggregate future minimum lease payments as shown in the table below:

NOTE 6. DEPOSITS

The composition of Busey’s deposits is presented in the table below:

Additional information about Busey’s deposits follows:

Scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

NOTE 7. BORROWINGS

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are classified as secured borrowings, generally mature daily. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The underlying securities are held by Busey’s safekeeping agent. Busey may be required to provide additional collateral based on fluctuations in the fair value of the underlying securities. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were as follows:

Revolving Line of Credit

On May 28, 2021, Busey entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, pursuant to which Busey has access to a $40.0 million revolving line of credit bearing an interest rate of 1.80% plus the one-month forward-looking term rate based on SOFR. After executing subsequent amendments, the current termination date for the revolving line of credit is April 30, 2026. As of March 31, 2025, there wasno balance outstanding on the revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit incurs an insignificant non-usage fee based on any undrawn amounts.

Short-term Borrowings

Busey’s short-term borrowings include loans maturing within one year of the loan origination date and, when applicable, the current portion of long-term debt that is due within 12 months. Short-term borrowings are summarized as follows:

Funds borrowed from the FHLB, listed above, consisted of three notes with a weighted average interest rate of 1.33% and a weighted average maturity period of 13 days as of March 31, 2025.

Federal funds purchased are short-term borrowings that generally mature betweenone day and 90 days. Busey hadno federal funds purchased as of March 31, 2025, or December 31, 2024.

Long-term Debt

Busey’s long-term debt consists of loans maturing more than one year from the loan origination date, excluding the current portion that is due within 12 months. Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

Funds borrowed from the FHLB, listed above, consisted of twelve notes with a weighted average interest rate of 2.22% and a weighted average maturity period of 2.80 years as of March 31, 2025. Maturity dates range from August 2027 through October 2028.

Subordinated Notes

On June 1, 2020, Busey issued $125.0 million of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on June 1, 2030. The subordinated notes, which qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes, bear interest at an annual rate of 5.25% for the first five years after issuance and thereafter bear interest at a floating rate equal to a three-month benchmark rate plus a spread of 5.11%, as calculated on each applicable determination date. Interest on the subordinated notes is payable semi-annually on each June 1 and December 1 during thefive-year fixed-term, and thereafter on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 of each year, commencing on September 1, 2025. The subordinated notes have an optional redemption, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after June 1, 2025. The subordinated notes are unsecured obligations of the Company. On April 30, 2025, Busey issued a conditional notice of full redemption, pursuant to which upon the satisfaction of certain conditions contained therein, Busey intends to redeem all $125.0 million of the subordinated notes on June 1, 2025 or such later interest payment date as determined by Busey in its discretion, but not later than September 1, 2025. The aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to, but excluding, June 1, 2025, is $128.3 million.

On June 2, 2022, Busey issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes maturing June 15, 2032, which qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes. The price to the public for the subordinated notes was 100% of the principal amount of the subordinated notes. Interest on the subordinated notes accrues at a rate equal to (1)5.000% per annum from the original issue date to, but excluding, June 15, 2027, payable semiannually in arrears, and (2) a floating rate per annum equal to a benchmark rate, which is expected to be the Three-Month Term SOFR (as defined in the subordinated notes), plus a spread of 252 bps from and including June 15, 2027, payable quarterly in arrears. The subordinated notes have an optional redemption, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after June 15, 2027.

Associated with the M&M acquisition completed on April 1, 2024 (see“Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions”), Busey acquired $4.0 million of 5.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes maturing December 4, 2030, which qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes. Interest on the subordinated notes accrues at a rate equal to (1)5.25% per annum from the original issue date to December 4, 2025, and (2) a floating rate per annum equal to a benchmark rate, which is expected to be the Three-Month Term SOFR (as defined in the subordinated notes), plus a spread of 497 bps from December 4, 2025. The subordinated notes have an optional redemption, in whole or in part, on or after December 4, 2025. At March 31, 2025, there was animmaterial amount of fair value discount outstanding, to be accreted through the earliest optional redemption date.

Unamortized debt issuance costs related to Busey’s subordinated notes are presented in the following table:

NOTE 8. REGULATORY CAPITAL

First Busey and its subsidiary banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory—and possibly additional discretionary—actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on First Busey's consolidated financial statements. Capital amounts and classification also are subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Banking regulations identify five capital categories for insured depository institutions: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, all capital ratios of First Busey and its subsidiary banks exceeded well capitalized levels under the applicable regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. Management believes that no events or changes have occurred subsequent to March 31, 2025, that would change this designation.

Current Expected Credit Loss Model

On August 26, 2020, the FDIC and other federal banking agencies adopted a final rule which provided banking organizations that adopted CECL during 2020 with the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital and to phase in the aggregate impact of the deferral on regulatory capital over a subsequent three-year period. Under this final rule, because Busey elected to use the deferral option, the regulatory capital impact of Busey’s transition adjustments recorded on January 1, 2020, arising from the adoption of CECL, was deferred for two years. In addition, 25 percent of the ongoing impact of CECL on Busey’s ACL, retained earnings, and average total consolidated assets from January 1, 2020, through the end of the two-year deferral period, each as reported for regulatory capital purposes, was added to the deferred transition amounts (“adjusted transition amounts”) and deferred for the two-year period. During the three-year period between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, all of the adjusted transition amounts were phased-in for regulatory capital purposes.

Capital Amounts and Ratios

The following tables summarize regulatory capital requirements applicable to First Busey and its subsidiary banks:

Capital Conservation Buffer

In July 2013, U.S. federal banking authorities approved the Basel III Rule for strengthening international capital standards. The Basel III Rule introduced a capital conservation buffer, composed entirely of common equity Tier 1 capital, which is added to the minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The capital conservation buffer is not a minimum capital requirement; however, banking institutions with a ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments based on the amount of the shortfall. In order to refrain from restrictions on dividends, equity repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments, banking institutions must maintain minimum ratios of (1) common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 7.0%, which First Busey exceeded by 500 bps as of March 31, 2025, (2) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.5%, which First Busey exceeded by 355 bps as of March 31, 2025, and (3) total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5%, which First Busey exceeded by 438 bps as of March 31, 2025.

NOTE 9. TAX CREDIT INVESTMENTS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

Busey has invested in certain tax-advantaged projects promoting affordable housing, new markets, and historic rehabilitation. These investments are designed to generate returns primarily though the realization of federal and state income tax credits and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods. These investments are considered to be variable interest entities, and are accounted for under the equity, cost, or proportional amortization practical expedient methods, as appropriate. These investments involve significant management judgments, including a determination of which entities have the power to direct activities, and whether these entities are variable interest entities. Busey is required to evaluate whether to consolidate a variable interest entity at both inception and on an ongoing basis. Busey is not required to consolidate variable interest entities in which it has concluded it does not have a controlling financial interest and is not the primary beneficiary. Busey’s maximum exposure to loss related to its investments in these unconsolidated variable interest entities is limited to the carrying amount of the investment, net of any unfunded capital commitments and previously recorded tax credits which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance features required to be met at the project level. Busey believes potential losses from these investments are remote.

In addition, Busey has private equity investments, which are primarily in funds that invest in small businesses across diverse sectors including, but not limited to, financial technology, business services, manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare, software as a service, environmental, and those that support the preservation of affordable housing.

Busey’s investments in these unconsolidated entities and related unfunded investment obligations are reflected in other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited), and are summarized in the table below for the periods indicated:

Upon adoption of ASU 2023-02 on January 1, 2024, Busey elected to apply the proportional amortization method in accounting for investments in tax-advantaged projects. Income tax credits and other tax benefits related to these investments, net of investment amortization, are included as a component of Busey’s estimated annual effective tax rate used for the calculation of income taxes presented on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited). Actual amounts of income tax credits and other benefits, along with the investment amortization, are presented in the table below:

NOTE 10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

CrossFirst Acquisition

The CrossFirst acquisition impacted Busey and CrossFirst equity awards:

Treatment of Busey’s Equity Awards

Following the closing of the CrossFirst acquisition, except as otherwise provided in the CrossFirst Merger Agreement, Busey equity awards generally remain outstanding and subject to the same terms and conditions as applied immediately prior to the time at which the CrossFirst acquisition became effective (the “effective time”). Notable changes to Busey’s equity awards are as follows:

ROATCE PSUs — Each PSU issued by Busey that is earned based on Core Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (the “ROATCE PSUs”) and was outstanding immediately prior to the effective time was deemed earned with the achievement of the applicable performance goals based on actual performance through December 31, 2024, the latest practicable date prior to the effective time, and otherwise remains subject to the same terms and conditions (including service-based vesting terms) as applied to such ROATCE PSUs immediately prior to the effective time. The ROATCE PSUs have been deemed earned (i) at 100% of the target level of performance, for the ROATCE PSUs granted in 2023 and (ii) at 75% of the target level of performance, for the ROATCE PSUs granted in 2024.

TSR PSUs — Each Busey PSU previously granted that is tied to total stockholder return (“TSR”, and such PSUs, the “TSR PSUs”) with a performance period that ended December 31, 2024, (excluding TSR PSUs previously held by retirees) was replaced, and each TSR PSU outstanding immediately prior to the effective time with performance periods ending December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2026, (including existing TSR PSUs held by retirees) was modified, each effective March 1, 2025, such that the resulting new or modified PSUs (collectively, the “Merger PSUs”) will be earned based on Busey’s relative TSR rank as compared to the KBW Regional Banking Index, measured at the end of a performance period commencing January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2026. The Merger PSUs are subject to the terms and conditions of Busey’s Amended 2020 Equity Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreements. The target number of PSUs subject to each such Merger PSU was determined based on the number of PSUs that would have been earned in respect of the corresponding TSR PSU had performance for such corresponding TSR PSU been determined based on actual performance as of August 26, 2024, the day immediately prior to the announcement of the Merger, which is (i) in the case of the 2022 TSR PSUs,94.5% of the original target level of performance, (ii) in the case of the 2023 TSR PSUs,96.2% of the original target level of performance, and (iii) in the case of the 2024 TSR PSUs,76.9% of the original target level of performance. Such target number also reflects the number of dividend equivalents accrued in respect of the corresponding existing TSR PSU that would have been earned based on the same actual TSR performance.

Busey RSUs — Each outstanding Busey time-based restricted stock unit award (the “Busey RSUs”) will vest in equal annual installments over three (3) years following the effective time; provided that if any Busey RSU would otherwise vest by its terms on an earlier date, any then-unvested portion as of such date shall vest on such original vesting date.

Each Busey equity award will be subject to double-trigger vesting upon an involuntary termination within twelve (12) months following the effective time (at target performance, in the case of Merger PSUs).

Treatment of CrossFirst’s Equity Awards

Equity awards based on CrossFirst Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the effective time were converted, at the effective time, either to Busey Common Stock or to equity awards based on Busey Common Stock, as follows:

Director equity awards — Each CrossFirst restricted stock award held by a CrossFirst non-employee director and each deferred share of CrossFirst Common Stock that was credited to a director participant’s account under the CrossFirst 2018 Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan was converted into the right to receive 0.6675 shares of Busey Common Stock (the “Exchange Ratio”).

CrossFirst RSUs — Each CrossFirst time-based restricted stock unit award (“CrossFirst RSU”) was converted into a restricted stock unit in respect of Busey Common Stock (a “Busey RSU”) based on the Exchange Ratio, rounded to the nearest whole share, subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the CrossFirst RSUs prior to the effective time.

CrossFirst PSUs — Each CrossFirst performance-based restricted stock unit award (“CrossFirst PSU”) was converted into a time-based Busey RSU based on the Exchange Ratio, subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the CrossFirst PSUs prior to the effective time, assuming the achievement of the applicable performance goals based on, for the CrossFirst PSUs granted in 2023, actual performance through December 31, 2024, and, for the CrossFirst PSUs granted in 2024, target performance, rounded to the nearest whole share.

CrossFirst SSARs — Each CrossFirst SSAR was converted into a stock appreciation right in respect of Busey Common Stock based on the Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share (and exercise price rounded up to the nearest cent), generally subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the CrossFirst SSAR prior to the effective time.

Stock Options

Busey has outstanding stock options assumed from a 2017 acquisition. A summary of the status of, and changes in, Busey's stock option awards for the three months ended March 31, 2025, follows:

Stock Settled Appreciation Rights

Busey issued replacement awards in the form of SSARs as part of the acquisition of CrossFirst. These awards were issued under the CrossFirst Bankshares 2018 Omnibus Incentive Equity Incentive Plan with exercise prices equal to the closing price of CrossFirst’s common shares on the original date for each award adjusted by the Exchange Ratio of 0.6675, rounded up to the nearest cent. At grant, SSARs typically vested ratably over seven years of continuous service with aten-year orfifteen-year contractual term. Replacement SSARs have a weighted average remaining contractual term of 5.4 years, and unvested replacement SSARs have a weighted average remaining vesting period of 3.2 years. The fair value of each SSAR was estimated at acquisition date using a Monte Carlo simulation since the awards were all in-the-money.

A summary of SSAR activity during 2025 is presented below:

The following table provides the range of assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulations to value CrossFirst awards that were replaced at acquisition, the weighted average grant date fair value, and information related to SSARs exercised for the indicated periods, as well as, the remaining compensation cost to be recognized and the period over which the amount will be recognized as of the dates indicated:

1. Expected volatility was calculated using a historical volatility of the Company’s stock price over a period commensurate with the simulation term of the SSARs.

2. The dividend yield was calculated using the Company’s annual dividend and closing stock price on the date of acquisition.

3. The simulation term was commensurate with the midpoint of the longest expected term across all SSARs and was impacted by expected exercise behavior and termination rate.

4. As a component of determining the simulation term, exercise was assumed to occur at the earlier of the midpoint of i) the greater of the weighted average time to vest or the time the options are in the money, and the time the SSARs expires, ii)90 days following the occurrence of a termination or iii) the end of the contractual term.

5. As a component of determining the simulation term, termination rate was assumed to be between 25% and 50% in the first year following the acquisition and 5% for every year thereafter.

6. The risk-free rate for the simulation term of the SSARs was based on the continuously compounded semi-annual zero-coupon U.S. Treasury rates.

2020 Equity Plan

The 2020 Equity Plan was originally approved by stockholders at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. A description of the 2020 Equity Plan, as originally approved, can be found in Appendix A within Busey’s Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on April 9, 2020. An amendment and restatement of the 2020 Equity Plan was approved by stockholders at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Terms of the amended and restated 2020 Equity Plan are substantially identical to those of the originally approved 2020 Equity Plan, other than a 1,350,000 increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the plan. More information can be found in Appendix A within Busey’s Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on April 14, 2023.

Busey has granted RSU, PSU, and DSU awards under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan. Upon vesting and delivery, shares are expected, though not required, to be issued from treasury stock. There were 685,004 shares available for issuance under the 2020 Equity Plan as of March 31, 2025.

A description of RSU, PSU, and DSU awards granted in 2025 under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan is provided below. Further information related to awards granted in prior years has been presented in the Annual Reports previously filed with the SEC corresponding to the year of each award grant.

RSU Awards

Busey grants RSU awards to members of management periodically throughout the year. RSU awards are stock-based awards for which vesting is conditional upon meeting established service criteria. Each RSU represents the future right to receiveone share of Busey’s common stock. Recipients earn quarterly dividend equivalents on their respective RSUs, which entitle the recipients to additional units. Therefore, dividends earned each quarter compound based upon the updated unit balances.

On March 26, 2025, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted 348,269 RSUs to members of management. The grant date fair value of the award was $7.7 million, which will be recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period. This grant will vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The terms of these awards included an accelerated vesting provision upon eligible retirement from Busey, after aone-year minimum requisite service period.

A summary of changes in Busey’s RSU awards for the three months ended March 31, 2025, is as follows:

PSU Awards

Busey grants PSU awards to members of management periodically throughout the year. PSU awards are stock-based awards for which vesting is conditional upon meeting established performance criteria for the applicable performance period and remaining employed through the end of such performance period. Each PSU represents the future right to receiveone share of Busey’s common stock. The number of PSUs that ultimately vest will be determined based on the extent to which the established performance criteria are achieved. Busey’s PSUs are subject to accelerated service-based vesting conditions upon eligible retirement from Busey. After performance determination, dividend equivalents are compounded based upon the updated PSU balances at each dividend date during the performance period.

On March 1, 2025, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, Busey granted a target of 59,471 Merger PSUs to replace the 2022 TSR PSUs with a maximum award of 95,154 units. The actual number of units issued at the vesting date could range from 0% to 160% of the initial grant, depending on attaining a relative total stockholder return performance goal. The grant date fair value of the award, calculated using the Geometric Brownian Motion Model, is $1.3 million, which will be recognized in compensation expense over the performance period ending December 31, 2026.

On March 26, 2025, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted a target of 174,126 PSUs with a maximum award of 278,602 units. The actual number of units issued at the vesting date could range from 0% to 160% of the initial grant, depending on attaining a relative total stockholder return performance goal. The estimated grant date fair value of the award, calculated using the Geometric Brownian Motion Model, is $3.9 million, which will be recognized in compensation expense over the performance period ending December 31, 2027. Busey expects to finalize the grant date fair value of these awards in the second quarter of 2025.

On March 26, 2025, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted a target of 174,126 PSUs with a maximum award of 278,602 units. The actual number of units issued at the vesting date could range from 0% to 160% of the initial grant, depending on attaining an adjusted return on average tangible common equity performance goal. The grant date fair value of the award was $3.9 million, which will be recognized in compensation expense over the performance period ending December 31, 2027. The actual amount of compensation expense recognized for these awards is subject to adjustment based on the extent to which performance goals are expected to be achieved.

A summary of changes in Busey’s PSU awards for the three months ended March 31, 2025, is as follows:

1. Shares for PSU awards represent target shares at the grant date.

2. Modifications include PSUs that were converted to RSUs as well as balance adjustments related to the 2023 TSR PSUs and the 2024 TSR PSUs.

DSU Awards

Busey grants DSU awards to its non-employee directors. DSU awards are stock-based awards with a deferred settlement date. Each DSU represents the future right to receiveone share of Busey’s common stock. DSUs vest over aone-year period following the grant date. Under the 2020 Equity Plan, DSUs are generally subject to the same terms as RSUs, except that following vesting of DSUs, settlement occurs within 30 days following the earlier of separation from the board or a change in control of the Company. After vesting and prior to delivery, DSUs will continue to earn dividend equivalents.

On March 26, 2025, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted 39,846 DSUs to non-employee directors. The grant date fair value of the award totaled $0.9 million and will be recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period ofone year. Subsequent to the requisite service period, the awards will become 100% vested.

A summary of changes in Busey’s DSU awards for the three months ended March 31, 2025, is as follows:

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The First Busey Corporation ESPP was approved at Busey’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The purpose of the ESPP is to provide a means through which Busey employees may acquire a proprietary interest in the Company by purchasing shares of its common stock at a 15% discount through voluntary payroll deductions, to assist in retaining the services of current employees and securing and retaining the services of new employees, and to provide incentives for Busey employees to exert maximum efforts toward the Company’s success. Substantially all of Busey’s employees are eligible to participate, and all participating employees have equal rights and privileges under the terms of the ESPP. Further details can be found in Appendix A within Busey’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on April 8, 2021.

The ESPP initially reserved for issuance and purchase an aggregate of 600,000 shares of Busey’s common stock. The first offering under the ESPP began on July 1, 2021. There were 359,808 shares available for issuance under the ESPP as of March 31, 2025.

Stock-based Compensation Expense

Busey didnot record any stock option compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, or 2024. Busey didnot have any unrecognized stock option compensation expense as of March 31, 2025.

Busey recognized compensation expense related to non-vested equity awards as summarized in the table below:

1. Expense for PSU awards with a relative total stockholder return performance goal represents amounts based on target shares at the grant date. Expense for PSU awards with return on average tangible common equity and compounded annual revenue growth rate performance goals represents amounts based on target shares at the grant date, adjusted for performance expectations as of the date indicated.

Unamortized compensation expense related to nonvested RSU, PSU, and DSU awards is summarized in the table below:

1. Unamortized expense for PSU awards with a market-based total stockholder return performance goal represents amounts based on target shares at grant date. Unamortized expense for PSU awards with return on average tangible common equity and compounded annual revenue growth rate performance goals represents amounts based on target shares at grant date, adjusted for performance expectations as of the date indicated.

NOTE 11. OUTSTANDING COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Commitments and Credit Risk

A summary of the contractual amount of Busey’s exposure to off-balance sheet risk relating to the Company’s commitments follows:

Legal Matters

Busey is a party to legal actions which arise in the normal course of its business activities. Legal and administrative proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and while unfavorable outcomes could occur, Busey does not believe at this time that any potential liabilities relating to pending or potential legal matters are likely to have a material impact on Busey's results of operations or financial position.

Franchise Tax Matter

In 2021, Busey received an inquiry from the Illinois Secretary of State, pursuant to which the Illinois Secretary of State asked for additional information regarding certain of Busey’s franchise tax filings and the calculation of amounts due thereunder. The franchise tax is established by the Illinois Business Corporation Act (“BCA”) 805 ILCS 5/1 et seq., and is a tax imposed on foreign and domestic corporations for the privilege of conducting business in Illinois. Busey has been cooperating with the inquiry and has delivered additional BCA forms requested by the Illinois Secretary of State, with a full reservation of rights by Busey, including seeking judicial relief, if necessary, with respect to any potential dispute regarding Busey’s preparation of the BCA forms and the calculation of the franchise taxes due. Where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, or the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, as is the case with this matter, no accrual is required. It is reasonably possible that this matter could require Busey to pay additional taxes, including potential penalties and interest, or make other expenditures or accrue liabilities in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated as of March 31, 2025. If the likelihood of potential liabilities elevates, requiring an accrual, the potential future liabilities could be material in the period(s) in which they are recorded.

NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Busey utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. Additionally, Busey enters into derivative financial instruments, including interest rate lock commitments issued to residential loan customers for loans that will be held for sale; forward sales commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to investors; and interest rate swaps, risk participation agreements, and foreign currency exchange contracts with customers and other third parties. See “Note 13: Fair Value Measurements” for further discussion of the fair value measurement of such derivatives.

To secure its obligations under derivative contracts, Busey pledged cash and held collateral as follows:

Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges

Busey entered into derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges. For a derivative instrument that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair value of components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

Interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $500.0 million as of both March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, were designated as cash flow hedges. Busey entered into a $300.0 million receive-fixed, pay-floating interest rate swap to reduce Busey’s asset sensitivity (Prime Loan Swap). Duration was added to Busey’s loan portfolio by fixing a portion of floating prime-based loans. Interest rates had risen above their historical lows allowing Busey to lock in a portion of its loan portfolio to reduce asset sensitivity while creating a more stable margin in a volatile rate market. These hedges were determined to be highly effective during the period, and Busey expects its hedges to remain highly effective during the remaining terms of the swaps. Further, Busey entered into forward-starting SOFR-based receive-fixed pay-floating interest rate swaps totaling $200.0 million to reduce Busey’s asset sensitivity (SOFR Loan Swaps). These hedges were determined to be highly effective during the period, and Busey expects its hedges to remain highly effective during the remaining terms of the swaps. Changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps were recorded net of tax in OCI.

A summary of the interest-rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges is presented below:

During the next 12 months, Busey expects to reclassify unrealized gains and losses from OCI to interest income and interest expense as shown in the following table. Amounts actually recognized could differ from these expectations due to changes in interest rates, hedge de-designations, and the addition of other hedges subsequent to March 31, 2025.

Interest income and interest expense recorded on these swap transactions is presented in the following table:

Net gains (losses) relating to cash flow derivative instruments that were recorded in OCI on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) are presented in the table below:

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges

Interest Rate Swaps Not Designated as Hedges

Busey may offer derivative contracts to its customers in connection with their risk management needs. Busey manages the risk associated with these contracts by entering into equal and offsetting derivative agreements with third-party dealers. These contracts supported variable rate, commercial loan relationships totaling $928.5 million as of March 31, 2025, and $719.2 million as of December 31, 2024. These derivatives generally worked together as an economic interest rate hedge, but Busey did not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

Amounts and fair values of derivative assets and derivative liabilities related to customer interest rate swaps recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized as follows:

Changes in fair value of these derivative assets and liabilities are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) and are summarized as follows:

Risk Participation Agreements

To manage the credit risk exposure related to customer-facing swaps, Busey entered into risk participation agreements in conjunction with loan participation arrangements with other financial institutions. Under these risk participation agreements, Busey purchased credit risk participation, paying an up-front fee to a counterparty to accept a portion of its credit exposure, and will receive a payment from the counterparty if the swap customer defaults on its obligations. In addition to these agreements Busey entered into, in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, Busey assumed additional risk participation agreements entered into by CrossFirst, in which CrossFirst purchased credit risk participation, and Busey will receive a payment from the counterparty if the swap customer defaults on its obligations.

In connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, Busey assumed risk participation agreements entered into by CrossFirst, under which CrossFirst sold credit risk participation, receiving an up-front fee from a counterparty in exchange for accepting a portion of the counterparty’s credit exposure. Under these agreements, Busey will be required to make a payment to the counterparty if the swap customer defaults on its obligations.

Notional amounts of the risk participation agreements reflect the participating banks’ pro-rata shares of the derivative instruments, consistent with their shares of the related participated loans. The risk participation agreements mature between October 2025 and October 2029, and are summarized as follows:

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

Interest rate lock commitments that meet the definition of derivative financial instruments under ASC Topic 815“Derivatives and Hedging” are carried at their fair values in other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited), with changes in the fair values of the corresponding derivative financial assets or liabilities recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

Forward Sales Commitments

Busey economically hedges mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments issued to its residential loan customers related to loans that will be held for sale by obtaining corresponding forward sales commitments with an investor to sell the loans at an agreed-upon price at the time the interest rate locks are issued to the customers. Forward sales commitments that meet the definition of derivative financial instruments under ASC Topic 815“Derivatives and Hedging” are carried at their fair values in other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited). While such forward sales commitments generally served as an economic hedge to mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments, Busey did not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

Amounts and fair values of mortgage banking derivatives included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized as follows:

Gains and losses relating to these derivative instruments are reported in noninterest income, and are summarized as follows for the periods presented:

NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received by selling that asset or paid in transferring that liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. ASC Topic 820“Fair Value Measurement” establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

•Level 1 Inputs—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

•Level 2 Inputs—Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

•Level 3 Inputs—Unobservable inputs for estimating the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to Busey’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value.

In general, fair value estimates are based upon quoted market prices, when available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated utilizing independent valuation techniques that consider identical or similar securities for which significant assumptions are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable data. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at their estimated fair values. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect, among other things, counterparty credit quality and the company's creditworthiness as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. While management believes Busey's valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to estimate the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Debt Securities Available for Sale

Debt securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value, which is estimated using Level 2 inputs. Busey obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The independent pricing service utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information. Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, the independent pricing service applies available information to prepare evaluations, with a focus on observable market data such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing.

The independent pricing service uses model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model, to assess interest rate impact and develop prepayment scenarios. Models and processes take into account market conventions. For each asset class, a team of evaluators gathers information from market sources and integrates relevant credit information, perceived market movements, and sector news into the evaluated pricing applications and models.

Market inputs that the independent pricing service normally seeks for evaluations of securities, listed in approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. The independent pricing service also monitors market indicators, industry, and economic events. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used or some of the market inputs may not be applicable. Evaluators may prioritize inputs differently on any given day for any security based on market conditions, and not all inputs listed are available for use in the evaluation process for each security evaluation on a given day. Because the data utilized was observable, the securities have been classified as Level 2.

Equity Securities

Equity securities are reported at fair value, which is estimated using Level 1 or Level 2 inputs. Fair value measurements of mutual funds or stock in active markets are estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets at the measurement date and are classified as Level 1. Fair value measurements of stock that are not active use quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets and are classified as Level 2.

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities

Busey’s derivative assets and derivative liabilities are reported at fair value, which is measured using Level 2 or Level 3 inputs. Fair values of derivative assets and liabilities are estimated based on prices that are obtained from a third-party which uses observable market inputs and, with the exception of risk participation agreements, are classified as Level 2. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, derivative assets and liabilities related to risk participation agreements are classified as Level 3.

The following tables summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis:

Activity for risk participation agreements, which are financial assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3, is summarized in the tables below:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at estimated fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).

Loans Evaluated Individually

Busey does not record portfolio loans at estimated fair value on a recurring basis. However, periodically, a loan is evaluated individually and is reported at the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. If the estimated collateral value is not sufficient, a specific reserve is recorded. Collateral values are estimated using a combination of observable inputs, including recent appraisals, and unobservable inputs based on customized discounting criteria. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, fair values of individually evaluated collateral dependent loans have been classified as Level 3.

Bank Property Held for Sale

Bank property held for sale represents certain banking center office buildings which Busey has closed and consolidated with other existing banking centers. Bank property held for sale is measured at the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value estimates were based upon discounted appraisals or real estate listing prices. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, estimated fair values of all bank property held for sale have been classified as Level 3. Bank property held for sale is included in premises and equipment, net on Busey’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited).

The following tables summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis:

The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 inputs:

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities That Are Not Carried at Fair Value

Fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on Busey’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) were estimated as follows:

NOTE 14. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which include DSUs that are vested but not delivered. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the treasury stock method and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if Busey’s outstanding stock options and SSARs were exercised, stock units were vested, and ESPP shares were issued.

Earnings per common share have been computed as follows:

1. Since the Company was in a net loss position for the three months ended March 31, 2025, the inclusion of all potential common shares outstanding would have been anti-dilutive, so basic net loss per common share is the same as diluted net loss per common share.

Shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive are summarized in the table below for the periods presented:

Preferred stock and dividends

On March 1, 2025, associated with the CrossFirst acquisition, Busey issued 7,750 shares of Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock. No preferred stock dividend has been declared since issuing the Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock.

NOTE 15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables present changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the periods indicated:

NOTE 16. OPERATING SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

Busey’s reportable segments are determined by its chief executive officer, who is the designated chief operating decision maker. Busey is organized into three reportable operating segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and FirsTech. These operating segments are strategic business units that are separately managed, as they offer different products and services and have different marketing strategies.

Banking

The Banking operating segment provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through First Busey Corporation’s wholly-owned bank subsidiaries, Busey Bank and CrossFirst Bank.

Busey Bank has 62 banking centers located throughout Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area; southwest Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

CrossFirst Bank has 16 banking centers located in Leawood, Kansas; Wichita, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dallas, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Frisco, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Tucson, Arizona; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Denver, Colorado; and Clayton, New Mexico. The newest banking center located in Oklahoma was opened on April 7, 2025.

Banking services offered to individual customers include customary types of demand and savings deposits, money transfers, safe deposit services, individual retirement accounts and other fiduciary services, automated teller machines, and technology-based networks, as well as a variety of loan products including residential real estate, home equity lines of credit, and consumer loans. Banking services offered to corporate customers include commercial, CRE, real estate construction, and agricultural loans, as well as commercial depository services such as cash management.

Wealth Management

The Wealth Management operating segment provides a full range of asset management, investment, brokerage, fiduciary, philanthropic advisory, tax preparation, and farm management services to individuals, businesses, and foundations. Services are provided through Busey Capital Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Busey Bank, and Busey Wealth Management, a division of Busey Bank.

Wealth management services tailored to individuals include trust and estate advisory services and financial planning. Business services include business succession planning and employee retirement plan services. Services for foundations include investment strategy consulting and fiduciary services.

FirsTech

The FirsTech operating segment provides comprehensive and innovative payment technology solutions through Busey Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FirsTech. FirsTech's multi-channel payment platform allows businesses to collect payments from their customers in a variety of ways to enable fast, frictionless payments. Payment method vehicles include, but are not limited to, text-based mobile bill pay; interactive voice response; electronic payment concentration delivered to Automated Clearing House networks, money management, and credit card networks; walk-in payment processing for customers at retail pay agents; customer service payments made over a telephone; direct debit services; merchant services referral solutions serving partner Financial Institutions and their business customers; and lockbox remittance processing for customers to make payments by mail. FirsTech also provides additional tools to help clients with billing, reconciliation, bill reminders, and treasury services.

FirsTech's client base represents a diverse set of industries, with a higher concentration in highly regulated industries, such as financial institutions, utility, insurance, and telecommunications industries.

Segment Financial Information

The segment financial information provided below has been derived from information used by management to monitor and manage Busey’s financial performance. The accounting policies of Busey’s operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in “Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies” of Busey’s 2024 Annual Report. Busey accounts for intersegment revenue and transfers at current market prices.

Goodwill and total assets are summarized below by operating segment. The “other” category included in the tables below consists of the parent company and the elimination of intercompany transactions:

Financial results by operating segment, including significant expense categories provided to the chief operating decision maker, are summarized below: