FIRST BUSEY CORP /NV/

In 2021, First Busey Corporation received an inquiry from the Illinois Secretary of State, pursuant to which the Illinois Secretary of State asked for additional information regarding certain of First Busey Corporation’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. First Busey Corporation has been cooperating with the inquiry since the initial outreach from the Illinois Secretary of State in 2021 and in October 2024 delivered additional BCA forms requested by the Illinois Secretary of State, with a full reservation of rights by First Busey Corporation.

On March 20, 2025, the Illinois Secretary of State requested that First Busey Corporation resubmit the requested forms using a proposed methodology for paid-in capital that First Busey Corporation views as inconsistent with the Illinois Secretary of State’s past practice, and existing statutory and case law. Accordingly, on May 14, 2025, within the Illinois Secretary of State’s requested timeframe, First Busey Corporation informed the Illinois Secretary of State that it would not resubmit the requested forms with the methodology that First Busey Corporation disputes and requested that the parties instead continue good faith discussions. On July 2, 2025, First Busey Corporation received a notice of hearing from the Illinois Secretary of State indicating that an administrative hearing has been scheduled to “ascertain” the required amount of franchise taxes, penalties, interest, fees, and charges purportedly due from First Busey Corporation to the Illinois Secretary of State. In the notice, the Illinois Secretary of State requested a determination of an amount due that the Illinois Secretary of State preliminarily estimated in excess of $28.0 million, including in excess of $17.4 million in interest and approximately $0.3 million in penalties. First Busey Corporation disagrees with the Illinois Secretary of State’s preliminary estimate and believes that the Illinois Secretary of State’s request is contrary not only to the Illinois Secretary of State’s past practice, but also existing statutory and case law. First Busey Corporation intends to vigorously defend itself against the Illinois Secretary of State’s notice, including through appropriate judicial relief. To that end, on July 31, 2025, First Busey Corporation filed a special appearance with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Department of Administrative Hearings solely for the limited purpose of contesting the jurisdiction of the Illinois Secretary of State to initiate and conduct the administrative hearing, and on November 25, 2025, First Busey Corporation filedtwo lawsuits against the Illinois Secretary of State in connection with this matter: one in federal court, First Busey Corporation v. Alexi Giannoulias, No. 3:25-cv-50488 (N.D. Ill.); andone in Illinois state court, First Busey Corporation v. Alexi Giannoulias, No. 25-MR-283 (Sixth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, Champaign County). Both lawsuits and the administrative hearing remain pending.

Where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, or the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, no accrual is required. Given the underlying disagreement between First Busey Corporation and the Illinois Secretary of State on the proper methodology for calculating any franchise tax owed, the loss cannot be reasonably estimated. It is reasonably possible that this matter could require First Busey Corporation 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, 2026. If the likelihood of potential liabilities elevates and First Busey Corporation becomes able to reasonably estimate the loss, 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 and risk participation agreements 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 $700.0 million as of March 31, 2026, and $500.0 million as of December 31, 2025, 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 $400.0 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 fair value were recorded net of tax in OCI.

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

1. A pay rate is not yet applicable for a 6-month forward-starting SOFR loan swap with a notional amount of $200 million, which was entered into during the first quarter of 2026, so this SOFR loan swap was excluded from the calculation of the weighted average pay rate.

During the next 12 months, Busey expects to reclassify unrealized gains and losses from OCI to interest income 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, 2026.

Changes in interest income recorded on these swap transactions is presented in the following table:

Net gains and 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 $1.27 billion as of March 31, 2026, and $1.16 billion as of December 31, 2025. 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 derivative liabilities were recorded in noninterest expense on 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. Busey also 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 May 2026 and October 2033, and are summarized as follows:

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

Busey entered into foreign currency exchange contracts to support the business requirements of its customers. Foreign currency contracts involve the exchange of one currency for another on a specified date and at a specified rate. These contracts are executed on behalf of Busey's customers and are used by customers to manage fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Busey generally minimizes its exposure by entering into similar offsetting positions with other financial institutions. Busey is subject to the credit risk that another party will fail to perform. Amounts and fair values of derivative assets and derivative liabilities related to foreign currency contracts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) 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:

1. The fair value of forward sales commitments in a liability position was immaterial, rounding to zero thousand.

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

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 Busey's risk participation agreements, which are measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs, is summarized in the table below:

1. CrossFirst Bank, which Busey operated as a separate banking subsidiary from the time of its acquisition on March 1, 2025, until it was merged with and into Busey Bank on June 20, 2025, recorded gains and losses on its risk participation agreements as other noninterest income. Throughout 2025, Busey accounted for the CrossFirst portfolio of risk participation agreements consistent with this methodology. Beginning in 2026, gains and losses recognized on Busey’s full portfolio of risk participation agreements, is recorded as other noninterest expense.

2. Represents risk participation agreements assumed in the CrossFirst acquisition.

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.

OREO and Other Repossessed Assets

Non-financial assets measured at fair value, upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment, include OREO and other repossessed assets. OREO properties and other repossessed assets are measured using a combination of observable inputs, including recent appraisals, and unobservable inputs. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, the estimated fair values of all OREO and other repossessed assets 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 tables present 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 available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which include DSUs that are vested but not delivered. Net income available to common stockholders is net income less dividends that have been declared on Busey’s preferred stock (all of which is non-cumulative). Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the treasury stock method and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if shares were issued for Busey’s outstanding equity-based awards.

Earnings per common share have been computed as follows:

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

NOTE 15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables present changes in AOCI by component, net of tax:

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 subsidiary, Busey Bank.

Busey Bank has 80 banking centers located throughout Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri MSA; southwest Florida; Indianapolis, Indiana; the Dallas-Fort Worth MSA; the Kansas City MSA; Wichita, Kansas; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Clayton, New Mexico.

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 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 2025 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: