BUSE 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2025

FIRST BUSEY CORP /NV/

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buse-20250930

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q


☑			Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2025


☐			Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File No. 0-15950

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Nevada			37-1078406
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
11440 Tomahawk Creek Parkway Leawood , Kansas			66211
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (217) 365-4544

N/A

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol (s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value

BUSE

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of 8.25% Fixed-Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock , $0.001 par value

BUSEP

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer ☑	Accelerated filer ☐	Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐	Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Class						Outstanding at November 6, 2025
Common Stock, $0.001 par value						88,409,043

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025


Table of Contents

GLOSSARY			4
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION			6
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			6
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)			7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)			8
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)			9
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)			11
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)			13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)			15
Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies			15
Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions			20
Note 3. Debt Securities			26
Note 4. Portfolio Loans			32
Note 5. Leases			43
Note 6. Deposits			46
Note 7. Borrowings			47
Note 8. Regulatory Capital			48
Note 9. Tax Credit Investments and Other Investments in Unconsolidated Entities			51
Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation			51
Note 11. Outstanding Commitments and Contingent Liabilities			58
Note 12. Derivative Financial Instruments			59
Note 13. Fair Value Measurements			64
Note 14. Earnings Per Common Share			70
Note 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			72
Note 16. Operating Segments and Related Information			72
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)			78
SCOPE OF DISCUSSION			78
BUSINESS			78
Banking Center Markets			78
Busey’s Conservative Banking Strategy			80
Mergers and Acquisitions			81
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025			81
Net Income			81
Non-GAAP Adjusting Items and Non-GAAP Measures			82
Operating Performance Metrics			83
Net Interest Income			83
Noninterest Income			89
Noninterest Expense			92

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Table of Contents (continued)

FINANCIAL CONDITION			96
Balance Sheet			96
Portfolio Loans			96
Deposits			102
Liquidity			103
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements			104
Capital Resources			105
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION			106
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			112
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES			112
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations			113
Goodwill			113
Income Taxes			113
Allowance for Credit Losses			114
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK			114
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES			115
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION			115
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS			115
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS			116
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES			116
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES			116
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES			116
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION			116
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS			117
SIGNATURES			118

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Table of Contents

GLOSSARY

Busey uses acronyms, abbreviations, and other terms throughout this Quarterly Report, as defined in the glossary below:


Term						Definition
2020 Equity Plan						First Busey Corporation Amended 2020 Equity Incentive Plan

ACL						Allowance for credit losses
Annual Report						Annual report filed with the SEC on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
AOCI						Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
ASC						Accounting Standards Codification
ASU						Accounting Standards Update
Basel III						2010 capital accord adopted by the international Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
Basel III Rule						Regulations promulgated by U.S. federal banking agencies—the OCC, the Federal Reserve, and the FDIC—to both enforce implementation of certain aspects of the Basel III capital reforms and effect certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

bps						basis points
Busey						First Busey Corporation, together with its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries; also, “First Busey,” and the “Company”
Busey Series A Preferred Stock						Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value
Busey Series B Preferred Stock						8.25% Fixed-Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value
C&I						Commercial and industrial
CECL						ASC Topic 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses,” which established the Current Expected Credit Losses methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments





CrossFirst						CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.



DSU						Deferred stock unit

ESPP						First Busey Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Exchange Act						Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
Fair value						The price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, as defined in ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement”
FASB						Financial Accounting Standards Board
FDIC						Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Reserve						Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
FHLB						Federal Home Loan Bank


FirsTech						FirsTech, Inc.

GAAP						U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles


M&M						Merchants and Manufacturers Bank Corporation
M&M Bank						Merchants and Manufacturers Bank
MSA						Metropolitan Statistical Area
Nasdaq						National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations
N/A						Not applicable

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Table of Contents


Term						Definition
OCI						Other comprehensive income (loss)
OREO						Other real estate owned

PCD						Purchased credit deteriorated

PSU						Performance stock unit
Quarterly Report						Quarterly report filed with the SEC on Form 10-Q pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act

RSU						Restricted stock unit
SBA						U.S. Small Business Administration
SEC						U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

SOFR						Secured Overnight Financing Rate published by the Federal Reserve
SSAR						Stock-settled stock appreciation right


U.S.						United States of America
U.S. Treasury						U.S. Department of the Treasury

First Busey Corporation (BUSE) | 5

Table of Contents

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)


	As of
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks	$	193,273	$	129,444
Interest-bearing deposits	192,201		568,215
Total cash and cash equivalents	385,474		697,659

Debt securities available for sale	2,099,259		1,810,221
Debt securities held to maturity	784,821		826,630
Equity securities	15,931		15,862
Loans held for sale	8,943		3,657
Portfolio loans (net of ACL of $ 174,181 at September 30, 2025, and $ 83,404 at December 31, 2024)	13,424,085		7,613,683
Restricted bank stock	77,006		49,930
Premises and equipment, net	190,721		118,820

Goodwill	383,323		333,695
Other intangible assets, net	101,880		32,280
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance	258,771		185,087
Other assets	458,414		359,198
Total assets	$	18,188,628	$	12,046,722

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	3,554,936	$	2,719,907
Interest-bearing	11,515,226		7,262,583
Total deposits	15,070,162		9,982,490

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	147,152		155,610

Long-term borrowings	92,431		—

Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs	103,283		227,723
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	77,257		74,815

Other liabilities	249,508		222,815
Total liabilities	15,739,793		10,663,453

Outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities (see Notes 5 and 11 )

Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $ 0.001 par value, liquidation preference $ 222,750 at September 30, 2025 and zero at December 31, 2024	—		—
Common stock, $ 0.001 par value	93		60
Additional paid-in capital	2,373,500		1,360,530
Retained earnings	303,077		294,054
AOCI	( 136,801 )		( 207,039 )
Total stockholders’ equity before treasury stock	2,539,869		1,447,605
Treasury stock at cost	( 91,034 )		( 64,336 )
Total stockholders’ equity	2,448,835		1,383,269
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	18,188,628	$	12,046,722

Shares
Preferred shares issued and outstanding ( 1,000,000 shares authorized)	222,750		—
Common shares ( 200,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2025 and 100,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2024):
Issued	92,694,541		59,546,273
Less: Treasury	3,905,498		2,650,292
Outstanding	88,789,043		56,895,981

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) .

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Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans	$	214,357	$	111,336	$	568,299	$	320,302
Taxable interest income	22,146		17,789		63,836		56,264
Non-taxable interest income	1,644		283		3,926		918
Dividend income on bank stock	871		106		2,173		291
Other interest income	5,487		5,092		20,532		14,590
Total interest income	244,505		134,606		658,766		392,365
Interest expense
Deposits	84,611		46,634		230,070		134,311
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase	976		981		2,738		3,393
Short-term borrowings	26		26		589		676
Long-term borrowings	937		—		1,967		300

Subordinated notes	1,417		3,181		7,203		9,467
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	1,401		1,137		4,148		3,185
Total interest expense	89,368		51,959		246,715		151,332
Net interest income	155,137		82,647		412,051		241,033
Provision for credit losses	( 985 )		409		50,308		6,677
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	156,122		82,238		361,743		234,356
Noninterest income
Wealth management fees	17,184		15,378		51,325		46,844

Payment technology solutions	5,092		5,265		15,121		16,889
Treasury management services	4,598		2,201		12,596		6,247
Card services and ATM fees	4,799		3,557		13,388		9,947
Other service charges on deposit accounts	1,617		2,390		4,663		7,059
Mortgage revenue	657		355		1,762		1,579
Income on bank owned life insurance	1,623		1,189		4,814		4,050
Realized net gains (losses) on the sale of mortgage servicing rights	—		( 18 )		—		7,724
Realized net gains (losses) on securities	( 13 )		( 11 )		( 15,549 )		( 6,817 )
Unrealized net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities	( 275 )		833		5,490		911
Other noninterest income	5,916		4,706		13,674		10,028
Total noninterest income	41,198		35,845		107,284		104,461
Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	74,145		44,593		220,068		130,161
Data processing	9,714		6,910		33,310		20,560
Net occupancy expense of premises	7,982		4,633		21,613		13,943
Furniture and equipment expenses	2,143		1,647		6,296		5,155
Professional fees	2,931		3,118		15,316		7,866
Amortization of intangible assets	4,507		2,548		12,182		7,586
Interchange expense	1,336		1,352		3,976		4,696
FDIC insurance	3,151		1,413		7,742		4,273
Other noninterest expense	14,109		9,305		39,378		28,632
Total noninterest expense	120,018		75,519		359,881		222,872
Income before income taxes	77,302		42,564		109,146		115,945
Income taxes	20,204		10,560		34,634		30,359
Net income	$	57,098	$	32,004	$	74,512	$	85,586
Dividends on preferred stock	5,131		—		5,286		—
Net income available to common stockholders	$	51,967	$	32,004	$	69,226	$	85,586

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic	89,136,898		57,033,359		82,508,723		56,458,430
Diluted	90,218,382		57,967,848		83,609,999		57,411,299
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.58	$	0.56	$	0.84	$	1.52
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.58	$	0.55	$	0.83	$	1.49

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) .

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Net income	$	57,098	$	32,004	$	74,512	$	85,586
OCI:
Unrealized/Unrecognized gains (losses) on debt securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale	24,391		54,950		61,710		48,688

Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on debt securities available for sale included in net income	13		11		15,549		6,817
Amortization of unrecognized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity	1,104		1,384		3,369		4,194
Tax effect	( 8,356 )		( 16,061 )		( 22,185 )		( 17,016 )
Net change in unrealized/unrecognized gains (losses) on debt securities	17,152		40,284		58,443		42,683
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	( 486 )		10,404		9,075		295
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges included in net income	2,304		2,364		6,629		6,988
Tax effect	( 460 )		( 3,639 )		( 3,909 )		( 2,076 )
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,358		9,129		11,795		5,207
OCI	18,510		49,413		70,238		47,890
Total comprehensive income	$	75,608	$	81,417	$	144,750	$	133,476

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) .

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Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
	Number of Shares		Stock				Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		AOCI		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders' Equity
(dollars in thousands)	Preferred	Common	Preferred		Common
Balance, June 30, 2025	222,750	89,104,678	$	—	$	93	$	2,377,560	$	273,799	$	( 155,311 )	$	( 83,595 )	$	2,412,546

Net income	—	—	—		—		—		57,098		—		—		57,098
OCI, net of tax	—	—	—		—		—		—		18,510		—		18,510


Repurchase of stock	—	( 580,000 )	—		—		—		—		—		( 13,547 )		( 13,547 )
Issuance of treasury stock for ESPP	—	23,232	—		—		( 79 )		—		—		537		458
Net issuance of treasury stock for RSU/PSU/DSU vesting and related tax	—	234,401	—		—		( 8,418 )		—		—		5,416		( 3,002 )
Net issuance of treasury stock for SSARs exercised and related tax		6,732					( 243 )						155		( 88 )


Cash dividends on preferred stock	—	—	—		—		—		( 5,131 )		—		—		( 5,131 )
Cash dividends on common stock at $ 0.25 per share	—	—	—		—		—		( 22,307 )		—		—		( 22,307 )
Dividend equivalents on RSUs/PSUs/DSUs	—	—	—		—		382		( 382 )		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—		—		4,298		—		—		—		4,298
Balance, September 30, 2025	222,750	88,789,043	$	—	$	93	$	2,373,500	$	303,077	$	( 136,801 )	$	( 91,034 )	$	2,448,835


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
	Number of Shares		Stock				Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		AOCI		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders' Equity
(dollars in thousands)	Preferred	Common	Preferred		Common
Balance, June 30, 2024	—	56,746,937	$	—	$	60	$	1,360,430	$	261,820	$	( 220,326 )	$	( 68,174 )	$	1,333,810

Net income	—	—	—		—		—		32,004		—		—		32,004
OCI, net of tax	—	—	—		—		—		—		49,413		—		49,413


Issuance of treasury stock for ESPP	—	13,109	—		—		( 73 )		—		—		338		265
Net issuance of treasury stock for RSU/PSU/DSU vesting and related tax	—	112,143	—		—		( 4,142 )		—		—		2,888		( 1,254 )
Issuance of treasury stock for options exercised, net of shares redeemed and related tax	—	52	—		—		( 1 )		—		—		1		—

Cash dividends on common stock at $ 0.24 per share	—	—	—		—		—		( 13,645 )		—		—		( 13,645 )
Dividend equivalents on RSUs/PSUs/DSUs	—	—	—		—		311		( 311 )		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—		—		2,291		—		—		—		2,291
Balance, September 30, 2024	—	56,872,241	$	—	$	60	$	1,358,816	$	279,868	$	( 170,913 )	$	( 64,947 )	$	1,402,884

(continued)

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Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited) (Continued)


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
	Number of Shares		Stock				Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		AOCI		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders' Equity
(dollars in thousands)	Preferred	Common	Preferred		Common
Balance, December 31, 2024	—	56,895,981	$	—	$	60	$	1,360,530	$	294,054	$	( 207,039 )	$	( 64,336 )	$	1,383,269

Net income	—	—	—		—		—		74,512		—		—		74,512
OCI, net of tax	—	—	—		—		—		—		70,238		—		70,238
Stock issued in acquisition, net of stock issuance costs	7,750	33,148,268	—		33		808,022		—		—		—		808,055
Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs	215,000	—	—		—		207,447		—		—		—		207,447
Repurchase of stock	—	( 1,812,000 )	—		—		—		—		—		( 40,038 )		( 40,038 )
Issuance of treasury stock for ESPP	—	79,333	—		—		( 424 )		—		—		1,911		1,487
Net issuance of treasury stock for RSU/PSU/DSU vesting and related tax	—	446,555	—		—		( 15,256 )		—		—		10,707		( 4,549 )
Net issuance of treasury stock for SSARs exercised and related tax	—	30,906	—		—		( 1,174 )		—		—		722		( 452 )


Cash dividends on preferred stock	—	—	—		—		—		( 5,286 )		—		—		( 5,286 )
Cash dividends on common stock at $ 0.75 per share	—	—	—		—		—		( 58,973 )		—		—		( 58,973 )
Dividend equivalents on RSUs/PSUs/DSUs	—	—	—		—		1,230		( 1,230 )		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—		—		13,125		—		—		—		13,125
Balance, September 30, 2025	222,750	88,789,043	$	—	$	93	$	2,373,500	$	303,077	$	( 136,801 )	$	( 91,034 )	$	2,448,835

(continued)

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
	Number of Shares		Stock				Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		AOCI		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders' Equity
(dollars in thousands)	Preferred	Common	Preferred		Common
Balance, December 31, 2023	—	55,244,119	$	—	$	58	$	1,323,595	$	237,197	$	( 218,803 )	$	( 70,066 )	$	1,271,981
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principal (ASU 2023-02)	—	—	—		—		—		( 1,391 )		—		—		( 1,391 )
Net income	—	—	—		—		—		85,586		—		—		85,586
OCI, net of tax	—	—	—		—		—		—		47,890		—		47,890
Stock issued in acquisition, net of stock issuance costs	—	1,429,304	—		2		34,232		—		—		—		34,234

Issuance of treasury stock for ESPP	—	45,679	—		—		( 250 )		—		—		1,176		926
Net issuance of treasury stock for RSU/DSU vesting and related tax	—	153,087	—		—		( 5,592 )		—		—		3,942		( 1,650 )
Issuance of treasury stock for options exercised, net of shares redeemed and related tax	—	52	—		—		( 1 )		—		—		1		—

Cash dividends on common stock at $ 0.72 per share	—	—	—		—		—		( 40,520 )		—		—		( 40,520 )
Dividend equivalents on RSUs/PSUs/DSUs	—	—	—		—		1,004		( 1,004 )		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—		—		5,828		—		—		—		5,828
Balance, September 30, 2024	—	56,872,241	$	—	$	60	$	1,358,816	$	279,868	$	( 170,913 )	$	( 64,947 )	$	1,402,884

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) .

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net income	$	74,512	$	85,586
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for credit losses	50,308		6,677
Amortization of intangible assets	12,182		7,586
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights	486		826

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment	9,505		7,186
Net amortization (accretion) on portfolio loans	( 12,046 )		3,602
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on investment securities	1,405		6,848
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on time deposits	( 1,715 )		87
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on FHLB advances and other borrowings	1,470		856
Impairment of OREO and other repossessed assets	270		—
Impairment of fixed assets held for sale	188		369
Impairment of mortgage servicing rights	35		233
Impairment of leases	28		—
Unrealized (gains) losses recognized on equity securities, net	( 5,490 )		( 911 )

(Gain) loss on sales of debt securities, net	15,549		6,817
(Gain) loss on sales of mortgage servicing rights	—		( 7,724 )
(Gain) loss on sales of loans, net	( 1,140 )		( 1,307 )
(Gain) loss on sales of OREO and other repossessed assets	96		( 549 )
(Gain) loss on sales of premises and equipment	27		( 32 )
(Gain) loss on life insurance proceeds	( 357 )		( 895 )
(Increase) decrease in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance	( 4,457 )		( 3,155 )
Provision for deferred income taxes	3,132		1,905
Stock-based compensation	13,125		5,828

Proceeds from the sale of mortgage servicing rights	—		9,796
Mortgage loans originated for sale	( 77,210 )		( 85,741 )
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans	73,098		78,006
(Increase) decrease in other assets	( 1,337 )		10,082
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	( 31,284 )		( 6,015 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	120,380		125,961

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Purchases of equity securities	( 919 )		( 647 )
Purchases of debt securities available for sale	( 385,411 )		( 31,149 )
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	6,444		1,055
Proceeds from sales of debt securities available for sale	529,760		101,361
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities of debt securities held to maturity	43,409		35,932
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities of debt securities available for sale	354,041		251,175
Purchases of restricted bank stock	( 35,278 )		( 24 )
Proceeds from the redemption of restricted bank stock	11,905		884

Net (increase) decrease in loans	161,275		241,463
Net cash received in (paid for) acquisitions (see Note 2 )	385,804		18,377
Cash paid for premiums on bank-owned life insurance	( 46 )		( 74 )
Proceeds from life insurance	4,334		3,092
Purchases of premises and equipment	( 13,179 )		( 4,504 )
Proceeds from disposition of premises and equipment	710		1,341
Capitalized expenditures on foreclosed real estate	( 316 )		—
Proceeds from sales of OREO and other repossessed assets, including cash payments collected	16,576		636
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,079,109		618,918

(continued)

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Continued)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	$	( 1,482,312 )	$	( 740,840 )
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase	( 8,458 )		( 60,150 )
Repayment of short-term borrowings	( 11,158 )		( 36,000 )
Proceeds from other borrowings, net of debt issuance costs	16,667		—
Repayment of other borrowings	( 125,129 )		( 31,450 )
Cash dividends paid	( 64,259 )		( 40,520 )
Purchase of treasury stock	( 40,038 )		—
Cash paid for withholding taxes on stock-based payments	( 4,549 )		( 1,650 )
Cash paid for the exercise of stock options, warrants, and SSARs	( 452 )		—

Issuance of treasury stock for the ESPP	1,487		—
Issuance of preferred stock, net of stock issuance costs	207,447		—
Common stock issuance costs	( 920 )		( 141 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	( 1,511,674 )		( 910,751 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	( 312,185 )		( 165,872 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	697,659		719,581
Cash and cash equivalents, ending of period	$	385,474	$	553,709

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash payments for:
Interest	$	243,489	$	146,302
Income taxes	16,167		12,388

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
OREO and other repossessed assets acquired in settlement of loans	22,528		26

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) .

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

First Busey Corporation, a Nevada corporation organized in 1980, is an $ 18.19 billion financial holding company headquartered in Leawood, Kansas. Busey’s common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE” and Busey’s depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Busey Series B Preferred Stock, are traded under the symbol “BUSEP.”

Busey operates and reports its business in three 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.

• 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 Busey's operating segments, see “ Note 16. Operating Segments and Related Information .”

Busey conducts its Banking and Wealth Management services through Busey Bank, and provides payment technology solutions through Busey Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, FirsTech. Busey also has various other subsidiaries that are not significant to the consolidated entity.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read together with the audited 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. Critical accounting 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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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 September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents included $ 13.6 million contractually restricted by a third-party service provider, $ 14.4 million pledged to secure obligations under derivative contracts, and $ 68.1 million of reserved cash subject to call by the Federal Reserve Bank, as a member of the Federal Reserve System.

Leases

A determination is made at inception if an arrangement contains a lease. For arrangements containing leases, Busey classifies the lease as either operating, finance, or short-term. Busey recognizes operating and finance leases as right of use assets and corresponding lease liabilities. Right of use assets are recognized on the lease commencement date at amounts equal to the respective lease liabilities, adjusted for prepaid lease payments, initial direct costs, and lease incentives received. Lease liabilities are recognized at the present value of the remaining contractual fixed lease payments, discounted using the rate implicit in the lease or Busey’s incremental borrowing rate.

ASC Topic 842 “Leases” requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease whenever this rate is readily determinable. If not readily determinable, Busey uses its incremental borrowing rate at lease inception, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term. For operating leases existing prior to Busey’s adoption of ASC Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, Busey used a borrowing rate that corresponded to the lease term remaining as of the date of adoption of ASC Topic 842.

Busey’s lease agreements often include one or more options to renew at Busey’s discretion. When Busey considers the exercise of a renewal option to be reasonably certain, contractual fixed lease payments for the renewal term are included in the calculation of the right of use asset and lease liability.

Right of use assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with Busey’s policies regarding long-lived assets.

Operating Leases

Right of use assets for operating leases are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) . Lease liabilities for operating leases are included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) .

Lease costs for operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease costs are reflected as noninterest expense for net occupancy of premises or for furniture and equipment expenses, as appropriate, on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) . Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred.

Finance Leases

Right of use assets for finance leases and the related accumulated amortization are included in premises and equipment, net, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) . Lease liabilities for finance leases are included in long-term borrowings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) . Repayments of the principal portion of finance lease liabilities are reflected as financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) .

Lease costs for finance leases are composed of interest expense and amortization expense. Interest expense on finance leases is reflected as interest expense on long-term borrowings on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) . Amortization expense on finance leases is reflected as noninterest expense for net occupancy of premises on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) .

Busey had one finance lease as of September 30, 2025, which was acquired through its acquisition of CrossFirst.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Short-term Leases

Leases with terms of twelve months or less are classified as short-term leases. Busey made an accounting policy election to not recognize short-term leases on the balance sheet. Lease costs for short-term leases are reflected as noninterest expense for net occupancy of premises or for furniture and equipment expenses, as appropriate, on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) .

For additional information about Busey’s leases, see “ Note 5. Leases .”

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.

On July 4, 2025, new federal tax legislation commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (the “OBBBA”) was enacted, which made permanent many of the tax provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that were set to expire in 2025 and introduced several significant amendments to federal tax legislation. Key provisions of the OBBBA include the restoration of immediate expensing of domestic research and development expenditures, reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation, more favorable rules for determining the limitation on business interest expense, and incentives for financial institutions to increase lending in rural and agricultural communities. The effects of the legislation were reflected in the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the period ending September 30, 2025, and did not have a material impact on our results of operations. Busey will continue evaluating the impact of this legislation for future reporting periods.

As of September 30, 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. Busey had no accruals for payments of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2025 or 2024.

As of September 30, 2025, Busey was also under examination by the Illinois Department of Revenue for M&M’s tax filings for the tax years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023.

Preferred Stock

On March 1, 2025, in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, Busey issued 7,750 shares of Busey Series A Preferred Stock, which were issued to holders of shares of CrossFirst Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock. The Busey Series A Preferred Stock bears a dividend rate of 8.00 % per annum on the liquidation preference of $ 1,000 per share. Dividend payments commenced on June 13, 2025. The Busey Series A Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund, or similar provision. Busey may redeem the Busey Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, on or after March 1, 2030, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at a redemption price of $ 1,000 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends, to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Additional information about the Busey Series A Preferred Stock can be found in Busey’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 27, 2024 , and the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 26, 2024, by and between First Busey Corporation and CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. filed therewith.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

On May 20, 2025, Busey issued 8,600,000 depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares,”), which are traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSEP.” Each Depositary Share represents a 1/40th interest in a share of Busey Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $ 1,000 per share (equivalent to $ 25 per Depositary Share). Dividend payments for the Series B Preferred Stock commenced on September 1, 2025. The Series B Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund, or similar provision. Busey may redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at its option, on any dividend payment date on or after June 1, 2030, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at a redemption price of $ 1,000 per share (equivalent to $ 25 per Depositary Share) plus any declared and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Additional information about the Depositary Shares and the Series B Preferred Stock can be found in Busey’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2025, and the exhibits filed therewith .

The following tables summarize Busey’s preferred stock issuances:


	September 30, 2025
Title of Eash Issue	Shares Authorized	Shares Issued	Shares Outstanding	Balance		Per Share Preference in Liquidation		Aggregate Liquidation Preference ($ in 000's)

Preferred stock, $ 0.001 par value:	1,000,000
Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock	7,750	7,750	7,750	$	7.75	$	1,000.00	$	7,750
8.25 % Fixed-Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock	230,000	215,000	215,000	$	215.00	$	1,000.00	$	215,000

Changes in preferred stock issued are presented in the following table:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Title of Eash Issue	2025		2024		2025		2024


Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock	$	—	$	—	$	7.75	$	—
8.25 % Fixed-Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock	—		—		215.00		—

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 or 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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-07 “ Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Derivatives Scope Refinements and Scope Clarification for Share-Based Noncash Consideration from a Customer in a Revenue Contract, ” to reduce diversity in the application of derivative accounting practices. This update provides a scope limitation on the definition of a derivative subject to derivative accounting under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, to exclude certain non-exchange-traded contracts with contingencies based on operations or activities specific to one of the parties to the contract. In addition, this update clarifies that share-based noncash consideration from a customer that is contingent on the satisfaction of performance obligations should not be recognized at contract inception as a derivative asset or an equity security, but rather should be accounted for under the guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and that guidance in other topics does not apply to share-based noncash consideration from a customer for the transfer of goods or services unless or until the entity’s right to receive or retain the share-based noncash consideration is unconditional under ASC Topic 606. The amendments in this update may be applied on either a prospective or modified retrospective basis, and will be effective for Busey for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. Busey is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its financial position and results of operations.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06 “ Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software ,” changing the criteria for capitalizing software costs to the following: (1) a commitment has been made to fund the software project, and (2) it is probable the project will be competed and used to perform its intended function. Under this update, software development stages are no longer a consideration in the determination of which costs are capitalized. The amendments in this update may be adopted on a prospective, modified transition, or retrospective basis, and will be effective for Busey for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2028. Early adoption is permitted. Busey is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its financial position and results of operations.

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05 “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets,” providing a practical expedient which, if elected, permits an entity to assume that current conditions as of the balance sheet date will remain static for the remaining life of the assets, removing the requirement to consider reasonable, supportable forecasts. The amendments in this update are to be applied prospectively, and will be effective for Busey for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2026. Early adoption is permitted. Busey is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its financial position and results of operations.

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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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 about 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 of the total amount of selling expenses and the entity’s definition of 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. Subsequent to quarter end, on October 24, 2025, Busey issued a conditional notice of full redemption of its $ 4.0 million 5.25 % Subordinated Note maturing December 4, 2030, which was acquired on April 1, 2024, in connection with the acquisition of M&M. The redemption of the Subordinated Note is subject to and conditioned upon regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve. Assuming the requisite approvals are obtained, the Subordinated Note will be redeemed on its optional redemption date of December 4, 2025. Other than this event, there were no significant events subsequent to the quarter ended September 30, 2025, through the filing date of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2. MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.

On March 1, 2025, Busey completed its 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 79 full-service locations across 10 states—Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The combined holding company continues to operate under the First Busey Corporation name. Busey’s common stock continues to trade on the Nasdaq under the “BUSE” stock ticker symbol.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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. Busey operated CrossFirst Bank as a separate banking subsidiary until it was merged with and into Busey Bank on June 20, 2025. At the time of the bank merger, CrossFirst Bank’s banking centers became 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 Preferred Stock. The fair value of Busey Series A 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. Subsequent to the acquisition, fair value adjustments of $ 1.8 million have been recorded, as additional information and valuations became available. 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 $ 49.6 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.

Merger of M&M Bank into Busey Bank

M&M Bank’s results of operations were included in Busey’s results of operation beginning April 1, 2024. 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”).

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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. 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. 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. Fair values were final as of March 31, 2025.

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. Goodwill recorded for this transaction is not tax deductible and was assigned to the Banking operating segment.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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:


	As of
	March 1, 2025		April 1, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	CrossFirst (provisional)		M&M (final)
Assets acquired
Cash and cash equivalents	$	385,808	$	33,577
Securities	725,622		8,086
Portfolio loans, net of ACL	6,023,063		417,230
Premises and equipment	69,673		2,045

Other intangible assets	81,783		6,346
Other assets	212,832		10,461
Total assets acquired	7,498,781		477,745

Liabilities assumed
Deposits	6,571,699		392,838
Short-term borrowings	11,148		35,932
Long-term borrowings	68,922		1,450
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs	—		3,911
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	2,238		2,594

Other liabilities	85,347		7,342
Total liabilities assumed	6,739,354		444,067

Net assets acquired	$	759,427	$	33,678

Consideration paid
Cash	$	4	$	15,200
Common stock	795,227		34,375
Preferred stock	7,750		—
Replacement awards 1	5,999		—
Total consideration paid	$	808,980	$	49,575

Goodwill	$	49,553	$	15,897

___________________________________________

1. Represents the fair value of replacement equity awards issued to CrossFirst associates attributable to pre-combination service.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Valuations of Loans

Estimated fair values for the loan portfolio acquired in the CrossFirst acquisition includes adjustments to certain receivables that were not considered PCD 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. These loans did not show signs of deterioration since origination, and therefore, at the acquisition date, 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 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:


	As of
	March 1, 2025		April 1, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	CrossFirst		M&M
PCD Financial Assets
Gross contractual receivable for PCD financial assets	$	1,539,718	$	29,290
ACL recorded for estimated uncollectible contractual cash flows specific to PCD financial assets	( 100,783 )		( 1,243 )
Interest premium (discount) specific to PCD financial assets	( 3,063 )		( 1,773 )
Loans previously charged-off by CrossFirst	( 110,740 )		—
Fair value of PCD financial assets	$	1,325,132	$	26,274

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:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income)	$	191,142	$	186,276	$	562,462	$	564,177
Net income	55,120		54,853		123,822		120,093

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Other Acquisition Costs

Busey incurred acquisition related expenses as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Pre-tax acquisition expenses
M&M	$	—	$	597	$	108	$	2,947
CrossFirst 1	7,251		1,338		95,341		1,485
Pre-tax acquisition expenses 1	$	7,251	$	1,935	$	95,449	$	4,432

___________________________________________

1. In addition to the acquisition costs presented in the table above, during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, Busey recorded a $ 4.0 million adjustment to the initial provision for unfunded commitments for CrossFirst acquisition-date balances based on revised estimates resulting from implementation of a new CECL model.

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:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Pre-tax costs to consummate the merger
M&M	$	—	$	( 3 )	$	—	$	147
CrossFirst	301		1,180		7,531		1,316
Pre-tax costs to consummate the merger	$	301	$	1,177	$	7,531	$	1,463

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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:


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized				Fair Value
			Gross Gains		Gross Losses
Debt securities available for sale 1

Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	113,676	$	124	$	( 195 )	$	113,605
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	259,470		655		( 12,581 )		247,544
Asset-backed securities	285,052		510		—		285,562
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	147,183		541		( 11,743 )		135,981
Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,395,849		7,513		( 135,786 )		1,267,576
Corporate debt securities	50,501		410		( 1,920 )		48,991
Total debt securities available for sale	$	2,251,731	$	9,753	$	( 162,225 )	$	2,099,259



	Amortized Cost		Unrecognized				Fair Value
			Gross Gains		Gross Losses
Debt securities held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	$	398,375	$	—	$	( 68,743 )	$	329,632
Residential mortgage-backed securities	386,446		—		( 56,607 )		329,839
Total debt securities held to maturity	$	784,821	$	—	$	( 125,350 )	$	659,471

___________________________________________

1. This table includes debt securities marked at par, with no gain or loss.

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	As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized				Fair Value
			Gross Gains		Gross Losses
Debt securities available for sale 1

Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	1,408	$	—	$	( 8 )	$	1,400
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	156,534		31		( 16,736 )		139,829
Asset-backed securities	336,379		181		( 3 )		336,557
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	107,305		—		( 15,131 )		92,174
Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,279,090		19		( 191,899 )		1,087,210
Corporate debt securities	159,236		363		( 6,548 )		153,051
Total debt securities available for sale	$	2,039,952	$	594	$	( 230,325 )	$	1,810,221



	Amortized Cost		Unrecognized				Fair Value
			Gross Gains		Gross Losses
Debt securities held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	$	415,530	$	—	$	( 77,242 )	$	338,288
Residential mortgage-backed securities	411,100		—		( 74,335 )		336,765
Total debt securities held to maturity	$	826,630	$	—	$	( 151,577 )	$	675,053

___________________________________________

1. This table includes debt securities marked at par, with no gain or loss.

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.


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale
Due in one year or less	$	13,055	$	12,989
Due after one year through five years	59,849		57,288
Due after five years through ten years	373,230		359,557
Due after ten years	1,805,597		1,669,425
Debt securities available for sale	$	2,251,731	$	2,099,259

Debt securities held to maturity
Due in one year or less	$	31,564	$	31,320
Due after one year through five years	38,433		36,972
Due after five years through ten years	14,719		13,268
Due after ten years	700,105		577,911
Debt securities held to maturity	$	784,821	$	659,471

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Realized gains and losses on debt securities
Gross gains on debt securities	$	—	$	—	$	9	$	1
Gross (losses) on debt securities 1	( 13 )		( 11 )		( 15,558 )		( 6,818 )
Realized net gains (losses) on debt securities	$	( 13 )	$	( 11 )	$	( 15,549 )	$	( 6,817 )

___________________________________________

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 and related estimated tax benefit of $ 4.1 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 and related estimated tax benefit of $ 1.8 million, as part of a balance sheet repositioning strategy.

Debt securities with carrying amounts of $ 741.8 million on September 30, 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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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:


	As of September 30, 2025
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Debt securities available for sale

Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	69,984	$	( 195 )	$	—	$	—	$	69,984	$	( 195 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	99,487		( 2,375 )		95,200		( 10,206 )		194,687		( 12,581 )

Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5,813		( 61 )		72,141		( 11,682 )		77,954		( 11,743 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,427		( 1 )		782,258		( 135,785 )		783,685		( 135,786 )
Corporate debt securities	5,967		( 18 )		30,956		( 1,902 )		36,923		( 1,920 )
Debt securities available for sale with gross unrealized losses	$	182,678	$	( 2,650 )	$	980,555	$	( 159,575 )	$	1,163,233	$	( 162,225 )




	Fair Value		Unrecognized Losses		Fair Value		Unrecognized Losses
Debt securities held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	$	329,632	$	( 68,743 )	$	329,632	$	( 68,743 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities	329,839		( 56,607 )		329,839		( 56,607 )
Debt securities held to maturity with gross unrecognized losses	$	659,471	$	( 125,350 )	$	659,471	$	( 125,350 )

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2024
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Debt securities available for sale

Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	—	$	—	$	1,328	$	( 8 )	$	1,328	$	( 8 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	11,234		( 209 )		119,723		( 16,527 )		130,957		( 16,736 )
Asset-backed securities	14,997		( 3 )		—		—		14,997		( 3 )
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	6,238		( 42 )		85,936		( 15,089 )		92,174		( 15,131 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities	152,081		( 640 )		930,642		( 191,259 )		1,082,723		( 191,899 )
Corporate debt securities	598		( 1 )		143,966		( 6,547 )		144,564		( 6,548 )
Debt securities available for sale with gross unrealized losses	$	185,148	$	( 895 )	$	1,281,595	$	( 229,430 )	$	1,466,743	$	( 230,325 )




	Fair Value		Unrecognized Losses		Fair Value		Unrecognized Losses
Debt securities held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	$	338,288	$	( 77,242 )	$	338,288	$	( 77,242 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities	336,765		( 74,335 )		336,765		( 74,335 )
Debt securities held to maturity with gross unrecognized losses	$	675,053	$	( 151,577 )	$	675,053	$	( 151,577 )

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Available for Sale			Held to Maturity			Total
Debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses, fair value	$	1,163,233		$	659,471		$	1,822,704
Gross unrealized or unrecognized losses on debt securities	162,225			125,350			287,575
Ratio of gross unrealized or unrecognized losses to debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses	13.9		%	19.0		%	15.8		%

Count of debt securities	632			55			687
Count of debt securities in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position	428			55			483


	As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Available for Sale			Held to Maturity			Total
Debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses, fair value	$	1,466,743		$	675,053		$	2,141,796
Gross unrealized or unrecognized losses on debt securities	230,325			151,577			381,902
Ratio of gross unrealized or unrecognized losses to debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses	15.7		%	22.5		%	17.8		%

Count of debt securities	677			55			732
Count of debt securities in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position	586			55			641

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 September 30, 2025, Busey did not hold general obligation bonds of any single issuer that exceeded, in aggregate, 10% of Busey’s stockholders’ equity.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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 lending activity is presented in the following table:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	4,395,871	$	1,904,515
CRE	5,424,095		3,269,564
Real estate construction	1,099,524		378,209
Total commercial loans	10,919,490		5,552,288
Retail loans
Retail real estate	2,196,246		1,696,457
Retail other	482,530		448,342
Total retail loans	2,678,776		2,144,799

Total portfolio loans	13,598,266		7,697,087
ACL	( 174,181 )		( 83,404 )
Portfolio loans, net	$	13,424,085	$	7,613,683

Net deferred loan origination costs included in the balances above were $ 8.8 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $ 12.5 million as of December 31, 2024. Net accretable purchase accounting adjustments included in the balances above reduced loans by $ 92.0 million as of September 30, 2025, and $ 8.8 million as of December 31, 2024.

Other than loans acquired through acquisition activities, Busey did not purchase any retail real estate loans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. Busey did not purchase any retail real estate loans during the three months ended September 30, 2024, and elected to purchase $ 6.9 million of retail real estate loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Pledged Loans

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


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Pledged loans
FHLB	$	5,018,506	$	4,813,600
Federal Reserve Bank	1,973,933		765,824
Total pledged loans	$	6,992,439	$	5,579,424

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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 $ 2.0 million or less are usually processed through an expedited underwriting process. Most commercial loans greater than $ 2.0 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:


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Pass		Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Substandard Non-accrual		Total
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	3,707,153	$	433,278	$	152,267	$	74,109	$	29,064	$	4,395,871
CRE	4,453,517		794,313		147,237		21,228		7,800		5,424,095
Real estate construction	1,011,685		56,664		25,653		5,227		295		1,099,524
Total commercial loans	9,172,355		1,284,255		325,157		100,564		37,159		10,919,490
Retail loans
Retail real estate	2,170,254		7,320		7,608		2,759		8,305		2,196,246
Retail other	481,892		—		—		6		632		482,530
Total retail loans	2,652,146		7,320		7,608		2,765		8,937		2,678,776
Total portfolio loans	$	11,824,501	$	1,291,575	$	332,765	$	103,329	$	46,096	$	13,598,266

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Pass		Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Substandard Non-accrual		Total
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	1,545,338	$	281,424	$	36,152	$	37,749	$	3,852	$	1,904,515
CRE	2,744,018		438,945		55,041		16,507		15,053		3,269,564
Real estate construction	345,908		26,833		221		5,224		23		378,209
Total commercial loans	4,635,264		747,202		91,414		59,480		18,928		5,552,288
Retail loans
Retail real estate	1,680,640		9,408		882		2,543		2,984		1,696,457
Retail other	448,166		—		—		—		176		448,342
Total retail loans	2,128,806		9,408		882		2,543		3,160		2,144,799
Total portfolio loans	$	6,764,070	$	756,610	$	92,296	$	62,023	$	22,088	$	7,697,087

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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


	As of and For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Risk Grade Ratings	Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year												Revolving Loans		Total
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2023		2022		2021		Prior
C&I and other commercial
Pass	$	659,612	$	722,192	$	425,370	$	238,755	$	192,946	$	151,925	$	1,316,353	$	3,707,153
Watch	26,374		79,588		66,467		46,942		55,238		18,233		140,436		433,278
Special Mention	17,388		17,339		25,541		43,362		4,974		2,913		40,750		152,267
Substandard	10,422		1,965		16,543		4,216		10,159		3,771		27,033		74,109
Substandard non-accrual	4,601		2,343		644		1,318		640		5,048		14,470		29,064
Total C&I and other commercial	718,397		823,427		534,565		334,593		263,957		181,890		1,539,042		4,395,871
Gross charge-offs	$	1,246	$	2,626	$	4,347	$	1,440	$	13,591	$	11,254	$	4,550	$	39,054

CRE
Pass	631,171		487,489		703,228		1,216,265		776,293		600,081		38,990		4,453,517
Watch	169,711		56,362		139,202		156,277		186,841		83,665		2,255		794,313
Special Mention	50,239		23,098		5,093		14,139		37,467		16,067		1,134		147,237
Substandard	1,714		708		914		9,046		—		8,628		218		21,228
Substandard non-accrual	82		—		4,548		—		1		3,169		—		7,800
Total CRE	852,917		567,657		852,985		1,395,727		1,000,602		711,610		42,597		5,424,095
Gross charge-offs	1,297		11,057		—		—		253		—		—		12,607

Real estate construction
Pass	240,725		328,610		125,079		215,814		25,158		3,632		72,667		1,011,685
Watch	1,221		43,492		3,588		—		177		—		8,186		56,664
Special Mention	18,233		—		—		—		7,420		—		—		25,653
Substandard	5,165		—		—		—		62		—		—		5,227
Substandard non-accrual	—		274		—		—		21		—		—		295
Total real estate construction	265,344		372,376		128,667		215,814		32,838		3,632		80,853		1,099,524
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

Retail real estate
Pass	111,695		138,069		304,874		457,128		379,646		533,444		245,398		2,170,254
Watch	2,696		606		489		1,520		280		1,160		569		7,320
Special Mention	69		84		4,052		1,479		1,705		—		219		7,608
Substandard	1,000		—		111		447		489		712		—		2,759
Substandard non-accrual	212		307		39		319		85		3,205		4,138		8,305
Total retail real estate	115,672		139,066		309,565		460,893		382,205		538,521		250,324		2,196,246
Gross charge-offs	85		—		—		—		—		51		36		172

Retail other
Pass	6,415		6,769		37,741		36,632		6,150		703		387,482		481,892
Watch	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Special Mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard	—		—		—		—		—		6		—		6
Substandard non-accrual	35		—		93		99		—		—		405		632
Total retail other	6,450		6,769		37,834		36,731		6,150		709		387,887		482,530
Gross charge-offs	318		147		253		41		—		74		—		833

Total portfolio loans	$	1,958,780	$	1,909,295	$	1,863,616	$	2,443,758	$	1,685,752	$	1,436,362	$	2,300,703	$	13,598,266
Total gross charge-offs	$	2,946	$	13,830	$	4,600	$	1,481	$	13,844	$	11,379	$	4,586	$	52,666

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of and For The Year Ended December 31, 2024
Risk Grade Ratings	Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year												Revolving Loans		Total
(dollars in thousands)	2024		2023		2022		2021		2020		Prior
C&I and other commercial
Pass	$	320,831	$	147,909	$	163,870	$	125,053	$	74,146	$	117,234	$	596,295	$	1,545,338
Watch	38,734		49,394		44,709		16,393		2,175		20,964		109,055		281,424
Special Mention	1,718		2,293		5,658		2,634		106		2,540		21,203		36,152
Substandard	15,186		6,545		788		591		320		2,424		11,895		37,749
Substandard non-accrual	65		141		464		—		42		852		2,288		3,852
Total C&I and other commercial	376,534		206,282		215,489		144,671		76,789		144,014		740,736		1,904,515
Gross charge-offs	$	—	$	14,980	$	148	$	22	$	—	$	303	$	—	$	15,453

CRE
Pass	291,503		354,591		755,266		645,994		356,867		314,340		25,457		2,744,018
Watch	115,078		132,900		60,611		62,408		28,320		38,733		895		438,945
Special Mention	39,252		643		8,020		1,395		4,165		1,517		49		55,041
Substandard	6,983		355		4,628		50		95		4,346		50		16,507
Substandard non-accrual	15,000		39		—		—		14		—		—		15,053
Total CRE	467,816		488,528		828,525		709,847		389,461		358,936		26,451		3,269,564
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		2,999		—		315		—		3,314

Real estate construction
Pass	159,825		134,450		12,205		24,781		2,213		1,124		11,310		345,908
Watch	20,170		6,455		—		208		—		—		—		26,833
Special Mention	—		—		—		221		—		—		—		221
Substandard	5,224		—		—		—		—		—		—		5,224
Substandard non-accrual	—		—		—		23		—		—		—		23
Total real estate construction	185,219		140,905		12,205		25,233		2,213		1,124		11,310		378,209
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

Retail real estate
Pass	101,582		237,306		366,820		354,380		147,236		267,431		205,885		1,680,640
Watch	1,255		550		2,733		3,377		872		124		497		9,408
Special Mention	151		—		344		—		—		372		15		882
Substandard	—		243		1,018		503		—		776		3		2,543
Substandard non-accrual	—		—		344		91		152		1,526		871		2,984
Total retail real estate	102,988		238,099		371,259		358,351		148,260		270,229		207,271		1,696,457
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		—		—		168		—		168

Retail other
Pass	4,996		55,665		57,944		12,207		2,304		589		314,461		448,166



Substandard non-accrual	—		94		67		4		—		11		—		176
Total retail other	4,996		55,759		58,011		12,211		2,304		600		314,461		448,342
Gross charge-offs	9		31		106		78		4		403		—		631

Total portfolio loans	$	1,137,553	$	1,129,573	$	1,485,489	$	1,250,313	$	619,027	$	774,903	$	1,300,229	$	7,697,087
Total gross charge-offs	$	9	$	15,011	$	254	$	3,099	$	4	$	1,189	$	—	$	19,566

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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:


	As of September 30, 2025
	Loans past due, still accruing						Non-accrual Loans		Non-accrual Loans with No Allowance for Credit Losses
(dollars in thousands)	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		90+Days
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	996	$	1,450	$	861	$	29,064	$	6,685
CRE	2,815		6,289		78		7,800		1,543
Real estate construction	—		3,233		347		295		157
Past due and non-accrual commercial loans	3,811		10,972		1,286		37,159		8,385
Retail loans
Retail real estate	2,626		448		102		8,305		348
Retail other	929		128		30		632		—
Past due and non-accrual retail loans	3,555		576		132		8,937		348
Total past due and non-accrual loans	$	7,366	$	11,548	$	1,418	$	46,096	$	8,733


	As of December 31, 2024
	Loans past due, still accruing						Non-accrual Loans		Non-accrual Loans with No Allowance for Credit Losses
(dollars in thousands)	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		90+Days
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	95	$	—	$	—	$	3,852	$	1,224
CRE	42		2,759		—		15,053		15,000
Real estate construction	41		—		—		23		—
Past due and non-accrual commercial loans	178		2,759		—		18,928		16,224
Retail loans
Retail real estate	3,280		683		1,115		2,984		194
Retail other	1,094		130		34		176		—
Past due and non-accrual retail loans	4,374		813		1,149		3,160		194
Total past due and non-accrual loans	$	4,552	$	3,572	$	1,149	$	22,088	$	16,418

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 $ 0.9 million and $ 2.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and was $ 0.1 million and $ 0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The amount of interest collected on those loans and recognized on a cash basis that was included in interest income was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.

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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:


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Interest Rate Reduction		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable 1		Payment Deferral		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable 2		Term Extension		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable 3
Modified Loans
C&I and other commercial	$	263	—	%	$	2,444	0.1	%	$	10,417	0.2	%
CRE	—		—	%	1,944		—	%	461		—	%



Total of loans modified during the period 4	$	263	—	%	$	4,388	—	%	$	10,878	0.1	%

___________________________________________

1. Modified loans represented an insignificant portion of C&I and other commercial loans, and an insignificant portion of total loans, in both cases rounding to zero percent.

2. Modified loans represented an insignificant portion of CRE loans, and an insignificant portion of total loans, in both cases rounding to zero percent.

3. Modified loans represented an insignificant portion of CRE loans, rounding to zero percent.

4. All modifications were for loans classified as substandard.


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Payment Deferral		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable 1		Term Extension 2		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable
Modified Loans
C&I and other commercial	$	325	—	%	$	14,537	0.8	%
CRE	—		—	%	18,448		0.5	%
Real estate construction	—		—	%	5,250		1.3	%


Total of loans modified during the period 3	$	325	—	%	$	38,235	0.5	%

___________________________________________

1. Modified loans represented an insignificant portion of C&I and other commercial loans, and an insignificant portion of total loans, in both cases rounding to zero percent.

2. Modifications to extend loan terms also included, in some cases, interest rate increases during the extension period.

3. All modifications were for loans classified as substandard.

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Interest Rate Reduction		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable 1		Payment Deferral		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable 2		Term Extension		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable 2
Modified Loans
C&I and other commercial	$	263	—	%	$	13,005	0.3	%	$	22,314	0.5	%
CRE	—		—	%	1,944		—	%	823		—	%
Real estate construction	—		—	%	—		—	%	5,165		0.5	%


Total of loans modified during the period 3	$	263	—	%	$	14,949	0.1	%	$	28,302	0.2	%

___________________________________________

1. Modified loans represented an insignificant portion of C&I and other commercial loans, and an insignificant portion of total loans, in both cases rounding to zero percent.

2. Modified loans represented an insignificant portion of CRE loans, rounding to zero percent.

3. With the exception of two loans that were transferred to non-accrual status during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, all modifications were for loans classified as substandard.


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Payment Deferral 1		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable 2		Term Extension 1		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable
Modified Loans
C&I and other commercial	$	325	—	%	$	28,073	1.5	%
CRE	—		—	%	19,782		0.6	%
Real estate construction	—		—	%	5,250		1.3	%


Total of loans modified during the period 3	$	325	—	%	$	53,105	0.7	%

___________________________________________

1. Modifications to extend loan terms also included, in some cases, interest rate increases during the extension period.

2. Modified loans represented an insignificant portion of C&I and other commercial loans, rounding to zero percent.

3. All modifications were for loans classified as substandard.

The following table provides, by lending activity, the weighted average interest rate reductions and term extensions for loan modifications made during the periods indicated for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty:


	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025				2024	2025				2024
	Weighted Average Interest Rate Reduction		Weighted Average Term Extension			Weighted Average Term Extension	Weighted Average Interest Rate Reduction		Weighted Average Term Extension		Weighted Average Term Extension
C&I and other commercial	5.00	%	6 months			6 months	5.00	%	10 months		1.2 years
CRE	—	%	8 months			4 months	—	%	1.3 years		4 months
Real estate construction	—	%	—			6 months	—	%	1.3 years		6 months


Aggregate effect	5.00	%	6 months			5 months	5.00	%	11 months		10 months

Payment deferrals for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty can include deferrals of 3 or more payments to the end of the loan, accommodations to restructure the payment terms of the loan, or accommodations to allow for an interest-only period on the loan.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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:


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Non-accrual
Modified Loans
C&I and other commercial	$	32,062	$	—	$	—	$	4,038
CRE	4,147		—		—		—
Real estate construction	5,165		—		—		—


Loans modified during the last twelve months	$	41,374	$	—	$	—	$	4,038

Busey had commitments of $ 0.4 million as of September 30, 2025, to lend additional funds to debtors experiencing financial difficulty for whom Busey modified a loan within the past twelve months. Busey did not have any commitments as of December 31, 2024, to lend additional funds to debtors experiencing financial difficulty for whom Busey had modified a loan within the past twelve months.

A default occurs when a loan is 90 days or more past due or transferred to non-accrual status. The following table presents loans that defaulted after having been modified during the twelve months before the default.


	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025			2025
(dollars in thousands)	Term Extension				Payment Deferral		Term Extension
Loans with Subsequent Defaults
C&I and other commercial	$	3,571			$	467	$	3,571




Modified loans with subsequent defaults	$	3,571			$	467	$	3,571

No loans had a default during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2024, after having been modified during the twelve months before that default for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

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 $ 39.0 million and $ 19.3 million of collateral dependent loans secured by real estate or business assets as of September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively.

Foreclosures

Busey’s recorded investment in residential real estate loans that were in the process of foreclosure was $ 6.1 million as of September 30, 2025. Busey follows Federal Housing Finance Agency guidelines on single-family foreclosures and real estate owned evictions on portfolio loans.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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.

• Specific allocations/individual reserves – When a loan no longer exhibits risk characteristics that are similar to other loans, that loan is individually evaluated. Individual reserves are calculated for loans that are on a non-accrual status that are greater than a defined dollar threshold or loans that have disparate risk characteristics. Reserves may be based on collateral, for collateral-dependent loans, or on quantitative and qualitative factors, including expected cash flow, market sentiment, and guarantor support.

• Quantitative reserves – Busey implemented a new non-discounted cash flow model in the second quarter of 2025 that used combined historical loan data from Busey Bank beginning in 2004 and CrossFirst Bank since its inception in 2007. The model incorporates various baseline forecast scenarios and national unemployment rates with either national gross domestic product, the national home price index, or the national commercial real estate price index. Further, prepayment and curtailment expectations are factored into the model. 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.

• Qualitative reserves – Busey uses qualitative factors to adjust the historical loss factors for current and forecasted conditions. Busey considers the ten qualitative factors identified in the Interagency Guidance and ASC Topic 326 at each reporting date.

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:


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	C&I and Other Commercial		CRE		Real Estate Construction		Retail Real Estate		Retail Other		Total
ACL balance, June 30, 2025	$	68,578	$	70,935	$	13,072	$	29,042	$	1,707	$	183,334


Provision for loan losses	( 4,768 )		1,323		( 880 )		739		281		( 3,305 )
Charged-off	( 5,753 )		( 1,438 )		—		( 53 )		( 204 )		( 7,448 )
Recoveries	1,379		24		1		115		81		1,600
ACL balance, September 30, 2025	$	59,436	$	70,844	$	12,193	$	29,843	$	1,865	$	174,181

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	C&I and Other Commercial		CRE		Real Estate Construction		Retail Real Estate		Retail Other		Total
ACL balance, June 30, 2024	$	20,286	$	35,104	$	3,722	$	23,729	$	2,385	$	85,226

Provision for loan losses	715		( 1,158 )		39		120		286		2
Charged-off	( 202 )		( 215 )		—		( 32 )		( 225 )		( 674 )
Recoveries	210		4		10		162		41		427
ACL balance, September 30, 2024	$	21,009	$	33,735	$	3,771	$	23,979	$	2,487	$	84,981


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	C&I and Other Commercial		CRE		Real Estate Construction		Retail Real Estate		Retail Other		Total
ACL balance, December 31, 2024	$	21,589	$	32,301	$	3,345	$	23,711	$	2,458	$	83,404
Day 1 PCD 1	75,569		21,588		2,112		1,430		84		100,783
Day 2 Provision for loan losses 2	22,648		15,104		2,911		1,628		142		42,433
Provision for loan losses	( 23,008 )		14,300		3,731		2,833		( 137 )		( 2,281 )
Charged-off	( 39,054 )		( 12,607 )		—		( 172 )		( 833 )		( 52,666 )
Recoveries	1,692		158		94		413		151		2,508
ACL balance, September 30, 2025	$	59,436	$	70,844	$	12,193	$	29,843	$	1,865	$	174,181

___________________________________________

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


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	C&I and Other Commercial		CRE		Real Estate Construction		Retail Real Estate		Retail Other		Total
ACL balance, December 31, 2023	$	21,256	$	35,465	$	5,163	$	26,298	$	3,558	$	91,740
Day 1 PCD 1	824		322		—		96		1		1,243
Provision for loan losses	13,958		( 1,882 )		( 1,449 )		( 2,624 )		( 686 )		7,317
Charged-off	( 15,433 )		( 315 )		—		( 159 )		( 503 )		( 16,410 )
Recoveries	404		145		57		368		117		1,091
ACL balance, September 30, 2024	$	21,009	$	33,735	$	3,771	$	23,979	$	2,487	$	84,981

___________________________________________

1. The Day 1 PCD is attributable to the M&M acquisition (see “ Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions .”)

Net charge-offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, included $ 35.5 million related to PCD loans acquired from CrossFirst Bank, which were fully reserved at acquisition and did not require recording additional provision expense.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 5. LEASES

Busey as the Lessee

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


		As of
(dollars in thousands)	Location	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Lease balances
Right of use assets:
Operating leases	Other assets	$	29,236	$	10,608
Finance leases	Premises and equipment, net	5,235		—
Total right of use assets		$	34,471	$	10,608

Lease liabilities:
Operating leases	Other liabilities	$	31,592	$	11,040
Finance leases	Long-term borrowings	6,266		—
Total lease liabilities		$	37,858	$	11,040

Lease terms are summarized as follows:

As of

September 30,
2025

December 31,
2024

Lease terms

Weighted average remaining lease terms

Operating leases

7.28 years

7.55 years

Finance leases

16.51 years

N/A

Weighted average discount rates

Operating leases

4.22

3.77

Finance leases

5.10

N/A

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The following table presents lease costs that Busey reported on its Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) :


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	Location	2025		2024		2025		2024
Lease costs
Operating lease costs:
Premises rent expense	Net occupancy expense of premises	$	1,483	$	604	$	4,221	$	1,692
Equipment rent expense	Furniture and equipment expenses	8		4		22		10
Finance lease costs:
Amortization expense	Net occupancy expense of premises	190		—		190		—
Interest expense	Long-term borrowings	187		—		187		—
Variable lease costs	Net occupancy expense of premises	15		15		45		43
Short-term lease costs	Net occupancy expense of premises	14		12		44		70
Total lease cost		$	1,897	$	635	$	4,709	$	1,815

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


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Cash flows related to leases


Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	2,657	$	1,034	$	7,212	$	2,915
Operating cash flows from finance leases	187		—		187		—
Financing cash flows from finance leases	99		—		99		—

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 1	( 6,331 )		469		23,287		1,478
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities 1	6,365		—		6,365		—

___________________________________________

1. The nine months ended September 30, 2025, included $ 23.2 million for operating and $ 6.4 million for financing right of use assets recognized in connection with the acquisition of CrossFirst. One finance lease was initially classified as operating, and was moved to a financing classification in the third quarter of 2025. The nine months ended September 30, 2024, included $ 0.1 million right of use assets recognized in connection with the acquisition of M&M, and an additional $ 0.7 million recognized in connection with a lease amendment that was executed subsequent to the M&M acquisition for a lease that was obtained in that acquisition. Additional information about assets and liabilities obtained in business combinations can be found in “ Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions .”

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Future undiscounted payments for leases with initial terms of one year or more, were as follows:


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Rent commitments
Remainder of 2025	$	1,618	$	123
2026	6,107		490
2027	5,623		527
2028	5,107		540
2029	4,110		540
2030	3,227		540
Thereafter	11,121		6,625
Total undiscounted cash flows	36,913		9,385
Less: Amounts representing interest	5,321		3,119
Present value of net future minimum lease payments	$	31,592	$	6,266

As of September 30, 2025, Busey had commitments totaling $ 6.0 million for two 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:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Rental income	$	214	$	206	$	647	$	612

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 lease payments as shown in the table below:


(dollars in thousands)	As of September 30, 2025
Rents to be received
Remainder of 2025	$	211
2026	738
2027	515
2028	377
2029	197
2030	117

Total lease payments from operating leases	$	2,155

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 6. DEPOSITS

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


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	$	3,554,936	$	2,719,907
Interest-bearing transaction deposits	3,171,255		2,423,237
Saving deposits and money market deposits	5,910,183		3,348,711
Time deposits	2,433,788		1,490,635
Total deposits	$	15,070,162	$	9,982,490

Additional information about Busey’s deposits is presented in the table below:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Brokered interest-bearing transaction deposits	$	50,240	$	—
Brokered savings deposits and money market deposits	10,000		6,002
Brokered time deposits	65,192		7,088
Aggregate amount of time deposits with a minimum denomination of $100,000	1,621,232		860,193
Aggregate amount of time deposits with a minimum denomination that meets or exceeds the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000	807,378		334,503

Scheduled maturities of time deposits are presented in the table below:


(dollars in thousands)	As of September 30, 2025
Time deposits by schedule of maturities
Remainder of 2025	$	860,688
2026	1,531,369
2027	23,194
2028	10,487
2029	5,218
2030	2,409
Thereafter	423
Time deposits	$	2,433,788

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025			December 31, 2024
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	147,152		$	155,610
Weighted average rate for securities sold under agreements to repurchase	2.50		%	2.63		%

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 September 30, 2025, there was no 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 had no short term borrowings as of either September 30, 2025, or December 31, 2024. When applicable, Busey’s short-term borrowings include loans maturing within one year of the loan origination date, the current portion of long-term debt that is due within 12 months, and federal funds purchased. Federal funds purchased are short-term borrowings that generally mature between one day an d 90 days . During the second quarter of 2025, Busey purchased federal funds to test operational availability to access funds if needed.

Long-term Borrowings

Busey’s long-term borrowings consist of borrowings maturing more than one year from the loan origination date, excluding the current portion that is due within 12 months, and finance lease liabilities. Long-term borrowings are presented in the table below:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Long-term borrowings

FHLB borrowings	$	79,174	$	—
Secured borrowings	6,991		—

Finance lease liabilities	6,266		—
Total long-term borrowings	$	92,431	$	—

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 2.30 years as of September 30, 2025. Maturity dates for the long-term FHLB borrowings range from August 2027 through October 2028.

Acquired SBA loans that did not qualify for sale accounting treatment are presented as secured borrowings. Secured borrowings consisted of nine notes with a weighted average maturity period of 17.49 years as of September 30, 2025. Maturity dates for the secured borrowings range from September 2030 to March 2046.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Subordinated Notes

On June 1, 2020, Busey issued $ 125.0 million of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes scheduled to mature on June 1, 2030. The subordinated notes, which qualified as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes, bore interest at an annual rate of 5.25 % for the first five years after issuance. Thereafter, the notes were to 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. The subordinated notes, which were unsecured obligations of the Company, had an optional redemption, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after June 1, 2025. On June 1, 2025, Busey redeemed the entire $ 125.0 million outstanding principal amount of the subordinated notes.

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 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 a $ 4.0 million 5.25 % fixed-to-floating rate subordinated note maturing December 4, 2030, which qualified as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes. Interest on the subordinated note 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 the Three-Month Term SOFR (as defined in the subordinated notes), plus a spread of 497 bps from December 4, 2025. At September 30, 2025, there was an immaterial amount of fair value discount outstanding, to be accreted through the earliest optional redemption date. The subordinated note has an optional redemption, in whole or in part, on or after December 4, 2025. Subsequent to quarter end, on October 24, 2025, Busey issued a conditional notice of full redemption of this subordinated note. The redemption of the subordinated note is subject to and conditioned upon regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve. Assuming the requisite approvals are obtained, the subordinated note will be redeemed on its optional redemption date of December 4, 2025.

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


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Unamortized debt issuance costs
Subordinated notes issued in 2020	$	—	$	222
Subordinated notes issued in 2022	707		1,004
Total unamortized debt issuance costs	$	707	$	1,226

NOTE 8. REGULATORY CAPITAL

First Busey and its subsidiary bank 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.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Banking regulations identify five capital categories for insured depository institutions: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, all capital ratios of First Busey and its subsidiary bank exceeded well capitalized levels under the applicable regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. Management believes that no events or changes have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2025, that would change this designation.

Capital Amounts and Ratios

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


	As of September 30, 2025
	Actual				Minimum Capital Requirement				Minimum To Be Well Capitalized
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,907,982	12.33	%	$	696,419	4.50	%	$	1,005,938	6.50	%
Busey Bank	$	2,118,059	13.73	%	$	694,126	4.50	%	$	1,002,626	6.50	%

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	2,130,732	13.77	%	$	928,558	6.00	%	$	1,238,078	8.00	%
Busey Bank	$	2,118,059	13.73	%	$	925,501	6.00	%	$	1,234,002	8.00	%

Total capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	2,458,553	15.89	%	$	1,238,078	8.00	%	$	1,547,597	10.00	%
Busey Bank	$	2,262,302	14.67	%	$	1,234,002	8.00	%	$	1,542,502	10.00	%

Leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets
First Busey	$	2,130,732	11.62	%	$	733,327	4.00	%	N/A		N/A
Busey Bank	$	2,118,059	11.59	%	$	731,219	4.00	%	$	914,024	5.00	%

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2024
	Actual				Minimum Capital Requirement				Minimum To Be Well Capitalized
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,237,301	14.10	%	$	394,840	4.50	%	$	570,325	6.50	%
Busey Bank	$	1,438,296	16.46	%	$	393,277	4.50	%	$	568,067	6.50	%

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,314,301	14.98	%	$	526,453	6.00	%	$	701,938	8.00	%
Busey Bank	$	1,438,296	16.46	%	$	524,369	6.00	%	$	699,159	8.00	%

Total capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,625,943	18.53	%	$	701,938	8.00	%	$	877,422	10.00	%
Busey Bank	$	1,520,938	17.40	%	$	699,159	8.00	%	$	873,949	10.00	%

Leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets
First Busey	$	1,314,301	11.06	%	$	475,348	4.00	%	N/A		N/A
Busey Bank	$	1,438,296	12.14	%	$	473,878	4.00	%	$	592,347	5.00	%

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 533 bps as of September 30, 2025, (2) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.5%, which First Busey exceeded by 527 bps as of September 30, 2025, and (3) total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5%, which First Busey exceeded by 539 bps as of September 30, 2025.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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

Busey’s investments in 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:


		As of
(dollars in thousands)	Location	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Funded investments	Other assets	$	90,776	$	70,796
Unfunded investments	Other assets	47,659		61,210
Investments in unconsolidated entities		$	138,435	$	132,006

Unfunded investment obligations	Other liabilities	$	47,659	$	61,210

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:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Income tax credits and other tax benefits	$	4,446	$	4,040	$	13,354	$	11,941
Amortization of investments in tax-advantaged projects	3,968		3,575		11,905		10,593

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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

• 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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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 nine months ended September 30, 2025, follows:


Options	Shares	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term	Intrinsic Value ($000's)
Outstanding at December 31, 2024	15,106	$	23.53	1.87 years	$	1



Outstanding at September 30, 2025	15,106	23.53		1.13 years	—

Exercisable at September 30, 2025	15,106	23.53		1.13 years	—

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 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 a ten-year or fifteen-year contractual term. At grant, replacement SSARs had a weighted average remaining contractual term of 5.4 years, and unvested replacement SSARs had 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. The fair value of SSARs that have vested during 2025 was $ 3.6 million.

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A summary of SSAR activity during 2025 is presented below:


SSARs	Shares	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term	Intrinsic Value ($000's)
Outstanding at December 31, 2024	—	$	—	—	$	—
Replacement of CrossFirst SSARs	424,390	15.78
Exercised 1	( 119,842 )	13.31
Forfeited	( 4,005 )	16.00
Expired	( 30,145 )	23.23
Outstanding at September 30, 2025	270,398	16.04		5.23 years	1,922

Exercisable at September 30, 2025	249,747	15.62		5.17 years	1,881

___________________________________________

1. The aggregate intrinsic value of SSARs exercised during 2025 was $ 1.1 million.

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:


(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Assumptions
Expected volatility 1	29.10 % – 36.70 %
Expected dividends 2	4.17 %
Simulation term 3, 4, 5	4.20 years – 5.69 years
Risk-free rate 6	3.97 % – 4.03 %
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	8.94

___________________________________________

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

2. The dividend yield was calculated using Busey’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 expire, 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

Busey has granted RSU, PSU, and DSU awards under the terms of its 2020 Equity Plan. Upon vesting and delivery, shares are expected, though not required, to be issued from treasury stock. There were 685,515 shares available for issuance under the 2020 Equity Plan as of September 30, 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.

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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 receive one 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. These awards 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 a one-year minimum requisite service period.

On May 29, 2025, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted 4,494 RSUs to members of management. The grant date fair value of the award was $ 0.1 million, which will be recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period. These awards will vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.

On July 23, 2025, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted 13,724 RSUs to members of management. The grant date fair value of the award was $ 0.3 million, which will be recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period. These awards will vest on July 23, 2028.

A summary of changes in Busey’s RSU awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, is as follows:


RSU Awards	Shares	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2024	1,066,772	$	21.80
Conversion of Busey ROATCE PSUs to RSUs	157,094	23.99
Replacement of CrossFirst RSUs and PSUs	341,048	23.99
Granted	366,487	22.22
Dividend equivalents earned	48,060	22.30
Vested	( 451,041 )	20.03
Forfeited	( 133,212 )	22.38
Nonvested at September 30, 2025	1,395,208	23.23

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 providing continuous service through the end of such performance period. Each PSU represents the future right to receive one 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.

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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 grant date fair value of the award, calculated using the Geometric Brownian Motion Model, is $ 3.4 million, which will be recognized in compensation expense over the performance period ending December 31, 2027.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2025, is as follows:


PSU Awards	Shares 1	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2024	372,042	$	21.15
Modifications based on CrossFirst acquisition 2	( 181,828 )	20.43
Granted	407,723	20.99
Dividend equivalents earned	125	20.83
Vested	( 6,131 )	20.87
Forfeited	( 45,878 )	20.95

Nonvested at September 30, 2025	546,053	21.29

___________________________________________

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 receive one share of Busey’s common stock. DSUs vest over a one-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 of one year . Subsequent to the requisite service period, the awards will become 100 % vested.

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A summary of changes in Busey’s DSU awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, is as follows:


DSU Awards	Shares	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2024	36,893	$	23.40
Granted	39,846	22.16
Dividend equivalents earned	6,447	22.73
Vested	( 42,424 )	23.33

Nonvested at September 30, 2025	40,762	22.15

Vested and outstanding at September 30, 2025	144,461	23.01

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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 314,203 shares available for issuance under the ESPP as of September 30, 2025.

Stock-based Compensation Expense

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


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	Location	2025		2024		2025		2024
Stock-based compensation expense

SSARs	Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	$	14	$	—	$	121	$	—
RSU awards	Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	2,600		1,057		8,296		3,012
PSU awards 1	Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	1,381		976		3,826		2,037
DSU awards	Other expense	223		211		620		615
ESPP	Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	80		47		262		164
Total stock-based compensation expense		$	4,298	$	2,291	$	13,125	$	5,828

___________________________________________

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.

As all outstanding stock options were fully vested, no compensation expense was recorded for stock options for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2025, or 2024, and no unrecognized compensation expense remains for Busey’s stock option awards as of September 30, 2025.

Unamortized compensation expense related to non-vested equity awards is summarized in the table below:

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	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Unamortized stock-based compensation
SSARs	$	114	$	—
RSU awards	11,402		7,093
PSU awards 1	7,146		3,043
DSU awards	428		181
Total unamortized stock-based compensation	$	19,090	$	10,317

Weighted average period over which expense is to be recognized on awards issued under Busey's 2020 Equity Plan	1.9 years		2.5 years
Weighted average period over which expense is to be recognized on CrossFirst replacement awards	1.3 years		—

___________________________________________

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:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments
Commitments to extend credit	$	4,766,360	$	2,512,714
Standby letters of credit	132,385		35,464
Total commitments	$	4,898,745	$	2,548,178

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.

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On March 20, 2025, the Illinois Secretary of State requested that Busey resubmit the requested forms using a proposed methodology for paid-in capital that Busey 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, Busey informed the Illinois Secretary of State that it would not resubmit the requested forms with the methodology that Busey disputes and requested that the parties instead continue good faith discussions. On July 2, 2025, Busey 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 Busey 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 to be in excess of $ 28 million, including in excess of $ 17.4 million in interest and in excess of $ 0.3 million in penalties. Busey 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. Busey intends to vigorously defend itself against the Illinois Secretary of State’s notice, including through appropriate judicial relief, if necessary. On July 31, 2025, First Busey 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.

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 Busey 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 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 September 30, 2025. If the likelihood of potential liabilities elevates and Busey 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:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Cash pledged to secure obligations under derivative contracts	$	14,400	$	21,900
Collateral held to secure obligations under derivative contracts	8,140		20,260

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.

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Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

Interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $ 500.0 million as of both September 30, 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:


		As of
(dollars in thousands)	Location	September 30, 2025			December 31, 2024
Prime Loan Swap
Notional amount		$	300,000		$	300,000
Weighted average rate: receive-fixed		4.81		%	4.81		%
Weighted average variable Prime pay rates		7.37		%	7.62		%
Weighted average maturity		3.35 years			4.10 years

SOFR Loan Swaps
Notional amount		$	200,000		$	200,000
Weighted average rate: receive-fixed		3.78		%	3.78		%
Weighted average variable 1-month CME Term SOFR pay rates		4.25		%	—
Weighted average maturity		4.01 years			4.76 years

Gross aggregate fair value of the swaps
Gross aggregate fair value of swap assets	Other assets	$	3,617		$	—
Gross aggregate fair value of swap liabilities	Other liabilities	15,670			27,770

Balances carried in AOCI
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	AOCI	$	( 8,010 )		$	( 19,805 )

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 September 30, 2025.


(dollars in thousands)	As of September 30, 2025

Unrealized gains (losses) expected to be reclassified from OCI to interest income	$	( 716 )

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


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Interest on swap transactions
Increase (decrease) in interest income on swap transactions	$	( 2,304 )	$	( 2,776 )	$	( 6,629 )	$	( 8,366 )
(Increase) decrease in interest expense on swap transactions	—		412		—		1,378
Net increase (decrease) in net interest income on swap transactions	$	( 2,304 )	$	( 2,364 )	$	( 6,629 )	$	( 6,988 )

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:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
Net gain (loss) recognized in OCI, net of tax	$	( 363 )	$	7,439	$	6,876	$	211
(Gain) loss reclassified from OCI to interest income, net of tax	1,721		1,984		4,919		5,981
(Gain) loss reclassified from OCI to interest expense, net of tax	—		( 294 )		—		( 985 )
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	1,358	$	9,129	$	11,795	$	5,207

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 $ 1.01 billion as of September 30, 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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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:


		As of September 30, 2025				As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Location	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
Derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate swaps: receive-fixed, pay-floating	Other assets	$	521,477	$	10,746	$	156,539	$	1,465
Interest rate swaps: receive-floating, pay-fixed	Other assets	487,107		19,420		562,697		28,854
Derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments		$	1,008,584	$	30,166	$	719,236	$	30,319

Derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate swaps: receive-fixed, pay-floating	Other liabilities	$	487,107	$	19,420	$	562,697	$	28,854
Interest rate swaps: receive-floating, pay-fixed	Other liabilities	521,477		10,746		156,539		1,465
Derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments		$	1,008,584	$	30,166	$	719,236	$	30,319

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


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	Location	2025		2024		2025		2024
Interest rate swaps
Receive-fixed, pay-floating	Noninterest expense	$	( 1,083 )	$	( 9,224 )	$	( 21 )	$	( 3,050 )
Receive-floating, pay-fixed	Noninterest expense	1,083		9,224		21		3,050
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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 August 2030, and are summarized as follows:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Risk participation agreements purchased
Number of risk participation agreements	12		5
Notional amount	$	73,919	$	40,092
Fair value	39		5

Risk participation agreements sold
Number of risk participation agreements	12		—
Notional amount	$	106,453	$	—
Fair value	59		—

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.

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


		As of September 30, 2025				As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Location	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
Mortgage banking derivative assets
Interest rate lock commitments	Other assets	$	6,515	$	132	$	2,430	$	28
Forward sales commitments	Other assets	4,679		19		3,457		21
Mortgage banking derivative assets		$	11,194	$	151	$	5,887	$	49

Mortgage banking derivative liabilities
Interest rate lock commitments	Other liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	436	$	4
Forward sales commitments	Other liabilities	9,290		78		1,955		6
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities		$	9,290	$	78	$	2,391	$	10

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


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	Location	2025		2024		2025		2024
Net gains (losses) on mortgage banking derivatives
Gains (losses) on interest rate lock commitments	Mortgage revenue	$	177	$	121	$	658	$	569
Gains (losses) on forward sales commitments	Mortgage revenue	( 14 )		( 91 )		( 75 )		( 165 )


Net gains (losses) on mortgage banking derivatives		$	163	$	30	$	583	$	404

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.

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• 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.

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


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale:

Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	—	$	113,605	$	—	$	113,605
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	—		247,544		—		247,544
Asset-backed securities	—		285,562		—		285,562
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		135,981		—		135,981
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		1,267,576		—		1,267,576
Corporate debt securities	—		48,991		—		48,991
Equity securities	190		15,741		—		15,931
Derivative assets	—		33,934		39		33,973
Derivative liabilities	—		45,914		59		45,973


	As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale:

Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	—	$	1,400	$	—	$	1,400
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	—		139,829		—		139,829
Asset-backed securities	—		336,557		—		336,557
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		92,174		—		92,174
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		1,087,210		—		1,087,210
Corporate debt securities	—		153,051		—		153,051
Equity securities	5,567		10,295		—		15,862
Derivative assets	—		30,368		5		30,373
Derivative liabilities	—		58,099		—		58,099

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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 table below:


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	Location	2025		2024		2025		2024
Beginning Balance		$	( 45 )	$	8	$	5	$	15
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings	Other expense	170		( 5 )		163		( 15 )

Purchases		( 145 )		13		( 171 )		16
Sales		—		—		24		—
Assumed in acquisition		—		—		( 41 )		—




Ending Balance		$	( 20 )	$	16	$	( 20 )	$	16

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) .

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
Loans evaluated individually, net of related allowance	$	—	$	—	$	19,056	$	19,056
OREO and other repossessed assets with subsequent impairment	—		—		2,628		2,628
Bank property held for sale with impairment	—		—		2,099		2,099


	As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
Loans evaluated individually, net of related allowance	$	—	$	—	$	616	$	616

Bank property held for sale with impairment	—		—		2,841		2,841

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

As of September 30, 2025

(dollars in thousands)

Fair Value

Valuation
Techniques

Unobservable
Input

Range
(Weighted Average)

Loans evaluated individually, net of related allowance

19,056

Appraisal of collateral

Appraisal adjustments

- 1.6 % to - 100.0 %

(- 32.2 )%

OREO and other repossessed assets with subsequent impairment

2,628

Appraisal of collateral

Appraisal adjustments

- 6.6 % to - 24.1 %

(- 7.0 )%

Bank property held for sale with impairment

2,099

Appraisal of collateral or real estate listing price

Appraisal adjustments

- 9.0 % to - 86.8 %

(- 57.3 )%

As of December 31, 2024

(dollars in thousands)

Fair Value

Valuation
Techniques

Unobservable
Input

Range
(Weighted Average)

Loans evaluated individually, net of related allowance

616

Appraisal of collateral

Appraisal adjustments

- 25.0 % to - 100.0 %

(- 74.9 )%

Bank property held for sale with impairment

2,841

Appraisal of collateral or real estate listing price

Appraisal adjustments

- 9.0 % to - 76.7 %

(- 51.8 )%

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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:


	As of September 30, 2025				As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Financial assets
Level 1 inputs:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	385,474	$	385,474	$	697,659	$	697,659
Level 2 inputs:
Debt securities held to maturity	784,821		659,471		826,630		675,053
Loans held for sale	8,943		8,993		3,657		3,726
Restricted bank stock	77,006		77,006		49,930		49,930
Accrued interest receivable	79,578		79,578		45,141		45,141
Level 3 inputs:
Portfolio loans, net	13,424,085		13,505,193		7,613,683		7,426,158
Mortgage servicing rights	1,441		5,260		1,304		5,627
Other servicing rights	2,274		2,315		1,482		1,591

Financial liabilities
Level 2 inputs:
Time deposits	$	2,433,788	$	2,428,428	$	1,490,635	$	1,481,591
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	147,152		147,152		155,610		155,610

Long-term borrowings	92,431		92,452		—		—
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	77,257		71,478		74,815		67,314
Accrued interest payable	24,355		24,355		21,129		21,129
Level 3 inputs:

Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs	103,283		98,490		227,723		219,043

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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 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:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Net income	$	57,098	$	32,004	$	74,512	$	85,586
Dividends on preferred stock	( 5,131 )		—		( 5,286 )		—
Net income available to common stockholders	$	51,967	$	32,004	$	69,226	$	85,586

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	89,136,898		57,033,359		82,508,723		56,458,430
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents:
Options	187		1,714		63		572

SSARs	204,106		—		191,460		—
RSU awards	815,829		655,224		817,169		662,609
PSU awards	32,510		254,365		65,031		264,451
DSU awards	17,204		16,766		15,656		18,390
ESPP	11,648		6,420		11,897		6,847
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	90,218,382		57,967,848		83,609,999		57,411,299

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.58	$	0.56	$	0.84	$	1.52
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.58	$	0.55	$	0.83	$	1.49

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:


	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025	2024	2025	2024
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents
Options	—	—	10,071	12,784


RSU awards	—	—	1,498	4,288
PSU awards	298,211	107,065	238,099	103,001


Total anti-dilutive common stock equivalents	298,211	107,065	249,668	120,073

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Available For Sale		Unrecognized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Held to Maturity		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Total
Balance, June 30, 2025	$	( 125,745 )	$	( 20,198 )	$	( 9,368 )	$	( 155,311 )
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net	16,326		—		( 363 )		15,963

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net	1		—		1,721		1,722
Amortization of unrecognized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity	—		825		—		825
Balance, September 30, 2025	$	( 109,418 )	$	( 19,373 )	$	( 8,010 )	$	( 136,801 )


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Available For Sale		Unrecognized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Held to Maturity		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Total
Balance, June 30, 2024	$	( 176,246 )	$	( 23,464 )	$	( 20,616 )	$	( 220,326 )
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net	39,286		—		7,439		46,725

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net	8		—		1,690		1,698
Amortization of unrecognized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity	—		990		—		990
Balance, September 30, 2024	$	( 136,952 )	$	( 22,474 )	$	( 11,487 )	$	( 170,913 )

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Available For Sale		Unrecognized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Held to Maturity		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Total
Balance, December 31, 2024	$	( 165,680 )	$	( 21,554 )	$	( 19,805 )	$	( 207,039 )
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net	44,895		—		6,876		51,771

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net	11,367		—		4,919		16,286
Amortization of unrecognized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity	—		2,181		—		2,181
Balance, September 30, 2025	$	( 109,418 )	$	( 19,373 )	$	( 8,010 )	$	( 136,801 )


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Available For Sale		Unrecognized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Held to Maturity		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Total
Balance, December 31, 2023	$	( 176,636 )	$	( 25,473 )	$	( 16,694 )	$	( 218,803 )
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net	34,810		—		211		35,021

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net	4,874		—		4,996		9,870
Amortization of unrecognized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity	—		2,999		—		2,999
Balance, September 30, 2024	$	( 136,952 )	$	( 22,474 )	$	( 11,487 )	$	( 170,913 )

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 79 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.

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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:


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Banking		Wealth Management		FirsTech		Other		Total
Goodwill	$	360,223	$	14,108	$	8,992	$	—	$	383,323
Total assets	17,972,441		144,882		45,909		25,396		18,188,628


	As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Banking		Wealth Management		FirsTech		Other		Total
Goodwill	$	310,595	$	14,108	$	8,992	$	—	$	333,695
Total assets	11,856,651		126,180		57,737		6,154		12,046,722

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

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	Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Banking		Wealth Management		FirsTech		Other		Total
Interest income	$	244,504	$	—	$	—	$	1	$	244,505
Intersegment interest income	—		—		16		( 16 )		—
Interest expense	86,524		—		—		2,844		89,368
Intersegment interest expense	951		—		—		( 951 )		—
Net interest income	157,029		—		16		( 1,908 )		155,137
Provision for credit losses	( 985 )		—		—		—		( 985 )
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	158,014		—		16		( 1,908 )		156,122

Noninterest income
Wealth management fees	—		17,184		—		—		17,184
Payment technology solutions	—		—		5,092		—		5,092
Treasury management services	4,598		—		—		—		4,598
Card services and ATM fees	4,799		—		—		—		4,799
Other service charges on deposit accounts	1,617		—		—		—		1,617
All other noninterest income	5,957		183		( 4 )		1,772		7,908
Intersegment noninterest income	564		—		443		( 1,007 )		—
Noninterest income	17,535		17,367		5,531		765		41,198

Revenue	174,564		17,367		5,547		( 1,143 )		196,335

Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	53,264		7,576		2,620		10,685		74,145
Data processing	8,062		658		931		63		9,714
Amortization of intangible assets	4,292		215		—		—		4,507
Interchange expense	—		—		1,336		—		1,336
All other noninterest expense	26,706		562		674		2,374		30,316
Intersegment noninterest expense	4,346		885		404		( 5,635 )		—
Noninterest expense	96,670		9,896		5,965		7,487		120,018

Income (loss) before income taxes	78,879		7,471		( 418 )		( 8,630 )		77,302
Income taxes	21,283		1,793		( 112 )		( 2,760 )		20,204
Net income	$	57,596	$	5,678	$	( 306 )	$	( 5,870 )	$	57,098

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Banking		Wealth Management		FirsTech		Other		Total
Interest income	$	134,598	$	—	$	—	$	8	$	134,606
Intersegment interest income	—		—		12		( 12 )		—
Interest expense	47,611		—		—		4,348		51,959
Intersegment interest expense	457		—		—		( 457 )		—
Net interest income	86,530		—		12		( 3,895 )		82,647
Provision for credit losses	409		—		—		—		409
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	86,121		—		12		( 3,895 )		82,238

Noninterest income
Wealth management fees	—		15,378		—		—		15,378
Payment technology solutions	—		—		5,265		—		5,265
Treasury management services	2,201		—		—		—		2,201
Card services and ATM fees	3,557		—		—		—		3,557
Other service charges on deposit accounts	2,390		—		—		—		2,390
All other noninterest income	5,431		791		( 1 )		833		7,054
Intersegment noninterest income	372		—		286		( 658 )		—
Noninterest income	13,951		16,169		5,550		175		35,845

Revenue	100,481		16,169		5,562		( 3,720 )		118,492

Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	29,615		6,606		2,357		6,015		44,593
Data processing	5,298		544		938		130		6,910
Amortization of intangible assets	2,268		280		—		—		2,548
Interchange expense	—		—		1,352		—		1,352
All other noninterest expense	16,273		573		639		2,631		20,116
Intersegment noninterest expense	2,879		774		361		( 4,014 )		—
Noninterest expense	56,333		8,777		5,647		4,762		75,519

Income (loss) before income taxes	43,739		7,392		( 85 )		( 8,482 )		42,564
Income taxes	10,518		1,774		( 24 )		( 1,708 )		10,560
Net income	$	33,221	$	5,618	$	( 61 )	$	( 6,774 )	$	32,004

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	Banking		Wealth Management		FirsTech		Other		Total
Interest income	$	658,760	$	—	$	—	$	6	$	658,766
Intersegment interest income	—		—		46		( 46 )		—
Interest expense	235,288		—		—		11,427		246,715
Intersegment interest expense	2,308		—		—		( 2,308 )		—
Net interest income	421,164		—		46		( 9,159 )		412,051
Provision for credit losses	50,308		—		—		—		50,308
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	370,856		—		46		( 9,159 )		361,743

Noninterest income
Wealth management fees	—		51,325		—		—		51,325
Payment technology solutions	—		—		15,121		—		15,121
Treasury management services	12,596		—		—		—		12,596
Card services and ATM fees	13,388		—		—		—		13,388
Other service charges on deposit accounts	4,663		—		—		—		4,663
All other noninterest income	2,134		594		( 6 )		7,469		10,191
Intersegment noninterest income	1,232		—		1,217		( 2,449 )		—
Noninterest income	34,013		51,919		16,332		5,020		107,284

Revenue	455,177		51,919		16,378		( 4,139 )		519,335

Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	157,237		21,713		7,952		33,166		220,068
Data processing	28,392		1,873		2,790		255		33,310
Amortization of intangible assets	11,497		685		—		—		12,182
Interchange expense	—		—		3,976		—		3,976
All other noninterest expense	72,693		1,889		2,009		13,754		90,345
Intersegment noninterest expense	14,167		2,443		1,133		( 17,743 )		—
Noninterest expense	283,986		28,603		17,860		29,432		359,881

Income (loss) before income taxes	120,883		23,316		( 1,482 )		( 33,571 )		109,146
Income taxes	37,142		5,596		( 393 )		( 7,711 )		34,634
Net income	$	83,741	$	17,720	$	( 1,089 )	$	( 25,860 )	$	74,512

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Banking		Wealth Management		FirsTech		Other		Total
Interest income	$	392,336	$	—	$	—	$	29	$	392,365
Intersegment interest income	324		—		37		( 361 )		—
Interest expense	138,060		—		—		13,272		151,332
Intersegment interest expense	2,109		—		—		( 2,109 )		—
Net interest income	252,491		—		37		( 11,495 )		241,033
Provision for credit losses	6,677		—		—		—		6,677
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	245,814		—		37		( 11,495 )		234,356

Noninterest income
Wealth management fees	—		46,844		—		—		46,844
Payment technology solutions	—		—		16,889		—		16,889
Treasury management services	6,247		—		—		—		6,247
Card services and ATM fees	9,947		—		—		—		9,947
Other service charges on deposit accounts	7,059		—		—		—		7,059
All other noninterest income	15,414		1,145		( 1 )		917		17,475
Intersegment noninterest income	1,004		—		812		( 1,816 )		—
Noninterest income	39,671		47,989		17,700		( 899 )		104,461

Revenue	292,162		47,989		17,737		( 12,394 )		345,494

Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	87,358		19,831		7,277		15,695		130,161
Data processing	15,742		1,591		2,790		437		20,560
Amortization of intangible assets	6,705		881		—		—		7,586
Interchange expense	—		—		4,696		—		4,696
All other noninterest expense	49,954		2,079		1,822		6,014		59,869
Intersegment noninterest expense	8,605		2,322		1,081		( 12,008 )		—
Noninterest expense	168,364		26,704		17,666		10,138		222,872

Income (loss) before income taxes	117,121		21,285		71		( 22,532 )		115,945
Income taxes	30,711		5,108		18		( 5,478 )		30,359
Net income	$	86,410	$	16,177	$	53	$	( 17,054 )	$	85,586

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

SCOPE OF DISCUSSION

The following discussion and analysis are intended to assist readers in understanding Busey’s financial condition and results of operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, and should be read in conjunction with Busey’s Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and the related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) included in this Quarterly Report, as well as Busey’s 2024 Annual Report .

BUSINESS

First Busey Corporation is an $18.19 billion financial holding company headquartered in Leawood, Kansas. First Busey Corporation’s common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE,” and its preferred stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSEP.”

Busey provides a full range of banking, wealth management, and payment technology solutions to individuals and corporate clients through its subsidiaries, Busey Bank and FirsTech.

Banking Center Markets

Busey Bank, headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, serves the banking needs of its customers through 79 banking centers located across six regions spanning 10 states.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Busey’s East Region

Busey Bank serves the suburban Chicago market with 17 banking centers, offering a full spectrum of financial services to individuals and businesses. The Chicago area is home to several Fortune 500 companies, featuring a diverse economic mix that includes manufacturing, logistics, information technology, and financial services. With a regionalized approach and a legacy of service excellence, Busey remains a trusted financial partner to the vibrant communities of northeastern Illinois.

Busey Bank operates 20 banking centers in the St. Louis MSA, including eight banking centers in eastern Missouri and 12 banking centers in western Illinois. St. Louis has a diverse economy and major employment sectors that include healthcare, financial services, professional and business services, and retail. Busey continues to build on its legacy of serving dynamic urban and suburban markets in the region.

Busey Bank serves the southwest Florida banking market with three banking centers located in and around Fort Myers, an area which has experienced strong population growth, job expansion, and a vibrant housing market, as well as the benefits of a robust tourism and winter resort economy. These factors have contributed to a thriving environment for consumer banking and small business services.

Busey’s Midwest Region

Busey Bank serves the central Illinois banking market with 21 banking centers. The economy of central Illinois is agriculture-based, with a prominent presence of manufacturing and services industries. These industries, coupled with large healthcare and higher education sectors, anchor the communities in which they are located and have provided a comparatively stable foundation for housing, employment, and small business.

Busey Bank has one banking center in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area, which is the most populous city of Indiana with a diverse economy, due in part to it serving as the headquarters of many large corporations. Its strategic location and infrastructure have fostered steady economic performance, positioning Busey to meet the financial needs of both retail and commercial clients.

Busey’s Central Region

Busey Bank serves the Kansas City MSA with three banking centers, including two locations in Leawood, Kansas and one in Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas City MSA is a diverse and economically vibrant region, supported by industries such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and transportation. Leawood is known for its desirable residential communities and concentration of corporate offices and financial institutions, while the Missouri location provides connectivity to the area’s broader commercial and industrial base. Together, these banking centers position Busey to serve a wide range of consumer and business clients across one of the Midwest’s most dynamic metropolitan regions.

Busey Bank operates one banking center in Wichita, Kansas, the state’s largest city and a key regional economic hub. Wichita’s economy is anchored by its leadership in aviation, aerospace engineering, and manufacturing, along with growing healthcare and education footprints that contribute to a stable employment base and expanding residential development. Busey’s presence in Wichita enables Busey Bank to serve a diverse mix of consumer and commercial clients in a market known for its industrial strength and community resilience.

Busey Bank serves the Oklahoma banking market with three banking centers, including two in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa. These cities anchor the state’s economy, with leading sectors including aerospace, energy, healthcare, and higher education. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have benefited from economic diversification efforts and urban revitalization, fostering resilience in employment and housing markets and providing opportunities for Busey to support local business and community needs.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Busey’s Texas Region

Busey Bank operates four banking centers across the Dallas-Fort Worth MSA, including locations in Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth, Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth MSA is the most populous metropolitan area in the southern United States, and serves as a key business and financial hub with a diverse economy spanning technology, healthcare, telecommunications, and logistics. The region’s rapid population growth, entrepreneurial energy, and deep talent pool have created strong demand for housing and commercial expansion, aligning well with Busey’s financial services model.

Busey’s West Region

Busey Bank has two banking centers in Arizona, located in Phoenix and Tucson. Phoenix, a fast-growing metropolitan area, features a broad-based economy with key sectors in advanced manufacturing, fintech, and education. Tucson, supported by a strong university presence and a vibrant tourism sector, has seen steady growth in small business development and residential communities. Busey’s presence supports a range of financial needs in both urban and suburban settings.

Busey Bank has three banking centers in Colorado, located in Denver and Colorado Springs. Denver stands out as a major economic center with thriving industries in technology, energy, and financial services, while Colorado Springs offers a more suburban environment anchored by defense, aerospace, and healthcare sectors. Both cities have experienced consistent population growth and infrastructure investment, creating opportunities for Busey to serve a dynamic customer base.

Busey Bank operates one banking center in Clayton, New Mexico. Located in northeastern New Mexico, Clayton’s economy is primarily driven by agricultural, cattle ranching, and small-scale retail, with steady contributions from transportation services due to its proximity to major highways. The community also benefits from local tourism linked to nearby parks and attractions. Busey’s presence supports essential financial needs in this rural market, reinforcing its commitment to serving both metropolitan and underserved areas with tailored banking solutions.

Busey’s Verticals

Transcending geographical boundaries, Busey operates in several industry verticals, including Life Equity Lending, Sponsor Finance, Energy Lending, and SBA Lending.

Busey's Conservative Banking Strategy

Busey’s financial strength is built on a long-term conservative operating approach. The quality of Busey’s core deposit franchise is a critical value driver of the institution. Busey remains substantially core deposit 1 funded, with robust liquidity and significant market share in the communities it serves. As of September 30, 2025, Busey’s loan to deposit ratio was 90.2% and core deposits represented 93.8% of total deposits. Furthermore, Busey has sufficient on- and off-balance sheet liquidity to manage deposit fluctuations and the liquidity needs of its customers.

Busey’s credit performance reflects its highly diversified, conservatively underwritten loan portfolio, which has been originated predominantly to established customers with tenured relationships with Busey. Busey’s approach to lending and its underwriting standards are designed to emphasize relationship banking rather than transactional banking. In addition, as a matter of both policy and practice, Busey limits concentration exposures in any particular loan segment.

Busey’s conservative banking strategy is reflected in the strength of its capital base. Busey strives to consistently maintain capital ratios well in excess of thresholds required to be designated as well capitalized by applicable regulatory guidelines, thereby ensuring financial strength and flexibility across economic and operating cycles. As of September 30, 2025, Busey’s leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets was 11.6%, its common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets ratio was 12.3%, and its total capital to risk weighted assets ratio was 15.9%.

1 Core deposits is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Mergers and Acquisitions

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.

On March 1, 2025, Busey completed its acquisition of CrossFirst and its wholly-owned subsidiary, CrossFirst Bank. This partnership creates a premier commercial bank with 79 full-service locations across 10 states.

CrossFirst Bank’s results of operations were included in Busey’s results of operations beginning March 1, 2025. Busey operated CrossFirst Bank as a separate banking subsidiary until it was merged with and into Busey Bank on June 20, 2025. At the time of the bank merger, CrossFirst Bank’s banking centers became banking centers of Busey Bank.

Further information regarding Busey’s acquisitions is provided in Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) .

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

Net Income

Results of Busey’s operations, by operating segment, are presented below:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Net income
Banking	$	57,596	$	33,221	$	83,741	$	86,410
Wealth Management	5,678		5,618		17,720		16,177
FirsTech	(306)		(61)		(1,089)		53
Other	(5,870)		(6,774)		(25,860)		(17,054)
Net income	$	57,098	$	32,004	$	74,512	$	85,586

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Non-GAAP Adjusting Items and Non-GAAP Measures

Busey views certain non-operating items, including acquisition-related expenses, restructuring charges, and nonrecurring strategic events, as adjustments to net income reported under GAAP. We also adjust for net securities gains and losses to align with industry and research analyst reporting. The objective of our presentation of adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings metrics is to allow investors and analysts to more clearly identify quarterly trends in core earnings performance. Pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments were as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		2025		2024
Pre-tax non-GAAP adjusting items by income/expense category
Realized net (gains) losses on the sale of mortgage servicing rights	$	—	$	18	$	—	$	(7,724)
Net securities (gains) losses	288		(822)		10,059		5,906
Other noninterest income	44		—		44		—
Provision for credit losses	—		—		49,602		—
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	5,610		73		33,045		1,333
Data processing	424		90		6,690		534
Net occupancy expense of premises	9		—		9		5
Furniture and equipment expenses	66		27		67		88
Professional fees	358		1,371		7,969		1,908
Other noninterest expense	740		374		2,053		687
Total pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments	$	7,539	$	1,131	$	109,538	$	2,737

Non-GAAP adjusting items by business objective
Balance sheet repositioning 1	$	—	$	18	$	—	$	(7,724)
Net securities (gains) losses 1	288		(822)		$	10,059	5,906
Initial provision for credit losses 2	—		—		$	49,602	—
Other acquisition (income) expenses 3	7,251		1,935		49,877		4,432
Restructuring expenses 4	—		—		—		123
Total pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments	$	7,539	$	1,131	$	109,538	$	2,737

___________________________________________

1. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Busey executed a two-part balance sheet repositioning strategy in which it sold mortgage servicing rights on approximately $923.5 million of one-to-four family mortgage loans for a pre-tax gain of $7.7 million and sold available-for-sale debt securities with a book value of approximately $108.2 million for a pre-tax loss of $6.8 million.

2. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition, Busey’s recorded expense for the initial provision for credit losses consisting of a Day 2 provision for loan losses of $42.4 million, a Day 2 provision for unfunded commitments of $3.1 million, and an adjustment to the initial provision for unfunded commitments of $4.0 million that was recorded based on revised estimates resulting from implementation of a new CECL model.

3. Other acquisition expenses related to the acquisition of CrossFirst, which was completed on March 1, 2025, and the acquisition of M&M, which was completed on April 1, 2024.

4. Restructuring expenses were related to previously disclosed restructuring and efficiency plans.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures, which Busey believes facilitates the assessment of its financial results and peer comparability, is included in tabular form in this Quarterly Report. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Operating Performance Metrics

Operating performance metrics presented in the table below have been derived from information used by management to monitor and manage Busey’s financial performance:


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2025			2024			2025			2024
Net income (GAAP)	$	57,098		$	32,004		$	74,512		$	85,586
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) 1, 2	$	62,496		$	32,928		$	159,788		$	89,161

Net income available to common stockholders (GAAP)	$	51,967		$	32,004		$	69,226		$	85,586
Adjusted net income available to common stockholders (Non-GAAP) 1	$	57,365		$	32,928		$	154,502		$	89,161

Diluted earnings per common share (GAAP)	$	0.58		$	0.55		$	0.83		$	1.49
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (Non-GAAP) 1, 2	$	0.64		$	0.57		$	1.85		$	1.55

Return on average assets (Non-GAAP) 1, 3	1.21		%	1.06		%	0.57		%	0.95		%
Adjusted return on average assets (Non-GAAP) 1, 2, 3	1.33		%	1.09		%	1.22		%	0.99		%

Return on average tangible common equity (Non-GAAP) 1, 3	11.96		%	12.80		%	5.63		%	11.94		%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (Non-GAAP) 1, 2, 3	13.20		%	13.17		%	12.56		%	12.43		%

Pre-provision net revenue (Non-GAAP) 1, 4	$	76,605		$	42,151		$	169,513		$	128,528
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue (Non-GAAP) 1, 4	$	83,856		$	44,104		$	219,390		$	125,359

Pre-provision net revenue to average total assets (Non-GAAP) 1, 3, 4	1.63		%	1.40		%	1.29		%	1.43		%
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue to average total assets (Non-GAAP) 1, 3, 4	1.78		%	1.46		%	1.67		%	1.39		%

___________________________________________

1. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

2. Beginning in 2025, Busey revised its calculation of adjusted net income for all periods presented to include, as applicable, adjustments for net securities gains and losses, realized net gains and losses on the sale of mortgage servicing rights, and non-recurring deferred tax adjustments.

3. Annualized measure.

4. Beginning in the second quarter of 2025, Busey revised its presentation, for all periods presented, to reclassify the provision for unfunded commitments so that it is now included within the provision for credit losses, affecting the calculation of pre-provision net revenue and related measures and ratios.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income and fees earned on loans and investments (“interest-earning assets”) and interest expense incurred on deposits and borrowings (“interest-bearing liabilities”). Interest rate levels and volume fluctuations within interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities impact net interest income. Net interest margin is tax-equivalent net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Certain assets with tax favorable treatment are evaluated on a tax-equivalent basis, assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. Tax favorable assets generally have lower contractual pre-tax yields than fully taxable assets. A tax-equivalent analysis is performed by adding the tax savings to the earnings on tax favorable assets. After factoring in the tax favorable effects of these assets, the yields may be more appropriately evaluated against alternative earning assets. In addition to yield, various other risks are factored into the evaluation process.

Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rates

The table below presents Busey’s Consolidated Average Balance Sheets, summarizing average balances for each major category of assets and liabilities, the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, the interest expense paid for interest-bearing liabilities, and the related interest yields for the periods indicated. Average information is provided on a daily average basis:

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2025						2024
(dollars in thousands)	Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate 5		Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate 5
Assets
Interest-bearing bank deposits and federal funds sold	$	489,730	$	5,487	4.45	%	$	389,005	$	5,092	5.21	%
Investment securities:
U.S. Government obligations	113,825		1,434		5.00	%	2,053		24		4.65	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 1	241,561		2,697		4.43	%	151,586		1,077		2.83	%
Other securities	2,608,081		20,097		3.06	%	2,512,630		17,045		2.70	%
Restricted bank stock	77,041		871		4.49	%	6,134		106		6.87	%
Loans held for sale	9,895		155		6.21	%	11,539		187		6.45	%
Portfolio loans 1, 2	13,732,229		214,552		6.20	%	7,869,798		111,471		5.63	%
Total interest-earning assets 1, 3	17,272,362		$	245,293	5.63	%	10,942,745		$	135,002	4.91	%

Cash and due from banks	173,921						113,122
Premises and equipment	184,113						121,296
ACL	(184,680)						(86,213)
Other assets	1,216,733						916,752
Total assets	$	18,662,449					$	12,007,702

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Interest-bearing transaction deposits	$	3,256,326	$	16,208	1.97	%	$	2,485,443	$	11,734	1.88	%
Savings and money market deposits	6,199,404		44,361		2.84	%	3,294,396		20,198		2.44	%
Time deposits	2,545,749		24,042		3.75	%	1,517,082		14,702		3.86	%
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements	150,260		976		2.58	%	132,688		981		2.94	%
Borrowings 4	189,432		2,380		4.98	%	227,136		3,207		5.62	%
Junior subordinated debt issued to unconsolidated trusts	77,211		1,401		7.20	%	74,714		1,137		6.05	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	12,418,382		$	89,368	2.86	%	7,731,459		$	51,959	2.67	%

Net interest spread 1					2.77	%					2.24	%

Noninterest-bearing deposits	3,578,164						2,706,858
Other liabilities	239,995						205,008
Stockholders’ equity	2,425,908						1,364,377
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	18,662,449					$	12,007,702

Interest income / earning assets 1, 3	$	17,272,362	$	245,293	5.63	%	$	10,942,745	$	135,002	4.91	%
Interest expense / earning assets	17,272,362		89,368		2.05	%	10,942,745		51,959		1.89	%
Net interest margin 1			$	155,925	3.58	%			$	83,043	3.02	%

___________________________________________

1. On a tax-equivalent basis and assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information ” included in this Quarterly Report.

2. Non-accrual loans have been included in average portfolio loans.

3. Interest income includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $0.8 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

4. Includes short-term and long-term borrowings. Interest expense includes non-usage fees on a revolving loan.

5. Annualized.

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025						2024
(dollars in thousands)	Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate 5		Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate 5
Assets
Interest-bearing bank deposits and federal funds sold	$	629,137	$	20,532	4.36	%	$	371,472	$	14,590	5.25	%
Investment securities:
U.S. Government obligations	90,768		3,383		4.98	%	6,805		139		2.73	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 1	225,549		6,919		4.10	%	155,213		3,292		2.83	%
Other securities	2,627,408		58,504		2.98	%	2,607,844		53,994		2.77	%
Restricted bank stock	62,275		2,173		4.67	%	6,337		291		6.13	%
Loans held for sale	6,770		312		6.16	%	8,585		417		6.49	%
Portfolio loans 1, 2	12,484,515		569,059		6.09	%	7,826,741		320,889		5.48	%
Total interest-earning assets 1, 3	16,126,422		$	660,882	5.48	%	10,982,997		$	393,612	4.79	%

Cash and due from banks	167,752						109,507
Premises and equipment	169,085						122,178
ACL	(170,863)						(90,497)
Other assets	1,242,248						916,229
Total assets	$	17,534,644					$	12,040,414

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Interest-bearing transaction deposits	$	3,032,978	$	42,424	1.87	%	$	2,467,803	$	32,550	1.76	%
Savings and money market deposits	5,681,287		117,735		2.77	%	3,213,521		55,332		2.30	%
Time deposits	2,494,470		69,911		3.75	%	1,611,560		46,429		3.85	%
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements	145,711		2,738		2.51	%	151,835		3,393		2.98	%
Borrowings 4	256,196		9,759		5.09	%	244,359		10,443		5.71	%
Junior subordinated debt issued to unconsolidated trusts	76,659		4,148		7.23	%	73,789		3,185		5.77	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	11,687,301		$	246,715	2.82	%	7,762,867		$	151,332	2.60	%

Net interest spread 1					2.66	%					2.19	%

Noninterest-bearing deposits	3,387,621						2,743,777
Other liabilities	242,735						209,651
Stockholders’ equity	2,216,987						1,324,119
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	17,534,644					$	12,040,414

Interest income / earning assets 1, 3	$	16,126,422	$	660,882	5.48	%	$	10,982,997	$	393,612	4.79	%
Interest expense / earning assets	16,126,422		246,715		2.05	%	10,982,997		151,332		1.84	%
Net interest margin 1			$	414,167	3.43	%			$	242,280	2.95	%

___________________________________________

1. On a tax-equivalent basis and assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “ Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information ” included in this Quarterly Report.

2. Non-accrual loans have been included in average portfolio loans.

3. Interest income includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $2.1 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

4. Includes short-term and long-term borrowings. Interest expense includes non-usage fees on a revolving loan.

5. Annualized.

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Notable changes in average assets and average liabilities are summarized as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025			2024			Change		% Change
Average interest-earning assets	$	17,272,362		$	10,942,745		$	6,329,617	57.8	%
Average interest-bearing liabilities	12,418,382			7,731,459			4,686,923		60.6	%
Average noninterest-bearing deposits	3,578,164			2,706,858			871,306		32.2	%

Total average deposits	15,579,643			10,003,779			5,575,864		55.7	%
Total average liabilities	16,236,541			10,643,325			5,593,216		52.6	%

Average noninterest-bearing deposits as a percent of total average deposits	23.0		%	27.1		%	(410) bps
Total average deposits as a percent of total average liabilities	96.0		%	94.0		%	200 bps


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025			2024			Change		% Change
Average interest-earning assets	$	16,126,422		$	10,982,997		$	5,143,425	46.8	%
Average interest-bearing liabilities	11,687,301			7,762,867			3,924,434		50.6	%
Average noninterest-bearing deposits	3,387,621			2,743,777			643,844		23.5	%

Total average deposits	14,596,356			10,036,661			4,559,695		45.4	%
Total average liabilities	15,317,657			10,716,295			4,601,362		42.9	%

Average noninterest-bearing deposits as a percent of total average deposits	23.2		%	27.3		%	(410) bps
Total average deposits as a percent of total average liabilities	95.3		%	93.7		%	160 bps

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Changes in net interest income and net interest margin are summarized as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025			2024			Change		% Change
Net interest income
Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis 1	$	245,293		$	135,002		$	110,291	81.7	%
Interest expense	(89,368)			(51,959)			(37,409)		(72.0)	%
Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis 1	$	155,925		$	83,043		$	72,882	87.8	%

Net interest margin 1, 2	3.58		%	3.02		%	56 bps


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025			2024			Change		% Change
Net interest income
Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis 1	$	660,882		$	393,612		$	267,270	67.9	%
Interest expense	(246,715)			(151,332)			(95,383)		(63.0)	%
Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis 1	$	414,167		$	242,280		$	171,887	70.9	%

Net interest margin 1, 2	3.43		%	2.95		%	48 bps

___________________________________________

1. Assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “ Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information ” included in this Quarterly Report.

2. Net interest income expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, stated on a tax-equivalent basis.

Busey continues to evaluate and execute off-balance sheet hedging and balance sheet strategies as well as embedding rate protection in our asset originations to provide stabilization to net interest income in lower rate environments. Stability in core deposit balances, as well as retail time deposit and savings specials, have continued to provide sufficient funding flows to allow intentional runoff of brokered and high-cost, non-relationship funding. During the three months ended September 30, 2025, Busey executed a strategic targeted reduction of $794.6 million high-cost, non-relationship deposits bearing a weighted average cost of 4.45%, including $228.2 million of brokered deposits.

Net interest spread represents the difference between the average rate earned on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and is presented in the table below:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Net interest spread 1	2.77	%	2.24	%	2.66	%	2.19	%

___________________________________________

1. Net interest spread is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis.

Annualized net interest margins for the quarterly periods indicated were as follows:


	2025		2024
First Quarter	3.16	%	2.79	%
Second Quarter	3.49	%	3.03	%
Third Quarter	3.58	%	3.02	%
Fourth Quarter			2.95	%

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Management attempts to mitigate the effects of an unpredictable interest-rate environment through effective portfolio management, prudent loan underwriting and pricing discipline, and operational efficiencies. For a description of accounting policies underlying the recognition of interest income and expense, refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Busey’s 2024 Annual Report .

Noninterest Income

Changes in noninterest income are summarized as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		Change		% Change
Noninterest income
Wealth management and payment technology income:
Wealth management fees	$	17,184	$	15,378	$	1,806	11.7	%
Payment technology solutions	5,092		5,265		(173)		(3.3)	%
Combined, wealth management fees and payment technology solutions	22,276		20,643		1,633		7.9	%

Treasury management services	4,598		2,201		2,397		108.9	%
Card services and ATM fees	4,799		3,557		1,242		34.9	%
Other service charges on deposit accounts	1,617		2,390		(773)		(32.3)	%
Mortgage revenue	657		355		302		85.1	%
Income on bank owned life insurance	1,623		1,189		434		36.5	%
Realized net gains (losses) on the sale of mortgage servicing rights	—		(18)		18		100.0	%

Securities income:
Realized net gains (losses) on securities	(13)		(11)		(2)		(18.2)	%
Unrealized net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities	(275)		833		(1,108)		(133.0)	%
Net securities gains (losses)	(288)		822		(1,110)		(135.0)	%

Other noninterest income	5,916		4,706		1,210		25.7	%
Total noninterest income	$	41,198	$	35,845	$	5,353	14.9	%

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025		2024		Change		% Change
Noninterest income
Wealth management and payment technology solutions income:
Wealth management fees	$	51,325	$	46,844	$	4,481	9.6	%
Payment technology solutions	15,121		16,889		(1,768)		(10.5)	%
Combined, wealth management fees and payment technology solutions	66,446		63,733		2,713		4.3	%

Treasury management services	12,596		6,247		$	6,349	101.6	%
Card services and ATM fees	13,388		9,947		$	3,441	34.6	%
Other service charges on deposit accounts	4,663		7,059		$	(2,396)	(33.9)	%
Mortgage revenue	1,762		1,579		183		11.6	%
Income on bank owned life insurance	4,814		4,050		764		18.9	%
Realized net gains (losses) on the sale of mortgage servicing rights	—		7,724		(7,724)		(100.0)	%

Securities income:
Realized net gains (losses) on securities	(15,549)		(6,817)		(8,732)		(128.1)	%
Unrealized net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities	5,490		911		4,579		502.6	%
Net securities gains (losses)	(10,059)		(5,906)		(4,153)		(70.3)	%

Other noninterest income	13,674		10,028		3,646		36.4	%
Total noninterest income	$	107,284	$	104,461	$	2,823	2.7	%

Assets under care as of period end	$	14,959,317	$	13,690,374	$	1,268,943	9.3	%

Total noninterest income was $41.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of 14.9% from the comparable period in 2024, as we benefit from the CrossFirst acquisition and extend services into new markets. Total noninterest income was $107.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of 2.7% from the comparable period in 2024. The nine months ended September 30, 2025, includes seven months of income from the CrossFirst acquisition, offset by net securities losses that were recorded in the first quarter of 2025 in connection with a strategic balance sheet repositioning. Additionally, the prior year included $7.7 million of realized net gains on the sale of mortgage servicing rights, which was not repeated in the current year.

Wealth management fees were $17.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an 11.7% increase from the comparable period in 2024, and were $51.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 9.6% increase from the comparable period for 2024, primarily due to increases in trust fee income. On a segment basis, Busey’s Wealth Management division contributed $17.4 million, or 42.2%, of Busey’s noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, which included approximately $0.2 million reported as other noninterest income, and contributed $51.9 million, or 48.4%, of Busey’s noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, which included approximately $0.6 million reported as other noninterest income. Busey’s Wealth Management division ended the third quarter of 2025 with $14.96 billion in assets under care, an increase of 9.3% compared to the balance on September 30, 2024. Busey’s portfolio management team continues to focus on long-term returns and managing risk in the face of volatile markets.

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Payment technology solutions relates to Busey’s payment processing company, FirsTech. Income from payment technology solutions was $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 3.3% decrease from the comparable period in 2024, and was $15.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 10.5% decrease from the comparable period in 2024, primarily due to decreases in income from online bill payments. On a segment basis, FirsTech contributed $5.5 million, or 13.4%, of Busey’s noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, and $16.3 million, or 15.2%, of Busey’s noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.

Combined, noninterest income from wealth management fees and payment technology solutions represented 54.1% and 61.9% of Busey’s noninterest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, providing a complement to spread-based revenue from traditional banking activities.

Treasury management services consist primarily of business analysis charges and wire transfer fees on commercial accounts. Income from treasury management services increased by 108.9% and 101.6% compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, due to the addition of CrossFirst commercial services.

Card services and ATM fees, which include both commercial and consumer accounts, increased by 34.9% and 34.6% compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, primarily due to addition of CrossFirst corporate card services.

Other service charges on deposit accounts were $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 32.3% decline from the comparable period in 2024, and were $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a decline of 33.9% from the comparable period in 2024. Declines were largely related to lower non-sufficient fund charges, reflecting changes Busey made to its fee structure in 2025.

Mortgage revenue was $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an 85.1% increase from the comparable period in 2024, and was $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, an 11.6% increase from the comparable period in 2024. General economic conditions and interest rate volatility may impact future mortgage revenue.

Income on bank owned life insurance was $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 36.5% increase from the comparable period in 2024, as a result of a $0.5 million increase in the cash surrender value of the policies, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in earnings on death proceeds. Income on bank owned life insurance was $4.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, an 18.9% increase from the comparable period in 2024, as a result of a $1.3 million increase in the cash surrender value of the policies, partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in earnings on death proceeds.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, Busey did not record any realized gains on the sale of mortgage servicing rights. In comparison, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Busey recognized a $7.7 million gain on the sale of mortgage servicing rights in connection with a strategic two-part balance sheet repositioning. For more information, see “ Busey executed a two-part balance sheet repositioning strategy ” in the Management Discussion and Analysis included in Busey’s Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2024, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2024.

Net securities losses were $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a decrease from the net securities gains from the comparable period in 2024. Net securities losses of $10.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were greater than the net securities losses realized during the comparable period in 2024. Losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were comprised of $15.5 million of realized net losses on securities associated with a strategic balance sheet repositioning in the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by second quarter unrealized net gains on Busey’s approximately 3% equity ownership of a financial institution that was the target of an announced acquisition at a significant market premium.

Other noninterest income was $5.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 25.7% increase from the comparable period in 2024, and was $13.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 36.4% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Increases were primarily attributable to fluctuations in income recognized on private equity investments, commercial loan servicing income, swap origination fees, and syndication fees.

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Noninterest Expense

Changes in noninterest expense are summarized as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025			2024			Change		% Change
Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	$	74,145		$	44,593		$	29,552	66.3	%
Data processing	9,714			6,910			2,804		40.6	%

Premises expenses:
Net occupancy expense of premises	7,982			4,633			3,349		72.3	%
Furniture and equipment expenses	2,143			1,647			496		30.1	%
Combined, net occupancy expense of premises and furniture and equipment expenses	10,125			6,280			3,845		61.2	%

Professional fees	2,931			3,118			(187)		(6.0)	%
Amortization of intangible assets	4,507			2,548			1,959		76.9	%
Interchange expense	1,336			1,352			(16)		(1.2)	%
FDIC insurance	3,151			1,413			1,738		123.0	%
Other noninterest expense	14,109			9,305			4,804		51.6	%
Total noninterest expense	$	120,018		$	75,519		$	44,499	58.9	%

Income taxes	$	20,204		$	10,560		$	9,644	91.3	%
Effective income tax rate	26.1		%	24.8		%	130 bps

Efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) 1	58.5		%	61.8		%	(330) bps
Adjusted efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) 1	54.9		%	60.2		%	(530) bps

___________________________________________

1. The efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial GAAP measures, see “ Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information ” included in this Quarterly Report.

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025			2024			Change		% Change
Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	$	220,068		$	130,161		$	89,907	69.1	%
Data processing	33,310			20,560			12,750		62.0	%

Premises expenses:
Net occupancy expense of premises	21,613			13,943			7,670		55.0	%
Furniture and equipment expenses	6,296			5,155			1,141		22.1	%
Combined, net occupancy expense of premises and furniture and equipment expenses	27,909			19,098			8,811		46.1	%

Professional fees	15,316			7,866			7,450		94.7	%
Amortization of intangible assets	12,182			7,586			4,596		60.6	%
Interchange expense	3,976			4,696			(720)		(15.3)	%
FDIC insurance	7,742			4,273			3,469		81.2	%
Other noninterest expense	39,378			28,632			10,746		37.5	%
Total noninterest expense	$	359,881		$	222,872		$	137,009	61.5	%

Income taxes	$	34,634		$	30,359		$	4,275	14.1	%
Effective income tax rate	31.7		%	26.2		%	550 bps

Efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) 1	65.4		%	61.1		%	430 bps
Adjusted efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) 1	56.0		%	61.1		%	(510) bps

Full-time equivalent associates as of period-end	1,922			1,510			412		27.3	%

___________________________________________

Total noninterest expense was $120.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 58.9% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Total noninterest expense was $359.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 61.5% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Growth in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to acquisition and restructuring expenses related to the CrossFirst acquisition, added costs for operating expenses for two banks from March 1, 2025, until the banks were merged on June 20, 2025, and increased expenses associated with Busey’s larger organization and expanded branch network. Acquisition and restructuring expenses contributed $7.2 million to total noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $1.9 million for the comparable period in 2024. Acquisition and restructuring expenses contributed $49.8 million to total noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $4.6 million for the comparable period in 2024.

Annual pre-tax expense synergy estimates resulting from the CrossFirst acquisition remain on track at $25.0 million. Busey anticipates a 50% rate of synergy realization in 2025 and 100% in 2026.

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Salaries, wages, and employee benefits were $74.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 66.3% increase from the comparable period in 2024 and were $220.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 69.1% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Acquisition and restructuring expenses were $5.6 million and $33.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, with additional severance, retention, and stock-based compensation expenses related to the CrossFirst acquisition. Further, in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition in March and the addition of 16 banking centers, Busey’s workforce expanded, with a net addition of 412 full-time equivalent associates over the past year.

Data processing expense was $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 40.6% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, data processing expense was $9.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 36.2% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Data processing expense was $33.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 62.0% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, data processing expense was $26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 32.9% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Busey has continued to make investments in technology and has also experienced inflation-driven price increases.

Combined, net occupancy expense of premises and furniture and equipment expense totaled $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 61.2% increase from the comparable period in 2024, and $27.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 46.1% increase from the comparable period in 2024. The CrossFirst acquisition added 16 banking centers. Further, on August 18, 2025, Busey opened its second Denver service center, located in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood. Primary cost drivers in these expense categories include lease costs, repairs and maintenance, depreciation expense, real estate taxes, and utilities.

Professional fees were $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 6.0% decrease from the comparable period in 2024. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses of $0.4 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were 47.3% higher than the comparable period in 2024. Professional fees were $15.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 94.7% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses of $8.0 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were 23.3%, higher than the comparable period in 2024. Changes in professional fees were primarily related to legal, audit and accounting, and consulting expenses.

Amortization of intangible assets was $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 76.9% increase from the comparable period in 2024, and $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 60.6% increase from the comparable period for 2024. The CrossFirst acquisition added an estimated $81.8 million of finite-lived intangible assets with amortization of $2.3 million and $5.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively. Busey uses an accelerated amortization methodology.

Interchange expense was $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 1.2% decrease from the comparable period in 2024, and was $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 15.3% decrease from the comparable period in 2024. Fluctuations in interchange expense relate to payment and volume activity at FirsTech.

FDIC insurance expense was $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 123.0% increase from the comparable period in 2024, and $7.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, an 81.2% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Additional FDIC insurance assessments were the result of Busey’s growth in average assets in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition.

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Other noninterest expense was $14.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a 51.6% increase from the comparable period in 2024, and was $39.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, a 37.5% increase from the comparable period in 2024. Increases in other noninterest expense are attributable to multiple items, including marketing, business development, and supplies, as well as increases in acquisition and restructuring expenses of $0.4 million and $1.4 million compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.

Efficiency Ratio

The efficiency ratio 2 , which is a measure commonly used by management and the banking industry, measures the amount of expense incurred to generate a dollar of revenue. Busey’s efficiency ratio was 58.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 61.8% for the same period in 2024, and was 65.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 61.1% for the same period in 2024.

Busey’s adjusted efficiency ratio 2 was 54.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 60.2% for the same period in 2024, and was 56.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 61.1% for the same period in 2024.

Taxes

Busey’s effective income tax rate of 26.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, aligning with a combined federal and state statutory rate of approximately 26%. Busey’s effective income tax rate of 31.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was impacted by the remeasurement of deferred tax assets acquired in the CrossFirst acquisition, discrete adjustments related to equity award vestings, and other non-recurring adjustments.

Busey continues to monitor evolving federal and state tax legislation and its potential impact on operations on an ongoing basis. As of September 30, 2025, Busey Bank was under examination by the Florida Department of Revenue for its 2020 to 2022 corporate income tax filings and by the Illinois Department of Revenue for M&M’s tax filings for the tax years 2022 and 2023.

2 The efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “ Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information ” included in this Quarterly Report.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

Balance Sheet

Changes in significant items on Busey’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized as follows:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024		Change		% Change
Assets
Debt securities available for sale	$	2,099,259	$	1,810,221	$	289,038	16.0	%
Debt securities held to maturity	784,821		826,630		(41,809)		(5.1)	%
Portfolio loans, net of ACL	13,424,085		7,613,683		5,810,402		76.3	%
Total assets	18,188,628		12,046,722		6,141,906		51.0	%

Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	3,554,936		2,719,907		835,029		30.7	%
Interest-bearing	11,515,226		7,262,583		4,252,643		58.6	%
Total deposits	15,070,162		9,982,490		5,087,672		51.0	%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	147,152		155,610		(8,458)		(5.4)	%

Long-term borrowings	92,431		—		92,431		100.0	%

Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs	103,283		227,723		(124,440)		(54.6)	%
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	77,257		74,815		2,442		3.3	%
Total liabilities	15,739,793		10,663,453		5,076,340		47.6	%

Stockholders’ equity	2,448,835		1,383,269		1,065,566		77.0	%

Portfolio Loans

Busey believes that making sound and profitable loans is a necessary and desirable means of employing funds available for investment. Busey maintains lending policies and procedures designed to focus lending efforts on the types, locations, and duration of loans most appropriate for its business model and markets. While not specifically limited, Busey attempts to focus its lending on short to intermediate-term loans (0-10 years) in geographic areas within 125 miles of its lending offices. Busey seeks to utilize government-assisted lending programs, such as the SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture lending programs, when prudent. Generally, loans are collateralized by assets, primarily real estate, and guaranteed by individuals. Loans are expected to be repaid primarily from cash flows of the borrowers or from proceeds from the sale of selected assets of the borrowers.

Management reviews and approves Busey Bank’s lending policies and procedures on a regular basis. Management routinely—at least quarterly—reviews the ACL in conjunction with reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, non-performing loans, and potential problem loans. Busey’s underwriting standards are designed to encourage relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Relationship banking implies a primary banking relationship with the borrower that includes, at a minimum, an active deposit banking relationship in addition to the lending relationship. Significant underwriting factors in addition to location, duration, a sound and profitable cash flow basis, and the borrower’s character, include the quality of the borrower’s financial history, the liquidity of the underlying collateral, and the reliability of the valuation of the underlying collateral.

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At no time is a borrower’s total borrowing relationship permitted to exceed Busey Bank’s regulatory lending limit. Busey generally limits such relationships to amounts substantially less than the regulatory limit. Loans to related parties, including executive officers and directors of First Busey Corporation and its subsidiaries, are reviewed for compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Busey maintains an independent loan review department that reviews loans for compliance with Busey’s loan policy on a periodic basis. In addition, the loan review department reviews risk assessments made by Busey’s credit department, lenders, and loan committees. Results of these reviews are presented to management and the audit committee at least quarterly.

Busey Bank’s lending can be summarized into five primary lending activities, which can be further categorized as either commercial or retail lending. Commercial lending activities consist of C&I and other commercial loans, CRE loans, and real estate construction loans while retail lending activities consist of retail real estate loans and retail other loans. A description of each of the five primary areas can be found in “ Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio Loans ” of Busey’s 2024 Annual Report .

Portfolio Composition

The composition of Busey’s loan portfolio as of the dates indicated, as well as changes in portfolio loan balances, were as follows:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024		Change		% Change
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	4,395,871	$	1,904,515	$	2,491,356	130.8	%
CRE	5,424,095		3,269,564		2,154,531		65.9	%
Real estate construction	1,099,524		378,209		721,315		190.7	%
Total commercial loans	10,919,490		5,552,288		5,367,202		96.7	%
Retail loans
Retail real estate	2,196,246		1,696,457		499,789		29.5	%
Retail other	482,530		448,342		34,188		7.6	%
Total retail loans	2,678,776		2,144,799		533,977		24.9	%
Total portfolio loans	13,598,266		7,697,087		5,901,179		76.7	%
ACL	(174,181)		(83,404)		(90,777)		108.8	%
Portfolio loans, net	$	13,424,085	$	7,613,683	$	5,810,402	76.3	%

Total portfolio loans were $13.60 billion at September 30, 2025, compared to $7.70 billion at December 31, 2024. The $5.90 billion growth in the loan portfolio during the first nine months of 2025 was primarily attributable to the CrossFirst acquisition. Busey remains steadfast in its conservative approach to underwriting and disciplined approach to pricing. During the third quarter of 2025, the Company experienced elevated payoffs that outpaced new production momentum. Busey expects continued pressure, particularly from commercial real estate payoffs through the remainder of 2025.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Concentration of Credit Risk

As a matter of policy and practice, Busey limits the level of concentration exposure in any particular loan segment with the goal of maintaining a well-diversified loan portfolio. The following table presents the percentage of total portfolio loans for each lending activity:


	As of
	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	32.3	%	24.8	%
CRE	39.9	%	42.5	%
Real estate construction	8.1	%	4.9	%
Total commercial loans	80.3	%	72.2	%
Retail loans
Retail real estate	16.2	%	22.0	%
Retail other	3.5	%	5.8	%
Total retail loans	19.7	%	27.8	%
Total portfolio loans	100.0	%	100.0	%

Busey Bank originates loans across its regional operating model. Busey’s regions are defined as follows:

• East – Suburban Chicago markets, the St. Louis MSA, and southwest Florida

• Midwest – Central Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana

• Central – The Kansas City MSA, central Kansas, and Oklahoma

• Texas – The Dallas-Fort Worth MSA

• West – Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona

• Verticals – Busey’s Life Equity Lending, Sponsor Finance, Energy Lending, and SBA Lending products

The geographic distribution of Busey Bank loans outstanding as of September 30, 2025, that were originated in each of these markets is presented in the table below:


	As of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands)	C&I and other commercial		CRE		Real estate construction		Retail real estate		Retail other		Total
Loans by region of origination
East	$	1,036,092	$	1,786,562	$	137,163	$	886,591	$	94,292	$	3,940,700
Midwest	852,013		1,413,169		242,903		737,094		8,835		3,254,014
Central	573,345		761,303		190,846		364,424		14,196		1,904,114
Texas	679,132		803,124		352,970		118,944		3,361		1,957,531
West	252,146		501,911		155,627		76,958		689		987,331
Verticals	1,003,143		158,026		20,015		12,235		361,157		1,554,576
Total portfolio loans	$	4,395,871	$	5,424,095	$	1,099,524	$	2,196,246	$	482,530	13,598,266
ACL											(174,181)
Portfolio loans, net of ACL											$	13,424,085

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Prior to the CrossFirst acquisition on March 1, 2025, Busey Bank’s loan origination occurred in the Illinois, Missouri, Florida, and Indiana markets. The geographic distribution of Busey Bank loans outstanding as of December 31, 2024, that were originated in each of these markets is presented in the table below:


	As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	C&I and other commercial		CRE		Real estate construction		Retail real estate		Retail other		Total
Loans by state of origination
Illinois	$	1,493,670	$	2,285,915	$	232,898	$	1,275,834	$	443,164	$	5,731,481
Missouri	276,140		560,337		40,816		211,878		3,731		1,092,902
Florida	58,277		245,918		30,826		128,352		683		464,056
Indiana	76,428		177,394		73,669		80,393		764		408,648
Total portfolio loans	$	1,904,515	$	3,269,564	$	378,209	$	1,696,457	$	448,342	7,697,087
ACL											(83,404)
Portfolio loans, net of ACL											$	7,613,683

CRE loans comprised 39.9% of Busey’s total loan portfolio as of September 30, 2025, and were 25.7% owner occupied. CRE loans are made across a variety of industries, as depicted in the table below. Balances reflected in the table below do not include loan origination fees or costs, purchase accounting adjustments, SBA discounts, or negative escrow amounts.


	As of September 30, 2025
	CRE Loans			Owned By					% of CRE Loans That Are Owner Occupied
(dollars in thousands)			Investor			Occupant
Industry
Industrial and warehousing	$	1,137,865		$	683,616		$	454,249	39.9	%
Retail	855,603			739,356			116,247		13.6	%
Apartments	815,381			815,381			—		—	%
Traditional office	712,179			500,734			211,445		29.7	%
Specialty	501,528			179,895			321,633		64.1	%
Hotel	333,794			327,911			5,883		1.8	%
Medical office	281,428			149,751			131,677		46.8	%
Student housing	213,288			213,173			115		0.1	%
Restaurant	149,578			35,585			113,993		76.2	%
Self-Storage	148,232			143,723			4,509		3.0	%
Senior housing	143,400			140,761			2,639		1.8	%
Nursing homes	92,811			91,235			1,576		1.7	%
Healthcare	20,350			20,000			350		1.7	%
Group homes	3,592			3,592			—		—	%
Continuing Care Facilities	2,976			2,976			—		—	%
Land acquisition and development	91			—			91		100.0	%

Other	50,306			11,622			38,684		76.9	%
Total	$	5,462,402		$	4,059,311		$	1,403,091	25.7	%

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Allowance for Credit Losses and Provision for Loan Losses

The ACL is a significant estimate on Busey’s unaudited consolidated financial statements, affecting both earnings and capital. The methodology adopted influences, and is influenced by, Busey’s overall credit risk management processes. The ACL is recorded in accordance with GAAP to provide an adequate reserve for expected credit losses that is reflective of management’s best estimate of what is expected to be collected. Estimates of credit losses are based on a careful consideration of all significant factors affecting the collectability as of the evaluation date. The ACL is established through the provision for credit loss expense charged to income. Provision for loan losses expenses were recorded as follows:


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	Location	2025		2024		2025		2024
Provision for loan losses 1	Provision for credit losses	$	(3,305)	$	2	$	40,152	$	7,317

___________________________________________

1. The nine months ended September 30, 2025, included $42.4 million to establish an initial allowance for loan losses in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition.

The $3.3 million provision reversal for loan losses recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2025, included a provision release of $7.1 million for PCD loans due to payoffs/paydowns and provision expense of $3.8 million for non-PCD loans to support charge-offs and qualitative factor adjustments. The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, included $42.4 million of provision expense recorded to establish an initial allowance for non-PCD loans immediately following the close of the CrossFirst acquisition in accordance with ASC 326-20-30-15.

The ACL and the ratio of ACL to portfolio loan balances is presented below by lending activity:


	As of September 30, 2025						As of December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Portfolio Loans		ACL		Ratio of ACL to Portfolio Loans		Portfolio Loans		ACL		Ratio of ACL to Portfolio Loans
Commercial
C&I and other commercial	$	4,395,871	$	59,436	1.35	%	$	1,904,515	$	21,589	1.13	%
CRE	5,424,095		70,844		1.31	%	3,269,564		32,301		0.99	%
Real estate construction	1,099,524		12,193		1.11	%	378,209		3,345		0.88	%
Total commercial	10,919,490		142,473		1.30	%	5,552,288		57,235		1.03	%
Retail
Retail real estate	2,196,246		29,843		1.36	%	1,696,457		23,711		1.40	%
Retail other	482,530		1,865		0.39	%	448,342		2,458		0.55	%
Total retail	2,678,776		31,708		1.18	%	2,144,799		26,169		1.22	%
Total	$	13,598,266	$	174,181	1.28	%	$	7,697,087	$	83,404	1.08	%

As of September 30, 2025, management believed the level of the ACL to be appropriate based upon the information available. However, additional losses may be identified in the loan portfolio as new information is obtained. Factors that influence Busey’s calculation of its ACL include changes in economic conditions and forecasts, originated and acquired loan portfolio composition, credit performance trends, portfolio duration, and other factors.

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Non-Performing Loans and Non-Performing Assets

Loans are considered past due if the required principal or interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory guidelines. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Typically, loans are secured by collateral. When a loan is classified as non-accrual and determined to be collateral dependent, it is appropriately reserved or charged down through the ACL to the fair value of Busey’s interest in the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. Busey’s loan portfolio is collateralized primarily by real estate.

The following table sets forth information concerning non-performing assets and asset quality ratios:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025			December 31, 2024			Change		% Change
Portfolio loans	$	13,598,266		$	7,697,087		$	5,901,179	76.7	%
Loans 30 – 89 days past due	18,914			8,124			10,790		132.8	%
Total assets	18,188,628			12,046,722			6,141,906		51.0	%

Non-performing assets
Non-performing loans:
Non-accrual loans	$	46,096		$	22,088		$	24,008	108.7	%
Loans 90+ days past due and still accruing	1,418			1,149			269		23.4	%
Total non-performing loans	47,514			23,237			24,277		104.5	%
OREO and other repossessed assets	10,210			63			10,147		16,106.3	%
Total non-performing assets	57,724			23,300			34,424		147.7	%
Substandard (excludes 90+ days past due)	103,329			62,023			41,306		66.6	%
Classified assets	$	161,053		$	85,323		$	75,730	88.8	%

ACL	$	174,181		$	83,404		$	90,777	108.8	%
Bank Tier 1 Capital	2,118,059			1,438,296			679,763		47.3	%

Ratios
ACL to portfolio loans	1.28		%	1.08		%	20 bps
ACL to non-accrual loans	3.78 x			3.78 x			27 bps
ACL to non-performing loans	3.67 x			3.59 x			766 bps
ACL to non-performing assets	3.02 x			3.58 x			(5,621) bps
Non-accrual loans to portfolio loans	0.34		%	0.29		%	5 bps
Non-performing loans to portfolio loans	0.35		%	0.30		%	5 bps
Non-performing assets to total assets	0.32		%	0.19		%	13 bps
Non-performing assets to portfolio loans and OREO and other repossessed assets	0.42		%	0.30		%	12 bps
Classified assets to Bank Tier 1 Capital and ACL	7.03		%	5.61		%	142 bps

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Busey’s total assets grew by 51.0% to $18.19 billion as of September 30, 2025, compared to $12.05 billion as of December 31, 2024, largely in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition. Further, Busey’s loan portfolio grew by 76.7% to $13.60 billion as of September 30, 2025, compared to $7.70 billion as of December 31, 2024.

Asset quality continues to be strong. Following the CrossFirst Bank Merger in June, Busey is operating as one bank, with a singular credit policy, concentration limits, and monitoring that will continue to align with Busey’s pillars of credit quality. Busey’s operating mandate and focus remain on emphasizing credit quality over asset growth.

Non-performing loan balances increased to $47.5 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $23.2 million as of December 31, 2024, primarily due to PCD loans assumed in the CrossFirst acquisition. Non-performing loans represented 0.35% of portfolio loans as of September 30, 2025, compared to 0.30% as of December 31, 2024. Busey’s allowance for credit losses provided coverage of 3.67 times non-performing loans at September 30, 2025, compared to 3.59 times at December 31, 2024.

Non-performing assets, which include non-performing loans, OREO, and other repossessed assets, increased to $57.7 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $23.3 million as of December 31, 2024, primarily due to PCD loans assumed in the CrossFirst acquisition. Non-performing assets represented 0.32% of total assets as of September 30, 2025, compared to 0.19% as of December 31, 2024. Busey’s allowance for credit losses provided coverage of 3.02 times non-performing assets at September 30, 2025, compared to 3.58 times at December 31, 2024.

Classified assets, which include non-performing assets and substandard loans, increased to $161.1 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $85.3 million as of December 31, 2024, primarily due to PCD loans assumed in the CrossFirst acquisition. Classified assets represented 7.03% of the Bank’s Tier 1 capital and ACL at September 30, 2025, compared to 5.61% at December 31, 2024.

Net charge-offs totaled $5.8 million and $50.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, compared to $0.2 million and $15.3 million for the comparable periods in 2024. Net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, include $35.5 million related to PCD loans acquired from CrossFirst Bank, which were fully reserved at acquisition and did not require recording additional provision expense.

Asset quality metrics remain dependent upon market-specific economic conditions, and specific measures may fluctuate from period to period. If economic conditions were to deteriorate, Busey would expect the credit quality of its loan portfolio to decline and loan defaults to increase.

Potential Problem Loans

Potential problem loans are loans classified as substandard which are not individually evaluated, non-accrual, or 90+ days past due, but where current information indicates that the borrower may not be able to comply with loan repayment terms. Management assesses the potential for loss on such loans and considers the effect of any potential loss in determining its provision for expected credit losses. Potential problem loans increased to $103.3 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $62.0 million as of December 31, 2024. Management continues to monitor these loans and work with the borrowers on restructurings, guarantees, additional collateral, or other planned actions. As of September 30, 2025, management identified no other loans that represent or result from trends or uncertainties that would be expected to materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital resources.

Deposits

Total deposits increased by 51.0% to $15.07 billion as of September 30, 2025, compared to $9.98 billion as of December 31, 2024, in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition. Busey focuses on deepening its customer relationships to maintain and protect its strong core deposit 3 franchise. Core deposits include non-brokered transaction accounts, money market and savings deposit accounts, and time deposits of $250,000 or less. Core deposits represented 93.8% of total deposits as of September 30, 2025.

3 Core deposits is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Deposits are federally insured up to the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000. When a portion of a deposit account exceeds the FDIC insurance limit, that portion is uninsured. Estimated uninsured deposits were $6.45 billion, or 43% of total deposits, as of September 30, 2025, compared to $3.78 billion, or 38% of total deposits, as of December 31, 2024. Excluding intercompany accounts, fully collateralized accounts (including preferred deposits), and pass-through accounts where clients have deposit insurance at the correspondent financial institution, the portion of Busey’s deposit base that was uninsured and not otherwise collateralized was $5.31 billion, or 35% of total deposits, as of September 30, 2025, compared to $2.96 billion, or 30% of total deposits, as of December 31, 2024.

Liquidity

Liquidity management is the process by which Busey ensures that adequate liquid funds are available to meet the present and future cash flow obligations arising in the daily operations of its business. These financial obligations consist of needs for funds to meet commitments to borrowers for extensions of credit, fund capital expenditures, honor withdrawals by customers, pay dividends to stockholders, and pay operating expenses. Busey’s most liquid assets are cash and due from banks, interest-bearing bank deposits, and federal funds sold. Balances of these assets are dependent on Busey’s operating, investing, lending, and financing activities during any given period.

Average liquid assets are summarized in the table below:


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2025			2024			2025			2024
Average liquid assets
Cash and due from banks	$	173,921		$	113,122		$	167,752		$	109,507
Interest-bearing bank deposits	489,730			389,005			629,137			371,472

Less: Restricted and pledged cash and bank deposits	(101,400)			$	(31,469)		(83,724)			(33,290)
Total average liquid assets	$	562,251		$	470,658		$	713,165		$	447,689

Average liquid assets as a percent of average total assets	3.0		%	3.9		%	4.1		%	3.7		%

Unencumbered cash and securities on Busey’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized as follows:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Unencumbered cash and securities
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	385,474	$	697,659
Restricted and pledged cash and bank deposits	(96,102)		(65,830)
Debt securities available for sale	2,099,259		1,810,221
Debt securities available for sale pledged as collateral	(565,071)		(653,454)
Cash and unencumbered securities	$	1,823,560	$	1,788,596

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Busey’s primary sources of funds consist of deposits, investment maturities and sales, loan principal repayments, and capital funds. Additional liquidity is provided by the ability to borrow from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve Bank, and Busey’s revolving credit facility, as summarized in the table below:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Additional available borrowing capacity
FHLB	$	1,833,493	$	1,679,463
Federal Reserve Bank	1,684,331		664,083
Federal funds purchased	485,000		477,500
Revolving credit facility	40,000		40,000
Additional borrowing capacity	$	4,042,824	$	2,861,046

Further, Busey could utilize brokered deposits as additional sources of liquidity, as needed.

As of September 30, 2025, management believed that adequate liquidity existed to meet all projected cash flow obligations. Busey seeks to achieve a satisfactory degree of liquidity by actively managing both assets and liabilities. Asset management guides the proportion of liquid assets to total assets, while liability management monitors future funding requirements and prices liabilities accordingly.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

Busey Bank routinely enters into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. The balance of commitments to extend credit represents future cash requirements and some of these commitments may expire without being drawn upon.

The following table summarizes Busey’s outstanding commitments and reserves for unfunded commitments:


	As of
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
Outstanding loan commitments and standby letters of credit	$	4,898,745	$	2,548,178
Reserve for unfunded commitments	16,123		5,967

The following table summarizes Busey’s provision for unfunded commitments expenses (releases):


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	Location	2025		2024		2025		2024
Provision for unfunded commitments expense (release) 1	Provision for credit losses	$	2,320	$	407	$	10,156	$	(640)

___________________________________________

1. The nine months ended September 30, 2025, included $7.2 million to establish an initial allowance for unfunded commitments in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition.

Busey anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet current loan commitments, including loan applications received and in process prior to the issuance of firm commitments.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Capital Resources

Busey’s capital ratios are in excess of those required to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to applicable regulatory guidelines. The Federal Reserve uses capital adequacy guidelines in its examination and regulation of bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks. Risk-based capital ratios are established by allocating assets and certain off-balance-sheet commitments into risk-weighted categories. These balances are then multiplied by the factor appropriate for that risk-weighted category. In order to refrain from restrictions on dividends, equity repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments, banking institutions must maintain capital in excess of regulatory minimum capital requirements. The table below presents minimum capital ratios that include the capital conservation buffer in comparison to the capital ratios for First Busey and its subsidiary bank as of September 30, 2025:


	Minimum Capital Requirements with Capital Buffer		As of September 30, 2025
			First Busey		Busey Bank
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets	7.00	%	12.33	%	13.73	%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets	8.50	%	13.77	%	13.73	%
Total capital to risk weighted assets	10.50	%	15.89	%	14.67	%
Leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets	6.50	%	11.62	%	11.59	%

For further discussion of capital resources and requirements, see “Note 8: Regulatory Capital.”

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios, together with the related GAAP financial measures, in analysis of Busey’s performance and in making business decisions, as well as for comparison to Busey’s peers. Busey believes the adjusted measures are useful for investors and management to understand the effects of certain non-core and non-recurring noninterest items and provide additional perspective on Busey’s performance over time.

Non-GAAP disclosures have inherent limitations and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the results reported in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Tax effected numbers included in these non-GAAP disclosures are based on estimated federal income tax rates or effective tax rates as noted with the tables below.

The following tables present reconciliations between these non-GAAP measures and what management believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

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RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Pre-Provision Net Revenue and Related Measures

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)		2025			2024			2025			2024
Net interest income (GAAP)		$	155,137		$	82,647		$	412,051		$	241,033
Total noninterest income (GAAP)		41,198			35,845			107,284			104,461
Net security (gains) losses (GAAP)		288			(822)			10,059			5,906
Total noninterest expense (GAAP) 1		(120,018)			(75,519)			(359,881)			(222,872)
Pre-provision net revenue (Non-GAAP)	[a]	76,605			42,151			169,513			128,528
Acquisition and restructuring (income) expenses, excluding initial provision expenses		7,251			1,935			49,877			4,555


Realized net (gains) losses on the sale of mortgage service rights		—			18			—			(7,724)
Realized net (gains) losses on the sale of mortgage service rights	[b]	$	83,856		$	44,104		$	219,390		$	125,359

Average total assets	[c]	$	18,662,449		$	12,007,702		$	17,534,644		$	12,040,414

Pre-provision net revenue to average total assets (Non-GAAP) 2	[a÷c]	1.63		%	1.40		%	1.29		%	1.43		%
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue to average total assets (Non-GAAP) 2	[b÷c]	1.78		%	1.46		%	1.67		%	1.39		%

___________________________________________

1. Beginning in the second quarter of 2025, Busey revised its presentation, for all periods presented, to reclassify the provision for unfunded commitments so that it is now included within the provision for credit losses; therefore, it is no longer included within total noninterest expense.

2. Annualized measure.

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RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Adjusted Net Income, Average Tangible Common Equity, and Related Ratios

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)		2025			2024			2025			2024
Net income (GAAP)	[a]	$	57,098		$	32,004		$	74,512		$	85,586

Day 2 provision for credit losses 1		—			—			45,572			—
Adjustment of initial provision for unfunded commitments due to adoption of new model 2		—			—			4,030			—
Other acquisition (income) expenses		7,251			1,935			49,877			4,432
Restructuring expenses		—			—			—			123

Net securities (gains) losses		288			(822)			10,059			5,906
Realized net (gains) losses on the sale of mortgage servicing rights		—			18			—			(7,724)
Related tax (benefit) expense 3		(2,141)			(207)			(29,181)			(608)
Non-recurring deferred tax adjustment 4		—			—			4,919			1,446
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) 5	[b]	62,496			32,928			159,788			89,161
Preferred dividends	[c]	5,131			—			5,286			—
Adjusted net income available to common stockholders (Non-GAAP)	[d]	$	57,365		$	32,928		$	154,502		$	89,161

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted (GAAP)	[e]	90,218,382			57,967,848			83,609,999			57,411,299
Diluted earnings per common share (GAAP)	[(a-c)÷e]	$	0.58		$	0.55		$	0.83		$	1.49


Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (Non-GAAP) 6	[d÷e]	$	0.64		$	0.57		$	1.85		$	1.55

Average total assets	[f]	$	18,662,449		$	12,007,702		$	17,534,644		$	12,040,414
Return on average assets (Non-GAAP) 6	[a÷f]	1.21		%	1.06		%	0.57		%	0.95		%
Adjusted return on average assets (Non-GAAP) 5, 6	[b÷f]	1.33		%	1.09		%	1.22		%	0.99		%

Average common equity		$	2,210,711		$	1,364,377		$	2,109,046		$	1,324,119
Average goodwill and other intangible assets, net		(486,625)			(369,720)			(464,316)			(366,331)
Average tangible common equity (Non-GAAP)	[g]	$	1,724,086		$	994,657		$	1,644,730		$	957,788

Return on average tangible common equity (Non-GAAP) 6	[(a-c)÷g]	11.96		%	12.80		%	5.63		%	11.94		%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (Non-GAAP) 6	[d÷g]	13.20		%	13.17		%	12.56		%	12.43		%

___________________________________________

1. The Day 2 provision represents the initial provision for credit losses recorded in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition to establish an allowance on non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments and is reflected within the provision for credit losses line on the Statement of Income.

2. In the second quarter of 2025, Busey recorded an adjustment to the initial provision for unfunded commitments for CrossFirst acquisition-date balances based on revised estimates resulting from implementation of a new Current Expected Credit Losses model.

3. Tax benefits were calculated for the year-to-date periods using tax rates of 26.64% and 22.21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Tax benefits for the quarterly periods were calculated as the year-to-date tax amounts less the tax reported for previous quarters during the year.

4. A deferred valuation tax adjustment in 2025 was recorded in connection with the CrossFirst acquisition and the expansion of Busey’s footprint into new states. Additionally, 2025 includes a write-off of deferred tax assets related to non-deductible compensation and acquisition-related expenses. A deferred tax valuation adjustment in 2024 resulted from a change to Busey’s Illinois apportionment rate due to recently enacted regulations. Deferred tax adjustments are reflected within the income taxes line on the Statement of Income.

5. Beginning in 2025, Busey revised its calculation of adjusted net income for all periods presented to include, as applicable, adjustments for net securities gains and losses, realized net gains and losses on the sale of mortgage servicing rights, and one-time deferred tax valuation adjustments. In 2024, these adjusting items were presented as further adjustments to adjusted net income.

6. Annualized measure.

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RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income, Adjusted Net Interest Income, Net Interest Margin, and Adjusted Net Interest Margin

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)		2025			2024			2025			2024
Net interest income (GAAP)		$	155,137		$	82,647		$	412,051		$	241,033
Tax-equivalent adjustment 1		788			396			2,116			1,247
Tax-equivalent net interest income (Non-GAAP)	[a]	155,925			83,043			414,167			242,280
Purchase accounting accretion related to business combinations		(5,854)			(1,338)			(15,701)			(2,354)
Adjusted net interest income (Non-GAAP)	[b]	$	150,071		$	81,705		$	398,466		$	239,926

Average interest-earning assets (Non-GAAP)	[c]	$	17,272,362		$	10,942,745		$	16,126,422		$	10,982,997

Net interest margin (Non-GAAP) 2	[a÷c]	3.58		%	3.02		%	3.43		%	2.95		%
Adjusted net interest margin (Non-GAAP) 2	[b÷c]	3.45		%	2.97		%	3.30		%	2.92		%

___________________________________________

1. Tax-equivalent adjustments were calculated using an estimated federal income tax rate of 21.0%, applied to non-taxable interest income on investments and loans.

2. Annualized measure.

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RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Adjusted Noninterest Income, Revenue Measures, Adjusted Noninterest Expense, and Efficiency Ratios

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)		2025			2024			2025			2024
Net interest income (GAAP)	[a]	$	155,137		$	82,647		$	412,051		$	241,033
Tax-equivalent adjustment 1		788			396			2,116			1,247
Tax-equivalent net interest income (Non-GAAP)	[b]	155,925			83,043			414,167			242,280

Total noninterest income (GAAP)		41,198			35,845			107,284			104,461
Net security (gains) losses		288			(822)			10,059			5,906
Noninterest income excluding net securities gains and losses (Non-GAAP)	[c]	41,486			35,023			117,343			110,367
Acquisition and restructuring (gain) loss		44			—			44			—
Realized net (gains) losses on the sale of mortgage service rights		—			18			—			(7,724)
Adjusted noninterest income (Non-GAAP)	[d]	$	41,530		$	35,041		$	117,387		$	102,643

Tax-equivalent revenue (Non-GAAP)	[e = b+c]	$	197,411		$	118,066		$	531,510		$	352,647
Adjusted tax-equivalent revenue (Non-GAAP)	[f = b+d]	$	197,455		$	118,084		$	531,554		$	344,923
Operating revenue (Non-GAAP)	[g = a+d]	$	196,667		$	117,688		$	529,438		$	343,676

Adjusted noninterest income to operating revenue (Non-GAAP)	[d÷g]	21.12		%	29.77		%	22.17		%	29.87		%

Total noninterest expense (GAAP) 2		$	120,018		$	75,519		$	359,881		$	222,872
Amortization of intangible assets		(4,507)			(2,548)			(12,182)			(7,586)
Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets (Non-GAAP) 2	[h]	115,511			72,971			347,699			215,286
Acquisition and restructuring (income) expenses, excluding initial provision expenses		(7,207)			(1,935)			(49,833)			(4,555)


Adjusted noninterest expense (Non-GAAP) 2	[i]	$	108,304		$	71,036		$	297,866		$	210,731

Efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) 2	[h÷e]	58.51		%	61.81		%	65.42		%	61.05		%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) 2	[i÷f]	54.85		%	60.16		%	56.04		%	61.10		%

___________________________________________

1. Tax-equivalent adjustments were calculated using an estimated federal income tax rate of 21.0%, applied to non-taxable interest income on investments and loans.

2. Beginning in the second quarter of 2025, Busey revised its presentation, for all periods presented, to reclassify the provision for unfunded commitments so that it is now included within the provision for credit losses; therefore, it is no longer included within total noninterest expense. This change affects all measures and ratios derived from total noninterest expense.

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RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Tangible Assets, Tangible Common Equity, and Related Measures and Ratio

		As of
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)		September 30, 2025			December 31, 2024
Total assets (GAAP)		$	18,188,628		$	12,046,722
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		(485,203)			(365,975)
Tangible assets (Non-GAAP) 1	[a]	$	17,703,425		$	11,680,747

Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)		$	2,448,835		$	1,383,269
Preferred stock and additional paid in capital on preferred stock		(215,197)			—
Common equity	[b]	2,233,638			1,383,269
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		(485,203)			(365,975)
Tangible common equity (Non-GAAP) 1	[c]	$	1,748,435		$	1,017,294

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (Non-GAAP) 1	[c÷a]	9.88		%	8.71		%

Ending number of common shares outstanding (GAAP)	[d]	88,789,043			56,895,981
Book value per common share (Non-GAAP)	[b÷d]	$	25.16		$	24.31
Tangible book value per common share (Non-GAAP)	[c÷d]	$	19.69		$	17.88

___________________________________________

1. Beginning in 2025, Busey revised its calculation of tangible assets and tangible common equity for all periods presented to exclude any tax adjustment.


Core Deposits and Related Ratio

		As of
(dollars in thousands)		September 30, 2025			December 31, 2024
Total deposits (GAAP)	[a]	$	15,070,162		$	9,982,490
Brokered deposits, excluding brokered time deposits of $250,000 or more		(125,432)			(13,090)
Time deposits of $250,000 or more		(807,378)			(334,503)

Core deposits (Non-GAAP)	[b]	$	14,137,352		$	9,634,897

Core deposits to total deposits (Non-GAAP)	[b÷a]	93.81		%	96.52		%

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to Busey’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of Busey’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “position,” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Busey undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

A number of factors, many of which are beyond Busey’s ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (1) the strength of the local, state, national, and international economies and financial markets (including effects of a prolonged government shut-down, inflationary pressures, the threat or implementation of tariffs, trade wars, and changes to immigration policy); (2) changes in, and the interpretation and prioritization of, local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and governmental policies (including those concerning Busey's general business); (3) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets (including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East); (4) unexpected results of acquisitions, including the acquisition of CrossFirst, which may include the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that the transaction and integration costs may be greater than anticipated; (5) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by Busey's commercial borrowers; (6) new or revised accounting policies and practices as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory banking agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (7) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of Busey’s assets (including the impact of sustained elevated interest rates); (8) increased competition in the financial services sector (including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions, private credit, and fintech companies) and the inability to attract new customers; (9) technological changes implemented by us and other parties, including our third-party vendors, which may have unforeseen consequences to us and our customers, including the development and implementation of tools incorporating artificial intelligence; (10) the loss of key executives or associates, talent shortages, and employee turnover; (11) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation, investigations, or other legal proceedings, inquiries, and regulatory actions involving Busey (including with respect to Busey’s Illinois franchise taxes); (12) fluctuations in the value of securities held in Busey’s securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (13) credit risk and risk from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral, and industry), within Busey's loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including commercial real estate loans); (14) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (15) the level of non-performing assets on Busey’s balance sheets; (16) interruptions involving information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (17) breaches or failures of information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents; (18) the economic impact on Busey and its customers of climate change, natural disasters, and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, and droughts; (19) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact Busey's cost of funds; (20) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (21) the effectiveness of Busey’s risk management framework; and (22) the ability of Busey to manage the risks associated with the foregoing. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

Additional information concerning Busey and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect Busey’s financial results, is included in Busey’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including Busey’s 2024 Annual Report .

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Busey has established various accounting policies that govern the application of GAAP in the preparation of its unaudited consolidated financial statements. Significant accounting policies are described in “ Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies ” of Busey’s 2024 Annual Report .

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Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of Busey’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are subjective or complex. These estimates involve judgments, assumptions, and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition or materially different results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. Further, changes in accounting standards could impact Busey’s critical accounting estimates. Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with Busey’s Audit Committee. The following estimates could be deemed critical:

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. Fair values are determined based on the definition of “fair value” defined in ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement” as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The determination of fair values is based on valuations using management’s assumptions of future growth rates, future attrition, discount rates, multiples of earnings, or other relevant factors. In addition, Busey engages third party specialists to assist in the development of fair values.

The fair value of a loan portfolio acquired in a business combination generally requires greater levels of management estimates and judgment than other assets acquired or liabilities assumed. Acquired loans are within the scope of ASC Topic 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses.” However, the offset to record the allowance on acquired loans at the date of acquisition depends on whether or not the loan is classified as PCD. The allowance for PCD loans is recorded through a gross-up effect, while the allowance for acquired non-PCD loans is recorded through provision expense, consistent with originated loans. Thus, the determination of which loans are PCD and non-PCD can have a significant effect on the accounting for these loans.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired using the acquisition method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized; instead, Busey assesses the potential for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Management applies significant judgment when testing goodwill for impairment, such as the valuation approach chosen, market multiples for competitors used in the calculation, and forecasts of business outlook.

Income Taxes

Busey is subject to the income tax laws of U.S., as well as the tax laws of the individual states and municipalities in which the Company conducts its operations. These laws are often complex and subject to nuanced interpretations.

Income taxes are estimated for the tax effects of the transactions reported on Busey’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and consist of an expense for taxes currently due plus assets and/or liabilities for deferred taxes. Deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of certain assets and liabilities, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are estimates that are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. Deferred taxes are reported in other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) . Estimated income tax expense is reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) .

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In establishing its provision for income taxes and its estimates of deferred tax assets and liabilities, Busey must make judgments and interpretations about the application of inherently complex tax laws. Busey must also make estimates about when in the future certain items will affect taxable income. Disputes over interpretations of the tax laws may be subject to review and adjudication by the court systems of the various tax jurisdictions or may be settled with the taxing authority upon examination or audit. Although Busey’s management believes that its judgments are sound and its tax estimates are reasonable, interpretations of tax law applied by the taxing jurisdictions could differ. As such, Busey may be exposed to losses or gains, which could be material. An unfavorable tax settlement would result in an increase in Busey’s effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement would result in a reduction in Busey’s effective income tax rate in the period of resolution.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Busey calculates the ACL at each reporting date. Busey recognizes an allowance for the lifetime expected credit losses for the amount it does not expect to collect. Measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported book value. The calculation also contemplates that Busey may not be able to make or obtain such forecasts for the entire life of the financial assets and requires a reversion to historical credit loss information.

In determining the ACL, management relies predominantly on a disciplined credit review and approval process that extends to the full range of Busey’s credit exposure. The ACL must be determined on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. On a case-by-case basis, Busey may conclude that a loan should be evaluated on an individual basis based on disparate risk characteristics.

Loans deemed uncollectible are charged against and reduce the ACL. A provision for credit losses is charged to current expense and acts to replenish the ACL in order to maintain the ACL at a level that management deems adequate.

Determining the ACL involves significant judgments and assumptions. Macroeconomic forecasts provided by a third party and the economic indices sourced are significant judgments used in determining the allowance. Changes in these economic forecasts could significantly affect the ACL and lead to materially different amounts from one period to the next. Additionally, prepayment assumptions impact model output. Further, Busey completes a quarterly evaluation of several qualitative factors to determine if there should be adjustments made to the ACL. These factors include economic conditions, collateral, concentrations, delinquency trends, portfolio composition, underwriting, and certain other risks. Significant downturns relating to loan quality and economic conditions could result in a requirement for an additional allowance. Likewise, an upturn in loan quality and improved economic conditions may allow for a reduction in the required allowance. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions made by management, actual results may differ from these judgments and assumptions.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of changes in asset values due to movements in underlying market rates and prices. Interest rate risk is a type of market risk to earnings and capital arising from movements in interest rates. Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk affecting Busey as other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, have a minimal impact or do not arise in the normal course of Busey’s business activities.

Busey has an asset-liability committee, whose policy is to meet at least quarterly, to review current market conditions and to structure the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) to optimize stability in net interest income in consideration of projected future changes in interest rates.

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As interest rate changes do not impact all categories of assets and liabilities equally or simultaneously, the asset-liability committee primarily relies on balance sheet and income simulation analysis to determine the potential impact of changes in market interest rates on net interest income. In these standard simulation models, the balance sheet is projected over a one-year and a two-year time horizon and net interest income is calculated under current market rates and assuming permanent instantaneous shifts of +/-100 and +/-200 bps. The model assumes immediate and sustained shifts in the federal funds rate and other market rate indices and corresponding shifts in other non-market rate indices based on their historical changes relative to changes in the federal funds rate and other market indices. Assets and liabilities are assumed to remain constant as of the measurement date; variable-rate assets and liabilities are repriced based on repricing frequency; and prepayment speeds on loans are projected for both declining and rising rate environments.

Busey’s interest rate risk resulting from immediate and sustained changes in interest rates, expressed as a change in net interest income as a percentage of the net interest income calculated in the constant base model, was as follows:


	Year-One: Basis Point Changes				Year-Two: Basis Point Changes
	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024		September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024


+200	2.30	%	4.05	%	3.20	%	5.24	%
+100	2.03	%	1.96	%	2.61	%	2.59	%
-100	(1.31)	%	(1.81)	%	(2.53)	%	(3.35)	%
-200	(1.57)	%	(3.39)	%	(4.42)	%	(6.65)	%

Interest rate risk is monitored and managed within approved policy limits and any temporary exceptions to policy in periods of rapid rate movement are approved and documented. The calculation of potential effects of hypothetical interest rate changes is based on numerous assumptions and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Actual results would likely differ from simulated results due to the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and management strategies.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation of Busey’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, was carried out as of September 30, 2025, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and several other members of senior management. Based on this evaluation, Busey’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2025, Busey’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information Busey is required to disclose in the reports Busey files or submits under the Exchange Act was (1) accumulated and communicated to Busey’s management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (2) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

During the three months ended September 30, 2025, no change occurred in Busey’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Busey’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As part of the ordinary course of business, First Busey Corporation and its subsidiaries are parties to litigation that is incidental to their regular business activities.

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There is no material pending litigation, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business, in which First Busey Corporation or any of its subsidiaries is involved or of which any of their property is the subject. Furthermore, there is no pending legal proceeding that is adverse to Busey in which any director, officer, or affiliate of Busey, or any associate of any such director or officer, is a party, or has a material interest.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the factors discussed in Part II—Item 1A of Busey’s 2024 Annual Report .

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

None.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

On February 3, 2015, Busey's board of directors approved the Stock Repurchase Plan authorizing, but not obligating, Busey to repurchase shares of its common stock. The Stock Repurchase Plan may be terminated, or the number of shares authorized for repurchase may be increased or decreased by Busey's board of directors at its discretion at any time.

The following table summarizes share repurchase activity during the third quarter of 2025.


Period	Total Number of Common Shares Purchased	Weighted Average Price Paid per Common Share		Number of Common Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Common Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs






July 1-31, 2025	185,000	$	23.66	185,000	2,502,275
August 1-31, 2025	285,000	22.73		285,000	2,217,275
September 1-30, 2025	110,000	24.49		110,000	2,107,275



Three months ended September 30, 2025	580,000	$	23.36	580,000

Nine Months ended September 30, 2025	1,812,000	$	22.10	1,812,000

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

On August 15, 2025 , Michael David Cassens , a member of Busey’s Board of Directors , adopted a Rule 10b5‑1 trading arrangement that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5‑1(c) of the Exchange Act (the “Cassens Trading Plan”). The Cassens Trading Plan provides for the sale of up to 31,702 shares of Busey common stock in several transactions pursuant to one or more market or limit orders. The plan will cease upon the earlier of August 15, 2027 , or the sale of all shares subject to the Cassens Trading Plan.

There were no other Rule 10b5‑1 or non-Rule 10b5‑1 trading arrangements adopted , modified, or terminated by any director or officer of Busey during the three months ended September 30, 2025.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Incorporated herein by reference

Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit

Filing Entity1
(File No.)

Form

Exhibit

Filing Date

Filed
Herewith

10.1

Employment Agreement, by and among First Busey Corporation, Busey Bank and Christopher H.M. Chan, effective September 30, 2025

BUSE

(001-42677)

8-K

10.1

09/26/2025

10.2

Relocation Bonus Agreement, by and among First Busey Corporation, Busey Bank and Amy L. Randolph, effective September 24, 2025

BUSE

(001-42677)

8-K

10.2

09/26/2025

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

32.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, from First Busey’s Chief Executive Officer

32.2

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, from First Busey’s Chief Financial Officer

101.INS

iXBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.LAB

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

101.DEF

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101)

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of November 6, 2025.


			FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION (Registrant)

			By:			/s/ VAN A. DUKEMAN
						Van A. Dukeman
						Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

			By:			/s/ CHRISTOPHER H.M. CHAN
						Christopher H.M. Chan
						Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

			By:			/s/ SCOTT A. PHILLIPS
						Scott A. Phillips
						Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

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Part I Financial Information Item 1. Financial Statements Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies Note 2. Mergers and Acquisitions Note 3. Debt Securities Note 4. Portfolio Loans Note 5. Leases Note 6. Deposits Note 7. Borrowings Note 8. Regulatory Capital Note 9. Tax Credit Investments and Other Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Note 10. Stock-based Compensation Note 11. Outstanding Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Note 12. Derivative Financial Instruments Note 13. Fair Value Measurements Note 14. Earnings Per Common Share Note 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)Note 16. Operating Segments and Related Information Item 2. Management S Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations (unaudited)Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations Portfolio Loans Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item 4. Controls and Procedures Part II Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings Item 1A. Risk Factors Part II Item 1A Item 2. Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities, Use Of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Item 5. Other Information Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

10.1 Employment Agreement, by and among First Busey Corporation, Busey Bank and Christopher H.M. Chan, effective September 30, 2025 BUSE(001-42677) 8-K 10.1 09/26/2025 10.2 Relocation Bonus Agreement, by and among First Busey Corporation, Busey Bank and Amy L. Randolph, effective September 24, 2025 BUSE(001-42677) 8-K 10.2 09/26/2025 31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule13a-14(a) and Rule15d-14(a) 31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule13a-14(a) and Rule15d-14(a) 32.1 Certification pursuant to 18U.S.C. Section1350, as adopted pursuant to Section906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, from First Buseys Chief Executive Officer 32.2 Certification pursuant to 18U.S.C. Section1350, as adopted pursuant to Section906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, from First Buseys Chief Financial Officer

BUSE 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025

Exhibits