BUSE

First Busey Corp($BUSE) Directors Signal Strong Confidence with $650K Consecutive Purchases Amid Earnings Beats

06/02/2025 10:52

Insiders at First Busey Corporation ($BUSE) have been demonstrating strong confidence in their company through consistent share purchases since early this year, with Director Stanley Bradshaw leading the charge with approximately $650,000 in stock acquisitions across eight separate transactions from January through May. This Illinois-based regional bank holding company, with a market capitalization of $1.8 billion, operates primarily through commercial and retail banking, wealth management, and mortgage lending services. The company runs approximately 80 branches across the Midwest, differentiating itself through community-focused, personalized financial services. Key competitors include Old National Bancorp and Heartland Financial USA, with $BUSE positioned as a mid-tier regional bank by asset size. Bradshaw's purchasing pattern reveals strategic timing, as he consistently bought shares during price declines. After purchasing 5,500 shares at $24.23 on January 31, he continued with 4,000 shares at $23.54 on February 3, and 1,838 shares at $23.75 on February 26. When shares dropped to the $21-22 range in March, his buying became more aggressive: 7,600 shares at $21.84 on March 10, 3,700 shares at $21.54 on March 11, and additional purchases of 1,700 and 3,000 shares on March 13 and 14, respectively. This consecutive buying pattern suggests he views current price levels as attractive. Directors Karen Jensen and Steven Caple have joined the buying trend. Jensen purchased a total of 10,000 shares for approximately $220,000 on March 13 and 14, adding another 5,500 shares on May 23. Caple bought 1,175 shares on May 23, joining fellow insiders in their optimistic outlook. These purchases aren't coincidental. $BUSE has consistently exceeded analyst expectations in recent quarterly results. The company reported adjusted earnings of 53 cents per share in Q4 2024, beating the 51-cent estimate, and 57 cents in Q1 2025, surpassing the 53-cent forecast. Q1 revenue increased 12.8% year-over-year to $124.95 million. Asset quality metrics remain healthy, with non-performing loan ratios below industry averages and net charge-offs at just 0.04%. Wealth management fee income has been steadily growing, supporting non-interest income diversification. These fundamental improvements appear to be driving insider confidence. Looking at stock performance, $BUSE peaked near $27 in July 2024 before experiencing a correction that brought shares down to the $18-19 range in April. However, the stock has shown recovery momentum in May, currently trading around $22. The consistent insider buying could provide additional upward momentum during this recovery phase. The regional banking sector faces a complex environment. While expectations of Federal Reserve policy changes offer potential for net interest margin improvement, commercial real estate exposure and economic slowdown concerns present risk factors. However, $BUSE appears to be managing these risks relatively well through conservative lending policies and a stable regional customer base. Analysts maintain a 'buy' rating on $BUSE with a 12-month price target of $26.50, suggesting approximately 20% upside potential from current levels. Growth potential in wealth management and operational efficiency improvements are cited as key positive factors. Key catalysts to watch include Q2 earnings results expected in June and Federal Reserve policy direction. Markets are pricing in over 70% probability of rate cuts beginning in June, which could benefit regional banks. Additionally, $BUSE's digital banking platform enhancements and potential M&A opportunities could serve as medium to long-term growth drivers.

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