First Busey(BUSE) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Results

Financial Performance - First Busey Corporation reported a net loss of $30.0 million, or $(0.44) per diluted common share, for Q1 2025, compared to net income of $28.1 million, or $0.49 per diluted common share, in Q4 2024[11]. - Adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was $39.9 million, or $0.57 per diluted common share, up from $30.9 million, or $0.53 per diluted common share, in Q4 2024[11]. - Adjusted pre-provision net revenue was $54.7 million for Q1 2025, compared to $42.0 million in Q4 2024[12]. - The effective income tax rate for Q1 2025 was 8.20%, significantly lower than 24.77% in Q4 2024[11]. - Adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was $39,898 thousand, up from $30,872 thousand in Q4 2024 and $25,713 thousand in Q1 2024, showing increases of 29.5% and 55.2% respectively[63]. - The diluted earnings per share (GAAP) for Q1 2025 was $(0.44), compared to $0.49 in Q4 2024 and $0.46 in Q1 2024[63]. Revenue and Income Sources - Net interest income increased to $103.7 million in Q1 2025, compared to $81.6 million in Q4 2024 and $75.9 million in Q1 2024[13]. - The net interest margin improved to 3.16% in Q1 2025, up from 2.95% in Q4 2024 and 2.79% in Q1 2024[14]. - Total noninterest income decreased by 39.7% compared to Q4 2024, primarily due to net securities losses related to a strategic balance sheet repositioning[15]. - Wealth management fees increased by 3.4% quarter-over-quarter and 11.7% year-over-year, with $13.68 billion in assets under care[18]. - Payment technology solutions revenue decreased by 11.1% year-over-year, primarily due to declines in electronic and online payment income[18]. - Customer service fees increased by 15.2% year-over-year, driven by higher analysis charges and ATM fees[18]. Expenses and Efficiency - Total noninterest expense rose by 47.3% quarter-over-quarter and 62.7% year-over-year, largely due to one-time acquisition expenses from the CrossFirst acquisition[19]. - Adjusted noninterest expense was $82.9 million, up from $72.6 million in the previous quarter and $68.6 million a year ago[20]. - Busey's efficiency ratio was 79.3% for Q1 2025, compared to 64.5% in Q4 2024 and 58.1% in Q1 2024[21]. - Total noninterest expense for Q1 2025 was $115,171 thousand, significantly higher than $78,167 thousand in Q4 2024 and $70,769 thousand in Q1 2024, reflecting increases of 47.4% and 62.8% respectively[71]. - The efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) for Q1 2025 was 79.35%, compared to 64.45% in Q4 2024 and 58.13% in Q1 2024, indicating a decline in efficiency[71]. Assets and Loans - Total assets reached $19.46 billion as of March 31, 2025, up from $12.05 billion at the end of Q4 2024[27]. - Portfolio loans totaled $13.87 billion, an increase from $7.70 billion at the end of Q4 2024[28]. - Average interest-earning assets were $13.36 billion for Q1 2025, compared to $11.05 billion in Q4 2024[27]. - Total assets increased to $19,464,252 thousand as of March 31, 2025, up from $12,046,722 thousand as of December 31, 2024, representing a growth of 61.5%[75]. - Core deposits reached $14,769,899 thousand, a significant increase from $9,634,897 thousand as of December 31, 2024, reflecting a growth of 53.5%[77]. Credit Quality and Losses - Non-performing loans rose to $54.72 million, a $31.5 million increase from December 31, 2024, representing 0.39% of portfolio loans[34]. - Non-performing assets increased to $59.48 million, a $36.2 million increase from December 31, 2024, accounting for 0.31% of total assets[35]. - The allowance for credit losses was $195.2 million, representing 1.41% of total portfolio loans, with a coverage ratio of 3.57 times non-performing loans[37]. - Net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2025 were $31.43 million, an increase of $28.6 million from the previous quarter[38]. Acquisition and Integration - The acquisition of CrossFirst Bankshares, completed on March 1, 2025, is expected to enhance financial performance and create a premier commercial bank across multiple states[6]. - The combined company will operate 78 full-service locations across 10 states, with Busey common stock continuing to trade under the "BUSE" ticker symbol[6]. - The acquisition was accretive to tangible book value, exceeding initial projections of a six-month earn back period[9]. - Busey anticipates $25 million in annual pre-tax expense synergies from the CrossFirst acquisition, with a 50% realization rate expected in 2025[19]. - The company anticipates merging CrossFirst Bank into Busey Bank on June 20, 2025, following the acquisition[51]. - The provision for unfunded commitments included a Day 2 provision expense of $3,139 thousand related to the CrossFirst acquisition[72]. Market Position and Outlook - Busey is actively monitoring economic factors that could impact financial performance, including inflation and competition from non-bank entities[79]. - The acquisition of CrossFirst is expected to enhance Busey's market position, although integration costs may exceed initial estimates[79]. - Forward-looking statements indicate a cautious outlook due to potential economic uncertainties and regulatory changes[78].