Why First Busey (BUSE) is a Top Dividend Stock for Your Portfolio

Company Overview - First Busey (BUSE) is headquartered in Champaign and operates in the Finance sector, with a stock price change of 6.28% since the beginning of the year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.25 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.99%, which is higher than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 2.9% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.54% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of$ 1 represents a 4.2% increase from the previous year, with First Busey having increased its dividend three times over the past five years, averaging an annual increase of 2.11% [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 46%, indicating that it paid out 46% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, First Busey anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projected at $2.61 per share, reflecting a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 25.48% [5] Investment Appeal - First Busey is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]