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FIRST BUSEY CORP /NV/ Interim / Quarterly Report 2021

May 6, 2021

31649_10-q_2021-05-06_7eb85360-f340-4acd-9560-67a2e4bb9cc8.zip

Interim / Quarterly Report

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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 March 31, 2021

☐ 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.)
100 W. University Ave. Champaign , Illinois 61820
(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, $.001 par value BUSE 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 ◻

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 ◻

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. ◻

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

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 May 6, 2021
Common Stock, $.001 par value 54,280,379

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

March 31, 2021

Table of Contents

GLOSSARY ​ — 3
Part I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 5
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 8
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 9
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 10
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 40
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 60
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 61
Part II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 61
Item 1A RISK FACTORS 61
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 62
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 62
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 62
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION 62
Item 6. EXHIBITS 63
SIGNATURES 64

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GLOSSARY

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

Term Definition
2020 Equity Plan First Busey's 2020 Equity Incentive Plan
2020 Annual Report Annual report for the year ended December 31, 2020
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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934
ASC Accounting Standards Codification
ASU Accounting Standards Update
Banc Ed The Banc Ed Corp.
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 Act
Busey Bank (or "the Bank") Busey Bank
CAC Cummins-American Corp.
CARES Act Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
CECL Current Expected Credit Losses
COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019
Dodd-Frank Act Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
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 820
FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board
FDIC Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Reserve Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
FHFA Federal Housing Finance Agency
FHLB Federal Home Loan Bank
First Busey First Busey Corporation and its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries; also, "Busey," "the Company," "we," "us," and "our"
First Busey Risk Management First Busey Risk Management, Inc.
FirsTech FirsTech, Inc.
FOMC Federal Open Market Committee
GAAP U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
GSB Glenview State Bank
Interagency Statement Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus, issued on March 22, 2020, and revised on April 7, 2020
LIBOR London Inter-bank Offered Rate
Nasdaq National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations
NM Not meaningful
OCI Other comprehensive income (loss)
OREO Other real estate owned
PCD Purchased credit deteriorated
PPP Paycheck Protection Program

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Term Definition
Quarterly Report Quarterly report filed with the SEC on Form 10-Q pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
SBA U.S. Small Business Administration
SEC U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
TDR Troubled debt restructuring
U.S. Unites States of America
U.S. Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Assets
Cash and due from banks $ 110,979 $ 118,824
Interest-bearing deposits 293,823 569,713
Total cash and cash equivalents 404,802 688,537
Debt securities available for sale 2,796,955 2,261,187
Equity securities 7,146 5,530
Loans held for sale, at fair value 38,272 42,813
Portfolio loans (net of ACL 2021 $ 93,943 ; 2020 $ 101,048 ) 6,685,357 6,713,129
Premises and equipment, net 132,669 135,191
Right of use assets 7,333 7,714
Goodwill 311,536 311,536
Other intangible assets, net 49,584 51,985
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance 177,466 176,405
Other assets 148,443 150,020
Total assets $ 10,759,563 $ 10,544,047
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing $ 2,859,492 $ 2,552,039
Interest-bearing 6,014,355 6,125,810
Total deposits 8,873,847 8,677,849
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 210,132 175,614
Short-term borrowings 4,663 4,658
Long-term debt 4,584 4,757
Senior notes, net of unamortized issuance costs 39,843 39,809
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs 182,370 182,226
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts 71,509 71,468
Lease liabilities 7,380 7,757
Other liabilities 99,413 109,840
Total liabilities 9,493,741 9,273,978
Outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities (see Notes 9 and 15)
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $ .001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 55,910,733 shares issued 56 56
Additional paid-in capital 1,255,044 1,253,360
Retained earnings 45,897 20,830
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 3,821 33,309
Total stockholders’ equity before treasury stock 1,304,818 1,307,555
Treasury stock at cost 2021 1,565,354 shares; 2020 1,506,354 shares ( 38,996 ) ( 37,486 )
Total stockholders’ equity 1,265,822 1,270,069
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,759,563 $ 10,544,047
Common shares outstanding at period end 54,345,379 54,404,379

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans $ 62,565 $ 72,536
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
Taxable interest income 8,611 9,508
Non-taxable interest income 1,005 1,151
Other interest income 150 1,238
Total interest income 72,331 84,433
Interest expense:
Deposits 3,732 12,227
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase 57 408
Short-term borrowings 19 67
Long-term debt 29 423
Senior notes 400 400
Subordinated notes 2,476 731
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts 725 744
Total interest expense 7,438 15,000
Net interest income 64,893 69,433
Provision for credit losses ( 6,796 ) 17,216
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 71,689 52,217
Non-interest income:
Wealth management fees 12,584 11,555
Fees for customer services 8,037 8,361
Remittance processing 4,418 3,753
Mortgage revenue 2,666 1,381
Income on bank owned life insurance 964 1,057
Net gains (losses) on sales of securities 25 1,574
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities 1,616 ( 987 )
Other income 1,135 823
Total non-interest income 31,445 27,517
Non-interest expense:
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits 30,384 34,003
Data processing 4,280 4,395
Net occupancy expense of premises 4,563 4,715
Furniture and equipment expenses 2,026 2,449
Professional fees 1,945 1,824
Amortization of intangible assets 2,401 2,557
Interchange expense 1,484 1,169
Other expense 7,416 9,402
Total non-interest expense 54,499 60,514
Income before income taxes 48,635 19,220
Income taxes 10,819 3,856
Net income $ 37,816 $ 15,364
Basic earnings per common share $ 0.69 $ 0.28
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.69 $ 0.28
Dividends declared per share of common stock $ 0.23 $ 0.22

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Net income $ 37,816 $ 15,364
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale, net of taxes of $ 11,993 and $( 8,589 ), respectively ( 30,079 ) 21,497
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on debt securities available for sale included in net income, net of taxes of $ 7 and $ 448 , respectively ( 18 ) ( 1,108 )
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale ( 30,097 ) 20,389
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $( 164 ) and $ 892 , respectively 410 ( 2,237 )
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges included in net income, net of taxes of $( 79 ) and $ 4 , respectively 199 ( 11 )
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges 609 ( 2,248 )
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ( 29,488 ) 18,141
Total comprehensive income $ 8,328 $ 33,505

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Retained Accumulated
Additional Earnings Other Total
Common Paid-in (Accumulated Comprehensive Treasury Stockholders'
Shares Stock Capital Deficit) Income Stock Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Balance, December 31, 2020 54,404,379 $ 56 $ 1,253,360 $ 20,830 $ 33,309 $ ( 37,486 ) $ 1,270,069
Net income 37,816 37,816
Other comprehensive income (loss) ( 29,488 ) ( 29,488 )
Repurchase of stock ( 59,000 ) ( 1,510 ) ( 1,510 )
Cash dividends common stock at $ 0.23 per share ( 12,513 ) ( 12,513 )
Stock dividend equivalents restricted stock units at $ 0.23 per share 236 ( 236 )
Stock-based compensation 1,448 1,448
Balance, March 31, 2021 54,345,379 $ 56 $ 1,255,044 $ 45,897 $ 3,821 $ ( 38,996 ) $ 1,265,822
Retained Accumulated
Additional Earnings Other Total
Common Paid-in (Accumulated Comprehensive Treasury Stockholders'
Shares Stock Capital Deficit) Income (Loss) Stock Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Balance, December 31, 2019 54,788,772 $ 56 $ 1,248,216 $ ( 14,813 ) $ 14,960 $ ( 27,985 ) $ 1,220,434
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ( 15,922 ) ( 15,922 )
Net income 15,364 15,364
Other comprehensive income (loss) 18,141 18,141
Repurchase of stock ( 407,850 ) ( 9,672 ) ( 9,672 )
Issuance of treasury stock for employee stock purchase plan 14,236 ( 38 ) 269 231
Net issuance of treasury stock for restricted/deferred stock unit vesting and related tax 5,509 ( 179 ) 104 ( 75 )
Net issuance of treasury stock for stock options exercised, net of shares redeemed and related tax 541 ( 10 ) 10
Cash dividends common stock at $ 0.22 per share ( 12,055 ) ( 12,055 )
Stock dividend equivalents restricted stock units at $ 0.22 per share 173 ( 173 )
Stock-based compensation 1,139 1,139
Balance, March 31, 2020 54,401,208 $ 56 $ 1,249,301 $ ( 27,599 ) $ 33,101 $ ( 37,274 ) $ 1,217,585

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net income $ 37,816 $ 15,364
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for credit losses ( 6,796 ) 17,216
Amortization of intangible assets 2,401 2,557
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights 1,616 1,276
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment 2,808 3,165
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on portfolio loans ( 1,947 ) ( 2,487 )
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on investment securities 4,554 1,869
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on time deposits ( 246 ) ( 374 )
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on FHLB advances and other borrowings 214 93
Impairment of mortgage servicing rights ( 508 ) 177
Change in fair value of equity securities, net ( 1,616 ) 987
(Gain) loss on sales of equity securities, net ( 18 )
(Gain) loss on sales of debt securities, net ( 25 ) ( 1,556 )
(Gain) loss on sales of loans, net ( 3,369 ) ( 3,900 )
(Gain) loss on sales of OREO ( 1 ) 1
(Gain) loss on sales of premises and equipment ( 134 ) 37
(Gain) loss on life insurance proceeds ( 14 )
Provision for deferred income taxes 2,448 1,722
Stock-based and non-cash compensation 1,448 1,139
(Increase) decrease in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance ( 964 ) ( 1,043 )
Mortgage loans originated for sale ( 91,479 ) ( 182,203 )
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans 98,307 165,008
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in other assets 260 991
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 750 ( 1,194 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 45,537 $ 18,813
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Purchases of equity securities ( 998 )
Purchases of debt securities available for sale ( 789,884 ) ( 273,992 )
Proceeds from sales of equity securities 998 29
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities of debt securities available for sale 207,490 158,536
Net (increase) decrease in loans 36,501 ( 64,338 )
Cash paid for premiums on bank-owned life insurance ( 97 ) ( 111 )
Purchases of premises and equipment ( 1,911 ) ( 2,314 )
Proceeds from life insurance 274
Proceeds from disposition of premises and equipment 1,759 607
Proceeds from sales of OREO 294 81
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities $ ( 545,848 ) $ ( 181,228 )

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Continued)

(dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits $ 196,244 $ 71,211
Net change in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase 34,518 ( 38,241 )
Proceeds from other borrowings 20,000
Repayment of other borrowings ( 54,000 )
Repayment of FHLB advances ( 163 ) ( 1,193 )
Cash dividends paid ( 12,513 ) ( 12,055 )
Purchase of treasury stock ( 1,510 ) ( 9,672 )
Cash paid for withholding taxes on stock-based payments ( 75 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $ 216,576 $ ( 24,025 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ( 283,735 ) ( 186,440 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 688,537 529,288
Cash and cash equivalents, ending of period $ 404,802 $ 342,848
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash Payments for:
Interest $ 1,767 $ 14,391
Income taxes 500
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
OREO acquired in settlement of loans 14 578

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

First Busey Corporation, a Nevada corporation organized in 1980, is a $ 10.8 billion financial holding company headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.”

The Company operates and reports its business in three segments: Banking, Remittance Processing, and Wealth Management. The Banking operating segment provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through the Company’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Busey Bank, with banking centers in Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area; southwest Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana. The Remittance Processing operating segment provides solutions for online bill payments, lockbox, and walk-in payments through the Company’s subsidiary, FirsTech. The Wealth Management operating segment provides a full range of asset management, investment, and fiduciary services to individuals, businesses and foundations, tax preparation, philanthropic advisory services, farms, and brokerage services.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2020 Annual Report. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements serve to update our 2020 Annual Report and may not include all information and notes necessary to constitute a complete set of financial statements.

We prepared these unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. We have eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions. We have also reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In our opinion, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal, recurring adjustments needed to present fairly our 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.

COVID-19

First Busey continues to operate as an essential community resource during these challenging and unprecedented times. Federal bank regulatory agencies, along with their state counterparts, have issued a steady stream of guidance responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and have taken a number of steps to help banks navigate the pandemic and mitigate its impact.

The Company remains vigilant, given that negative impacts of COVID-19, such as further margin compression and a deterioration in asset quality, could impact future quarters.

As part of the CARES Act, Congress appropriated approximately $349 billion for the creation of the PPP and then authorized a second phase for an additional $310 billion in PPP loans. The program provided payroll assistance for the nation’s nearly 30 million small businesses—and select nonprofits—in the form of 100 % government-guaranteed low-interest loans from the SBA. First Busey served as a bridge for the program, actively helping existing and new business clients sign up for this important financial resource. The Company originated a total of $ 749.4 million in first round PPP loans representing 4,569 new and existing customers. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had received approximately $ 478.5 million in loan forgiveness on these loans from the SBA and had submitted forgiveness applications to the SBA for another $ 131.6 million. Net fee income accretion recognized on these loans in the first quarter of 2021 was $ 3.3 million.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid Act extended the authority to make PPP loans through March 31, 2021, and revised certain PPP requirements. On March 30, 2021, the President signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021, which extended the PPP application deadline to May 31, 2021, or until funding is exhausted. As of March 31, 2021, the Company originated a total of $ 262.5 million in second round PPP loans representing 2,123 new and existing customers. Net fee income accretion recognized on the loans related to this new round of PPP in the first quarter of 2021 was $ 0.3 million.

At March 31, 2021, First Busey had $ 533.4 million in total PPP loans outstanding, with an amortized cost of $ 522.1 million, representing 3,441 customers.

Use of Estimates

In preparing the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, the Company’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. Material estimates which are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the fair value of investment securities available for sale, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, goodwill, income taxes, and the determination of the ACL.

Subsequent Events

The Company 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. There were no significant subsequent events for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, through the filing date of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Note 2: Acquisitions

Cummins-American Corp.

On January 19, 2021, the Company and CAC, the holding company for GSB, jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement pursuant to which the Company will acquire CAC and GSB through a merger transaction. The partnership will enhance the Company’s existing deposit, commercial banking, and wealth management presence in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, CAC’s stockholders will have the right to receive 444.4783 shares of First Busey’s common stock and $ 27,969.67 in cash for each share of common stock of CAC with total consideration to consist of approximately 73 % cash and 27 % stock. Based upon the closing price of Busey’s common stock of $ 23.54 on January 15, 2021, the implied per share purchase price is $ 38,432.69 with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $ 190.8 million. The merger agreement provides that the cash consideration to be paid in the merger will be funded with a combination of cash from First Busey and a special dividend to be paid by CAC to its shareholders. Specifically, immediately prior to closing and subject to the completion of all closing conditions, CAC will cause GSB to pay a one-time special cash dividend of $ 60.0 million to CAC and, upon receipt, CAC will declare and issue a $ 60.0 million special cash dividend to CAC’s shareholders, which will be used to fund, in part, the cash consideration to be paid to CAC’s shareholders at closing. Further, the cash portion of the merger consideration is subject to downward adjustment in the event that CAC’s consolidated tangible common equity as of the closing date of the first-step merger, and as adjusted in accordance with the merger agreement, is less than $ 169.6 million. Specifically, in the event of a CAC tangible common equity shortfall, the cash portion of the merger consideration will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis to the extent of such shortfall.

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions and approval by CAC’s shareholders. Required regulatory approvals have been obtained. It is anticipated GSB will be merged with and into Busey Bank during the third quarter of 2021. At the time of the bank merger, GSB banking centers will become banking centers of Busey Bank.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, First Busey incurred $ 0.3 million in pre-tax acquisition expenses related to the planned acquisition of CAC, comprised primarily of professional fees.

Note 3: Securities

The table below provides the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair values of debt securities summarized by major category (dollars in thousands) :

Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
March 31, 2021: Cost Gains Losses ACL Value
U.S. Treasury securities $ 23,514 $ 243 $ $ $ 23,757
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies 64,903 1,720 ( 45 ) 66,578
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 280,150 8,854 ( 1,542 ) 287,462
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 499,996 5,308 ( 6,786 ) 498,518
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,786,062 18,587 ( 18,329 ) 1,786,320
Corporate debt securities 134,783 964 ( 1,427 ) 134,320
Debt securities available for sale $ 2,789,408 $ 35,676 $ ( 28,129 ) $ $ 2,796,955
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
December 31, 2020: Cost Gains Losses ACL Value
U.S. Treasury securities $ 27,481 $ 356 $ $ $ 27,837
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies 67,406 2,162 ( 49 ) 69,519
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 292,940 11,779 ( 8 ) 304,711
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 408,716 10,212 ( 312 ) 418,616
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,344,047 24,571 ( 303 ) 1,368,315
Corporate debt securities 70,953 1,237 ( 1 ) 72,189
Debt securities available for sale $ 2,211,543 $ 50,317 $ ( 673 ) $ 2,261,187

Amortized cost and fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity or pre-refunded date are shown below. Mortgages underlying mortgage-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 (dollars in thousands) :

As of March 31, 2021
Amortized Fair
Cost Value
Due in one year or less $ 100,016 $ 100,789
Due after one year through five years 291,357 297,624
Due after five years through ten years 303,453 309,672
Due after ten years 2,094,582 2,088,870
Debt securities available for sale $ 2,789,408 $ 2,796,955

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FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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Realized gains and losses related to sales and calls of debt securities available for sale are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Gross security gains $ 25 $ 1,561
Gross security (losses) ( 5 )
Net gains (losses) on sales of debt securities (1) $ 25 $ 1,556

(1) Net gains (losses) on sales of securities reported on the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income includes sales of equity securities, excluded in this table.

Debt securities with carrying amounts of $ 562.6 million on March 31, 2021, and $ 628.0 million on December 31, 2020, were pledged as collateral for public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and for other purposes as required.

The following information pertains to debt securities with gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position (dollars in thousands) :

Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total
Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized
March 31, 2021: Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses
Debt securities available for sale
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ $ $ 4,695 $ ( 45 ) $ 4,695 $ ( 45 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 58,555 ( 1,542 ) 58,555 ( 1,542 )
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 314,109 ( 6,786 ) 314,109 ( 6,786 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,019,462 ( 18,325 ) 352 ( 4 ) 1,019,814 ( 18,329 )
Corporate debt securities 95,164 ( 1,427 ) 95,164 ( 1,427 )
Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,487,290 $ ( 28,080 ) $ 5,047 $ ( 49 ) $ 1,492,337 $ ( 28,129 )
Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total
Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized
December 31, 2020: Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses
Debt securities available for sale
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ $ $ 4,957 $ ( 49 ) $ 4,957 $ ( 49 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 762 ( 8 ) 762 ( 8 )
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 129,655 ( 312 ) 129,655 ( 312 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities 89,997 ( 300 ) 139 ( 3 ) 90,136 ( 303 )
Corporate debt securities 1,499 ( 1 ) 1,499 ( 1 )
Total temporarily impaired securities $ 221,913 $ ( 621 ) $ 5,096 $ ( 52 ) $ 227,009 $ ( 673 )

Debt securities available for sale are not within the scope of CECL, however, the accounting for credit losses on these securities is affected by ASC 326-30. As of March 31, 2021, the Company’s debt security portfolio consisted of 1,108 securities, compared to 1,114 securities at December 31, 2020. The total number of debt securities in the investment portfolio in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021, was 192 and represented an unrealized loss of 1.88 % of the aggregate fair value. The total number of debt securities in the investment portfolio in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2020, was 23 and represented an unrealized loss of 0.30 % of the aggregate fair value. Unrealized losses related to changes in market interest rates and market conditions that do not represent credit-related impairments. Furthermore, the Company does not intend to sell such securities and it is more likely than not that the Company 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, the impairment related to noncredit factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes. As of March 31, 2021, the Company did not hold general obligation bonds of any single issuer, the aggregate of which exceeded 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity.

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Note 4: Portfolio Loans

Distributions of portfolio loans are as follows (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Commercial $ 2,067,371 $ 2,014,576
Commercial real estate 2,912,966 2,892,535
Real estate construction 422,633 461,786
Retail real estate 1,343,299 1,407,852
Retail other 33,031 37,428
Portfolio loans $ 6,779,300 $ 6,814,177
ACL ( 93,943 ) ( 101,048 )
Portfolio loans, net $ 6,685,357 $ 6,713,129

Net deferred loan origination fees included in the balances above were ($ 3.4 ) million as of March 31, 2021, compared to $ 2.4 million of net deferred loan origination costs as of December 31, 2020. Net accretable purchase accounting adjustments included in the balances above reduced loans by $ 9.0 million as of March 31, 2021, and $ 10.9 million as of December 31, 2020. The March 31, 2021, commercial balance includes loans originated under PPP with an amortized cost of $ 522.1 million, compared to $ 446.4 million in loans originated under PPP included in the December 31, 2020, commercial balance.

The Company 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 the Company’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 the Company 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.

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All loans are graded at their inception. Most commercial lending relationships that are $ 1.0 million or less are processed through an expedited underwriting process. Most commercial loans greater than $ 1.0 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 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 risk grades segregated by category of portfolio loans (dollars in thousands) :

March 31, 2021
Special Substandard
Pass Watch Mention Substandard Non-accrual
Commercial $ 1,830,063 $ 123,390 $ 78,546 $ 27,423 $ 7,949
Commercial real estate 2,400,446 407,244 68,900 31,212 5,164
Real estate construction 400,306 19,918 9 2,400
Retail real estate 1,318,247 9,879 2,376 4,302 8,495
Retail other 32,933 98
Portfolio loans $ 5,981,995 $ 560,431 $ 149,831 $ 65,337 $ 21,706
December 31, 2020
Special Substandard
Pass Watch Mention Substandard Non-accrual
Commercial $ 1,768,755 $ 136,948 $ 72,447 $ 27,903 $ 8,523
Commercial real estate 2,393,372 383,277 75,486 34,897 5,503
Real estate construction 434,681 24,481 77 2,546 1
Retail real estate 1,382,616 10,264 2,471 3,702 8,799
Retail other 37,324 104
Portfolio loans $ 6,016,748 $ 554,970 $ 150,481 $ 69,048 $ 22,930

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Risk grades of portfolio loans, further sorted by origination year, are as follows (dollars in thousands) :

Risk Grade Ratings Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year Revolving
As of March 31, 2021 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Prior loans Total
Commercial:
Pass $ 388,147 $ 536,074 $ 131,127 $ 97,322 $ 88,238 $ 126,916 $ 462,239 $ 1,830,063
Watch 4,830 14,828 18,085 6,890 9,185 12,947 56,625 123,390
Special Mention 2,061 4,241 5,590 8,369 6,680 18,831 32,774 78,546
Substandard 587 8,912 3,569 2,993 1,815 125 9,422 27,423
Substandard non-accrual 501 2,392 336 2,168 552 2,000 7,949
Total commercial 395,625 564,556 160,763 115,910 108,086 159,371 563,060 2,067,371
Commercial real estate:
Pass 195,095 732,186 462,732 342,786 315,383 334,934 17,330 2,400,446
Watch 13,209 91,440 133,721 89,517 29,142 48,557 1,658 407,244
Special Mention 19,920 9,818 7,902 9,949 7,172 13,716 423 68,900
Substandard 2,500 15,325 3,557 2,425 4,400 3,005 31,212
Substandard non-accrual 784 739 821 882 1,938 5,164
Total commercial real estate 230,724 849,553 608,651 445,498 356,979 402,150 19,411 2,912,966
Real estate construction:
Pass 40,766 167,230 143,555 39,297 1,164 1,680 6,614 400,306
Watch 2,079 11,915 3,653 330 1,785 156 19,918
Special Mention 9 9
Substandard 2,400 2,400
Substandard non-accrual
Total real estate construction 42,845 181,545 147,217 39,627 2,949 1,836 6,614 422,633
Retail real estate:
Pass 161,016 207,536 144,201 118,052 117,359 351,700 218,383 1,318,247
Watch 189 2,557 2,040 1,407 291 846 2,549 9,879
Special Mention 377 33 18 1,948 2,376
Substandard 323 882 91 56 168 2,497 285 4,302
Substandard non-accrual 483 137 76 650 1,128 4,818 1,203 8,495
Total retail real estate 162,388 211,145 146,408 120,183 118,946 361,809 222,420 1,343,299
Retail other:
Pass 2,014 6,835 8,062 4,652 1,949 800 8,621 32,933
Watch
Special Mention
Substandard
Substandard non-accrual 14 7 5 14 58 98
Total retail other 2,014 6,849 8,069 4,657 1,963 858 8,621 33,031
Total portfolio loans $ 833,596 $ 1,813,648 $ 1,071,108 $ 725,875 $ 588,923 $ 926,024 $ 820,126 $ 6,779,300

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Risk Grade Ratings Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year Revolving
As of December 31, 2020 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior loans Total
Commercial:
Pass $ 812,536 $ 158,307 $ 107,565 $ 93,190 $ 61,847 $ 79,970 $ 455,340 $ 1,768,755
Watch 16,544 22,247 14,954 13,724 2,577 10,943 55,959 136,948
Special Mention 6,402 2,671 2,069 7,164 6,763 13,733 33,645 72,447
Substandard 7,772 3,791 2,371 1,939 819 1,233 9,978 27,903
Substandard non-accrual 150 3,045 451 2,168 641 68 2,000 8,523
Total commercial 843,404 190,061 127,410 118,185 72,647 105,947 556,922 2,014,576
Commercial real estate:
Pass 717,559 503,977 360,573 384,843 180,555 227,068 18,797 2,393,372
Watch 88,297 110,526 90,412 33,734 32,887 27,023 398 383,277
Special Mention 16,490 8,858 10,490 10,505 7,102 21,808 233 75,486
Substandard 17,445 4,166 1,491 7,812 2,111 1,377 495 34,897
Substandard non-accrual 1,091 776 821 882 286 1,647 5,503
Total commercial real estate 840,882 628,303 463,787 437,776 222,941 278,923 19,923 2,892,535
Real estate construction:
Pass 179,232 171,663 64,025 1,468 761 1,444 16,088 434,681
Watch 18,485 3,657 337 1,838 164 24,481
Special Mention 67 10 77
Substandard 2,400 146 2,546
Substandard non-accrual 1 1
Total real estate construction 200,184 175,330 64,362 3,306 1,071 1,445 16,088 461,786
Retail real estate:
Pass 319,302 162,711 135,065 136,427 140,600 257,147 231,364 1,382,616
Watch 2,715 2,053 1,396 349 579 233 2,939 10,264
Special Mention 509 1,962 2,471
Substandard 899 96 56 26 727 1,631 267 3,702
Substandard non-accrual 687 78 646 1,147 233 4,815 1,193 8,799
Total retail real estate 324,112 164,938 137,163 137,949 144,101 263,826 235,763 1,407,852
Retail other:
Pass 8,357 9,430 5,600 2,516 691 440 10,290 37,324
Watch
Special Mention
Substandard
Substandard non-accrual 14 7 5 15 5 57 1 104
Total retail other 8,371 9,437 5,605 2,531 696 497 10,291 37,428
Total portfolio loans $ 2,216,953 $ 1,168,069 $ 798,327 $ 699,747 $ 441,456 $ 650,638 $ 838,987 $ 6,814,177

An analysis of the amortized cost basis of portfolio loans that are past due and still accruing, or on a non-accrual status, is as follows (dollars in thousands) :

March 31, 2021
Loans past due, still accruing Non-accrual
30-59 Days 60-89 Days 90+Days Loans
Commercial $ 52 $ 2,614 $ $ 7,949
Commercial real estate 4,377 5,164
Real estate construction
Retail real estate 2,248 621 1,149 8,495
Retail other 8 9 98
Past due and non-accrual loans $ 6,685 $ 3,244 $ 1,149 $ 21,706
December 31, 2020
Loans past due, still accruing Non-accrual
30-59 Days 60-89 Days 90+Days Loans
Commercial $ 243 $ $ $ 8,523
Commercial real estate 5,503
Real estate construction 237 235 1
Retail real estate 6,248 400 1,305 8,799
Retail other 66 149 66 104
Past due and non-accrual loans $ 6,794 $ 784 $ 1,371 $ 22,930

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Gross interest income recorded on 90+ day 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 $ 0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The amount of interest collected on those loans and recognized on a cash basis that was included in interest income was insignificant for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

A summary of TDR loans is as follows (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
In compliance with modified terms 3,135 3,814
30 – 89 days past due 164 15
Included in non-performing loans 1,338 1,249
TDR loans $ 4,637 $ 5,078

We did not newly classify any loans as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2021, that were in compliance with their modified terms or 30 – 89 days past due. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, one commercial loan for $ 0.5 million was newly classified as a non-performing TDR. This loan had been non-accrual since the second quarter of 2020. Also, during the three months ended March 31, 2021, one retail real estate loan for $ 0.1 million that had been a performing TDR for longer than 12 months became non-performing. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, three commercial loans for $ 0.5 million and one commercial real estate loan for $ 0.7 million were newly classified as non-performing TDRs. These loans had been non-accrual since 2019.

There were no TDRs that were entered into during the last 12 months that were subsequently classified as non-performing and had payment defaults (a default occurs when a loan is 90 days or more past due or transferred to non-accrual) during the three months ended March 31, 2021 or 2020.

Gross interest income that would have been recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, if TDRs had performed in accordance with their original terms compared with their modified terms, was insignificant.

Modified loans with payment deferrals that fall under the CARES Act or revised Interagency Statement that suspended requirements under GAAP related to TDR classification are not included in the Company’s TDR totals.

At March 31, 2021, the Company had $ 0.4 million of residential real estate in the process of foreclosure. The Company follows FHFA guidelines on single-family foreclosures and real estate owned evictions on portfolio loans. The agency has extended the moratoriums on single-family foreclosures and real estate owned evictions until at least June 30, 2021. Additionally, the Company follows all COVID-19 related state foreclosure and eviction orders. As these guidelines and orders may likely be updated, most foreclosures will be delayed into late-2021 or beyond.

The following tables provide details of loans evaluated individually, segregated by category. The Company evaluates loans with disparate risk characteristics on an individual basis. The unpaid contractual principal balance represents the customer outstanding balance excluding any partial charge-offs. Amortized cost represents customer balances net of any partial charge-offs recognized on the loan. Average amortized cost is calculated using the most recent four quarters (dollars in thousands) :

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March 31, 2021
Unpaid Amortized
Contractual Cost Amortized Total Average
Principal with No Cost Amortized Related Amortized
Balance Allowance with Allowance Cost Allowance Cost
Commercial $ 16,008 $ 2,987 $ 4,817 $ 7,804 $ 2,483 $ 7,524
Commercial real estate 6,523 5,552 5,552 8,075
Real estate construction 287 287 287 450
Retail real estate 5,342 4,959 25 4,984 25 5,560
Retail other
Loans evaluated individually $ 28,160 $ 13,785 $ 4,842 $ 18,627 $ 2,508 $ 21,609
December 31, 2020
Unpaid Amortized
Contractual Cost Amortized Total Average
Principal with No Cost Amortized Related Amortized
Balance Allowance with Allowance Cost Allowance Cost
Commercial $ 16,771 $ 4,001 $ 4,371 $ 8,372 $ 1,600 $ 7,920
Commercial real estate 7,406 6,067 6,067 9,349
Real estate construction 292 292 292 581
Retail real estate 5,873 5,490 25 5,515 25 7,439
Retail other 10
Loans evaluated individually $ 30,342 $ 15,850 $ 4,396 $ 20,246 $ 1,625 $ 25,299

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 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 underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell. As of March 31, 2021, there were $ 15.3 million of collateral dependent loans secured by real estate or business assets.

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 cumulative loss rate used as the basis for the estimate of credit losses is comprised of the Company’s historical loss experience beginning in 2010. As of March 31, 2021, the Company expects the markets in which it operates to experience continued economic uncertainty around the levels of delinquencies over the next 12 months. Management adjusted the historical loss experience for these expectations with an immediate reversion to historical loss rate beyond this forecast period. PPP loans were excluded from the ACL calculation as they are 100% government guaranteed.

The following table details activity in the ACL. Allocation of a portion of the ACL to one category does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories (dollars in thousands) :

As of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Commercial Real Estate Retail
Commercial Real Estate Construction Real Estate Retail Other Total
ACL beginning balance $ 23,866 $ 46,230 $ 8,193 $ 21,992 $ 767 $ 101,048
Provision for credit losses ( 665 ) ( 2,695 ) ( 1,250 ) ( 2,276 ) 90 ( 6,796 )
Charged-off ( 262 ) ( 303 ) ( 209 ) ( 3 ) ( 187 ) ( 964 )
Recoveries 86 74 145 265 85 655
ACL ending balance $ 23,025 $ 43,306 $ 6,879 $ 19,978 $ 755 $ 93,943

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As of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Commercial Real Estate Retail Real
Commercial Real Estate Construction Estate Retail Other Total
Beginning balance, prior to adoption of ASC 326-30 $ 18,291 $ 21,190 $ 3,204 $ 10,495 $ 568 $ 53,748
Adoption of ASC 326-30 715 9,306 2,954 3,292 566 16,833
Provision for credit losses 5,673 6,526 889 4,037 91 17,216
Charged-off ( 2,042 ) ( 1,099 ) ( 708 ) ( 299 ) ( 4,148 )
Recoveries 88 44 146 338 119 735
ACL ending balance $ 22,725 $ 35,967 $ 7,193 $ 17,454 $ 1,045 $ 84,384

The following table presents the ACL and amortized cost of portfolio loans by category (dollars in thousands) :

As of March 31, 2021
Commercial Real Estate Retail Real
Commercial Real Estate Construction Estate Retail Other Total
ACL:
Ending balance attributed to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment $ 2,483 $ $ $ 25 $ $ 2,508
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 20,542 43,306 6,879 19,953 755 91,435
ACL ending balance $ 23,025 $ 43,306 $ 6,879 $ 19,978 $ 755 $ 93,943
Loans:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment $ 7,804 $ 3,644 $ 287 $ 4,613 $ $ 16,348
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 2,059,567 2,907,414 422,346 1,338,315 33,031 6,760,673
PCD loans evaluated for impairment 1,908 371 2,279
Loans ending balance $ 2,067,371 $ 2,912,966 $ 422,633 $ 1,343,299 $ 33,031 $ 6,779,300
As of December 31, 2020
Commercial Real Estate Retail Real
Commercial Real Estate Construction Estate Retail Other Total
ACL:
Ending balance attributed to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment $ 1,600 $ $ $ 25 $ $ 1,625
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 22,266 46,230 8,193 21,967 767 99,423
ACL ending balance $ 23,866 $ 46,230 $ 8,193 $ 21,992 $ 767 $ 101,048
Loans:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment $ 8,372 $ 4,161 $ 292 $ 5,149 $ $ 17,974
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 2,006,204 2,886,468 461,494 1,402,337 37,428 6,793,931
PCD loans evaluated for impairment 1,906 366 2,272
Loans ending balance $ 2,014,576 $ 2,892,535 $ 461,786 $ 1,407,852 $ 37,428 $ 6,814,177

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Note 5: Deposits

The composition of deposits is as follows (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Demand deposits, noninterest-bearing $ 2,859,492 $ 2,552,039
Interest-bearing transaction deposits 2,312,008 2,263,093
Saving deposits and money market deposits 2,679,879 2,743,369
Time deposits 1,022,468 1,119,348
Total deposits $ 8,873,847 $ 8,677,849

Additional information about our deposits is as follows (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Brokered savings deposits and money market deposits $ 2,699 $ 2,251
Brokered time deposits 5,259 5,257
Aggregate amount of time deposits with a minimum denomination of $100,000 502,968 568,735
Aggregate amount of time deposits with a minimum denomination that meets or exceeds the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 155,401 192,563

As of March 31, 2021, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31,
Scheduled maturities of time deposits: 2021
April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022 $ 704,942
April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023 175,252
April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024 98,282
April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 29,736
April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 14,253
Thereafter 3
Total time deposits $ 1,022,468

Note 6: Borrowings

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 the Company’s safekeeping agent. The Company 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 (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase $ 210,132 $ 175,614
Weighted average rate for securities sold under agreements to repurchase 0.11 % 0.13 %

Federal funds purchased are short-term borrowings that generally mature between one and 90 days . The Company had no federal funds purchased at March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020.

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Short-term borrowings of $ 4.7 million at March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, was composed of FHLB advances which mature in less than one year from date of origination and the portion of long-term FHLB debt which is due within the next 12 months.

On January 29, 2019, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement providing for the Company’s $ 20.0 million revolving credit facility with an annual interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 1.75 % . The revolving credit facility was set to mature on April 30, 2021. Subsequent to quarter end, on April 21, 2021, the maturity was extended by amendment for an additional one year , to April 30, 2022. The revolving credit facility incurs a non-usage fee based on the undrawn amount. The Company had no outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility on March 31, 2021, or December 31, 2020.

Long-term debt is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Notes payable, FHLB, original maturity of 5 years , collateralized by FHLB deposits, residential and commercial real estate loans and FHLB stock $ 4,584 $ 4,757

As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, funds borrowed from the FHLB, listed above, consisted of one variable-rate note maturing in May 2023, with an interest rate of 3.04 %.

On May 25, 2017, the Company issued $ 40.0 million of 3.75 % senior notes that mature on May 25, 2022. The senior notes are payable semi-annually on each May 25 and November 25, commencing on November 25, 2017. The senior notes are not subject to optional redemption by the Company. Additionally, on May 25, 2017, the Company issued $ 60.0 million of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on May 25, 2027. The subordinated notes, which qualify as Tier 2 capital for First Busey, bear interest at an annual rate of 4.75 % for the first five years after issuance and thereafter bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 2.919 % , as calculated on each applicable determination date. The subordinated notes are payable semi-annually on each May 25 and November 25, commencing on November 25, 2017, during the five-year fixed-term, and thereafter on February 25, May 25, August 25, and November 25 of each year, commencing on August 25, 2022. The subordinated notes have an optional redemption in whole or in part on any interest payment date on or after May 25, 2022. The senior notes and subordinated notes are unsecured obligations of the Company.

On June 1, 2020, the Company issued $ 125.0 million of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on June 1, 2030. The subordinated notes, which qualify as Tier 2 capital for First Busey, bear interest at an annual rate of 5.25 % for the first five years after issuance and thereafter 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 are payable semi-annually on each June 1 and December 1 during the five-year fixed-term, and thereafter on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 of each year, commencing on September 1, 2025. The subordinated notes have an optional redemption in whole or in part on any interest payment date on or after June 1, 2025. The subordinated notes are unsecured obligations of the Company.

Unamortized debt issuance costs related to senior notes and subordinated notes are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Unamortized debt issuance costs related to:
Senior notes issued in 2017 $ 157 $ 191
Subordinated notes issued in 2017 625 651
Subordinated notes issued in 2020 2,005 2,123
Total unamortized debt issuance costs $ 2,787 $ 2,965

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Note 7: Regulatory Capital

The Company and Busey 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 the Company's consolidated financial statements. Capital amounts and classification also are subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Banking regulations identify five capital categories for insured depository institutions: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, all capital ratios of the Company and Busey Bank exceeded the well capitalized levels under the applicable regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. Management believes that no events or changes have occurred subsequent to March 31, 2021, that would change this designation.

On March 27, 2020, the FDIC and other federal banking agencies published an interim final rule that provides those banking organizations adopting CECL during 2020 with the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital and to phase in the aggregate impact of the deferral on regulatory capital over a subsequent three year period. On August 26, 2020, the CECL final rule was finalized and was substantially similar to the interim final rule. Under this final rule, because the Company has elected to use the deferral option, the regulatory capital impact of our transition adjustments recorded on January 1, 2020, from the adoption of CECL will be deferred for two years, until January 1, 2022. In addition, 25 percent of the ongoing impact of CECL on our ACL, retained earnings, and average total consolidated assets from January 1, 2020, through the end of the two-year deferral period, each as reported for regulatory capital purposes, will be added to the deferred transition amounts (“adjusted transition amounts”) and deferred for the two-year period. At the conclusion of the two-year period the adjusted transition amounts will be phased-in for regulatory capital purposes at a rate of 25 percent per year, with the phased-in amounts included in regulatory capital at the beginning of each year.

The following tables summarize the applicable holding company and bank regulatory capital requirements (dollars in thousands) :

Minimum
Minimum To Be Well
Actual Capital Requirement Capitalized
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
As of March 31, 2021:
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated $ 1,265,926 17.39 % $ 582,526 8.00 % $ 728,157 10.00 %
Busey Bank $ 1,167,199 16.06 % $ 581,457 8.00 % $ 726,821 10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated $ 1,007,986 13.84 % $ 436,894 6.00 % $ 582,526 8.00 %
Busey Bank $ 1,094,260 15.06 % $ 436,093 6.00 % $ 581,457 8.00 %
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated $ 933,986 12.83 % $ 327,671 4.50 % $ 473,302 6.50 %
Busey Bank $ 1,094,260 15.06 % $ 327,070 4.50 % $ 472,434 6.50 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated $ 1,007,986 9.85 % $ 409,360 4.00 % N/A N/A
Busey Bank $ 1,094,260 10.71 % $ 408,522 4.00 % $ 510,652 5.00 %

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Minimum
Minimum To Be Well
Actual Capital Requirement Capitalized
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
As of December 31, 2020:
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated $ 1,245,997 17.04 % $ 585,015 8.00 % $ 731,269 10.00 %
Busey Bank $ 1,131,875 15.50 % $ 584,082 8.00 % $ 730,103 10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated $ 983,033 13.44 % $ 438,761 6.00 % $ 585,015 8.00 %
Busey Bank $ 1,053,910 14.44 % $ 438,062 6.00 % $ 584,082 8.00 %
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated $ 909,033 12.43 % $ 329,071 4.50 % $ 475,325 6.50 %
Busey Bank $ 1,053,910 14.44 % $ 328,546 4.50 % $ 474,567 6.50 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated $ 983,033 9.79 % $ 401,717 4.00 % N/A N/A
Busey Bank $ 1,053,910 10.52 % $ 400,581 4.00 % $ 500,727 5.00 %

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 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 (i) total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.50%, (ii) Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.50%, and (iii) Common Equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7.00%.

Note 8: Stock-Based Compensation

Under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, the Company has granted restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance-based restricted stock unit awards. The Company grants restricted stock units to members of management periodically throughout the year. Each restricted stock unit is equivalent to one share of the Company’s common stock. These units have requisite service periods ranging from one to five years , subject to accelerated vesting upon eligible retirement from the Company. Recipients earn quarterly dividend equivalents on their respective units which entitle the recipients to additional units. Therefore, dividends earned each quarter compound based upon the updated unit balances.

The Company grants deferred stock units, which are restricted stock units with a deferred settlement date, to its directors and advisory directors. Each deferred stock unit is equivalent to one share of the Company’s common stock. Deferred stock units vest over a one-year period following the grant date. These units generally are subject to the same terms as restricted stock units under the 2020 Equity Plan, except that, following vesting, 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, these units will continue to earn dividend equivalents.

The Company also grants performance-based restricted stock unit awards to members of management periodically throughout the year. Each performance-based restricted stock unit is equivalent to one share of the Company’s common stock. The number of units that ultimately vest will be determined based on the achievement of the market or other performance goals, subject to accelerated service-based vesting conditions upon eligible retirement from the Company.

The Company has outstanding stock options assumed from acquisitions.

Upon vesting/delivery, shares are expected (though not required) to be issued from treasury.

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Stock Option Plan

A summary of the status of, and changes in, the Company's stock option awards for the three months ended March 31, 2021, follows:

Weighted-
Weighted- Average
Average Remaining
Exercise Contractual
Shares Price Life
Outstanding at beginning of period 39,085 $ 23.53 5.88
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired ( 5,279 ) 23.53
Outstanding at end of period 33,806 $ 23.53 5.63
Exercisable at end of period 33,806 $ 23.53 5.63

The Company did not record any stock option compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021, or 2020. As of March 31, 2021, the Company did not have any unrecognized stock option expense.

Restricted Stock Unit, Deferred Stock Unit, and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards

A summary of changes in the Company’s restricted stock unit and deferred stock unit awards for the three months ended March 31, 2021, is as follows:

Weighted- Director Weighted-
Restricted Average Deferred Average
Stock Grant Date Stock Grant Date
Units Fair Value Units Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period 1,017,038 $ 23.87 34,263 $ 17.18
Granted 212,426 24.54 33,288 24.54
Dividend equivalents earned 11,310 20.67 1,172 20.67
Vested ( 791 ) 20.67
Forfeited ( 13,422 ) 26.98
Non-vested at end of period 1,227,352 $ 23.93 67,932 $ 20.81
Outstanding at end of period 1,227,352 $ 23.93 71,835 $ 24.30

On March 24, 2021, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 212,426 restricted stock units to members of management, including the Vice-Chairman of the Board. The grant date fair value of the award totaled $ 5.2 million and will be recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period ranging from one year to five years . The terms of these awards included an accelerated vesting provision upon eligible retirement from the Company, after a one-year minimum requisite service period. Subsequent to the requisite service period, the awards will become 100 % vested. Further, the Company granted 33,288 deferred stock units to directors and advisory directors. The grant date fair value of the award totaled $ 0.8 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.

During the first quarter of 2021, the Company also granted a target of 70,815 market-based performance stock units with a maximum award of 113,304 units. The actual number of units issued at the vesting date could range from 0 % to 160 % of the initial grant, depending on attaining the market-based total shareholder return performance goal. The grant date fair value of the award is estimated to be $ 1.7 million and will be recognized in compensation expense over the performance period ending December 31, 2023. The Company expects to finalize the grant date fair value of these awards in the second quarter of 2021.

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Further, during the first quarter of 2021, the Company granted a target of 28,344 performance-based stock units with a maximum award of 39,682 units. The actual number of units issued at the vest date could range from 0 % to 140 % of the initial grant, depending on attaining a performance goal based upon the compounded annual growth rate of the Remittance Processing segment. The grant date fair value of the award is $ 0.7 million and will be recognized in compensation expense over the performance period ending August 31, 2023, subject to achievement of the performance goal.

The Company recognized $ 1.4 million and $ 1.1 million of compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units, deferred stock units, and performance-based restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, there was $ 17.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these non-vested stock awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.2 years.

As of March 31, 2021, 1,094,149 shares remain available for issuance pursuant to the 2020 Equity Plan. The First Busey Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan expired as of December 31, 2020. The Company has included a proposal for approval of a new 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan within its Definitive Proxy Statement filed April 8, 2021.

Note 9: Outstanding Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Legal Matters

The Company is a party to legal actions which arise in the normal course of its business activities. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Credit Commitments and Contingencies

A summary of the contractual amount of the Company’s exposure to off-balance-sheet risk relating to the Company’s commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit follows (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
Commitments to extend credit $ 1,759,035 $ 1,754,370
Standby letters of credit 39,643 38,937

Note 10: Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. Additionally, the Company 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 with customers and other third parties. See “ Note 11: Fair Value Measurements ” for further discussion of the fair value measurement of such derivatives.

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

The Company 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 other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The change in fair value of components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

Interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $ 70.0 million as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, were designated as cash flow hedges to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows (future interest payments) attributable to changes in the contractually specified 3 month LIBOR benchmark interest rate on the Company’s junior subordinated

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debt owed to unconsolidated trusts and were determined to be highly effective during the period. The gross aggregate fair value of the swaps of $ 2.2 million and $ 3.1 million is recorded in other liabilities in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively, with changes in fair value recorded net of tax in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company expects the hedges to remain highly effective during the remaining terms of the swaps.

A summary of the interest-rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges is presented below (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020
Notional amount $ 70,000 $ 70,000
Weighted average fixed pay rates 1.80 % 1.80 %
Weighted average variable 3-month LIBOR receive rates 0.18 % 0.22 %
Weighted average maturity, in years 2.61 yrs 2.85 yrs
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax $ ( 1,575 ) $ ( 2,184 )

Interest expense recorded on these swap transactions was $ 0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company expects $ 0.3 million of the unrealized loss to be reclassified from OCI to interest expense during the next three months. This reclassified amount could differ from amounts actually recognized due to changes in interest rates, hedge de-designations, and the addition of other hedges subsequent to March 31, 2021.

The following table reflects the net gains (losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income relating to cash flow derivative instruments for the periods presented (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
Interest rate contracts 2021 2020
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI, net of tax $ 410 $ ( 2,237 )
(Gain) loss reclassified from OCI to interest expense, net of tax 199 ( 11 )
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges $ 609 $ ( 2,248 )

The Company pledged $ 2.4 million and $ 3.2 million in cash to secure its obligation under these contracts at March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

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 in the unaudited consolidated financial statements, 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

The Company 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 best-efforts 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 in the unaudited consolidated financial statements. While such forward sales commitments generally served as an economic hedge to mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments, the Company 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 in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands) :

March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
Notional Fair Notional Fair
Derivatives with positive fair value Location Amount Value Amount Value
Interest rate lock commitments Other assets $ 24,142 $ 474 $ 45,004 $ 1,201
Forward sales commitments Other assets 7,035 59 978 32
Mortgage banking derivatives recorded in other assets $ 31,177 $ 533 $ 45,982 $ 1,233
Derivatives with negative fair value
Interest rate lock commitments Other liabilities $ 931 $ 2 $ 118 $ 1
Forward sales commitments Other liabilities 55,454 879 84,964 2,662
Mortgage banking derivatives recorded in other liabilities $ 56,385 $ 881 $ 85,082 $ 2,663

Net gains (losses) relating to these derivative instruments are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
Location 2021 2020
Interest rate lock commitments Mortgage revenue $ 472 $ 4,849
Forward sales commitments Mortgage revenue ( 820 ) ( 7,047 )
Net gains (losses) $ ( 348 ) $ ( 2,198 )

The impact of the net gains or losses on derivative financial instruments related to interest rate lock commitments issued to residential loan customers for loans that will be held for sale and forward sales commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to loan investors are almost entirely offset by a corresponding change in the fair value of loans held for sale.

Interest Rate Swaps Not Designated as Hedges

The Company may offer derivative contracts to its customers in connection with their risk management needs. The Company manages the risk associated with these contracts by entering into an equal and offsetting derivative with a third-party dealer. These contracts support variable rate, commercial loan relationships totaling $ 401.2 million and $ 395.0 million, at March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. These derivatives generally worked together as an economic interest rate hedge, but the Company did not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

Amounts and fair values of derivative assets and liabilities related to customer interest rate swaps recorded in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands) :

Derivative Asset Derivative Liability
Notional Fair Notional Fair
March 31, 2021 Amount Value Amount Value
Interest rate swaps – pay floating, receive fixed $ 308,178 $ 18,881 $ 93,069 $ 3,209
Interest rate swaps – pay fixed, receive floating 93,069 3,209 308,178 18,881
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 401,247 $ 22,090 $ 401,247 $ 22,090

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Derivative Asset Derivative Liability
Notional Fair Notional Fair
December 31, 2020 Amount Value Amount Value
Interest rate swaps – pay floating, receive fixed $ 394,954 $ 32,685 $ $
Interest rate swaps – pay fixed, receive floating 394,954 32,685
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 394,954 $ 32,685 $ 394,954 $ 32,685

Changes in fair value of these derivative assets and liabilities are recorded in non-interest expense in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income and summarized as follows (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
Location 2021 2020
Interest rate swaps – pay floating, receive fixed Non-interest expense $ ( 10,595 ) $ 23,478
Interest rate swaps – pay fixed, receive floating Non-interest expense 10,595 ( 23,478 )
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps $ $

The Company pledged $ 25.6 million and $ 36.0 million in cash to secure its obligation under these contracts at March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Note 11: 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, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

● Level 3 Inputs – Unobservable inputs for determining 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 those Company assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value.

In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, when available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured utilizing independent valuation techniques of 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 fair value. 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 the Company's valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

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Debt Securities Available for Sale

Debt securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 measurements. The Company 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, focusing on observable market data such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing, to prepare evaluations.

The independent pricing service uses model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model, to assess interest rate impact and develop prepayment scenarios. The 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 utilizing Level 1 or Level 2 measurements. For mutual funds, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are utilized to determine fair value at the measurement date and have been classified as Level 1. For stock, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active are utilized and classified as Level 2.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 measurements. The fair value of the mortgage loans held for sale are measured using observable quoted market or contract prices or market price equivalents and are classified as Level 2.

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities

Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 measurements. The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is determined based on prices that are obtained from a third-party which uses observable market inputs. Derivative assets and liabilities are classified as Level 2.

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The following tables summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (dollars in thousands) :

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
March 31, 2021 Inputs Inputs Inputs Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities $ $ 23,757 $ $ 23,757
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies 66,578 66,578
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 287,462 287,462
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 498,518 498,518
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,786,320 1,786,320
Corporate debt securities 134,320 134,320
Equity securities 7,146 7,146
Loans held for sale 38,272 38,272
Derivative assets 22,623 22,623
Derivative liabilities 25,173 25,173
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
December 31, 2020 Inputs Inputs Inputs Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities $ $ 27,837 $ $ 27,837
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies 69,519 69,519
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 304,711 304,711
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 418,616 418,616
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,368,315 1,368,315
Corporate debt securities 72,189 72,189
Equity securities 5,530 5,530
Loans held for sale 42,813 42,813
Derivative assets 33,918 33,918
Derivative liabilities 38,403 38,403

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at 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

The Company does not record portfolio loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, periodically, a loan is evaluated individually and is reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. If the 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

Non-financial assets measured at fair value include OREO (upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment). OREO properties are measured using a combination of observable inputs, including recent appraisals, and unobservable inputs. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, all OREO fair values have been classified as Level 3.

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Bank Property Held for Sale

Bank property held for sale represents certain banking center office buildings which the Company has closed and consolidated with other existing banking centers. Bank property held for sale is measured at the lower of amortized cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair values were based upon discounted appraisals or real estate listing prices. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, fair values of all bank property held for sale have been classified as Level 3.

The following tables summarize assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (dollars in thousands) :

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
March 31, 2021 Inputs Inputs Inputs Fair Value
Loans evaluated individually $ — $ — $ 2,334 $ 2,334
OREO 51 51
Bank property held for sale 9,101 9,101
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
December 31, 2020 Inputs Inputs Inputs Fair Value
Loans evaluated individually $ $ — $ 2,771 $ 2,771
OREO 106 106
Bank property held for sale 10,676 10,676

The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value (dollars in thousands) :

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Valuation Unobservable Range
March 31, 2021 Estimate Techniques Input (Weighted Average)
Loans evaluated individually $ 2,334 Appraisal of collateral Appraisal adjustments - 42.8 % to - 100.0 % (- 51.8 ) %
OREO 51 Appraisal of collateral Appraisal adjustments - 33.0 % to - 100.0 % (- 67.9 ) %
Bank property held for sale 9,101 Appraisal of collateral or real estate listing price Appraisal adjustments - 6.2 % to - 64.9 % (- 41.3 ) %
December 31, 2020
Loans evaluated individually $ 2,771 Appraisal of collateral Appraisal adjustments - 30.0 % to - 100.0 % (- 37.0 ) %
OREO 106 Appraisal of collateral Appraisal adjustments - 25.0 % to - 100.0 % (- 54.5 ) %
Bank property held for sale 10,676 Appraisal of collateral or real estate listing price Appraisal adjustments - 6.2 % to - 64.9 % (- 42.8 ) %

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Estimated fair values of financial instruments that are reported at amortized cost in the Company’s unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value, were as follows (dollars in thousands) :

March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
Financial assets:
Level 1 inputs:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 404,802 $ 404,802 $ 688,537 $ 688,537
Level 2 inputs:
Accrued interest receivable 31,876 31,876 33,240 33,240
Level 3 inputs:
Portfolio loans, net 6,685,357 6,740,655 6,713,129 6,755,425
Mortgage servicing rights 10,409 12,461 10,912 11,107
Other servicing rights 1,528 2,055 1,434 1,966
Financial liabilities:
Level 2 inputs:
Time deposits $ 1,022,468 $ 1,031,778 $ 1,119,348 $ 1,132,107
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 210,132 210,132 175,614 175,614
Short-term borrowings 4,663 4,669 4,658 4,661
Long-term debt 4,584 4,806 4,757 5,014
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts 71,509 56,511 71,468 59,943
Accrued interest payable 5,671 5,671 3,401 3,401
Level 3 inputs:
Senior notes, net of unamortized issuance costs 39,843 40,066 39,809 40,104
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs 182,370 184,819 182,226 187,697

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Note 12: Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which include deferred stock units that are vested but not delivered. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the treasury stock method and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if the Company’s outstanding stock options and warrants were exercised and restricted stock units were vested.

Earnings per common share have been computed as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) :

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021 2020
Net income $ 37,816 $ 15,364
Shares:
Weighted average common shares outstanding 54,471,860 54,661,787
Dilutive effect of outstanding options, warrants, and restricted stock units as determined by the application of the treasury stock method 563,946 251,542
Weighted average common shares outstanding, as adjusted for diluted earnings per share calculation 55,035,806 54,913,329
Basic earnings per common share $ 0.69 $ 0.28
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.69 $ 0.28
Common stock equivalents excluded from the earning per common share calculations because their effect would have been anti-dilutive 358,279 244,242

Note 13: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table represents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the periods below (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Unrealized gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale:
Balance at beginning of period $ 49,644 $ ( 14,151 ) $ 35,493 $ 21,192 $ ( 6,032 ) $ 15,160
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale, net ( 42,072 ) 11,993 ( 30,079 ) 30,086 ( 8,589 ) 21,497
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net ( 25 ) 7 ( 18 ) ( 1,556 ) 448 ( 1,108 )
Balance at end of period $ 7,547 $ ( 2,151 ) $ 5,396 $ 49,722 $ ( 14,173 ) $ 35,549
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Balance at beginning of period $ ( 3,055 ) $ 871 $ ( 2,184 ) $ ( 280 ) $ 80 $ ( 200 )
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net 574 ( 164 ) 410 ( 3,129 ) 892 ( 2,237 )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net 278 ( 79 ) 199 ( 15 ) 4 ( 11 )
Balance at end of period $ ( 2,203 ) $ 628 $ ( 1,575 ) $ ( 3,424 ) $ 976 $ ( 2,448 )
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ 5,344 $ ( 1,523 ) $ 3,821 $ 46,298 $ ( 13,197 ) $ 33,101

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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Note 14: Operating Segments and Related Information

The Company has three reportable operating segments: Banking, Remittance Processing, and Wealth Management. The Banking operating segment provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through its banking center network in Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area; southwest Florida; and through its banking center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Remittance Processing operating segment provides solutions for online bill payments, lockbox, and walk-in payments. The Wealth Management operating segment provides a full range of asset management, investment, and fiduciary services to individuals, businesses and foundations, tax preparation, philanthropic advisory services, farms, and brokerage services.

The Company’s three operating segments are strategic business units that are separately managed as they offer different products and services and have different marketing strategies. The “other” category consists of the Parent Company, First Busey Risk Management, and the elimination of intercompany transactions.

The segment financial information provided below has been derived from information used by management to monitor and manage the financial performance of the Company. The accounting policies of the three segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in “ Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies ” to the Company’s 2020 Annual Report. The Company accounts for intersegment revenue and transfers at current market value.

Following is a summary of selected financial information for the Company’s operating segments (dollars in thousands) :

Goodwill Total Assets
As of As of
March 31, December 31, March 31, December 31,
2021 2020 2021 2020
Banking $ 288,436 $ 288,436 $ 10,674,402 $ 10,462,673
Remittance Processing 8,992 8,992 46,765 46,553
Wealth Management 14,108 14,108 50,392 46,504
Other ( 11,996 ) ( 11,683 )
Totals $ 311,536 $ 311,536 $ 10,759,563 $ 10,544,047

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Net interest income:
Banking $ 68,455 $ 71,573
Remittance Processing 20 19
Wealth Management
Other ( 3,582 ) ( 2,159 )
Total net interest income $ 64,893 $ 69,433
Non-interest income:
Banking $ 12,884 $ 13,168
Remittance Processing 4,861 4,069
Wealth Management 12,587 11,709
Other 1,113 ( 1,429 )
Total non-interest income $ 31,445 $ 27,517
Non-interest expense:
Banking $ 42,091 $ 48,515
Remittance Processing 4,290 2,903
Wealth Management 6,565 6,974
Other 1,553 2,122
Total non-interest expense $ 54,499 $ 60,514
Income before income taxes:
Banking $ 46,044 $ 19,010
Remittance Processing 591 1,185
Wealth Management 6,022 4,735
Other ( 4,022 ) ( 5,710 )
Total income before income taxes $ 48,635 $ 19,220
Net income:
Banking $ 35,528 $ 14,924
Remittance Processing 429 860
Wealth Management 4,682 3,599
Other ( 2,823 ) ( 4,019 )
Total net income $ 37,816 $ 15,364

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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Note 15: Leases

The Company has operating leases consisting primarily of equipment leases and real estate leases. The Company leases real estate property for banking centers, ATM locations, and office space with terms extending through 2032. As of March 31, 2021, the Company reported $ 7.3 million of right-of-use assets and $ 7.4 million lease liabilities in its unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following tables represents lease costs and other lease information for the periods presented (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
Lease Costs 2021 2020
Operating lease costs $ 564 $ 620
Variable lease costs 174 171
Short-term lease costs 18 15
Total lease cost $ 756 $ 806
Other information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating lease cash flows – Fixed payments $ 546 $ 611
Operating lease cash flows – Liability reduction 495 530
Right of use assets obtained during the period in exchange for operating lease liabilities 148 128
Weighted average lease term (in years) 5.83 6.51
Weighted average discount rate 2.80 % 3.05 %

At March 31, 2021, the Company was obligated under noncancelable operating leases for office space and other commitments. Rent expense under operating leases, included in net occupancy and equipment expense, was $ 0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Rent commitments were as follows (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31,
2021
Remainder of 2021 $ 1,440
2022 1,604
2023 1,409
2024 974
2025 840
Thereafter 1,792
Amounts representing interest ( 679 )
Present value of net future minimum lease payments $ 7,380

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

OVERVIEW

First Busey is a $10.8 billion financial holding company headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.”

Our three operating segments provide a full range of banking, remittance processing, and wealth management services through our subsidiaries, Busey Bank and FirsTech, in Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area; southwest Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

The following discussion and analysis is intended to assist readers in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2021, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report, as well as the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

COVID-19

The Company continues to navigate the economic environment caused by COVID-19 effectively and prudently and remains resolute in its focus on serving its customers, communities, and associates while protecting its balance sheet. The progression of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has impacted the Company’s results of operations. The Company remains vigilant, given that negative impacts of COVID-19, such as further margin compression and a deterioration in asset quality, could impact future quarters.

Our commercial and consumer banking products and services are delivered in Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, and Florida. Each state has experienced a dramatic increase in unemployment claims as a result of the curtailment of business activities. Each state has taken different steps to reopen after COVID-19 thrust the country into lockdown starting in March 2020, and these efforts are subject to changes and delays based on case monitoring in each state.

Federal, state, and local governments, and regulatory authorities have enacted and issued a range of policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. See the Company’s 2020 Annual Report for information on policy and regulatory actions taken during 2020. Further, on March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion relief package providing a third round of Economic Impact Payments to millions of eligible Americans, expanding unemployment benefits and tax credits, and providing additional assistance to small businesses. An additional $7.25 billion in PPP funding was provided, and eligibility criteria was expanded to include some non-profit organizations.

We have taken, and continue to take, numerous steps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the following:

● First Busey offered a Financial Relief Program to qualifying customers designed to alleviate some of the financial hardships that they faced as a result of COVID-19. This program offered solutions for all types of customers—including retail, personal loan, and mortgage—as well as commercial clients and small businesses. The program included options for loan payment deferrals as well as certain fee waivers. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had 72 commercial loans remaining on payment deferrals representing $197.1 million in loans, consisting of $29.7 million in full payment deferrals and $167.4 million in interest only deferrals. In addition, as of March 31, 2021, the Company had 178 retail loans on payment deferrals representing $24.9 million.

● First Busey has served as a bridge for the PPP, actively helping existing and new business clients sign up for this important financial resource, and originated a total of $749.4 million in first round PPP loans representing 4,569 new and existing customers. As of March 31, 2021 , the Company had received approximately $478.5 million in borrower loan forgiveness from the SBA and had submitted forgiveness applications to the

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SBA on behalf of borrowers for another $131.6 million. On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid Act extended the authority to make PPP loans through March 31, 2021, and revised certain PPP requirements. On March 30, 2021, the President signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021, which extended the PPP application deadline to May 31, 2021, or until funding is exhausted. As of March 31, 2021, the Company originated a total of $262.5 million in second round PPP loans representing 2,123 new and existing customers. At March 31, 2021, First Busey had $533.4 million in total PPP loans outstanding, with an amortized cost of $522.1 million, representing 3,441 customers.

Operating Results

Operating performance metrics presented in the table below have been derived from information used by management to monitor and manage the financial performance of the Company (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) :

Three Months Ended
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2021 2020 2020
Reported: Net income $ 37,816 $ 28,345 $ 15,364
Adjusted: Net income (1) $ 38,065 $ 34,255 $ 15,479
Reported: Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.69 $ 0.52 $ 0.28
Adjusted: Diluted earnings per common share (2) $ 0.69 $ 0.62 $ 0.28
Reported: Return on average assets (3) 1.45 % 1.08 % 0.64 %
Adjusted: Return on average assets (2), (3) 1.46 % 1.31 % 0.64 %
Reported: Return on average tangible common equity (1), (3) 16.80 % 12.58 % 7.30 %
Adjusted: Return on average tangible common equity (2), (3) 16.91 % 15.21 % 7.36 %
Reported: Pre-provision net revenue (1) $ 40,198 $ 38,507 $ 35,849
Adjusted: Pre-provision net revenue (1) $ 42,753 $ 47,156 $ 38,211
Reported: Pre-provision net revenue to average assets (1), (3) 1.54 % 1.47 % 1.49 %
Adjusted: Pre-provision net revenue to average assets (1), (3) 1.64 % 1.80 % 1.59 %

(1) A non-GAAP financial measure. See “ Non-GAAP Financial Information ” included in this Quarterly Report.

(2) Calculated using adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure. See “ Non-GAAP Financial Information ” included in this Quarterly Report.

(3) Annualized measure.

T he Company views certain non-operating items, including acquisition-related and restructuring charges, as adjustments to net income reported under GAAP. Non-operating pre-tax adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2021, included $0.3 million of expenses related to prior acquisitions. A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures – including adjusted pre-provision net revenue, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted return on average assets, adjusted net interest margin, adjusted efficiency ratio, tangible common equity, tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible book value per share, and return on average tangible common equity – which the Company believes facilitates the assessment of its financial results and peer comparability, is included in tabular form in this Quarterly Report. See “ Non-GAAP Financial Information .”

Banking Center Markets

At March 31, 2021, Busey Bank had 53 banking centers in Illinois. Our Illinois markets feature several Fortune 1000 companies. Those organizations, 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. However, the financial condition of the state of Illinois, in which the largest portion of the Company’s customer base resides, is characterized by low credit ratings and budget deficits.

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At March 31, 2021, Busey Bank had 10 banking centers in Missouri. St. Louis, Missouri has a diverse economy with major employment sectors including health care, financial services, professional and business services, and retail. Fourteen of our banking centers in Illinois are located within the boundaries of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area.

At March 31, 2021, Busey Bank had four banking centers in southwest Florida, an area which has experienced above average population growth, job growth, and an expanded housing market over the last several years.

At March 31, 2021, Busey Bank had one banking center in the Indianapolis, Indiana area, which is the most populous city of Indiana with a diverse economy, including the headquarters of many large corporations.

Net Interest Income

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

Certain assets with tax favorable treatment are evaluated on a tax-equivalent basis. Tax-equivalent basis assumes an income tax rate of 21% . 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.

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Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rates (Unaudited)

The following table shows our Consolidated Average Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands) , and details the major categories 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 shown. All average information is provided on a daily average basis.

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020
Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/
Balance Expense Rate (5) Balance Expense Rate (5)
Assets
Interest-bearing bank deposits and federal funds sold $ 422,577 $ 150 0.14 % $ 358,740 $ 1,238 1.39 %
Investment securities:
U.S. Government obligations 94,003 483 2.08 % 190,812 1,091 2.30 %
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (1) 296,023 1,964 2.69 % 271,995 2,014 2.98 %
Other securities 2,171,654 7,437 1.39 % 1,275,757 7,859 2.48 %
Loans held for sale 31,373 156 2.02 % 61,963 477 3.10 %
Portfolio loans (1), (2) 6,736,664 62,742 3.78 % 6,658,277 72,484 4.38 %
Total interest-earning assets (1), (3) $ 9,752,294 $ 72,932 3.03 % $ 8,817,544 $ 85,163 3.88 %
Cash and due from banks 113,880 118,502
Premises and equipment 134,570 151,214
ACL (102,322) (69,862)
Other assets 695,823 670,779
Total assets $ 10,594,245 $ 9,688,177
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Interest-bearing transaction deposits $ 2,310,402 $ 512 0.09 % $ 1,989,478 $ 2,413 0.49 %
Savings and money market deposits 2,655,559 635 0.10 % 2,571,469 3,265 0.51 %
Time deposits 1,067,652 2,585 0.98 % 1,521,025 6,549 1.73 %
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements 184,694 57 0.13 % 182,280 408 0.90 %
Borrowings (4) 231,406 2,924 5.12 % 176,655 1,621 3.69 %
Junior subordinated debt issued to unconsolidated trusts 71,482 725 4.11 % 71,310 744 4.20 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 6,521,195 $ 7,438 0.46 % $ 6,512,217 $ 15,000 0.93 %
Net interest spread (1) 2.57 % 2.95 %
Noninterest-bearing deposits 2,688,845 1,842,743
Other liabilities 108,511 115,057
Stockholders’ equity 1,275,694 1,218,160
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,594,245 $ 9,688,177
Interest income / earning assets (1), (3) $ 9,752,294 $ 72,932 3.03 % $ 8,817,544 $ 85,163 3.88 %
Interest expense / earning assets $ 9,752,294 $ 7,438 0.31 % $ 8,817,544 $ 15,000 0.68 %
Net interest margin (1) $ 65,494 2.72 % $ 70,163 3.20 %

(1) On a tax-equivalent basis and assuming an income tax rate of 21 %.

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

(3) Interest income includes a tax-equivalent adjustment of $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively .

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

(5) Annualized.

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Earning Assets, Sources of Funds, and Net Interest Margin

Changes in average earning assets are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020 Change % Change
Average interest-earning assets $ 9,752,294 $ 8,817,544 $ 934,750 10.6 %
Average interest-bearing liabilities 6,521,195 6,512,217 8,978 0.1 %
Average noninterest-bearing deposits 2,688,845 1,842,743 846,102 45.9 %
Total average deposits 8,722,458 7,924,715 797,743 10.1 %
Total average liabilities 9,318,551 8,470,017 848,534 10.0 %
Average noninterest-bearing deposits as a percent of total average deposits 30.8 % 23.3 %
Total average deposits as a percent of total average liabilities 93.6 % 93.6 %

Changes in sources of funds and net interest margin are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020 Change % Change
Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis (1) $ 72,932 $ 85,163 $ (12,231) (14.4) %
Interest expense 7,438 15,000 (7,562) (50.4) %
Net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis (1) $ 65,494 $ 70,163 $ (4,669) (6.7) %
Net interest margin (1), (2) 2.72 % 3.20 %

(1) Assuming an income tax rate of 21% .

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

The Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and interest rates were impacted in 2021 and 2020 by numerous factors surrounding COVID-19. The FOMC rate cuts during the first quarter of 2020 contributed to the decline in net interest margin over the past year, as assets, in particular commercial loans, repriced more quickly and to a greater extent than liabilities. The net interest margin has also been negatively impacted by the balance of lower-yielding PPP loans, significant growth in the Company’s liquidity position, and the issuance of subordinated debt completed during the second quarter of 2020. Those impacts were partially offset by the Company’s efforts to lower deposit funding costs as well as the fees recognized on PPP loans, although variability in the timing and amount of net fee recognition tied to forgiveness of PPP loans has had a disparate impact on net interest margin from quarter to quarter.

The Company remains substantially core deposit funded, with robust liquidity and significant market share in the communities we serve.

Net interest spread, which represents the difference between the average rate earned on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 2.57% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to 2.95% in the same period of 2020, each on a tax equivalent basis.

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

2021 2020
First Quarter 2.72 % 3.20 %
Second Quarter 3.03 %
Third Quarter 2.86 %
Fourth Quarter 3.06 %

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During the first quarter of 2021, PPP loan interest and net fees contributed $4.8 million to net interest income, compared to $9.5 million, in the fourth quarter of 2020, accounting for approximately 20 basis points of the decline in net interest margin. Management attempts to mitigate the effects of an unpredictable interest-rate environment through effective portfolio management, prudent loan underwriting, and operational efficiencies. However, as a result of the reductions in the target interest rate, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our net interest income and margin may continue to decline in future periods. Please refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report for a description of accounting policies underlying the recognition of interest income and expense.

Non-Interest Income

Changes in non-interest income are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020 Change % Change
Wealth management fees $ 12,584 $ 11,555 $ 1,029 8.9 %
Fees for customer services 8,037 8,361 (324) (3.9) %
Remittance processing 4,418 3,753 665 17.7 %
Mortgage revenue 2,666 1,381 1,285 93.0 %
Income on bank owned life insurance 964 1,057 (93) (8.8) %
Net gains (losses) on sales of securities 25 1,574 (1,549) NM
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities 1,616 (987) 2,603 263.7 %
Other income 1,135 823 312 37.9 %
Total non-interest income $ 31,445 $ 27,517 $ 3,928 14.3 %

Total non-interest income increased by 14.3% to $31.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $27.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Revenues from wealth management fees and remittance processing activities represented 54.1% of the Company’s non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 , providing a complement to spread-based revenue from traditional banking activities. On a combined basis, revenue from these two critical operating segments increased 11.1% year-over-year, from $15.3 million in the first quarter of 2020 to $17.0 million in the first quarter of 2021.

Wealth management fees increased by 8.9% to $12.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $11.6 million for the same period in 2020. First Busey’s Wealth Management division ended the first quarter of 2021 with $10.7 billion in assets under care, compared to $8.9 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2020.

Fees for customer services decreased by 3.9% to $8.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $8.4 million for the same period in 2020 . Fees for customer services have been impacted since March 2020 due to changing customer behaviors resulting from COVID-19 and related government stimulus programs.

Remittance processing revenue relates to our payment processing company, FirsTech. Remittance processing revenue increased by 17.7% to $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $3.8 million for the same period in 2020. Remittance processing adds important diversity to our revenue stream while widening our array of service offerings to larger commercial clients within our footprint and nationally. The Company is currently making strategic investments in FirsTech to further enhance future growth.

Mortgage revenue increased 93.0% to $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2020. Decreased recognition of deferred loan origination expenses of $1.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $2.4 million for same period in 2020, was a significant driver of the increase. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we also released $0.4 million of the repurchase reserve, compared to an insignificant amount of expense for same period in 2020. In addition, net gain on sale yields increased during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, but were partially offset by a decline in mortgage volumes. General economic conditions and interest rate volatility may impact fees in future quarters.

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Income on bank owned life insurance decreased 8.8%, to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2020, primarily as a result of lower earnings on life insurance policies.

Other income increased 37.9% to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $0.8 million for the same period in 2020. Other income variances are primarily driven by fluctuations in income generated from swap origination fees, commercial loan sales gains, and gains and losses on fixed asset disposal.

Non-Interest Expense

Changes in non-interest expense are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands) :

Three Months Ended March 31,
2021 2020 Change % Change
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits $ 30,384 $ 34,003 $ (3,619) (10.6) %
Data processing 4,280 4,395 (115) (2.6) %
Net occupancy expense of premises 4,563 4,715 (152) (3.2) %
Furniture and equipment expenses 2,026 2,449 (423) (17.3) %
Professional fees 1,945 1,824 121 6.6 %
Amortization of intangible assets 2,401 2,557 (156) (6.1) %
Interchange expense 1,484 1,169 315 26.9 %
Other expense 7,416 9,402 (1,986) (21.1) %
Total non-interest expense $ 54,499 $ 60,514 $ (6,015) (9.9) %
Income taxes $ 10,819 $ 3,856 $ 6,963 180.6 %
Effective income tax rate 22.2 % 20.1 %
Efficiency ratio (1) 54.7 % 59.7 %
Adjusted efficiency ratio (1) 54.3 % 59.5 %
Full-time equivalent employees as of period-end 1,332 1,507

(1) For a reconciliation of efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio, non-GAAP financial measures, see Non-GAAP Financial Information.

Total non-interest expense decreased by 9.9% to $54.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $60.5 million for three months ended March 31, 2020 . The Company remains focused on expense discipline and has seen expense reductions as a result of its branch closures in 2020, staffing model enhancements, strategic actions in response to COVID-19, and the realization of remaining expense savings from prior acquisitions.

Salaries, wages, and employee benefits decreased by 10.6% to $30.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $34.0 million for the same period in 2020 . Total full-time equivalents at March 31, 2021, numbered 1,332, compared to 1,346 at December 31, 2020, and 1,507 at March 31, 2020, a decline of 11.6% year-over-year. Further, deferral of PPP loan origination costs contributed $1.8 million to the lower salaries, wages, and benefits expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Data processing expense decreased by 2.6% to $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2020.

Combined, net occupancy expense of premises and furniture and equipment expense decreased by 8.0% to $6.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $7.2 million for the same period in 2020 . The decrease in 2021 primarily related to savings achieved through the closure of 12 banking centers in October of 2020.

Professional fees increased by 6.6% to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $1.8 million for the same period of 2020 . Professional fee variances were largely influenced by acquisition expenses.

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Amortization of intangible assets decreased by 6.1% to $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2020.

Interchange expense increased by 26.9% to $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2020, as a result of increased payment and volume activity at FirsTech.

Other expense decreased by 21.1% to $7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $9.4 million for the same period in 2020. Deferral of PPP loan origination costs reduced other expense by $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Other v ariances are across multiple expense categories, including business development and travel expenses, mortgage servicing rights valuations, provision for unfunded commitments, and new market tax credit impairment.

The efficiency ratio 1 , which is a measure commonly used by management and the banking industry, measures the amount of expense incurred to generate a dollar of revenue. The efficiency ratio was 54.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to 59.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2020, and 59.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 . The adjusted efficiency ratio 1 was 54.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to 52.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2020, and 59.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 . The Company remains focused on expense discipline.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate of 22.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, was lower than the combined federal and state statutory rate of approximately 28% due to tax exempt interest income, such as municipal bond interest and bank owned life insurance income, and investments in various federal and state tax credits, including an Illinois new market tax credit. The Company continues to monitor evolving federal and state tax legislation and its potential impact on operations on an ongoing basis. At March 31, 2021, the Company was not under examination by any tax authority; however, Banc Ed, which the Company acquired on January 31, 2019, is under examination by the Illinois Department of Revenue for its 2009 to 2016 income tax filings.

1 A Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Information” for reconciliation.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

Balance Sheet

Changes in significant items included in our unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows as of each of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31,
2021 2020 Change % Change
Assets
Debt securities available for sale $ 2,796,955 $ 2,261,187 $ 535,768 23.7 %
Portfolio loans, net 6,685,357 6,713,129 (27,772) (0.4) %
Total assets $ 10,759,563 $ 10,544,047 $ 215,516 2.0 %
Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing $ 2,859,492 $ 2,552,039 $ 307,453 12.0 %
Interest-bearing 6,014,355 6,125,810 (111,455) (1.8) %
Total deposits $ 8,873,847 $ 8,677,849 $ 195,998 2.3 %
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase $ 210,132 $ 175,614 $ 34,518 19.7 %
Senior notes, net of unamortized issuance costs 39,843 39,809 34 0.1 %
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs 182,370 182,226 144 0.1 %
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts 71,509 71,468 41 0.1 %
Total liabilities $ 9,493,741 $ 9,273,978 $ 219,763 2.4 %
Stockholders’ equity $ 1,265,822 $ 1,270,069 $ (4,247) (0.3) %

Portfolio Loans

The Company believes that making sound and profitable loans is a necessary and desirable means of employing funds available for investment. The Company 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, the Company attempts to focus its lending on short to intermediate-term (0-7 years) loans in geographic areas within 125 miles of its lending offices. Loans originated outside of these areas are generally residential mortgage loans originated for sale in the secondary market or loans to existing customers of Busey Bank. The Company attempts 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 the Company’s lending policies and procedures on a regular basis. Management routinely (at least quarterly) reviews the Company’s ACL in conjunction with reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, and non-performing and potential problem loans. The Company’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.

As a matter of policy and practice, the Company limits the level of concentration exposure in any particular loan segment with the goal of maintaining a well-diversified loan portfolio. In anticipation of the potential risks associated

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with COVID-19, the Company took actions starting in early March 2020 to escalate the monitoring of susceptible industry sectors within its portfolio. The Company anticipates that organic loan growth will slow in future quarters as a result of COVID-19 and the related impact on economic conditions in the Company’s market areas.

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

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

The Company’s lending activities can be summarized into five primary areas: commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, real estate construction loans, retail real estate loans, and retail other loans. A description of each of the lending areas can be found in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report. The significant majority of the Company’s portfolio lending activity occurs in its Illinois and Missouri markets, with the remainder in the Indiana and Florida markets.

Geographic distributions of portfolio loans, based on originations, by category were as follows (dollars in thousands) :

March 31, 2021
Illinois Missouri Florida Indiana Total
Commercial $ 1,424,066 $ 519,324 $ 72,740 $ 51,241 $ 2,067,371
Commercial real estate 1,852,506 706,144 170,445 183,871 2,912,966
Real estate construction 203,218 107,708 56,489 55,218 422,633
Retail real estate 934,607 262,000 94,676 52,016 1,343,299
Retail other 27,961 2,220 1,508 1,342 33,031
Portfolio loans $ 4,442,358 $ 1,597,396 $ 395,858 $ 343,688 $ 6,779,300
ACL (93,943)
Portfolio loans, net $ 6,685,357
December 31, 2020
Illinois Missouri Florida Indiana Total
Commercial $ 1,386,587 $ 529,281 $ 50,878 $ 47,830 $ 2,014,576
Commercial real estate 1,880,437 715,680 154,234 142,184 2,892,535
Real estate construction 192,971 115,227 57,381 96,207 461,786
Retail real estate 963,538 295,352 94,748 54,214 1,407,852
Retail other 32,678 2,415 1,188 1,147 37,428
Portfolio loans $ 4,456,211 $ 1,657,955 $ 358,429 $ 341,582 $ 6,814,177
ACL (101,048)
Portfolio loans, net $ 6,713,129

Portfolio loans decreased by 0.5% as of March 31, 2021, compared to December 31, 2020 . Commercial balances (consisting of commercial, commercial real estate and real estate construction loans), excluding PPP loans, decreased $ 41.6 million from December 31, 2020 . The Company’s commercial customer base is sound, and the majority of the decrease is related to line utilization. Retail real estate and retail other loans decreased $69.0 million from December 31, 2020 . The retail real estate and retail other loans decrease is primarily a result of loan run-off.

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Allowance and Provision for Credit Losses

The ACL is a significant estimate in the Company’s unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets, affecting both earnings and capital. The methodology adopted influences, and is influenced by, Busey Bank’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. All estimates of credit losses should be 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 credit loss expense decreased by 139.5% due to a reserve release of ($6.8) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to a $17.2 million expense for the same period in 2020. As a result of continued strength in asset quality performance metrics, as well as improved macro-economic outlooks and unguaranteed loan balance declines, the first quarter 2021 results reflect a provision release, as compared to a reserve build at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020.

The relationship between our portfolio loan balances and our ACL is summarized as follows, as of each of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
2021 2020 2020 2020 2020
Portfolio loans, excluding PPP loans $ 6,257,196 $ 6,367,774 $ 6,384,916 $ 6,499,734 $ 6,745,499
PPP loans, amortized cost 522,104 446,403 736,395 729,286
Portfolio loans $ 6,779,300 $ 6,814,177 $ 7,121,311 $ 7,229,020 $ 6,745,499
ACL $ 93,943 $ 101,048 $ 98,841 $ 96,046 $ 84,384
ACL to portfolio loans 1.39 % 1.48 % 1.39 % 1.33 % 1.25 %
ACL to portfolio loans, excluding PPP loans 1.50 % 1.59 % 1.55 % 1.48 % 1.25 %
ACL to non-performing loans 411.04 % 415.82 % 408.82 % 378.43 % 310.10 %
ACL to non-performing assets 346.05 % 349.99 % 339.02 % 329.66 % 274.29 %

As of March 31, 2021 , management believed the level of the ACL to be appropriate based upon the information available. However, additional losses may be identified in our loan portfolio as new information is obtained. The ongoing impacts of CECL will be dependent upon changes in economic conditions and forecasts, originated and acquired loan portfolio composition, credit performance trends, portfolio duration, and other factors.

Non-performing Loans and Non-performing Assets

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and 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 our interest in the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. Our loan portfolio is collateralized primarily by real estate.

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The following table sets forth information concerning non-performing loans and performing restructured loans, as of each of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands) :

As of
March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
2021 2020 2020 2020 2020
Loans 30 – 89 days past due $ 9,929 $ 7,578 $ 6,708 $ 5,166 $ 10,150
Non-accrual loans 21,706 22,930 23,898 25,095 25,672
Loans 90+ days past due and still accruing 1,149 1,371 279 285 1,540
Non-performing loans 22,855 24,301 24,177 25,380 27,212
OREO 4,292 4,571 4,978 3,755 3,553
Non-performing assets 27,147 28,872 29,155 29,135 30,765
Substandard (excludes 90+ days past due) 65,088 68,924 77,939 83,704 77,908
Classified assets $ 92,235 $ 97,796 $ 107,094 $ 112,839 $ 108,673
Performing TDRs (includes 30 – 89 days past due) $ 3,299 $ 3,829 $ 4,218 $ 4,316 $ 4,949
Non-performing assets to total assets 0.25 % 0.27 % 0.28 % 0.27 % 0.32 %
Non-performing loans to portfolio loans 0.34 % 0.36 % 0.34 % 0.35 % 0.40 %
Non-performing loans to portfolio loans, excluding PPP loans 0.37 % 0.38 % 0.38 % 0.39 % 0.40 %
Non-performing assets to portfolio loans and OREO 0.40 % 0.42 % 0.41 % 0.40 % 0.46 %
Classified assets to Busey Bank Tier 1 Capital and ACL 7.76 % 8.47 % 9.58 % 10.47 % 10.53 %

Non-performing loan balances decreased 6.0% to $22.9 million at March 31, 2021, compared with $24.3 million at December 31, 2020 . Continued disciplined credit management resulted in non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans of 0.34% at March 31, 2021, compared to 0.36% at December 31, 2020, and 0.40% at March 31, 2020 . Excluding the amortized cost of PPP loans, non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.37% at March 31, 2021, compared to 0.38% at December 31, 2020.

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 as a result of COVID-19, the Company would expect the credit quality of our loan portfolio to decline and loan defaults to increase.

Potential Problem Loans

Potential problem loans are loans classified as substandard which are not categorized as impaired, restructured, 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 probable credit losses. Potential problem loans decreased by 5.5% to $65.0 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $68.8 million at December 31, 2020 . Management continues to monitor these credits and anticipates that restructurings, guarantees, additional collateral, or other planned actions will result in full repayment of the debts. As of March 31, 2021, management identified no other loans that represent or result from trends or uncertainties which would be expected to materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital resources.

To alleviate some of the financial hardships faced as a result of COVID-19, the Company offered a Financial Relief Program to qualifying customers. The program included options for short-term loan payment deferrals and certain fee waivers. As of March 31, 2021 , the Company had 72 commercial loans on payment deferrals representing $197.1 million in loans. Of this balance, $29.7 million remained on full payment deferral, with the remaining $167.4 million on

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interest only deferral. In addition, as of March 31, 2021 , the Company had 178 retail loans on payment deferrals representing $24.9 million in loans. As these deferrals expire, the Company will continue to monitor credits for potential problem loans.

Deposits

Total deposits increased 2.3% on a year-to-date basis to $8.9 billion at March 31, 2021, as compared to $8.7 billion at December 31, 2020 . We focus on deepening our relationships with customers to foster core deposit growth, allowing us to reduce our reliance on wholesale funding. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, our deposit balances were impacted by the retention of PPP loan funding in customer deposit accounts, the impacts of economic stimulus payments to consumers, and other core deposit growth.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity management is the process by which we ensure that adequate liquid funds are available to meet the present and future cash flow obligations arising in the daily operations of our 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. Our most liquid assets are cash and due from banks, interest-bearing bank deposits, and federal funds sold. Balances of these assets are dependent on the Company’s operating, investing, lending, and financing activities during any given period.

First 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, First Busey’s revolving credit facility, or to utilize brokered deposits. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had additional capacity to borrow $1.6 billion from the FHLB and $483.8 million from the Federal Reserve. The Company has the ability to pledge PPP loans as collateral to either the FHLB or Federal Reserve Discount Window to increase the availability to borrow against any potential short-term funding needs.

As of March 31, 2021 , management believed that adequate liquidity existed to meet all projected cash flow obligations. We seek 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

The 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. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding loan commitments and standby letters of credit of $1.8 billion. The balance of commitments to extend credit represents future cash requirements and some of these commitments may expire without being drawn upon. We anticipate we will have sufficient funds available to meet current loan commitments, including loan applications received and in process prior to the issuance of firm commitments.

As of March 31, 2021, our reserve for unfunded commitments was $7.7 million, compared to $7.3 million at December 31, 2020 . Unfunded provision expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $0.4 million, compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our capital ratios are in excess of those required to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to applicable regulatory guidelines. The Federal Reserve Board 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

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requirements. The table below presents minimum capital ratios with capital buffer and March 31, 2021, capital ratios for First Busey and Busey Bank.

Minimum Capital As of March 31, 2021
Requirements with First Busey Busey
Capital Buffer Corporation Bank
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets 10.50 % 17.39 % 16.06 %
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets 8.50 % 13.84 % 15.06 %
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets 7.00 % 12.83 % 15.06 %
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets 9.85 % 10.71 %

For further discussion of capital resources and requirements, see “ Note 7: Regulatory Capital.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. These measures include adjusted pre-provision net revenue, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted return on average assets, adjusted net interest margin, efficiency ratio, adjusted efficiency ratio, tangible common equity, tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible book value per share, and return on average tangible common equity. Management uses these non-GAAP measures, together with the related GAAP measures, to analyze the Company’s performance and to make business decisions. Management also uses these measures for peer comparisons.

A reconciliation to what management believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures – specifically net income in the case of adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted return on average assets; total net interest income in the case of adjusted net interest margin; total non-interest income and total non-interest expense in the case of efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio; and total stockholders’ equity in the case of tangible common equity, tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible book value per share, and return on average tangible common equity – appears below. The Company believes the adjusted measures are useful for investors and management to understand the effects of certain non-recurring non-interest items and provides additional perspective on the Company’s performance over time as well as comparison to the Company’s peers.

These 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 statutory rates and effective rates as appropriate.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2021 2020 2020
Net interest income $ 64,893 $ 72,936 $ 69,433
Non-interest income 31,445 30,499 27,517
Less net (gains) losses on sales of securities and unrealized (gains) losses recognized on equity securities (1,641) (855) (587)
Non-interest expense (54,499) (64,073) (60,514)
Pre-provision net revenue $ 40,198 $ 38,507 $ 35,849
Acquisition and other restructuring expenses 320 7,550 145
Provision for unfunded commitments 406 (12) 1,017
New Market Tax Credit amortization 1,829 1,111 1,200
Adjusted: Pre-provision net revenue $ 42,753 $ 47,156 $ 38,211
Average total assets $ 10,594,245 $ 10,419,364 $ 9,688,177
Reported : Pre-provision net revenue to average assets (1) 1.54 % 1.47 % 1.49 %
Adjusted : Pre-provision net revenue to average assets (1) 1.64 % 1.80 % 1.59 %

(1) Annualized measure.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, and Adjusted Return on Average Assets

(unaudited, dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2021 2020 2020
Reported: Net income $ 37,816 $ 28,345 $ 15,364
Acquisition expenses:
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits
Data processing 7 56
Lease or fixed asset impairment 245
Professional fees and other 313 479 145
Other restructuring costs:
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits 113
Data processing
Lease or fixed asset impairment 6,657
Professional fees and other
Related tax benefit (71) (1,640) (30)
Adjusted: Net income $ 38,065 $ 34,255 $ 15,479
Dilutive average common shares outstanding 55,035,806 54,911,458 54,913,329
Reported: Diluted earnings per share $ 0.69 $ 0.52 $ 0.28
Adjusted: Diluted earnings per share 0.69 0.62 0.28
Average total assets $ 10,594,245 $ 10,419,364 $ 9,688,177
Reported: Return on average assets (1) 1.45 % 1.08 % 0.64 %
Adjusted: Return on average assets (1) 1.46 % 1.31 % 0.64 %

(1) Annualized measure.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Adjusted Net Interest Margin

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2021 2020 2020
Reported : Net interest income $ 64,893 $ 72,936 $ 69,433
Tax-equivalent adjustment 601 655 730
Acquisition-related purchase accounting accretion (2,157) (2,469) (2,827)
Adjusted : Net interest income $ 63,337 $ 71,122 $ 67,336
Average interest-earning assets $ 9,752,294 $ 9,557,265 $ 8,817,544
Reported : Net interest margin (1) 2.72 % 3.06 % 3.20 %
Adjusted : Net Interest margin (1) 2.63 % 2.96 % 3.07 %

(1) Annualized measure.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Adjusted Efficiency Ratio

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2021 2020 2020
Reported : Net Interest income $ 64,893 $ 72,936 $ 69,433
Tax-equivalent adjustment 601 655 730
Tax-equivalent interest income $ 65,494 $ 73,591 $ 70,163
Reported : Non-interest income 31,445 30,499 27,517
Less net (gains) losses on sales of securities and unrealized (gains) losses recognized on equity securities (1,641) (855) (587)
Adjusted: Non-interest income $ 29,804 $ 29,644 $ 26,930
Reported : Non-interest expense 54,499 64,073 60,514
Amortization of intangible assets (2,401) (2,439) (2,557)
Non-operating adjustments:
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits (113)
Data processing (7) (56)
Lease or fixed asset impairment (6,902)
Professional fees and other (313) (479) (145)
Adjusted: Non-interest expense $ 51,778 $ 54,084 $ 57,812
Reported : Efficiency ratio (1) 54.67 % 59.70 % 59.69 %
Adjusted : Efficiency ratio (2) 54.33 % 52.39 % 59.54 %

(1) Calculated as total non-interest expense, less amortization charges, as a percentage of tax-equivalent net interest income, plus non-interest income, less security gains and losses.

(2) Calculated as adjusted non-interest expense, as a percentage of tax-equivalent net interest income plus non-interest income, less security gains and losses.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Tangible Common Equity, Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets, Tangible Book Value per Share, and Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

As of and for the Three Months Ended
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2021 2020 2020
Total Assets $ 10,759,563 $ 10,544,047 $ 9,721,405
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net (361,120) (363,521) (370,572)
Tax effect of other intangible assets, net 13,883 14,556 16,530
Tangible assets $ 10,412,326 $ 10,195,082 $ 9,367,363
Total stockholders’ equity 1,265,822 1,270,069 1,217,585
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net (361,120) (363,521) (370,572)
Tax effect of other intangible assets, net 13,883 14,556 16,530
Tangible common equity $ 918,585 $ 921,104 $ 863,543
Ending number of common shares outstanding 54,345,379 54,404,379 54,401,208
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1) 8.82 % 9.03 % 9.22 %
Tangible book value per share $ 16.65 $ 16.66 $ 15.57
Average common equity $ 1,275,694 $ 1,261,298 $ 1,218,160
Average goodwill and other intangible assets, net (362,693) (365,120) (372,240)
Average tangible common equity $ 913,001 $ 896,178 $ 845,920
Reported : Return on average tangible common equity (2) 16.80 % 12.58 % 7.30 %
Adjusted : Return on average tangible common equity (2)(3) 16.91 % 15.21 % 7.36 %

(1) Tax-effected measure, 28% estimated deferred tax rate.

(2) Annualized measure.

(3) Calculated using adjusted net income.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this document, other than those concerning historical financial information, may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of the Company’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,” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the Company’s forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local, state, national, and international economy (including the impact of the new presidential administration); (ii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks, widespread disease or pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets; (iii) changes in state and federal laws, regulations, and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business; (iv) changes in accounting policies and practices, including FASB’s CECL impairment standards; (v) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets (including the impact of the LIBOR phase-out); (vi) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers; (vii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (viii) the loss of key executives or associates; (ix) changes in consumer spending; (x) unexpected results of current and/or future acquisitions, which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisition and the possibility that the transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (xi) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; and (xii) the economic impact of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and blizzards. 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 the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect its financial results, is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

First 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 the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of First Busey’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, 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 the Company’s critical accounting estimates. The following policies could be deemed critical:

Fair Value of Debt Securities Available for Sale

The fair values of debt securities available for sale are measurements from an independent pricing service and are based on observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. The use of different judgments and estimates to determine the fair value of securities could result in a different fair value estimate.

Realized securities gains or losses are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

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Debt securities available for sale are not within the scope of CECL, however, the accounting for credit losses on these securities is affected by ASC 326-30. A debt security available for sale is impaired if the fair value of the security declines below its amortized cost basis. To determine the appropriate accounting, the Company must first determine if it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before the fair value increases to at least the amortized cost basis. If either of those selling events is expected, the Company will write down the amortized cost basis of the security to its fair value. This is achieved by writing off any previously recorded ACL balance related to the debt security, if applicable, and recognizing any incremental impairment through earnings. If the Company does not intend to sell the security, nor believes it more likely than not will be required to sell the security before the fair value recovers to the amortized cost basis, the Company must determine whether any of the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit loss, or if it is entirely the result of noncredit factors.

The Company considers the following factors in assessing whether the decline is due to a credit loss:

● Extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis.

● Adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area (for example, changes in the financial condition of the issuer of the security, or in the case of an asset-backed debt security, in the financial condition of the underlying loan obligors).

● Payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future.

● Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments.

● Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency.

Impairment related to a credit loss must be measured using the discounted cash flow method. Credit loss recognition is limited to the fair value of the security. The impairment is recognized by establishing an ACL balance for the debt security through the provision for credit losses. Impairment related to noncredit factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

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 820 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 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 in the scope of ASC 326-30. However, the offset to record the ACL at the date of acquisition on acquired loans depends on whether or not the loan is classified as PCD. The ACL for PCD loans is recorded through a gross-up effect, while the ACL 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. Determining the fair value often involves estimates based on third-party valuations, such as appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques. Goodwill is not amortized, instead, the Company assess the potential for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The Company will continue to monitor events around COVID-19 and its potential impact on goodwill.

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Income Taxes

The Company estimates income tax expense based on amounts expected to be owed to federal and state tax jurisdictions. Estimated income tax expense is reported in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income. Accrued and deferred taxes, as reported in other assets or other liabilities in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets, represent the net estimated amount due to or to be received from taxing jurisdictions either currently or in the future. Management judgment is involved in estimating accrued and deferred taxes, as it may be necessary to evaluate the risks and merits of the tax treatment of transactions, filing positions, and taxable income calculations after considering tax-related statutes, regulations, and other relevant factors. Because of the complexity of tax laws and interpretations, interpretation is subject to judgment.

Allowance for Credit Losses

T he Company calculates the ACL at each reporting date. The Company recognizes an ACL for the lifetime expected credit losses for the amount the Company does not expect to collect. The 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 the Company 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 the Company’s credit exposure. The ACL must be determined on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exists. On a case-by-case basis, the Company may conclude a loan should be evaluated on an individual basis based on the 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 by management. 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 First Busey as other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, have minimal impact or do not arise in the normal course of First Busey’s business activities.

First 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 to optimize stability in net interest income in consideration of projected future changes in interest rates.

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, +200 and +300 basis points. Due to the current low interest rate environment, a downward adjustment in federal fund rates was not meaningful at March 31, 2021, or December 31, 2020. 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.

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The interest rate risk of First Busey as a result of 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
+100 +200 +300
March 31, 2021 6.06 % 11.26 % 15.92 %
December 31, 2020 7.40 % 14.16 % 20.20 %
Year-Two: Basis Point Changes
+100 +200 +300
March 31, 2021 8.16 % 14.99 % 21.11 %
December 31, 2020 9.59 % 17.95 % 25.40 %

Interest rate risk is monitored and managed within approved policy limits. 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 our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, was carried out as of March 31, 2021, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and several other members of our senior management. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act was (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (ii) 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 quarter ended March 31, 2021, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

There is no material pending litigation, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business, in which First Busey 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 First Busey in which any director, officer, or affiliate of First 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 risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of Part 1 of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On February 3, 2015, First Busey’s board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate of 666,667 shares of its common stock. The repurchase plan has no expiration date. On May 22, 2019, First Busey’s board of directors approved an amendment to increase the authorized shares under the repurchase program by 1,000,000 shares, and on February 5, 2020, First Busey’s board of directors approved another amendment to increase the authorized shares under the repurchase program by an additional 2,000,000 shares. On March 11, 2021, the Company decided to resume open-market share repurchases under its share repurchase program. During the first quarter of 2021, the company purchased 59,000 shares under the plan. At March 31, 2021, the Company had 1,799,824 shares that may still be purchased under the plan.

Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Common Share Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1-31, 2021 $ — 1,858,824
February 1-28, 2021 $ — 1,858,824
March 1-31, 2021 59,000 $ 25.58 59,000 1,799,824

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
2.1** Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among First Busey Corporation, Energizer Acquisition Corp., and Cummins-American Corp., dated January 19, 2021 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 19, 2021 (Commission No. 0-15950), and incorporated herein by reference)
10.33†* Gregory B. Lykins Letter of Understanding, dated April 1, 2021
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)
  • Filed herewith

** First Busey has omitted schedules and similar attachments to the subject agreement pursuant to Item 601(b) of Regulation S-K. First Busey hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted schedule or similar attachment to the SEC upon request.

† Management contract or compensatory plan

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

(Registrant)

​ — ​ By: /s/ VAN A. DUKEMAN
Van A. Dukeman
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
By: /s/ JEFFREY D. JONES
Jeffrey D. Jones
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
By: /s/ LYNETTE M. STRODE
Lynette M. Strode
Principal Accounting Officer

Date: May 6, 2021

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