FIRST BUSEY CORP NV

Legal Matters

Busey is a party to legal actions which arise in the normal course of its business activities. Legal and administrative proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and while unfavorable outcomes could occur, Busey does not believe at this time that any potential liabilities relating to pending or potential legal matters are likely to have a material impact on Busey's results of operations or financial position.

Credit Commitments and Contingencies

A summary of the contractual amount of Busey’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):

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Franchise Tax Matter

In 2021, Busey received an inquiry from the ISOS, pursuant to which the ISOS asked for additional information regarding certain of our franchise tax filings and the calculation of amounts due thereunder. The franchise tax is established by the Illinois Business Corporation Act (“BCA”) 805 ILCS 5/1 et seq., and is a tax imposed on foreign and domestic corporations for the privilege of conducting business in Illinois. Busey has been cooperating with the inquiry and has agreed to prepare additional BCA forms requested by the ISOS, with a full reservation of rights by Busey, including seeking judicial relief, if necessary, with respect to any potential dispute regarding Busey’s preparation of the BCA forms and the calculation of the franchise taxes due. Where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, or the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, as is the case with this matter, no accrual is required. It is reasonably possible that this matter could require us to pay additional taxes, including potential penalties and interest, or make other expenditures or accrue liabilities in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated as of December 31, 2023. If the likelihood of potential liabilities elevates, requiring an accrual, the potential future liabilities could be material in the period(s) in which they are recorded.

NOTE 17. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Busey utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. Additionally, Busey enters into derivative financial instruments, including interest rate lock commitments issued to residential loan customers for loans that will be held for sale; forward sales commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to investors; and interest rate swaps, risk participation agreements, and foreign currency exchange contracts with customers and other third parties. See“Note 18. Fair Value Measurements” for further discussion of the fair value measurement of such derivatives.

To secure its obligations under derivative contracts, Busey pledged cash and held collateral as follows(dollars in thousands):

Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges

Busey entered into derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges. For a derivative instrument that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair value of components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

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Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

Interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $350.0 million as of both December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, were designated as cash flow hedges. Busey entered into one $50.0 million interest rate swap to hedge the risks of variability in cash flows for future interest payments attributable to changes in the contractually specified 3-month LIBOR benchmark interest rate on Busey’s junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts (“Debt Swap”). In addition, Busey entered into one $300.0 million receive fixed pay floating interest rate swap to reduce Busey's asset sensitivity (“Loan Swap”). Duration was added to our loan portfolio by fixing a portion of our floating prime-based loans. Interest rates had risen above their historical lows allowing Busey to lock in a portion of its loan portfolio to reduce asset sensitivity while creating a more stable margin in a volatile rate market. These hedges were determined to be highly effective during the period, and Busey expects its hedges to remain highly effective during the remaining terms of the swaps. Changes in fair value were recorded net of tax in OCI.

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

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Busey expects to reclassify unrealized gains and losses from OCI to interest income and interest expense as shown in the following table, during the next 12 months(dollars in thousands). Amounts actually recognized could differ from these expectations due to changes in interest rates, hedge de-designations, and the addition of other hedges subsequent to December 31, 2023.

Interest income (expense) recorded on swap transactions was as follows for the periods presented(dollars in thousands):

The following table reflects the net gains (losses) recorded in AOCI and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income relating to cash flow derivative instruments for the periods presented(dollars in thousands):

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Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges

Interest Rate Swaps

Busey may offer derivative contracts to its customers in connection with their risk management needs. Busey manages the risk associated with these contracts by entering into equal and offsetting derivative agreements with a third-party dealer. These contracts supported variable rate, commercial loan relationships totaling $663.1 million and $576.9 million as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. These derivatives generally worked together as an economic interest rate hedge, but Busey did not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

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

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

Risk Participation Agreements

To manage the credit risk exposure related to customer-facing swaps, Busey entered into risk participation agreements in conjunction with loan participation arrangements with other financial institutions. Under these risk participation agreements, Busey purchased a portion of the credit exposure, paying an up-front fee, and will receive a payment from the counterparty if the loan customer defaults on its obligations.

Busey also entered into a risk participation agreement under which Busey sold a portion of its credit exposure, receiving an up-front fee, and will be required to make a payment to the counterparty if the loan customer defaults on its obligations.

The notional amount of the risk participation agreements reflect Busey's pro-rata share of the derivative instrument, consistent with its share of the related participated loan. The risk participation agreements mature between 2024 and 2029, and are summarized as follows(dollars in thousands):

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Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

In 2023, Busey entered into foreign currency exchange contracts to support the business requirements of its customers. Foreign currency contracts involve the exchange of one currency for another on a specified date and at a specified rate. These contracts were executed on behalf of Busey's customers and were used by customers to manage fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Busey minimized its exposure by entering into similar offsetting positions with other financial institutions. Busey was subject to the credit risk that another party would fail to perform. As of December 31, 2023, Busey hadno derivative assets or derivative liabilities related to foreign currency contracts recorded in its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

Interest rate lock commitments that meet the definition of derivative financial instruments under ASC Topic 815“Derivatives and Hedging” are carried at their fair values in other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in the fair values of the corresponding derivative financial assets or liabilities recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

Forward Sales Commitments

Busey economically hedges mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments issued to its residential loan customers related to loans that will be held for sale by obtaining corresponding forward sales commitments with an investor to sell the loans at an agreed-upon price at the time the interest rate locks are issued to the customers. Forward sales commitments that meet the definition of derivative financial instruments under ASC Topic 815“Derivatives and Hedging” are carried at their fair values in other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. While such forward sales commitments generally served as an economic hedge to mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments, Busey did not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

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

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

In 2021, the impact of the net gains or losses recognized in earnings on interest rate lock commitments and forward sales commitments was almost entirely offset by the recognition of a corresponding change in the fair value of loans held for sale. In 2022, Busey began carrying loans held for sale at LOCOM, so while Busey will continue to recognize gains or losses on these mortgage banking derivative instruments in earnings, any corresponding increase in the fair value of loans held for sale will not be recognized in earnings until the loans are sold, at which time the increase is factored into the calculated gain on sale. Decreases in the market value of loans held for sale will continue to be recognized in earnings at each measurement period.

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NOTE 18. 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 Busey’s 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 Busey'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.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Debt securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. Busey obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The independent pricing service utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information. Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, the independent pricing service applies available information, 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. 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.

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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 are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 or Level 2 inputs. Fair value measurements of mutual funds, when held, are determined using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets at the measurement date and are 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.

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities

The majority of our derivative assets and derivative liabilities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 or Level 3 inputs. Derivative balances are included in other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and consist of interest rate swaps and risk participation agreements where there is no significant deterioration in the counterparties (loan customers) credit risk since origination of the interest rate swap or risk participation agreement, as well as mortgage banking derivatives, including interest rate lock commitments and forward sales commitments.

Fair values of derivative assets and liabilities are determined based on prices that are obtained from a third-party which uses observable market inputs and, with the exception of our risk participation agreements, are classified as Level 2. For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to our derivative positions, Busey evaluates the credit risk of its counterparties as well as its own credit risk. Accordingly, Busey has considered factors such as the likelihood of default, expected loss given default, net exposures, and remaining contractual life, among other things, in determining if any estimated fair value adjustments related to credit risk are required. Busey reviews counterparty exposure quarterly, and when necessary, appropriate adjustments are made to reflect the exposure. No changes in counterparty credit were identified.

Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, derivative assets related to our risk participation agreements are classified as Level 3.

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The following tables summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value(dollars in thousands):

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

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).

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Loans Evaluated Individually

Busey 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.

Bank Property Held for Sale

Bank property held for sale represents certain banking center office buildings which Busey has closed and consolidated with other existing banking centers. Bank property held for sale is measured at the lower of amortized cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell, and is included in premises and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 for the periods presented, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value(dollars in thousands):

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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):

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Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities That Are Not Carried at Fair Value

Estimated fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value in the Company’s 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):

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NOTE 19. EARNINGS PER 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 DSUs 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 Busey’s outstanding stock options and warrants were exercised, stock units were vested, and shares were issued under the 2021 ESPP.

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

Average shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive are summarized in the table below for the periods presented:

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NOTE 20. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables present changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the periods below(dollars in thousands):

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NOTE 21. OPERATING SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

Busey hasthree reportable operating segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and FirsTech. Busey’sthree operating segments are strategic business units that are separately managed, as they offer different products and services and have different marketing strategies.

The Banking Operating Segment

The Banking operating segment provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through First Busey Corporation’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Busey Bank, with 58 banking centers in Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area; southwest Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Banking services offered to individual customers include customary types of demand and savings deposits, money transfers, safe deposit services, individual retirement accounts and other fiduciary services, automated teller machines, and technology-based networks, as well as a variety of loan products including residential real estate, home equity lines of credit, and consumer loans. Banking services offered to corporate customers include commercial, commercial real estate, real estate construction, and agricultural loans, as well as commercial depository services such as cash management.

The Wealth Management Operating Segment

The Wealth Management operating segment provides a full range of asset management, investment, brokerage, fiduciary, philanthropic advisory, tax preparation, and farm management services to individuals, businesses, and foundations. Services are provided through Busey Capital Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Busey Bank, and Busey Wealth Management, a division of Busey Bank.

Wealth management services tailored to individuals include trust and estate advisory services and financial planning. Business services include business succession planning and employee retirement plan services. Services for foundations include investment strategy consulting and fiduciary services.

The FirsTech Operating Segment

The FirsTech operating segment provides comprehensive and innovative payment technology solutions through Busey Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FirsTech. FirsTech's multi-channel payment platform allows businesses to collect payments from their customers in a variety of ways to enable fast, frictionless payments. Payment method vehicles include, but are not limited to, text-based mobile bill pay; interactive voice response; electronic payment concentration delivered to Automated Clearing House networks, money management, and credit card networks; walk-in payment processing for customers at retail pay agents; customer service payments made over a telephone; direct debit services; and lockbox remittance processing for customers to make payments by mail. FirsTech also provides additional tools to help clients with billing, reconciliation, bill reminders, and treasury services.

FirsTech's client base represents a diverse set of industries, with a higher concentration in highly regulated industries, such as financial institutions, utility, insurance, and telecommunications industries.

Segment Financial Information

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

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Following is a summary of selected financial information for Busey’s operating segments. The “other” category included in the tables below consists of the parent company, First Busey Risk Management until its dissolution on December 18, 2023, and the elimination of intercompany transactions(dollars in thousands):

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NOTE 22. PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed financial data for First Busey Corporation is presented below.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

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CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

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CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

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NOTE 23. ACQUISITIONS

Merchants and Manufacturers Bank Corporation

On November 27, 2023, First Busey Corporation announced the signing of a definitive agreement with M&M, pursuant to which Busey will acquire M&M and its wholly-owned subsidiary, M&M Bank, through a merger transaction. This partnership will add M&M’s Life Equity Loan® products to Busey’s existing suite of services, and expand Busey’s presence in the Chicago Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, M&M’s stockholders will have the right to receive for each share of M&M common stock, at the election of each stockholder and subject to proration and adjustment, either (1) $117.74 in cash, (2)5.7294 shares of Busey common stock, or (3) mixed consideration of $34.55 in cash and 4.0481 shares of Busey common stock, with total consideration to consist of approximately 71% stock and 29% cash. Based upon Busey’s 20‑day volume-weighted average closing price as of November 24, 2023, the aggregate implied transaction value is approximately $41.6 million.

The merger is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and required approvals, including regulatory approvals and the approval of M&M’s stockholders. It is anticipated that M&M Bank will be merged with and into Busey Bank at a date following the completion of the merger. At the time of the bank merger, M&M Bank’s banking centers will become banking centers of Busey Bank, except for M&M’s banking center located at 990 Essington Rd., Joliet, Illinois, which is expected to be closed in connection with the bank merger.

This transaction will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration exchanged will be recorded at estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. Fair values will be subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date as additional information regarding the closing date fair values becomes available. During 2023, Busey incurred $0.3 million in pre-tax acquisition expenses, comprised primarily of legal expenses, related to the planned acquisition of M&M.

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