First Busey (BUSE-Q)

(A Top Pick July 9/14. Up 21.07%.) Really likes this and it has done well for him. Sold his holdings recently at $6.49. They did a takeover of a financial which looks good. Dividend is increasing. One thing that bothered him was at the AGM they passed a stock consolidation, 1 for 4, which has not been implemented yet. As a general rule stock consolidations are not good for stocks.

(Top Pick Nov 11/13, Up 22.16%) Increased their dividend, although their income is not quite as good as he would like. It could go up from here.

(A Top Pick Nov. 11/13. Up 4.87%.) Recently raised their dividend. They had paid a dividend through the recession. This is one he thinks could double from here. Financially, they are in great shape. A small bank with about 35 locations. They are merging with another bank and effectively taking it over, which will add a few more locations.

Management owns a good percentage. This is another bank that he feels could double from this level. Dividend yield of 3.49%.

(A Top Pick Jan 18/13. Up 31.16%.) Of all the banks and financials he has chosen, this has been his worst return. Financials are really good on this bank. Pays a nice dividend. Can see this doubling.

Makes money every year. A fairly small bank. 2.9% dividend. Capitalization rates are great and lots of insider ownership. Smartly managed bank.

Bank with most of the branches in Illinois. Didn’t do well during the recession and had huge write-offs, but since then have become profitable. Excellent ratios. Dividend of about 3.5%. Insiders own 7%+.