# Lakeland Financial vs. First Busey: Retirement Dividend Pick

> Lakeland Financial offers better long-term dividend income for retirement investors than First Busey.
- Title: Lakeland Financial vs. First Busey: Retirement Dividend Pick
- Summary: Lakeland Financial offers better long-term dividend income for retirement investors than First Busey. Lakeland Financial provides higher yield, stronger…
- Keywords: lakeland financial, first busey, nasdaq, dividend income, retirement investing, midwest banks, Lakeland, Financial, First, Busey, Retirement, Dividend
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/10/20/lakeland-financial-vs-first-busey-which-bank-offers-better-long-term-dividend-income
- Author: Chris Lange
- Published: 2026-10-20T15:15:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lakeland financial, first busey, nasdaq, dividend income, retirement investing, midwest banks
## Ex-Dividend Date Match
Both Lakeland Financial and First Busey share the same ex-dividend date of October 23, 2026.
## Dividend Comparison
Lakeland pays $0.52 per share versus First Busey's $0.26 per share for investors.
## Current Yield Analysis
Lakeland's 3.61% yield exceeds First Busey's 3.53% yield despite Lakeland's share price decline.
## Dividend Track Record
Lakeland increased dividends from $0.30 in 2020 to $0.52 in 2026, while First Busey cut payouts during the financial crisis.
## Credit Quality
Lakeland has cleaner credit metrics with lower nonperforming assets and fewer classified assets than First Busey.
## Growth and Valuation
First Busey shows stronger growth with higher adjusted net interest margin and share buybacks, but Lakeland has better credit quality.
## Verdict for Investors
Lakeland Financial is the better choice for retirement income investors due to higher yield, stronger dividend history, and credit quality.
## Key takeaway

Lakeland Financial provides higher yield, stronger dividend track record, and maintained payouts during financial crisis for retirement income investors.