Sierra Bancorp (BSRR) Competitors

First Busey (NASDAQ:BUSE) and Sierra Bancorp (NASDAQ:BSRR) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, profitability, media sentiment, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, earnings and dividends.

Does the media refer more to BUSE or BSRR?

In the previous week, Sierra Bancorp had 3 more articles in the media than First Busey. MarketBeat recorded 17 mentions for Sierra Bancorp and 14 mentions for First Busey. Sierra Bancorp's average media sentiment score of 0.72 beat First Busey's score of 0.39 indicating that Sierra Bancorp is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company	Very Positive	Positive	Neutral	Negative	Very Negative	Overall Sentiment
First Busey	5 Very Positive mention(s)	0 Positive mention(s)	2 Neutral mention(s)	1 Negative mention(s)	3 Very Negative mention(s)	Neutral
Sierra Bancorp	4 Very Positive mention(s)	2 Positive mention(s)	4 Neutral mention(s)	0 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Positive

Do analysts rate BUSE or BSRR?

First Busey presently has a consensus target price of $27.17, suggesting a potential upside of 22.76%. Sierra Bancorp has a consensus target price of $33.50, suggesting a potential upside of 17.17%. Given First Busey's higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe First Busey is more favorable than Sierra Bancorp.

Company	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
First Busey	0 Sell rating(s)	3 Hold rating(s)	3 Buy rating(s)	0 Strong Buy rating(s)	2.50
Sierra Bancorp	0 Sell rating(s)	1 Hold rating(s)	1 Buy rating(s)	0 Strong Buy rating(s)	2.50

Which has more volatility and risk, BUSE or BSRR?

First Busey has a beta of 0.81, indicating that its share price is 19% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sierra Bancorp has a beta of 0.79, indicating that its share price is 21% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Do institutionals and insiders believe in BUSE or BSRR?

56.5% of First Busey shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 55.4% of Sierra Bancorp shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.9% of First Busey shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 11.6% of Sierra Bancorp shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Which has higher earnings and valuation, BUSE or BSRR?

First Busey has higher revenue and earnings than Sierra Bancorp. Sierra Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Busey, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Company	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
First Busey	$663.36M	2.99	$113.69M	$1.12	19.76
Sierra Bancorp	$203.87M	1.94	$40.56M	$2.89	9.89

Is BUSE or BSRR more profitable?

Sierra Bancorp has a net margin of 20.09% compared to First Busey's net margin of 9.48%. Sierra Bancorp's return on equity of 11.44% beat First Busey's return on equity.

Company	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
First Busey	9.48%	9.76%	1.11%
Sierra Bancorp	20.09%	11.44%	1.12%

Is BUSE or BSRR a better dividend stock?

First Busey pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Sierra Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. First Busey pays out 89.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Sierra Bancorp pays out 34.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. First Busey has increased its dividend for 10 consecutive years and Sierra Bancorp has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. First Busey is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Summary

First Busey beats Sierra Bancorp on 10 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.