HBT Financial, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

First Quarter Highlights

• Net income of $11.2 million, or $0.34 per diluted share; return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 0.80%; return on average stockholders' equity (“ROAE”) of 6.77%; and return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”)⁽¹⁾ of 7.87%

• Adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ of $22.6 million, or $0.68 per diluted share; adjusted ROAA⁽¹⁾ of 1.60%; adjusted ROAE⁽¹⁾ of 13.67%; and adjusted ROATCE⁽¹⁾ of 15.89%

• Completed merger with CNB Bank Shares, Inc. (“CNB”) on March 1, 2026 and core system conversion successfully completed in March 2026

• Asset quality remained strong with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.21% and net charge-offs to average loans of 0.08%, on an annualized basis

• Net interest margin increased 8 basis points to 4.20% and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)⁽¹⁾ increased 9 basis points to 4.25%
  
  

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., April 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (the “Company”, “HBT Financial” or “HBT”), the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, today reported net income of $11.2 million, or $0.34 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2026. This compares to net income of $18.9 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 2025, and net income of $19.1 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2025.

J. Lance Carter, President and Chief Executive Officer of HBT Financial, said, “We are off to a great start in 2026 with the closing of our acquisition of CNB and its wholly-owned subsidiary, CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (“CNB Bank”), on March 1. We also successfully completed our systems conversions in March and have been busy welcoming our new customers and colleagues. We are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

“Results for the first quarter were strong and consistent with adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ of $22.6 million, or $0.68 per diluted share. Adjusted ROAA⁽¹⁾ was 1.60% and adjusted ROATCE⁽¹⁾ was 15.89% as we continue to report strong returns. Our net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis⁽¹⁾ increased by 9 basis points to 4.25% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily driven by continued higher asset repricing for maturing fixed rate loans and securities. Our tangible book value per share⁽¹⁾ decreased by 1.1% for the quarter to $17.01 due to the CNB acquisition, elevated share repurchase activity, and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) due to higher market interest rates; however, our tangible book value per share⁽¹⁾ has nonetheless increased by 10.2% since the first quarter of 2025.

“Our balance sheet remains strong with good liquidity, solid capital ratios, and no significant credit issues. That gives us confidence that we are prepared for a variety of different economic environments. Our capital levels and operational structure support continued organic growth and attractive acquisition opportunities should the right opportunity arise.”
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^{(1)     See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.}

Adjusted Net Income

In addition to reporting GAAP results, the Company believes non-GAAP measures such as adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share, which adjust for acquisition expenses, branch closure expenses, net earnings (losses) on closed or sold operations, losses on extinguishment of debt, gains (losses) on closed branch premises, realized gains (losses) on sales of securities, mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) fair value adjustments, and the tax effect of these pre-tax adjustments, provide investors with additional insight into its operational performance. The Company reported adjusted net income of $22.6 million, or $0.68 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2026. This compares to adjusted net income of $20.1 million, or $0.64 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 2025, and adjusted net income of $19.3 million, or $0.61 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2025. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

Acquisition of CNB Bank Shares, Inc.

On March 1, 2026, HBT Financial completed its previously announced acquisition of CNB and CNB Bank. The combined company will have increased density in the central Illinois, the Chicago MSA, and the St. Louis MSA markets. After considering business combination accounting adjustments, CNB added total assets of $1.8 billion, total loans held for investment of $1.3 billion, and total deposits of $1.5 billion.

Cash consideration of $33.8 million and stock consideration of 5.5 million shares of HBT Financial common stock resulted in aggregate consideration of $182.1 million, based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $26.96 on February 27, 2026. Goodwill of $23.7 million was recorded in the acquisition.

Acquisition-related expenses consisted of the following during the first quarter of 2026 and fourth quarter of 2025:

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2026 was $56.4 million, an increase of 11.6% from $50.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to higher average interest-earning asset balances following the CNB merger. A $0.5 million increase in loan fees and a $0.1 million increase in nonaccrual interest recoveries further contributed to the overall increase. Additionally, acquired loan discount accretion was $1.0 million during the first quarter of 2026 and $0.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Relative to the first quarter of 2025, net interest income increased 15.8% from $48.7 million. The increase was primarily attributable to higher average interest-earning asset balances following the CNB merger, improved yields on debt securities, and lower funding costs. Partially offsetting these improvements were a decrease in loan yields and a $0.4 million decrease in nonaccrual interest recoveries. Additionally, acquired loan discount accretion was $1.1 million during the first quarter of 2025.

Net interest margin for the first quarter of 2026 was 4.20%, compared to 4.12% for the fourth quarter of 2025, while net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)⁽¹⁾ for the first quarter of 2026 was 4.25%, compared to 4.16% for the fourth quarter of 2025. These increases were primarily attributable to higher asset yields and the sale of the vast majority of the CNB securities portfolio, with the proceeds used to pay off higher cost sources of funding. Improvements in loan yields, which increased 6 basis points to 6.28%, and debt securities yields, which increased 20 basis points to 3.01%, were partially offset by higher funding costs, which increased 2 basis points to 1.25%.

Relative to the first quarter of 2025, net interest margin increased 8 basis points from 4.12% and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)⁽¹⁾ increased 9 basis points from 4.16%. These increases were primarily attributable to improved yields on debt securities and lower funding costs, which were partially offset by a decrease in loan yields.
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^{(1)     See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.}

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2026 was $10.9 million, an increase from $9.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. A $0.4 million increase in wealth management fees, primarily driven by an increase in assets under management following the CNB merger, and the absence of $0.2 million in gains (losses) on foreclosed assets contributed to this improvement. Partially offsetting these improvements was a $0.2 million impairment on closed branch premises recognized during the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, a $0.2 million positive MSR fair value adjustment included in the first quarter of 2026 results compared to a $0.3 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the fourth quarter of 2025 results.

Relative to the first quarter of 2025, noninterest income increased 17.6% from $9.3 million. The increase was primarily attributable to a $0.9 million increase in wealth management fees, primarily driven by higher values of assets under management and the additional assets under management following the CNB merger, as well as changes in the MSR fair value adjustment, with a $0.2 million positive MSR fair value adjustment included in the first quarter of 2026 results compared to a $0.3 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the first quarter of 2025 results.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2026 was $52.4 million, a 58.6% increase from the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to $15.7 million of nonrecurring acquisition-related expenses included in the first quarter 2026 results. Excluding acquisition-related expenses, the $4.7 million increase in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to higher base costs following the CNB merger, including a $3.2 million increase in employee salaries and benefits expense, which were also impacted by annual merit increases and higher medical benefits costs, and a $0.9 million increase in other noninterest expense.

Relative to the first quarter of 2025, noninterest expense increased 64.2% from $31.9 million. Excluding acquisition-related expenses, the $4.8 million increase in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to higher base costs following the CNB merger, including a $2.6 million increase in employee salaries and benefits expense, which was also a result of merit increases and higher medical benefits costs, a $1.1 million increase in other noninterest expense, and a $0.4 million increase in data processing expense.

Loan Portfolio

Total loans outstanding, before allowance for credit losses, were $4.69 billion at March 31, 2026, compared with $3.46 billion at December 31, 2025, and $3.46 billion at March 31, 2025. The $1.23 billion increase from December 31, 2025 included $1.30 billion of loans held for investment acquired in the CNB merger. Excluding this impact, the $65.6 million decrease from December 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to several larger pay offs due to refinancings across the multi-family, commercial real estate – non-owner occupied, and the municipal, consumer, and other segments, as well as an $8.0 million reduction on two lines of credit that funded shortly before and paid off after December 31, 2025. These headwinds were partially offset by $26.3 million in seasonal draws on grain elevator lines, as well as new originations within the construction and land development and commercial and industrial segments.

Deposits

Total deposits were $5.80 billion at March 31, 2026, compared with $4.36 billion at December 31, 2025, and $4.38 billion at March 31, 2025. The $1.44 billion increase from December 31, 2025 included $1.52 billion of deposits assumed in the CNB merger. Excluding the impact of the CNB merger, the $72.7 million decrease from December 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to an $88.9 million decrease in wealth management customer money market deposits, of which $85.0 million was moved off-balance sheet during the first quarter due to strong levels of on-balance sheet liquidity.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming assets totaled $14.4 million, or 0.21% of total assets, at March 31, 2026, compared with $8.7 million, or 0.17% of total assets, at December 31, 2025, and $5.6 million, or 0.11% of total assets, at March 31, 2025. The $5.7 million increase in nonperforming assets from December 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to the CNB merger, which added $6.1 million in nonperforming assets, primarily in the construction and land development segment. Additionally, of the $13.2 million of nonperforming loans held as of March 31, 2026, $2.3 million were either wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. government.

The Company recorded a negative provision for credit losses of $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2026. The negative provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $0.3 million decrease in specific reserves, partially offset by changes within the loan portfolio.

The Company had net charge-offs of $0.8 million, or 0.08% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the first quarter of 2026, compared to net charge-offs of $0.8 million, or 0.10% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the fourth quarter of 2025, and net charge-offs of $0.4 million, or 0.05% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the first quarter of 2025.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses was 1.29% of total loans and 457% of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2026, compared with 1.21% of total loans and 552% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2025. In addition, the allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending-related commitments totaled $5.9 million as of March 31, 2026, compared with $4.1 million as of December 31, 2025.

Capital

As of March 31, 2026, the Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements under Basel III as summarized in the following table:

The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets⁽¹⁾ decreased to 9.31% as of March 31, 2026, from 10.82% as of December 31, 2025, and tangible book value per share⁽¹⁾ decreased by $0.19 to $17.01 as of March 31, 2026, when compared to December 31, 2025.

During the first quarter of 2026, the Company repurchased 602,855 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $25.84 under its stock repurchase program. The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $30.0 million of HBT Financial common stock under its stock repurchase program, which is in effect until January 1, 2027. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $14.4 million remaining under the stock repurchase program.
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^{(1)     See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.}

Subordinated Note Issuance

To further enhance the Company’s strong capital and liquidity positions, HBT Financial successfully completed a private placement of $85.0 million of 5.75% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2036 during the quarter. The subordinated notes qualify as Tier 2 regulatory capital.

About HBT Financial, Inc.

HBT Financial, Inc., headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, is the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, and has banking roots that can be traced back to 1920. HBT Financial provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois, eastern Iowa, and suburban St. Louis through 83 full-service branches. As of March 31, 2026, HBT Financial had total assets of $6.8 billion, total loans of $4.7 billion, and total deposits of $5.8 billion.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the financial measures included in this press release are not measures of financial performance recognized in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted ROAA, pre-provision net revenue, pre-provision net revenue less charge-offs (recoveries), adjusted pre-provision net revenue, adjusted pre-provision net revenue less charge-offs (recoveries), net interest income (tax-equivalent basis), net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis), efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis), adjusted efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis), the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible book value per share, adjusted ROAE, ROATCE, and adjusted ROATCE. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, together with the related GAAP financial measures, in its analysis of our performance and in making business decisions. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present these non-GAAP financial measures, and accordingly believes that providing these measures may be useful for peer comparison purposes. These disclosures should not be viewed as substitutes for the results determined to be in accordance with GAAP; nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that may be presented by other companies. See our reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables.

Forward-Looking Statements

Readers should note that in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “will,” “propose,” “may,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” or “should,” or similar terminology and the negative forms of such words. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (1) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures, global energy market conditions, the threat or implementation of tariffs, immigration enforcement and changes in foreign policy); (2) policy changes in, and the interpretation and prioritization of, local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies, including executive orders; (3) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or other threats thereof (including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East), or other adverse events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (4) new and revised accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory banking agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (5) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by the Company's commercial borrowers; (6) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets; (7) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions, private credit firms, fintech companies, and digital asset service providers, and the inability to attract new customers; (8) technological changes implemented by us and other parties, including our third-party vendors, which may have unforeseen consequences to us and our customers, including the development and implementation of tools incorporating artificial intelligence; (9) unexpected results of acquisitions, which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated, including the acquisition of CNB; (10) the loss of key executives and employees, talent shortages and employee turnover; (11) changes in consumer spending; (12) unexpected outcomes or costs of existing or new litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions involving the Company; (13) the economic impact on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (14) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (15) credit risks and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral and industry) within our loan portfolio (including commercial real estate loans) and large loans to certain borrowers; (16) the overall health of the local and national real estate market; (17) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (18) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and who may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (19) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (20) the level of nonperforming assets on our balance sheet; (21) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or those of our third-party servicers; (22) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (23) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework; and (24) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated.

Readers should note that the forward-looking statements included in this press release are not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:
Peter Chapman
[email protected]
(309) 664-4556

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^{* Annualized measure.
(1)     See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.
(2)     On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.}

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^{* Annualized measure.
(1)     Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
(2)     On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.
(3)     See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.
(4)     Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)     Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.}