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HBT Financial, Inc. (HBT)

CIK: 0000775215. SIC: 6022 State Commercial Banks. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-03-06.

SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Depository Institutions > SIC 6022 State Commercial Banks

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=775215. Latest filing source: 0000775215-26-000025.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Business

Read HBT's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.

Risk Factors

Read HBT's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue255,784,000USD20252026-03-06
Net income77,008,000USD20252026-03-06
Assets5,071,390,000USD20252026-03-06

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-06. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000775215.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Download these verified figures (annual + quarterly, with per-value filing provenance): JSON · CSV

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue127,593,000137,432,000143,735,000124,065,000128,223,000153,054,000228,999,000251,700,000255,784,000
Net income56,103,00063,799,00066,865,00036,845,00056,271,00056,456,00065,842,00071,780,00077,008,000
Diluted EPS3.103.543.331.342.021.952.072.262.44
Operating cash flow72,082,00079,994,00089,092,00031,255,00043,023,00072,586,00065,829,00089,372,00085,070,000
Dividends paid57,069,00042,621,000224,956,00016,518,00016,753,00018,584,00021,873,00024,183,00026,609,000
Share buybacks907,0004,906,0004,783,0008,907,0004,423,0004,505,000
Assets3,249,569,0003,245,103,0003,666,567,0004,314,254,0004,286,734,0005,073,170,0005,032,902,0005,071,390,000
Liabilities2,909,173,0002,912,185,0003,302,650,0003,902,373,0003,913,102,0004,583,674,0004,488,297,0004,455,892,000
Stockholders' equity326,246,000323,916,000340,396,000332,918,000363,917,000411,881,000373,632,000489,496,000544,605,000615,498,000
Cash and cash equivalents186,879,000283,971,000312,451,000409,268,000114,159,000141,252,000137,692,000122,269,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin43.97%46.42%46.52%29.70%43.89%36.89%28.75%28.52%30.11%
Return on equity17.32%18.74%20.08%10.12%13.66%15.11%13.45%13.18%12.51%
Return on assets1.96%2.06%1.00%1.30%1.32%1.30%1.43%1.52%
Liabilities / equity8.558.759.089.4710.479.368.247.24

Industry Peer Context

Each number-line places HBT against the min, median, and max of latest reported values among companies in the same SIC industry when at least three peers report that ratio.

Net margin peer context

HBT Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.HBT Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.149 SIC peersMin -52.5%Median 21.9%Max 46.5%HBT 30.1%

ROE peer context

HBT ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.HBT ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.149 SIC peersMin -22.0%Median 9.6%Max 17.5%HBT 12.5%

ROA peer context

HBT ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.HBT ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.149 SIC peersMin -2.3%Median 1.1%Max 2.5%HBT 1.5%

Financial Charts

HBT revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT RevenueLatest point: FY2025 = $255.8MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearReported revenue$0.0B$250.0M$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.

HBT net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT Net incomeLatest point: FY2025 = $77.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearNet income$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

HBT diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT Diluted EPSLatest point: FY2025 = $2.44/shareSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearDiluted EPS (USD/share)$0.00/share$2.00/share$4.00/shareFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

HBT operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT Operating cash flowLatest point: FY2025 = $85.1MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearOperating cash flow$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.

HBT dividends paid, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT dividends paid, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT Dividends paidLatest point: FY2025 = $26.6MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearDividends paid$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.

HBT share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT Share buybacksLatest point: FY2025 = $4.5MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearShare buybacks$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.

HBT assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT AssetsLatest point: FY2025 = $5.1BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearAssets$0.0B$3.0B$6.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.

HBT liabilities, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT liabilities, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT LiabilitiesLatest point: FY2025 = $4.5BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearLiabilities$0.0B$3.0B$6.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.

HBT stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT Stockholders' equityLatest point: FY2025 = $615.5MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearStockholders' equity$0.0B$375.0M$750.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.

HBT cash and cash equivalents, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT cash and cash equivalents, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.HBT Cash and cash equivalentsLatest point: FY2025 = $122.3MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearCash and cash equivalents$0.0B$250.0M$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000775215-26-000025; filed 2026-03-06. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-06. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000775215.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q22022-06-300.49reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-09-300.54reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-03-310.30reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-3056,768,00018,473,0000.58reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-3059,041,00019,715,0000.62reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-3161,411,00018,446,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-3161,961,00015,258,0000.48reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-3062,824,00018,070,0000.57reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-3064,117,00018,180,0000.57reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-3162,798,00020,272,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-3163,138,00019,075,0000.60reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-3063,919,00019,230,0000.61reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-3064,336,00019,765,0000.63reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-3164,391,00018,938,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-3171,839,00011,200,0000.34reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

HBT quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.HBT quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.HBT Quarterly RevenueLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $71.8MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Revenue$0.0B$125.0M$250.0M2023-Q22023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0000775215-26-000055; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.

HBT quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.HBT quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.HBT Quarterly Net incomeLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $11.2MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Net income$0.0B$125.0M$250.0M2023-Q22023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0000775215-26-000055; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

HBT quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.HBT quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.HBT Quarterly Diluted EPSLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $0.34/shareSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Diluted EPS (USD/share)$0.00/share$0.50/share$1.00/share2022-Q22022-Q32023-Q12023-Q22023-Q32024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0000775215-26-000055; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0000775215-26-000055.

Extracted structurally from real Item 2 body heading to real Item 3/4 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-05-06. Report date: 2026-03-31.

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to HBT Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition as of March 31, 2026 (unaudited), as compared with December 31, 2025, and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 (unaudited). Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2026. Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained for the year ended December 31, 2026, or for any other period.

OVERVIEW

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. We provide a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois, eastern Iowa, and suburban St. Louis. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had total assets of $6.8 billion, loans held for investment of $4.7 billion, and total deposits of $5.8 billion.

Market Area

As of March 31, 2026, our branch network included 83 full-service branch locations throughout Illinois, eastern Iowa, and suburban St. Louis. We hold a leading deposit share in many of our central Illinois markets, which we define as a top three deposit share rank, providing the foundation for our strong deposit base. The stability provided by this low-cost funding is a key driver of our strong track record of financial performance. Below is a summary of our loan and deposit balances by geographic region:

March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
(dollars in thousands)LoansDepositsLoansDeposits
Central Illinois$1,897,133$3,817,251$1,428,580$2,898,046
Chicago MSA2,033,0191,684,1191,522,9631,244,319
Suburban St. Louis399,440185,160140,863107,088
Iowa357,359116,918363,803109,810
Total$4,686,951$5,803,448$3,456,209$4,359,263

CNB Acquisition

On March 1, 2026, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of CNB, the holding company for CNB Bank. The acquisition of CNB further enhanced HBT Financial's footprint in the central Illinois, Chicago MSA, and suburban St. Louis markets. Prior to the acquisition, CNB operated 18 full-service branch locations which now operate as branches of Heartland Bank. The core system conversion was successfully completed in March 2026. After considering business combination accounting adjustments, CNB added total assets of $1.81 billion, total loans held for investment of $1.30 billion, and total deposits of $1.52 billion.

Total consideration consisted of 5.5 million shares of HBT Financial’s common stock and $33.8 million in cash. Based on the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $26.96 on February 27, 2026, the aggregate consideration was approximately $182.1 million. Goodwill of $23.7 million was recorded in the acquisition. Acquisition-related expenses totaled $15.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2026. There were no acquisition-related expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

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Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview of Recent Financial Results

Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)20262025
Total interest and dividend income$71,839$63,138
Total interest expense15,45214,430
Net interest income56,38748,708
Provision for credit losses(156)576
Net interest income after provision for credit losses56,54348,132
Total noninterest income10,9449,306
Total noninterest expense52,43731,935
Income before income tax expense15,05025,503
Income tax expense3,8506,428
Net income$11,200$19,075
Adjusted net income (1)$22,610$19,253
Pre-provision net revenue (1)$14,894$26,079
Pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs (1)14,13625,650
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue (1)30,56926,328
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs (1)29,81125,899
Share and Per Share Information
Earnings per share - diluted$0.34$0.60
Adjusted earnings per share - diluted (1)0.680.61
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding33,180,00931,584,989
Summary Ratios
Net interest margin *4.20%4.12%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) * (1) (2)4.254.16
Yield on loans *6.286.39
Yield on interest-earning assets *5.355.34
Cost of total deposits *1.171.21
Cost of funds *1.251.32
Efficiency ratio76.56%53.85%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)75.8353.35
Adjusted efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)52.6853.12
Return on average assets *0.80%1.54%
Return on average stockholders' equity *6.7713.95
Return on average tangible common equity * (1)7.8716.20
Adjusted return on average assets * (1)1.60%1.55%
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity * (1)13.6714.08
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity * (1)15.8916.36

_________________________________________________

*    Annualized measure.

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

(2)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

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Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

For the three months ended March 31, 2026, net income was $11.2 million, decreasing by $7.9 million, or 41.3%, when compared to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily as a result of acquisition-related expenses. Notable changes include the following:

•A $7.7 million increase in net interest income, primarily attributable to higher average interest-earning asset balances following the CNB merger, improved yields on debt securities, and lower funding costs;

•CNB acquisition-related expenses totaled $15.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2026;

•Excluding CNB acquisition-related expenses, noninterest expense increased by $4.8 million, primarily reflecting higher base costs following the CNB merger, including a $2.6 million increase in employee salaries and benefits expense;

•A $0.9 million increase in wealth management fees, primarily driven by an increase in assets under management following the CNB merger;

•A $0.2 million positive mortgage servicing rights ("MSR") fair value adjustment included in the 2026 results, compared to a $0.3 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the 2025 results; and

•A $2.6 million decrease in income tax expense, primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income as a result of CNB acquisition-related expenses.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income equals the excess of interest income on interest earning assets (including discount accretion on acquired loans plus certain loan fees) over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin, which is expressed as the percentage of net interest income to average interest-earning assets, is utilized to measure and explain changes in net interest income.

The following table sets forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information. Average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccrual loans are included in the computation of average balances but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees and costs as well as purchase accounting adjustments that are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense.

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[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","Three Months Ended"],["","March 31, 2026","","March 31, 2025"],["(dollars in thousands)","Average Balance","","Interest","","Yield/Cost *","","Average Balance","","Interest","","Yield/Cost *"],["ASSETS"],["Loans","$","3,890,388","","","$","60,198","","","6.28","%","","$","3,460,906","","","$","54,537","","","6.39","%"],["Debt securities","1,375,875","","","10,202","","","3.01","","","1,204,424","","","7,405","","","2.49"],["Deposits with banks","163,761","","","1,276","","","3.16","","","120,014","","","1,065","","","3.60"],["Other","14,389","","","163","","","4.60","","","12,677","","","131","","","4.19"],["Total interest-earning assets","5,444,413","","","$","71,839","","","5.35","%","","4,798,021","","","$","63,138","","","5.34","%"],["Allowance for credit losses","(48,362)","","","","","","","(42,061)"],["Noninterest-earning assets","317,393","","","","","","","276,853"],["Total assets","$","5,713,444","","","","","","","$","5,032,813"],["LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY"],["Liabilities"],["Interest-bearing deposits:"],["Interest-bearing demand","$","1,223,982","","","$","1,931","","","0.64","%","","$","1,120,608","","","$","1,453","","","0.53","%"],["Money market","906,663","","","4,448","","","1.99","","","807,728","","","4,397","","","2.21"],["Savings","671,852","","","704","","","0.43","","","569,494","","","370","","","0.26"],["Time","940,019","","","7,026","","","3.03","","","784,099","","","6,719","","","3.48"],["Total interest-bearing deposits","3,742,516","","","14,109","","","1.53","","","3,281,929","","","12,939","","","1.60"],["Securities sold under agreements to repurchase","2,902","","","16","","","2.21","","","8,754","","","22","","","1.02"],["Borrowings","28,886","","","209","","","2.94","","","12,890","","","109","","","3.41"],["Subordinated notes","19,781","","","278","","","5.70","","","39,563","","","470","","","4.82"],["Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts","52,916","","","840","","","6.44","","","52,856","","","890","","","6.83"],["Total interest-bearing liabilities","3,847,001","","","$","15,452","","","1.63","%","","3,395,992","","","$","14,430","","","1.72","%"],["Noninterest-bearing deposits","1,150,594","","","","","","","1,045,733"],["Noninterest-bearing liabilities","45,282","","","","","","","36,373"],["Total liabilities","5,042,877","","","","","","","4,478,098"],["Stockholders' Equity","670,567","","","","","","","554,715"],["Total liabilities and stockholders\u2019 equity","$","5,713,444","","","","","","","$","5,032,813"],["Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)","","","$","56,387","","","4.20","%","","","","$","48,708","","","4.12","%"],["Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)","","","649","","","0.05","","","","","545","","","0.04"],["Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)","","","$","57,036","","","4.25","%","","","","$","49,253","","","4.16","%"],["Net interest rate spread (4)","","","","","3.72","%","","","","","","3.62","%"],["Net interest-earning assets (5)","$","1,597,412","","","","","","","$","1,402,029"

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-03-06. Report date: 2025-12-31.

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to HBT Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the following parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Part I, Item 1 “Business”, Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, and Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. Detailed discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operation for 2025 as compared to 2024 can be found below. Detailed discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operation for 2024 as compared to 2023 can be found in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

OVERVIEW

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. We provide a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had total assets of $5.1 billion, loans held for investment of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.4 billion.

Market Area

As of December 31, 2025, our branch network included 66 full-service branch locations throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa. We hold a leading deposit share in many of our central Illinois markets, which we define as a top three deposit share rank, providing the foundation for our strong deposit base. The stability provided by this low-cost funding is a key driver of our strong track record of financial performance. Below is a summary of our loan and deposit balances by geographic region:

December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)LoansDepositsLoansDeposits
Central$1,569,443$3,005,134$1,676,842$2,984,820
Chicago MSA1,522,9631,244,3191,443,7771,218,098
Illinois3,092,4064,249,4533,120,6194,202,918
Iowa363,803109,810345,527115,336
Total$3,456,209$4,359,263$3,466,146$4,318,254

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CNB Bank Shares, Inc. Acquisition

On March 1, 2026, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of CNB, the holding company for CNB Bank. The combined company will have increased density in the central Illinois, Chicago MSA, and St. Louis MSA markets. Prior to the acquisition, CNB operated 18 full-service branch locations which now operate as branches of Heartland Bank. The core system conversion is expected to occur in March 2026.

As of December 31, 2025, CNB had total assets of $1.8 billion, total loans of $1.3 billion, and total deposits of $1.5 billion. This acquisition is a subsequent event and the financial results of CNB are not recognized in this Form 10-K.

Total consideration consisted of 5.5 million shares of HBT Financial's common stock and $34 million in cash. Based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $26.96 on February 27, 2026, the aggregate consideration was approximately $182 million. Acquisition-related expenses recognized during the year ended December 31, 2025 totaled $1.0 million.

Town and Country Financial Corporation Acquisition

On February 1, 2023, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of Town and Country, the holding company for Town and Country Bank. The acquisition of Town and Country further enhanced HBT Financial’s footprint in central Illinois and expanded our footprint into metro-east St. Louis. At the time of acquisition, Town and Country Bank operated 10 full-service branch locations which began operating as branches of Heartland Bank. The core system conversion was successfully completed in April 2023. After considering business combination accounting adjustments, Town and Country added total assets of $937.2 million, total loans held for investment of $635.4 million, and total deposits of $720.4 million.

Total consideration consisted of 3.4 million shares of HBT Financial’s common stock and $38.0 million in cash. Based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $21.12 on February 1, 2023, the aggregate consideration was approximately $109.4 million. Goodwill of $30.5 million was recorded in the acquisition. Acquisition-related expenses recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023 totaled $13.7 million, including the recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-purchased credit deteriorated loans and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments. There were no Town and Country acquisition-related expenses recognized subsequent to the second quarter of 2023.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview of Recent Financial Results

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)202520242023
Total interest and dividend income$255,784$251,700$228,999
Total interest expense56,88962,85037,927
Net interest income198,895188,850191,072
Provision for credit losses3,1613,0317,573
Net interest income after provision for credit losses195,734185,819183,499
Total noninterest income38,19035,57136,046
Total noninterest expense129,418124,007130,964
Income before income tax expense104,50697,38388,581
Income tax expense27,49825,60322,739
Net income$77,008$71,780$65,842
Adjusted net income (1)$79,647$75,002$78,182
Pre-provision net revenue (1)$107,667$100,414$96,154
Pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs (1)105,20998,65695,974
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue (1)111,138104,920107,281
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs (1)108,680103,162107,101
Share and Per Share Information
Earnings per share - diluted$2.44$2.26$2.07
Adjusted earnings per share - diluted (1)2.522.372.46
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding31,502,35131,590,11731,626,308
Summary Ratios
Net interest margin4.13%3.96%4.09%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)4.174.014.15
Yield on loans6.346.366.04
Yield on interest-earning assets5.315.284.90
Cost of total deposits1.191.300.60
Cost of funds1.281.410.86
Efficiency ratio53.44%53.99%56.49%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)52.9553.4655.81
Adjusted efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)51.9152.4251.68
Return on average assets1.53%1.43%1.34%
Return on average stockholders' equity13.2413.9314.60
Return on average tangible common equity (1)15.2416.4517.63
Adjusted return on average assets (1)1.58%1.50%1.59%
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity (1)13.7014.5517.34
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (1)15.7717.1920.94

_________________________________________________

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

(2)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

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Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

For the year ended December 31, 2025, net income was $77.0 million, increasing by $5.2 million, or 7.3%, when compared to net income for the year ended December 31, 2024. Notable changes include the following:

•A $10.0 million increase in net interest income, primarily attributable to lower funding costs, higher yields on debt securities, and higher average loan balances;

•A $0.2 million loss on sales of securities included in the 2025 results, compared to a $3.7 million of loss on sales of securities included in the 2024 results;

•A $3.4 million increase in salaries and benefits expense, primarily driven by higher medical benefits expenses and annual merit increases;

•A $1.9 million negative mortgage servicing rights ("MSR") fair value adjustment included in the 2025 results, compared to a $0.2 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the 2024 results;

•A $1.2 million increase in wealth management fees, primarily driven by higher values of assets under management and an increase in farm management fees;

•CNB acquisition-related expenses of $1.0 million, primarily related to professional fees and data processing expense; and

•A $1.9 million increase in income tax expense, primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income as a result of the items noted above.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income equals the excess of interest income on interest earning assets (including discount accretion on acquired loans plus certain loan fees) over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin, which is expressed as the percentage of net interest income to average interest-earning assets, is utilized to measure and explain changes in net interest income.

The following table sets forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information. Average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccrual loans are included in the computation of average balances but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees and costs as well as purchase accounting adjustments that are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense.

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Year Ended
December 31, 2025December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)Average BalanceInterestYield/CostAverage BalanceInterestYield/CostAverage BalanceInterestYield/Cost
ASSETS
Loans$3,422,412$216,8216.34%$3,378,059$214,8636.36%$3,231,736$195,1976.04%
Debt securities1,234,37832,9142.671,200,44427,9032.321,343,41929,9712.23
Deposits with banks150,3235,5023.66178,4368,2724.6484,5443,0203.57
Other12,5545474.3612,7326625.2015,3268115.29
Total interest-earning assets4,819,667$255,7845.31%4,769,671$251,7005.28%4,675,025$228,9994.90%
Allowance for credit losses(41,970)(40,694)(37,504)
Noninterest-earning assets270,852279,106290,383
Total assets$5,048,549$5,008,083$4,927,904
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand$1,122,357$6,4980.58%$1,106,136$5,4990.50%$1,188,680$3,1300.26%
Money market830,63018,1122.18797,44418,6372.34669,1187,3521.10
Savings567,0921,5400.27584,7691,6210.28661,4241,0330.16
Time775,38525,5393.29757,45628,1833.72481,46610,7842.24
Brokered38,2862,1075.5052,7242,8365.38
Total interest-bearing deposits3,295,46451,6891.573,284,09156,0471.713,053,41225,1350.82
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase2,514220.8930,9845941.9235,4502550.72
Borrowings8,7802032.3113,3834803.59139,8177,1285.10
Subordinated notes27,8691,3264.7639,5141,8794.7539,4341,8794.76
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts52,8793,6496.9052,8193,8507.2951,4893,5306.86
Total interest-bearing liabilities3,387,506$56,8891.68%3,420,791$62,8501.84%3,319,602$37,9271.14%
Noninterest-bearing deposits1,048,9751,033,8111,113,300
Noninterest-bearing liabilities30,61938,11344,074
Total liabilities4,467,1004,492,7154,476,976
Stockholders' Equity581,449515,368450,928
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$5,048,549$5,008,083$4,927,904
Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)$198,8954.13%$188,8503.96%$191,0724.09%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)2,2030.042,2420.052,7580.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)$201,0984.17%$191,0924.01%$193,8304.15%
Net interest rate spread (4)3.63%3.44%3.76%
Net interest-earning assets (5)$1,432,161$1,348,880$1,355,423
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities1.421.391.41
Cost of total deposits1.19%1.30%0.60%
Cost of funds1.281.410.86

_________________________________________________

(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 "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP 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.

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The following table sets forth the components of loan interest income and their contributions to the total loan yield.

Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
(dollars in thousands)InterestYield ContributionInterestYield ContributionInterestYield Contribution
Contractual interest$206,1636.03%$205,0316.07%$185,7725.75%
Loan fees5,6000.164,2650.134,5860.14
Accretion of acquired loan discounts3,8680.114,4500.134,1360.13
Nonaccrual interest recoveries1,1900.041,1170.037030.02
Total loan interest income$216,8216.34%$214,8636.36%$195,1976.04%

The following table sets forth the components of net interest income and their contributions to the net interest margin.

Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
(dollars in thousands)InterestNet Interest Margin ContributionInterestNet Interest Margin ContributionInterestNet Interest Margin Contribution
Interest income:
Contractual interest on loans$206,1634.28%$205,0314.30%$185,7723.97%
Loan fees5,6000.124,2650.094,5860.10
Accretion of acquired loan discounts3,8680.084,4500.094,1360.09
Nonaccrual interest recoveries1,1900.031,1170.027030.02
Debt securities32,9140.6827,9030.5929,9710.64
Interest-bearing deposits in bank5,5020.118,2720.183,0200.06
Other5470.016620.018110.02
Total interest income255,7845.31251,7005.28228,9994.90
Interest expense:
Deposits51,6891.0756,0471.1825,1350.54
Other interest-bearing liabilities5,2000.116,8030.1412,7920.27
Total interest expense56,8891.1862,8501.3237,9270.81
Net interest income198,8954.13188,8503.96191,0724.09
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,2030.042,2420.052,7580.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent) (1) (2)$201,0984.17%$191,0924.01%$193,8304.15%

_________________________________________________

(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

(2)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

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Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major categories of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Information is provided for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with respect to changes attributable to volume (i.e., changes in average balances multiplied by the prior-period average rate), and changes attributable to rate (i.e., changes in average rate multiplied by prior-period average balances). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both volume and rate that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

Year Ended December 31, 2025vs.Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2024vs.Year Ended December 31, 2023
Increase (Decrease) Due toTotalIncrease (Decrease) Due toTotal
(dollars in thousands)VolumeRateVolumeRate
Interest-earning assets:
Loans$2,813$(855)$1,958$9,054$10,612$19,666
Debt securities8074,2045,011(3,286)1,218(2,068)
Deposits with banks(1,186)(1,584)(2,770)4,1411,1115,252
Other(9)(106)(115)(136)(13)(149)
Total interest-earning assets2,4251,6594,0849,77312,92822,701
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand82917999(231)2,6002,369
Money market756(1,281)(525)1,6419,64411,285
Savings(49)(32)(81)(132)720588
Time654(3,298)(2,644)8,0809,31917,399
Brokered(2,107)(2,107)(794)65(729)
Total interest-bearing deposits(664)(3,694)(4,358)8,56422,34830,912
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(361)(211)(572)(36)375339
Borrowings(136)(141)(277)(5,008)(1,640)(6,648)
Subordinated notes(554)1(553)4(4)
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts4(205)(201)93227320
Total interest-bearing liabilities(1,711)(4,250)(5,961)3,61721,30624,923
Change in net interest income$4,136$5,909$10,045$6,156$(8,378)$(2,222)

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $198.9 million, increasing $10.0 million, or 5.3%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase is primarily attributable to lower funding costs, higher yields on debt securities, and higher average loan balances. Additionally, a $1.4 million increase in loan fees and nonaccrual interest recoveries was partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in acquired loan discount accretion.

Net interest margin increased to 4.13% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 3.96% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to a decrease in funding costs and higher yields on debt securities. Additionally, the increase in the contribution of loan fees and nonaccrual interest recoveries accounted for 4 basis points of the increase in net interest margin and were partially offset by a 1 basis point decrease in the contribution from acquired loan discount accretion.

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The quarterly net interest margins were as follows:

202520242023
Three months ended:
March 314.12%3.94%4.20%
June 304.143.954.16
September 304.133.984.07
December 314.123.963.93

In early 2024, our net interest margin was relatively stable, with increases in our loans and debt securities yields being mostly offset by increases in funding costs. In September 2024, the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") began lowering interest rates, with the target range for the federal funds rate decreasing by 100 basis points to a range of 4.25% to 4.50% by the end of 2024. The FOMC paused further interest rate cuts until September 2025, and then resumed with three 25 basis point reductions during the remainder of 2025 with the target range for the federal funds rate set to a range of 3.50% to 3.75% as of December 31, 2025. These changes have contributed to a decrease in funding costs and yields on variable rate loans while maturing fixed rate loans and securities continued to reprice at higher rates, driving our net interest margin higher during 2025, relative to 2024.

Decreases in market interest rates, and potential future decreases, may put downward pressure on our net interest margin, as the negative impact on floating rate loans may not be fully offset by the positive impacts of maturing fixed rate loans and securities repricing at higher rates or potential decreases in deposit costs. Generally, we expect increases in market interest rates will increase our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods, while decreases in market interest rates may decrease our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods; however, this depends upon the timing and extent of both short-term and long-term interest rate fluctuations and may not always be the case.

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Provision for Credit Losses

The following table sets forth the components of provision for credit losses for the years indicated:

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Loans$2,104$3,754$6,665
Unfunded lending-related commitments1,057(723)908
Total provision for credit losses$3,161$3,031$7,573

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a $3.0 million provision during the year ended December 31, 2024. The 2025 provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $2.2 million increase in required reserves driven by changes within the portfolio; a $1.1 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in qualitative factors; an $0.8 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in economic forecasts; and a $0.9 million decrease in specific reserves.

The provision for credit losses is highly dependent on current and forecast economic conditions. Potential deterioration of economic conditions may lead to higher credit losses and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. The economic forecasts utilized in estimating the allowance for credit losses on loans and unfunded lending-related commitments include the unemployment rate and changes in GDP as macroeconomic variables, although other economic metrics are considered on a qualitative basis.

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Noninterest Income

The following table sets forth the major categories of noninterest income for the years indicated:

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)20252024$ Change% Change20242023$ Change% Change
Card income$10,785$11,051$(266)(2.4)%$11,051$11,043$80.1%
Wealth management fees12,14710,9781,16910.610,9789,8831,09511.1
Service charges on deposit accounts8,0407,9321081.47,9327,846861.1
Mortgage servicing4,1134,437(324)(7.3)4,4374,678(241)(5.2)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(1,883)(174)(1,709)NM(174)(1,615)1,441NM
Gains on sale of mortgage loans1,4771,611(134)(8.3)1,6111,526855.6
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(200)(3,697)3,497NM(3,697)(1,820)(1,877)NM
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities7(59)66NM(59)160(219)NM
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets422(18)(81.8)22501(479)(95.6)
Gains (losses) on other assets(85)(635)550NM(635)166(801)NM
Income on bank owned life insurance671915(244)(26.7)91557334259.7
Other noninterest income3,1143,190(76)(2.4)3,1903,105852.7
Total$38,190$35,571$2,6197.4%$35,571$36,046$(475)(1.3)%

_________________________________________________

NM    Not meaningful.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Total noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $38.2 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 7.4%, from the year ended December 31, 2024. Notable changes in noninterest income include the following:

•A $0.2 million loss on sales of securities included in the 2025 results, compared to a $3.7 million of loss on sales of securities included in the 2024 results;

•A $1.9 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the 2025 results, compared to a $0.2 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the 2024 results;

•A $1.2 million increase in wealth management fees, primarily driven by higher values of assets under management and an increase in farm management fees;

•The absence of $0.6 million of impairment losses on bank premises related to the closure of two branch premises recognized in the 2024 results; and

•A $0.2 million decrease in income on bank owned life insurance, primarily attributable to the absence of a $0.2 million gain on life insurance proceeds recognized in the 2024 results.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth the major categories of noninterest expense for the years indicated:

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)20252024$ Change% Change20242023$ Change% Change
Salaries$66,342$65,130$1,2121.9%$65,130$67,453$(2,323)(3.4)%
Employee benefits13,53811,3112,22719.711,31110,0371,27412.7
Occupancy of bank premises10,71310,2934204.110,2939,9183753.8
Furniture and equipment2,2802,00427613.82,0042,790(786)(28.2)
Data processing11,76611,1695975.311,16912,352(1,183)(9.6)
Marketing and customer relations4,1834,320(137)(3.2)4,3205,043(723)(14.3)
Amortization of intangible assets2,7262,839(113)(4.0)2,8392,6701696.3
Loss on extinguishment of debt391391NMNM
FDIC insurance2,2342,254(20)(0.9)2,2542,280(26)(1.1)
Loan collection and servicing1,3462,056(710)(34.5)2,0561,40265446.6
Foreclosed assets1691096055.0109251(142)(56.6)
Other noninterest expense13,73012,5221,2089.612,52216,768(4,246)(25.3)
Total$129,418$124,007$5,4114.4%$124,007$130,964$(6,957)(5.3)%

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $129.4 million, an increase of $5.4 million, or 4.4%, from the year ended December 31, 2024. Notable changes in noninterest expense include the following:

•A $2.2 million increase in employee benefits expense, primarily driven by higher medical benefits cost;

•A $1.2 million increase in salaries expense, primarily driven by annual merit increases;

•A $1.2 million increase in other noninterest expense, primarily related to higher legal and professional fees driven primarily by $0.6 million of CNB acquisition-related expenses;

•A $0.6 million increase in data processing expense, primarily related to $0.4 million of CNB acquisition-related expenses as well as a planned call center software upgrade;

•A $0.4 million increase in bank occupancy expense, primarily due to planned building maintenance and upgrades; and

•A $0.4 million loss on the extinguishment of debt associated with the early payoff of $40.0 million of subordinated notes in September 2025.

Income Taxes

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recorded income tax expense of $27.5 million, or an effective tax rate of 26.3%, and $25.6 million, or an effective tax rate of 26.3%, respectively. During 2025, we recognized $0.3 million of additional tax expense during the second quarter of 2025, related to the nonrecurring reversal of a stranded tax effect included in accumulated other comprehensive income, in connection with the maturity of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge. During 2024, we recognized an additional $0.5 million of tax expense for a deferred tax asset write-down, as a result of an Illinois tax law change.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2025December 31, 2024$ Change% Change
Cash and cash equivalents$122,269$137,692$(15,423)(11.2)%
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value813,101698,049115,05216.5
Debt securities held-to-maturity458,746499,858(41,112)(8.2)
Loans held for sale1,2631,586(323)(20.4)
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,456,2093,466,146(9,937)(0.3)
Less: allowance for credit losses41,69042,044(354)(0.8)
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses3,414,5193,424,102(9,583)(0.3)
Goodwill59,82059,820
Intangible assets, net15,11717,843(2,726)(15.3)
Other assets186,555193,952(7,397)(3.8)
Total assets$5,071,390$5,032,902$38,4880.8%
Total deposits$4,359,263$4,318,254$41,0090.9%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase28,969(28,969)(100.0)
Borrowings12,30113,231(930)(7.0)
Subordinated notes39,553(39,553)(100.0)
Junior subordinated debentures52,90952,849600.1
Other liabilities31,41935,441(4,022)(11.3)
Total liabilities4,455,8924,488,297(32,405)(0.7)
Total stockholders' equity615,498544,60570,89313.0
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$5,071,390$5,032,902$38,4880.8%
Tangible assets (1)$4,996,453$4,955,239$41,2140.8%
Tangible common equity (1)540,561466,94273,61915.8
Core deposits (1)$4,157,898$4,116,058$41,8401.0%
Share and Per Share Information
Book value per share$19.58$17.26$2.3213.4%
Tangible book value per share (1)17.2014.802.4016.2
Shares of common stock outstanding31,431,92431,559,366
Balance Sheet Ratios
Loan to deposit ratio79.28%80.27%
Core deposits to total deposits (1)95.3895.32
Stockholders' equity to total assets12.1410.82
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)10.829.42

_________________________________________________

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

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Notable changes in our consolidated balance sheet include the following:

•A $73.9 million increase in debt securities, primarily attributable to a reinvestment of cash flows from loans into debt securities and a $30.5 million increase in the fair value of debt securities available-for-sale;

•A $41.0 million increase in deposits was primarily attributable to a vast majority of repurchase agreement account balances being transitioned to reciprocal interest-bearing demand deposit accounts during 2025;

•The $39.6 million of subordinated notes outstanding at December 31, 2024 were paid off in September 2025; and

•A $9.9 million decrease in loans with increases in the multi-family and commercial real estate - non-owner occupied segments being offset by decreases in the construction and land development and commercial and industrial segments.

Loan Portfolio

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio, excluding loans held-for-sale, by type of loan.

December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)BalancePercentBalancePercent
Commercial and industrial$399,76011.6%$428,38912.4%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied320,4349.3322,3169.3
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied937,09427.0899,56525.9
Construction and land development280,2548.1374,65710.8
Multi-family544,94115.8431,52412.4
One-to-four family residential445,46312.9463,96813.4
Agricultural and farmland275,2518.0293,3758.5
Municipal, consumer, and other253,0127.3252,3527.3
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,456,209100.0%3,466,146100.0%
Allowance for credit losses(41,690)(42,044)
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses$3,414,519$3,424,102

Loans, before allowance for credit losses were $3.46 billion at December 31, 2025, a decrease of $9.9 million, or 0.3%, from December 31, 2024. Notable changes include the following:

•A $113.4 million increase in multi-family loans and a $37.5 million increase in commercial real estate – non-owner occupied loans, primarily attributable to new originations as well as completed construction projects transferred from the construction and land development category, partially offset by early payoffs;

•A $94.4 million decrease in construction and land development loans, primarily attributable to transfers of completed projects into other categories, as well as payoffs from property sales and refinancings;

•A $28.6 million decrease in commercial and industrial loans, primarily attributable to reduced line of credit usage and payoffs from refinancings.

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Commercial Real Estate Portfolios

Commercial real estate – owner occupied loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The commercial real estate – owner occupied portfolio composition, segmented by the owner’s business classification, as of December 31, 2025 was as follows:

December 31, 2025
(dollars in thousands)BalanceSubstandard Risk Rating
Manufacturing$49,620$326
Auto repair and dealers33,637228
Health care and social assistance33,0791,368
Real estate, rental, and leasing33,027387
Retail trade29,531
Grain elevators25,284457
Accommodation and food services21,806327
Construction16,064974
Wholesale trade13,853
Other services (except public administration)13,014248
Administrative and support services10,501
Arts, entertainment, and recreation9,3411,636
Education services6,1621,146
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting6,115
Professional, scientific, and technical services5,51251
Finance and insurance2,966
Other10,922
Total$320,434$7,148

Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied loans are primarily made based on projected cash flows from the rental or sale of the underlying collateral. The commercial real estate – non-owner occupied portfolio composition, segmented by the property type, as of December 31, 2025 was as follows:

December 31, 2025
(dollars in thousands)BalanceSubstandard Risk RatingWeighted Average LTV(1)
Retail$197,992$7,37954%
Warehouse and manufacturing179,97154
Office168,67957
Senior Living128,1834,12262
Hotel81,5492,51453
Mixed use (commercial and residential)69,44862
Medical office31,81057
Gas station26,68458
Auto repair and dealers21,39054
Restaurant and bar11,71158
Other19,67757
Total$937,094$14,01556%

_________________________________________________

(1)     Weighted average LTV is based on the most recent appraisals available, which are generally obtained at the time of origination.

Multi-family loans totaled $544.9 million as of December 31, 2025, and are primarily made based on projected cash flows from the rental of the underlying collateral. As of December 31, 2025, multi-family loans had a weighted average LTV of 58%, based on the most recent appraisals available, which are generally obtained at the time of origination.

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Construction and land development loans totaled $280.3 million as of December 31, 2025. The majority of these loans consist of multi-family and one-to-four family residential construction projects either to be sold upon completion or held for long-term investment, but also include other property types that may be rented, sold, or owner occupied upon completion. Construction and land development loans are primarily based on projected cash flows from the rental or sale of the underlying collateral, or based on the identified cash flows of the borrower.

Management’s disciplined approach to credit risk management is exercised through portfolio diversification, robust underwriting policies, and routine loan monitoring practices in order to identify and mitigate any credit weakness as early as possible. Management continually monitors and evaluates commercial real estate concentrations by property class, industry, and relative to the Bank’s regulatory capital to remain in line with board-established limits and adapt to changing industry conditions. A centralized credit underwriting group, independent of the originating lender, evaluates a vast majority of the commercial exposures over $750 thousand annually, if not more frequently, through a standardized credit review process to ensure uniform application of policies and procedures as well as analyze credit performance. All loans require appropriate internal approval, with a centralized credit approval group reviewing the vast majority of exposures over $500 thousand. Additionally, more than 45% of loan commitments are reviewed on a rolling 24 month basis between a robust internal review process and an annual third-party review of a sample of the portfolio.

For commercial real estate – non-owner occupied and multi-family loans over $1 million, we evaluate, on a quarterly basis, the impact of current interest rates on the underlying cash flows of the properties securing these loans, based on the most recent cash flow data available. Individual credits with a maturity scheduled within the next five quarters that are presenting stress under current renewal terms are identified, so that ample time is available to develop solutions to manage credit risk. This testing is completed in addition to the various sensitivity testing completed at the initial extension of credit.

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Loan Portfolio Maturities

The following table summarizes the scheduled maturities of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025. Demand loans (loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity) and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less.

(dollars in thousands)1 Year or LessAfter 1 Year Through 5 YearsAfter 5 Years Through 15 YearsAfter 15 YearsTotal
Commercial and industrial$204,365$143,021$52,374$$399,760
Commercial real estate - owner occupied39,372190,53373,77716,752320,434
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied230,756589,614103,18113,543937,094
Construction and land development148,504121,5609,220970280,254
Multi-family107,364391,53246,045544,941
One-to-four family residential85,095158,74368,497133,128445,463
Agricultural and farmland114,406129,91725,8815,047275,251
Municipal, consumer, and other94,33551,14772,21235,318253,012
Total$1,024,197$1,776,067$451,187$204,758$3,456,209

The following table summarizes loans maturing after one year, segregated into variable and fixed interest rates.

Variable Interest Rates
(dollars in thousands)Repricing 1 Year or LessRepricing After 1 YearTotal Variable Interest RatesPredetermined (Fixed) Interest RatesTotal
Commercial and industrial$54,376$3,544$57,920$137,475$195,395
Commercial real estate - owner occupied55,79442,58998,383182,679281,062
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied112,53236,416148,948557,390706,338
Construction and land development46,2582,12848,38683,364131,750
Multi-family36,08440,72276,806360,771437,577
One-to-four family residential71,94764,604136,551223,817360,368
Agricultural and farmland6,35410,18916,543144,302160,845
Municipal, consumer, and other13,74428,67142,415116,262158,677
Total$397,089$228,863$625,952$1,806,060$2,432,012

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Nonperforming Assets

Our nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual$7,556$7,652
Past due 90 days or more, still accruing4
Total nonperforming loans7,5567,656
Foreclosed assets1,126367
Total nonperforming assets$8,682$8,023
Nonperforming loans that are wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government$2,170$1,573
Allowance for credit losses$41,690$42,044
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,456,2093,466,146
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses1.21%1.21%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans551.75549.45
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans551.75549.16
Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses0.220.22
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses0.220.22
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.170.16
Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for credit losses, and foreclosed assets0.250.23

Total nonperforming assets were $8.7 million at December 31, 2025, an increase of 8.2%, when compared to $8.0 million at December 31, 2024. The $0.7 million increase in nonperforming assets from December 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to an increase in foreclosed assets. Of the $7.6 million of nonperforming loans held as of December 31, 2025, $2.2 million are either wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

Risk Classification of Loans

Our risk classifications of loans were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Pass$3,241,912$3,264,396
Pass-watch131,76683,947
Special mention11,78846,590
Substandard70,74371,213
Total$3,456,209$3,466,146

Loans rated pass-watch or worse increased $12.5 million, or 6.2%, from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025, primarily attributable to downgrades within the multifamily and commercial real estate - non-owner occupied segments which were partially offset by pay-offs in the construction and land development segment.

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Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)

The following table summarizes net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans by loan category.

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Commercial and industrial$1,850$1,300$369
Commercial real estate - owner occupied88(10)(13)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(586)(66)
Construction and land development(69)(3)(53)
Multi-family80188(281)
One-to-four family residential209(142)(152)
Agricultural and farmland(49)51(6)
Municipal, consumer, and other349960382
Total$2,458$1,758$180
Average loans
Commercial and industrial$421,324$402,936$370,255
Commercial real estate - owner occupied319,690294,847290,489
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied909,586886,903874,661
Construction and land development329,211364,138368,111
Multi-family465,200423,532372,201
One-to-four family residential451,933482,984476,856
Agricultural and farmland276,849285,747254,106
Municipal, consumer, and other248,619236,972225,057
Total$3,422,412$3,378,059$3,231,736
Charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans
Commercial and industrial0.44%0.32%0.10%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied0.03
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(0.07)(0.01)
Construction and land development(0.02)(0.01)
Multi-family0.020.04(0.08)
One-to-four family residential0.05(0.03)(0.03)
Agricultural and farmland(0.02)0.02
Municipal, consumer, and other0.140.410.17
Total0.07%0.05%0.01%

_________________________________________________

*    Annualized measure.

The net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans ratio has remained low for several years. While we believe our continuous credit monitoring and collection efforts have resulted in lower levels of credit losses, we also recognize that substantial federal economic stimulus during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relatively stable economic conditions after the pandemic have also contributed to reduced credit losses.

Additionally, equipment finance loans, which were purchased as part of a pool of loans during 2023, continued to contribute to heightened net charge-offs within the commercial and industrial segment.

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Securities

The Company’s investment policy emphasizes safety of the principal, liquidity needs, expected returns, cash flow targets, and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. The composition and maturities of the debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2025, are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur. Security yields have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.

December 31, 2025
Available-for-SaleHeld-to-MaturityTotal
(dollars in thousands)Amortized CostWeighted Average YieldAmortized CostWeighted Average YieldAmortized CostWeighted Average Yield
Due in 1 year or less
U.S. Treasury$19,9921.03%$%$19,9921.03%
U.S. government agency5,0071.995,0001.1010,0071.55
Municipal7,1311.762,3302.839,4612.02
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential9872.559872.55
Agency commercial9152.414,1252.375,0402.38
Corporate1,9986.001,9986.00
Total$36,0301.66%$11,4551.91%$47,4851.72%
Due after 1 year through 5 years
U.S. Treasury$60,0671.37%$%$60,0671.37%
U.S. government agency18,7652.4237,3852.4456,1502.43
Municipal76,3021.6715,2973.2191,5991.93
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential7,0172.7710,6652.0917,6822.36
Agency commercial68,9231.64132,2082.13201,1311.96
Corporate18,2325.3218,2325.32
Total$249,3061.94%$195,5552.27%$444,8612.09%
Due after 5 years through 10 years
U.S. Treasury$9,7371.66%$%$9,7371.66%
U.S. government agency18,6273.6246,1112.6664,7382.93
Municipal49,9281.878,6533.6458,5812.13
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential55,5412.4155,5412.41
Agency commercial5,8852.2892,4911.8998,3761.92
Corporate41,0006.1141,0006.11
Total$180,7183.18%$147,2552.23%$327,9732.76%
Due after 10 years
Municipal$18,7832.76%$1,9343.47%$20,7172.83%
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential301,0224.5364,8713.62365,8934.37
Agency commercial51,2813.5637,6761.9788,9572.89
Corporate4,7276.104,7276.10
Total$375,8134.33%$104,4813.02%$480,2944.05%
Total
U.S. Treasury$89,7961.33%$%$89,7961.33%
U.S. government agency42,3992.8988,4962.48130,8952.61
Municipal152,1441.8728,2143.33180,3582.10
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential364,5674.1775,5363.41440,1034.04
Agency commercial127,0042.45266,5002.03393,5042.17
Corporate65,9575.8965,9575.89
Total$841,8673.26%$458,7462.42%$1,300,6132.97%

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SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits

Management continues to focus on growing deposits through the Company’s relationship-driven banking philosophy and community-focused marketing programs.

The following table sets forth the distribution of average deposits, by account type:

Year Ended December 31, 2025Percent Change in Average Balance 2025 vs. 2024
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,048,97524.1%%1.5%
Interest-bearing demand1,122,35725.80.581.5
Money market830,63019.12.184.2
Savings567,09213.10.27(3.0)
Time775,38517.93.292.4
Brokered(100.0)
Total deposits$4,344,439100.0%1.19%0.6%
Year Ended December 31, 2024Percent Change in Average Balance 2024 vs. 2023
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,033,81123.9%%(7.1)%
Interest-bearing demand1,106,13625.60.50(6.9)
Money market797,44418.62.3419.2
Savings584,76913.50.28(11.6)
Time757,45617.53.7257.3
Brokered38,2860.95.50(27.4)
Total deposits$4,317,902100.0%1.30%3.6%
Year Ended December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,113,30026.7%%
Interest-bearing demand1,188,68028.50.26
Money market669,11816.11.10
Savings661,42415.90.16
Time481,46611.52.24
Brokered52,7241.35.38
Total deposits$4,166,712100.0%0.60%

The increase in average deposit balances in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily attributable to increases in money market accounts and time deposits. While balances continued to shift towards higher cost deposit products, this transition slowed in 2025 relative to 2024. Partially offsetting the increase was a decrease in brokered deposits which were allowed to mature in 2025.

Despite the continued shift towards higher cost deposit products, a reduction in the target range for the federal funds rate during the second half of 2025 contributed to a decrease in funding costs. As a result of these changes, total deposit costs decreased during 2025 compared to 2024.

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The following table sets forth time deposits by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2025:

(dollars in thousands)3 Months or LessOver 3 through 6 MonthsOver 6 through 12 MonthsOver 12 MonthsTotal
Time deposits:
Amounts less than $100,000$110,265$114,613$58,550$33,408$316,836
Amounts of $100,000 or more but less than $250,00091,36791,23646,49915,184244,286
Amounts of $250,000 or more84,90486,00125,0695,391201,365
Total time deposits$286,536$291,850$130,118$53,983$762,487

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Bank’s uninsured deposits were estimated to be $928.7 million and $949.4 million, respectively.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

All securities sold under agreements to repurchase are sweep instruments, maturing daily. The securities underlying the agreements are held under our control in safekeeping at third-party financial institutions, and include debt securities.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
Balance at end of year$$28,969$42,442
Average balance during year2,51430,98435,450
Average interest rate during year0.89%1.92%0.72%

The vast majority of repurchase agreement account balances were transitioned to reciprocal interest-bearing demand deposit accounts during the first half of 2025.

Borrowings

Deposits are the Bank's primary source of funds for our lending activities and general business purposes. However, we may also obtain advances from the FHLB, purchase federal funds, and engage in overnight borrowing from the Federal Reserve. We may also use these sources of funds as part of our asset liability management process to control our long-term interest rate risk exposure, even if it may increase our short-term cost of funds. Our level of short-term borrowing can fluctuate on a daily basis depending on funding needs and the source of funds to satisfy the needs.

Our use of FHLB advances and other borrowings was elevated during 2023 to fund increases in loan demand and to offset a decrease in deposits. Our use of FHLB advances and other borrowings returned to nominal levels during 2024 and 2025, with loan demand funded primarily through cash flows from the debt securities portfolio.

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The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our borrowings.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
Balance at end of year
FHLB advances$12,301$13,231$12,623
Federal Reserve discount window
Federal funds purchased
Total borrowings$12,301$13,231$12,623
Average balance during year
FHLB advances$8,769$13,301$139,554
Federal Reserve discount window3
Federal funds purchased1182260
Total borrowings$8,780$13,383$139,817
Average interest rate during year
FHLB advances2.31%3.57%5.10%
Federal Reserve discount window5.25
Federal funds purchased3.285.935.56
Total borrowings2.313.595.10

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LIQUIDITY

Bank Liquidity

The overall objective of bank liquidity management is to ensure the availability of sufficient cash funds to meet all financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities. The Bank manages liquidity in order to meet deposit withdrawals on demand or at contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature, and to fund new loans and investments as opportunities arise.

The Bank continuously monitors its liquidity positions to ensure that assets and liabilities are managed in a manner that will meet all of our short-term and long-term cash requirements. The Bank manages its liquidity position to meet our daily cash flow needs, while maintaining an appropriate balance between assets and liabilities to meet the return on investment objectives. The Bank also monitors liquidity requirements in light of interest rate trends, changes in the economy, the scheduled maturity and interest rate sensitivity of the investment and loan portfolios and deposits, and regulatory capital requirements.

As part of the Bank’s liquidity management strategy, the Bank is also focused on minimizing costs of liquidity and attempts to decrease these costs by promoting noninterest-bearing and low-cost deposits. While the Bank does not control the types of deposit instruments our clients choose, those choices can be influenced with the rates and the deposit specials offered.

Our on-balance sheet sources of liquidity included cash and cash equivalents as well as unpledged securities which may be sold or pledged as collateral to meet liquidity needs. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our on-balance sheet sources of liquidity included the following:

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents$122,269$137,692
Fair value of unpledged securities845,524705,106
Total cash and unpledged securities$967,793$842,798

Additional sources of liquidity include borrowings from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve discount window, and federal fund lines of credit. Interest is charged on outstanding borrowings at the prevailing market rate. As of December 31, 2025, our current borrowings and additional available borrowing capacity were as follows:

December 31, 2025
(dollars in thousands)Current BalanceAdditional Available Capacity
FHLB$12,301$1,058,052
Federal Reserve108,840
Federal funds lines of credit80,000
Total$12,301$1,246,892

Furthermore, the Bank could utilize brokered deposits as an additional source of liquidity, as needed.

As of December 31, 2025, management believed the current liquidity and available sources of liquidity are adequate to meet all of the reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands of the Bank. As of December 31, 2025, the Bank had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

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Holding Company Liquidity

HBT Financial, on an unconsolidated basis (the "Holding Company"), is a corporation separate and apart from the Bank and, therefore, it must provide for its own liquidity. As of December 31, 2025, the Holding Company had cash and cash equivalents of $11.9 million.

The Holding Company’s main source of funding is dividends declared and paid to it by the Bank. Due to state banking laws, the Bank may not declare dividends in any calendar year in an amount that would exceed accumulated retained earnings, after giving effect to any unrecognized losses and bad debts, without the prior approval of the IDFPR. In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements. Management believes that these limitations will not impact the Holding Company’s ability to meet its ongoing short-term cash obligations. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Bank paid $72.5 million and $34.0 million in dividends to the Holding Company, respectively.

The liquidity needs of the Holding Company on an unconsolidated basis consist primarily of operating expenses, interest payments on the subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures, and shareholder distributions in the form of dividends and stock repurchases. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, holding company operating expenses consisted of interest expense of $5.0 million and $5.7 million, respectively, and other operating expenses of $5.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

Additionally, the Holding Company paid $26.6 million and $24.2 million of dividends to stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

As of December 31, 2025, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Holding Company’s liquidity.

As of December 31, 2025, management believed the current liquidity and available sources of liquidity are adequate to meet all of the reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands of the Holding Company. As of December 31, 2025, the Holding Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The overall objectives of capital management are to ensure the availability of sufficient capital to support loan, deposit and other asset and liability growth opportunities and to maintain capital to absorb unforeseen losses or write-downs that are inherent in the business risks associated with the banking industry. The Company seeks to balance the need for higher capital levels to address such unforeseen risks and the goal to achieve an adequate return on the capital invested by our stockholders.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Company and Bank are each subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the Company and the Bank.

In addition to meeting minimum capital requirements, the Company and the Bank must also maintain a “capital conservation buffer” to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management. The capital conservation buffer requirement is 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. As of those dates, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

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The following table sets forth actual capital ratios of the Company and the Bank as of the dates indicated, as well as the minimum ratios for capital adequacy purposes with the capital conservation buffer, and the minimum ratios to be well capitalized under regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

December 31, 2025December 31, 2024For CapitalAdequacy PurposesWith CapitalConservation Buffer (1)To Be WellCapitalized UnderPrompt CorrectiveAction Provisions (2)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)16.82%16.51%10.50%N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)15.7214.508.50N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)14.4213.217.00N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)12.2611.514.00N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)16.52%16.11%10.50%10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)15.4215.108.508.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)15.4215.107.006.50
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)12.0211.984.005.00

_________________________________________________

(1)The Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio (known as the “leverage ratio”) is not impacted by the capital conservation buffer.

(2)The prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

N/A   Not applicable.

As of December 31, 2025, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company’s capital resources.

Cash Dividends

The Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.21 per share during 2025, compared to $0.19 per share during 2024. On January 27, 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by $0.02 per share to $0.23 per share.

Stock Repurchase Program

The Company repurchased 199,507 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $22.47 during 2025, compared to 232,803 shares at a weighted average price of $18.89 during 2024. Repurchases were conducted in compliance with Rule 10b-18 and in compliance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. On December 16, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $30.0 million of its common stock. The new stock repurchase program took effect on January 1, 2026, the expiration of the prior stock repurchase program, and expires on January 1, 2027.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As a financial services provider, the Bank routinely is a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, unused lines of credit, commitments to sell loans, and interest rate swaps. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process afforded to loans originated by the Bank. For additional information, see “Note 23 – Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, subjective, or complex. These estimates involve judgments, assumptions, and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition or materially different results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. Further, changes in accounting standards could impact the Company’s critical accounting estimates. The following accounting estimate could be deemed critical:

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses reflects an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses. Measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance for credit losses are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance for credit losses. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance for credit losses when the Company determines the loan balance to be uncollectible. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance for credit losses.

Management uses the discounted cash flow method to estimate expected credit losses for all loan categories, except for consumer loans where the weighted average remaining maturity method is utilized. The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data to determine which macroeconomic variables are most closely correlated with credit losses, such as the unemployment rate and changes in GDP. Management leverages economic projections from a reputable third party to form its economic forecasts with a reversion to historical averages for periods beyond a reasonable and supportable forecast period.

Nonaccrual loans and loans which do not share risk characteristics with other loans in the pool are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses.

The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments is estimated in the same manner as the associated loans, adjusted for anticipated funding rate.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain financial information determined by methods other than those in accordance with GAAP. 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 closely comparable GAAP financial measures below.

Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Adjusted Net Income•Net income, with the following adjustments:-excludes acquisition expenses, including the day 2 provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments,-excludes branch closure expenses,-losses on extinguishment of debt,-excludes gains (losses) on closed branch premises,-excludes realized gains (losses) on sales of securities,-excludes mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, and-the income tax effect of these pre-tax adjustments.•Enhances comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects.•We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Adjusted Net Income, such as:-Adjusted Return on Average Assets, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average assets.-Adjusted Return on Average Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average equity.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share – Basic, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share – Diluted, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares.•Adjusted Return on Average Assets is a performance measure utilized in determining executive compensation.
Pre-Provision Net Revenue•Net interest income, plus noninterest income, less noninterest expense.•Provides investors with information regarding profitability excluding provision for credit losses and income tax expense, which may fluctuate from period to period.•We also sometimes refer to measures that include Pre-Provision Net Revenue, such as:-Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue which reflects the adjustments considered in Adjusted Net Income, as necessary.-Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Charge-offs (Recoveries).-Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Charge-offs (Recoveries) which reflects the adjustments considered in Adjusted Net Income, as necessary.•Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) is a performance measure utilized in determining executive compensation.

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Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Net Interest Income (Tax-Equivalent Basis)•Net interest income adjusted for the tax-favored status of tax-exempt loans and securities. (1)•We believe the tax-equivalent basis is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income.•Enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.•We also sometimes refer to Net Interest Margin (Tax-Equivalent Basis), which is Net Interest Income (Tax-Equivalent Basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.
Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis)•Noninterest expense less amortization of intangible assets divided by the sum of net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) and noninterest income. (1)•Provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry.•Calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. That is, the ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue.•We also sometimes refer to Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis) which reflects the adjustments considered in Adjusted Net Income, as necessary.•Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis) is a performance measure utilized in determining executive compensation.
Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets•Tangible Common Equity is total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets.•Tangible Assets is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets.•Generally used by investors, our management, and banking regulators to evaluate capital adequacy.•Facilitates comparison of our earnings with the earnings of other banking organization with varying amounts of goodwill or intangible assets.•We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Tangible Common Equity, such as:-Tangible Book Value Per Share, which is Tangible Common Equity divided by shares of common stock outstanding.-Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is net income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.-Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.
Core Deposits•Total deposits, excluding:-Time deposits of $250,000 or more, and-Brokered deposits•Provides investors with information regarding the stability of the Company’s sources of funds.•We also sometimes refer to the ratio of Core Deposits to total deposits.

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(1)Tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
Net income$77,008$71,780$65,842
Less: adjustments
Acquisition expenses(999)(13,691)
Loss on extinguishment of debt(391)
Gains (losses) on closed branch premises2(635)75
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(200)(3,697)(1,820)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(1,883)(174)(1,615)
Total adjustments(3,471)(4,506)(17,051)
Tax effect of adjustments (1)8321,2844,711
Total adjustments after tax effect(2,639)(3,222)(12,340)
Adjusted net income$79,647$75,002$78,182
Average assets$5,048,549$5,008,083$4,927,904
Return on average assets1.53%1.43%1.34%
Adjusted return on average assets1.581.501.59

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(1)Assumes a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%, and excludes non-deductible acquisition expenses.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)202520242023
Numerator:
Net income$77,008$71,780$65,842
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(36)
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted$77,008$71,780$65,806
Adjusted net income$79,647$75,002$78,182
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(42)
Numerator for adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted$79,647$75,002$78,140
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding31,502,35131,590,11731,626,308
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units108,953122,363111,839
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares31,611,30431,712,48031,738,147
Earnings per share - basic$2.44$2.27$2.08
Earnings per share - diluted$2.44$2.26$2.07
Adjusted earnings per share - basic$2.53$2.37$2.47
Adjusted earnings per share - diluted$2.52$2.37$2.46

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Pre-Provision Net Revenue, Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Charge-offs (Recoveries),

Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue, and

Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Charge-offs (Recoveries)

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
Net interest income$198,895$188,850$191,072
Noninterest income38,19035,57136,046
Noninterest expense(129,418)(124,007)(130,964)
Pre-provision net revenue107,667100,41496,154
Less: adjustments
Acquisition expenses(999)(7,767)
Loss on extinguishment of debt(391)
Gains (losses) on closed branch premises2(635)75
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(200)(3,697)(1,820)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(1,883)(174)(1,615)
Total adjustments(3,471)(4,506)(11,127)
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue$111,138$104,920$107,281
Pre-provision net revenue$107,667$100,414$96,154
Less: net charge-offs2,4581,758180
Pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs$105,209$98,656$95,974
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue$111,138$104,920$107,281
Less: net charge-offs2,4581,758180
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs$108,680$103,162$107,101

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin (Tax-Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)
Net interest income$198,895$188,850$191,072
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,2032,2422,758
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (1)$201,098$191,092$193,830
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)
Net interest margin4.13%3.96%4.09%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)0.040.050.06
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (1)4.17%4.01%4.15%
Average interest-earning assets$4,819,667$4,769,671$4,675,025

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(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis) and Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
Total noninterest expense$129,418$124,007$130,964
Less: amortization of intangible assets2,7262,8392,670
Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets$126,692$121,168$128,294
Less: adjustments to noninterest expense
Acquisition expenses9997,767
Loss on extinguishment of debt391
Total adjustments to noninterest expense1,3907,767
Adjusted noninterest expense$125,302$121,168$120,527
Net interest income$198,895$188,850$191,072
Total noninterest income38,19035,57136,046
Operating revenue237,085224,421227,118
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,2032,2422,758
Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)239,288226,663229,876
Less: adjustments to noninterest income
Gains (losses) on closed branch premises2(635)75
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(200)(3,697)(1,820)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(1,883)(174)(1,615)
Total adjustments to noninterest income(2,081)(4,506)(3,360)
Adjusted operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)$241,369$231,169$233,236
Efficiency ratio53.44%53.99%56.49%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)52.9553.4655.81
Adjusted efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)51.9152.4251.68

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(1)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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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets and Tangible Book Value Per Share

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$615,498$544,605
Less: Goodwill59,82059,820
Less: Intangible assets, net15,11717,843
Tangible common equity$540,561$466,942
Tangible Assets
Total assets$5,071,390$5,032,902
Less: Goodwill59,82059,820
Less: Intangible assets, net15,11717,843
Tangible assets$4,996,453$4,955,239
Total stockholders' equity to total assets12.14%10.82%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets10.829.42
Shares of common stock outstanding31,431,92431,559,366
Book value per share$19.58$17.26
Tangible book value per share17.2014.80

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, Adjusted Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity, and Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202520242023
Average Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$581,449$515,368$450,928
Less: Goodwill59,82059,82057,266
Less: Intangible assets, net16,43719,24720,272
Average tangible common equity$505,192$436,301$373,390
Net income$77,008$71,780$65,842
Adjusted net income79,64775,00278,182
Return on average stockholders' equity13.24%13.93%14.60%
Return on average tangible common equity15.2416.4517.63
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity13.70%14.55%17.34%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity15.7717.1920.94

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Core Deposits

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Core Deposits
Total deposits$4,359,263$4,318,254
Less: time deposits of $250,000 or more201,365202,196
Less: brokered deposits
Core deposits$4,157,898$4,116,058
Core deposits to total deposits95.38%95.32%

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MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001628280-25-011264.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-03-07. Report date: 2024-12-31.

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to HBT Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the following parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Part I, Item 1 “Business”, Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, and Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. Detailed discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operation for 2024 as compared to 2023 can be found below. Detailed discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operation for 2023 as compared to 2022 can be found in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

OVERVIEW

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. We provide a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total assets of $5.0 billion, loans held for investment of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion.

Market Area

As of December 31, 2024, our branch network included 66 full-service branch locations throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa. We hold a leading deposit share in many of our central Illinois markets, which we define as a top three deposit share rank, providing the foundation for our strong deposit base. The stability provided by this low-cost funding is a key driver of our strong track record of financial performance. Below is a summary of our loan and deposit balances by geographic region:

December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)LoansDepositsLoansDeposits
Central$1,676,842$2,984,820$1,693,794$3,094,305
Chicago MSA1,443,7771,218,0981,406,3481,197,865
Illinois3,120,6194,202,9183,100,1424,292,170
Iowa345,527115,336304,275109,267
Total$3,466,146$4,318,254$3,404,417$4,401,437

Town and Country Financial Corporation Acquisition

On February 1, 2023, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of Town and Country, the holding company for Town and Country Bank. The acquisition of Town and Country further enhanced HBT Financial’s footprint in central Illinois and expanded our footprint into metro-east St. Louis. At the time of acquisition, Town and Country Bank operated 10 full-service branch locations which began operating as branches of Heartland Bank. The core system conversion was successfully completed in April 2023. After considering business combination accounting adjustments, Town and Country added total assets of $937.2 million, total loans held for investment of $635.4 million, and total deposits of $720.4 million.

Total consideration consisted of 3.4 million shares of HBT Financial’s common stock and $38.0 million in cash. Based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $21.12 on February 1, 2023, the aggregate consideration was approximately $109.4 million. Goodwill of $30.5 million was recorded in the acquisition. Total acquisition-related expenses were $13.7 million, including the recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-purchased credit deteriorated loans (“non-PCD loans”) of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million through provision for credit losses, during the year ended December 31, 2023 and were $1.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. There were no acquisition-related expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview of Recent Financial Results

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)202420232022
Total interest and dividend income$251,700$228,999$153,054
Total interest expense62,85037,9277,180
Net interest income188,850191,072145,874
Provision for credit losses3,0317,573(706)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses185,819183,499146,580
Total noninterest income35,57136,04634,717
Total noninterest expense124,007130,964105,107
Income before income tax expense97,38388,58176,190
Income tax expense25,60322,73919,734
Net income$71,780$65,842$56,456
Adjusted net income (1)$75,002$78,182$55,805
Pre-provision net revenue (1)$100,414$96,154$75,484
Pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs (recoveries) (1)98,65695,97477,587
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue (1)104,920107,28174,282
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs (recoveries) (1)103,162107,10176,385
Share and Per Share Information
Earnings per share - Diluted$2.26$2.07$1.95
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted (1)2.372.461.93
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding31,590,11731,626,30828,853,697
Summary Ratios
Net interest margin3.96%4.09%3.54%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)4.014.153.60
Yield on loans6.366.044.91
Yield on interest-earning assets5.284.903.72
Cost of total deposits1.300.600.07
Cost of funds1.410.860.19
Efficiency ratio53.99%56.49%57.72%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)53.4655.8156.93
Adjusted efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)(2)52.4251.6857.05
Return on average assets1.43%1.34%1.32%
Return on average stockholders' equity13.9314.6014.73
Return on average tangible common equity (1)16.4517.6316.02
Adjusted return on average assets (1)1.50%1.59%1.31%
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity (1)14.5517.3414.56
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (1)17.1920.9415.83

_________________________________________________

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

(2)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

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Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

For the year ended December 31, 2024, net income was $71.8 million, increasing by $5.9 million, or 9.0%, when compared to net income for the year ended December 31, 2023. Notable changes include the following:

•There were no Town and Country acquisition-related expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $13.7 million of acquisition-related expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2023;

•Net losses of $3.7 million were realized on the sale of debt securities during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net losses of $1.8 million realized during the year ended December 31, 2023;

•A $2.2 million decrease in net interest income, primarily attributable to higher funding costs which were partially offset by higher asset yields and an increase in interest-earning assets;

•A $0.2 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the 2024 results, compared to a $1.6 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the 2023 results; and

•A $2.9 million increase in income tax expense, primarily reflecting higher pre-tax income resulting from the above items as well as an additional $0.5 million for a deferred tax expense write-down, primarily as a result of an Illinois tax change. This increased our effective tax rate to 26.3% during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 25.7% during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income equals the excess of interest income on interest earning assets (including discount accretion on acquired loans plus certain loan fees) over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin, which is expressed as the percentage of net interest income to average interest-earning assets, is utilized to measure and explain changes in net interest income.

The following table sets forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information. Average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccrual loans are included in the computation of average balances but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees and costs, discounts and premiums, as well as purchase accounting adjustments that are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense.

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Year Ended
December 31, 2024December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)Average BalanceInterestYield/CostAverage BalanceInterestYield/CostAverage BalanceInterestYield/Cost
ASSETS
Loans$3,378,059$214,8636.36%$3,231,736$195,1976.04%$2,514,549$123,4784.91%
Debt securities1,200,44427,9032.321,343,41929,9712.231,396,70427,8061.99
Deposits with banks178,4368,2724.6484,5443,0203.57197,0301,5410.78
Other12,7326625.2015,3268115.299,8412292.33
Total interest-earning assets4,769,671$251,7005.28%4,675,025$228,9994.90%4,118,124$153,0543.72%
Allowance for credit losses(40,694)(37,504)(24,703)
Noninterest-earning assets279,106290,383176,452
Total assets$5,008,083$4,927,904$4,269,873
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand$1,106,136$5,4990.50%$1,188,680$3,1300.26%$1,141,402$6070.05%
Money market797,44418,6372.34669,1187,3521.10582,5148130.14
Savings584,7691,6210.28661,4241,0330.16650,3852080.03
Time757,45628,1833.72481,46610,7842.24283,2328830.31
Brokered38,2862,1075.5052,7242,8365.38
Total interest-bearing deposits3,284,09156,0471.713,053,41225,1350.822,657,5332,5110.09
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase30,9845941.9235,4502550.7251,554360.07
Borrowings13,3834803.59139,8177,1285.1026,4689673.65
Subordinated notes39,5141,8794.7539,4341,8794.7639,3551,8794.77
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts52,8193,8507.2951,4893,5306.8637,7461,7874.73
Total interest-bearing liabilities3,420,791$62,8501.84%3,319,602$37,9271.14%2,812,656$7,1800.26%
Noninterest-bearing deposits1,033,8111,113,3001,051,187
Noninterest-bearing liabilities38,11344,07422,724
Total liabilities4,492,7154,476,9763,886,567
Stockholders' Equity515,368450,928383,306
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$5,008,083$4,927,904$4,269,873
Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)$188,8503.96%$191,0724.09%$145,8743.54%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)2,2420.052,7580.062,4990.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)$191,0924.01%$193,8304.15%$148,3733.60%
Net interest rate spread (4)3.44%3.76%3.46%
Net interest-earning assets (5)$1,348,880$1,355,423$1,305,468
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities1.391.411.46
Cost of total deposits1.30%0.60%0.07%
Cost of funds1.410.860.19

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(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 "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP 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.

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The following table sets forth the components of loan interest income and their contributions to the total loan yield.

Year Ended December 31,
202420232022
(dollars in thousands)InterestYield ContributionInterestYield ContributionInterestYield Contribution
Contractual interest$205,0316.07%$185,7725.75%$113,7754.52%
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)4,2640.134,5840.144,4540.18
PPP loan fees121,4880.06
Accretion of acquired loan discounts4,4500.134,1360.139330.04
Nonaccrual interest recoveries1,1170.037030.022,8280.11
Total loan interest income$214,8636.36%$195,1976.04%$123,4784.91%

The following table sets forth the components of net interest income and their contributions to the net interest margin.

Year Ended December 31,
202420232022
(dollars in thousands)InterestNet Interest Margin ContributionInterestNet Interest Margin ContributionInterestNet Interest Margin Contribution
Interest income:
Contractual interest on loans$205,0314.30%$185,7723.97%$113,7752.76%
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)4,2640.094,5840.104,4540.11
PPP loan fees121,4880.04
Accretion of acquired loan discounts4,4500.094,1360.099330.02
Nonaccrual interest recoveries1,1170.027030.022,8280.07
Debt securities27,9030.5929,9710.6427,8060.67
Interest-bearing deposits in bank8,2720.183,0200.061,5410.04
Other6620.018110.022290.01
Total interest income251,7005.28228,9994.90153,0543.72
Interest expense:
Deposits56,0471.1825,1350.542,5110.07
Other interest-bearing liabilities6,8030.1412,7920.274,6690.11
Total interest expense62,8501.3237,9270.817,1800.18
Net interest income188,8503.96191,0724.09145,8743.54
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,2420.052,7580.062,4990.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent) (1) (2)$191,0924.01%$193,8304.15%$148,3733.60%

_________________________________________________

(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

(2)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

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Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major categories of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Information is provided for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with respect to changes attributable to volume (i.e., changes in average balances multiplied by the prior-period average rate), and changes attributable to rate (i.e., changes in average rate multiplied by prior-period average balances). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both volume and rate that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

Year Ended December 31, 2024vs.Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2023vs.Year Ended December 31, 2022
Increase (Decrease) Due toTotalIncrease (Decrease) Due toTotal
(dollars in thousands)VolumeRateVolumeRate
Interest-earning assets:
Loans$9,054$10,612$19,666$39,701$32,018$71,719
Debt securities(3,286)1,218(2,068)(1,092)3,2572,165
Deposits with banks4,1411,1115,252(1,312)2,7911,479
Other(136)(13)(149)177405582
Total interest-earning assets9,77312,92822,70137,47438,47175,945
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand(231)2,6002,369262,4972,523
Money market1,6419,64411,2851396,4006,539
Savings(132)7205884821825
Time8,0809,31917,3991,0078,8949,901
Brokered(794)65(729)2,8362,836
Total interest-bearing deposits8,56422,34830,9124,01218,61222,624
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(36)375339(15)234219
Borrowings(5,008)(1,640)(6,648)5,6405216,161
Subordinated notes4(4)4(4)
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts932273207819621,743
Total interest-bearing liabilities3,61721,30624,92310,42220,32530,747
Change in net interest income$6,156$(8,378)$(2,222)$27,052$18,146$45,198

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $188.9 million, decreasing $2.2 million, or 1.2%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease is primarily attributable to an increase in funding costs which were partially offset by higher yields on interest-earning assets and higher interest-earning asset balances following the Town and Country merger.

Net interest margin decreased to 3.96% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 4.09% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to increases in funding costs outpacing increases in interest-earning asset yields. Additionally, the contribution of acquired loan discount accretion to net interest margin was 9 basis points for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

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The quarterly net interest margins were as follows:

202420232022
Three months ended:
March 313.94%4.20%3.08%
June 303.954.163.34
September 303.984.073.65
December 313.963.934.10

The FOMC began raising the target range for the federal funds rate in March 2022 and continued raising interest rates until its July 2023 meeting. As a result, market interest rates also rose during this time which led to improvements in our net interest margin through the first quarter of 2023. Our net interest margin decreased modestly beginning in the second quarter of 2023, as increased competition for deposits drove an increase in our funding costs. This continued during the remainder of 2023 with increases in funding costs outpacing increases in interest-earning asset yields. Our deposit balances and funding costs began to stabilize during the first quarter of 2024 while yields on loans continued to increase and debt securities continued to reprice at higher rates.

The FOMC began lowering interest rates in September 2024, with the target range for the federal funds rate decreasing by 100 basis points to a range of 4.25% to 4.50% by the end of 2024. This decrease, and potential future decreases, may put downward pressure on our net interest margin, as the negative impact on floating rate loans may not be fully offset by the positive impacts of maturing fixed rate loans and securities repricing at higher rates or potential decreases in deposit costs. Generally, we expect increases in market interest rates will increase our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods, while decreases in market interest rates may decrease our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods; however, this depends upon the timing and extent of interest rate fluctuations and may not always be the case.

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Provision for Credit Losses

The following table sets forth the components of provision for credit losses for the years indicated:

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Loans$3,754$6,665$(706)
Unfunded lending-related commitments(723)908
Total provision for credit losses$3,031$7,573$(706)

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The 2024 provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $4.0 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in qualitative factors; an $0.8 million increase in required reserves driven by changes within the loan portfolio; a $1.2 million decrease in specific reserves on individually evaluated loans; and a $0.6 million decrease in required reserves resulting from improvements in economic forecasts.

Additionally, the 2023 results included the recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million through provision for credit losses which were related to the Town and Country acquisition.

Credit losses are highly dependent on current and forecast economic conditions. Potential deterioration of economic conditions may lead to higher credit losses and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. The economic forecasts utilized in estimating the allowance for credit losses on loans and lending-related unfunded commitments include the unemployment rate and changes in gross domestic product ("GDP") as macroeconomic variables, although other economic metrics are considered on a qualitative basis.

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Noninterest Income

The following table sets forth the major categories of noninterest income for the years indicated:

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)20242023$ Change% Change20232022$ Change% Change
Card income$11,051$11,043$80.1%$11,043$10,329$7146.9%
Wealth management fees10,9789,8831,09511.19,8839,1557288.0
Service charges on deposit accounts7,9327,846861.17,8467,07277410.9
Mortgage servicing4,4374,678(241)(5.2)4,6782,6092,06979.3
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(174)(1,615)1,441NM(1,615)2,153(3,768)NM
Gains on sale of mortgage loans1,6111,526855.61,5261,461654.4
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(3,697)(1,820)(1,877)NM(1,820)(1,820)NM
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities(59)160(219)NM160(414)574NM
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets22501(479)(95.6)501(314)815NM
Gains (losses) on other assets(635)166(801)NM1661363022.1
Income on bank owned life insurance91557334259.7573164409249.4
Other noninterest income3,1903,105852.73,1052,36673931.2
Total$35,571$36,046$(475)(1.3)%$36,046$34,717$1,3293.8%

_________________________________________________

NM    Not meaningful.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Total noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $35.6 million, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 1.3%, from the year ended December 31, 2023. Notable changes in noninterest income include the following:

•Net losses of $3.7 million were realized on the sale of debt securities during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net losses of $1.8 million realized during the year ended December 31, 2023;

•A $0.2 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the 2024 results, compared to a $1.6 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the 2023 results;

•A $1.1 million increase in wealth management fees, driven by higher values of assets under management, partially offset by lower farm management fees as a result of lower commodity prices;

•Impairment losses on bank premises of $0.6 million related to the closure of two branch premises were recognized during 2024, compared to a $0.1 million gain on sales of closed branch premises recognized during 2023; and

•A $0.3 million increase in income on bank owned life insurance, primarily attributable to a $0.2 million gain on life insurance proceeds.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth the major categories of noninterest expense for the years indicated:

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)20242023$ Change% Change20232022$ Change% Change
Salaries$65,130$67,453$(2,323)(3.4)%$67,453$51,767$15,68630.3%
Employee benefits11,31110,0371,27412.710,0378,3251,71220.6
Occupancy of bank premises10,2939,9183753.89,9187,6732,24529.3
Furniture and equipment2,0042,790(786)(28.2)2,7902,47631412.7
Data processing11,16912,352(1,183)(9.6)12,3527,4414,91166.0
Marketing and customer relations4,3205,043(723)(14.3)5,0433,8031,24032.6
Amortization of intangible assets2,8392,6701696.32,6708731,797205.8
FDIC insurance2,2542,280(26)(1.1)2,2801,1641,11695.9
Loan collection and servicing2,0561,40265446.61,4021,04935333.7
Foreclosed assets109251(142)(56.6)251293(42)(14.3)
Other noninterest expense12,52216,768(4,246)(25.3)16,76820,243(3,475)(17.2)
Total$124,007$130,964$(6,957)(5.3)%$130,964$105,107$25,85724.6%

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $124.0 million, a decrease of $7.0 million, or 5.3%, from the year ended December 31, 2023. Notable changes in noninterest expense include the following:

•There were no Town and Country acquisition-related noninterest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, but acquisition-related noninterest expenses totaled $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023;

•Excluding Town and Country acquisition-related expenses, the $1.3 million increase in salaries expense was primarily driven by annual merit increases;

•The $1.3 million increase in employee benefits expense was primarily attributable to higher medical benefits expenses; and

•Excluding Town and Country acquisition-related expenses, the $2.3 million decrease in other noninterest expense primarily reflects the absence of $0.8 million of legal fees and $1.0 million of accruals related to litigation matters disclosed in Note 23 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income Taxes

During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded income tax expense of $25.6 million, or an effective tax rate of 26.3%, and $22.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 25.7%, respectively. The increase in effective tax rate during 2024 was primarily attributable to an additional $0.5 million of tax expense for a deferred tax asset write-down, as a result of an Illinois tax change, as well as changes in the proportion of federally tax-exempt interest income to pre-tax income.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2024December 31, 2023$ Change% Change
Cash and cash equivalents$137,692$141,252$(3,560)(2.5)%
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value698,049759,461(61,412)(8.1)
Debt securities held-to-maturity499,858521,439(21,581)(4.1)
Loans held for sale1,5862,318(732)(31.6)
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,466,1463,404,41761,7291.8
Less: allowance for credit losses42,04440,0481,9965.0
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses3,424,1023,364,36959,7331.8
Goodwill59,82059,820
Intangible assets, net17,84320,682(2,839)(13.7)
Other assets193,952203,829(9,877)(4.8)
Total assets$5,032,902$5,073,170$(40,268)(0.8)%
Total deposits$4,318,254$4,401,437$(83,183)(1.9)%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase28,96942,442(13,473)(31.7)
Borrowings13,23112,6236084.8
Subordinated notes39,55339,474790.2
Junior subordinated debentures52,84952,789600.1
Other liabilities35,44134,9095321.5
Total liabilities4,488,2974,583,674(95,377)(2.1)
Total stockholders' equity544,605489,49655,10911.3
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$5,032,902$5,073,170$(40,268)(0.8)%
Tangible assets (1)$4,955,239$4,992,668$(37,429)(0.7)%
Tangible common equity (1)466,942408,99457,94814.2
Core deposits (1)$4,116,058$4,126,374$(10,316)(0.3)%
Share and Per Share Information
Book value per share$17.26$15.44$1.8211.8%
Tangible book value per share (1)14.8012.901.9014.7
Shares of common stock outstanding31,559,36631,695,828
Balance Sheet Ratios
Loan to deposit ratio80.27%77.35%
Core deposits to total deposits (1)95.3293.75
Stockholders' equity to total assets10.829.65
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)9.428.19

_________________________________________________

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

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Notable changes in our consolidated balance sheet include the following:

•Debt securities decreased $83.0 million, largely due to the sale of $69.2 million of municipal securities with sales proceeds primarily used to reduce wholesale funding. Additionally, paydowns, maturities, and calls of debt securities generated another $126.3 million of cash proceeds with $105.1 million being reinvested into debt securities at higher yields;

•Loans increased by $61.7 million, primarily attributable to new originations to recurring customers; and

•Total deposits decreased by $83.2 million, primarily attributable to a $144.9 million decrease in brokered deposits. Deposit balances continued to shift towards higher cost deposit products, such as time deposits, which increased $158.2 million, including the addition of $65.0 million of time deposits from a State of Illinois loan matching program.

Loan Portfolio

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio, excluding loans held-for-sale, by type of loan.

December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)BalancePercentBalancePercent
Commercial and industrial$428,38912.4%$427,80012.6%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied322,3169.3295,8428.7
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied899,56525.9880,68125.9
Construction and land development374,65710.8363,98310.7
Multi-family431,52412.4417,92312.3
One-to-four family residential463,96813.4491,50814.4
Agricultural and farmland293,3758.5287,2948.4
Municipal, consumer, and other252,3527.3239,3867.0
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,466,146100.0%3,404,417100.0%
Allowance for credit losses(42,044)(40,048)
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses$3,424,102$3,364,369

Loans, before allowance for credit losses were $3.47 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $61.7 million, or 1.8%, from December 31, 2023. Notable changes include the following:

•A $10.7 million increase in construction loans primarily attributable to draws on existing construction projects and new construction loans to existing customers which were mostly offset by transfers of completed projects into other categories.

•An $18.9 million increase in commercial real estate – non-owner occupied loans and a $13.6 million increase in multi-family loans, primarily attributable to completed construction projects transferred from the construction and land development category, partially offset by early payoffs; and

•During 2024, we purchased pools of commercial and industrial loans totaling $14.6 million. One pool included equipment finance loans purchased from a bank that originated the loans through its equipment finance division to borrowers across multiple industries and geographic regions. The remaining pool consisted of loans originated by a financial services company with a long-standing history of originating loans to healthcare and professional service borrowers across multiple geographic regions.

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Commercial Real Estate Portfolios

Commercial real estate – owner occupied loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The commercial real estate – owner occupied portfolio composition, segmented by the owner’s business classification, as of December 31, 2024 was as follows:

December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)BalanceSubstandard Risk Rating
Manufacturing$44,718$333
Health care and social assistance38,658319
Auto repair and dealers33,991
Accommodation and food services31,2173,993
Retail trade27,331
Real estate, rental, and leasing21,43026
Wholesale trade20,055
Construction19,7771,405
Grain elevators19,058
Arts, entertainment, and recreation12,45777
Other services (except public administration)11,942
Administrative and support services11,929
Professional, scientific, and technical services8,312
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting6,634
Education services6,5371,331
Finance and insurance4,916
Other3,354
Total$322,316$7,484

Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied loans are primarily made based on projected cash flows from the rental or sale of the underlying collateral. The commercial real estate – non-owner occupied portfolio composition, segmented by the property type, as of December 31, 2024 was as follows:

December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)BalanceSubstandard Risk RatingWeighted Average LTV(1)
Warehouse and manufacturing$189,982$56%
Retail179,8439,19155
Office159,1984,85456
Senior Living107,74212,91256
Hotel86,1517,52755
Mixed use (commercial and residential)67,10363
Medical office33,89358
Gas station24,78062
Auto repair and dealers20,69754
Restaurant and bar12,65360
Other17,52355
Total$899,565$34,48456%

________________

(1)     Weighted average LTV is based on the most recent appraisals available, which are generally obtained at the time of origination.

Multi-family loans totaled $431.5 million as of December 31, 2024, and are primarily made based on projected cash flows from the rental or sale of the underlying collateral. As of December 31, 2024, multi-family loans had a weighted average LTV of 57%, based on the most recent appraisals available, which are generally obtained at the time of origination.

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Management’s disciplined approach to credit risk management is exercised through portfolio diversification, robust underwriting policies, and routine loan monitoring practices in order to identify and mitigate any credit weakness as early as possible. Management continually monitors and evaluates commercial real estate concentrations by property class, industry, and relative to the Bank’s regulatory capital to remain in line with board-established limits and adapt to changing industry conditions. A centralized credit underwriting group, independent of the originating lender, evaluates a vast majority of the commercial exposures over $750 thousand annually, if not more frequently, through a standardized credit review process to ensure uniform application of policies and procedures as well as analyze credit performance. All loans require appropriate internal approval, with a centralized credit approval group reviewing all exposures over $500 thousand. Additionally, a robust internal review process reviews more than 45% of loan commitments on a rolling 24 month basis that is in addition to an annual third-party review of a sample of the portfolio.

Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022 in response to the rapid increase in interest rates, we have prepared quarterly cash flow stress tests for our commercial real estate – non-owner occupied and multi-family loans. For commercial real estate – non-owner occupied and multi-family loans over $1 million, we evaluate the impact of current interest rates on the underlying cash flows of the properties securing these loans, based on the most recent cash flow data available. This testing is completed in addition to the various sensitivity testing completed at the initial extension of credit. Individual credits with a maturity scheduled within the next five quarters that are presenting stress under current renewal terms are identified, so that ample time is available to develop solutions to manage credit risk.

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Loan Portfolio Maturities

The following table summarizes the scheduled maturities of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024. Demand loans (loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity) and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less.

(dollars in thousands)1 Year or LessAfter 1 Year Through 5 YearsAfter 5 Years Through 15 YearsAfter 15 YearsTotal
Commercial and industrial$231,936$141,237$55,216$$428,389
Commercial real estate - owner occupied56,155169,62578,70217,834322,316
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied186,116595,846117,141462899,565
Construction and land development179,950170,56713,99310,147374,657
Multi-family114,333269,45346,4231,315431,524
One-to-four family residential59,928185,31992,888125,833463,968
Agricultural and farmland131,229120,04436,6655,437293,375
Municipal, consumer, and other102,55952,00867,04530,740252,352
Total$1,062,206$1,704,099$508,073$191,768$3,466,146

The following table summarizes loans maturing after one year, segregated into variable and fixed interest rates.

Variable Interest Rates
(dollars in thousands)Repricing 1 Year or LessRepricing After 1 YearTotal Variable Interest RatesPredetermined (Fixed) Interest RatesTotal
Commercial and industrial$41,830$6,770$48,600$147,853$196,453
Commercial real estate - owner occupied58,03743,707101,744164,417266,161
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied92,37218,285110,657602,792713,449
Construction and land development59,49811,02770,525124,182194,707
Multi-family60,55517,95778,512238,679317,191
One-to-four family residential81,13456,056137,190266,850404,040
Agricultural and farmland4,10110,74114,842147,304162,146
Municipal, consumer, and other32,96418,53451,49898,295149,793
Total$430,491$183,077$613,568$1,790,372$2,403,940

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Nonperforming Assets

Our nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual$7,652$7,820
Past due 90 days or more, still accruing437
Total nonperforming loans7,6567,857
Foreclosed assets367852
Total nonperforming assets$8,023$8,709
Nonperforming loans that are wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government$1,573$2,641
Allowance for credit losses$42,044$40,048
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,466,1463,404,417
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses1.21%1.18%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans549.45512.12
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans549.16509.71
Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses0.220.23
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses0.220.23
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.160.17
Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for credit losses, and foreclosed assets0.230.26

Total nonperforming assets were $8.0 million at December 31, 2024, a slight decrease when compared to $8.7 million at December 31, 2023. The slight decrease was primarily attributable to sales of foreclosed assets and a decrease in nonaccrual one-to-four family residential loans. Additionally, of the $7.7 million of nonperforming loans held as of December 31, 2024, $1.6 million are either wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

Risk Classification of Loans

Our risk classifications of loans were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Pass$3,264,396$3,241,889
Pass-watch83,94798,206
Special mention (1)46,590
Substandard71,21364,322
Total$3,466,146$3,404,417

_________________________________________________

(1)    In June 2024, the Company updated its risk rating categories to add the special mention category to provide another level of granularity in distinguishing risk levels of loans. As of June 30, 2024, $19.5 million of the special mention loans would have been considered pass-watch and $10.6 million would have been considered substandard under the previous risk rating categories.

Loans rated pass-watch or worse increased $39.2 million, or 24.1%, from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024, primarily attributable to downgrades within the agricultural and farmland, commercial and industrial, and construction and land development segments.

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Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)

The following table summarizes net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans by loan category.

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Commercial and industrial$1,300$369$(751)
Commercial real estate - owner occupied(10)(13)(1,006)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(586)(66)(283)
Construction and land development(3)(53)(1)
Multi-family188(281)
One-to-four family residential(142)(152)(302)
Agricultural and farmland51(6)
Municipal, consumer, and other960382240
Total$1,758$180$(2,103)
Average loans
Commercial and industrial$402,936$370,255$268,765
Commercial real estate - owner occupied294,847290,489219,127
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied886,903874,661695,230
Construction and land development364,138368,111340,831
Multi-family423,532372,201258,490
One-to-four family residential482,984476,856328,656
Agricultural and farmland285,747254,106233,349
Municipal, consumer, and other236,972225,057170,101
Total$3,378,059$3,231,736$2,514,549
Charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans
Commercial and industrial0.32%0.10%(0.28)%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied(0.46)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(0.07)(0.01)(0.04)
Construction and land development(0.01)
Multi-family0.04(0.08)
One-to-four family residential(0.03)(0.03)(0.09)
Agricultural and farmland0.02
Municipal, consumer, and other0.410.170.14
Total0.05%0.01%(0.08)%

The net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans ratio has remained low for several years. While we believe our continuous credit monitoring and collection efforts have resulted in lower levels of credit losses, we also recognize that substantial federal economic stimulus during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relatively stable economic conditions after the pandemic have also contributed to reduced credit losses.

Additionally, heightened net charge-offs within the commercial and industrial segment are primarily related to equipment finance loans which were purchased as part of a pool of loans during 2023.

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Securities

The Company’s investment policy emphasizes safety of the principal, liquidity needs, expected returns, cash flow targets, and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. The composition and maturities of the debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2024, are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur. Security yields have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.

December 31, 2024
Available-for-SaleHeld-to-MaturityTotal
(dollars in thousands)Amortized CostWeighted Average YieldAmortized CostWeighted Average YieldAmortized CostWeighted Average Yield
Due in 1 year or less
U.S. Treasury$30,0111.46%$%$30,0111.46%
U.S. government agency12,3952.6912,3952.69
Municipal3,4372.547,0843.0510,5212.89
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential1383.101383.10
Agency commercial5,0411.565,0411.56
Total$51,0221.85%$7,0843.05%$58,1062.00%
Due after 1 year through 5 years
U.S. Treasury$70,0261.25%$%$70,0261.25%
U.S. government agency26,9052.3634,9522.2261,8572.28
Municipal56,3851.6117,3983.1173,7831.97
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential8,9342.7311,1702.1320,1042.40
Agency commercial64,0171.8183,4062.29147,4232.08
Corporate24,9535.1224,9535.12
Total$251,2202.03%$146,9262.36%$398,1462.15%
Due after 5 years through 10 years
U.S. Treasury$19,6531.62%$%$19,6531.62%
U.S. government agency16,4423.4053,5202.6469,9622.82
Municipal74,3101.779,1253.6583,4351.98
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential58,0482.1458,0482.14
Agency commercial22,0191.66167,0591.85189,0781.83
Corporate34,7794.5234,7794.52
Total$225,2512.38%$229,7042.11%$454,9552.25%
Due after 10 years
Municipal$16,0311.71%$2,2553.43%$18,2861.92%
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential174,2223.9274,4733.64248,6953.83
Agency commercial37,7462.4739,4161.8977,1622.17
Corporate2,0004.502,0004.50
Total$229,9993.53%$116,1443.04%$346,1433.37%
Total
U.S. Treasury$119,6901.36%$%$119,6901.36%
U.S. government agency55,7422.7488,4722.48144,2142.58
Municipal150,1631.7235,8623.26186,0252.02
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential241,3423.4585,6433.44326,9853.44
Agency commercial128,8231.96289,8811.98418,7041.98
Corporate61,7324.7661,7324.76
Total$757,4922.58%$499,8582.41%$1,257,3502.51%

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SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits

Management continues to focus on growing deposits through the Company’s relationship-driven banking philosophy and community-focused marketing programs. Additionally, we continue to add and improve digital banking services to solidify deposit relationships.

The following table sets forth the distribution of average deposits, by account type:

Year Ended December 31, 2024Percent Change in Average Balance 2024 vs. 2023
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,033,81123.9%%(7.1)%
Interest-bearing demand1,106,13625.60.50(6.9)
Money market797,44418.62.3419.2
Savings584,76913.50.28(11.6)
Time757,45617.53.7257.3
Brokered38,2860.95.50(27.4)
Total deposits$4,317,902100.0%1.30%3.6%
Year Ended December 31, 2023Percent Change in Average Balance 2023 vs. 2022
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,113,30026.7%%5.9%
Interest-bearing demand1,188,68028.50.264.1
Money market669,11816.11.1014.9
Savings661,42415.90.161.7
Time481,46611.52.2470.0
Brokered52,7241.35.38100.0
Total deposits$4,166,712100.0%0.60%12.3%
Year Ended December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,051,18728.4%%
Interest-bearing demand1,141,40230.80.05
Money market582,51415.70.14
Savings650,38517.50.03
Time283,2327.60.31
Brokered
Total deposits$3,708,720100.0%0.07%

The increase in average deposit balances in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily attributable to increases in time deposits, including the addition of $65.0 million from a State of Illinois loan matching program, and money market accounts as balances continued to shift towards higher cost deposit products. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in brokered deposits due to planned repayment at scheduled maturity. As a result of these changes, deposit costs increased during 2024 compared to 2023.

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The following table sets forth time deposits by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2024:

(dollars in thousands)3 Months or LessOver 3 through 6 MonthsOver 6 through 12 MonthsOver 12 MonthsTotal
Time deposits:
Amounts less than $100,000$139,856$96,944$64,947$28,486$330,233
Amounts of $100,000 or more but less than $250,000117,79576,46247,62411,120253,001
Amounts of $250,000 or more105,28472,53421,2953,083202,196
Total time deposits$362,935$245,940$133,866$42,689$785,430

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Bank’s uninsured deposits were estimated to be $949.4 million and $867.7 million, respectively.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

All securities sold under agreements to repurchase are sweep instruments, maturing daily. The securities underlying the agreements are held under our control in safekeeping at third-party financial institutions, and include debt securities.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Balance at end of year$28,969$42,442$43,081
Average balance during year30,98435,45051,554
Average interest rate during year1.92%0.72%0.07%

Borrowings

Deposits are the Bank's primary source of funds for our lending activities and general business purposes. However, we may also obtain advances from the FHLB, purchase federal funds, and engage in overnight borrowing from the Federal Reserve. We may also use these sources of funds as part of our asset liability management process to control our long-term interest rate risk exposure, even if it may increase our short-term cost of funds. Our level of short-term borrowing can fluctuate on a daily basis depending on funding needs and the source of funds to satisfy the needs.

Our use of FHLB advances and other borrowings was nominal during the first half of 2022, but increased during the second half of 2022 and throughout most of 2023 to fund increases in loan demand and to offset a decrease in deposits. Our use of FHLB advances and other borrowings returned to nominal levels during 2024, with loan demand funded primarily through cash flows from the debt securities portfolio.

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The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our borrowings.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Balance at end of year
FHLB advances$13,231$12,623$160,000
Federal Reserve discount window
Federal funds purchased
Total borrowings$13,231$12,623$160,000
Average balance during year
FHLB advances$13,301$139,554$25,934
Federal Reserve discount window3
Federal funds purchased82260534
Total borrowings$13,383$139,817$26,468
Average interest rate during year
FHLB advances3.57%5.10%3.68%
Federal Reserve discount window5.25
Federal funds purchased5.935.562.11
Total borrowings3.595.103.65

LIQUIDITY

Bank Liquidity

The overall objective of bank liquidity management is to ensure the availability of sufficient cash funds to meet all financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities. The Bank manages liquidity in order to meet deposit withdrawals on demand or at contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature, and to fund new loans and investments as opportunities arise.

The Bank continuously monitors its liquidity positions to ensure that assets and liabilities are managed in a manner that will meet all of our short-term and long-term cash requirements. The Bank manages its liquidity position to meet our daily cash flow needs, while maintaining an appropriate balance between assets and liabilities to meet the return on investment objectives. The Bank also monitors liquidity requirements in light of interest rate trends, changes in the economy, the scheduled maturity and interest rate sensitivity of the investment and loan portfolios and deposits, and regulatory capital requirements.

As part of the Bank’s liquidity management strategy, the Bank is also focused on minimizing costs of liquidity and attempts to decrease these costs by promoting noninterest-bearing and low-cost deposits. While the Bank does not control the types of deposit instruments our clients choose, those choices can be influenced with the rates and the deposit specials offered.

Our on-balance sheet sources of liquidity included cash and cash equivalents as well as unpledged securities which may be sold or pledged as collateral to meet liquidity needs. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our on-balance sheet sources of liquidity included the following:

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents$137,692$141,252
Fair value of unpledged securities705,106827,760
Total cash and unpledged securities$842,798$969,012

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Additional sources of liquidity include borrowings from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve discount window, and federal fund lines of credit. Interest is charged on outstanding borrowings at the prevailing market rate. As of December 31, 2024, our current borrowings and additional available borrowing capacity were as follows:

December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)Current BalanceAdditional Available Capacity
FHLB$13,231$1,019,027
Federal Reserve91,860
Federal funds lines of credit80,000
Total$13,231$1,190,887

Further, the Bank could utilize brokered deposits as an additional source of liquidity, as needed.

As of December 31, 2024, management believed the current liquidity and available sources of liquidity are adequate to meet all of the reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands of the Bank. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

Holding Company Liquidity

The Holding Company, or HBT Financial on an unconsolidated basis, is a corporation separate and apart from the Bank and, therefore, it must provide for its own liquidity. As of December 31, 2024, the Holding Company had cash and cash equivalents of $16.2 million.

The Holding Company’s main source of funding is dividends declared and paid to it by the Bank. Due to state banking laws, the Bank may not declare dividends in any calendar year in an amount that would exceed accumulated retained earnings, after giving effect to any unrecognized losses and bad debts, without the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements. Management believes that these limitations will not impact the Holding Company’s ability to meet its ongoing short-term cash obligations. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Bank paid $34.0 million, $64.0 million, and $28.0 million in dividends to the Holding Company, respectively.

The liquidity needs of the Holding Company on an unconsolidated basis consist primarily of operating expenses, interest payments on the subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures, and shareholder distributions in the form of dividends and stock repurchases. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, holding company operating expenses consisted of interest expense of $5.7 million, $5.4 million, and $3.7 million, respectively, and other operating expenses of $4.1 million, $5.5 million, and $5.3 million, respectively.

Additionally, the Holding Company paid $24.2 million, $21.9 million, and $18.6 million of dividends to stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The Holding Company also paid $38.0 million in cash consideration in the acquisition of Town and Country during 2023.

As of December 31, 2024, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Holding Company’s liquidity.

As of December 31, 2024, management believed the current liquidity and available sources of liquidity are adequate to meet all of the reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands of the Holding Company. As of December 31, 2024, the Holding Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

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CAPITAL RESOURCES

The overall objectives of capital management are to ensure the availability of sufficient capital to support loan, deposit and other asset and liability growth opportunities and to maintain capital to absorb unforeseen losses or write-downs that are inherent in the business risks associated with the banking industry. The Company seeks to balance the need for higher capital levels to address such unforeseen risks and the goal to achieve an adequate return on the capital invested by our stockholders.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Company and Bank are each subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the Company and the Bank.

In addition to meeting minimum capital requirements, the Company and the Bank must also maintain a “capital conservation buffer” to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management. The capital conservation buffer requirement is 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. As of those dates, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

The following table sets forth actual capital ratios of the Company and the Bank as of the dates indicated, as well as the minimum ratios for capital adequacy purposes with the capital conservation buffer, and the minimum ratios to be well capitalized under regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

December 31, 2024December 31, 2023For CapitalAdequacy PurposesWith CapitalConservation Buffer (1)To Be WellCapitalized UnderPrompt CorrectiveAction Provisions (2)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)16.51%15.33%10.50%N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)14.5013.428.50N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)13.2112.127.00N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)11.5110.494.00N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)16.11%14.92%10.50%10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)15.1014.018.508.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)15.1014.017.006.50
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)11.9810.964.005.00

_________________________________________________

(1)The Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio (known as the “leverage ratio”) is not impacted by the capital conservation buffer.

(2)The prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

N/A   Not applicable.

As of December 31, 2024, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company’s capital resources.

Cash Dividends

The Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.19 per share during 2024, $0.17 per share during 2023, and $0.16 per share during 2022. On January 21, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by $0.02 per share to $0.21 per share.

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Stock Repurchase Program

The Company repurchased 232,803 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $18.89 during 2024, 479,005 shares at a weighted average price of $18.43 during 2023, and 265,379 shares at a weighted average price of $18.02 during 2022. Repurchases were conducted in compliance with Rule 10b-18 and in compliance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. On December 17, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $15.0 million of its common stock. The new stock repurchase program took effect upon the expiration of the prior stock repurchase program and expires on January 1, 2025.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As a financial services provider, the Bank routinely is a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, unused lines of credit, commitments to sell loans, and interest rate swaps. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process afforded to loans originated by the Bank. For additional information, see “Note 23 – Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, subjective, or complex. These estimates involve judgments, assumptions, and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition or materially different results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. Further, changes in accounting standards could impact the Company’s critical accounting estimates. The following accounting estimate could be deemed critical:

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses reflects an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses. Measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance for credit losses are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance for credit losses. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance for credit losses when the Company determines the loan balance to be uncollectible. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance for credit losses.

Management uses the discounted cash flow method to estimate expected credit losses for all loan categories, except for consumer loans where the weighted average remaining maturity method is utilized. The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data to determine which macroeconomic variables are most closely correlated with credit losses, such as the unemployment rate and changes in GDP. Management leverages economic projections from a reputable third party to form its economic forecasts with a reversion to historical averages for periods beyond a reasonable and supportable forecast period.

Nonaccrual loans and loans which do not share risk characteristics with other loans in the pool are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses.

The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments is estimated in the same manner as the associated loans, adjusted for anticipated funding rate.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain financial information determined by methods other than those in accordance with GAAP. 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 closely comparable GAAP financial measures below.

Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Adjusted Net Income•Net income, with the following adjustments:-excludes acquisition expenses, including the day 2 provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments,-excludes branch closure expenses,-excludes gains (losses) on closed branch premises,-excludes realized gains (losses) on sales of securities,-excludes mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, and-the income tax effect of these pre-tax adjustments.•Enhances comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects.•We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Adjusted Net Income, such as:-Adjusted Return on Average Assets, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average assets.-Adjusted Return on Average Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average equity.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share – Basic, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share – Diluted, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares.•Adjusted Return on Average Assets is a performance measure utilized in determining executive compensation.
Pre-Provision Net Revenue•Net interest income, plus noninterest income, less noninterest expense.•Provides investors with information regarding profitability excluding provision for credit losses and income tax expense, which may fluctuate from period to period.•We also sometimes refer to measures that include Pre-Provision Net Revenue, such as:-Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue which reflects the adjustments considered in Adjusted Net Income, as necessary.-Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Charge-offs (Recoveries).-Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Charge-offs (Recoveries) which reflects the adjustments considered in Adjusted Net Income, as necessary.•Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) is a performance measure utilized in determining executive compensation.

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Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Net Interest Income (Tax-Equivalent Basis)•Net interest income adjusted for the tax-favored status of tax-exempt loans and securities. (1)•We believe the tax-equivalent basis is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income.•Enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.•We also sometimes refer to Net Interest Margin (Tax-Equivalent Basis), which is Net Interest Income (Tax-Equivalent Basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.
Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis)•Noninterest expense less amortization of intangible assets divided by the sum of net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) and noninterest income. (1)•Provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry.•Calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. That is, the ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue.•We also sometimes refer to Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis) which reflects the adjustments considered in Adjusted Net Income, as necessary.•Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis) is a performance measure utilized in determining executive compensation.
Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets•Tangible Common Equity is total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets.•Tangible Assets is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets.•Generally used by investors, our management, and banking regulators to evaluate capital adequacy.•Facilitates comparison of our earnings with the earnings of other banking organization with varying amounts of goodwill or intangible assets.•We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Tangible Common Equity, such as:-Tangible Book Value Per Share, which is Tangible Common Equity divided by shares of common stock outstanding.-Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is net income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.-Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.
Core Deposits•Total deposits, excluding:-Time deposits of $250,000 or more, and-Brokered deposits•Provides investors with information regarding the stability of the Company’s sources of funds.•We also sometimes refer to the ratio of Core Deposits to total deposits.

_________________________________________________

(1)Tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Net income$71,780$65,842$56,456
Less: adjustments
Acquisition expenses (1)(13,691)(1,092)
Gains (losses) on closed branch premises(635)75141
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(3,697)(1,820)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(174)(1,615)2,153
Total adjustments(4,506)(17,051)1,202
Tax effect of adjustments (2)1,2844,711(551)
Total adjustments after tax effect(3,222)(12,340)651
Adjusted net income$75,002$78,182$55,805
Average assets$5,008,083$4,927,904$4,269,873
Return on average assets1.43%1.34%1.32%
Adjusted return on average assets1.501.591.31

_________________________________________________

(1)Includes recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million in connection with the Town and Country merger during the first quarter of 2023 in accordance with ASC 326 which was adopted on January 1, 2023.

(2)Assumes a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)202420232022
Numerator:
Net income$71,780$65,842$56,456
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(36)(66)
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted$71,780$65,806$56,390
Adjusted net income$75,002$78,182$55,805
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(42)(65)
Numerator for adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted$75,002$78,140$55,740
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding31,590,11731,626,30828,853,697
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units122,363111,83965,619
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares31,712,48031,738,14728,919,316
Earnings per share - Basic$2.27$2.08$1.95
Earnings per share - Diluted$2.26$2.07$1.95
Adjusted earnings per share - Basic$2.37$2.47$1.93
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted$2.37$2.46$1.93

_________________________________________________

(1)The Company previously granted restricted stock units that contained non-forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents which were considered participating securities. Prior to 2024, these restricted stock units were included in the calculation of basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Pre-Provision Net Revenue, Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Charge-offs (Recoveries),

Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue, and

Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Charge-offs (Recoveries)

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Net interest income$188,850$191,072$145,874
Noninterest income35,57136,04634,717
Noninterest expense(124,007)(130,964)(105,107)
Pre-provision net revenue100,41496,15475,484
Less: adjustments
Acquisition expenses(7,767)(1,092)
Gains (losses) on closed branch premises(635)75141
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(3,697)(1,820)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(174)(1,615)2,153
Total adjustments(4,506)(11,127)1,202
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue$104,920$107,281$74,282
Pre-provision net revenue$100,414$96,154$75,484
Less: net charge-offs (recoveries)1,758180(2,103)
Pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs (recoveries)$98,656$95,974$77,587
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue$104,920$107,281$74,282
Less: net charge-offs (recoveries)1,758180(2,103)
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs (recoveries)$103,162$107,101$76,385

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin (Tax-Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)
Net interest income$188,850$191,072$145,874
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,2422,7582,499
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (1)$191,092$193,830$148,373
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)
Net interest margin3.96%4.09%3.54%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)0.050.060.06
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (1)4.01%4.15%3.60%
Average interest-earning assets$4,769,671$4,675,025$4,118,124

_________________________________________________

(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis) and Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Total noninterest expense$124,007$130,964$105,107
Less: amortization of intangible assets2,8392,670873
Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets$121,168$128,294$104,234
Less: adjustments to noninterest expense
Acquisition expenses7,7671,092
Total adjustments to noninterest expense7,7671,092
Adjusted noninterest expense$121,168$120,527$103,142
Net interest income$188,850$191,072$145,874
Total noninterest income35,57136,04634,717
Operating revenue224,421227,118180,591
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,2422,7582,499
Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)226,663229,876183,090
Less: adjustments to noninterest income
Gains (losses) on closed branch premises(635)75141
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(3,697)(1,820)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(174)(1,615)2,153
Total adjustments to noninterest income(4,506)(3,360)2,294
Adjusted operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)$231,169$233,236$180,796
Efficiency ratio53.99%56.49%57.72%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)53.4655.8156.93
Adjusted efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)52.4251.6857.05

_________________________________________________

(1)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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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets and Tangible Book Value Per Share

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$544,605$489,496
Less: Goodwill59,82059,820
Less: Intangible assets, net17,84320,682
Tangible common equity$466,942$408,994
Tangible Assets
Total assets$5,032,902$5,073,170
Less: Goodwill59,82059,820
Less: Intangible assets, net17,84320,682
Tangible assets$4,955,239$4,992,668
Total stockholders' equity to total assets10.82%9.65%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets9.428.19
Shares of common stock outstanding31,559,36631,695,828
Book value per share$17.26$15.44
Tangible book value per share14.8012.90

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, Adjusted Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity, and Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Average Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$515,368$450,928$383,306
Less: Goodwill59,82057,26629,322
Less: Intangible assets, net19,24720,2721,480
Average tangible common equity$436,301$373,390$352,504
Net income$71,780$65,842$56,456
Adjusted net income75,00278,18255,805
Return on average stockholders' equity13.93%14.60%14.73%
Return on average tangible common equity16.4517.6316.02
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity14.55%17.34%14.56%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity17.1920.9415.83

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure —

Core Deposits

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Core Deposits
Total deposits$4,318,254$4,401,437
Less: time deposits of $250,000 or more202,196130,183
Less: brokered deposits144,880
Core deposits$4,116,058$4,126,374
Core deposits to total deposits95.32%93.75%

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FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001628280-24-009388.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-03-06. Report date: 2023-12-31.

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to HBT Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the following parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Part I, Item 1 “Business”, Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, and Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. Detailed discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operation for 2023 as compared to 2022 can be found below.

OVERVIEW

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. We provide a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to businesses, families, and local governments throughout Illinois and Eastern Iowa. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had total assets of $5.1 billion, loans held for investment of $3.4 billion, and total deposits of $4.4 billion.

Market Area

As of December 31, 2023, our branch network included 67 full-service branch locations throughout Illinois and Eastern Iowa. We hold a leading deposit share in many of our Central Illinois markets, which we define as a top three deposit share rank, providing the foundation for our strong deposit base. The stability provided by this low-cost funding is a key driver of our strong track record of financial performance. Below is a summary of our loan and deposit balances by geographic region:

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)LoansDepositsLoansDeposits
Central$1,693,794$3,094,305$1,024,015$2,239,030
Chicago MSA1,406,3481,197,8651,294,3271,216,423
Illinois3,100,1424,292,1702,318,3423,455,453
Iowa304,275109,267301,911131,571
Total$3,404,417$4,401,437$2,620,253$3,587,024

Acquisitions

The Company incurred the following pre-tax acquisition expenses:

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES (1)$5,924$$
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries3,58465
Furniture and equipment3918
Data processing2,031304355
Marketing and customer relations2412
Loan collection and servicing12511
Legal fees and other noninterest expense1,964788955
Total noninterest expense7,7671,0921,416
Total acquisition-related expenses$13,691$1,092$1,416

_________________________________________________

(1)Includes recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-purchase credit deteriorated ("non-PCD") loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million in connection with the Town and Country merger during the first quarter of 2023 in accordance with ASC 326 which was adopted on January 1, 2023.

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Town and Country Financial Corporation

On February 1, 2023, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of Town and Country, the holding company for Town and Country Bank. The acquisition of Town and Country further enhanced HBT Financial’s footprint in Central Illinois and expanded our footprint into metro-east St. Louis. At the time of acquisition, Town and Country Bank operated ten full-service branch locations which began operating as branches of Heartland Bank. The core system conversion was successfully completed in April 2023. After considering business combination accounting adjustments, Town and Country added total assets of $937.2 million, total loans held for investment of $635.4 million, and total deposits of $720.4 million.

Total consideration consisted of 3.4 million shares of HBT Financial’s common stock and $38.0 million in cash. Based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $21.12 on February 1, 2023, the aggregate consideration was approximately $109.4 million. Goodwill of $30.5 million was recorded in the acquisition.

NXT Bancorporation, Inc.

On October 1, 2021, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of NXT Bancorporation, Inc. (“NXT”), the holding company for NXT Bank. The acquisition expanded our footprint into Eastern Iowa with four locations that began operating as branches of Heartland Bank following the merger and system conversion of NXT Bank into Heartland Bank in December 2021. After considering business combination accounting adjustments, NXT added total assets of $239.9 million, total loans of $194.6 million, and total deposits of $181.6 million.

Total consideration consisted of 1.8 million shares of HBT Financial’s common stock and $10.6 million in cash. Based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $16.27 on October 1, 2021, the aggregate consideration was approximately $39.9 million. Goodwill of $5.7 million was recorded in the acquisition.

Branch Rationalization Plan

In April 2021, the Company made plans to close or consolidate six branches. One branch was consolidated during the second quarter of 2021, and the remaining five branches were closed during the third quarter of 2021. The Company estimated annual pre-tax cost savings, net of associated revenue impacts, related to the branch rationalization plan to be approximately $1.1 million.

The Company incurred the following pre-tax branch closure costs during the year ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

NONINTEREST INCOME
Gains (losses) on other assets$(682)
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries53
Marketing and customer relations6
Legal fees and other noninterest expense7
Total noninterest expense66
Total branch closure costs$748

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FACTORS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Economic Conditions

The Company's business and financial performance are affected by economic conditions generally in the U.S. and more directly in the Illinois and Iowa markets where we primarily operate. The significant economic factors that are most relevant to our business and our financial performance include the general economic conditions in the U.S. and in the Company's markets (including the effect of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints), unemployment rates, real estate markets, and interest rates.

Interest Rates

Net interest income is our primary source of revenue. Net interest income is equal to the excess of interest income earned on interest earning assets (including discount accretion on purchased loans plus certain loan fees) over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. The level of interest rates as well as the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities both impact net interest income. Net interest income is also influenced by both the pricing and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which, in turn, are impacted by external factors such as local economic conditions, competition for loans and deposits, the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) and market interest rates.

The cost of our deposits and short-term wholesale borrowings is largely based on short-term interest rates, which are primarily driven by the FRB’s actions. The yields generated by our loans and securities are typically driven by short-term and long-term interest rates, which are set by the market and, to some degree, by the FRB’s actions. Our net interest income is therefore influenced by movements in such interest rates and the pace at which such movements occur. Generally, we expect increases in market interest rates will increase our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods, while decreases in market interest rates may decrease our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods.

Credit Trends

We focus on originating loans with appropriate risk/reward profiles. We have a detailed loan policy that guides our overall loan origination philosophy and a well-established loan approval process that requires experienced credit officers to approve larger loan relationships. Although we believe our loan approval and credit review processes are strengths that allow us to maintain a high-quality loan portfolio, we recognize that credit trends in the markets in which we operate and in our loan portfolio can materially impact our financial condition and performance and that these trends are primarily driven by the economic conditions in our markets.

Competition

Our profitability and growth are affected by the highly competitive nature of the financial services industry. We compete with community banks in all our markets and, to a lesser extent, with money center banks, primarily in the Chicago MSA. Additionally, we compete with non-bank financial services companies, FinTechs and other financial institutions operating within the areas we serve. We compete by emphasizing personalized service and efficient decision-making tailored to individual needs. We do not rely on any individual, group, or entity for a material portion of our loans or our deposits. We continue to see significant competitive pressure on loan rates and terms, as well as deposit pricing, which may affect our financial results in the future.

Digital Banking

Throughout the banking industry, in-person branch traffic is expected to continue to decline as more customers turn to digital banking for routine banking transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, and in-person branch traffic is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, widespread adoption of faster payment and instant payment technologies could require us to substantially increase our expenditures on technology infrastructure, increase our regulatory compliance costs, and adversely impact the stability of our deposit base. We plan to continue investing in our digital banking platforms, while maintaining an appropriately sized branch network. An inability to meet evolving customer expectations, with the appropriate level of security, for both digital and in-person banking may adversely affect our financial results in the future.

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Regulatory Environment and Trends

We are subject to federal and state regulation and supervision, which continue to evolve as the legal and regulatory framework governing our operations continues to change. The current operating environment includes extensive regulation and supervision in areas such as consumer compliance, the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering compliance, risk management and internal audit. We anticipate that this environment of extensive regulation and supervision will continue for the industry. As a result, changes in the regulatory environment may result in additional costs for additional compliance, risk management and audit personnel or professional fees associated with advisors and consultants.

FACTORS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

JOBS Act Accounting Election

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. The JOBS Act permits us an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards affecting public companies. The Company may remain an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of: (1) the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, which is December 31, 2024, (2) the last day of the fiscal year in which the Company has $1.235 billion or more in annual revenues, (3) the date on which the Company is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Exchange Act or (4) the date on which the Company has, during the previous three year period, issued, publicly or privately, more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities. We have elected to use the extended transition period until we are no longer an emerging growth company or until we choose to affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview of Recent Financial Results

The following table presents selected financial results and measures:

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)202320222021
Total interest and dividend income$228,999$153,054$128,223
Total interest expense37,9277,1805,820
Net interest income191,072145,874122,403
Provision for credit losses7,573(706)(8,077)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses183,499146,580130,480
Total noninterest income36,04634,71737,328
Total noninterest expense130,964105,10791,246
Income before income tax expense88,58176,19076,562
Income tax expense22,73919,73420,291
Net income$65,842$56,456$56,271
Adjusted net income (1)$78,182$55,805$56,840
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)$193,830$148,373$124,431
Share and Per Share Information
Earnings per share - Diluted$2.07$1.95$2.02
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted (1)2.461.932.04
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding31,626,30828,853,69727,795,806
Summary Ratios
Net interest margin4.09%3.54%3.18%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)4.153.603.23
Yield on loans6.044.914.68
Yield on interest-earning assets4.903.723.33
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities1.140.260.23
Cost of total deposits0.600.070.07
Cost of funds0.860.190.16
Efficiency ratio56.49%57.72%56.46%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)55.8156.9355.76
Return on average assets1.34%1.32%1.41%
Return on average stockholders' equity14.6014.7314.81
Return on average tangible common equity (1)17.6316.0215.95
Adjusted return on average assets (1)1.59%1.31%1.43%
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity (1)17.3414.5614.95
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (1)20.9415.8316.12

_________________________________________________

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

(2)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

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Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2023 to the Year Ended December 31, 2022

For the year ended December 31, 2023, net income was $65.8 million, increasing by $9.4 million, or 16.6%, when compared to net income for the year ended December 31, 2022. Notable changes include the following:

•A $45.2 million increase in net interest income, primarily attributable to the increase in average interest-earning assets following the Town and Country merger and higher yields on interest-earning assets, partially offset by higher funding costs;

•Town and Country acquisition-related expenses totaled $13.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, including the recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million through provision for credit losses, compared to $1.1 million of acquisition-related expenses during the year ended December 31, 2022;

•Net losses of $1.8 million on the sale of $185.3 million of securities were realized during the year ended December 31, 2023 with the sales proceeds used to reduce FHLB borrowings and fund loan growth; and

•Excluding Town and Country acquisition-related expenses, noninterest expense increased by $19.2 million primarily due to the addition of Town and Country’s operations.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income equals the excess of interest income on interest earning assets (including discount accretion on acquired loans plus certain loan fees) over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate spread and net interest margin are utilized to measure and explain changes in net interest income. Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the rate paid for interest-bearing liabilities that fund those assets. The net interest margin is expressed as the percentage of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. The net interest margin exceeds the interest rate spread because noninterest-bearing sources of funds, principally noninterest-bearing demand deposits and stockholders’ equity, also support interest-earning assets.

The following table sets forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information. Average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccrual loans are included in the computation of average balances but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees and costs, discounts and premiums, as well as purchase accounting adjustments that are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense.

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Year Ended
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)Average BalanceInterestYield/CostAverage BalanceInterestYield/CostAverage BalanceInterestYield/Cost
ASSETS
Loans$3,231,736$195,1976.04%$2,514,549$123,4784.91%$2,271,544$106,2844.68%
Securities1,350,52830,1872.241,403,01627,9371.991,148,90021,3481.86
Deposits with banks84,5443,0203.57197,0301,5410.78422,8285270.12
Other8,2175957.243,529982.773,201642.01
Total interest-earning assets4,675,025$228,9994.90%4,118,124$153,0543.72%3,846,473$128,2233.33%
Allowance for credit losses(37,504)(24,703)(27,999)
Noninterest-earning assets290,383176,452162,064
Total assets$4,927,904$4,269,873$3,980,538
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand$1,188,680$3,1300.26%$1,141,402$6070.05%$1,024,888$5180.05%
Money market669,1187,3521.10582,5148130.14521,3664370.08
Savings661,4241,0330.16650,3852080.03595,8871880.03
Time481,46610,7842.24283,2328830.31295,7881,3290.45
Brokered52,7242,8365.38
Total interest-bearing deposits3,053,41225,1350.822,657,5332,5110.092,437,9292,4720.10
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase35,4502550.7251,554360.0750,104340.07
Borrowings139,8177,1285.1026,4689673.651,65390.54
Subordinated notes39,4341,8794.7639,3551,8794.7739,2751,8794.78
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts51,4893,5306.8637,7461,7874.7337,6801,4263.79
Total interest-bearing liabilities3,319,602$37,9271.14%2,812,656$7,1800.26%2,566,641$5,8200.23%
Noninterest-bearing deposits1,113,3001,051,1871,004,757
Noninterest-bearing liabilities44,07422,72429,060
Total liabilities4,476,9763,886,5673,600,458
Stockholders' Equity450,928383,306380,080
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$4,927,9044,269,8733,980,538
Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)$191,0724.09%$145,8743.54%$122,4033.18%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)2,7580.062,4990.062,0280.05
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)$193,8304.15%$148,3733.60%$124,4313.23%
Net interest rate spread (4)3.76%3.46%3.10%
Net interest-earning assets (5)$1,355,423$1,305,468$1,279,832
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities1.411.461.50
Cost of total deposits0.60%0.07%0.07%
Cost of funds0.860.190.16

_________________________________________________

(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 "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP 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.

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The following table sets forth the components of loan interest income and their contributions to the total loan yield.

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
(dollars in thousands)InterestYield ContributionInterestYield ContributionInterestYield Contribution
Contractual interest$185,7725.75%$113,7754.52%$90,6473.99%
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)4,5840.144,4540.183,8400.17
PPP loan fees21,4880.069,1810.40
Accretion of acquired loan discounts4,1360.139330.041,1020.05
Nonaccrual interest recoveries7030.022,8280.111,5140.07
Total loan interest income$195,1976.04%$123,4784.91%$106,2844.68%

The following table sets forth the components of net interest income and their contributions to the net interest margin.

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
(dollars in thousands)InterestNet Interest Margin ContributionInterestNet Interest Margin ContributionInterestNet Interest Margin Contribution
Interest income:
Contractual interest on loans$185,7723.97%$113,7752.76%$90,6472.35%
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)4,5840.104,4540.113,8400.10
PPP loan fees21,4880.049,1810.24
Accretion of acquired loan discounts4,1360.099330.021,1020.03
Nonaccrual interest recoveries7030.022,8280.071,5140.04
Securities30,1870.6527,9370.6821,3480.56
Interest-bearing deposits in bank3,0200.061,5410.045270.01
Other5950.019864
Total interest income228,9994.90153,0543.72128,2233.33
Interest expense:
Deposits25,1350.542,5110.072,4720.06
Other interest-bearing liabilities12,7920.274,6690.113,3480.09
Total interest expense37,9270.817,1800.185,8200.15
Net interest income191,0724.09145,8743.54122,4033.18
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,7580.062,4990.062,0280.05
Net interest income (tax-equivalent) (1) (2)$193,8304.15%$148,3733.60%$124,4313.23%

_________________________________________________

(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

(2)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

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Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major categories of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Information is provided for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with respect to changes attributable to volume (i.e., changes in average balances multiplied by the prior-period average rate), and changes attributable to rate (i.e., changes in average rate multiplied by prior-period average balances). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both volume and rate that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

Year Ended December 31, 2023vs.Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2022vs.Year Ended December 31, 2021
Increase (Decrease) Due toTotalIncrease (Decrease) Due toTotal
(dollars in thousands)VolumeRateVolumeRate
Interest-earning assets:
Loans$39,701$32,018$71,719$11,755$5,439$17,194
Securities(1,075)3,3252,2504,9771,6126,589
Deposits with banks(1,312)2,7911,479(418)1,4321,014
Other22427349772734
Total interest-earning assets37,53838,40775,94516,3218,51024,831
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand262,4972,523612889
Money market1396,4006,53956320376
Savings482182517320
Time1,0078,8949,901(54)(392)(446)
Brokered2,8362,836
Total interest-bearing deposits4,01218,61222,62480(41)39
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(15)234219112
Borrowings5,6405216,161694264958
Subordinated notes4(4)4(4)
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts7819621,7433358361
Total interest-bearing liabilities10,42220,32530,7477825781,360
Change in net interest income$27,116$18,082$45,198$15,539$7,932$23,471

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2023 to the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $191.1 million, increasing $45.2 million, or 31.0%, from the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase is primarily attributable to the increase in average interest-earning assets following the Town and Country merger and higher yields on interest-earning assets, partially offset by higher funding costs.

Net interest margin increased to 4.09% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 3.54% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to higher yields on interest-earning assets which were partially offset by increased funding costs, driven by significant increases in market rates since early 2022. Additionally, the contribution of acquired loan discount accretion to net interest margin increased to 9 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2023, from 2 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2022.

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The quarterly net interest margins were as follows:

202320222021
Three months ended:
March 314.20%3.08%3.25%
June 304.163.343.14
September 304.073.653.18
December 313.934.103.17

In March 2020, the Federal Open Markets Committee (“FOMC”), in response to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, lowered the target range for the federal funds rate to 0% to 0.25% and announced the Federal Reserve would substantially increase its Treasury and agency mortgage-backed securities holdings. This resulted in a historically low interest rate environment which lasted through the rest of 2020 and into 2021, putting downward pressure on our net interest margin over the same period.

The FOMC began raising interest rates in March 2022 and continued raising interest rates until setting the target range for the federal funds rate at 5.25% to 5.50% in its July 2023 meeting. As a result, market interest rates have also risen since March 2022 which led to improvements in our net interest margin through the first quarter of 2023. Our net interest margin decreased modestly beginning in the second quarter of 2023 as increased competition for deposits drove an increase in our funding costs. Competition for deposits continues to be elevated relative to 2022. As a result, deposit and funding costs have increased during 2023 compared to such costs in 2022 and could continue to increase. Additionally, core deposits balances may decrease and be replaced by higher cost funding sources, such as FHLB advances and brokered deposits.

Provision for Credit Losses

The following table sets forth the components of provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Loans$6,665$(706)$(8,077)
Unfunded lending-related commitments908
Total provision for credit losses$7,573$(706)$(8,077)

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2023 to the Year Ended December 31, 2022

In connection with the Town and Country merger, we recognized an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million. Excluding the impact of the Town and Country merger, the remaining provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $2.4 million increase in required reserves driven by growth of and changes in the loan portfolio and unfunded commitments, a $1.4 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in economic and qualitative factors, and a $2.1 million decrease in specific reserves on individually evaluated loans.

Credit losses are highly dependent on current and forecast economic conditions. Potential deterioration of economic conditions may lead to higher credit losses and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. The economic forecasts utilized in estimating the allowance for credit losses on loans and lending-related unfunded commitments include the unemployment rate and changes in GDP as macroeconomic variables, although other economic metrics are considered on a qualitative basis.

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Noninterest Income

The following table sets forth the major categories of noninterest income for the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)20232022$ Change% Change20222021$ Change% Change
Card income$11,043$10,329$7146.9%$10,329$9,734$5956.1%
Wealth management fees9,8839,1557288.09,1558,3847719.2
Service charges on deposit accounts7,8467,07277410.97,0726,08099216.3
Mortgage servicing4,6782,6092,06979.32,6092,825(216)(7.6)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(1,615)2,153(3,768)NM2,1531,69046327.4
Gains on sale of mortgage loans1,5261,461654.41,4615,846(4,385)(75.0)
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(1,820)(1,820)NM
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities160(414)574NM(414)107(521)NM
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets501(314)815NM(314)310(624)NM
Gains (losses) on other assets1661363022.1136(723)859NM
Income on bank owned life insurance573164409249.416441123300.0
Other noninterest income3,1052,36673931.22,3663,034(668)(22.0)
Total$36,046$34,717$1,3293.8%$34,717$37,328$(2,611)(7.0)%

_________________________________________________

NM    Not meaningful.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2023 to the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Total noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $36.0 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 3.8%, from the year ended December 31, 2022. Notable changes in noninterest income include the following:

•A $3.8 million decrease in the mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, primarily due to changes in prepayment assumptions utilized in the valuations;

•Net losses of $1.8 million were realized on the sale of $185.3 million of debt securities during the year ended December 31, 2023. The vast majority of the securities portfolio acquired from Town and Country was sold during the first quarter of 2023 with an additional $39.4 million of municipal debt securities sold during the third quarter of 2023;

•The addition of Town and Country's operations in the first quarter of 2023 contributed to a $2.1 million increase in mortgage servicing revenue, with the size of our existing mortgage servicing portfolio nearly doubling, a $0.8 million increase in service charges on deposit accounts, a $0.7 million increase in wealth management fees, and a $0.7 million increase in card income; and

•A $0.5 million gain on foreclosed assets was recognized during 2023, primarily related to the sale of one property, compared to a $0.3 million loss on foreclosed assets during 2022.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth the major categories of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)20232022$ Change% Change20222021$ Change% Change
Salaries$67,453$51,767$15,68630.3%$51,767$48,972$2,7955.7%
Employee benefits10,0378,3251,71220.68,3256,5131,81227.8
Occupancy of bank premises9,9187,6732,24529.37,6736,78888513.0
Furniture and equipment2,7902,47631412.72,4762,676(200)(7.5)
Data processing12,3527,4414,91166.07,4417,3291121.5
Marketing and customer relations5,0433,8031,24032.63,8033,37642712.6
Amortization of intangible assets2,6708731,797205.88731,054(181)(17.2)
FDIC insurance2,2801,1641,11695.91,1641,04312111.6
Loan collection and servicing1,4021,04935333.71,0491,317(268)(20.3)
Foreclosed assets251293(42)(14.3)293908(615)(67.7)
Other noninterest expense16,76820,243(3,475)(17.2)20,24311,2708,97379.6
Total$130,964$105,107$25,85724.6%$105,107$91,246$13,86115.2%

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2023 to the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $131.0 million, an increase of $25.9 million, or 24.6%, from the year ended December 31, 2022. Notable changes in noninterest expense include the following:

•Town and Country acquisition-related noninterest expenses totaled $7.8 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively;

•Excluding Town and Country acquisition-related expenses, the $19.2 million increase in noninterest expense was mainly attributable to the addition of Town and Country’s operations, primarily related to personnel costs, occupancy of bank premises, and data processing;

•Legal accruals totaled $1.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 and $8.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 relating to legal matters disclosed in Note 22 - Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Contingencies to the consolidated financial statements; and

•A $1.8 million increase in amortization of intangible assets related to the addition of $22.3 million of intangible assets recognized through the Town and Country acquisition.

Income Taxes

During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded income tax expense of $22.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 25.7%, and $19.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 25.9%, respectively. The fluctuations in effective tax rate are primarily attributable to changes in state income taxes and changes in the proportion of federally tax-exempt interest income to pre-tax income.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2023December 31, 2022$ Change% Change
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
Cash and cash equivalents$141,252$114,159$27,09323.7%
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value759,461843,524(84,063)(10.0)
Debt securities held-to-maturity521,439541,600(20,161)(3.7)
Loans held for sale2,3186151,703276.9
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,404,4172,620,253784,16429.9
Less: allowance for credit losses40,04825,33314,71558.1
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses3,364,3692,594,920769,44929.7
Goodwill59,82029,32230,498104.0
Intangible assets, net20,6821,07019,6121,832.9
Other assets203,829161,52442,30526.2
Total assets$5,073,170$4,286,734$786,43618.3%
Total deposits$4,401,437$3,587,024$814,41322.7%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase42,44243,081(639)(1.5)
Borrowings12,623160,000(147,377)(92.1)
Subordinated notes39,47439,395790.2
Junior subordinated debentures52,78937,78015,00939.7
Other liabilities34,90945,822(10,913)(23.8)
Total liabilities4,583,6743,913,102670,57217.1
Total stockholders' equity489,496373,632115,86431.0
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$5,073,170$4,286,734$786,43618.3%
Tangible assets (1)$4,992,668$4,256,342$736,32617.3%
Tangible common equity (1)408,994343,24065,75419.2
Core deposits (1)$4,126,374$3,559,866$566,50815.9%
Share and Per Share Information
Book value per share$15.44$12.99
Tangible book value per share (1)12.9011.94
Shares of common stock outstanding31,695,82828,752,626
Balance Sheet Ratios
Loan to deposit ratio77.35%73.05%
Core deposits to total deposits (1)93.7599.24
Stockholders' equity to total assets9.658.72
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)8.198.06

_________________________________________________

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measure to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

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Notable changes in our consolidated balance sheet include the following:

•The Town and Country merger added $937.2 million in total assets, $635.4 million in loans held for investment, and $720.4 million in deposits;

•Excluding the impact of the Town and Country merger, loan growth since December 31, 2022 was broad-based with total loans increasing $148.8 million;

•Following the Town and Country merger, the vast majority of the securities acquired from Town and Country were sold and an additional $39.4 million of municipal securities sold during the third quarter of 2023. The proceeds were used to reduce FHLB borrowings and fund loan growth;

•Additionally, paydowns, maturities and calls of debt securities generated another $102.6 million of proceeds which were also used to reduce FHLB borrowings and fund loan growth; and

•Excluding the impact of the Town and Country merger, total deposits increased $94.0 million with the addition of $144.9 million of brokered deposits and $144.0 million of wealth management customer money market deposits brought on balance sheet in December 2023. These increases were partially offset by reduced balances held in existing customer deposit accounts.

Loan Portfolio

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio, excluding loans held-for-sale, by type of loan.

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)BalancePercentBalancePercent
Commercial and industrial$427,80012.6%$266,75710.2%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied295,8428.7218,5038.3
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied880,68125.9713,20227.2
Construction and land development363,98310.7360,82413.8
Multi-family417,92312.3287,86511.0
One-to-four family residential491,50814.4338,25312.9
Agricultural and farmland287,2948.4237,7469.1
Municipal, consumer, and other239,3867.0197,1037.5
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,404,417100.0%2,620,253100.0%
Allowance for credit losses(40,048)(25,333)
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses$3,364,369$2,594,920

Loans, before allowance for credit losses were $3.40 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $784.2 million, or 29.9%, from December 31, 2022. Excluding the impact of the Town and Country merger, total loans increased $148.8 million, or 5.7%, with the following notable changes:

•The relative percent decrease in construction and land development loans was generally driven by the completion of a number of sizeable projects that are now amortizing and have been moved into other real estate loan categories, including the commercial real estate - non-owner occupied and multi-family categories;

•The increase in commercial and industrial loans was driven by new loan fundings and the purchase of four pools of loans totaling $61.0 million. Three pools include equipment finance loans purchased from a bank that originated the loans through its equipment finance division. These loans are to borrowers across multiple industries and geographic regions. The remaining pool is a 50% participation in a pool of loans originated by a financial services company with a long-standing history of originating loans to healthcare and professional service borrowers. These loans are to borrowers across multiple geographic regions.

As of December 31, 2023, office commercial real estate loans totaled $169.2 million, with 2.0% rated pass-watch, less than 0.1% rated substandard, and less than 0.1% past due 30 days or more. Management regularly monitors office and other industry concentrations within the loan portfolio.

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Loan Portfolio Maturities

The following table summarizes the scheduled maturities of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023. Demand loans (loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity) and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less.

(dollars in thousands)1 Year or LessAfter 1 Year Through 5 YearsAfter 5 Years Through 15 YearsAfter 15 YearsTotal
Commercial and industrial$227,363$164,321$36,116$$427,800
Commercial real estate - owner occupied34,833150,564102,0318,414295,842
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied124,384545,507204,8835,907880,681
Construction and land development184,446161,10717,897533363,983
Multi-family35,946308,12772,4771,373417,923
One-to-four family residential51,263199,194115,943125,108491,508
Agricultural and farmland126,318114,04242,4384,496287,294
Municipal, consumer, and other72,83765,99472,53228,023239,386
Total$857,390$1,708,856$664,317$173,854$3,404,417

The following table summarizes loans maturing after one year, segregated into variable and fixed interest rates.

Variable Interest Rates
(dollars in thousands)Repricing 1 Year or LessRepricing After 1 YearTotal Variable Interest RatesPredetermined (Fixed) Interest RatesTotal
Commercial and industrial$47,458$7,083$54,541$145,896$200,437
Commercial real estate - owner occupied37,05638,86975,925185,084261,009
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied114,81230,727145,539610,758756,297
Construction and land development64,8121,67566,487113,050179,537
Multi-family36,37345,52281,895300,082381,977
One-to-four family residential81,53473,104154,638285,607440,245
Agricultural and farmland3,44511,34514,790146,186160,976
Municipal, consumer, and other38,58722,29360,880105,669166,549
Total$424,077$230,618$654,695$1,892,332$2,547,027

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Nonperforming Assets

The following table sets forth information concerning nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets as of each of the dates indicated.

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual$7,820$2,155
Past due 90 days or more, still accruing (1)371
Total nonperforming loans7,8572,156
Foreclosed assets8523,030
Total nonperforming assets$8,709$5,186
Nonperforming loans that are wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government$2,641$133
Allowance for credit losses$40,048$25,333
Loans, before allowance for credit losses3,404,4172,620,253
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses1.18%0.97%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans512.121,175.55
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans509.711,175.00
Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses0.230.08
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses0.230.08
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.170.12
Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for credit losses, and foreclosed assets0.260.20

_________________________________________________

(1)Prior to 2023, excludes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are past due 90 or more days and accruing. Such loans totaled $145 thousand as of December 31, 2022.

Total nonperforming assets were $8.7 million at December 31, 2023, increasing by $3.5 million since December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to the Town and Country merger, which added $3.8 million in nonaccrual loans and $0.3 million of foreclosed assets, and one commercial real estate - non-owner occupied retail credit moved to nonaccrual. These increases were partially offset by the sale of one larger foreclosed property. Additionally, of the $7.9 of nonperforming loans held as of December 31, 2023, $2.6 million are either wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

Risk Classification of Loans

Our risk classifications of loans were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Pass$3,241,889$2,479,488
Pass-watch98,20666,934
Substandard64,32273,831
Doubtful
Total$3,404,417$2,620,253

Pass-watch loans increased $31.3 million, or 46.7%, and substandard loans decreased $9.5 million, or 12.9%, from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. The increase in pass-watch loans was primarily attributable to

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pass-watch loans acquired from Town and Country. The decrease in substandard loans was primarily attributable to $12.4 million substandard relationship in the commercial real estate – non-owner occupied category which paid off during the second quarter of 2023, as well as several other smaller paydowns and payoffs, partially offset by substandard loans acquired from Town and Country.

Net Charge-offs and Recoveries

The following table summarizes net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, before allowance for credit losses, by loan category.

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Commercial and industrial$369$(751)$15
Commercial real estate - owner occupied(13)(1,006)21
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(66)(283)(24)
Construction and land development(53)(1)(342)
Multi-family(281)
One-to-four family residential(152)(302)18
Agricultural and farmland(6)
Municipal, consumer, and other382240137
Total$180$(2,103)$(175)
Average loans
Commercial and industrial$370,255$268,765$347,547
Commercial real estate - owner occupied290,489219,127204,148
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied874,661695,230583,084
Construction and land development368,111340,831226,035
Multi-family372,201258,490227,736
One-to-four family residential476,856328,656314,871
Agricultural and farmland254,106233,349230,364
Municipal, consumer, and other225,057170,101137,759
Total$3,231,736$2,514,549$2,271,544
Charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans
Commercial and industrial0.10%(0.28)%%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied(0.46)0.01
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(0.01)(0.04)
Construction and land development(0.01)(0.15)
Multi-family(0.08)
One-to-four family residential(0.03)(0.09)0.01
Agricultural and farmland
Municipal, consumer, and other0.170.140.10
Total0.01%(0.08)%(0.01)%

The net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans ratio has remained low for several years. We believe our continuous credit monitoring and collection efforts have resulted in lower levels of loan losses, while also recognizing that favorable economic conditions prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and substantial federal economic stimulus during the pandemic have also contributed to reduced loan losses.

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Securities

The Company’s investment policy emphasizes safety of the principal, liquidity needs, expected returns, cash flow targets and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. The composition and maturities of the debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2023, are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur. Security yields have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.

December 31, 2023
Available-for-SaleHeld-to-MaturityTotal
(dollars in thousands)Amortized CostWeighted Average YieldAmortized CostWeighted Average YieldAmortized CostWeighted Average Yield
Due in 1 year or less
U.S. Treasury$40,0201.39%$%$40,0201.39%
U.S. government agency3,3672.593,3672.59
Municipal3,1472.962,1383.675,2853.24
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential502.26502.26
Agency commercial6,3483.386,3483.38
Total$52,9321.80%$2,1383.67%$55,0701.87%
Due after 1 year through 5 years
U.S. Treasury$89,5131.30%$%$89,5131.30%
U.S. government agency42,9432.5817,4201.9460,3632.40
Municipal54,2031.8518,1703.0972,3732.16
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential13,3992.808,2521.6221,6512.35
Agency commercial63,4221.7332,1632.8595,5852.11
Corporate21,9224.9721,9224.97
Total$285,4022.05%$76,0052.57%$361,4072.16%
Due after 5 years through 10 years
U.S. Treasury$30,1821.55%$%$30,1821.55%
U.S. government agency9,0492.2767,9352.6076,9842.56
Municipal126,7211.7815,5533.48142,2741.96
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential68,6372.133,4393.5172,0762.20
Agency commercial32,2561.76225,4421.88257,6981.86
Corporate33,7434.1433,7434.14
Total$300,5882.11%$312,3692.13%$612,9572.12%
Due after 10 years
U.S. government agency$%$3,0932.83%$3,0932.83%
Municipal44,9591.732,5813.3947,5401.82
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential106,5552.8584,1373.65190,6923.20
Agency commercial39,1882.3041,1161.8780,3042.08
Corporate2,0004.502,0004.50
Total$192,7022.49%$130,9273.06%$323,6292.72%
Total
U.S. Treasury$159,7151.37%$%$159,7151.37%
U.S. government agency55,3592.5388,4482.48143,8072.50
Municipal229,0301.8038,4423.30267,4722.02
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential188,6412.5895,8283.47284,4692.88
Agency commercial141,2141.97298,7211.98439,9351.98
Corporate57,6654.4757,6654.47
Total$831,6242.16%$521,4392.43%$1,353,0632.26%

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SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits

Management continues to focus on growing deposits through the Company’s relationship-driven banking philosophy and community-focused marketing programs. Additionally, the Bank continues to add and improve digital banking services to solidify deposit relationships.

The following table sets forth the distribution of average deposits, by account type:

Year Ended December 31, 2023Percent Change in Average Balance 2023 vs. 2022
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,113,30026.7%%5.9%
Interest-bearing demand1,188,68028.50.264.1
Money market669,11816.11.1014.9
Savings661,42415.90.161.7
Time481,46611.52.2470.0
Brokered52,7241.35.38100.0
Total deposits$4,166,712100.0%0.60%12.3%
Year Ended December 31, 2022Percent Change in Average Balance 2022 vs. 2021
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,051,18728.4%%4.6%
Interest-bearing demand1,141,40230.80.0511.4
Money market582,51415.70.1411.7
Savings650,38517.50.039.1
Time283,2327.60.31(4.2)
Brokered
Total deposits$3,708,720100.0%0.07%7.7%
Year Ended December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)Average BalancePercent of Total DepositsWeighted Average Cost
Noninterest-bearing$1,004,75729.2%%
Interest-bearing demand1,024,88829.80.05
Money market521,36615.10.08
Savings595,88717.30.03
Time295,7888.60.45
Brokered
Total deposits$3,442,686100.0%0.07%

The increase in average deposit balances in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily attributable to the Town and Country merger which added $720.4 million of deposits on February 1, 2023. Partially offsetting the additions from Town and Country was a decrease in balances held in existing customer accounts with recent increases in in market interest rates driving increased competition for deposits. As a result, deposit costs increased during 2023, relative to 2022, with some lower cost deposits being replaced by higher cost funding sources, such as time deposits and wholesale funding.

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As of December 31, 2023, the Company has $144.9 million of wholesale brokered deposits outstanding. Brokered deposits are generally considered to be deposits that have been received from a third party who is engaged in the business of placing deposits on behalf of others. A traditional deposit broker will direct deposits to the banking institution offering the highest interest rate available. Federal banking laws and regulations place restrictions on depository institutions regarding brokered deposits because of the general concern that these deposits are not relationship based and are at a greater risk of being withdrawn and placed on deposit at another institution offering a higher interest rate, thus posing liquidity risk for institutions that gather brokered deposits in significant amounts.

The following table sets forth time deposits by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2023:

(dollars in thousands)3 Months or LessOver 3 through 6 MonthsOver 6 through 12 MonthsOver 12 MonthsTotal
Time and brokered time deposits:
Amounts less than $100,000$141,825$107,869$125,348$54,284$429,326
Amounts of $100,000 or more but less than $250,00040,96156,55585,20329,905212,624
Amounts of $250,000 or more36,65939,89942,57611,049130,183
Total time and brokered time deposits$219,445$204,323$253,127$95,238$772,133

As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Bank’s uninsured deposits were estimated to be $867.7 million and $739.0 million, respectively.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

All securities sold under agreements to repurchase are sweep instruments, maturing daily. The securities underlying the agreements are held under our control in safekeeping at third-party financial institutions, and include debt securities.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
Balance at end of year$42,442$43,081$61,256
Average balance during year35,45051,55450,104
Average interest rate during year0.72%0.07%0.07%

Borrowings

Deposits are the Bank's primary source of funds for our lending activities and general business purposes. However, we may also obtain advances from the FHLB, purchase federal funds, and engage in overnight borrowing from the Federal Reserve. We may also use these sources of funds as part of our asset liability management process to control our long-term interest rate risk exposure, even if it may increase our short-term cost of funds. Our level of short-term borrowing can fluctuate on a daily basis depending on funding needs and the source of funds to satisfy the needs.

Our use of FHLB advances and other borrowings was nominal during 2021, but increased during the second half of 2022 and throughout 2023 to fund increases in loan demand and to offset a decrease in deposits.

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The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our borrowings.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
Balance at end of year
FHLB advances$12,623$160,000$
Federal Reserve discount window
Federal funds purchased
Total borrowings$12,623$160,000$
Average balance during year
FHLB advances$139,554$25,934$1,310
Federal Reserve discount window3
Federal funds purchased260534343
Total borrowings$139,817$26,468$1,653
Average interest rate during year
FHLB advances5.10%3.68%0.56%
Federal Reserve discount window5.25
Federal funds purchased5.562.110.48
Total borrowings5.103.650.54

LIQUIDITY

Bank Liquidity

The overall objective of bank liquidity management is to ensure the availability of sufficient cash funds to meet all financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities. The Bank manages liquidity in order to meet deposit withdrawals on demand or at contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature, and to fund new loans and investments as opportunities arise.

The Bank continuously monitors its liquidity positions to ensure that assets and liabilities are managed in a manner that will meet all of our short-term and long-term cash requirements. The Bank manages its liquidity position to meet our daily cash flow needs, while maintaining an appropriate balance between assets and liabilities to meet the return on investment objectives. The Bank also monitors liquidity requirements in light of interest rate trends, changes in the economy, the scheduled maturity and interest rate sensitivity of the investment and loan portfolios and deposits, and regulatory capital requirements.

As part of the Bank’s liquidity management strategy, the Bank is also focused on minimizing costs of liquidity and attempts to decrease these costs by promoting noninterest-bearing and low-cost deposits. While the Bank does not control the types of deposit instruments our clients choose, those choices can be influenced with the rates and the deposit specials offered.

Additional sources of liquidity include unpledged securities, federal funds purchased, borrowings from the FHLB and Federal Reserve, and brokered deposits. Unpledged securities may be sold or pledged as collateral for borrowings to meet liquidity needs. Interest is charged at the prevailing market rate.

As of December 31, 2023, management believed the current liquidity and available sources of liquidity are adequate to meet all of the reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands of the Bank. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

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Holding Company Liquidity

The Holding Company, or HBT Financial on an unconsolidated basis, is a corporation separate and apart from the Bank and, therefore, it must provide for its own liquidity. As of December 31, 2023, the Holding Company had cash and cash equivalents of $17.2 million.

The Holding Company’s main source of funding is dividends declared and paid to it by the Bank. Due to state banking laws, the Bank may not declare dividends in any calendar year in an amount that would exceed accumulated retained earnings, after giving effect to any unrecognized losses and bad debts, without the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements. Management believes that these limitations will not impact the Holding Company’s ability to meet its ongoing short-term cash obligations. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, the Bank paid $64.0 million, $28.0 million, and $20.0 million in dividends to the Holding Company, respectively.

The liquidity needs of the Holding Company on an unconsolidated basis consist primarily of operating expenses, interest payments on the subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures, and shareholder distributions in the form of dividends and stock repurchases. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, holding company operating expenses consisted of interest expense of $5.4 million, $3.7 million, and $3.3 million, respectively, and other operating expenses of $5.5 million, $5.3 million, and $3.7 million, respectively.

Additionally, the Holding Company paid $21.9 million, $18.6 million, and $16.8 million of dividends to stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The Holding Company also paid $38.0 million in cash consideration in the acquisition of Town and Country during the first quarter of 2023.

As of December 31, 2023, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Holding Company’s liquidity.

As of December 31, 2023, management believed the current liquidity and available sources of liquidity are adequate to meet all of the reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands of the Holding Company. As of December 31, 2023, the Holding Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The overall objectives of capital management are to ensure the availability of sufficient capital to support loan, deposit and other asset and liability growth opportunities and to maintain capital to absorb unforeseen losses or write-downs that are inherent in the business risks associated with the banking industry. The Company seeks to balance the need for higher capital levels to address such unforeseen risks and the goal to achieve an adequate return on the capital invested by our stockholders.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Company and Bank are each subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the Company and the Bank.

In addition to meeting minimum capital requirements, the Company and the Bank must also maintain a “capital conservation buffer” to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the capital conservation buffer requirement was 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.

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As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. As of those dates, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

The following table sets forth actual capital ratios of the Company and the Bank as of the dates indicated, as well as the minimum ratios for capital adequacy purposes with the capital conservation buffer, and the minimum ratios to be well capitalized under regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022For CapitalAdequacy PurposesWith CapitalConversation Buffer (1)To Be WellCapitalized UnderPrompt CorrectiveAction Provisions (2)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)15.33%16.27%10.50%N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)13.4214.238.50N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)12.1213.077.00N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)10.4910.484.00N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)14.92%15.43%10.50%10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)14.0114.638.508.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)14.0114.637.006.50
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)10.9610.784.005.00

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(1)The Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio (known as the “leverage ratio”) is not impacted by the capital conservation buffer.

(2)The prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

N/A   Not applicable.

As of December 31, 2023, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company’s capital resources.

Cash Dividends

The Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.17 per share during 2023, $0.16 per share during 2022, and $0.15 per share during 2021. On January 23, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by $0.02 per share to $0.19 per share.

Stock Repurchase Program

The Company repurchased 479,005 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $18.43 during 2023, 265,379 shares at a weighted average price of $18.02 during 2022, and 290,486 shares at a weighted average price of $16.89 during 2021. Repurchases were conducted in compliance with Rule 10b-18 and in compliance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. On December 19, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $15.0 million of its common stock. The new stock repurchase program took effect upon the expiration of the prior stock repurchase program and expires on January 1, 2025.

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As a financial services provider, the Bank routinely is a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, unused lines of credit, commitments to sell loans, and interest rate swaps. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process afforded to loans originated by the Bank. For additional information, see “Note 22 – Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, subjective or complex. These estimates involve judgments, assumptions and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition or materially different results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. Further, changes in accounting standards could impact the Company’s critical accounting estimates. The following accounting estimates could be deemed critical:

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses reflects an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses. Measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance for credit losses are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance for credit losses. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance for credit losses when the Company determines the loan balance to be uncollectible. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance for credit losses.

Management uses the discounted cash flow method to estimate expected credit losses for all loan categories, except for consumer loans where the weighted average remaining maturity method is utilized. The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data to determine which macroeconomic variables are most closely correlated with credit losses, such as the unemployment rate and changes in GDP. Management leverages economic projections from a reputable third party to inform its economic forecasts with a reversion to historical averages for periods beyond a reasonable and supportable forecast period.

Nonaccrual loans and loans which do not share risk characteristics with other loans in the pool are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses.

The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments is estimated in the same manner as the associated loans adjusted for anticipated funding rate.

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Estimating such fair values may require highly subjective assumptions or the use of a valuation specialist. In the Town and Country acquisition, the fair value for loans was most significant estimate and relatively small changes in assumptions used in this estimate could result in a materially different conclusion.

The fair value for loans was based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considered credit loss and prepayment expectations, market interest rates and other market factors, such as liquidity, from the perspective of a market participant. Loan cash flows were generated on an individual loan basis. The probability of default, loss given default, exposure at default, and prepayment assumptions are key factors in this analysis.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain financial information determined by methods other than those in accordance with GAAP. 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 closely comparable GAAP financial measures below.

Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Adjusted Net Income•Net income, with the following adjustments:-excludes acquisition expenses, including the day 2 provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments,-excludes branch closure expenses,-excludes net earnings (losses) from closed or sold operations,-excludes realized gains (losses) on sales of closed branch premises,-excludes realized gains (losses) on sales of securities,-excludes mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, and-the income tax effect of these pre-tax adjustments.•Enhances comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects.•We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Adjusted Net Income, such as:-Adjusted Return on Average Assets, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average assets.-Adjusted Return on Average Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average equity.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Basic, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share – Diluted, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares.
Net Interest Income (Tax Equivalent Basis)•Net interest income adjusted for the tax-favored status of tax-exempt loans and securities. (1)•We believe the tax equivalent basis is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income.•Enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.•We also sometimes refer to Net Interest Margin (Tax Equivalent Basis), which is Net Interest Income (Tax Equivalent Basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.
Efficiency Ratio (Tax Equivalent Basis)•Noninterest expense less amortization of intangible assets divided by the sum of net interest income (tax equivalent basis) and noninterest income. (1)•Provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry.•Calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. That is, the ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue.

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(1)Tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

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Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets•Tangible Common Equity is total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets.•Tangible Assets is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets.•Generally used by investors, our management, and banking regulators to evaluate capital adequacy.•Facilitates comparison of our earnings with the earnings of other banking organization with significant amounts of goodwill or intangible assets.•We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Tangible Common Equity, such as:-Tangible Book Value Per Share, which is Tangible Common Equity divided by shares of common stock outstanding.-Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is net income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.-Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.
Core Deposits•Total deposits, excluding:-Time deposits of $250,000 or more, and-Brokered deposits•Provides investors with information regarding the stability of the Company’s sources of funds.•We also sometimes refer to the ratio of Core Deposits to total deposits.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
Net income$65,842$56,456$56,271
Adjustments:
Acquisition expenses (1)(13,691)(1,092)(1,416)
Branch closure expenses(748)
Gains (losses) on sales of closed branch premises75141
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities(1,820)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment(1,615)2,1531,690
Total adjustments(17,051)1,202(474)
Tax effect of adjustments4,711(551)(95)
Total adjustments after tax effect(12,340)651(569)
Adjusted net income$78,182$55,805$56,840
Average assets$4,927,904$4,269,873$3,980,538
Return on average assets1.34%1.32%1.41%
Adjusted return on average assets1.591.311.43

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(1)Includes recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million in connection with the Town and Country merger during the first quarter of 2023 in accordance with ASC 326 which was adopted on January 1, 2023.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)202320222021
Numerator:
Net income$65,842$56,456$56,271
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(36)(66)(104)
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted$65,806$56,390$56,167
Adjusted net income$78,182$55,805$56,840
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(42)(65)(105)
Numerator for adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted$78,140$55,740$56,735
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding31,626,30828,853,69727,795,806
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units111,83965,61915,487
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares31,738,14728,919,31627,811,293
Earnings per share - Basic$2.08$1.95$2.02
Earnings per share - Diluted$2.07$1.95$2.02
Adjusted earnings per share - Basic$2.47$1.93$2.04
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted$2.46$1.93$2.04

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(1)The Company has granted certain restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. Such restricted stock units are considered participating securities. As such, we have included these restricted stock units in the calculation of basic earnings per share and calculate basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure – Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin (Tax Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)
Net interest income$191,072$145,874$122,403
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,7582,4992,028
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (1)$193,830$148,373$124,431
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)
Net interest margin4.09%3.54%3.18%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)0.060.060.05
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (1)4.15%3.60%3.23%
Average interest-earning assets$4,675,025$4,118,124$3,846,473

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(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Efficiency Ratio (Tax Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis)
Total noninterest expense$130,964$105,107$91,246
Less: amortization of intangible assets2,6708731,054
Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets$128,294$104,234$90,192
Net interest income$191,072$145,874$122,403
Total noninterest income36,04634,71737,328
Operating revenue227,118180,591159,731
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,7582,4992,028
Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)$229,876$183,090$161,759
Efficiency ratio56.49%57.72%56.46%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)55.8156.9355.76

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(1)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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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets and Tangible Book Value Per Share

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$489,496$373,632
Less: Goodwill59,82029,322
Less: Intangible assets, net20,6821,070
Tangible common equity$408,994$343,240
Tangible Assets
Total assets$5,073,170$4,286,734
Less: Goodwill59,82029,322
Less: Intangible assets, net20,6821,070
Tangible assets$4,992,668$4,256,342
Total stockholders' equity to total assets9.65%8.72%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets8.198.06
Shares of common stock outstanding31,695,82828,752,626
Book value per share$15.44$12.99
Tangible book value per share12.9011.94

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure – Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, Adjusted Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity, and Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202320222021
Average Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$450,928$383,306$380,080
Less: Goodwill57,26629,32225,057
Less: Intangible assets, net20,2721,4802,333
Average tangible common equity$373,390$352,504$352,690
Net income$65,842$56,456$56,271
Adjusted net income78,18255,80556,840
Return on average stockholders' equity14.60%14.73%14.81%
Return on average tangible common equity17.6316.0215.95
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity17.34%14.56%14.95%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity20.9415.8316.12

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Core Deposits

(dollars in thousands)December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Core Deposits
Total deposits$4,401,437$3,587,024
Less: time deposits of $250,000 or more130,18327,158
Less: brokered deposits144,880
Core deposits$4,126,374$3,559,866
Core deposits to total deposits93.75%99.24%

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FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001558370-23-003139.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-03-08. Report date: 2022-12-31.

ITEM 7.        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to HBT Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the following parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Part I, Item 1 “Business”, Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, and Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. Detailed discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operation for 2022 as compared to 2021 can be found below.

OVERVIEW

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. We provide a comprehensive suite of business, commercial, wealth management, and retail banking products and services to businesses, families, and local governments throughout Central and Northeastern Illinois and Eastern Iowa. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had total assets of $4.3 billion, loans held for investment of $2.6 billion and total deposits of $3.6 billion.

Market Area

As of December 31, 2022, our branch network included 58 full-service branch locations in Central and Northeastern Illinois and Eastern Iowa. We hold a leading deposit share in many of our markets in Central Illinois, which we define as a top three deposit share rank, providing the foundation for our strong deposit base. The stability provided by this low-cost funding is a key driver of our strong track record of financial performance. Below is a summary of our loan and deposit balances by geographic region.

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Total loans(dollars in thousands)
Illinois by metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas
Bloomington-Normal$499,477$527,161
Champaign-Urbana235,537191,646
Chicago1,294,3271,196,605
Lincoln76,69087,153
Ottawa-Peru94,516101,117
Peoria117,795123,143
Total Illinois2,318,3422,226,825
Iowa301,911272,864
Total loans$2,620,253$2,499,689
Total deposits
Illinois by metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas
Bloomington-Normal$857,988$887,587
Champaign-Urbana218,291203,899
Chicago1,216,4231,237,486
Lincoln179,923203,098
Ottawa-Peru385,117407,156
Peoria597,711610,155
Total Illinois3,455,4533,549,381
Iowa131,571188,804
Total deposits$3,587,024$3,738,185

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Acquisitions

The Company incurred the following pre-tax acquisition expenses during the years ended December 31:

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands)
Salaries$$65$
Furniture and equipment18
Data processing304355
Marketing and customer relations12
Loan collection and servicing11
Legal fees and other noninterest expense788955
Total acquisition-related expenses$1,0921,416$

Town and Country Financial Corporation

On February 1, 2023, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of Town and Country Financial Corporation (“Town and Country”), the holding company for Town and Country Bank. The acquisition of Town and Country further enhanced HBT Financial’s footprint in Central Illinois and expanded our footprint into metro-east St. Louis. At the time of acquisition, Town and Country Bank operated ten full-service branch locations which began operating as branches of Heartland Bank. The core system conversion is expected to occur in April 2023.

As of December 31, 2022, Town and Country Bank had total assets of $923.1 million, total loans of $662.0 million, and total deposits of $762.2 million. This acquisition is a subsequent event and the financial results of Town and Country are not recognized in this Form 10-K.

Total consideration consisted of 3.4 million shares of HBT Financial’s common stock and $38.0 million in cash. Based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $21.12 on February 1, 2023, the aggregate consideration was approximately $109.4 million.

NXT Bancorporation, Inc.

On October 1, 2021, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of NXT Bancorporation, Inc. (“NXT”), the holding company for NXT Bank. The acquisition expanded our footprint into Eastern Iowa with four locations that began operating as branches of Heartland Bank following the merger and system conversion of NXT Bank into Heartland Bank in December 2021. After considering business combination accounting adjustments, NXT added total assets of $234.1 million, total loans of $194.6 million, and total deposits of $181.6 million.

Total consideration consisted of 1.8 million shares of HBT Financial’s common stock and $10.6 million in cash. Based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $16.27 on October 1, 2021, the aggregate consideration was approximately $39.9 million. Goodwill of $5.7 million was recorded in the acquisition.

The acquisition of NXT provided an opportunity to utilize our excess liquidity at the time to replace NXT’s higher cost funding. Additionally, Heartland Bank’s broader range of products and services and greater ability to meet larger borrowing needs provides an opportunity to expand NXT customer relationships.

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Branch Rationalization Plan

In April 2021, the Company made plans to close or consolidate six branches. One branch was consolidated during the second quarter of 2021, and the remaining five branches were closed during the third quarter of 2021. The Company estimated annual pre-tax cost savings, net of associated revenue impacts, related to the branch rationalization plan to be approximately $1.1 million.

The Company incurred the following pre-tax branch closure costs during the year ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

NONINTEREST INCOME
Gains (losses) on other assets$(682)
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries53
Marketing and customer relations6
Legal fees and other noninterest expense7
Total noninterest expense66
Total branch closure costs$748

Additionally, the Company recognized a net gain on sales of closed branch premises of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Paycheck Protection Program Loans

During 2021 and 2020, we funded a total of $290.1 million of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. The vast majority of those loans have received full forgiveness, and outstanding PPP loans totaled $28 thousand as of December 31, 2022.

Income recognition for the fees collected at origination, net of associated origination costs, is deferred and recognized over the loan term on a level yield basis. Recognition of net deferred origination fees is accelerated upon loan forgiveness or repayment prior to contractual maturity. Net deferred origination fees on PPP loans recognized as taxable loan interest income totaled $1.5 million, $9.2 million, and $3.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

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FACTORS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Economic Conditions

The Company's business and financial performance are affected by economic conditions generally in the U.S. and more directly in the Illinois and Iowa markets where we primarily operate. The significant economic factors that are most relevant to our business and our financial performance include the general economic conditions in the U.S. and in the Company's markets (including the effect of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints), unemployment rates, real estate markets, and interest rates.

Interest Rates

Net interest income is our primary source of revenue. Net interest income is equal to the excess of interest income earned on interest earning assets (including discount accretion on purchased loans plus certain loan fees) over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. The level of interest rates as well as the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities both impact net interest income. Net interest income is also influenced by both the pricing and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which, in turn, are impacted by external factors such as local economic conditions, competition for loans and deposits, the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve and market interest rates.

The cost of our deposits and short-term wholesale borrowings is largely based on short-term interest rates, which are primarily driven by the Federal Reserve’s actions. The yields generated by our loans and securities are typically driven by short-term and long-term interest rates, which are set by the market and, to some degree, by the Federal Reserve’s actions. Our net interest income is therefore influenced by movements in such interest rates and the pace at which such movements occur. Generally, we expect increases in market interest rates will increase our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods, while decreases in market interest rates may decrease our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods.

Credit Trends

We focus on originating loans with appropriate risk/reward profiles. We have a detailed loan policy that guides our overall loan origination philosophy and a well-established loan approval process that requires experienced credit officers to approve larger loan relationships. Although we believe our loan approval and credit review processes are strengths that allow us to maintain a high quality loan portfolio, we recognize that credit trends in the markets in which we operate and in our loan portfolio can materially impact our financial condition and performance and that these trends are primarily driven by the economic conditions in our markets.

Competition

Our profitability and growth are affected by the highly competitive nature of the financial services industry. We compete with community banks in all our markets and, to a lesser extent, with money center banks, primarily in the Chicago MSA. Additionally, we compete with non-bank financial services companies, FinTechs and other financial institutions operating within the areas we serve. We compete by emphasizing personalized service and efficient decision-making tailored to individual needs. We do not rely on any individual, group, or entity for a material portion of our loans or our deposits. We continue to see increased competitive pressures on loan rates and terms which may affect our financial results in the future. We have also observed an increase in competition for deposits during 2022 with increases short-term market interest rates.

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Digital Banking

Throughout the banking industry, in-person branch traffic is expected to continue to decline as more customers turn to digital banking for routine banking transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, and in-person branch traffic is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. We plan to continue investing in our digital banking platforms, while maintaining an appropriately sized branch network. An inability to meet evolving customer expectations, with the appropriate level of security, for both digital and in-person banking may adversely affect our financial results in the future.

Regulatory Environment and Trends

We are subject to federal and state regulation and supervision, which continue to evolve as the legal and regulatory framework governing our operations continues to change. The current operating environment includes extensive regulation and supervision in areas such as consumer compliance, the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering compliance, risk management and internal audit. We anticipate that this environment of extensive regulation and supervision will continue for the industry. As a result, changes in the regulatory environment may result in additional costs for additional compliance, risk management and audit personnel or professional fees associated with advisors and consultants.

FACTORS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

JOBS Act Accounting Election

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. The JOBS Act permits us an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards affecting public companies. The Company may remain an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of: (1) the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, which is December 31, 2024, (2) the last day of the fiscal year in which the Company has $1.235 billion or more in annual revenues, (3) the date on which the Company is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Exchange Act or (4) the date on which the Company has, during the previous three year period, issued, publicly or privately, more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities. We have elected to use the extended transition period until we are no longer an emerging growth company or until we choose to affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview of Recent Financial Results

The following table presents selected financial results and measures for the years ended December 31.

As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Total interest and dividend income$153,054$128,223$124,065
Total interest expense7,1805,8206,460
Net interest income145,874122,403117,605
Provision for loan losses(706)(8,077)10,532
Net interest income after provision for loan losses146,580130,480107,073
Total noninterest income34,71737,32834,456
Total noninterest expense105,10791,24691,956
Income before income tax expense76,19076,56249,573
Income tax expense19,73420,29112,728
Net income$56,456$56,271$36,845
Adjusted net income (1)55,80556,84039,734
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)$148,373$124,431$119,548
Share and Per Share Information
Earnings per share - Diluted$1.95$2.02$1.34
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted (1)1.932.041.44
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding28,853,69727,795,80627,457,306
Summary Ratios
Net interest margin3.54%3.18%3.54%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)3.603.233.60
Yield on loans4.914.684.69
Yield on interest-earning assets3.723.333.74
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities0.260.230.29
Cost of total deposits0.070.070.14
Cost of funds0.190.160.21
Efficiency ratio57.72%56.46%59.66%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1) (2)56.9355.7658.91
Return on average assets1.32%1.41%1.07%
Return on average stockholders' equity14.7314.8110.51
Return on average tangible common equity (1)16.0215.9511.38
Adjusted return on average assets (1)1.31%1.43%1.15%
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity (1)14.5614.9511.33
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (1)15.8316.1212.28
Column 1Column 2
(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.
Column 1Column 2
(2)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

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Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

For the year ended December 31, 2022, net income was $56.5 million increasing by $0.2 million, or 0.3%, when compared to net income for the year ended December 31, 2021. Notable changes include the following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $23.5 million increase in net interest income, primarily attributable to higher average balances of interest-earning assets following the NXT acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2021, a more favorable asset mix, and higher yields on interest-earning assets which more than offset a $7.7 million decrease in PPP loan fees recognized as loan interest income;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $13.9 million increase in noninterest expense, primarily reflecting accruals totaling $8.2 million related to pending legal matters and a higher base level of noninterest expense following the NXT acquisition;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A negative provision for loan losses of $0.7 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a negative provision for loan losses of $8.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2021; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $4.4 million decrease in gains on sale of mortgage loans, primarily attributable to a lower level of mortgage refinancing activity due to increases in market interest rates.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income equals the excess of interest income on interest earning assets (including discount accretion on acquired loans plus certain loan fees) over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate spread and net interest margin are utilized to measure and explain changes in net interest income. Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the rate paid for interest-bearing liabilities that fund those assets. The net interest margin is expressed as the percentage of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. The net interest margin exceeds the interest rate spread because noninterest-bearing sources of funds, principally noninterest-bearing demand deposits and stockholders’ equity, also support interest-earning assets.

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The following tables set forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020. Average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccrual loans are included in the computation of average balances but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees and costs, discounts and premiums, and purchase accounting adjustments that are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense.

Year Ended
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
AverageAverageAverage
BalanceInterestYield/CostBalanceInterestYield/CostBalanceInterestYield/Cost
(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Loans$2,514,549$123,4784.91%$2,271,544$106,2844.68%$2,245,093$105,1964.69%
Securities1,403,01627,9371.991,148,90021,3481.86789,06217,8752.27
Deposits with banks197,0301,5410.78422,8285270.12282,1309380.33
Other3,529982.773,201642.012,479562.28
Total interest-earning assets4,118,124$153,0543.72%3,846,473$128,2233.33%3,318,764$124,0653.74%
Allowance for loan losses(24,703)(27,999)(27,661)
Noninterest-earning assets176,452162,064156,397
Total assets$4,269,873$3,980,538$3,447,500
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand$1,141,402$6070.05%$1,024,888$5180.05%$873,060$6470.07%
Money market582,5148130.14521,3664370.08474,0336970.15
Savings650,3852080.03595,8871880.03477,2601960.04
Time283,2328830.31295,7881,3290.45317,3082,6810.84
Total interest-bearing deposits2,657,5332,5110.092,437,9292,4720.102,141,6614,2210.20
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase51,554360.0750,104340.0749,714480.10
Borrowings26,4689673.651,65390.541,08020.22
Subordinated notes39,3551,8794.7739,2751,8794.7812,8696164.79
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts37,7461,7874.7337,6801,4263.7937,6131,5734.18
Total interest-bearing liabilities2,812,656$7,1800.26%2,566,641$5,8200.23%2,242,937$6,4600.29%
Noninterest-bearing deposits1,051,1871,004,757807,864
Noninterest-bearing liabilities22,72429,06045,996
Total liabilities3,886,5673,600,4583,096,797
Stockholders' Equity383,306380,080350,703
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$4,269,873$3,980,538$3,447,500
Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)$145,8743.54%$122,4033.18%$117,6053.54%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)2,4990.062,0280.051,9430.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/ Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)$148,3733.60%$124,4313.23%$119,5483.60%
Net interest rate spread (4)3.46%3.10%3.45%
Net interest-earning assets (5)$1,305,468$1,279,832$1,075,827
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities1.461.501.48
Cost of total deposits0.07%0.07%0.14%
Cost of funds0.190.160.21
Column 1Column 2
(1)Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
Column 1Column 2
(2)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.
Column 1Column 2
(3)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.
Column 1Column 2
(4)Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
Column 1Column 2
(5)Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

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The following table sets forth the components of loan interest income and their contributions to the total yield on loans.

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
YieldYieldYield
InterestContributionInterestContributionInterestContribution
(dollars in thousands)
Contractual interest$113,7754.52%$90,6473.99%$96,5434.30%
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)4,4540.183,8400.173,9260.19
PPP loan fees1,4880.069,1810.402,9530.13
Accretion of acquired loan discounts9330.041,1020.057240.03
Nonaccrual interest recoveries2,8280.111,5140.079860.04
Net cash flow hedge earnings64
Total loan interest income$123,4784.91%$106,2844.68%$105,1964.69%

The following table sets forth the components of net interest income and their contributions to the net interest margin.

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Net InterestNet InterestNet Interest
MarginMarginMargin
InterestContributionInterestContributionInterestContribution
(dollars in thousands)
Interest income:
Contractual interest on loans$113,7752.76%$90,6472.35%$96,5432.91%
Contractual interest on securities34,8960.8528,4260.7422,9200.69
Contractual interest on deposits with banks1,5410.045300.019380.03
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)4,4540.113,8400.103,9260.12
PPP loan fees1,4880.049,1810.242,9530.09
Accretion of acquired loan discounts9330.021,1020.037240.02
Nonaccrual interest recoveries2,8280.071,5140.049860.03
Securities amortization, net(6,959)(0.17)(7,066)(0.18)(5,045)(0.15)
Other9849120
Total interest income153,0543.72128,2233.33124,0653.74
Interest expense:
Contractual interest on deposits2,6870.072,5410.074,2010.13
Contractual interest on other interest-bearing liabilities4,3980.112,9030.071,8460.06
Other953760.014130.01
Total interest expense7,1800.185,8200.156,4600.20
Net interest income145,8743.54122,4033.18117,6053.54
Tax equivalent adjustment (1)2,4990.062,0280.051,9430.06
Net interest income (tax equivalent) (1) (2)$148,3733.60%$124,4313.23%$119,5483.60%
Column 1Column 2
(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.
Column 1Column 2
(2)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most closely comparable GAAP measures.

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Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major categories of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Information is provided for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with respect to changes attributable to volume (i.e., changes in average balances multiplied by the prior-period average rate), and changes attributable to rate (i.e., changes in average rate multiplied by prior-period average balances). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both volume and rate that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
vs.vs.
Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020
Increase (Decrease) Due toIncrease (Decrease) Due to
VolumeRateTotalVolumeRateTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans$11,755$5,439$17,194$1,238$(150)$1,088
Securities4,9771,6126,5897,100(3,627)3,473
Deposits with banks(418)1,4321,014338(749)(411)
Other7273415(7)8
Total interest-earning assets16,3218,51024,8318,691(4,533)4,158
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand612889100(229)(129)
Money market5632037664(324)(260)
Savings1732043(51)(8)
Time(54)(392)(446)(171)(1,181)(1,352)
Total interest-bearing deposits80(41)3936(1,785)(1,749)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase112(14)(14)
Borrowings694264958167
Subordinated notes4(4)1,264(1)1,263
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts33583613(150)(147)
Total interest-bearing liabilities7825781,3601,304(1,944)(640)
Change in net interest income$15,539$7,932$23,471$7,387$(2,589)$4,798

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

For the year ended December 31, 2022, net interest income was $145.9 million, increasing $23.5 million, or 19.2%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is primarily attributable to higher average balances of interest-earning assets following the NXT acquisition and a more favorable asset mix. These balance changes, as well as higher yields on interest-earning assets driven by recent increases in benchmark interest rates, more than offset a $7.7 million decrease in PPP loan fees recognized as loan interest income.

Net interest margin increased to 3.54% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 3.18% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The contribution of PPP loans to net interest margin decreased to 4 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2022 from 24 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2021. This decrease was more than offset by an increase in contractual interest on loans, driven by recent increases in benchmark interest rates.

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The quarterly net interest margins were as follows:

202220212020
Three months ended:
March 313.08%3.25%4.03%
June 303.343.143.51
September 303.653.183.39
December 314.103.173.31

In March 2020, the Federal Open Markets Committee (“FOMC”), in response to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, lowered the target range for the federal funds rate to 0% to 0.25% and announced the Federal Reserve would substantially increase its Treasury and agency mortgage-backed securities holdings. This resulted in a historically low interest rate environment which lasted through the rest of 2020 and into 2021, putting downward pressure on our net interest margin.

In 2021, the FOMC began to taper the pace of its security purchases, and, in March 2022, the FOMC raised the target range for the federal funds rate to 0.25% to 0.50%. Since March 2022, the FOMC has raised the target range for the federal funds rate several times, setting the target range for the federal funds rate to 4.50% to 4.75% at the February 2023 meeting and indicating that the Federal Reserve will continue reducing its security holdings.

As a result of these developments, market interest rates rose during 2022 which has led to improvements in our net interest margin. In general, we believe that increases in market interest rates will lead to improved net interest margins while decreases in market interest rates will result in lower net interest margins. Additionally, these recent increases in market interest rates have increased competition for deposits. As a result, we expect  deposit costs to increase during 2023 and deposits balances may decrease and be replaced by higher cost funding sources, such as FHLB advances, brokered deposits, or other wholesale funding.

Provision for Loan Losses

Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level we consider necessary to absorb probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. In determining the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and current loss experience, evaluations of collateral, current economic conditions, volume and type of lending, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay a loan and the levels of nonperforming and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from such estimates as more information becomes available or as events change. We assess the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and make provisions for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance. The provision for loan losses is a function of the allowance for loan loss methodology we use to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for inherent loan losses after accounting for net charge-offs (recoveries).

Credit losses in our loan portfolio are highly dependent on the economic conditions in the communities that we serve. The broad deterioration in economic conditions initially caused by the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the communities that we serve beginning in 2020. As a result, our allowance for loan losses initially increased at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, remained elevated during the remainder of 2020, and then gradually returned to near pre-pandemic levels during 2021 as economic conditions improved in our market areas. During 2022, our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans remained relatively stable, primarily due to the stable economic conditions observed, as well as the low level of nonperforming loans maintained, throughout 2022. Potential deterioration of economic conditions, whether due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors, may lead to higher credit losses and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

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On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, commonly referenced as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) standard.  Management is finalizing macroeconomic conditions and forecast assumptions to be used in our CECL model; however, we expect the initial allowance for credit losses and the reserve for unfunded commitments together to be approximately 30% to 50% above the existing allowance for loan loss levels. When finalized, this one-time increase will be recorded, net of tax, as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Ongoing impacts of the CECL methodology will be dependent upon changes in economic conditions and forecasts, the credit quality of our loan portfolio, originated and acquired loan portfolio composition, portfolio duration, and other factors.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

The Company recorded a negative provision for loan losses of $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a negative provision for loan losses of $8.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2022, net recoveries of $2.1 million were mostly offset by a $1.4 million increase in required reserves, which included a $0.7 million increase in specific reserves on loans individually evaluated for impairment.

Noninterest Income

The following table outlines the amount of and changes to the various noninterest income line items as of the dates indicated.

Year Ended December 31,
2022$ Change2021$ Change2020
(dollars in thousands)
Card income$10,329$595$9,734$1,647$8,087
Wealth management fees9,1557718,3841,1477,237
Service charges on deposit accounts7,0729926,080935,987
Mortgage servicing2,609(216)2,825(153)2,978
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment2,1534631,6904,274(2,584)
Gains on sale of mortgage loans1,461(4,385)5,846(2,989)8,835
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities(414)(521)1077433
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets(314)(624)310168142
Gains (losses) on other assets136859(723)(652)(71)
Income on bank owned life insurance1641234141
Other noninterest income2,366(668)3,034(778)3,812
Total noninterest income$34,717$(2,611)$37,328$2,872$34,456

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

Total noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $34.7 million, a decrease of $2.6 million, or 7.0%, from the year ended December 31, 2021. Notable changes in noninterest income include the following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $4.4 million decrease in gains on sale of mortgage loans, primarily attributable to a lower level of mortgage refinancing activity due to interest rate increases;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $1.0 million increase in service charges on deposit accounts;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $0.9 million improvement in gains (losses) on other assets, as the 2021 results include impairment losses of $0.7 million related to branches closed pursuant to our 2021 branch rationalization plan;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $0.8 million increase in wealth management fees, reflecting a $1.0 million increase in farm management and farmland brokerage fees;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $0.6 million increase in card income primarily due to increased debit and credit card transaction volume; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $0.5 million increase in the mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, primarily resulting from slower mortgage prepayment speed assumptions.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table outlines the amount of and changes to the various noninterest expense line items as of the dates indicated.

Year Ended December 31,
2022$ Change2021$ Change2020
(dollars in thousands)
Salaries$51,767$2,795$48,972$(1,253)$50,225
Employee benefits8,3251,8126,513(1,392)7,905
Occupancy of bank premises7,6738856,7882086,580
Furniture and equipment2,476(200)2,6762292,447
Data processing7,4411127,3295876,742
Marketing and customer relations3,8034273,376(100)3,476
Amortization of intangible assets873(181)1,054(178)1,232
FDIC insurance1,1641211,043336707
Loan collection and servicing1,049(268)1,317(438)1,755
Foreclosed assets293(615)908351557
Other noninterest expense20,2438,97311,27094010,330
Total noninterest expense$105,107$13,861$91,246$(710)$91,956

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

Total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $105.1 million, an increase of $13.9 million, or 15.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2021. Notable changes in noninterest expense include following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
Following the NXT acquisition on October 1, 2021, there was a higher base level of noninterest expense, primarily related to personnel costs and branch operations;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $9.0 million increase in other noninterest expense, primarily attributable to accruals totaling $8.2 million related to pending legal matters included in the 2022 results;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
The $1.8 million increase in employee benefits expenses also included accelerated recognition of $0.6 million of stock compensation expense during February 2022 as a result of a modification to all outstanding restricted stock unit and performance restricted stock unit agreements to address treatment upon retirement. Total compensation costs related to the modified agreements remains the same, and stock compensation expense in periods subsequent to the modification are reduced as a result. The net impact of this modification was a $0.4 million increase in stock compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2022; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $0.6 million decrease in foreclosed assets expense, primarily due to fewer foreclosed properties held during 2022 relative to 2021.

See “Note 23 – Commitments and Contingencies – Legal Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding certain legal actions and litigation to which we are subject, including a discussion of potential losses and related accruals.

Income Taxes

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

We recorded income tax expense of $19.7 million, or a 25.9% effective tax rate, during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $20.3 million, or a 26.5% effective tax rate during the year ended December 31, 2021. The effective income tax rate was lower than the combined federal and state statutory rate primarily due to tax exempt interest income. The slight decrease in effective tax rate was primarily due to slightly higher federally tax exempt interest income and slightly lower state income taxes.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

December 31,December 31,
20222021$ Change% Change
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Cash and cash equivalents$114,159$409,268$(295,109)(72.1)%
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value843,524942,168(98,644)(10.5)
Debt securities held-to-maturity541,600336,185205,41561.1
Loans held for sale6154,942(4,327)(87.6)
Loans, before allowance for loan losses2,620,2532,499,689120,5644.8
Less: allowance for loan losses25,33323,9361,3975.8
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses2,594,9202,475,753119,1674.8
Goodwill29,32229,322
Core deposit intangible assets, net1,0701,943(873)(44.9)
Other assets161,524114,67346,85140.9
Total assets$4,286,734$4,314,254$(27,520)(0.6)%
Total deposits$3,587,024$3,738,185$(151,161)(4.0)%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase43,08161,256(18,175)(29.7)
Borrowings160,000160,000NM
Subordinated notes39,39539,316790.2
Junior subordinated debentures37,78037,714660.2
Other liabilities45,82225,90219,92076.9
Total liabilities3,913,1023,902,37310,7290.3
Total stockholders' equity373,632411,881(38,249)(9.3)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$4,286,734$4,314,254$(27,520)(0.6)%
Tangible assets (1)$4,256,342$4,282,989$(26,647)(0.6)%
Tangible common equity (1)343,240380,616(37,376)(9.8)
Core deposits (1)$3,559,866$3,674,435$(114,569)(3.1)%
Share and Per Share Information
Book value per share$12.99$14.21
Tangible book value per share (1)11.9413.13
Shares of common stock outstanding28,752,62628,986,061
Balance Sheet Ratios
Loan to deposit ratio73.05%66.87%
Core deposits to total deposits (1)99.2498.29
Stockholders' equity to total assets8.729.55
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)8.068.89
Column 1Column 2
(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.

NM   Not meaningful.

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Total assets were $4.29 billion at December 31, 2022, a decrease of $27.5 million, or 0.6%, from December 31, 2021. Notable changes in our consolidated balance sheet include the following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
Excess liquidity, including excess cash held at December 31, 2021, was reinvested into debt securities, which increased by $106.8 million, and loans held for investment which increased $120.6 million;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Loans increased by $120.6 million despite a $29.5 million decrease in PPP loans due to forgiveness;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Total deposits decreased by $151.2 million, primarily due to lower balances maintained in noninterest-bearing business accounts and continued run-off of higher cost time deposits;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Borrowings, consisting of short-term FHLB advances, increased $160.0 million and were utilized to fund short-term liquidity needs; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Increases in market interest rates during 2022 drove a decrease in fair value of debt securities resulting in $105.5 million of unrealized losses in the available-for-sale portfolio and substantially contributing to a total decrease of $73.2 million in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Loan Portfolio

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio by category, excluding loans held-for-sale.

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
BalancePercentBalancePercent
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$266,75710.2%$286,94611.5%
Agricultural and farmland237,7469.1247,7969.9
Commercial real estate - owner occupied218,5038.3234,5449.4
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied713,20227.2684,02327.4
Multi-family287,86511.0263,91110.5
Construction and land development360,82413.8298,04811.9
One-to-four family residential338,25312.9327,83713.1
Municipal, consumer, and other197,1037.5156,5846.3
Loans, before allowance for loan losses2,620,253100.0%2,499,689100.0%
Allowance for loan losses(25,333)(23,936)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses$2,594,920$2,475,753
PPP loans (included above)
Commercial and industrial$28%$28,4041.1%
Agricultural and farmland9130.1
Municipal, consumer, and other171
Total PPP loans$28%$29,4881.2%

Loans, before allowance for loan losses were $2.62 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $120.6 million, or 4.8%, from December 31, 2021. Notable changes include the following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
Loan growth was partially offset by a $29.5 million decrease in PPP loans due to forgiveness;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Loan growth excluding PPP loans was predominantly in the Chicago metropolitan statistical area with balances in our Iowa and Central Illinois markets also increasing; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Our loan growth during 2022 was highest in the regulatory CRE categories, which includes construction and land development, commercial real estate – non-owner occupied, and multi-family loans.

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Loan Portfolio Maturities

The following table summarizes the scheduled maturities of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2022. Demand loans (loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity) and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less.

After 1 YearAfter 5 Years
1 YearThroughThroughAfter
December 31, 2022or Less5 Years15 Years15 YearsTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$162,152$89,361$15,244$$266,757
Agricultural and farmland94,041103,32337,2113,171237,746
Commercial real estate - owner occupied15,778132,71867,7602,247218,503
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied83,519423,430205,747506713,202
Multi-family27,604197,00563,256287,865
Construction and land development191,601151,08217,919222360,824
One-to-four family residential69,624129,70372,76266,164338,253
Municipal, consumer, and other90,08517,53369,58419,901197,103
Total$734,404$1,244,155$549,483$92,211$2,620,253

The following table summarizes loans maturing after one year, segregated into variable and fixed interest rates.

Variable Interest Rates
RepricingRepricingTotalPredetermined
1 YearAfterVariable(Fixed)
December 31, 2022or Less1 YearInterest RatesInterest RatesTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$25,953$17$25,970$78,635$104,605
Agricultural and farmland7,5685,79813,366130,339143,705
Commercial real estate - owner occupied30,11318,44748,560154,165202,725
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied74,17514,61588,790540,893629,683
Multi-family17,6893,55021,239239,022260,261
Construction and land development87,96173888,69980,524169,223
One-to-four family residential68,15227,73495,886172,743268,629
Municipal, consumer, and other31,20911,68042,88964,129107,018
Total$342,820$82,579$425,399$1,460,450$1,885,849

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming loans consist of all loans 90 days or more past due or on nonaccrual. Nonperforming assets consist of all nonperforming loans and foreclosed assets. Typically, loans are placed on nonaccrual when they reach 90 days past due, or when, in management’s opinion, there is reasonable doubt regarding the collection of the amounts due through the normal means of the borrower. Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed from interest income. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are recognized in accordance with our significant accounting policies. Once a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the borrower must generally demonstrate at least six months of payment performance and we must believe that all remaining principal and interest is fully collectible, before the loan is eligible to return to accrual status. Management believes the Company’s lending practices and active approach to managing nonperforming assets has resulted in timely resolution of problem assets.

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Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement remains unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payment. However, these loans may be considered performing, even though they may be contractually past due, as any non-payment of contractual principal or interest is considered in the periodic re-estimation of expected cash flows and is included in the resulting recognition of current period loan loss provision or future period yield adjustments. The accrual of interest is discontinued on loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality if management can no longer estimate future cash flows on the loan. Therefore, interest revenue, through accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, except those on which management can no longer estimate future cash flows.

When it appears likely that we will obtain title to real estate collateral, we develop an exit strategy by assessing overall market conditions, the current use and condition of the asset, and its highest and best use. If determined necessary to maximize value, we complete the necessary improvements or tenant stabilization tasks, with the applicable time value discount and improvement expenses incorporated into our estimates of the expected costs to sell. Substantially all foreclosed real estate is valued on an "as-is" basis.

Estimates of the net realizable value of real estate collateral also include a deduction for the expected selling costs. For most real estate collateral and foreclosed real estate, we apply a 7.0% deduction to the value of the asset to account for the expected costs to sell the asset. This estimate includes sales commissions and closing costs. Expenses for real estate taxes are accrued and repairs are expensed when incurred.

The following table sets forth information concerning nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets as of December 31.

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual$2,155$2,763
Past due 90 days or more, still accruing (1)116
Total nonperforming loans2,1562,779
Foreclosed assets3,0303,278
Total nonperforming assets$5,186$6,057
Allowance for loan losses$25,333$23,936
Loans, before allowance for loan losses2,620,2532,499,689
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for loan losses to loans, before allowance for loan losses0.97%0.96%
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans1,175.55866.30
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans1,175.00861.32
Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for loan losses0.080.11
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for loan losses0.080.11
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.120.14
Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for loan losses, and foreclosed assets0.200.24
Column 1Column 2
(1)Excludes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are past due 90 or more days totaling $145 thousand and $32 thousand as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Comparison of December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2021

Total nonperforming assets were $5.2 million as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 14.4%, from December 31, 2021. Our level of nonperforming assets has remained low in recent years, representing only 0.12% of total assets as of December 31, 2022 and 0.14% of total assets as of December 31, 2021. We believe our continuous credit monitoring and collection efforts have resulted in lower levels of nonperforming assets, while also recognizing that favorable economic conditions prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and substantial federal economic stimulus during the pandemic have also contributed to these lower levels.

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Troubled Debt Restructurings

In general, if the Company grants a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) that involves either the absence of principal amortization or a material extension of an existing loan amortization period in excess of our underwriting standards, the loan will be placed on nonaccrual status. However, if a TDR is well secured by an abundance of collateral and the collectability of both interest and principal is probable, the loan may remain on accrual status. A nonaccrual TDR in full compliance with the payment requirements specified in the loan modification for at least six months may return to accrual status, if the collectability of both principal and interest is probable. All TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment.

The following table presents TDRs by loan category.

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
AccruingNonaccrualTotalAccruingNonaccrualTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$84$$84$203$$203
Commercial real estate - owner occupied1,5141,5141,6711,671
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied1,2041,2041,2781,278
One-to-four family residential189189360360
Total troubled debt restructurings$2,991$$2,991$3,512$$3,512

TDRs have remained a small portion of our loan portfolio as loan modifications to borrowers with deteriorating financial condition are generally offered only as part of an overall workout strategy to minimize losses to the Company.

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Risk Classification of Loans

Our policies, consistent with regulatory guidelines, provide for the classification of loans and other assets that are considered to be of lesser quality as pass-watch, substandard, doubtful, or loss.

A pass-watch loan is still considered a "pass" credit and is not a classified or criticized asset, but is a reflection of a borrower who exhibits credit weaknesses or downward trends warranting close attention and increased monitoring. These potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan. No loss of principal or interest is expected, and the borrower does not pose sufficient risk to warrant classification.

A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized as probable that the borrower will not pay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms.

A doubtful loan has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Assets classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted; such balances are promptly charged-off as required by applicable federal regulations.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our risk classifications of loans were as follows:

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
Pass$2,479,488$2,269,228
Pass-watch66,934148,285
Substandard73,83182,176
Doubtful
Total$2,620,253$2,499,689

Pass-watch loans decreased $81.4 million, or 54.9% from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022. Additionally, substandard loans decreased $8.3 million, or 10.2%, from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022. These overall improvements were primarily driven by better economic conditions, relative to 2021, which resulted in both risk rating upgrades and paydowns.

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Net Charge-offs and Recoveries

The following table summarizes net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, before allowance for loan losses by loan category.

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands)
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Commercial and industrial$(751)$15$1,189
Agricultural and farmland27
Commercial real estate - owner occupied(1,006)21(401)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(283)(24)274
Multi-family
Construction and land development(1)(342)(223)
One-to-four family residential(302)18(155)
Municipal, consumer, and other240137282
Total$(2,103)$(175)$993
Average loans, before allowance for loan losses
Commercial and industrial$268,765$347,547$372,927
Agricultural and farmland233,349230,364223,381
Commercial real estate - owner occupied219,127204,148222,593
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied695,230583,084543,227
Multi-family258,490227,736196,632
Construction and land development340,831226,035242,800
One-to-four family residential328,656314,871324,645
Municipal, consumer, and other170,101137,759118,888
Total$2,514,549$2,271,544$2,245,093
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, before allowance for loan losses
Commercial and industrial(0.28)%%0.32%
Agricultural and farmland0.01
Commercial real estate - owner occupied(0.46)0.01(0.18)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(0.04)0.05
Multi-family
Construction and land development(0.15)(0.09)
One-to-four family residential(0.09)0.01(0.05)
Municipal, consumer, and other0.140.100.24
Total(0.08)%(0.01)%0.04%

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

Our net charge-offs (recoveries) percentage has remained low for several years, including each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020. We believe our continuous credit monitoring and collection efforts have resulted in lower levels of loan losses, while also recognizing that favorable economic conditions prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and substantial federal economic stimulus during the pandemic have also contributed to reduced loan losses.

Securities

The Company’s investment policy emphasizes safety of the principal, liquidity needs, expected returns, cash flow targets and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. The composition and maturities of the debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2022 is summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur. Security yields have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.

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December 31, 2022
Available-for-SaleHeld-to-MaturityTotal
WeightedWeightedWeighted
AmortizedAverageAmortizedAverageAmortizedAverage
CostYieldCostYieldCostYield
(dollars in thousands)
Due in 1 year or less
U.S. Treasury$10,0731.51%$%$10,0731.51%
Municipal4,4312.512,2884.016,7193.02
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential693.22693.22
Agency commercial1,4841.981,4841.98
Corporate4,9972.584,9972.58
Total$21,0542.01%$2,2884.01%$23,3422.21%
Due after 1 year through 5 years
U.S. Treasury$109,6361.32%$%$109,6361.32%
U.S. government agency40,9212.5510,0002.1850,9212.48
Municipal59,8382.0517,8133.1977,6512.31
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential12,9692.338,3641.6221,3332.05
Agency commercial43,7372.0216,7082.6460,4452.19
Corporate19,8914.6519,8914.65
Total$286,9922.03%$52,8852.58%$339,8772.12%
Due after 5 years through 10 years
U.S. Treasury$50,1511.49%$%$50,1511.49%
U.S. government agency18,3702.3864,0282.4782,3982.45
Municipal143,9731.7519,1533.43163,1261.95
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential74,3462.093,8583.5178,2042.16
Agency commercial64,0831.67233,0211.77297,1041.75
Corporate38,7094.1738,7094.17
Total$389,6322.04%$320,0602.03%$709,6922.04%
Due after 10 years
U.S. government agency$%$14,3962.72%$14,3962.72%
Municipal67,7301.882,9133.3570,6431.94
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential126,2922.5290,5063.59216,7982.97
Agency commercial40,7562.0358,5521.9899,3082.00
Corporate2,0004.502,0004.50
Total$236,7782.27%$166,3672.94%$403,1452.55%
Total
U.S. Treasury$169,8601.38%$%$169,8601.38%
U.S. government agency59,2912.5088,4242.48147,7152.49
Municipal275,9721.8642,1673.36318,1392.06
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential213,6762.36102,7283.43316,4042.71
Agency commercial150,0601.87308,2811.86458,3411.86
Corporate65,5974.2065,5974.20
Total$934,4562.09%$541,6002.37%$1,476,0562.20%

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SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits

Management continues to focus on growing non-maturity deposits, through the Company’s relationship-driven banking philosophy and community-focused marketing programs, and to deemphasize higher cost deposit categories, such as time deposits. Additionally, the Bank continues to add and improve digital banking services to solidify deposit relationships.

The following tables set forth the distribution of average deposits, by account type.

Percent
Year Ended December 31, 2022Change in
AveragePercent ofWeightedAverage Balance
BalanceTotal DepositsAverage Cost2022 vs. 2021
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$1,051,18728.4%%4.6%
Interest-bearing demand1,141,40230.80.0511.4
Money market582,51415.70.1411.7
Savings650,38517.50.039.1
Total non-maturity deposits3,425,48892.40.058.9
Time283,2327.60.31(4.2)
Total deposits$3,708,720100.0%0.07%7.7%
Percent
Year Ended December 31, 2021Change in
AveragePercent ofWeightedAverage Balance
BalanceTotal DepositsAverage Cost2021 vs. 2020
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$1,004,75729.2%%24.4%
Interest-bearing demand1,024,88829.80.0517.4
Money market521,36615.10.0810.0
Savings595,88717.30.0324.9
Total non-maturity deposits3,146,89891.40.0419.6
Time295,7888.60.45(6.8)
Total deposits$3,442,686100.0%0.07%16.7%
Year Ended December 31, 2020
AveragePercent ofWeighted
BalanceTotal DepositsAverage Cost
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$807,86427.4%%
Interest-bearing demand873,06029.60.07
Money market474,03316.10.15
Savings477,26016.20.04
Total non-maturity deposits2,632,21789.30.06
Time317,30810.70.84
Total deposits$2,949,525100.0%0.14%

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

The average balances of non-maturity deposits increased 8.9% from the year ended December 31, 2021 to the year ended December 31, 2022, with the increase primarily attributable to higher balances maintained by deposit customers following the receipt of federal economic stimulus, in the form of PPP loan proceeds by commercial customers and direct payments received by retail customers, although this trend began to reverse in the second quarter of 2022. Additionally, the NXT acquisition added $139.4 million of non-maturity deposits on October 1, 2021. Time deposits decreased slightly due to the continued run-off of higher cost time deposits, although this was partially offset by the addition of $42.1 million of time deposits acquired from NXT.

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The following table sets forth time deposits by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2022.

3 Months orOver 3 throughOver 6 throughOver
Less6 Months12 Months12 MonthsTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Time deposits:
Amounts less than $100,000$36,773$34,962$49,768$48,858$170,361
Amounts of $100,000 or more but less than $250,00012,26211,48024,51517,19265,449
Amounts of $250,000 or more5,7433,41412,1285,87327,158
Total time deposits$54,778$49,856$86,411$71,923$262,968

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank’s uninsured deposits, including related accrued interest, were estimated to be $739.0 million and $845.7 million, respectively.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

All securities sold under agreements to repurchase are sweep instruments, maturing daily. The securities underlying the agreements are held under our control in safekeeping at third-party financial institutions, and include debt securities.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of year$43,081$61,256$45,736
Average balance during year51,55450,10449,714
Maximum outstanding at any month end55,69861,25658,839
Weighted average interest rate at end of year0.28%0.07%0.06%
Average interest rate during year0.070.070.10

Borrowings

Deposits are the primary source of funds for our lending activities and general business purposes. However, we may also obtain advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (“FHLB”), purchase federal funds, and engage in overnight borrowing from the Federal Reserve. We may also use these sources of funds as part of our asset liability management process to control our long-term interest rate risk exposure, even if it may increase our short-term cost of funds. Our level of short-term borrowing can fluctuate on a daily basis depending on funding needs and the source of funds to satisfy the needs.

Our use of FHLB advances and other borrowings was nominal during 2020 and 2021, but increased during the second half of 2022 to fund increases in loan demand and to offset a decrease in deposits.

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The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our borrowings.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of year
FHLB advances$160,000$$
Federal funds purchased
Total borrowings$160,000$$
Average balance during year
FHLB advances$25,934$1,310$656
Federal funds purchased534343424
Total borrowings$26,468$1,653$1,080
Maximum outstanding at any month end
FHLB advances$160,000$$4,000
Federal funds purchased
Total borrowings$160,000$$4,000
Weighted average interest rate at end of year
FHLB advances4.29%%%
Federal funds purchased
Total borrowings4.29
Average interest rate during year
FHLB advances3.68%0.56%0.02%
Federal funds purchased2.110.480.52
Total borrowings3.650.540.22

LIQUIDITY

Bank Liquidity

The overall objective of bank liquidity management is to ensure the availability of sufficient cash funds to meet all financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities. The Bank manages liquidity in order to meet deposit withdrawals on demand or at contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature, and to fund new loans and investments as opportunities arise.

The Bank continuously monitors its liquidity positions to ensure that assets and liabilities are managed in a manner that will meet all of our short-term and long-term cash requirements. The Bank manages its liquidity position to meet our daily cash flow needs, while maintaining an appropriate balance between assets and liabilities to meet the return on investment objectives. The Bank also monitors liquidity requirements in light of interest rate trends, changes in the economy, the scheduled maturity and interest rate sensitivity of the investment and loan portfolios and deposits, and regulatory capital requirements.

As part of the Bank’s liquidity management strategy, the Bank is also focused on minimizing costs of liquidity and attempts to decrease these costs by promoting noninterest bearing and low-cost deposits and replacing higher cost funding including time deposits and borrowed funds. While the Bank does not control the types of deposit instruments our clients choose, those choices can be influenced with the rates and the deposit specials offered.

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Additional sources of liquidity include unpledged securities, federal funds purchased, and borrowings from the FHLB. Unpledged securities may be sold or pledged as collateral for borrowings to meet liquidity needs. Interest is charged at the prevailing market rate on federal funds purchased and FHLB borrowings. Funds available through federal funds purchased and FHLB borrowings are used primarily to meet daily liquidity needs. The total remaining credit available to the Bank from the FHLB at December 31, 2022 was $409.9 million.

As of December 31, 2022, the Bank’s liquidity and available sources of liquidity were adequate to meet all of the reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands of the Bank. As of December 31, 2022, the Bank had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

Holding Company Liquidity

The Holding Company, or HBT Financial, Inc. on an unconsolidated basis, is a corporation separate and apart from the Bank and, therefore, it must provide for its own liquidity. As of December 31, 2022, the Holding Company had cash and cash equivalents of $24.3 million.

The Holding Company’s main source of funding is dividends declared and paid to it by the Bank. Due to state banking laws, the Bank may not declare dividends in any calendar year in an amount that would exceed accumulated retained earnings, after giving effect to any unrecognized losses and bad debts, without the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements. Management believes that these limitations will not impact the Holding Company’s ability to meet its ongoing short-term and intermediate-term cash obligations. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, the Bank paid dividends of $28.0 million, $20.0 million, and $17.6 million to the Holding Company, respectively.

The liquidity needs of the Holding Company on an unconsolidated basis consist primarily of operating expenses, interest payments on the subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures, and shareholder distributions in the form of dividends and stock repurchases. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, holding company operating expenses consisted of interest expense of $3.7 million, $3.3 million, and $2.2 million, respectively, and other operating expenses of $5.3 million, $3.7 million, and $2.5 million, respectively.

Additionally, the Holding Company paid $18.6 million, $16.8 million, and $16.5 million of dividends to stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Holding Company’s liquidity.

As of December 31, 2022, the Holding Company’s liquidity and available sources of liquidity were adequate to meet all of the reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands of the Holding Company. As of December 31, 2022, the Holding Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The overall objectives of capital management are to ensure the availability of sufficient capital to support loan, deposit and other asset and liability growth opportunities and to maintain capital to absorb unforeseen losses or write-downs that are inherent in the business risks associated with the banking industry. The Company seeks to balance the need for higher capital levels to address such unforeseen risks and the goal to achieve an adequate return on the capital invested by our stockholders.

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Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Company and Bank are each subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the Company and the Bank.

In addition to meeting minimum capital requirements, the Company and the Bank must also maintain a “capital conservation buffer” to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the capital conservation buffer requirement was 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. As of those dates, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

The following table sets forth actual capital ratios of the Company and the Bank as of the dates indicated, as well as the minimum ratios for capital adequacy purposes with the capital conservation buffer, and the minimum ratios to be well capitalized under regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

For CapitalTo Be Well
Adequacy PurposesCapitalized Under
December 31,December 31,With CapitalPrompt Corrective
20222021Conversation Buffer (1)Action Provisions (2)
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.16.27%16.88%10.50%N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company15.4315.9410.5010.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.14.23%14.66%8.50%N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company14.6315.098.508.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.13.07%13.37%7.00%N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company14.6315.097.006.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.10.48%9.84%4.00N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company10.7810.134.005.00%
Column 1Column 2
(1)The Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio (known as the “leverage ratio”) is not impacted by the capital conservation buffer.
Column 1Column 2
(2)The prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

N/A  Not applicable.

As of December 31, 2022, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company’s capital resources.

Cash Dividends

The Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.16 during 2022 and $0.15 per share during 2021 and 2020. On January 24, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share.

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Stock Repurchase Program

The Company repurchased 265,379 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $18.02 during 2022 and 290,486 shares at a weighted average price of $16.89 during 2021. Repurchases were conducted in compliance with Rule 10b-18 and in compliance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. On December 21, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $15.0 million of its common stock. The new stock repurchase program took effect upon the expiration of the prior stock repurchase program and expires on January 1, 2024.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As a financial services provider, the Bank is routinely a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, unused lines of credit, commitments to sell loans, and interest rate swaps. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process afforded to loans originated by the Bank. Although commitments to extend credit are considered while evaluating our allowance for loan losses, at December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no reserves for unfunded commitments. For additional information, see “Note 23 – Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, subjective or complex. These estimates involve judgments, assumptions and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition or materially different results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. Further, changes in accounting standards could impact the Company’s critical accounting estimates. The following accounting estimate could be deemed critical:

Allowance for Loan losses

The allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is an estimate of loan losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio. The allowance represents amounts that have been established to recognize incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the consolidated financial statements. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance when the Company determines the loan balance to be uncollectible. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance.

The allowance consists of two primary components, general reserves and specific reserves related to impaired loans. General reserves cover non-impaired loans, or loans collectively evaluated for impairment, and are based on historical losses adjusted for qualitative factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent 16-quarter period. Qualitative factor adjustments primarily consider current economic metrics, such as national and regional unemployment rates, and current credit quality metrics of each portfolio segment, such as past due and risk rating percentages, relative to historical levels. These qualitative factor adjustments are inherently subjective.

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Specific reserves cover impaired loans, or loans individually evaluated for impairment, and are primarily measured based on the fair value of collateral. Adjustments to the fair value of collateral are made for anticipated selling costs. A specific reserve may be zero if the fair value of collateral on the measurement date is greater than the carrying balance of the impaired loan. Additionally, the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the original contractual interest rate may also be used, when practical.

While the Company uses the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may become necessary if conditions change substantially from the conditions used in previous evaluations. Determinations as to the risk classification of loans and the amount of the allowance for loan losses are subject to review by regulatory agencies, which can require that the Company establish additional loss allowances.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. 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 closely comparable GAAP financial measures below.

Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Adjusted Net Income●Net income, with the following adjustments:-excludes acquisition expenses,-excludes branch closure expenses,-excludes charges related to termination of certain employee benefit plans,-excludes net earnings (losses) from closed or sold operations,-excludes realized gains (losses) on sales of closed branch premises,-excludes realized gains (losses) on sales of securities,-excludes mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, and-the income tax effect of these pre-tax adjustments.●Enhances comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects.●We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Adjusted Net Income, such as:-Adjusted Return on Average Assets, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average assets.-Adjusted Return on Average Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average equity.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Basic, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share – Diluted, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares.
Net Interest Income (Tax Equivalent Basis)●Net interest income adjusted for the tax-favored status of tax-exempt loans and securities. (1)​●We believe the tax equivalent basis is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income.●Enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.●We also sometimes refer to Net Interest Margin (Tax Equivalent Basis), which is Net Interest Income (Tax Equivalent Basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.
Efficiency Ratio (Tax Equivalent Basis)●Noninterest expense less amortization of intangible assets divided by the sum of net interest income (tax equivalent basis) and noninterest income. (1)●Provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry.●Calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. That is, the ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue.
Column 1Column 2
(1)Tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

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Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets●Tangible Common Equity is total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets.●Tangible Assets is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets.●Generally used by investors, our management, and banking regulators to evaluate capital adequacy.●Facilitates comparison of our earnings with the earnings of other banking organization with significant amounts of goodwill or intangible assets.●We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Tangible Common Equity, such as:-Tangible Book Value Per Share, which is Tangible Common Equity divided by shares of common stock outstanding.-Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is net income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.-Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.
Core Deposits●Total deposits, excluding:-Time deposits of $250,000 or more, and-Brokered deposits●Provides investors with information regarding the stability of the Company’s sources of funds.●We also sometimes refer to the ratio of Core Deposits to total deposits.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands)
Net income$56,456$56,271$36,845
Adjustments:
Acquisition expenses(1,092)(1,416)
Branch closure expenses(748)
Gains (losses) on sales of closed branch premises141
Charges related to termination of certain employee benefit plans(1,457)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment2,1531,690(2,584)
Total adjustments1,202(474)(4,041)
Tax effect of adjustments(551)(95)1,152
Less adjustments after tax effect651(569)(2,889)
Adjusted net income$55,805$56,840$39,734
Average assets$4,269,873$3,980,538$3,447,500
Return on average assets1.32%1.41%1.07%
Adjusted return on average assets1.311.431.15

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income$56,456$56,271$36,845
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(66)(104)(93)
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted$56,390$56,167$36,752
Adjusted net income$55,805$56,840$39,734
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(65)(105)(101)
Numerator for adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted$55,740$56,735$39,633
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding28,853,69727,795,80627,457,306
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units65,61915,487
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares28,919,31627,811,29327,457,306
Earnings per share - Basic$1.95$2.02$1.34
Earnings per share - Diluted$1.95$2.02$1.34
Adjusted earnings per share - Basic$1.93$2.04$1.44
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted$1.93$2.04$1.44
Column 1Column 2
(1)The Company has granted certain restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. Such restricted stock units are considered participating securities. As such, we have included these restricted stock units in the calculation of basic earnings per share and calculate basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Net Interest Margin (Tax Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands)
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)
Net interest income$145,874$122,403$117,605
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,4992,0281,943
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis) (1)$148,373$124,431$119,548
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)
Net interest margin3.54%3.18%3.54%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)0.060.050.06
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis) (1)3.60%3.23%3.60%
Average interest-earning assets$4,118,124$3,846,473$3,318,764
Column 1Column 2
(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Efficiency Ratio (Tax Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands)
Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent basis)
Total noninterest expense$105,107$91,246$91,956
Less: amortization of intangible assets8731,0541,232
Adjusted noninterest expense$104,234$90,192$90,724
Net interest income$145,874$122,403$117,605
Total noninterest income34,71737,32834,456
Operating revenue180,591159,731152,061
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,4992,0281,943
Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)$183,090$161,759$154,004
Efficiency ratio57.72%56.46%59.66%
Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent basis) (1)56.9355.7658.91
Column 1Column 2
(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets and Tangible Book Value Per Share

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$373,632$411,881
Less: Goodwill29,32229,322
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net1,0701,943
Tangible common equity$343,240$380,616
Tangible Assets
Total assets$4,286,734$4,314,254
Less: Goodwill29,32229,322
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net1,0701,943
Tangible assets$4,256,342$4,282,989
Total stockholders' equity to total assets8.72%9.55%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets8.068.89
Shares of common stock outstanding28,752,62628,986,061
Book value per share$12.99$14.21
Tangible book value per share11.9413.13

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure – Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, Adjusted Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity, and Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(dollars in thousands)
Average Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$383,306$380,080$350,703
Less: Goodwill29,32225,05723,620
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net1,4802,3333,436
Average tangible common equity$352,504$352,690$323,647
Net income$56,456$56,271$36,845
Adjusted net income55,80556,84039,734
Return on average stockholders' equity14.73%14.81%10.51%
Return on average tangible common equity16.0215.9511.38
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity14.56%14.95%11.33%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity15.8316.1212.28

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Core Deposits

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
Core Deposits
Total deposits$3,587,024$3,738,185
Less: time deposits of $250,000 or more27,15859,512
Less: brokered deposits4,238
Core deposits$3,559,866$3,674,435
Core deposits to total deposits99.24%98.29%

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FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001558370-22-003421.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-03-11. Report date: 2021-12-31.

ITEM 7.        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to HBT Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the following parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Part I, Item 1 “Business”, Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, and Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. Detailed discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operation for 2021 as compared to 2020 can be found below.

OVERVIEW

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 provides a comprehensive suite of business, commercial, wealth management, and retail banking products and services to businesses, families, and local governments throughout Central and Northeastern Illinois and Eastern Iowa. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had total assets of $4.3 billion, loans held for investment of $2.5 billion, and total deposits of $3.7 billion.

Market Area

We currently operate 61 branch locations in Central and Northeastern Illinois and Eastern Iowa. We hold a leading deposit share in many of our markets in Central Illinois, which we define as a top three deposit share rank, providing the foundation for our strong deposit base. The stability provided by this low-cost funding is a key driver of our strong track record of financial performance. Below is a summary of the loan and deposit balances by geographic region.

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)
Total loans
Illinois by metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas
Bloomington-Normal$527,161$523,418
Champaign-Urbana191,646214,646
Chicago1,196,6051,132,893
Lincoln87,153103,614
Ottawa-Peru101,117107,098
Peoria123,143165,337
Total Illinois2,226,8252,247,006
Iowa272,864
Total loans$2,499,689$2,247,006
Total deposits
Illinois by metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas
Bloomington-Normal$887,587$774,082
Champaign-Urbana203,899174,653
Chicago1,237,4861,077,691
Lincoln203,098201,012
Ottawa-Peru407,156347,211
Peoria610,155555,885
Total Illinois3,549,3813,130,534
Iowa188,804
Total deposits$3,738,185$3,130,534

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NXT Bancorporation, Inc. Acquisition

On October 1, 2021, the Company completed its acquisition of NXT, the holding company for NXT Bank, which was previously announced on June 7, 2021. The acquisition expands the Company’s footprint into Eastern Iowa with four locations that began operating as branches of Heartland Bank following the merger and system conversion of NXT Bank into Heartland Bank in December 2021. After considering business combination accounting adjustments, NXT added total assets of $234 million, total loans of $195 million, and total deposits of $182 million.

Cash consideration of approximately $10.6 million and stock consideration of approximately 1.8 million shares of HBT common stock resulted in aggregate consideration of $39.9 million. Goodwill of $5.7 million was recorded in the acquisition.

The acquisition of NXT provides an opportunity to utilize the Company’s existing excess liquidity to replace NXT’s higher cost funding. Additionally, Heartland Bank’s broader range of products and services and greater ability to meet larger borrowing needs provides an opportunity to expand NXT customer relationships.

The Company incurred the following pre-tax acquisition expenses related to the acquisition of NXT during the year ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

Salaries$65
Furniture and equipment18
Data processing355
Marketing and customer relations12
Loan collection and servicing11
Legal fees and other noninterest expense955
Total NXT acquisition-related expenses$1,416

Branch Rationalization Plan

In April 2021, the Company made plans to close or consolidate six branches. One branch was consolidated during the second quarter of 2021, and the remaining five branches were closed during the third quarter of 2021. The Company estimates annual pre-tax cost savings, net of associated revenue impacts, related to the branch rationalization plan to be approximately $1.1 million.

The Company incurred the following pre-tax branch closure costs during the year ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

NONINTEREST INCOME
Gains (losses) on other assets$(682)
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries53
Marketing and customer relations6
Legal fees and other noninterest expense7
Total noninterest expense66
Total branch closure costs$748

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COVID-19 Response and Impact Overview

The Company has taken a number of steps to support our employees and customers while prioritizing the health and safety of all involved, including, but not limited to:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
Continued to place the health of customers and employees first by maintaining enhanced cleaning protocols and other safety measures at all locations;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Enabling work from home for many employees and social distancing for employees who need to report to the office;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Maintaining regular business hours at our branches and call center to continue serving our customers throughout the pandemic;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Participating in both rounds of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Offering loan payment modifications to customers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Paycheck Protection Program Loans

In December 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was extended and allowed eligible borrowers to receive a second PPP loan. During 2021, we funded $104.7 million of PPP loans as part of the second round of the program.

We continue to process forgiveness applications for PPP loans, with $185.3 million of PPP loans originated in round 1 and $75.8 million of PPP loans originated in round 2 receiving full or partial forgiveness by December 31, 2021.

The following table summarizes outstanding PPP loans as of December 31, 2021:

Round 1Round 2Total
(dollars in thousands)
PPP loan balance, before net deferred origination fees$5430,926$30,980
Net deferred origination fees(1)(1,491)(1,492)
PPP loan balance$5329,435$29,488

During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the deferred origination fees on PPP loans were reduced by direct origination costs of $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively, consisting primarily of salaries and benefits costs. Net deferred origination fees on PPP loans of $9.2 million and $3.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were recognized as taxable loan interest income. Recognition of net deferred origination fees is accelerated upon loan forgiveness or repayment prior to contractual maturity.

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Payment Modifications Related to COVID-19

Loan payment modifications were made for borrowers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, with substantially all modifications in the form of a three-month interest-only period or a one-month payment deferral. Consistent with the applicable accounting and regulatory guidance, short-term loan payment modifications such as these are generally not considered to be a troubled debt restructuring.

The volume of loan modification requests related to a COVID-19 financial hardship have declined significantly from its height during the second quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the total outstanding balance of loans with an existing payment modification related to a COVID-19 financial hardship were $0.2 million and $28.0 million, respectively.

Industries Adversely Impacted by COVID-19

While many industries have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant and hotel industries have been particularly susceptible to significant adverse impacts. While many areas of consumer and business spending have rebounded in recent months, there is uncertainty about the longer lasting impact on the restaurant and hotel industries resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Adverse impacts in these and other industries may result in a deterioration of the loan portfolio’s credit quality or an increase in loan losses.

The below table summarizes loan balances within the restaurant and hotel industries, along with risk rating information, as of December 31, 2021:

Carrying BalanceSubstandard
Non-PPP LoansPPP LoansTotalRisk Rating
(dollars in thousands)
Restaurants
Commercial and industrial$3,335$6,263$9,598$4
Commercial real estate - owner occupied17,37217,3721,723
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied11,25411,254
Construction and land development737737
Total$32,698$6,263$38,961$1,727
Hotels
Commercial and industrial$75$680$755$
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied56,71056,7104,143
Construction and land development11,24611,246
Total$68,031$680$68,711$4,143

As of December 31, 2021, there were no loans within the restaurant and hotel industries that were granted a loan payment modification related to a COVID-19 financial hardship that had not returned to regular payments.

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FACTORS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Economic Conditions

The Company’s business and financial performance are affected by economic conditions generally in the United States and more directly in the Illinois and Iowa markets where we primarily operate. The significant economic factors that are most relevant to our business and our financial performance include the general economic conditions in the U.S. and in the Company’s markets, unemployment rates, real estate markets, and interest rates.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Although the Company has had continuous business operations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic has caused significant economic disruption throughout the United States and the communities that we serve. While the economic outlook generally improved in 2021 compared to 2020, uncertainty surrounding potential surges in COVID-19 infections with new virus variants and the longer lasting impact on specific industries remains. As a result, the businesses we serve may continue to be adversely impacted and the ability of our customers to maintain historic deposit levels or to fulfill their contractual obligations to us may deteriorate. This could adversely affect our asset valuations, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, and the impacts may be material.

During 2020, we experienced the following adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
Decrease in net interest income and net interest margin, as a result of the lower interest rate environment;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Increase in provision for loan losses due to deterioration in the loan portfolio’s credit quality, as a result of the economic slow-down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Decrease in debit and credit card interchange income, as a result of a lower level of consumer activity and lower associated volume of debit and credit card transactions;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Decrease in service charge income on deposit accounts, such as overdraft fees, as a result of federal economic stimulus payments received by customers;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Decrease in demand for loans, excluding PPP loans, as a result of the economic slow-down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While some of these trends reversed in 2021, and have continued such reversal in the beginning of 2022, sustained improvements are highly dependent upon strengthening economic conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause economic uncertainties which may again result in these and other adverse impacts to our financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s executive management continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the date of this filing, we anticipate we will continue to take actions to support our customers in a manner consistent with the current guidance provided by federal banking regulatory authorities.

Interest Rates

Net interest income is our primary source of revenue. Net interest income is equal to the excess of interest income earned on interest earning assets (including discount accretion on purchased loans plus certain loan fees) over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. The level of interest rates as well as the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities both impact net interest income. Net interest income is also influenced by both the pricing and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which, in turn, are impacted by external factors such as local economic conditions, competition for loans and deposits, the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board and market interest rates.

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The cost of our deposits and short-term wholesale borrowings is largely based on short-term interest rates, which are primarily driven by the Federal Reserve Board’s actions. The yields generated by our loans and securities are typically driven by short-term and long-term interest rates, which are set by the market and, to some degree, by the Federal Reserve Board’s actions. The level of net interest income is therefore influenced by movements in such interest rates and the pace at which such movements occur.

Growth in deposit balances and the forgiveness of PPP loans has resulted in significant cash inflows and excess liquidity. While some excess liquidity was invested into debt securities during 2021, the yields available were lower than existing portfolio yields. Decreases in interest rates, as well as the ongoing economic uncertainty, may decrease our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods, while increases in interest rates are expected to increase our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods.

Credit Trends

We focus on originating loans with appropriate risk / reward profiles. We have a detailed loan policy that guides our overall loan origination philosophy and a well-established loan approval process that requires experienced credit officers to approve larger loan relationships. Although we believe our loan approval process and credit review process are strengths that allow us to maintain a high quality loan portfolio, we recognize that credit trends in the markets in which we operate and in our loan portfolio can materially impact our financial condition and performance and that these trends are primarily driven by the economic conditions and the impact of COVID-19 in our markets.

Competition

Our profitability and growth are affected by the highly competitive nature of the financial services industry. We compete with community banks in all our markets and, to a lesser extent, with money center banks, primarily in the Chicago MSA. Additionally, we compete with non-bank financial services companies and other financial institutions operating within the areas we serve. We compete by emphasizing personalized service and efficient decision-making tailored to individual needs. We do not rely on any individual, group, or entity for a material portion of our loans or our deposits. We continue to see increased competitive pressures on loan rates and terms which may affect our financial results in the future.

Digital Banking

Throughout the banking industry, in-person branch traffic is expected to continue to decline as more customers turn to digital banking for routine banking transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this transition, and in-person branch traffic is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. We plan to continue investing in our digital banking platforms, while maintaining an appropriately sized branch network. An inability to meet evolving customer expectations, with the appropriate level of security, for both digital and in-person banking may adversely affect our financial results in the future.

Regulatory Environment and Trends

We are subject to federal and state regulation and supervision, which continue to evolve as the legal and regulatory framework governing our operations continues to change. The current operating environment includes extensive regulation and supervision in areas such as consumer compliance, the BSA and anti-money laundering compliance, risk management and internal audit. We anticipate that this environment of extensive regulation and supervision will continue for the industry. As a result, changes in the regulatory environment may result in additional costs for additional compliance, risk management and audit personnel or professional fees associated with advisors and consultants.

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FACTORS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

S Corp Status

Prior to October 11, 2019, the Company elected to be taxed under sections of federal and state income tax law as an "S Corporation" which provides that, in lieu of Company income taxes, except for state replacement taxes, the stockholders separately account for their pro rata shares of the Company’s items of income, deductions, losses and credits. As a result of this election, no income taxes, other than state replacement taxes, had been recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements prior to October 11, 2019.

Effective October 11, 2019, the Company voluntarily revoked its S Corporation status and became a taxable entity (“C Corporation”). As such, any periods prior to October 11, 2019 will only reflect an effective state replacement tax rate. In connection with the conversion of tax status, the Company recognized a deferred tax asset, and the associated income tax benefit, of $0.5 million.

The following table illustrates the impact of being taxed as a C Corporation:

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
As Reported
Income before income tax expense$76,562$49,573$72,121
Income tax expense20,29112,7285,256
Net income$56,271$36,845$66,865
Earnings per share - Basic$2.02$1.34$3.33
Earnings per share - Diluted$2.02$1.34$3.33
Effective tax rate26.5%25.7%7.3%
Unaudited Pro Forma C Corp Equivalent
Historical income before income tax expenseN/AN/A$72,121
C Corp equivalent income tax expenseN/AN/A18,749
C Corp equivalent net incomeN/AN/A$53,372
C Corp equivalent earnings per share - BasicN/AN/A$2.66
C Corp equivalent earnings per share - DilutedN/AN/A$2.66
Effective tax rateN/AN/A26.0%

N/A  Not applicable.

The C Corp equivalent effective rates reflect a federal tax rate of 21% and state income tax rate of 9.5%.

Jobs Act Accounting Election

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. The JOBS Act permits us an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards affecting public companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period until we are no longer an emerging growth company or until we choose to affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview of Recent Financial Results

The following table presents selected financial results and measures as of and for the year ended December 31.

As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Statement of Income Information
Total interest and dividend income$128,223$124,065$143,735
Total interest expense5,8206,4609,935
Net interest income122,403117,605133,800
Provision for loan losses(8,077)10,5323,404
Net interest income after provision for loan losses130,480107,073130,396
Total noninterest income37,32834,45632,751
Total noninterest expense91,24691,95691,026
Income before income tax expense76,56249,57372,121
Income tax expense20,29112,7285,256
Net income$56,271$36,845$66,865
C Corp equivalent net income (1)N/AN/A$53,372
Adjusted net income (2)56,84039,73457,427
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)$124,431$119,548$136,109
Share and Per Share Information
Earnings per share - Diluted$2.02$1.34$3.33
C Corp equivalent earnings per share - Diluted (1)N/AN/A2.66
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted (2)2.041.442.86
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding27,795,80627,457,30620,090,270
Summary Ratios
Net interest margin3.18%3.54%4.31%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)3.233.604.38
Yield on loans4.684.695.51
Yield on interest-earning assets3.333.744.63
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities0.230.290.45
Cost of total deposits0.070.140.29
Efficiency ratio56.46%59.66%53.80%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)55.7658.9153.06
Return on average assets1.41%1.07%2.07%
Return on average stockholders' equity14.8110.5119.58
Return on average tangible common equity (2)15.9511.3821.35
C Corp equivalent return on average assets (1)N/AN/A1.65%
C Corp equivalent return on average stockholders' equity (1)N/AN/A15.63
C Corp equivalent return on average tangible common equity (1) (2)N/AN/A17.04
Adjusted return on average assets (2)1.43%1.15%1.78%
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity (2)14.9511.3316.81
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (2)16.1212.2818.34
Column 1Column 2
(1)Reflects adjustment to our historical net income for each period to give effect to the C Corp equivalent provision for income tax for such period.
Column 1Column 2
(2)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.
Column 1Column 2
(3)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 21% and state income tax rate of 9.5%.

N/A  Not applicable.

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Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

For the year ended December 31, 2021, net income was $56.3 million increasing by $19.4 million, or 52.7%, when compared to net income for the year ended December 31, 2020. Notable changes include the following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $18.6 million improvement in the provision for loan losses, primarily reflecting the improvements in the economic environment from a year ago.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $4.8 million improvement in net interest income, due primarily to a $6.2 million increase in PPP loan fees recognized as loan interest income.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $4.3 million improvement in the mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, primarily resulting from slower mortgage prepayment speed assumptions.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $1.6 million improvement in card income, primarily due to the 2020 results reflecting a lower volume of debit and credit card transactions which coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related initial economic slowdown.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $1.4 million decrease in employee benefits expense, primarily due to the 2020 results including a $1.5 million charge for the supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) which was terminated in June 2019 and paid out in June 2020.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Partially offsetting these improvements was a $7.6 million increase in income tax expense, primarily as a result of higher pre-tax income.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income equals the excess of interest income (including discount accretion on acquired loans) plus fees earned on interest earning assets over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate spread and net interest margin are utilized to measure and explain changes in net interest income. Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the rate paid for interest-bearing liabilities that fund those assets. The net interest margin is expressed as the percentage of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. The net interest margin exceeds the interest rate spread because noninterest-bearing sources of funds, principally noninterest-bearing demand deposits and stockholders’ equity, also support interest-earning assets.

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The following tables set forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccrual loans are included in the computation of average balances but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees and costs, discounts and premiums, and purchase accounting adjustments that are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense.

Year Ended
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
AverageAverageAverage
BalanceInterestYield/CostBalanceInterestYield/CostBalanceInterestYield/Cost
(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Loans$2,271,544$106,2844.68%$2,245,093$105,1964.69%$2,178,897$120,1425.51%
Securities1,148,90021,3481.86789,06217,8752.27759,47920,5822.71
Deposits with banks422,8285270.12282,1309380.33164,9862,9511.79
Other3,201642.012,479562.282,501602.41
Total interest-earning assets3,846,473$128,2233.33%3,318,764$124,0653.74%3,105,863$143,7354.63%
Allowance for loan losses(27,999)(27,661)(21,704)
Noninterest-earning assets162,064156,397149,227
Total assets$3,980,538$3,447,500$3,233,386
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand$1,024,888$5180.05%$873,060$6470.07%$821,480$1,4740.18%
Money market521,3664370.08474,0336970.15463,2331,8370.40
Savings595,8871880.03477,2601960.04430,2202780.06
Time295,7881,3290.45317,3082,6810.84396,5604,3431.10
Total interest-bearing deposits2,437,9292,4720.102,141,6614,2210.202,111,4937,9320.38
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase50,104340.0749,714480.1041,177720.18
Borrowings1,65390.541,08020.2235192.60
Subordinated notes39,2751,8794.7812,8696164.79
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts37,6801,4263.7937,6131,5734.1837,5531,9225.12
Total interest-bearing liabilities2,566,641$5,8200.23%2,242,937$6,4600.29%2,190,574$9,9350.45%
Noninterest-bearing deposits1,004,757807,864666,055
Noninterest-bearing liabilities29,06045,99635,213
Total liabilities3,600,4583,096,7972,891,842
Stockholders' Equity380,080350,703341,544
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$3,980,538$3,447,500$3,233,386
Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)$122,4033.18%$117,6053.54%$133,8004.31%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)2,0280.051,9430.062,3090.07
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/ Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)$124,4313.23%$119,5483.60%$136,1094.38%
Net interest rate spread (4)3.10%3.45%4.18%
Net interest-earning assets (5)$1,279,832$1,075,827$915,289
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities1.501.481.42
Cost of total deposits0.07%0.14%0.29%
Column 1Column 2
(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.
Column 1Column 2
(2)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 21% and state income tax rate of 9.5%.
Column 1Column 2
(3)Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
Column 1Column 2
(4)Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
Column 1Column 2
(5)Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

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The following table sets forth the components of loan interest income. Loan interest income includes contractual interest on loans, loan fees, accretion of acquired loan discounts and net earnings on cash flow hedges.

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
YieldYieldYield
InterestContributionInterestContributionInterestContribution
(dollars in thousands)
Contractual interest$92,1614.06%$97,5294.34%$114,0255.23%
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)3,8400.173,9260.193,7460.17
PPP loan fees9,1810.402,9530.13
Accretion of acquired loan discounts1,1020.057240.032,2550.10
Net cash flow hedge earnings641160.01
Total loan interest income$106,2844.68%$105,1964.69%$120,1425.51%

The following table sets forth the components of net interest income. Total interest income consists of contractual interest on loans, contractual interest on securities, contractual interest on interest-bearing deposits in banks, loan fees, accretion of acquired loan discounts, securities amortization, net, and other interest and dividend income. Total interest expense consists of contractual interest on deposits, contractual interest on other interest-bearing liabilities and other interest expense.

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
Net InterestNet InterestNet Interest
MarginMarginMargin
InterestContributionInterestContributionInterestContribution
(dollars in thousands)
Interest income:
Contractual interest on loans$92,1612.39%$97,5292.94%$114,0253.67%
Contractual interest on securities28,4260.7422,9200.6924,0320.77
Contractual interest on deposits with banks5300.019380.032,9510.10
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)3,8400.103,9260.123,7460.12
PPP loan fees9,1810.242,9530.09
Accretion of acquired loan discounts1,1020.037240.022,2550.07
Securities amortization, net(7,066)(0.18)(5,045)(0.15)(3,450)(0.11)
Other491201760.01
Total interest income128,2233.33124,0653.74143,7354.63
Interest expense:
Contractual interest on deposits2,5410.074,2010.137,9340.26
Contractual interest on other interest-bearing liabilities2,9030.071,8460.061,9090.06
Other3760.014130.0192
Total interest expense5,8200.156,4600.209,9350.32
Net interest income122,4033.18117,6053.54133,8004.31
Tax equivalent adjustment (1)2,0280.051,9430.062,3090.07
Net interest income (tax equivalent) (1) (2)$124,4313.23%$119,5483.60%$136,1094.38%
Column 1Column 2
(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.
Column 1Column 2
(2)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.

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Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major categories of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Information is provided for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with respect to changes attributable to changes in volume (i.e., changes in average balances multiplied by the prior-period average rate), and changes attributable to rate (i.e., changes in average rate multiplied by prior-period average balances). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both volume and rate that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020
vs.vs.
Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Increase (Decrease) Due toIncrease (Decrease) Due to
VolumeRateTotalVolumeRateTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans$1,238$(150)$1,088$3,558$(18,504)$(14,946)
Securities7,100(3,627)3,473744(3,451)(2,707)
Deposits with banks338(749)(411)1,308(3,321)(2,013)
Other15(7)8(1)(3)(4)
Total interest-earning assets8,691(4,533)4,1585,609(25,279)(19,670)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand100(229)(129)88(915)(827)
Money market64(324)(260)42(1,182)(1,140)
Savings43(51)(8)27(109)(82)
Time(171)(1,181)(1,352)(775)(887)(1,662)
Total interest-bearing deposits36(1,785)(1,749)(618)(3,093)(3,711)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(14)(14)13(37)(24)
Borrowings1676(13)(7)
Subordinated notes1,264(1)1,263616616
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts3(150)(147)3(352)(349)
Total interest-bearing liabilities1,304(1,944)(640)20(3,495)(3,475)
Change in net interest income$7,387$(2,589)$4,798$5,589$(21,784)$(16,195)

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $4.8 million, or 4.1%, to $122.4 million from $117.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Declines in benchmark interest rates drove lower yields on interest-earnings assets. These declines were more than offset by an increase in PPP loan fees recognized as loan interest income which totaled $9.2 million and $3.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, a substantial increase in interest-earning asset balances further supported net interest income, driven by the NXT acquisition, PPP loan originations, and federal economic stimulus payments received by our retail customers.

Net interest margin decreased to 3.18% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 3.54% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decline in the average yield on earning assets and increased balances being held in cash and lower-yielding securities.

Additionally, the $40 million of subordinated notes issued during the third quarter of 2020 added downward pressure to net interest income and net interest margin in subsequent periods. However, the proceeds from the issuance provided additional regulatory capital to buffer against higher than estimated credit losses and support organic and acquisitive growth.

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The quarterly net interest margins were as follows:

202120202019
Three months ended:
March 313.25%4.03%4.50%
June 303.143.514.37
September 303.183.394.27
December 313.173.314.09

During 2019, overall market interest rates started to decline. The Federal Open Markets Committee lowered Federal Funds target rates for the first time in 11 years on July 31, 2019 and then again in September 2019 and October 2019, for a combined decrease of 75 basis points during 2019. In March 2020, the Federal Open Markets Committee lowered Federal Funds target rates twice, for a combined decrease of 150 basis points in response to the economic downturn related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These rate cuts, as well as quantitative easing, have resulted in a lower interest rate environment which has put downward pressure on our net interest margin. In general, we believe that potential rate increases will lead to improved net interest margins while rate decreases will result in lower net interest margins.

Provision for Loan Losses

Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level we consider necessary to absorb probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. In determining the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and current loss experience, evaluations of collateral, current economic conditions, volume and type of lending, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay a loan and the levels of nonperforming and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from such estimates as more information becomes available or as events change. We assess the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and make provisions for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance. The provision for loan losses is a function of the allowance for loan loss methodology we use to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for inherent loan losses after accounting for net charge-offs (recoveries).

The deterioration of economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the communities that we serve beginning in 2020. As a result, our allowance for loan losses initially increased at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, remained elevated during the remainder of 2020, and then gradually returned to near pre-pandemic levels during 2021 as economic conditions improved.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

The Company recorded a negative provision for loan losses of $8.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to a provision for loan losses of $10.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. The negative provision was primarily due to a $4.4 million decrease in specific reserves on loans individually evaluated for impairment. Additionally, changes to qualitative factors resulted in a $2.9 million decrease in required reserve, primarily reflecting the shrinking impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our borrowers, an improved economic environment, and improved asset quality metrics.

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Noninterest Income

The following table outlines the amount of and changes to the various noninterest income line items as of the dates indicated.

Year Ended December 31,
2021$ Change2020$ Change2019
(dollars in thousands)
Card income$9,734$1,647$8,087$322$7,765
Service charges on deposit accounts6,080935,987(1,883)7,870
Wealth management fees8,3841,1477,2374106,827
Mortgage servicing2,825(153)2,978(165)3,143
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment1,6904,274(2,584)(184)(2,400)
Gains on sale of mortgage loans5,846(2,989)8,8355,7433,092
Gains (losses) on securities107743338(5)
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets310168142(798)940
Gains (losses) on other assets(723)(652)(71)(1,315)1,244
Income on bank owned life insurance4141
Title insurance activity(167)167
Other noninterest income3,034(778)3,812(296)4,108
Total noninterest income$37,328$2,872$34,456$1,705$32,751

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Total noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $37.3 million, an increase of $2.9 million, or 8.3%, from the year ended December 31, 2020. Notable changes in noninterest income include the following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $4.3 million improvement in the mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, primarily resulting from slower mortgage prepayment speed assumptions.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $1.6 million increase in card income was primarily due to increased debit and credit card transaction volume. Additionally, the 2020 results were adversely impacted by the initial economic slowdown which coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2021 results were positively impacted by improved economic conditions and increased consumer demand.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $1.1 million increase in wealth management fees as a result of higher values of assets under management during the year ended December 31, 2021 relative to the year ended December 31, 2020.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Partially offsetting these improvements was a $3.0 million decrease in gains on sale of mortgage loans due to a lower level of mortgage refinancing activity. A lower level of mortgage refinancing activity and margin pressure are anticipated during 2022 and are expected to result in lower gains on sale of mortgage loans relative to 2021.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Additionally, there were impairment losses of $0.6 million related to branches closed during 2021, pursuant to our branch rationalization plan, not present in the 2020 results.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table outlines the amount of and changes to the various noninterest expense line items as of the dates indicated.

Year Ended December 31,
2021$ Change2020$ Change2019
(dollars in thousands)
Salaries$49,437$(1,179)$50,616$1,613$49,003
Employee benefits6,694(1,351)8,045(1,838)9,883
Occupancy of bank premises6,7882086,580(287)6,867
Furniture and equipment2,6762292,447(366)2,813
Data processing7,3295876,7421,1725,570
Marketing and customer relations3,376(100)3,476(397)3,873
Amortization of intangible assets1,054(178)1,232(191)1,423
FDIC insurance1,043336707509198
Loan collection and servicing1,317(438)1,755(878)2,633
Foreclosed assets908351557(119)676
Other noninterest expense10,6248259,7991,7128,087
Total noninterest expense$91,246$(710)$91,956$930$91,026

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $91.2 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 0.8%, from the year ended December 31, 2020. Notable changes in noninterest expense include following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $1.4 million decrease in employee benefits expense, primarily due to the 2020 results including a $1.5 million charge for the supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) which was terminated in June 2019 and paid out in June 2020.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $1.2 million decrease in salaries expense, primarily due to a lower employee count during 2021 relative to 2020.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $0.6 million increase in data processing expenses, primarily due to $0.4 million of systems conversion expenses related to the NXT acquisition.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
A $0.8 million increase in other noninterest expenses, primarily due to $1.0 million of investment banker and legal fees related to the NXT acquisition.

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Income Taxes

Prior to October 11, 2019, the Company was taxed under sections of federal and state tax law as an "S corporation" which provides that with the exception of certain state replacement and franchise taxes, current stockholders account separately for their share of the Company’s income, deductions, losses and credits. For additional information, see “Factors Affecting Comparability of Financial Results: S Corp Status”.

Effective October 11, 2019, the Company voluntarily revoked its S Corporation status and became a taxable entity (C Corporation). As such, any periods prior to October 11, 2019 will only reflect an effective state replacement tax rate. In connection with the conversion of tax status, the Company recognized a deferred tax asset, and the associated income tax benefit, of $0.5 million.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

We recorded income tax expense of $20.3 million, or 26.5% effective tax rate, during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $12.7 million, or 25.7% effective tax rate during the year ended December 31, 2020. The effective income tax rate was lower than the combined federal and state statutory rate of approximately 28.5% primarily due to tax exempt interest income. The effective income tax rate increased primarily due to tax exempt interest income making up a smaller portion of pre-tax net income during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Additionally, the non-deductibility of certain acquisition-related contributed to a higher effective tax rate.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

December 31,December 31,
20212020$ Change% Change
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Cash and cash equivalents$409,268$312,451$96,81731.0%
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value942,168922,86919,2992.1
Debt securities held-to-maturity336,18568,395267,790391.5
Loans held for sale4,94214,713(9,771)(66.4)
Loans, before allowance for loan losses2,499,6892,247,006252,68311.2
Less: allowance for loan losses23,93631,838(7,902)(24.8)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses2,475,7532,215,168260,58511.8
Goodwill29,32223,6205,70224.1
Core deposit intangible assets, net1,9432,798(855)(30.6)
Other assets114,673106,5538,1207.6
Total assets$4,314,254$3,666,567$647,68717.7%
Total deposits$3,738,185$3,130,534$607,65119.4%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase61,25645,73615,52033.9
Subordinated notes39,31639,238780.2
Junior subordinated debentures37,71437,648660.2
Other liabilities25,90249,494(23,592)(47.7)
Total liabilities3,902,3733,302,650599,72318.2
Total stockholders' equity411,881363,91747,96413.2
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$4,314,254$3,666,567$647,68717.7%
Tangible assets (1)$4,282,989$3,640,149$642,84017.7%
Tangible common equity (1)380,616337,49943,11712.8
Core deposits (1)$3,674,435$3,103,847$570,58818.4%
Share and Per Share Information
Book value per share$14.21$13.25
Tangible book value per share (1)13.1312.29
Shares of common stock outstanding28,986,06127,457,306
Balance Sheet Ratios
Loan to deposit ratio66.87%71.78%
Core deposits to total deposits (1)98.2999.15
Stockholders' equity to total assets9.559.93
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)8.899.27
Column 1Column 2
(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.

Total assets were $4.3 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $648.7 million, or 17.7%, from December 31, 2020. Significant changes in our balance sheet include the following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
Total deposits increased $607.7 million, primarily due to funds received by our commercial customers from round 2 PPP loans and federal economic stimulus payments received by retail customers. Additionally, the NXT acquisition added $181.6 million of deposits.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Cash and cash equivalents increased $96.8 million, primarily as a result of funds received from the forgiveness of PPP loans and federal economic stimulus received by retail customers.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Excess liquidity was invested in debt securities which increased $287.1 million.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Loans, before allowance for loan losses, increased $252.7 million, primarily as a result of the $194.6 million of loans acquired in the NXT acquisition.

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Loan Portfolio

The Company focuses on originating loans with appropriate risk / reward profiles. The Company has a detailed loan policy that guides the overall loan origination philosophy and a well-established loan approval process that requires experienced credit officers to approve larger loan relationships. The Company also has an active credit department that underwrites and prepares annual reviews for larger and more complex loan relationships.

Management monitors credit quality closely with a series of monthly reports and a quarterly Credit Committee meeting where performance and trends within the loan portfolio are reviewed. Portfolio diversification at the borrower, industry, and product levels is actively managed to mitigate concentration risk. In addition, credit risk management includes an independent loan review process that assesses compliance with loan policy, compliance with loan documentation standards, accuracy of the risk rating and overall credit quality of the loan portfolio.

Loans by Category

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio by category, excluding loans held-for-sale.

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
BalancePercentBalancePercent
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$286,94611.5%$393,31217.5%
Agricultural and farmland247,7969.9222,7239.9
Commercial real estate - owner occupied234,5449.4222,3609.9
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied684,02327.4520,39523.2
Multi-family263,91110.5236,39110.5
Construction and land development298,04811.9225,65210.0
One-to-four family residential327,83713.1306,77513.7
Municipal, consumer, and other156,5846.3119,3985.3
Loans, before allowance for loan losses2,499,689100.0%2,247,006100.0%
Allowance for loan losses(23,936)(31,838)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses$2,475,753$2,215,168
PPP loans (included above)
Commercial and industrial$28,4041.1%$153,8606.9%
Agricultural and farmland9130.13,0490.1
Municipal, consumer, and other1716,5870.3
Total PPP loans$29,4881.2%$163,4967.3%

Loans, before allowance for loan losses were $2.50 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $252.7 million, or 11.2%, from December 31, 2020. Notable changes include the following:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
The NXT acquisition, which closed on October 1, 2021, added $194.6 million of loans and expanded the Company’s footprint into Eastern Iowa.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
PPP loans decreased $134.0 million, with forgiveness far exceeding the $104.7 million of round 2 PPP loans originated during 2021.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Utilization of revolving lines of credit improved during 2021, increasing from 40% at December 31, 2020 to 44% at December 31, 2021, driving a $56.6 million increase in revolving line of credit balances.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
The higher lending limits of HBT Financial allowed for the repurchase of $22.4 million of participations previously sold by NXT.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Improved economic conditions, the expiration of certain federal economic stimulus programs, and our expansion into Eastern Iowa, drove increased loan demand across the majority of our loan categories.

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The principal categories of our loan portfolio are described below:

Commercial and Industrial: Consists of loans typically granted for working capital, asset acquisition and other business purposes. These loans are underwritten primarily based on the borrower’s cash flow with most loans secondarily supported by collateral. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets, such as accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment, and are typically supported by personal guarantees of the owners. Cash flows and collateral values may fluctuate based on general economic conditions, specific industry conditions and specific borrower circumstances.

Agricultural and Farmland: Consists of loans typically secured by farmland, agricultural operating assets, or a combination of both, and are generally underwritten to existing cash flows of operating agricultural businesses. Debt repayment is provided by business cash flows. Economic trends influenced by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are not closely correlated to the credit quality of agricultural and farmland loans. The credit quality of these loans is most correlated to changes in prices of corn and soybeans and, to a lesser extent, weather, which has been partially mitigated by federal crop insurance programs.

Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied: Consists of loans secured by commercial real estate that is both owned and occupied by the same or a related borrower. These loans are primarily underwritten based on the cash flow of the business occupying the property. As with commercial and industrial loans, cash flows and collateral values may fluctuate based on general economic conditions, specific industry conditions, and specific borrower circumstances.

Commercial Real Estate - Non-owner Occupied: Consists of loans secured by commercial real estate for which the primary source of repayment is the sale or rental cash flows from the underlying collateral. These loans are underwritten based primarily on the historic or projected cash flow from the underlying collateral. Adverse economic developments or an overbuilt market typically impact commercial real estate projects. Trends in rental and vacancy rates of commercial properties impact the credit quality of these loans.

Multi-family: Consists of loans secured by five or more unit apartment buildings. Multi-family loans may be affected by demographic and population trends, unemployment or underemployment, and deteriorating market values of real estate.

Construction and Land Development: Consists of loans for speculative and pre-sold construction projects for developers intending to either sell upon completion or hold for long term investment, as well as construction of projects to be owner occupied. In addition, loans in this segment generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other portfolio segments due to risk of non-completion, changes in budgeted costs, and changes in market forces during the term of the construction period.

One-to-four Family Residential: Consists of loans secured by one-to-four family residences, including both first and junior lien mortgage loans for owner occupied and non-owner occupied properties and home equity lines of credit. The degree of risk in residential mortgage lending depends on the local economy, including the local real estate market and unemployment rates.

Municipal, Consumer and Other: Loans to municipalities include obligations of municipal entities and loans sponsored by municipal entities for the benefit of a private entity where that private entity, rather than the municipal entity, is responsible for repayment of the obligation. Consumer loans include loans to individuals for consumer purposes and typically consist of small balance loans. Economic trends determined by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of the consumer loans. Loans to other financial institutions, as well as leases, are also included.

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Loan Portfolio Maturities

The following table summarizes the scheduled maturities of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2021. Demand loans (loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity) and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less.

After 1 YearAfter 5 Years
1 YearThroughThroughAfter
December 31, 2021or Less5 Years15 Years15 YearsTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$167,300$96,854$22,792$$286,946
Agricultural and farmland106,16493,17045,5502,912247,796
Commercial real estate - owner occupied30,563134,01266,1873,782234,544
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied88,733411,531183,203556684,023
Multi-family35,712159,39168,808263,911
Construction and land development160,665122,79714,215371298,048
One-to-four family residential45,705142,49182,99156,650327,837
Municipal, consumer, and other24,45222,08881,46728,577156,584
Total$659,294$1,182,334$565,213$92,848$2,499,689

The following table summarizes loans maturing after one year, segregated into variable and fixed interest rates.

Variable Interest Rates
RepricingRepricingTotalPredetermined
1 YearAfterVariable(Fixed)
December 31, 2021or Less1 YearInterest RatesInterest RatesTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$9,271$308$9,579$110,067$119,646
Agricultural and farmland10,6705,68216,352125,280141,632
Commercial real estate - owner occupied28,97619,18848,164155,817203,981
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied56,99021,90378,893516,397595,290
Multi-family30,6203,23933,859194,340228,199
Construction and land development70,7598470,84366,540137,383
One-to-four family residential97,70119,639117,340164,792282,132
Municipal, consumer, and other41,6054,49846,10386,029132,132
Total$346,592$74,541$421,133$1,419,262$1,840,395

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming loans consist of all loans past due 90 days or more or on nonaccrual. Nonperforming assets consist of all nonperforming loans and foreclosed assets. Typically, loans are placed on nonaccrual when they reach 90 days past due, or when, in management’s opinion, there is reasonable doubt regarding the collection of the amounts due through the normal means of the borrower. Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed from interest income. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are recognized in accordance with our significant accounting policies. Once a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the borrower must generally demonstrate at least six months of payment performance and we believe that all remaining principal and interest is fully collectible, before the loan is eligible to return to accrual status. Management believes the Company’s lending practices and active approach to managing nonperforming assets has resulted in timely resolution of problem assets.

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Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement remains unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payment. However, these loans are considered performing, even though they may be contractually past due, as any non-payment of contractual principal or interest is considered in the periodic re-estimation of expected cash flows and is included in the resulting recognition of current period loan loss provision or future period yield adjustments. The accrual of interest is discontinued on loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality if management can no longer estimate future cash flows on the loan. Therefore, interest revenue, through accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, except those management can no longer estimate future cash flows.

When it appears likely that we will obtain title to real estate collateral, we develop an exit strategy by assessing overall market conditions, the current use and condition of the asset, and its highest and best use. If determined necessary to maximize value, we complete the necessary improvements or tenant stabilization tasks, with the applicable time value discount and improvement expenses incorporated into our estimates of the expected costs to sell. Substantially all foreclosed real estate is valued on an "as-is" basis.

Estimates of the net realizable value of real estate collateral also include a deduction for the expected selling costs. For most real estate collateral and foreclosed real estate, we apply a 7.0% deduction to the value of the asset to account for the expected costs to sell the asset. This estimate includes sales commissions and closing costs. Expenses for real estate taxes are accrued and repairs are expensed when incurred.

The following table sets forth information concerning nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets as of each of the dates indicated.

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual$2,763$9,939
Past due 90 days or more, still accruing (1)1621
Total nonperforming loans2,7799,960
Foreclosed assets3,2784,168
Total nonperforming assets$6,057$14,128
Allowance for loan losses$23,936$31,838
Loans, before allowance for loan losses2,499,6892,247,006
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for loan losses to loans, before allowance for loan losses0.96%1.42%
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans866.30320.33
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans861.32319.66
Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for loan losses0.110.44
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for loan losses0.110.44
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.140.39
Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for loan losses and foreclosed assets0.240.63
Column 1Column 2
(1)Excludes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are past due 90 or more days totaling $32 thousand and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Comparison of December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2020

Total nonperforming assets were $6.1 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $8.1 million, or 57.1%, from December 31, 2020. Our level of nonperforming assets has remained low in recent years, representing only 0.14% of total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 0.39% of total assets as of December 31, 2020. We believe our continuous credit monitoring and collection efforts have resulted in lower levels of nonperforming assets, while also recognizing that favorable economic conditions prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and substantial federal economic stimulus during the pandemic have also contributed to these lower levels.

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Troubled Debt Restructurings

In general, if the Company grants a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) that involves either the absence of principal amortization or a material extension of an existing loan amortization period in excess of our underwriting standards, the loan will be placed on nonaccrual status. However, if a TDR is well secured by an abundance of collateral and the collectability of both interest and principal is probable, the loan may remain on accrual status. A nonaccrual TDR in full compliance with the payment requirements specified in the loan modification for at least six months may return to accrual status, if the collectability of both principal and interest is probable. All TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment.

The following table presents TDRs by loan category.

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$203$296
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied1,6716,491
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied1,2781,354
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential360454
Municipal, consumer, and other
Total accrual troubled debt restructurings3,5128,595
Commercial and industrial75
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied141
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential139
Municipal, consumer, and other
Total nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings355
Total troubled debt restructurings$3,512$8,950

TDRs have remained a small portion of our loan portfolio as loan modifications to borrowers with deteriorating financial condition are generally offered only as a part of an overall workout strategy to minimize losses to the Company. The $5.4 million decrease, or 60.8%, from December 31, 2020 was primarily due to the pay down of one relationship by $3.6 million.

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Risk Classification of Loans

Our policies, consistent with regulatory guidelines, provide for the classification of loans and other assets that are considered to be of lesser quality as pass-watch, substandard, doubtful, or loss.

A pass-watch loan is still considered a "pass" credit and is not a classified or criticized asset, but is a reflection of a borrower who exhibits credit weaknesses or downward trends warranting close attention and increased monitoring. These potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan. No loss of principal or interest is expected, and the borrower does not pose sufficient risk to warrant classification.

A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized as probable that the borrower will not pay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms.

An asset classified as doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Assets classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted; such balances are promptly charged-off as required by applicable federal regulations.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our risk classifications of loans were as follows:

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)
Pass$2,269,228$1,953,912
Pass-watch148,285208,584
Substandard82,17684,510
Doubtful
Total$2,499,689$2,247,006

Pass-watch loans decreased $60.3 million, or 28.9% from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Additionally, substandard loans decreased $2.3 million, or 2.8%, from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021. These improvements were primarily driven by improving economic conditions, which resulted in both risk rating upgrades and paydowns. Additionally, the transfer of one larger loan to foreclosed assets further contributed to the decrease in substandard loans.

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Net Charge-offs and Recoveries

The following table sets forth activity in the allowance for loan losses.

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of year$31,838$22,299$20,509
Charge-offs:
Commercial and industrial(668)(1,784)(886)
Agricultural and farmland(27)(30)
Commercial real estate - owner occupied(30)(39)(407)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(349)(111)
Multi-family(41)
Construction and land development(27)(9)
One-to-four family residential(267)(155)(1,105)
Municipal, consumer, and other(449)(587)(684)
Total charge-offs(1,414)(2,968)(3,273)
Recoveries:
Commercial and industrial653595440
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied944056
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied247520
Multi-family
Construction and land development342250450
One-to-four family residential249310350
Municipal, consumer, and other312305343
Total recoveries1,5891,9751,659
Net recoveries (charge-offs)175(993)(1,614)
Provision for loan losses(8,077)10,5323,404
Balance, end of year$23,936$31,838$22,299

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The following table summarizes net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, before allowance for loan losses by loan category.

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands)
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Commercial and industrial$15$1,189$446
Agricultural and farmland2730
Commercial real estate - owner occupied21(401)351
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied(24)27491
Multi-family41
Construction and land development(342)(223)(441)
One-to-four family residential18(155)755
Municipal, consumer, and other137282341
Total$(175)$993$1,614
Average loans, before allowance for loan losses
Commercial and industrial$347,547$372,927$346,540
Agricultural and farmland230,364223,381206,490
Commercial real estate - owner occupied204,148222,593243,572
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied583,084543,227553,683
Multi-family227,736196,632170,878
Construction and land development226,035242,800225,506
One-to-four family residential314,871324,645324,039
Municipal, consumer, and other137,759118,888108,189
Total$2,271,544$2,245,093$2,178,897
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, before allowance for loan losses
Commercial and industrial%0.32%0.13%
Agricultural and farmland0.010.01
Commercial real estate - owner occupied0.01(0.18)0.14
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied0.050.02
Multi-family0.02
Construction and land development(0.15)(0.09)(0.20)
One-to-four family residential0.01(0.05)0.23
Municipal, consumer, and other0.100.240.32
Total(0.01)%0.04%0.07%

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans before allowance for loan losses have remained low for several years, including each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. We believe our continuous credit monitoring and collection efforts have resulted in lower levels of loan losses, while also recognizing that favorable economic conditions prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and substantial federal economic stimulus during the pandemic have also contributed to reduced loan losses.

Securities

The Company’s investment policy emphasizes safety of the principal, liquidity needs, expected returns, cash flow targets and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. The composition and maturities of the debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2021 is summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur. Security yields have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.

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December 31, 2021
Available-for-SaleHeld-to-MaturityTotal
WeightedWeightedWeighted
AmortizedAverageAmortizedAverageAmortizedAverage
CostYieldCostYieldCostYield
(dollars in thousands)
Due in 1 year or less
U.S. Treasury$%$%$%
U.S. government agency3,0670.173,0670.17
Municipal9,7892.592,3943.5112,1832.77
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential3371.573371.57
Agency commercial6,2482.556,2482.55
Corporate20,4592.8520,4592.85
Total$39,9002.53%$2,3943.51%$42,2942.58%
Due after 1 year through 5 years
U.S. Treasury$39,5850.97%$%$39,5850.97%
U.S. government agency11,0161.815,0001.1016,0161.59
Municipal52,6512.1510,8873.7163,5382.42
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential11,4782.0811,4782.08
Agency commercial20,0702.934,6142.2524,6842.80
Corporate7,7233.617,7233.61
Total$142,5231.98%$20,5012.74%$163,0242.08%
Due after 5 years through 10 years
U.S. Treasury$69,4171.41%$%$69,4171.41%
U.S. government agency85,7651.697,3491.6393,1141.68
Municipal144,4241.761,9943.36146,4181.78
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential41,2282.158,4631.6249,6912.06
Agency commercial93,0761.47201,1161.73294,1921.65
Corporate32,9593.8932,9593.89
Total$466,8691.82%$218,9221.73%$685,7911.79%
Due after 10 years
U.S. Treasury$%$%$%
U.S. government agency29,4211.3929,4211.39
Municipal86,9731.893914.2687,3641.90
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential125,1931.4312,0922.12137,2851.49
Agency commercial45,4811.6781,8851.94127,3661.84
Corporate2,0004.502,0004.50
Total$289,0681.63%$94,3681.97%$383,4361.71%
Total
U.S. Treasury$109,0021.25%$%$109,0021.25%
U.S. government agency129,2691.5912,3491.42141,6181.58
Municipal293,8371.9015,6663.65309,5031.98
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential178,2361.6420,5551.92198,7911.67
Agency commercial164,8751.74287,6151.80452,4901.78
Corporate63,1413.5463,1413.54
Total$938,3601.81%$336,1851.87%$1,274,5451.83%

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SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits

Management continues to focus on growing non-maturity deposits, through the Company’s relationship driven banking philosophy and community-focused marketing programs, and to deemphasize higher cost deposit categories, such as time deposits. Additionally, the Bank continues to add and improve ancillary convenience services tied to deposit accounts, such as mobile, remote deposits and peer-to-peer payments, to solidify deposit relationships.

The following tables set forth the distribution of average deposits, by account type.

Percent
Year Ended December 31, 2021Change in
AveragePercent ofWeightedAverage Balance
BalanceTotal DepositsAverage Cost2021 vs. 2020
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$1,004,75729.2%%24.4%
Interest-bearing demand1,024,88829.80.0517.4
Money market521,36615.10.0810.0
Savings595,88717.30.0324.9
Total non-maturity deposits3,146,89891.40.0419.6
Time295,7888.60.45(6.8)
Total deposits$3,442,686100.0%0.07%16.7%
Percent
Year Ended December 31, 2020Change in
AveragePercent ofWeightedAverage Balance
BalanceTotal DepositsAverage Cost2020 vs. 2019
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$807,86427.4%%21.3%
Interest-bearing demand873,06029.60.076.3
Money market474,03316.10.152.3
Savings477,26016.20.0410.9
Total non-maturity deposits2,632,21789.30.0610.6
Time317,30810.70.84(20.0)
Total deposits$2,949,525100.0%0.14%6.2%
Year Ended December 31, 2019
AveragePercent ofWeighted
BalanceTotal DepositsAverage Cost
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$666,05524.0%%
Interest-bearing demand821,48029.50.18
Money market463,23316.70.40
Savings430,22015.50.06
Total non-maturity deposits2,380,98885.70.15
Time396,56014.31.10
Total deposits$2,777,548100.0%0.29%

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

The average balances of non-maturity deposits increased 19.6% from the year ended December 31, 2020 to the year ended December 31, 2021, with the increase primarily attributable to PPP loan proceeds received by commercial customers, federal economic stimulus received by retail customers, and $139.4 million of non-maturity deposits added through the NXT acquisition on October 1, 2021. Partially offsetting the increase in non-maturity deposits was a 6.8% decline in the average balances of time deposits, which resulted in a 16.7% increase in average balances of total deposits from the year ended December 31, 2020 to the year ended December 31, 2021.

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The following table sets forth time deposits by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2021.

3 Months orOver 3 throughOver 6 throughOver
Less6 Months12 Months12 MonthsTotal
(dollars in thousands)
Time deposits:
Amounts less than $100,000$41,565$40,847$55,886$56,843$195,141
Amounts of $100,000 but less than $250,00016,31215,09220,12622,02573,555
Amounts of $250,000 or more12,9245,18227,16614,24059,512
Total time deposits$70,801$61,121$103,178$93,108$328,208

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bank’s uninsured deposits, including related accrued interest, were estimated to be $845.7 million and $573.8 million, respectively.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

All securities sold under agreements to repurchase are sweep instruments, maturing daily. The securities underlying the agreements are held under our control in safekeeping at third-party financial institutions, and include debt securities.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of year$61,256$45,736$44,433
Average balance during year50,10449,71441,177
Maximum outstanding at any month end61,25658,83952,085
Weighted average interest rate at end of year0.07%0.06%0.20%
Average interest rate during year0.070.100.18

LIQUIDITY

Bank Liquidity

The overall objective of bank liquidity management is to ensure the availability of sufficient cash funds to meet all financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities. The Bank manages liquidity in order to meet deposit withdrawals on demand or at contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature, and to fund new loans and investments as opportunities arise.

The Bank continuously monitors its liquidity position to ensure that assets and liabilities are managed in a manner that will meet all of our short-term and long-term cash requirements. The Bank manages its liquidity position to meet the daily cash flow needs of clients, while maintaining an appropriate balance between assets and liabilities to meet the return on investment objectives. The Bank also monitors liquidity requirements in light of interest rate trends, changes in the economy and the scheduled maturity and interest rate sensitivity of the investment and loan portfolios and deposits, and regulatory capital requirements.

As part of the Bank’s liquidity management strategy, the Bank is also focused on minimizing costs of liquidity and attempts to decrease these costs by promoting noninterest bearing and low-cost deposits and replacing higher cost funding including time deposits and borrowed funds. While the Bank does not control the types of deposit instruments our clients choose, those choices can be influenced with the rates and the deposit specials offered.

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Additional sources of liquidity include unpledged securities, federal funds purchased, and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB). Unpledged securities may be sold or pledged as collateral for borrowings to meet liquidity needs. Interest is charged at the prevailing market rate on federal funds purchased and FHLB borrowings. Funds obtained from federal funds purchased and FHLB borrowings are used primarily to meet daily liquidity needs. The total amount of the remaining credit available to the Bank from the FHLB at December 31, 2021 was $316.7 million.

As of December 31, 2021, management believed adequate liquidity existed to meet all projected cash flow obligations of the Bank. As of December 31, 2021, the Bank had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

Holding Company Liquidity

The Company is a corporation separate and apart from the Bank and, therefore, it must provide for its own liquidity. As of December 31, 2021, HBT Financial, Inc. had cash and cash equivalents of $25.8 million.

The Company’s main source of funding is dividends declared and paid to it by the Bank. Due to state banking laws, the Bank may not declare dividends in any calendar year in an amount that would exceed accumulated retained earnings, after giving effect to any unrecognized losses and bad debts, without the prior approval of the IDFPR. In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements. Management believes that these limitations will not impact the Company’s ability to meet its ongoing short-term cash obligations. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Bank paid $20.0 million, $17.6 million, and $110.0 million, in dividends to the Company, respectively.

The liquidity needs of the Company on an unconsolidated basis consist primarily of interest payments on the subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures, operating expenses, and dividends to stockholders. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, holding company operating expenses consisted of interest expense of $3.3 million, $2.2 million, and $1.9 million, respectively; other operating expenses of $3.7 million, $2.5 million, and $1.0 million, respectively; and dividends to stockholders of $16.8 million, $16.5 million, and $225.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, management was not aware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity.

As of December 31, 2021, management believed adequate liquidity existed to meet all projected cash flow obligations of the Company. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The overall objectives of capital management are to ensure the availability of sufficient capital to support loan, deposit and other asset and liability growth opportunities and to maintain capital to absorb unforeseen losses or write-downs that are inherent in the business risks associated with the banking industry. The Company seeks to balance the need for higher capital levels to address such unforeseen risks and the goal to achieve an adequate return on the capital invested by our stockholders.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Company and Bank are each subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the Company and the Bank.

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In addition to meeting minimum capital requirements, the Company and the Bank must also maintain a “capital conservation buffer” to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the capital conservation buffer requirement was 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. As of those dates, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

The following table sets forth actual capital ratios of the Company and the Bank for the dates indicated, the minimum ratios for capital adequacy purposes with the capital conservation buffer, and the minimum ratios to be well capitalized under regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

For CapitalTo Be Well
Adequacy PurposesCapitalized Under
December 31,December 31,With CapitalPrompt Corrective
20212020Conversation Buffer (1)Action Provisions (2)
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.16.88%17.40%10.50%N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company15.9415.6310.5010.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.14.66%14.55%8.50%N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company15.0914.388.508.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.13.37%13.06%7.00%N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company15.0914.387.006.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.9.84%9.94%4.00N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company10.139.824.005.00%
Column 1Column 2
(1)The Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio (known as the “leverage ratio”) is not impacted by the capital conservation buffer.
Column 1Column 2
(2)The prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

N/A  Not applicable.

Cash Dividends

During the 2021 and 2020, the Company paid quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share. On January 25, 2022, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share.

During 2019, the Company paid a $170.0 million dividend to shareholders of record prior to the Company’s IPO. The dividend was paid using net proceeds from the IPO and the proceeds of dividends received from Heartland Bank and State Bank of Lincoln.

Stock Repurchase Program

The Company repurchased 290,486 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $16.89 during the year ended December 31, 2021 under the Company’s stock repurchase program which expired on December 31, 2021. Repurchases were conducted in compliance with Rule 10b-18 and in compliance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. On December 14, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $15.0 million of its common stock. The new stock repurchase program took effect upon the expiration of the prior stock repurchase program and expires on January 1, 2023.

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As a financial services provider, the Bank is routinely a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, unused lines of credit and commitments to sell loans. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process afforded to loans originated by the Bank. Although commitments to extend credit are considered while evaluating our allowance for loan losses, at December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no reserves for unfunded commitments. For additional information, see “Note 24 – Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, subjective or complex. These estimates involve judgments, assumptions and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition or materially different results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. Further, changes in accounting standards could impact the Company’s critical accounting estimates. The following accounting estimates could be deemed critical:

Allowance for Loan losses

The allowance for loan losses (allowance) is an estimate of loan losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents amounts that have been established to recognize incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the consolidated financial statements. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance when the Company determines the loan balance to be uncollectible. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance.

The allowance consists of two primary components, general reserves and specific reserves related to impaired loans. General reserves cover non-impaired loans, or loans collectively evaluated for impairment, and are based on historical losses adjusted for qualitative factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent 16-quarter period. Qualitative factor adjustments primarily consider current economic metrics, such as national and regional unemployment rates, and current credit quality metrics of each portfolio segment, such as past due and risk rating percentages, relative to historical levels. These qualitative factor adjustments are inherently subjective.

Specific reserves cover impaired loans, or loans individually evaluated for impairment, and are primarily measured based on the fair value of collateral. Adjustments to the fair value of collateral are made for anticipated selling costs. A specific reserve may be zero if the fair value of collateral on the measurement date is greater than the carrying balance of the impaired loan. Additionally, the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the original contractual interest rate may also be used, when practical.

While the Company uses the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may become necessary if conditions change substantially from the conditions used in previous evaluations. Determinations as to the risk classification of loans and the amount of the allowance for loan losses are subject to review by regulatory agencies, which can require that the Company establish additional loss allowances.

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Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Estimating such fair values may require highly subjective assumptions or the use of a valuation specialist. In the NXT acquisition, the fair value for loans was most significant estimate and relatively small changes in assumptions used in this estimate could result in a materially different conclusion.

The fair value for loans was based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considered credit loss and prepayment expectations, market interest rates and other market factors, such as liquidity, from the perspective of a market participant. Loan cash flows were generated on an individual loan basis. The probability of default, loss given default, exposure at default, and prepayment assumptions are key factors in this analysis.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. 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 below.

Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Adjusted Net Income●Net income, with the following adjustments:-adds additional C Corp equivalent tax expense for periods prior to October 11, 2019,-excludes acquisition expenses,-excludes branch closure expenses,-excludes charges related to termination of certain employee benefit plans,-excludes net earnings (losses) from closed or sold operations,-excludes realized gains (losses) on sales of securities,-excludes mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment, and-the income tax effect of these pre-tax adjustments.●Enhances comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects.●We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Adjusted Net Income, such as:-Adjusted Return on Average Assets, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average assets.-Adjusted Return on Average Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average equity.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Basic, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding.-Adjusted Earnings Per Share – Diluted, which is Adjusted Net Income allocated to common shares divided by weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares.
Net Interest Income (Tax Equivalent Basis)●Net interest income adjusted for the tax-favored status of tax-exempt loans and securities. (1)​●We believe the tax equivalent basis is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income.●Enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.●We also sometimes refer to Net Interest Margin (Tax Equivalent Basis), which is Net Interest Income (Tax Equivalent Basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.
Efficiency Ratio (Tax Equivalent Basis)●Noninterest expense less amortization of intangible assets divided by the sum of net interest income (tax equivalent basis) and noninterest income. (1)●Provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry.●Calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. That is, the ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue.
Column 1Column 2
(1)Tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

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Non-GAAP Financial MeasureDefinitionHow the Measure Provides Useful Information to Investors
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets●Tangible Common Equity is total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets.●Tangible Assets is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets.●Generally used by investors, our management, and banking regulators to evaluate capital adequacy.●Facilitates comparison of our earnings with the earnings of other banking organization with significant amounts of goodwill or intangible assets.●We also sometimes refer to ratios that include Tangible Common Equity, such as:-Tangible Book Value Per Share, which is Tangible Common Equity divided by shares of common stock outstanding.-Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is net income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.-Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, which is Adjusted Net Income divided by average Tangible Common Equity.
Core Deposits●Total deposits, excluding:-Time deposits of $250,000 or more, and-Brokered deposits●Provides investors with information regarding the stability of the Company’s sources of funds.●We also sometimes refer to the ratio of Core Deposits to total deposits.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands)
Net income$56,271$36,845$66,865
C Corp equivalent adjustment (1)(13,493)
C Corp equivalent net income (1)56,27136,84553,372
Adjustments:
Acquisition expenses(1,416)
Branch closure expenses(748)
Charges related to termination of certain employee benefit plans(1,457)(3,796)
Net earnings from sold operations, including gains on sale (2)524
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment1,690(2,584)(2,400)
Total adjustments(474)(4,041)(5,672)
Tax effect of adjustments(95)1,1521,617
Less adjustments after tax effect(569)(2,889)(4,055)
Adjusted net income$56,840$39,734$57,427
Average assets$3,980,538$3,447,500$3,233,386
Return on average assets1.41%1.07%2.07%
C Corp equivalent return on average assets (2)N/AN/A1.65
Adjusted return on average assets1.431.151.78
Column 1Column 2
(1)Reflects adjustment to our historical net income for each period to give effect to the C Corp equivalent provision for income tax for such year.
Column 1Column 2
(2)Sold operations include HBT Insurance and First Community Title Services, Inc.

N/A  Not applicable.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income$56,271$36,845$66,865
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(104)(93)
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted$56,167$36,752$66,865
C Corp equivalent net income (2)N/AN/A$53,372
Earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock units (1)(2)N/AN/A
Numerator for C Corp equivalent earnings per share - basic and diluted (2)N/AN/A$53,372
Adjusted net income$56,840$39,734$57,427
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)(105)(101)
Numerator for adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted$56,735$39,633$57,427
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding27,795,80627,457,30620,090,270
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units15,487
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares27,811,29327,457,30620,090,270
Earnings per share - Basic$2.02$1.34$3.33
Earnings per share - Diluted$2.02$1.34$3.33
C Corp equivalent earnings per share - Basic (2)N/AN/A$2.66
C Corp equivalent earnings per share - Diluted (2)N/AN/A$2.66
Adjusted earnings per share - Basic$2.04$1.44$2.86
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted$2.04$1.44$2.86
Column 1Column 2
(1)The Company has granted certain restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. Such restricted stock units are considered participating securities. As such, we have included these restricted stock units in the calculation of basic earnings per share and calculate basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.
Column 1Column 2
(2)Reflects adjustment to our historical net income for each period to give effect to the C Corp equivalent income tax expense for such period. No such adjustment is necessary for periods subsequent to 2019.

N/A  Not applicable.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Net Interest Margin (Tax Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands)
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)
Net interest income$122,403$117,605$133,800
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,0281,9432,309
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis) (1)$124,431$119,548$136,109
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)
Net interest margin3.18%3.54%4.31%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)0.050.060.07
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis) (1)3.23%3.60%4.38%
Average interest-earning assets$3,846,473$3,318,764$3,105,863
Column 1Column 2
(1)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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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Efficiency Ratio (Tax Equivalent Basis)

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands)
Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent basis)
Total noninterest expense$91,246$91,956$91,026
Less: amortization of intangible assets1,0541,2321,423
Adjusted noninterest expense$90,192$90,724$89,603
Net interest income$122,403$117,605$133,800
Total noninterest income37,32834,45632,751
Operating revenue159,731152,061166,551
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)2,0281,9432,309
Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)$161,759$154,004$168,860
Efficiency ratio56.46%59.66%53.80%
Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent basis) (1)55.7658.9153.06
Column 1Column 2
(1)On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets and Tangible Book Value Per Share

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$411,881$363,917
Less: Goodwill29,32223,620
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net1,9432,798
Tangible common equity$380,616$337,499
Tangible Assets
Total assets$4,314,254$3,666,567
Less: Goodwill29,32223,620
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net1,9432,798
Tangible assets$4,282,989$3,640,149
Total stockholders' equity to total assets9.55%9.93%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets8.899.27
Shares of common stock outstanding28,986,06127,457,306
Book value per share$14.21$13.25
Tangible book value per share13.1312.29

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure – Adjusted Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity and Adjusted Return on Tangible Common Equity

Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
(dollars in thousands)
Average Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity$380,080$350,703$341,544
Less: Goodwill25,05723,62023,620
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net2,3333,4364,748
Average tangible common equity$352,690$323,647$313,176
Net income$56,271$36,845$66,865
C Corp equivalent net income (1)N/AN/A53,372
Adjusted net income56,84039,73457,427
Return on average stockholders' equity14.81%10.51%19.58%
Return on average tangible common equity15.9511.3821.35
C Corp equivalent return on average stockholders' equity (1)N/AN/A15.63%
C Corp equivalent return on average tangible common equity (1)N/AN/A17.04
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity14.95%11.33%16.81%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity16.1212.2818.34
Column 1Column 2
(1)Reflects adjustment to our historical net income for each period to give effect to the C Corp equivalent provision for income tax for such period.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Core Deposits

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)
Core Deposits
Total deposits$3,738,185$3,130,534
Less: time deposits of $250,000 or more59,51226,687
Less: brokered deposits4,238
Core deposits$3,674,435$3,103,847
Core deposits to total deposits98.29%99.15%

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