BLOOMINGTON, Ill., March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (the “Company” or “HBT Financial”), the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company (“Heartland Bank”), today announced the appointment of Michael J. Morton to the Board of Directors of HBT Financial and Heartland Bank, effective as of April 1, 2026. Mr. Morton's initial term will expire at the HBT Financial 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, at which he will be eligible for re-election. Fred L. Drake, Executi ...

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial is positioned as an attractive investment opportunity due to its strong dividend yield and expected earnings growth, making it appealing for income-focused investors [3][5][6] Company Overview - HBT Financial, based in Bloomington, operates in the Finance sector and has experienced a price change of 1.28% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.23 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.51%, which is significantly higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.48% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.47% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of HBT Financial is $0.92, reflecting a 9.5% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, HBT Financial has raised its dividend four times, achieving an average annual increase of 7.62% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 33%, indicating that the company distributes 33% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, HBT Financial anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 projected at $3.00 per share, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 19.05% [5] Investment Considerations - HBT Financial is characterized as a compelling investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), appealing to income investors despite the challenges faced by high-yielding stocks during rising interest rates [6]

Key Takeaways Five Below projects 25% earnings growth this year, highlighting strong performance momentum.TechnipFMC expects 18.4% earnings growth, driven by global oil and gas project demand.HBT Financial forecasts 19.1% earnings growth with positive estimate revisions supporting the outlook.Earnings growth is crucial for any organization, no matter its size, because profitability is key to survival. To calculate earnings, examine a company’s revenues over a certain period and subtract the production costs ...

Investors might want to bet on HBT Financial (HBT) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.The power of a ...

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial, Inc. has announced the issuance of $85 million in Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2036, aimed at raising capital for general corporate purposes, potentially including share repurchases [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Details - The Notes will initially bear an interest rate of 5.75% for the first five years, after which the rate will reset quarterly to the three-month SOFR rate plus 233 basis points [2]. - The Company has the option to redeem the Notes in whole or in part starting from March 15, 2031, or prior to that date under specific limited circumstances [2]. - The Notes are designed to qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes [2]. Group 2: Company Background - HBT Financial, Inc. is headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, and serves as the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, with banking operations dating back to 1920 [4]. - The Company offers a wide range of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities across Illinois, eastern Iowa, and suburban St. Louis, operating 83 full-service branches [4]. - As of December 31, 2025, HBT Financial reported total assets of $5.1 billion, total loans of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.4 billion [4]. Group 3: Transaction Details - Piper Sandler & Co. acted as the sole placement agent for the Notes issuance [3]. - Vedder Price P.C. provided legal counsel to the placement agent, while Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP served as legal counsel to the Company [3].

Acquisitions - HBT Financial completed the acquisition of CNB Bank Shares, Inc. on March 1, 2026, with total consideration of approximately $182 million, consisting of 5.5 million shares and $34 million in cash[15][16]. - The acquisition of Town and Country Financial Corporation on February 1, 2023, added total assets of $937.2 million, total loans of $635.4 million, and total deposits of $720.4 million to HBT Financial[19]. - Total consideration for the Town and Country acquisition was approximately $109.4 million, including 3.4 million shares and $38 million in cash, with goodwill recorded at $30.5 million[20]. - HBT Financial aims to pursue strategic acquisitions to enhance growth opportunities, leveraging a history of successful integrations[38]. Financial Performance - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $77.0 million, an increase of $5.2 million or 7.3% compared to 2024[270]. - Net interest income increased by $10.0 million, driven by lower funding costs, higher yields on debt securities, and higher average loan balances[272]. - Total interest and dividend income for 2025 was $255.8 million, compared to $251.7 million in 2024[268]. - Net interest margin improved to 4.13% in 2025 from 3.96% in 2024[268]. - Total noninterest income rose to $38.2 million in 2025, compared to $35.6 million in 2024[268]. - Adjusted earnings per share for 2025 was $2.52, up from $2.37 in 2024[268]. - Efficiency ratio improved to 53.44% in 2025 from 53.99% in 2024[268]. Asset and Deposit Growth - As of December 31, 2025, HBT Financial had total assets of $5.1 billion, loans held for investment of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.4 billion[261]. - Total assets reached $5,048,549 thousand in 2025, an increase from $5,008,083 thousand in 2024, indicating a growth of 0.80%[273]. - Total deposits increased by $41.0 million, or 0.9%, to $4.36 billion as of December 31, 2025[293]. - Noninterest-bearing deposits accounted for 24.1% of total deposits in 2025, up from 23.9% in 2024[318]. Credit Quality and Risk Management - The company maintains a strong credit culture, prioritizing asset quality and prudent underwriting practices to optimize risk-adjusted returns[37]. - The allowance for credit losses was $41,970 thousand in 2025, slightly higher than $40,694 thousand in 2024, reflecting a cautious approach to credit risk[273]. - Total nonperforming assets increased by 8.2% to $8.7 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $8.0 million in the previous year[308]. - The company employs a disciplined approach to credit risk management, including portfolio diversification and routine loan monitoring practices[302]. Regulatory Compliance and Capital Adequacy - The Company and the Bank are well capitalized as of December 31, 2025, with regulatory capital exceeding Federal Reserve requirements and compliance with Basel III Rule requirements[67]. - The Company is required to maintain a Tier 1 Capital ratio of 6% and a Total Capital ratio of 8% to be considered adequately capitalized[64]. - The Company has not been subject to any directives from the FDIC or IDFPR to increase its capital as of December 31, 2025[67]. - The regulatory environment remains uncertain, with potential future changes in laws and regulations that could impact the Company's business operations[54]. Employee Engagement and Operational Efficiency - Employee engagement and retention strategies are in place, with an average tenure of 7.5 years for 826 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2025[39]. - Total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $129.4 million, an increase of $5.4 million, or 4.4%, from 2024[291]. - Employee benefits expense increased by $2.2 million, primarily due to higher medical benefits costs[292]. - Salaries expense rose by $1.2 million, mainly driven by annual merit increases[292]. Market Position and Competition - HBT Financial operates 66 full-service branch locations, holding a leading deposit market share in many central Illinois markets, which supports a strong deposit base[32]. - HBT Financial faces strong competition from community banks, credit unions, and financial technology companies, necessitating a focus on robust digital functionality and relationship-based service[44][46][47]. - The company emphasizes a community banking approach, focusing on relationship-based service and local decision-making to maintain a competitive advantage in the Chicago MSA[34][36].

Company Overview - HBT Financial (HBT) is headquartered in Bloomington and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 5.8% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - HBT Financial currently pays a dividend of $0.23 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.36% [3] - This yield is higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.42% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.37% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $0.92 has increased by 9.5% from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, HBT Financial has raised its dividend 4 times, averaging an annual increase of 7.62% [4] - The current payout ratio is 33%, indicating that the company pays out 33% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HBT Financial's earnings in 2026 is $2.76 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 9.52% [5] Investment Considerations - HBT Financial is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] - The company is positioned well as a dividend play, especially in the context of rising interest rates, which can affect high-yielding stocks [6]

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial, Inc. has successfully completed its merger with CNB Bank Shares, Inc., enhancing its market presence in central Illinois, Chicago MSA, and St. Louis MSA markets [2][3]. Company Overview - HBT Financial, Inc. is headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, and serves as the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, with banking operations dating back to 1920. As of December 31, 2025, HBT Financial reported total assets of $5.1 billion, total loans of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.4 billion [6]. Merger Details - The merger involved CNB merging with a wholly-owned subsidiary of HBT, with CNB becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of HBT. Subsequently, CNB Bank merged into Heartland Bank, which continues as the surviving entity. 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 [1][2]. Leadership Changes - Following the merger, the Boards of HBT Financial and Heartland Bank expanded, appointing James T. Ashworth and Nancy L. Ruyle as new directors, effective March 1, 2026. Their initial term will expire at the HBT Financial 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders [3][4]. Strategic Fit - The merger is described as a strong cultural and strategic fit, aimed at enhancing the banking experience for customers. HBT Financial has a history of successful bank integrations and is focused on a smooth transition for CNB's customers, employees, and shareholders [3][4].

Core Insights - HBT Financial, Inc. has been ranked 1 on Forbes' 17th annual list of America's Best Banks, highlighting its strong performance among the 200 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts based on 11 key metrics [1][2]. Group 1: Ranking and Evaluation - The ranking is based on an objective analysis that includes metrics such as growth, credit quality, profitability, and stock performance [2]. - Forbes evaluated banks using equally weighted metrics including net interest margin, return on equity, return on assets, capital ratios, efficiency, asset quality, and growth [2]. Group 2: Company Profile - HBT Financial, headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, is the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, with banking roots dating back to 1920 [4]. - As of December 31, 2025, HBT Financial reported total assets of $5.1 billion, total loans of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.4 billion [4]. Group 3: Leadership and Commitment - The recognition as the top bank in America is attributed to the dedication of the team and the commitment to serving customers in Illinois and eastern Iowa, focusing on efficient and sustainable growth [3]. - The list emphasizes the strength of regional banks, with HBT Financial leading a group of similarly sized institutions known for their operational efficiency [3].

Company Overview - HBT Financial (HBT) is based in Bloomington and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 12.3% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.23 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.17%, which is higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.3% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.39% [3] Dividend Performance - HBT Financial's annualized dividend of $0.92 has increased by 9.5% from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has raised its dividend four times, achieving an average annual increase of 7.62% [4] - The current payout ratio is 33%, indicating that the company distributes 33% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth and Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HBT's earnings in 2026 is projected at $2.76 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 9.52% [5] - Future dividend growth will depend on earnings growth and the payout ratio [4] Investment Considerations - HBT Financial is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend performance and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] - The company is positioned well as a dividend play, especially in the context of rising interest rates, which can impact high-yielding stocks [6]