BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (“HBT Financial”), the parent company of Heartland Bank and Trust Company (“Heartland Bank”), today announced it has been ranked #1 on Forbes’ 17th annual list of America’s Best Banks. The prestigious ranking, published February 4, identifies the 100 strongest banks in the nation based on an objective analysis of 11 key metrics. The 200 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts by asset size were analyzed. Forbes evaluate ...

All investors love getting big returns from their portfolio, whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities. However, when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.While cash flow can come from bond interest or interest from other types of investments, income investors hone in on dividends. A dividend is that coveted distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders, and investors often view it b ...

HBT Financial (HBT) reported $60.44 million in revenue for the quarter ended December 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 2.4%. EPS of $0.64 for the same period compares to $0.62 a year ago.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $60.7 million, representing a surprise of -0.43%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +0.52%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.64.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall ...

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial reported quarterly earnings of $0.64 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and showing an increase from $0.62 per share a year ago, with an earnings surprise of +0.52% [1] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $60.44 million for the quarter ended December 2025, which was a miss against the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.43%, but an increase from $59.03 million year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, HBT Financial has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [2] Stock Performance - HBT Financial shares have increased approximately 6.7% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1% [3] Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for investors, with current consensus EPS estimates at $0.61 for the coming quarter and $2.71 for the current fiscal year, alongside revenues of $58.8 million and $242.2 million respectively [7] - The estimate revisions trend for HBT Financial was mixed ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Banks - Northeast industry, to which HBT Financial belongs, is currently in the top 27% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook as the top 50% of Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by more than 2 to 1 [8]

Q4 2025 Results Presentation January 26, 2026 Forward-Looking Statements Readers should note that in addition to the historical information contained herein, this presentation contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, "forward-looking statements" within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-loo ...

Core Insights - HBT Financial, Inc. reported a net income of $18.9 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per share, for Q4 2025, a decrease from $19.8 million, or $0.63 per share in Q3 2025, and $20.3 million, or $0.64 per share in Q4 2024 [2][10] - The company achieved an adjusted net income of $20.1 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, supported by strong balance sheet growth and asset quality [3][6] - The company is optimistic about 2026, anticipating solid performance and a successful merger with CNB Bank Shares, Inc. [5] Financial Performance - Net interest income for Q4 2025 was $50.5 million, up 1.1% from Q3 2025, and increased 6.6% from $47.4 million in Q4 2024 [7][8] - The net interest margin for Q4 2025 was 4.12%, slightly down from 4.13% in Q3 2025, but up from 3.96% in Q4 2024 [9][11] - Noninterest income for Q4 2025 was $9.9 million, a slight increase from $9.8 million in Q3 2025, but a decrease of 14.9% from $11.6 million in Q4 2024 [12][13] Asset Quality - Nonperforming assets totaled $8.7 million, or 0.17% of total assets, stable compared to previous quarters [22] - The company recorded net charge-offs of $0.8 million, or 0.10% of average loans on an annualized basis, an increase from $0.1 million in Q3 2025 [24] - The allowance for credit losses was 1.21% of total loans, with a coverage ratio of 552% for nonperforming loans [25] Capital and Liquidity - As of December 31, 2025, the company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements under Basel III, with total capital to risk-weighted assets at 16.82% [26] - The tangible book value per share increased to $17.20, a 16.2% increase over the past year [4] - The company repurchased 23,879 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $24.33 during Q4 2025 [27] Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans outstanding were $3.46 billion at December 31, 2025, reflecting a $56.2 million increase from Q3 2025 [18] - Total deposits were $4.36 billion, a slight increase from $4.35 billion in Q3 2025, driven by higher balances in retail and business accounts [19]

Financial Performance - Net income for Q4 2025 was $18.9 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per share, down from $19.8 million, or $0.63 per share in Q3 2025[3] - Adjusted net income for Q4 2025 was $20.1 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, compared to $20.5 million, or $0.65 per share in Q3 2025[6] - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $77,008,000, an increase of 7.9% compared to $71,780,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024[57] - Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $79,647,000, up from $75,002,000 in 2024, reflecting a growth of 6.5%[57] - Earnings per share (diluted) for Q4 2025 was $0.60, down from $0.63 in Q3 2025 and $0.64 in Q4 2024, marking a decrease of 6.3% year-over-year[35] - The efficiency ratio for Q4 2025 was 53.64%, compared to 53.17% in Q3 2025 and 51.16% in Q4 2024, indicating a decline in operational efficiency[35] - The net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) for Q4 2025 was 4.16%, up from 4.01% in Q4 2024, indicating an improvement in profitability[63] - Return on average tangible common equity for Q4 2025 was 14.08%, down from 17.40% in Q4 2024, reflecting a decline in profitability metrics[71] Loans and Deposits - Loans increased by $56.2 million, or 6.6% annualized, during Q4 2025, totaling $3.46 billion[4] - Total deposits rose to $4.36 billion at December 31, 2025, a $12.1 million increase from Q3 2025[16] - The loan to deposit ratio was 79.28% in Q4 2025, an increase from 78.21% in Q3 2025 but a decrease from 80.27% in Q4 2024, indicating a tightening in liquidity[35] - Average loans increased to $3,432,308,000 in December 2025 from $3,379,637,000 in September 2025, reflecting a growth of 1.6%[55] Noninterest Income and Expense - Noninterest income for Q4 2025 was $9.9 million, a slight increase from $9.8 million in Q3 2025[10] - Noninterest expense for Q4 2025 was $33.1 million, a 1.7% increase from Q3 2025, primarily due to acquisition-related expenses[12] - Total noninterest income for Q4 2025 was $9,895,000, compared to $11,630,000 in Q4 2024, reflecting a decrease of 14.9% year-over-year[65] Credit Losses and Asset Quality - The company reported a provision for credit losses of $1.5 million for Q4 2025, reflecting a $2.2 million increase in required reserves[18] - Nonperforming assets remained stable at 0.17% of total assets, with net charge-offs of $0.8 million, or 0.10% of average loans on an annualized basis[17][19] - The provision for credit losses increased to $1,463,000 in Q4 2025 from $596,000 in Q3 2025 and $725,000 in Q4 2024, reflecting a significant rise in credit risk[35] - Total nonperforming assets increased to $8,682,000 in December 2025, up from $8,649,000 in September 2025 and $8,023,000 in December 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 8.2%[54] Capital and Equity - The tangible book value per share increased to $17.20, a 16.2% increase over the past year[4] - Total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 16.82% in Q4 2025, slightly up from 16.77% in Q3 2025 and 16.51% in Q4 2024, indicating a stable capital position[35] - Stockholders' equity increased to $608,822 thousand, up from $589,076 thousand in the previous quarter[44] - The book value per share rose to $19.58 in Q4 2025, up from $17.26 in Q4 2024, indicating a year-over-year increase of 13.4%[69] Mergers and Acquisitions - HBT Financial is pursuing a merger with CNB Bank Shares, expected to enhance its presence in the Chicago and St. Louis markets[4] - The proposed merger with CNB is subject to shareholder approval and regulatory conditions, which may affect the transaction's timing and outcome[29] - The company has filed a Registration Statement with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction, which includes important information for shareholders[29] - Investors can access free copies of relevant documents filed with the SEC through the company's website and the SEC's website[30] Risk Management - The company is focused on managing liquidity risk and maintaining an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans[27] - The company is actively managing risks related to technological changes and cybersecurity threats[26] - The company is preparing for potential economic impacts from external events such as climate change and geopolitical tensions[27] - Factors affecting future performance include competition from non-bank entities and changes in interest rates[26] Forward-Looking Statements - The forward-looking statements indicate that actual results may differ materially due to various economic and regulatory factors[25]

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial, Inc. will release its fourth quarter 2025 financial results on January 26, 2026, before market opening [1] Group 1: 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 [2] - The company offers a wide range of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities across Illinois and eastern Iowa through 66 full-service branches [2] - As of September 30, 2025, HBT Financial reported total assets of $5.0 billion, total loans of $3.4 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion [2]

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial, Inc. has announced a new stock repurchase program authorizing up to $30 million in common stock repurchases, effective January 1, 2026, following the expiration of the current program [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Repurchase Program - The new stock repurchase program will allow HBT Financial to repurchase shares on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or in any manner compliant with applicable securities laws [2]. - The program will be in effect until January 1, 2027, with the timing and number of shares repurchased dependent on various factors such as price, trading volume, and market conditions [2]. - The company is not obligated to repurchase any shares under the program, which may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice [2]. Group 2: 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 [3]. - The company offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities across Illinois and eastern Iowa, operating 66 full-service branches [3]. - As of September 30, 2025, HBT Financial reported total assets of $5.0 billion, total loans of $3.4 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion [3].

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial (HBT) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, indicating a positive outlook for the company's stock price [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is primarily influenced by changes in a company's earnings potential, which is strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Rising earnings estimates for HBT Financial suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to increased stock prices as investors respond positively [5][10]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have generated an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7][9]. - HBT Financial's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10]. Earnings Estimate Revisions for HBT Financial - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, HBT Financial is expected to earn $2.50 per share, with a 0.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8].