Core Insights - HBT Financial (HBT) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.57 per share, indicating no change from the previous year [1] - Analysts forecast revenues of $56.7 million, representing an increase of 8.4% year over year [1] - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the past 30 days, reflecting analysts' reassessment of projections [1] Earnings Projections - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions to the stock [2] - Empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [2] Key Financial Metrics - Analysts expect 'Net interest margin (FTE)' to be 4.0%, unchanged from the year-ago figure [3] - The consensus for 'Average Balances - Interest-earning assets' is $4.81 billion, up from $4.77 billion year over year [4] - The 'Efficiency Ratio' is expected to be 55.2%, improved from 58.4% in the previous year [4] - 'Net interest income (FTE)' is projected to reach $47.72 million, compared to $47.26 million in the same quarter last year [4] - Estimated 'Total noninterest income' is $9.29 million, up from $5.63 million in the same quarter of the previous year [5] Stock Performance - HBT Financial shares have decreased by 5.9% in the past month, compared to a 3.9% decline in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [6] - HBT has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating expected underperformance relative to the overall market [6]

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, operating 66 full-service branches [2] - As of December 31, 2024, HBT Financial reported total assets of $5.0 billion, total loans of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion [2] Upcoming Financial Results - HBT Financial will release its first quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on April 21, 2025 [1] - An investor presentation and press release regarding the financial results will be available on the company's investor relations website [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, operating 66 full-service branches [2] - As of December 31, 2024, HBT Financial reported total assets of $5.0 billion, total loans of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion [2] Upcoming Financial Results - HBT Financial will release its first quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on April 21, 2025 [1] - An investor presentation and press release regarding the financial results will be available on the company's investor relations website [1]

Financial Position and Assets - As of December 31, 2024, HBT Financial had total assets of $5.0 billion, loans held for investment of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion[16]. - The acquisition of Town and Country Financial Corporation added total assets of $937.2 million, total loans held for investment of $635.4 million, and total deposits of $720.4 million[17]. - The total consideration for the acquisition included 3.4 million shares of common stock and $38.0 million in cash, amounting to approximately $109.4 million[18]. - HBT Financial's branch network included 66 full-service branch locations throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa, holding a leading deposit market share in many central Illinois markets[30]. Growth Strategy and Market Opportunities - The company aims to deploy excess deposit funding into loan growth opportunities, particularly in the Chicago MSA, where it sees significant potential[33]. - HBT Financial's competitive strategy emphasizes relationship-based service and efficient decision-making to counteract increasing competition from online financial institutions and fintech companies[44]. - The company anticipates future growth will depend on successful acquisition strategies, particularly in mature, rural communities with limited population growth[189]. Regulatory Environment and Compliance - The Company is subject to extensive federal and state regulations that impact its growth and earnings performance[48]. - The Company is legally obligated to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank under the Bank Holding Company Act[65]. - The Company must comply with liquidity requirements, ensuring it maintains sufficient liquidity to meet financial obligations, especially in light of recent banking failures[86]. - The Bank must comply with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering regulations, which impose strict policies for customer identification and reporting suspicious activities[105][106]. - The company is subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and IDFPR, which may significantly affect its operations and financial condition[161]. Capital Requirements and Financial Health - As of December 31, 2024, the Bank was well-capitalized, meeting the Federal Reserve's requirements and Basel III Rule standards[62]. - The Basel III Rule requires a Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets, with a conservation buffer increasing this to 7%[58]. - The Company currently meets the Basel III capital requirements but may face challenges in maintaining compliance in the future[168]. - The Bank is required to maintain capital levels in accordance with Federal Reserve capital adequacy requirements, ensuring it is well-capitalized and well-managed[70]. Credit and Operational Risks - HBT Financial maintains a prudent approach to credit underwriting, focusing on robust standards to optimize risk-adjusted returns[34]. - The company faces significant credit risks, as borrowers may be unable or unwilling to repay their obligations, potentially leading to unexpected losses[118]. - The majority of the loan portfolio consists of commercial and commercial real estate loans, which may carry a higher degree of risk compared to other types of loans[125]. - The company is exposed to liquidity risks, which could adversely impact operations if liquid funds cannot be obtained at reasonable prices[116]. - The company’s strategy of pursuing growth through acquisitions exposes it to operational risks that could adversely affect financial condition and growth prospects[116]. Economic and Market Conditions - Changes in economic conditions, particularly in the Illinois and Iowa markets, may adversely impact borrowers and the company's business[116]. - The company's financial performance is highly dependent on local economic conditions in Illinois and Iowa, which may differ from the overall U.S. economy[211]. - Adverse economic conditions could lead to increased loan delinquencies, defaults, and charge-offs, negatively impacting the quality of the loan portfolio[212]. - Continued elevated levels of inflation could harm consumer purchasing power, affecting both retail and business customers[213]. Technology and Cybersecurity Risks - The company faces significant cybersecurity risks, including fraudulent activities and data breaches, which could lead to financial losses and damage to reputation[149]. - The reliance on third-party vendors for critical systems poses risks; failures or breaches in these systems could disrupt operations and adversely affect financial condition[152]. - The rapid technological changes in the financial services industry require substantial investment, which may be difficult for the company compared to larger competitors[157]. - The emergence of generative artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and risks, including potential fraud and compliance challenges, which could disrupt operations if not managed properly[159]. Shareholder and Governance Issues - The principal stockholder, Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Voting Trust, owns approximately 54.5% of the outstanding shares, allowing significant influence over company decisions[196]. - The company is classified as a "controlled company," which allows it to qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements[200]. - Regulatory requirements may limit stockholder influence and acquisitions without prior approval, potentially impacting corporate governance[208]. Future Outlook and Challenges - The company may need to raise additional capital in the future, which could be challenging due to market conditions and competition with other financial institutions[145]. - Future sales of common stock could depress stock prices and impair the ability to raise capital through additional share sales[204]. - Legal and regulatory changes related to cannabis-related businesses could introduce additional risks to the company's operations[178]. - Changes in financial accounting standards could materially impact how the company reports its financial condition and results of operations[187].

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial (HBT) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to significant revisions in earnings estimates, indicating a positive earnings outlook that may continue to drive stock price growth [1][2]. Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions - The earnings estimate for the current quarter is $0.58 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +1.75% - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HBT Financial has risen by 11.97% over the last 30 days, with two estimates increasing and no negative revisions [4]. Current-Year Estimate Revisions - For the full year, HBT Financial is expected to earn $2.34 per share, which is a +3.54% change from the previous year - The consensus estimate has increased by 8.82% over the past month, with three estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. Favorable Zacks Rank - HBT Financial has achieved a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to the positive estimate revisions, which historically correlate with strong stock performance - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 and 2 have been shown to significantly outperform the S&P 500 [6]. Bottom Line - The stock has gained 7.6% over the past four weeks, driven by solid estimate revisions, suggesting that it may be a good addition to investment portfolios [7].

Financial Performance - HBT Financial reported revenue of $59.03 million for the quarter ended December 2024, representing a 4.9% increase year-over-year [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.62, up from $0.60 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $57.4 million by 2.84% [1] - The company delivered an EPS surprise of 6.90%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.58 [1] Key Metrics - Net interest margin (FTE) was 4%, matching the average estimate from two analysts [4] - Average balances of interest-earning assets were $4.76 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $4.77 billion [4] - Net charge-offs to average loans stood at 0.1%, consistent with the average estimate [4] - Efficiency ratio was 51.2%, better than the estimated 54.2% [4] - Card income was reported at $2.80 million, below the average estimate of $2.87 million [4] - Other noninterest income was $0.69 million, compared to the average estimate of $0.98 million [4] - Net interest income (FTE) was $47.96 million, slightly above the average estimate of $47.91 million [4] - Service charges on deposit accounts were $2.08 million, exceeding the average estimate of $1.98 million [4] - Wealth management fees reached $3.14 million, surpassing the average estimate of $2.93 million [4] - Total noninterest income was $11.63 million, compared to the average estimate of $10.02 million [4] - Mortgage servicing income was $1.16 million, above the average estimate of $1.06 million [4] Stock Performance - HBT Financial shares returned 0.9% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by 2.1% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential outperformance against the broader market in the near term [3]

Group 1 - HBT Financial reported quarterly earnings of $0.62 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.58 per share, and showing an increase from $0.60 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of 6.90% [1] - The company posted revenues of $59.03 million for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.84%, compared to $56.29 million in the same quarter last year [2] - HBT Financial has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times over the last four quarters, while it has topped consensus revenue estimates only once in the same period [2] Group 2 - The stock has gained approximately 2.2% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has increased by 2.9% [3] - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for investors, as it includes current consensus earnings expectations for upcoming quarters and any recent changes to these expectations [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.52 on revenues of $55.35 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.15 on revenues of $225.65 million [7] Group 3 - The Zacks Industry Rank indicates that the Banks - Northeast sector is in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook for stocks in this category [8] - HBT Financial currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for the stock to outperform the market in the near future [6]

Core Viewpoint - HBT Financial, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2024, with net income increasing to $20.3 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, compared to previous quarters, and announced a quarterly cash dividend increase to $0.21 per share, reflecting a 10.5% rise from the prior dividend [2][6][7]. Financial Performance - The company achieved adjusted net income of $19.5 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, for Q4 2024, up from $19.2 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, in Q3 2024 [3][5]. - Net interest income for Q4 2024 was $47.4 million, a slight decrease of 0.7% from $47.7 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to lower yields on loans and deposits [7][9]. - The net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) was 4.01% for Q4 2024, down only 2 basis points from Q3 2024, indicating resilience despite Federal Reserve interest rate cuts [3][10]. Asset Quality - Nonperforming assets to total assets stood at 0.16% as of December 31, 2024, with net charge-offs to average loans at only 0.08% for Q4 2024, reflecting strong asset quality [3][20][22]. - The company recorded a provision for credit losses of $0.7 million for Q4 2024, influenced by increased loan balances and changes in the portfolio [21]. Capital and Dividends - HBT Financial's capital ratios exceeded all regulatory requirements under Basel III, with total capital to risk-weighted assets at 16.51% as of December 31, 2024 [24]. - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, payable on February 11, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 4, 2025 [6][7]. Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans outstanding reached $3.47 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase from $3.37 billion at September 30, 2024, driven by new originations and higher usage of existing lines of credit [18]. - Total deposits were $4.32 billion at December 31, 2024, reflecting a $37.6 million increase from September 30, 2024, primarily due to higher retail account balances [19].

____________________________________ (1) See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures. EXHIBIT 99.1 HBT FINANCIAL, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS Quarterly Cash Dividend Increased to $0.21 per Share Fourth Quarter Highlights Bloomington, IL, January 22, 2025 – HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (the "Company" or "HBT Financial" or "HBT"), the holding company for Heartl ...

In its upcoming report, HBT Financial (HBT) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $0.58 per share, reflecting a decline of 3.3% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $57.4 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 2%.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial estimates during this timeframe.Before a company rev ...