HBT Financial reports Q3 adjusted EPS 63c, consensus 58c

Reports net interest margin of 4.07% and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) of 4.13%. J. Lance Carter, President and CEO of HBT Financial, said, “This was another strong quarter of profitability with a ROAA of 1.58%, a ROATCE of 20.70%, and our highest quarterly diluted earnings per share since our IPO in October of 2019. Our balance sheet strength continues to show with our core deposit franchise allowing us to maintain a low cost of funds of 0.96% and credit quality remaining solid with nonperforming assets at only 0.16% of total assets. Our net interest margin remained very solid at 4.13% on a tax-equivalent basis as loan growth and asset mix improvement continue to partially offset funding cost increases. We have continued to maintain our consistently conservative underwriting standards while also increasing loans by 3% during the quarter. In addition, our loan portfolio remains very well diversified with limited exposure to higher risk segments, such as office commercial real estate. Despite a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) due to rising interest rates during the quarter, we were able to increase all capital measures and maintain a strong capital base providing us with flexibility for future capital deployment. We believe our consistent financial performance will enable us to continue enhancing the value of our franchise.”