•the effects of changes in interest rates on our net interest income, net interest margin, our investments, our loan originations, and our modeling estimates relating to interest rate changes;
•our access to sources of liquidity and capital to address our liquidity needs;
•our inability to receive dividends from the Bank, pay dividends to our common stockholders or satisfy obligations as they become due;
•the effects of problems encountered by other financial institutions;
•our ability to achieve organic loan and deposit growth and the composition of such growth;
•our ability to successfully develop and commercialize new or enhanced products and services;
•current and future business, economic and market conditions in the United States ("U.S.") generally or in the States of Illinois and Iowa in particular;
•the geographic concentration of our operations in the States of Illinois and Iowa;
•our ability to attract and retain customer deposits;
•our ability to maintain the Bank’s reputation;
•possible impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets;
•the effectiveness of our risk management and internal disclosure controls and procedures;
•market perceptions associated with certain aspects of our business;
•our ability to meet our obligations as a public company, including our obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
•our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items; and
•the factors discussed in "Risk Factors", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" or elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange (“SEC”) Commission on March 6, 2024.
These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement in the future, or to reflect circumstances and events that occur after the date on which the forward-looking statement was made.
Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $463,259 at 2024 and $466,496 at 2023)
505,075
521,439
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
3,364
3,360
Equity securities with no readily determinable fair value
2,638
2,505
Restricted stock, at cost
5,086
7,160
Loans held for sale
2,959
2,318
Loans, before allowance for credit losses
3,369,830
3,404,417
Allowance for credit losses
(40,966)
(40,048)
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses
3,328,864
3,364,369
Bank owned life insurance
24,405
23,905
Bank premises and equipment, net
65,919
65,150
Bank premises held for sale
317
—
Foreclosed assets
376
852
Goodwill
59,820
59,820
Intangible assets, net
18,552
20,682
Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value
17,496
19,001
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries
1,614
1,614
Accrued interest receivable
24,160
24,534
Other assets
40,109
55,239
Total assets
$
4,990,728
$
5,073,170
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing
$
1,008,359
$
1,072,407
Interest-bearing
3,272,341
3,329,030
Total deposits
4,280,700
4,401,437
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
29,029
42,442
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
13,435
12,623
Subordinated notes
39,533
39,474
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
52,834
52,789
Other liabilities
37,535
34,909
Total liabilities
4,453,066
4,583,674
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 125,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued of 32,827,039 at 2024 and 32,730,698 at 2023; shares outstanding of 31,559,366 at 2024 and 31,695,828 at 2023
328
327
Surplus
296,810
295,877
Retained earnings
302,532
269,051
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(38,989)
(57,163)
Treasury stock at cost, 1,267,673 shares at 2024 and 1,034,870 at 2023
(23,019)
(18,596)
Total stockholders’ equity
537,662
489,496
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
4,990,728
$
5,073,170
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1 – ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
HBT Financial, Inc. (“HBT Financial” or the “Company”) is headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois and is the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company (“Heartland Bank” or the “Bank”). The Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa. Additionally, the Company is subject to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory agencies.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) interim reporting requirements. Certain information in footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP has been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the SEC. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2024.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all normal, recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
The Company qualifies as an "emerging growth company" as defined by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”). The JOBS Act permits emerging growth companies 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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. The Company has elected to use the extended transition period until the Company is no longer an emerging growth company or until the Company chooses to affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period. As a result, the Company’s financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies. The Company expects to exit its status as an emerging growth company as of December 31, 2024.
Use of Estimates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and the reported results of operations for the periods then ended.
Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses.
Low Income Housing Tax Credits
The Company holds an ownership interest in a limited liability company, as a limited member, that invests in affordable housing projects. This investment is designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits and deductions, which may be subject to recapture by taxing authorities if compliance requirements are not met. The Company accounts for its low income housing investments using the proportional amortization method.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The Company’s investment in the qualified affordable housing project meets the definition of a variable interest entity ("VIE") as the entity is structured such that the limited partner investors lack substantive voting rights. The managing member has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity. Accordingly, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and is not required to consolidate this entity. The Company's maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying amount of the investment, which was $7.3 million as of September 30, 2024.
Segment Reporting
The Company’s operations consist of one reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates the operations of the Company using consolidated information for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation without any impact on the reported amounts of net income or stockholders’ equity.
Subsequent Events
In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.
Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
On January 1, 2024, the Company adopted ASU 2023-02, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323). ASU 2023-02 permits an election to use the proportional amortization method to account for equity investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, provided that certain conditions are met. The proportional amortization method results in the cost of the investment being amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received, with the amortization of the investment and the income tax credits being presented net in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. The Company adopted ASU 2023-02 using the modified retrospective method. The Company recorded a $0.1 million increase to retained earnings and decrease to deferred tax liability, as well as a $7.2 million increase to other assets and other liabilities, as a result of the adoption.
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. ASU 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value and that contractual sale restrictions cannot be recognized and measured as a separate unit of account. The amendments in this update are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those years. This standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging – Portfolio Layer Method. ASU 2022-01 replaces the current last-of-layer hedge accounting method with an expanded portfolio layer method that permits multiple hedged layers of a single closed portfolio. The scope of the portfolio layer method is also expanded to include non-prepayable financial assets. ASU 2022-01 also provides additional guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of hedge basis adjustments that are applicable to the portfolio layer method, and specifies how hedge basis adjustments should be considered when determining credit losses for the assets included in the closed portfolio. Amendments related to hedge basis adjustments which are included in this standard apply on a modified retrospective basis by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on the initial application date. Amendments related to disclosure which are included in this standard may be applied on a prospective basis from the initial application date, or on a retrospective basis to each prior period presented after the date of adoption of the amendments in ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. This standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 expands disclosure requirements for significant segment expenses under Topic 280. The amendments require public entities to disclose significant expense categories for each reportable segment, other segment items, the title and position of the chief operating decision-maker, and interim disclosures of certain segment-related information previously required only on an annual basis. The amendments clarify that entities reporting single segments must disclose both the new and existing segment disclosures under Topic 280, and a public entity is permitted to disclose multiple measures of segment profit or loss if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2024. ASU 2023-07 must be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 expands income tax disclosure requirements. The amendments require annual disclosure of certain information relating to the rate reconciliation, income taxes paid by jurisdiction, income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign, income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign. The amendments also eliminate certain requirements relating to unrecognized tax benefits and certain deferred tax disclosure relating to subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures. The amendments in this update are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2024. ASU 2023-09 should be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. Early adoption is permitted. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS
Town and Country Financial Corporation
On February 1, 2023, HBT Financial acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Town and Country Financial Corporation (“Town and Country”), the holding company for Town and Country Bank, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 23, 2022. Under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Town and Country merged with and into HBT Financial, with HBT Financial as the surviving entity, immediately followed by the merger of Town and Country Bank with and into Heartland Bank, with Heartland Bank as the surviving entity.
At the effective time of the merger, each share of Town and Country was converted into the right to receive, subject to the election and proration procedures as provided in the Merger Agreement, one of the following: (i) 1.9010 shares of HBT Financial’s common stock, or (ii) $35.66 in cash, or (iii) a combination of cash and HBT Financial common stock. Total consideration consisted of 3,378,600 shares of HBT Financial’s common stock and $38.0 million in cash. In lieu of fractional shares, holders of Town and Country common stock received cash. Based upon the closing price of HBT Financial common stock of $21.12 on February 1, 2023, the aggregate transaction value was approximately $109.4 million.
This transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of February 1, 2023. Measurement period adjustments of $0.1 million were recorded in the third quarter of 2023 as more information became available regarding Town and Country's tax assets and liabilities. Goodwill of $30.5 million was recorded in the acquisition, which reflects expected synergies from combining the operations of HBT Financial and Town and Country, and is nondeductible for tax purposes.
The acquisition of Town and Country further enhanced HBT Financial’s footprint in central Illinois, and expanded our footprint into metro-east St. Louis. Acquisition-related expenses recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 are summarized below. There were no Town and Country acquisition-related expenses recognized subsequent to the second quarter of 2023.
(dollars in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
$
5,924
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries
3,584
Furniture and equipment
39
Data processing
2,031
Marketing and customer relations
24
Loan collection and servicing
125
Legal fees and other noninterest expense
1,964
Total noninterest expense
7,767
Total Town and Country acquisition-related expenses
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Town and Country on the acquisition date of February 1, 2023 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Of the loans acquired, there were $89.8 million which exhibited more-than-insignificant credit deterioration on the acquisition date. The following table provides a summary of these PCD loans at acquisition (dollars in thousands):
Unpaid principal balance
$
89,822
Allowance for credit losses at acquisition
(1,247)
Non-credit discount
(2,218)
Purchase price
$
86,357
Additionally, subsequent to the Town and Country acquisition, HBT Financial 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 through an increase to the provision for credit losses.
The following table provides the pro forma information for the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as if the acquisition of Town and Country had occurred on January 1, 2022. The pro forma results combine the historical results of Town and Country into HBT Financial’s consolidated statements of income, including the impact of certain acquisition accounting adjustments, which include loan discount accretion, intangible assets amortization, deposit premium amortization, and borrowing premium amortization. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2022. No assumptions have been applied to the pro forma results of operations regarding possible revenue enhancements, provision for credit losses, expense efficiencies or asset dispositions. The acquisition-related expenses that have been recognized are included in net income in the following table.
Pro Forma
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Total revenues (net interest income and noninterest income)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses
Fair Value
Available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury
$
159,715
$
—
$
(11,093)
$
—
$
148,622
U.S. government agency
55,359
—
(3,262)
—
52,097
Municipal
229,030
26
(23,499)
—
205,557
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential
188,641
61
(14,718)
—
173,984
Agency commercial
141,214
3
(14,205)
—
127,012
Corporate
57,665
9
(5,485)
—
52,189
Total available-for-sale
$
831,624
$
99
$
(72,262)
$
—
$
759,461
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Allowance for Credit Losses
Held-to-maturity:
U.S. government agency
$
88,448
$
—
$
(8,292)
$
80,156
$
—
Municipal
38,442
394
(163)
38,673
—
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential
95,828
—
(5,569)
90,259
—
Agency commercial
298,721
—
(41,313)
257,408
—
Total held-to-maturity
$
521,439
$
394
$
(55,337)
$
466,496
$
—
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank had debt securities with a carrying value of $549.3 million and $419.4 million, respectively, which were pledged to secure public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, available borrowing capacity, and for other purposes required or permitted by law.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity, as of September 30, 2024, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Available-for-Sale
Held-to-Maturity
(dollars in thousands)
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less
$
50,398
$
49,930
$
4,891
$
4,873
Due after 1 year through 5 years
184,468
174,898
49,208
47,631
Due after 5 years through 10 years
157,851
142,184
68,427
64,225
Due after 10 years
21,900
18,950
2,258
2,239
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential
212,551
203,249
88,232
84,658
Agency commercial
131,313
121,092
292,059
259,633
Total
$
758,481
$
710,303
$
505,075
$
463,259
The following table presents gross unrealized losses and fair value of debt securities available-for-sale that do not have an associated allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, aggregated by category and length of time that individual debt securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
September 30, 2024
Investments in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
December 31, 2023
Investments in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
(dollars in thousands)
Unrealized
Loss
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Fair Value
Available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury
$
—
$
—
$
(11,093)
$
148,622
$
(11,093)
$
148,622
U.S. government agency
(2)
168
(3,260)
51,910
(3,262)
52,078
Municipal
(26)
4,749
(23,473)
194,287
(23,499)
199,036
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential
(163)
9,354
(14,555)
156,785
(14,718)
166,139
Agency commercial
(26)
3,016
(14,179)
123,404
(14,205)
126,420
Corporate
(414)
4,361
(5,071)
45,826
(5,485)
50,187
Total available-for-sale
$
(631)
$
21,648
$
(71,631)
$
720,834
$
(72,262)
$
742,482
As of September 30, 2024, there were 627 debt securities in an unrealized loss position for a period of twelve months or more, and 13 debt securities in an unrealized loss position for a period of less than twelve months.
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government agency, and agency mortgage-backed securities are considered to have no risk of credit loss as they are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government. The changes in fair value in these portfolios are considered to be primarily driven by changes in market interest rates and other non-credit risks, such as prepayment and liquidity risks.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Municipal securities include approximately 73% general obligation bonds as of September 30, 2024, which have a very low historical default rate due to issuers generally having taxing authority to service the debt. The remainder of the municipal securities are also of high credit quality with ratings of Aa3/AA- or better. The Company evaluates credit risk through monitoring credit ratings and reviews of available financial data. The changes in fair value in these portfolios are considered to be primarily driven by changes in market interest rates and other non-credit risks, such as call and liquidity risks. The estimated allowance for credit losses for the municipal debt securities held-to-maturity was deemed insignificant.
Corporate securities include investment grade corporate and bank subordinated debt securities. The Company evaluates credit risk through monitoring credit ratings, reviews of available issuer financial data, and sector trends. During 2024, the changes in fair value in corporate securities were considered to be primarily driven by changes in market interest rates and other non-credit risks, such as call and liquidity risks. There was no allowance for credit losses recorded on corporate debt securities as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
During the first half of 2023, a provision for credit losses of $0.8 million was recognized, related to one bank subordinated debt security reflecting heightened potential credit risk following the failures of other banks in 2023. This heightened potential credit risk was later reduced after a merger announcement by the issuer of the bank subordinated debt security and a negative provision for credit losses of $0.8 million was recorded during the third quarter of 2023.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company did not intend to sell the debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position, and it was more likely than not that the Company would recover the amortized cost prior to being required to sell the debt securities.
Accrued interest on debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses and totaled $5.0 million and $6.0 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Sales of debt securities were as follows during the three and nine months ended September 30:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Equity Securities
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities on the consolidated statements of income. The Company has elected to measure equity securities with no readily determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes for identical or similar securities of the same issuer.
The initial cost and carrying values of equity securities, with cumulative net unrealized gains and losses were as follows:
September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Readily Determinable Fair Value
No Readily Determinable Fair Value
Initial cost
$
3,124
$
2,973
Cumulative net unrealized gains (losses)
240
(335)
Carrying value
$
3,364
$
2,638
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Readily Determinable Fair Value
No Readily Determinable Fair Value
Initial cost
$
3,143
$
2,840
Cumulative net unrealized gains (losses)
217
(335)
Carrying value
$
3,360
$
2,505
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the cumulative net unrealized losses on equity securities with no readily determinable fair value reflect impairments of $0.2 million and downward adjustments based on observable price changes of an identical investment of $0.2 million. There have been no upward adjustments based on observable price changes to equity securities with no readily determinable fair value.
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities were as follows during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 4 – LOANS AND RELATED ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Major categories of loans are summarized as follows:
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Commercial and industrial
$
395,598
$
427,800
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
288,838
295,842
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
889,188
880,681
Construction and land development
359,151
363,983
Multi-family
432,712
417,923
One-to-four family residential
472,040
491,508
Agricultural and farmland
297,102
287,294
Municipal, consumer, and other
235,201
239,386
Loans, before allowance for credit losses
3,369,830
3,404,417
Allowance for credit losses
(40,966)
(40,048)
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses
$
3,328,864
$
3,364,369
Allowance for Credit Losses
Management estimates the allowance for credit losses using relevant available information from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The discounted cash flow method is used to estimate expected credit losses for all loan categories, except for consumer loans where the weighted average remaining maturity method is utilized.
At September 30, 2024, the economic forecast used by management anticipates an economic slowdown, but not a recession, over the next 4 quarters considered in the forecast period, with the unemployment rate increasing and GDP growth slowing and then increasing modestly. After the forecast period, the Company reverts to long-term averages over a 4-quarter reversion period. Additionally, management has made qualitative adjustments to the loss estimates to reflect other factors that influence credit losses.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The following tables present collateral dependent loans, by the primary collateral type, which are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses, and the related allowance for credit losses allocated to these loans:
September 30, 2024
Amortized Cost
Allowance for Credit Losses
Primary Collateral Type
(dollars in thousands)
Real Estate
Vehicles
Other
Total
Commercial and industrial
$
—
$
973
$
42
$
1,015
$
194
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
—
—
—
—
—
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
14,771
—
—
14,771
543
Construction and land development
216
—
—
216
—
Multi-family
—
—
—
—
—
One-to-four family residential
5,122
—
—
5,122
76
Agricultural and farmland
—
—
—
—
—
Municipal, consumer, and other
10,329
—
14
10,343
2,410
Total
$
30,438
$
973
$
56
$
31,467
$
3,223
December 31, 2023
Amortized Cost
Allowance for Credit Losses
Primary Collateral Type
(dollars in thousands)
Real Estate
Vehicles
Other
Total
Commercial and industrial
$
—
$
37
$
235
$
272
$
20
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
170
—
—
170
—
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
15,287
—
—
15,287
1,021
Construction and land development
216
—
—
216
—
Multi-family
315
—
—
315
—
One-to-four family residential
5,459
—
—
5,459
247
Agricultural and farmland
144
—
—
144
—
Municipal, consumer, and other
14,978
39
24
15,041
2,931
Total
$
36,569
$
76
$
259
$
36,904
$
4,219
Accrued interest on loans is excluded from the estimate of credit losses and totaled $18.9 million and $18.4 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Past Due and Nonaccrual Status
Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. 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.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Credit Quality Indicators
In June 2024, the Company updated its risk rating categories to add a 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.
The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans and periodically performs detailed internal reviews of all such loans that are part of relationships with over $750 thousand in total exposure to identify credit risks and to assess the overall collectability of the portfolio. These risk ratings are also subject to review by the Company’s regulators, external loan review, and internal loan review. During the internal reviews, management monitors and analyzes the financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries in which the borrowers operate and the fair values of collateral securing the loans. The risk rating is reviewed annually, at a minimum, and on an as needed basis depending on the specific circumstances of the loan. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan. Risk ratings are grouped into the following major categories:
Pass – a pass loan is a credit with no existing or known potential weaknesses deserving of management’s close attention.
Pass-Watch – 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 a special mention, substandard, or doubtful classification.
Special Mention – a special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the assets or in the institution's credit position at some future date. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.
Substandard – 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.
Doubtful – 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. There were no loans classified as Doubtful as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Modifications
There were no loan modifications to borrowers in financial distress during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. There were no modified loans to borrowers in financial distress outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Pledged Loans
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company pledged loans totaling $1.88 billion and $1.20 billion, respectively, to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (“FHLB”) to secure available FHLB advance borrowing capacity.
NOTE 5 – LOAN SERVICING
Mortgage loans serviced for others, which are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, amounted to $1.58 billion and $1.66 billion as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Activity in mortgage servicing rights was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Beginning balance
$
18,984
$
20,133
$
19,001
$
10,147
Acquired
—
—
—
10,469
Capitalized servicing rights
198
227
538
526
Fair value adjustments attributable to payments and principal reductions
(598)
(631)
(1,569)
(1,621)
Fair value adjustments attributable to changes in valuation inputs and assumptions
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets included the following:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Direct write-downs
$
(54)
$
(14)
$
(90)
$
(189)
Net gain on sales
10
564
105
632
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets
$
(44)
$
550
$
15
$
443
As of September 30, 2024, there were $0.2 million foreclosed one-to-four family residential real estate properties held. As of December 31, 2023, the carrying value of foreclosed one-to-four family residential real estate properties was $0.1 million.
As of September 30, 2024, there were 24 one-to-four family residential real estate loans in the process of foreclosure totaling $1.9 million. As of December 31, 2023, there were 16 one-to-four family residential real estate loans in the process of foreclosure totaling $1.2 million.
NOTE 7 – DEPOSITS
The Company’s deposits are summarized below:
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Noninterest-bearing deposits
$
1,008,359
$
1,072,407
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand
1,076,445
1,145,092
Money market
795,150
803,381
Savings
566,783
608,424
Time
803,964
627,253
Brokered
29,999
144,880
Total interest-bearing deposits
3,272,341
3,329,030
Total deposits
$
4,280,700
$
4,401,437
Reciprocal deposits included in interest-bearing demand deposits, money market deposits, and time deposits totaled $214.2 million and $236.8 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The aggregate amounts of time deposits in denominations of $250 thousand or more amounted to $214.1 million and $130.2 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The aggregate amounts of time deposits in denominations of $100 thousand or more amounted to $472.7 million and $342.8 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 8 – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments are negotiated contracts entered into by two issuing counterparties containing specific agreement terms, including the underlying instrument, amount, exercise price, and maturities. The derivatives accounting guidance requires that the Company recognize all derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company may utilize interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position.
Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
The Company designated certain interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges on variable-rate borrowings. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax, is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings.
The interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges were as follows:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Notional Amount
Fair Value
Notional Amount
Fair Value
Fair value recorded in other assets
$
7,000
$
71
$
17,000
$
322
As of September 30, 2024, the interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge matures in April 2025. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, counterparties had cash pledged and held on deposit by the Company of $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
The effect of interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated statements of income was as follows:
Location of gross gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income
Amounts of gross gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts of gross gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Interest Rate Swaps Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The Company may offer interest rate swap agreements to its commercial borrowers in connection with their risk management needs. The Company manages the interest rate risk associated with these contracts by entering into an equal and offsetting derivative with a third-party financial institution. While these interest rate swap agreements generally work together as an economic interest rate hedge, the Company did not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.
The interest rate swap agreements not designated as hedging instruments were as follows:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Notional Amount
Fair Value
Notional Amount
Fair Value
Fair value recorded in other assets:
Interest rate swaps with a commercial borrower counterparty
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Interest rate swaps with a financial institution counterparty
80,621
3,651
94,497
6,227
Total fair value recorded in other assets
$
80,621
$
3,651
$
94,497
$
6,227
Fair value recorded in other liabilities:
Interest rate swaps with a commercial borrower counterparty
$
80,621
$
(3,651)
$
94,497
$
(6,227)
Interest rate swaps with a financial institution counterparty
—
—
—
—
Total fair value recorded in other liabilities
$
80,621
$
(3,651)
$
94,497
$
(6,227)
As of September 30, 2024, the interest rate swap agreements not designated as hedging instruments had contractual maturities between 2027 and 2035.
The effect of interest rate contracts not designated as hedging instruments recognized in other noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income was as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities
(dollars in thousands)
Available-for-Sale
Held-to-Maturity
Derivatives
Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance, December 31, 2023
$
(48,579)
$
(8,549)
$
(35)
$
(57,163)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
20,603
—
54
20,657
Reclassifications
3,382
1,495
(305)
4,572
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
23,985
1,495
(251)
25,229
Income tax expense (benefit)
6,704
423
(72)
7,055
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax
17,281
1,072
(179)
18,174
Balance, September 30, 2024
$
(31,298)
$
(7,477)
$
(214)
$
(38,989)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance, December 31, 2022
$
(61,998)
$
(9,946)
$
185
$
(71,759)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(12,521)
—
219
(12,302)
Reclassifications
1,820
1,483
(334)
2,969
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(10,701)
1,483
(115)
(9,333)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(3,050)
422
(32)
(2,660)
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax
(7,651)
1,061
(83)
(6,673)
Balance, September 30, 2023
$
(69,649)
$
(8,885)
$
102
$
(78,432)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for unrealized gains (losses) on debt securities available-for-sale are included in either gains (losses) on sales of securities or provision for credit losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for unrealized gains on debt securities held-to-maturity are included in securities interest income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the fair value of derivative financial instruments represent net interest payments received or made on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. See Note 8 for additional information.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 10 – EARNINGS PER SHARE
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.
Diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method and reflects the potential dilution from the Company’s outstanding restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Numerator:
Net income
$
18,180
$
19,715
$
51,508
$
47,396
Earnings allocated to participating securities
—
(10)
—
(26)
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted
$
18,180
$
19,705
$
51,508
$
47,370
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding
31,559,366
31,829,250
31,600,442
31,598,650
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units
118,180
137,187
115,266
102,574
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 11 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company has adopted the HBT Financial, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”). The Omnibus Incentive Plan provides for grants of (i) stock options, (ii) stock appreciation rights, (iii) restricted shares, (iv) restricted stock units, (v) performance awards, (vi) other share-based awards and (vii) other cash-based awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Omnibus Incentive Plan is 1,820,000 shares.
The following is a summary of stock-based compensation expense (benefit):
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Restricted Stock Units
A restricted stock unit grants a participant the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock, following the completion of the requisite service period. Restricted stock units are classified as equity. Compensation cost is based on the Company’s stock price on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award. Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units, which are either accrued until vested, are classified as dividends charged to retained earnings.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the total grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted was $1.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, based on the grant date closing prices. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
The following is a summary of restricted stock unit activity:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance
108,865
$
19.71
129,422
$
19.58
Granted
—
—
—
—
Vested
—
—
—
—
Forfeited
(131)
19.06
(520)
21.23
Ending balance
108,734
$
19.71
128,902
$
19.57
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance
128,159
$
19.56
139,986
$
18.01
Granted
51,246
19.06
41,847
22.72
Vested
(70,540)
18.96
(51,693)
17.91
Forfeited
(131)
19.06
(1,238)
18.53
Ending balance
108,734
$
19.71
128,902
$
19.57
As of September 30, 2024, unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested restricted stock units was $1.1 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining service period of 1.6 years.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Performance Restricted Stock Units
A performance restricted stock unit is similar to a restricted stock unit, except that the number of shares of the Company’s common stock awarded is based on a performance condition and the completion of the requisite service period. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be earned ranges from 0% to 150% of the number of performance restricted stock units granted. Performance restricted stock units are classified as equity. Compensation cost is based on the Company’s stock price on the grant date and an assessment of the probable outcome of the performance condition. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the entire award. Changes in the performance condition probability assessment result in cumulative catch-up adjustments to the compensation cost recognized. Dividend equivalents on performance restricted stock units, which are accrued until vested, are classified as dividends charged to retained earnings.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the total fair value of the performance restricted stock units granted was $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, based on the grant date closing prices and an assessment of the probable outcome of the performance condition on the grant date. The total intrinsic value of performance restricted stock units that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $0.8 million.
The following is a summary of performance restricted stock unit activity:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Performance Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Performance Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance
70,333
$
19.59
79,097
$
18.25
Granted
—
—
—
—
Adjustment for performance condition
—
—
—
—
Vested
—
—
—
—
Forfeited
—
—
—
—
Ending balance
70,333
$
19.59
79,097
$
18.25
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Performance Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Performance Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance
79,097
$
18.25
62,067
$
17.02
Granted
19,933
19.06
17,030
22.72
Adjustment for performance condition
14,349
15.53
—
—
Vested
(43,046)
15.53
—
—
Forfeited
—
—
—
—
Ending balance
70,333
$
19.59
79,097
$
18.25
As of September 30, 2024, unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance restricted stock units was $0.4 million, based on the current assessment of the probable outcome of the performance conditions. This cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining service period of 1.3 years.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Stock Appreciation Rights
A stock appreciation right grants a participant the right to receive an amount of cash, the value of which equals the appreciation in the Company’s stock price between the grant date and the exercise date. Stock appreciation rights are classified as liabilities. The liability is based on an option-pricing model used to estimate the fair value of the stock appreciation rights. Compensation cost for non-vested stock appreciation rights is recognized on a straight line basis over the service period of the entire award.
The following is a summary of stock appreciation rights activity:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding
Weighted Average Grant Date Assigned Value
Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding
Weighted Average Grant Date Assigned Value
Beginning balance
73,440
$
16.32
73,440
$
16.32
Granted
—
—
—
—
Exercised
—
—
—
—
Expired
—
—
—
—
Forfeited
—
—
—
—
Ending balance
73,440
$
16.32
73,440
$
16.32
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Stock Appreciation Rights
Weighted Average Grant Date Assigned Value
Stock Appreciation Rights
Weighted Average Grant Date Assigned Value
Beginning balance
73,440
$
16.32
73,440
$
16.32
Granted
—
—
—
—
Exercised
—
—
—
—
Expired
—
—
—
—
Forfeited
—
—
—
—
Ending balance
73,440
$
16.32
73,440
$
16.32
As of September 30, 2024, all stock appreciation rights were exercisable and had a weighted average remaining term of 4.6 years. There was no unrecognized compensation cost for stock appreciation rights as of September 30, 2024.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the liability recorded for outstanding stock appreciation rights was $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The Company uses an option pricing model to value the stock appreciation rights, using the assumptions in the following table. Expected volatility is derived from the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price and a selected peer group of industry-related companies.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Risk-free interest rate
3.58
%
3.85
%
Expected volatility
37.23
%
37.37
%
Expected life (in years)
4.9
5.7
Expected dividend yield
3.47
%
3.22
%
As of December 31, 2023, the liability recorded for previously exercised stock appreciation rights was $0.2 million which was paid in 2024.
NOTE 12 – REGULATORY CAPITAL
The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are each subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Bank. Additionally, the ability of the Company to pay dividends to its stockholders is dependent upon the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company.
Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. As allowed under the regulations, the Company and the Bank elected to exclude accumulated other comprehensive income, including unrealized gains and losses on debt securities, in the computation of regulatory capital. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.
Additionally, the Company and the Bank must 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 is 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank each met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. The actual and required capital amounts and ratios of the Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank were as follows:
September 30, 2024
Actual
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
$
637,198
16.54
%
$
308,213
8.00
%
N/A
N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
557,890
14.48
231,160
6.00
N/A
N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
506,670
13.15
173,370
4.50
N/A
N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
557,890
11.16
199,919
4.00
N/A
N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
$
621,289
16.13
%
$
308,063
8.00
%
$
385,079
10.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
581,514
15.10
231,048
6.00
308,063
8.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
December 31, 2023
Actual
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
$
603,234
15.33
%
$
314,814
8.00
%
N/A
N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
527,964
13.42
236,110
6.00
N/A
N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
476,789
12.12
177,083
4.50
N/A
N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
527,964
10.49
201,231
4.00
N/A
N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
$
586,604
14.92
%
$
314,496
8.00
%
$
393,119
10.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
550,808
14.01
235,872
6.00
314,496
8.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
550,808
14.01
176,904
4.50
255,528
6.50
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
550,808
10.96
201,063
4.00
251,329
5.00
NOTE 13 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2 - Significant observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing as asset or liability.
The Company uses fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities on a recurring basis, such as investment securities, mortgage servicing rights, and derivatives. For assets measured at the lower of cost or fair value, the fair value measurement criteria may or may not be met during a reporting period, and such measurements are therefore considered "nonrecurring" for purposes of disclosing the Company's fair value measurements. Fair value is used on a nonrecurring basis to adjust carrying values for loans held for sale, collateral-dependent loans, bank premises held for sale, and foreclosed assets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Recurring Basis
The following is a description of the methods and significant assumptions used to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities on a recurring basis.
Investment Securities
When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of securities; such items are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. For the Company’s securities where quoted prices are not available for identical securities in an active market, the Company determines fair value utilizing vendors who apply matrix pricing for similar bonds where no price is observable or may compile prices from various sources. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curve, volatility factors, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace. Fair values from these models are verified, where possible, against quoted market prices for recent trading activity of assets with similar characteristics to the security being valued. Such methods are generally classified as Level 2; however, when prices from independent sources vary, cannot be obtained or cannot be corroborated, a security is generally classified as Level 3. The change in fair value of debt securities available-for-sale is recorded through an adjustment to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The change in fair value of equity securities with readily determinable fair values is recorded through an adjustment to the consolidated statement of income.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
The Company has elected to record its mortgage servicing rights at fair value. Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, the Company determines the fair value of mortgage servicing rights by estimating the fair value of the future cash flows associated with the mortgage loans being serviced as calculated by an independent third party. Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of mortgage servicing rights include, but are not limited to, prepayment speeds and discount rates. Due to the nature of the valuation inputs, mortgage servicing rights are classified as Level 3. The change in fair value is recorded through an adjustment to the consolidated statement of income.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest rate swap agreements are carried at fair value as determined by dealer valuation models. Based on the inputs used, the derivative financial instruments subjected to recurring fair value adjustments are classified as Level 2. For derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments, the change in fair value is recorded through an adjustment to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. For derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the change in fair value is recorded through an adjustment to the consolidated statement of income.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 by level within the fair value hierarchy:
September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Level 1 Inputs
Level 2 Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Total Fair Value
Debt securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury
$
—
$
132,372
$
—
$
132,372
U.S. government agency
—
57,299
—
57,299
Municipal
—
137,872
—
137,872
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential
—
203,249
—
203,249
Agency commercial
—
121,092
—
121,092
Corporate
—
58,419
—
58,419
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values
3,364
—
—
3,364
Mortgage servicing rights
—
—
17,496
17,496
Derivative financial assets
—
3,722
—
3,722
Derivative financial liabilities
—
3,651
—
3,651
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Level 1 Inputs
Level 2 Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Total Fair Value
Debt securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury
$
148,622
$
—
$
—
$
148,622
U.S. government agency
—
52,097
—
52,097
Municipal
—
205,557
—
205,557
Mortgage-backed:
Agency residential
—
173,984
—
173,984
Agency commercial
—
127,012
—
127,012
Corporate
—
52,189
—
52,189
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The following tables present additional information about the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the mortgage servicing rights (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2024
Fair Value
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Inputs
Range (Weighted Average)
Mortgage servicing rights
$
17,496
Discounted cash flows
Constant pre-payment rates (CPR)
1.9% to 94.3% (9.1%)
Discount rate
9.0% to 15.3% (9.5%)
December 31, 2023
Fair Value
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Inputs
Range (Weighted Average)
Mortgage servicing rights
$
19,001
Discounted cash flows
Constant pre-payment rates (CPR)
6.2% to 49.4% (8.4%)
Discount rate
9.0% to 37.3% (9.6%)
Nonrecurring Basis
The following is a description of the methods and significant assumptions used to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis.
Loans Held for Sale
Mortgage loans originated and held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The Company obtains quotes or bids on these loans directly from purchasing financial institutions. Typically, these quotes include a premium on the sale and thus these quotes generally indicate fair value of the held for sale loans is greater than cost. Loans held for sale have been classified as Level 2.
Collateral-Dependent Loans
Periodically, a collateral-dependent loan is evaluated individually and is reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. If the collateral value is not sufficient, a specific reserve is recorded. Collateral values are estimated using recent appraisals and customized discounting criteria. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, fair values of collateral-dependent loans have been classified as Level 3.
Bank Premises Held for Sale
Bank premises held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, at the date classified as held for sale. Values are estimated using recent appraisals and customized discounting criteria. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, fair values of collateral-dependent loans have been classified as Level 3.
Foreclosed Assets
Foreclosed assets are recorded at fair value based on property appraisals, less estimated selling costs, at the date of the transfer. Subsequent to the transfer, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs. Values are estimated using recent appraisals and customized discounting criteria. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, fair values of collateral-dependent loans have been classified as Level 3.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 by level within the fair value hierarchy:
September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Level 1 Inputs
Level 2 Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Total Fair Value
Loans held for sale
$
—
$
2,959
$
—
$
2,959
Collateral-dependent loans
—
—
28,244
28,244
Bank premises held for sale
—
—
317
317
Foreclosed assets
—
—
376
376
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Level 1 Inputs
Level 2 Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Total Fair Value
Loans held for sale
$
—
$
2,318
$
—
$
2,318
Collateral-dependent loans
—
—
32,685
32,685
Foreclosed assets
—
—
852
852
The following tables present quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2024
Fair Value
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Inputs
Range (Weighted Average)
Collateral-dependent loans
$
28,244
Appraisal of collateral
Appraisal adjustments
Not meaningful
Bank premises held for sale
317
Appraisal
Appraisal adjustments
7% (7%)
Foreclosed assets
376
Appraisal
Appraisal adjustments
7% (7%)
December 31, 2023
Fair Value
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Inputs
Range
(Weighted Average)
Collateral-dependent loans
$
32,685
Appraisal of collateral
Appraisal adjustments
Not meaningful
Foreclosed assets
852
Appraisal
Appraisal adjustments
7% (7%)
Other Fair Value Methods
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures of its other financial instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values.
Restricted Stock
The carrying amount of FHLB stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the FHLB.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Loans
The fair value estimation process for the loan portfolio uses an exit price concept and reflects discounts the Company believes are consistent with discounts in the marketplace. Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial and industrial, agricultural and farmland, commercial real estate – owner occupied, commercial real estate – non-owner occupied, multi-family, construction and land development, one-to-four family residential, and municipal, consumer, and other. The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for similar maturities. The fair value analysis also includes other assumptions to estimate fair value, intended to approximate those a market participant would use in an orderly transaction, with adjustments for discount rates, interest rates, liquidity, and credit spreads, as appropriate.
Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
The fair values of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries are presumed to approximate carrying amounts.
Time and Brokered Time Deposits
Fair values of certificates of deposit with stated maturities have been estimated using the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at rates currently offered for similar instruments. Time deposits also include public funds time deposits.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
The fair values of repurchase agreements with variable interest rates are presumed to approximate their recorded carrying amounts.
FHLB Advances
The fair values of FHLB advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on current rates offered for borrowings with similar remaining maturities and characteristics.
Subordinated Notes
The fair values of subordinated notes are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates observed on recent debt issuances by other financial institutions.
Junior Subordinated Debentures
The fair values of subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates observed on recent debt issuances by other financial institutions.
Accrued Interest
The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The following table provides summary information on the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s other financial instruments:
(dollars in thousands)
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Carrying Amount
Estimated Fair Value
Carrying Amount
Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Level 1
$
179,671
$
179,671
$
141,252
$
141,252
Debt securities held-to-maturity
Level 2
505,075
463,259
521,439
466,496
Restricted stock
Level 3
5,086
5,086
7,160
7,160
Loans, net
Level 3
3,328,864
3,352,088
3,364,369
3,349,540
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries
Level 3
1,614
1,614
1,614
1,614
Accrued interest receivable
Level 2
24,160
24,160
24,534
24,534
Financial liabilities:
Time deposits
Level 3
803,964
799,328
627,253
619,682
Brokered time deposits
Level 3
29,999
30,003
144,880
144,944
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Level 2
29,029
29,029
42,442
42,442
FHLB advances
Level 3
13,435
13,414
12,623
12,621
Subordinated notes
Level 3
39,533
37,931
39,474
36,993
Junior subordinated debentures
Level 3
52,834
47,686
52,789
48,529
Accrued interest payable
Level 2
6,677
6,677
6,969
6,969
The Company estimated the fair value of lending related commitments as described in Note 14 to be immaterial based on limited interest rate exposure due to their variable nature, short-term commitment periods, and termination clauses provided in the agreements.
Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair values have been estimated using data which management considered the best available and estimation methodologies deemed suitable for the pertinent category of financial instrument.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 14 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Financial Instruments
The Bank is party to credit-related financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
Such commitments and conditional obligations were as follows:
Contractual Amount
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Commitments to extend credit
$
873,649
$
869,013
Standby letters of credit
23,560
23,732
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, by the Bank upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies, but may include real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, and equipment, and income-producing properties.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support extensions of credit. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. The Bank secures the standby letters of credit with the same collateral used to secure the related loan.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Lending-related Commitments
The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancelable by the Company. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and is adjusted through a charge to provision for credit loss expense on the consolidated statements of income. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments was $4.1 million and $3.8 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Legal Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company, or its subsidiaries, are involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from pending proceedings would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
DeBaere, et al v. Heartland Bank and Trust Company
The Bank was a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit filed in June 2020, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. The plaintiff, a customer of the Bank, alleges that the Bank breached its contract with the plaintiff by (1) charging multiple insufficient funds fees or overdraft fees on a single customer-initiated transaction, and (2) charging overdraft fees for transactions that were authorized on a positive account balance, but when settled, settled into a negative balance.
Miller, et al v. State Bank of Lincoln and Heartland Bank and Trust Company
The Bank was a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit filed in May 2020, in the Circuit Court of Logan County, Illinois. The plaintiff, a customer of State Bank of Lincoln, which previously merged with the Bank, alleges that the Bank breached its contract with the plaintiff by charging multiple insufficient funds fees or overdraft fees on a single customer-initiated transaction.
On May 15, 2023, the Bank reached an agreement in principle to settle both the DeBaere, et al and Miller, et al cases in which the Bank would make one-time cash payments totaling $3.4 million, without admitting fault, to release the Bank from further liability and claims in both the cases.
Definitive settlement agreements reflecting the terms of the agreement in principle were approved by the Court on December 15, 2023 in the DeBaere, et al case and on February 16, 2024 in the Miller, et al case. The Bank made the one-time cash payments totaling $3.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. The settlements do not include any admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Bank, and the Bank expressly denies any liability or wrongdoing with respect to any matter alleged in the Class Action and Receiver’s Action. The Bank agreed to the settlements to avoid the cost, risks and distraction of continued litigation. The Company believes the settlements are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
An initial $2.6 million accrual was recognized in other noninterest expense during the fourth quarter of 2022, reflecting management’s best estimate at that time, and an additional $0.8 million accrual was recognized in other noninterest expense during the second quarter of 2023, following the agreement in principle to settle both the DeBaere, et al and Miller, et al cases.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
John Pickett v. Town and Country Bank
The Bank is a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit filed in October 2023, in the Circuit Court of Sangamon County, Illinois. The plaintiff, a customer of Town and Country Bank, which previously merged with the Bank, alleges that the Bank breached its contract with the plaintiff by charging overdraft fees for transactions that were authorized on a positive account balance, but when settled, settled into a negative balance.
On March 29, 2024, the Bank reached an agreement in principle to settle this case in which the Bank would make a one-time cash payment of $0.3 million, without admitting fault, to release the Bank from further liability and claims in the case.
A definitive settlement agreement reflecting the terms of the agreement in principle was approved by the Court on July 9, 2024. The Bank made the one-time cash payment of $0.3 million during the third quarter of 2024. The settlement does not include any admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Bank, and the Bank expressly denies any liability or wrongdoing with respect to any matter alleged in the case. The Bank has agreed to the settlement to avoid the cost, risks, and distraction of continued litigation. The Company believes the settlement is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
An initial accrual of $0.2 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting management's best estimate at that time, and an additional $0.1 million accrual was recorded during the first quarter of 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $0.2 million accrued related to this matter.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company v. Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community Association, Inc.
This lawsuit arises out of a suit filed in the Circuit Court of Woodford County, Illinois, (the "Trial Court") by the Bank for breach of a note and commercial security agreement. The defendant, Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community Association, Inc. ("Meadows"), a beneficiary of a trust for which Bank was trustee, filed a counterclaim for rescission of the note seeking compensatory and punitive damages, including attorneys’ fees. In September 2024, the Appellate Court of Illinois Fourth District (the "Appellate Court") entered an order directing that summary judgment should be entered in favor of Meadows and against the Bank, rescinding the note and commercial security agreement. The Appellate Court remanded the case to the Trial Court which will now determine Meadows' compensatory and punitive damages, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.
The Bank intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit. However, the Company believes an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible at this time, as that term is used in assessing loss contingencies. The Company is unable to predict when the matter will be resolved or potential costs or damages to be incurred.
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 September 30, 2024 (unaudited), as compared with December 31, 2023, and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (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, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2024. Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained for the year ended December 31, 2024, 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 and eastern Iowa. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had total assets of $5.0 billion, loans held for investment of $3.4 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion.
Market Area
As of September 30, 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:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Loans
Deposits
Loans
Deposits
Central
$
1,665,342
$
2,956,607
$
1,693,794
$
3,094,305
Chicago MSA
1,368,243
1,213,096
1,406,348
1,197,865
Illinois
3,033,585
4,169,703
3,100,142
4,292,170
Iowa
336,245
110,997
304,275
109,267
Total
$
3,369,830
$
4,280,700
$
3,404,417
$
4,401,437
Town and Country 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 million, total loans held for investment of $635 million, and total deposits of $720 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.
There were no acquisition-related expenses during 2024 or during the third and fourth quarter of 2023. Acquisition-related expenses totaled $13.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 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.
FACTORS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Below are selected factors that could affect the Company’s operating results.For a fuller discussion of the factors that could have a material impact on the operations and future prospects of the Company, see the "Risk Factors" section included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2024.
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 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), 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; however, this depends upon the timing and extent of interest rate fluctuations and may not always be the case.
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 regional and national 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.
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. Additionally, widespread adoption of faster payment and instant payment technologies could require us to substantially increase our expenditures on technology and cybersecurity 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 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. The Company expects to exit its status as an emerging growth company as of December 31, 2024.
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $18.2 million, decreasing by $1.5 million, or 7.8%, when compared to net income for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Notable changes include the following:
•A $1.5 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the third quarter of 2024 results;
•Net losses of $0.8 million realized on the sale of debt securities included in the third quarter of 2023 results not present in the third quarter of 2024 results;
•A $0.7 million increase in salaries expense, primarily driven by annual merit increases;
•A $0.5 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; and
•A $0.6 million decrease in income tax expense, primarily reflecting lower pre-tax income resulting from the above items.
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $51.5 million, increasing by $4.1 million, or 8.7%, when compared to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Notable changes include the following:
•There were no Town and Country acquisition-related expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $13.7 million of acquisition-related expenses incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2023;
•Net losses of $3.4 million were realized on the sale of debt securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net losses of $1.8 million realized during the nine months ended September 30, 2023;
•A $2.5 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 $1.5 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the 2024 results, compared to a $0.5 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the 2023 results; and
•A $2.1 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 26.4% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 25.7% during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. We expect this write-down to be earned back over several years through reduced tax expense.
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 tables set 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.
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
52,827
1,012
7.63
52,767
938
7.05
Total interest-bearing liabilities
3,429,180
$
16,384
1.90
%
3,353,195
$
10,762
1.27
%
Noninterest-bearing deposits
1,013,893
1,105,472
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
39,903
46,564
Total liabilities
4,482,976
4,505,231
Stockholders' Equity
523,745
459,601
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
5,006,721
$
4,964,832
Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)
$
47,733
3.98
%
$
48,279
4.07
%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)
552
0.05
675
0.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)
$
48,285
4.03
%
$
48,954
4.13
%
Net interest rate spread (4)
3.45
%
3.70
%
Net interest-earning assets (5)
$
1,340,291
$
1,355,136
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
1.39
1.40
Cost of total deposits
1.35
%
0.69
%
Cost of funds
1.47
0.96
_________________________________________________
*Annualized measure.
(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.
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
52,812
2,889
7.31
51,054
2,582
6.76
Total interest-bearing liabilities
3,435,892
$
47,453
1.84
%
3,286,980
$
23,600
0.96
%
Noninterest-bearing deposits
1,031,239
1,123,917
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
38,943
46,310
Total liabilities
4,506,074
4,457,207
Stockholders' Equity
506,582
445,576
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
5,012,656
$
4,902,783
Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)
$
141,449
3.96
%
$
143,988
4.14
%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)
1,680
0.05
2,092
0.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)
$
143,129
4.01
%
$
146,080
4.20
%
Net interest rate spread (4)
3.45
%
3.86
%
Net interest-earning assets (5)
$
1,337,586
$
1,363,013
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
1.39
1.41
Cost of total deposits
1.31
%
0.45
%
Cost of funds
1.42
0.72
_________________________________________________
*Annualized measure.
(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.
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.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
vs.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
vs.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Total
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Total
(dollars in thousands)
Volume
Rate
Volume
Rate
Interest-earning assets:
Loans
$
1,292
$
2,779
$
4,071
$
8,806
$
10,259
$
19,065
Debt securities
(726)
301
(425)
(2,879)
674
(2,205)
Deposits with banks
1,246
270
1,516
3,486
1,032
4,518
Other
(48)
(38)
(86)
(96)
32
(64)
Total interest-earning assets
1,764
3,312
5,076
9,317
11,997
21,314
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand
(52)
699
647
(157)
2,403
2,246
Money market
401
2,299
2,700
1,087
8,639
9,726
Savings
(28)
175
147
(87)
703
616
Time
2,272
2,155
4,427
5,823
8,910
14,733
Brokered
(513)
30
(483)
1,111
35
1,146
Total interest-bearing deposits
2,080
5,358
7,438
7,777
20,690
28,467
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
(5)
104
99
(17)
325
308
Borrowings
(1,443)
(546)
(1,989)
(4,012)
(1,217)
(5,229)
Subordinated notes
1
(1)
—
3
(3)
—
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
1
73
74
91
216
307
Total interest-bearing liabilities
634
4,988
5,622
3,842
20,011
23,853
Change in net interest income
$
1,130
$
(1,676)
$
(546)
$
5,475
$
(8,014)
$
(2,539)
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $47.7 million, decreasing $0.5 million, or 1.1%, when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease is primarily attributable to an increase in funding costs which were mostly offset by higher yields on interest-earning assets and an increase in interest-earning assets.
Net interest margin decreased to 3.98% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.07% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to increases in funding costs outpacing increases in interest-earning asset yields. The contribution of acquired loan discount accretion to net interest margin was flat for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, remaining at 10 basis points.
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $141.4 million, decreasing $2.5 million, or 1.8%, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.14% for the nine months ended September 30, 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 increased to 10 basis points during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 9 basis points during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The quarterly net interest margins were as follows:
2024
2023
Three months ended:
March 31
3.94
%
4.20
%
June 30
3.95
4.16
September 30
3.98
4.07
December 31
—
3.93
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.
In September 2024, the Federal Open Markets Committee ("FOMC") lowered the target range for the federal funds rate by 50 basis points to a range of 4.75% to 5.00%. 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.
The following table sets forth the components of provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Loans
$
746
$
983
$
1,983
$
5,004
Unfunded lending-related commitments
(143)
297
323
1,456
Debt securities
—
(800)
—
—
Total provision for credit losses
$
603
$
480
$
2,306
$
6,460
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $0.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a $0.5 million provision during the three months ended September 30, 2023. The third quarter of 2024 provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $1.2 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in economic forecasts; a $0.2 million increase in required reserves resulting from qualitative factor changes; a $0.6 million decrease in required reserves driven by decreased loan balances and changes within the loan portfolio; and a $0.2 million decrease in specific reserves.
Additionally, the 2023 results included the reversal of an allowance for credit losses of $0.8 million on debt securities available-for-sale related to one bank subordinated debt security after a merger announcement by the issuer.
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The 2024 provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $3.9 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in qualitative factors; a $0.1 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in economic forecasts; a $1.0 million decrease in specific reserves on individually evaluated loans; and a $0.7 million decrease in required reserves driven by changes within the loan portfolio.
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.
Additionally, the 2023 results included the establishment of an allowance for credit losses of $0.8 million on debt securities available-for-sale during the first half of 2023, related to one bank subordinated debt security, which was later reversed during the third quarter of 2023 after a merger announcement by the issuer of the bank subordinated debt security.
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.
The following table sets forth the major categories of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Card income
$
2,753
$
2,763
$
(10)
(0.4)
%
$
8,254
$
8,326
$
(72)
(0.9)
%
Wealth management fees
2,670
2,381
289
12.1
7,840
6,998
842
12.0
Service charges on deposit accounts
2,081
2,040
41
2.0
5,852
5,830
22
0.4
Mortgage servicing
1,113
1,169
(56)
(4.8)
3,279
3,522
(243)
(6.9)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment
(1,488)
23
(1,511)
NM
(1,505)
(460)
(1,045)
NM
Gains on sale of mortgage loans
461
476
(15)
(3.2)
1,202
1,125
77
6.8
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities
—
(813)
813
NM
(3,382)
(1,820)
(1,562)
NM
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities
136
(46)
182
NM
24
(61)
85
NM
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets
(44)
550
(594)
NM
15
443
(428)
(96.6)
Gains (losses) on other assets
(2)
52
(54)
NM
(637)
161
(798)
NM
Income on bank owned life insurance
170
153
17
11.1
500
415
85
20.5
Other noninterest income
855
742
113
15.2
2,499
2,362
137
5.8
Total
$
8,705
$
9,490
$
(785)
(8.3)
%
$
23,941
$
26,841
$
(2,900)
(10.8)
%
_________________________________________________
NM Not meaningful.
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Total noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $8.7 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 8.3%, from the three months ended September 30, 2023. Notable changes in noninterest income include the following:
•A $1.5 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included the third quarter of 2024 results, primarily due to changes in the prepayment and future interest rate assumptions utilized in the valuations, compared to a $23 thousand positive mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the third quarter 2023 results;
•Realized losses of $0.8 million on the sale of securities recognized during the third quarter of 2023, which were not present in the third quarter 2024 results;
•A $44 thousand loss on foreclosed assets was recognized during the third quarter of 2024, compared to a $0.6 million gain on foreclosed assets during the third quarter of 2023, primarily related to the sale of one property; and
•A $0.3 million increase in wealth management fees, driven by higher values of assets under management.
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Total noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $23.9 million, a decrease of $2.9 million, or 10.8%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Notable changes in noninterest income include the following:
•Net losses of $3.4 million were realized on the sale of debt securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net losses of $1.8 million realized during the nine months ended September 30, 2023;
•A $1.5 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the 2024 results, primarily due to changes in the prepayment and future interest rate assumptions utilized in the valuations, compared to a $0.5 million negative mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment included in the 2023 results;
•Impairment losses on bank premises of $0.6 million related to the closure of two branch premises, now held for sale, were recognized during 2024 which were not present in the 2023 results; and
•A $0.8 million increase in wealth management fees, driven by higher values of assets under management.
The following table sets forth the major categories of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Salaries
$
16,325
$
15,644
$
681
4.4
%
$
49,346
$
51,715
$
(2,369)
(4.6)
%
Employee benefits
2,997
2,616
381
14.6
8,662
7,658
1,004
13.1
Occupancy of bank premises
2,695
2,573
122
4.7
7,520
7,460
60
0.8
Furniture and equipment
446
667
(221)
(33.1)
1,544
2,135
(591)
(27.7)
Data processing
2,640
2,581
59
2.3
8,171
9,787
(1,616)
(16.5)
Marketing and customer relations
1,380
1,679
(299)
(17.8)
3,372
3,874
(502)
(13.0)
Amortization of intangible assets
710
720
(10)
(1.4)
2,130
1,950
180
9.2
FDIC insurance
572
512
60
11.7
1,697
1,705
(8)
(0.5)
Loan collection and servicing
476
345
131
38.0
1,403
971
432
44.5
Foreclosed assets
19
76
(57)
(75.0)
78
234
(156)
(66.7)
Other noninterest expense
3,062
3,258
(196)
(6.0)
9,176
13,088
(3,912)
(29.9)
Total
$
31,322
$
30,671
$
651
2.1
%
$
93,099
$
100,577
$
(7,478)
(7.4)
%
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Total noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $31.3 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 2.1%, from the three months ended September 30, 2023. Notable changes in noninterest expense include the following:
•A $0.7 million increase in salaries expense, primarily driven by annual merit increases;
•A $0.4 million increase in benefits, primarily attributable to higher medical benefits expenses; and
•A $0.3 million decrease in marketing and customer relations expense.
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Total noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $93.1 million, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 7.4%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Notable changes in noninterest expense include the following:
•There were no Town and Country acquisition-related noninterest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, but acquisition-related noninterest expenses totaled $7.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023;
•Excluding Town and Country acquisition-related expenses, the $1.2 million increase in salaries expense was primarily driven by annual merit increases;
•Excluding Town and Country acquisition-related expenses, the $1.0 million increase in benefits expense was primarily attributable to higher medical benefits expenses; and
•Excluding Town and Country acquisition-related expenses, the $1.9 million decrease in other noninterest expense primarily reflects the absence of $0.8 million of legal fees and $0.8 million of accruals related to litigation matters disclosed in Note 14 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recorded income tax expense of $6.3 million, or an effective tax rate of 25.8%, and $6.9 million, or an effective tax rate of 25.9%, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recorded income tax expense of $18.5 million, or an effective tax rate of 26.4%, and $16.4 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, recognized during the second quarter of 2024, as a result of an Illinois tax change.
Notable changes in our consolidated balance sheet include the following:
•Debt securities decreased $65.5 million, largely due to the sale of $66.8 million of municipal securities with sales proceeds used to reduce wholesale funding. Additionally, paydowns, maturities, and calls of debt securities generated another $85.2 million of cash proceeds with $67.3 million being reinvested into debt securities at currently higher yields;
•Loans decreased by $34.6 million, driven by lower line of credit utilization and early payoffs of loans; and
•The $120.7 million decrease in total deposits was primarily attributable to a $114.9 million decrease in brokered deposits. Deposit balances continued to shift towards higher cost deposit products, such as time deposits which increased $176.7 million, including the addition of $65.0 million of time deposits from a State of Illinois loan matching program that are a lower cost source of funding.
Loan Portfolio
The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio, excluding loans held-for-sale, by type of loan.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Balance
Percent
Balance
Percent
Commercial and industrial
$
395,598
11.7
%
$
427,800
12.6
%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
288,838
8.6
295,842
8.7
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
889,188
26.4
880,681
25.9
Construction and land development
359,151
10.7
363,983
10.7
Multi-family
432,712
12.8
417,923
12.3
One-to-four family residential
472,040
14.0
491,508
14.4
Agricultural and farmland
297,102
8.8
287,294
8.4
Municipal, consumer, and other
235,201
7.0
239,386
7.0
Loans, before allowance for credit losses
3,369,830
100.0
%
3,404,417
100.0
%
Allowance for credit losses
(40,966)
(40,048)
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses
$
3,328,864
$
3,364,369
Loans, before allowance for credit losses were $3.37 billion at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $34.6 million, or 1.0%, from December 31, 2023. Notable changes include the following:
•A $12.5 million decrease in line of credit utilization, including $13.2 million drawn on two customers' lines of credit in late December 2023 that paid off in early January 2024;
•A $14.8 million increase in multi-family loans and a $8.5 million increase in commercial real estate – non-owner occupied loans primarily attributable to completed construction projects transferred from the construction and land development category, partially offset by early payoffs; and
•A $4.8 million decrease in construction loans primarily attributable to transfers of completed projects into other categories, partially offset by draws on existing construction projects and new construction loans to existing customers.
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 September 30, 2024 was as follows:
September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Balance
Substandard Risk Rating
Health care and social assistance
$
38,975
$
330
Auto repair and dealers
34,214
—
Accommodation and food services
32,342
4,099
Retail trade
27,304
—
Manufacturing
26,149
—
Construction
18,035
1,149
Real estate, rental, and leasing
16,017
—
Grain elevators
14,046
—
Administrative and support services
12,177
—
Other services (except public administration)
11,934
—
Wholesale trade
9,528
—
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
9,123
80
Professional, scientific, and technical services
8,478
—
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
7,290
—
Education services
6,628
1,373
Finance and insurance
5,510
—
Other
11,088
—
Total
$
288,838
$
7,031
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 September 30, 2024 was as follows:
September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Balance
Substandard Risk Rating
Weighted Average LTV(1)
Warehouse and manufacturing
$
192,420
$
—
56
%
Retail
171,269
9,228
56
Office
157,809
4,879
57
Senior Living
103,893
12,937
56
Hotel
88,233
10,848
55
Mixed use (commercial and residential)
67,126
—
64
Medical office
34,261
—
59
Gas station
24,963
—
62
Auto repair and dealers
17,464
—
51
Restaurant and bar
13,967
—
61
Other
17,783
—
55
Total
$
889,188
$
37,892
57
%
________________
(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 $432.7 million as of September 30, 2024 and are primarily made based on projected cash flows from the rental or sale of the underlying collateral. As of September 30, 2024, 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.
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 all 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. A sampling of the loan portfolio is also reviewed by the Bank’s internal loan review function annually, in addition to an annual third-party review of the portfolio.
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 since the fourth quarter of 2022. 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.
The following table summarizes the scheduled maturities of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 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 Less
After 1 Year Through 5 Years
After 5 Years Through 15 Years
After 15 Years
Total
Commercial and industrial
$
229,644
$
138,609
$
27,345
$
—
$
395,598
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
45,603
157,538
73,139
12,558
288,838
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
185,394
556,746
143,969
3,079
889,188
Construction and land development
172,888
161,859
15,237
9,167
359,151
Multi-family
88,154
294,539
48,689
1,330
432,712
One-to-four family residential
53,084
194,265
99,684
125,007
472,040
Agricultural and farmland
132,235
120,370
39,721
4,776
297,102
Municipal, consumer, and other
89,041
45,975
70,470
29,715
235,201
Total
$
996,043
$
1,669,901
$
518,254
$
185,632
$
3,369,830
The following table summarizes loans maturing after one year, segregated into variable and fixed interest rates.
The following table sets forth information concerning nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets as of each of the dates indicated.
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual
$
8,200
$
7,820
Past due 90 days or more, still accruing
5
37
Total nonperforming loans
8,205
7,857
Foreclosed assets
376
852
Total nonperforming assets
$
8,581
$
8,709
Nonperforming loans that are wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government
$
2,046
$
2,641
Allowance for credit losses
$
40,966
$
40,048
Loans, before allowance for credit losses
3,369,830
3,404,417
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses
1.22
%
1.18
%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans
499.59
512.12
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans
499.28
509.71
Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses
0.24
0.23
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses
0.24
0.23
Nonperforming assets to total assets
0.17
0.17
Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for credit losses, and foreclosed assets
0.25
0.26
Total nonperforming assets were $8.6 million at September 30, 2024, remaining relatively stable from December 31, 2023. Additionally, of the $8.2 million of nonperforming loans held as of September 30, 2024, $2.0 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)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Pass
$
3,157,434
$
3,241,889
Pass-watch
109,743
98,206
Special mention (1)
27,632
—
Substandard
75,021
64,322
Total
$
3,369,830
$
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 $49.9 million, or 30.7%, from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024, primarily attributable to the downgrade of one construction and land development credit, three non-owner occupied commercial real estate credits, and two farmland-secured credits to the pass-watch risk classification.
The following table summarizes net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans by loan category.
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Commercial and industrial
$
707
$
1
$
1,165
$
(30)
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
(4)
—
(8)
(11)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
(329)
156
(586)
(82)
Construction and land development
—
(44)
(2)
(52)
Multi-family
—
(280)
188
(280)
One-to-four family residential
81
(32)
4
(101)
Agricultural and farmland
(2)
(2)
(10)
(4)
Municipal, consumer, and other
133
135
314
264
Total
$
586
$
(66)
$
1,065
$
(296)
Average loans
Commercial and industrial
$
395,431
$
393,231
$
402,807
$
360,233
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
282,143
291,969
291,371
290,025
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
885,529
895,384
885,021
867,277
Construction and land development
373,218
360,319
364,598
366,372
Multi-family
424,879
378,775
422,968
360,842
One-to-four family residential
484,247
492,094
487,949
471,483
Agricultural and farmland
290,426
264,110
284,465
247,598
Municipal, consumer, and other
243,426
220,821
235,696
219,811
Total
$
3,379,299
$
3,296,703
$
3,374,875
$
3,183,641
Charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans *
Commercial and industrial
0.71
%
—
%
0.39
%
(0.01)
%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
(0.01)
—
—
(0.01)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
(0.15)
0.07
(0.09)
(0.01)
Construction and land development
—
(0.05)
—
(0.02)
Multi-family
—
(0.29)
0.06
(0.10)
One-to-four family residential
0.07
(0.03)
—
(0.03)
Agricultural and farmland
—
—
—
—
Municipal, consumer, and other
0.22
0.24
0.18
0.16
Total
0.07
%
(0.01)
%
0.04
%
(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 following 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.
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 September 30, 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.
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:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Percent Change in Average Balance
2024
2023
(dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Percent of
Total Deposits
Weighted
Average Cost *
Average Balance
Percent of
Total Deposits
Weighted
Average Cost *
Noninterest-bearing
$
1,013,893
23.5
%
—
%
$
1,105,472
26.5
%
—
%
(8.3)
%
Interest-bearing demand
1,085,609
25.2
0.52
1,160,654
27.8
0.26
(6.5)
Money market
800,651
18.6
2.35
682,772
16.4
1.18
17.3
Savings
573,077
13.3
0.27
639,384
15.3
0.15
(10.4)
Time
804,379
18.7
3.81
519,683
12.4
2.50
54.8
Brokered
29,996
0.7
5.54
66,776
1.6
5.34
(55.1)
Total deposits
$
4,307,605
100.0
%
1.35
%
$
4,174,741
100.0
%
0.69
%
3.2
%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Percent Change in Average Balance
2024
2023
(dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Percent of
Total Deposits
Weighted
Average Cost *
Average Balance
Percent of
Total Deposits
Weighted
Average Cost *
Noninterest-bearing
$
1,031,239
23.8
%
—
%
$
1,123,917
27.2
%
—
%
(8.2)
%
Interest-bearing demand
1,112,198
25.7
0.50
1,204,937
29.1
0.21
(7.7)
Money market
800,693
18.5
2.37
664,036
16.1
0.90
20.6
Savings
592,134
13.7
0.28
678,495
16.4
0.12
(12.7)
Time
744,349
17.2
3.72
441,760
10.7
1.82
68.5
Brokered
50,046
1.1
5.49
22,987
0.5
5.30
117.7
Total deposits
$
4,330,659
100.0
%
1.31
%
$
4,136,132
100.0
%
0.45
%
4.7
%
_________________________________________________
*Annualized measure.
The increase in average deposit balances in 2024 compared to 2023 is primarily attributable to wealth management customer reciprocal deposits brought on balance sheet in December 2023, which increased average money market deposits by $128.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and by $134.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, the Town and Country merger added $720.4 million of deposits on February 1, 2023.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $30.0 million of wholesale brokered deposits outstanding which matured and were repaid in October 2024. 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 September 30, 2024:
(dollars in thousands)
3 Months or Less
Over 3 through 6 Months
Over 6 through 12 Months
Over 12 Months
Total
Time and brokered time deposits:
Amounts less than $100,000
$
124,343
$
127,943
$
74,311
$
34,710
$
361,307
Amounts of $100,000 or more but less than $250,000
83,069
107,366
51,809
16,310
258,554
Amounts of $250,000 or more
56,098
95,522
55,682
6,800
214,102
Total time and brokered time deposits
$
263,510
$
330,831
$
181,802
$
57,820
$
833,963
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank’s uninsured deposits were estimated to be $967.5 million and $867.7 million, respectively.
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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our on-balance sheet sources of liquidity included the following:
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 September 30, 2024, our current borrowings and additional available borrowing capacity were as follows:
September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Current Balance
Additional Available Capacity
FHLB
$
13,435
$
1,019,179
Federal Reserve
—
104,665
Federal funds lines of credit
—
80,000
Total
$
13,435
$
1,203,844
Further, the Bank could utilize brokered deposits as an additional source of liquidity, as needed.
As of September 30, 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 September 30, 2024, 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 September 30, 2024, the Holding Company had cash and cash equivalents of $17.9 million.
The Holding Company’s main source of funding is dividends declared and paid to it by the Bank. 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 such limitations will not impact the Holding Company’s ability to meet its ongoing short-term or intermediate-term cash obligations. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Bank paid $8.0 million and $12.0 million in dividends to the Holding Company, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Bank paid $26.0 million and $52.0 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 three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, holding company operating expenses consisted of interest expense of $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and other operating expenses of $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, holding company operating expenses consisted of interest expense of $4.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively, and other operating expenses of $3.1 million and $4.6 million, respectively.
Additionally, the Holding Company paid $6.0 million and $5.4 million of dividends to stockholders during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and paid $18.1 million and $16.4 million of dividends to stockholders during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2024, the Holding Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures.
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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 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.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
With Capital
Conservation Buffer (1)
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions (2)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
16.54
%
15.33
%
10.50
%
N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
14.48
13.42
8.50
N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
13.15
12.12
7.00
N/A
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
11.16
10.49
4.00
N/A
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
16.13
%
14.92
%
10.50
%
10.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
15.10
14.01
8.50
8.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
15.10
14.01
7.00
6.50
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
11.64
10.96
4.00
5.00
_________________________________________________
(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 September 30, 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
During 2023, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.17 per share. On January 23, 2024, the Company announced an increase of $0.02 and paid a $0.19 per share dividend during the first, second, and third quarters of 2024.
The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company’s Board of Directors have authorized the repurchase of up to $15.0 million of its common stock under its stock repurchase program in effect until January 1, 2025. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $10.6 million remaining under the current stock repurchase authorization.
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 14 – 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 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.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 Measure
Definition
How 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 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.
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.
_________________________________________________
(1)Tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income
$
18,180
$
19,715
$
51,508
$
47,396
Adjustments:
Acquisition expenses (1)
—
—
—
(13,691)
Gains (losses) on closed branch premises
—
—
(635)
75
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities
—
(813)
(3,382)
(1,820)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment
(1,488)
23
(1,505)
(460)
Total adjustments
(1,488)
(790)
(5,522)
(15,896)
Tax effect of adjustments (2)
424
226
1,574
4,382
Total adjustments after tax effect
(1,064)
(564)
(3,948)
(11,514)
Adjusted net income
$
19,244
$
20,279
$
55,456
$
58,910
Average assets
$
5,006,721
$
4,964,832
$
5,012,656
$
4,902,783
Return on average assets *
1.44
%
1.58
%
1.37
%
1.29
%
Adjusted return on average assets *
1.53
1.62
1.48
1.61
_________________________________________________
* Annualized measure.
(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%.
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)
—
(10)
—
(26)
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted
$
18,180
$
19,705
$
51,508
$
47,370
Adjusted net income
$
19,244
$
20,279
$
55,456
$
58,910
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)
—
(10)
—
(33)
Numerator for adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted
$
19,244
$
20,269
$
55,456
$
58,877
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding
31,559,366
31,829,250
31,600,442
31,598,650
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units
118,180
137,187
115,266
102,574
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares
31,677,546
31,966,437
31,715,708
31,701,224
Earnings per share - Basic
$
0.58
$
0.62
$
1.63
$
1.50
Earnings per share - Diluted
$
0.57
$
0.62
$
1.62
$
1.49
Adjusted earnings per share - Basic
$
0.61
$
0.64
$
1.75
$
1.86
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted
$
0.61
$
0.63
$
1.75
$
1.86
_________________________________________________
(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.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Managing risk is an essential part of successfully managing a financial institution. Our most prominent risk exposures are interest rate risk and credit risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk inherent in the normal course of lending and deposit-taking activities. Interest rate risk is the potential reduction of net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates. Management believes that our ability to successfully respond to changes in interest rates will have a significant impact on our financial results. To that end, management actively monitors and manages our interest rate exposure.
The Company’s Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”), which is authorized by the Company’s board of directors, monitors our interest rate sensitivity and makes decisions relating to that process. The ALCO’s goal is to structure our asset/liability composition to maximize net interest income while managing interest rate risk so as to minimize the adverse impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income and capital in either a rising or declining interest rate environment. Profitability is affected by fluctuations in interest rates. A sudden and substantial change in interest rates may adversely impact our earnings because the interest rates borne by assets and liabilities do not change at the same speed, to the same extent or on the same basis.
We monitor the impact of changes in interest rates on our net interest income and economic value of equity (“EVE”) using rate shock analysis. Net interest income simulations measure the short-term earnings exposure from changes in market rates of interest in a rigorous and explicit fashion. Our current financial position is combined with assumptions regarding future business to calculate net interest income under varying hypothetical rate scenarios. EVE measures our long-term earnings exposure from changes in market rates of interest. EVE is defined as the present value of assets minus the present value of liabilities at a point in time. A decrease in EVE due to a specified rate change indicates a decline in the long-term earnings capacity of the balance sheet assuming that the rate change remains in effect over the life of the current balance sheet.
The base and shock scenarios in the rate shock analysis assume a static balance sheet, static interest rates, no changes to product mix shift, and cash flow reinvestment at current market interest rates. We also make assumptions for our deposit betas and asset prepayments, based on historical experience.
Deposit Betas
Deposit pricing changes are primarily driven by changes in the Federal Funds rate, with the relationship between deposit rates and Federal Funds rate defined as deposit beta. We define cumulative deposit beta as the change in our quarterly cost of deposits divided by the change in the upper level of the stated Federal Funds rate range from the fourth quarter of 2021 through the second quarter of 2024, the most recent rising rate cycle. During this period, our cumulative deposit beta was 23.6%.
Asset Prepayments
We include prepayment assumptions for both our loan and securities portfolios, based on historical experience. Generally, mortgage portfolio prepayments increase in lower rate environments, while commercial and consumer portfolios have historically remained more consistent throughout rate cycles.
The following table sets forth the estimated impact on our EVE and net interest income of immediate and parallel changes in interest rates at the specified levels.
Change in Interest Rates (basis points)
Estimated Increase (Decrease) in EVE
Increase (Decrease) in Estimated Net Interest Income
Year 1
Year 2
September 30, 2024
+400
23.0
%
6.0
%
12.5
%
+300
19.2
4.8
9.8
+200
14.1
3.9
7.3
+100
7.8
2.5
4.4
-100
(10.0)
(4.4)
(6.4)
-200
(16.3)
(6.2)
(10.8)
-300
(8.9)
(6.7)
(13.8)
-400
(2.8)
(7.6)
(15.6)
December 31, 2023
+400
10.7
%
7.5
%
13.0
%
+300
9.7
5.8
10.3
+200
7.1
3.4
6.4
+100
4.2
1.4
3.1
-100
(6.3)
(4.4)
(6.1)
-200
(13.2)
(7.1)
(11.2)
-300
(4.5)
(9.5)
(16.0)
-400
5.4
(10.2)
(17.3)
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes in EVE and net interest income requires that we make certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. The EVE and net interest income table presented above assumes that the composition of our interest-rate-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and, accordingly, the data does not reflect any actions that we may undertake in response to changes in interest rates, such as changes in rates paid on certain deposit accounts based on local competitive factors, which could change the actual impact on EVE and net interest income. The table also assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration to maturity or the repricing characteristics of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the EVE and net interest income table provides an indication of our sensitivity to interest rate changes at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that borrowers or counterparties will be unable or unwilling to repay their obligations in accordance with the underlying contractual terms. We manage and control credit risk in the loan portfolio by adhering to well-defined underwriting criteria and account administration standards established by management. Our loan policy documents underwriting standards, approval levels, exposure limits and other limits or standards deemed necessary and prudent. Portfolio diversification at the borrower, industry, and product levels is actively managed to mitigate concentration risk. In addition, credit risk management also 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.
An evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other members of the Company’s senior management. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2024, the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is: (i) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
We are sometimes party to legal actions that are routine and incidental to our business. Management, in consultation with legal counsel, does not expect the ultimate disposition of any or a combination of these matters to have a material adverse effect on our assets, business, cash flow, financial condition, liquidity, prospects and results of operations; however, given the nature, scope and complexity of the extensive legal and regulatory landscape applicable to our business, including laws and regulations governing consumer protection, fair lending, fair labor, privacy, information security, and anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, we, like all banking organizations, are subject to heightened legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2024.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On December 19, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $15.0 million of its common stock. The stock repurchase program will be in effect until January 1, 2025, with the timing of purchases and number of shares repurchased dependent upon a variety of factors including price, trading volume, corporate and regulatory requirements, and market conditions. The Company is not obligated to purchase any shares under the stock repurchase program, and the stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice.
The following table sets forth information about the Company’s purchases of its common stock during the third quarter of 2024:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in thousands)
During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibits 101).
_________________________________________________
*This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
HBT FINANCIAL, INC.
October 30, 2024
By:
/s/ Peter R. Chapman
Peter R. Chapman
Chief Financial Officer
(on behalf of the registrant and as principal financial officer)