HBT Financial, Inc. filed a mixed shelf offering with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that authorizes the bank to issue up to $150 million in securities over a 12‑month period. The filing, made on February 20, 2026, does not commit the bank to any specific issuance but establishes a ready source of capital that can be tapped for growth, refinancing, or strategic acquisitions.
The mixed shelf structure allows HBT to issue a combination of common stock, preferred stock, and debt instruments. By keeping the shelf open, the bank can respond quickly to market conditions and business needs without the time‑consuming process of a full public offering. The flexibility is particularly valuable as HBT pursues the pending acquisition of CNB Bank, which was announced on October 20, 2025 and is expected to close on or around February 27, 2026 after regulatory approvals were obtained on January 30, 2026.
HBT’s Q4 2025 results provide context for the shelf’s strategic use. Net income fell to $18.94 million from $20.27 million a year earlier, while diluted earnings per share dropped to $0.60 from $0.64. Net interest income rose to $50.54 million from $47.4 million, reflecting a modest improvement in the bank’s core interest‑earning business. The bank’s balance sheet remains strong, with total assets of $5.1 billion, loans of $3.5 billion, and deposits of $4.4 billion. Management highlighted the results in a Q4 earnings call, noting that “our fourth quarter results wrapped up a very successful 2025, with adjusted net income of $20.1 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, underpinned by strong balance‑sheet growth, excellent asset quality, and a resilient net interest margin.”
The market has responded positively to HBT’s recent performance. Early February 2026 saw the bank’s stock reach a new 52‑week high of $29.37, and analysts maintained a “Moderate Buy” consensus rating. The bank was also named #1 on Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Banks list, underscoring its strong growth, credit quality, profitability, and shareholder returns. Capital return initiatives—raising the quarterly dividend to $0.23 and approving a $30 million stock‑repurchase program—further reinforce investor confidence.
The shelf offering, combined with HBT’s robust financial position and strategic expansion into the St. Louis market through the CNB Bank acquisition, positions the bank to capitalize on growth opportunities without delay. By keeping the shelf open, HBT can quickly fund acquisitions, refinance existing debt, or support organic growth initiatives, thereby enhancing its capital flexibility and reinforcing its community‑banking model.
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