HBT Financial caps 2025 with Illinois expansion and new buyback program

HBT Financial (NASDAQ:HBT) reported fourth-quarter 2025 results that showcased stable profitability and a robust balance sheet, while charting a path for significant growth in 2026 through a newly announced definitive agreement to acquire CNB Bank Shares.

The company posted net income of $18.9 million ($0.60 per diluted share) for the quarter.

On an adjusted basis, excluding one-time items, net income reached $20.1 million ($0.64 per diluted share).

This performance was underpinned by a healthy net interest margin of 4.12%, which remained nearly stable despite the broader industry pressure on funding costs, dipping only one basis point from the prior quarter.

The acquisition of CNB Bank Shares marks a significant expansion of HBT's regional footprint.

The deal is expected to create a combined institution with enhanced scale across Illinois and Missouri.

To complement this growth strategy, the board authorized a new $30 million share repurchase program that runs through January 1, 2027, signaling confidence in the company’s capital position and future cash flow.

The bank's internal metrics also remained strong throughout the final quarter of the year.

Loans increased by $56.2 million, representing a 6.6% annualized growth rate, while deposits held steady at $4.36 billion.

Most notably, tangible book value per share rose to $17.20, a significant 16.2% year-over-year increase that highlights the bank's ability to compound capital.

Asset quality remained a highlight for the Bloomington-based lender.

Nonperforming assets stood at just 0.17% of total assets, with annualized net charge-offs at a low 0.10%.