Equity Bancshares Q1 2024 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Equity Bancshares reported a net income of $14.1 million, or $0.90 earnings per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The company completed its merger with Rockhold Bancorp and realized expansion in net interest income and net interest margin.
Earnings per diluted share were $0.90, or $1.03 adjusted to exclude merger expenses and opening balance sheet provisioning.
The company completed the acquisition of Rockhold Bancorp, adding eight locations, $118.7 million in loans, and $349.6 million in deposits.
Gross loans held-for-investment expanded by $149.3 million, or $30.6 million excluding the acquisition, representing 3.70% annualized growth.
Net interest income reached an all-time high of $44.2 million, with net interest margin expanding to 3.75%.
Equity Bancshares
Equity Bancshares
Forward Guidance
The conversion of systems related to the acquisition will not be completed until the middle of the second quarter 2024. Following conversion, cost saves are expected to be fully realized.
Positive Outlook
- Cost saves are expected to be fully realized following the conversion of systems related to the acquisition in the middle of the second quarter 2024.
- The company is positioned to take advantage of opportunities which are expected to drive operating growth.
- The team's strategic skillset and cultivated relationships within the banking community facilitated the completion of the merger with the Bank of Kirksville.
- Retail and commercial teams throughout the footprint continued to build customer relationships and provide value to business and consumer customers.
- Equity is positioned to continue to pursue strategic growth opportunities, both organically and through mergers.
Challenges Ahead
- Elevated inflation
- Supply chain issues
- The impact of monetary policy on consumers and businesses
- Investments in tax credit structures are not made as of the end of the quarter, and they are not considered in establishing the quarterly tax expense reserve.
- Merger expenses.