Equity Bancshares, Inc. Annual Report 2023

FY2023 Annual Report · Equity Bancshares, Inc.
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T he foundation of Equity Bank is built on 

delivering value to customers, team 
members, and stockholders, throughout 

our communities, our interactions, and our 
approach.

In 2023, we continued to achieve milestones for 
the Equity Bank brand, including our move to 
the New York Stock Exchange, which our teams 
celebrated by ringing the closing bell in May 2023. 

Throughout these pages, you’ll see our Equity 
team members in action during a 2023 
committed to our principles of tangible book 
value growth, maximizing our return on assets, 
offering sophisticated best-in-class banking 
services, and driving customer expansion.  
A bell’s ring symbolizes the start of a journey. 
Thank you for your continued trust in EQBK.

Table of Contents
2

Letter to Stockholders

4

Selected Financial Highlights

8

Community Focus

10

Board of Directors & Leadership

12

Leadership & Timeline

14

All Employee Meeting & Timeline

16

We Never Forget It’s Your Money

17

Annual Report on Form 10-K

1

Clockwise from top left, opposite page: Equity Bank decorated the American Eagle 
Building in Times Square to celebrate its bell ringing. Brad Elliott, Chairman and 
CEO of EQBK, visited with Judy Shaw of NYSE’s Floor Talk. The Equity Bank 
Board of Directors and Leadership team outside the NYSE in New York, NY. Brad 
signs the registry for EQBK’s new listing with John Tuttle, Vice Chairman and Chief 
Commercial Officer for NYSE Group.

To My Fellow
To My Fellow

Stockholders
Stockholders

One of the features of community banking is the wide range of 
One of the features of community banking is the wide range of 

industries, people, locations, and stories you discover. It’s one of the 
industries, people, locations, and stories you discover. It’s one of the 

reasons so many of us commit to a career serving for community 
reasons so many of us commit to a career serving for community 

banks. I believe, in 2023, it’s one of the factors that continued to 
banks. I believe, in 2023, it’s one of the factors that continued to 

propel Equity Bank forward: a consistent resource for customers, 
propel Equity Bank forward: a consistent resource for customers, 

team members, and shareholders amid a changing world. 
team members, and shareholders amid a changing world. 

Change doesn’t slow down. As we continued to evolve the Equity 
Change doesn’t slow down. As we continued to evolve the Equity 

Brad Elliott visited with second graders from Griffith Elementary in Wichita.  
Brad Elliott visited with second graders from Griffith Elementary in Wichita.  
As part of a field trip, the students traveled to Equity Bank and presented a 
As part of a field trip, the students traveled to Equity Bank and presented a 
business plan to launch a flower sales business.
business plan to launch a flower sales business.

brand in 2024, we’re reminded that banks are successful when 
brand in 2024, we’re reminded that banks are successful when 

We’ve continued to support new technologies with talent behind the 
We’ve continued to support new technologies with talent behind the 

we meet customers where they are. That’s been a core component 
we meet customers where they are. That’s been a core component 

scenes, helping ensure continuous delivery to our customers. This 
scenes, helping ensure continuous delivery to our customers. This 

of our service to customers in more than 70 communities while 
of our service to customers in more than 70 communities while 
growing our Company during our last 20 years. 
growing our Company during our last 20 years. 

Our slogan, We Never Forget It’s Your Money, signiﬁes who we are as 
Our slogan, We Never Forget It’s Your Money(cid:540)(cid:1)(cid:242)(cid:189)(cid:181)(cid:216)(cid:189)(cid:290)(cid:169)(cid:242)(cid:1)(cid:269)(cid:186)(cid:222)(cid:1)(cid:269)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:238)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:242)(cid:1)
a Company, as bankers, as teammates, and it took full stage – along 
a Company, as bankers, as teammates, and it took full stage – along 
with our diversiﬁed industry and deposit mix – in March 2023 as 
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our industry weathered a conﬁdence crisis brought on by struggles 
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of two large, prominent lenders serving speciﬁc industries. Behind 
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the scenes, our sales, service and support teams mobilized to 
the scenes, our sales, service and support teams mobilized to 

We meet customers on their 
We meet customers on their 
terms, when they need us.
terms, when they need us.

meet with customers throughout our regions. Led by Brad Daniel, 
meet with customers throughout our regions. Led by Brad Daniel, 
Mark Parman, and Justin Harris as Regional CEOs, our bankers 
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reported that our customers trusted us. They appreciated us. Those 
reported that our customers trusted us. They appreciated us. Those 
conversations led to enhanced relationships. That’s what community 
conversations led to enhanced relationships. That’s what community 
bankers do. We meet customers on their terms, when they need us.
bankers do. We meet customers on their terms, when they need us.

includes Chief Information Ofﬁcer, David Pass, our Digital Channel 
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President, Charlton Laird, and many others who helped work together 
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with Julie Huber, our EVP of Strategic Initiatives. The future of 
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banking includes digital, and we continue to grow our customers’ 
banking includes digital, and we continue to grow our customers’ 
ability to connect with their money.
ability to connect with their money.

We’ve also enhanced our product base, including a refresh of our 
We’ve also enhanced our product base, including a refresh of our 
checking account lineup with early paycheck access for customers, 
checking account lineup with early paycheck access for customers, 
and the addition of SimplyInvest, an automated investing app in 
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partnership with Marstone. With low minimum thresholds and 
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automation, SimplyInvest is a bridge for younger consumers new to 
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investing. It’s a great supplement to our Equity Financial Services 
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Group and Equity Trust and Wealth Management teams. Finally, we 
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continue to leverage technology to acquire competitive, low-cost 
continue to leverage technology to acquire competitive, low-cost 
deposits nationally, with our direct banking brand, Brilliant Bank. 
deposits nationally, with our direct banking brand, Brilliant Bank. 
New and nimble product development is a must for community 
New and nimble product development is a must for community 
banks, and our Chief Marketing Ofﬁcer, John Hanley, and Chief 
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Deposit Strategy Ofﬁcer Jonathan Roop, help us develop and deliver 
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new products in tune with customer needs.
new products in tune with customer needs.

That’s helped us grow loans responsibly and prudently, and we’ve 
That’s helped us grow loans responsibly and prudently, and we’ve 
been consistent in our approach to the market, remaining available 
been consistent in our approach to the market, remaining available 
and accessible while competitors may be paused from lending, or 
and accessible while competitors may be paused from lending, or 
slowing in velocity. 
slowing in velocity. 

One of our key core values is entrepreneurial spirit, and I believe that 
One of our key core values is entrepreneurial spirit, and I believe that 
allows us to innovate whenever possible, but it’s also a differentiator 
allows us to innovate whenever possible, but it’s also a differentiator 
for our customers and team members. It allows for our continued 
for our customers and team members. It allows for our continued 
elevation of talent within Equity Bank, and for our attraction of key 
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leaders with strong track records.
leaders with strong track records.

Throughout 2023, this held true in our continued implementation of 
Throughout 2023, this held true in our continued implementation of 
technological solutions, innovations, and processes designed to better 
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help our teams and our customers. We’ve consistently invested in 
help our teams and our customers. We’ve consistently invested in 
emerging technologies that help our customers communicate, including 
emerging technologies that help our customers communicate, including 
Live Chat functionality on equitybank.com, and Virtual Assistant 
Live Chat functionality on equitybank.com, and Virtual Assistant 
functionality coming in 2024. We’ve implemented 30 video teller 
functionality coming in 2024. We’ve implemented 30 video teller 
locations into our footprint, as a supplement to talented retail teams 
locations into our footprint, as a supplement to our talented retail 
with additive capabilities for customer service beyond banking hours. 
teams, with capabilities for customer service beyond banking hours. 

Rick Sems joined us as President in May 2023, and has helped us 
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continue to focus on a high operating tempo within our lending 
continue to focus on a high operating tempo within our lending 
and deposit production, while continuing to reﬁne our sales and 
(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:164)(cid:1)(cid:164)(cid:169)(cid:234)(cid:222)(cid:242)(cid:189)(cid:250)(cid:1)(cid:234)(cid:238)(cid:222)(cid:164)(cid:256)(cid:158)(cid:250)(cid:189)(cid:222)(cid:216)(cid:540)(cid:1)(cid:269)(cid:186)(cid:189)(cid:208)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:158)(cid:222)(cid:216)(cid:250)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:256)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:181)(cid:1)(cid:250)(cid:222)(cid:1)(cid:238)(cid:169)(cid:290)(cid:216)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:222)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:242)(cid:145)(cid:208)(cid:169)(cid:242)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:164)(cid:1)
marketing approach. We reﬁned our mission statement in 2023, 
(cid:214)(cid:145)(cid:238)(cid:205)(cid:169)(cid:250)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:181)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:234)(cid:234)(cid:238)(cid:222)(cid:145)(cid:158)(cid:186)(cid:539)(cid:1)(cid:124)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:238)(cid:169)(cid:290)(cid:216)(cid:169)(cid:164)(cid:1)(cid:222)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:214)(cid:189)(cid:242)(cid:242)(cid:189)(cid:222)(cid:216)(cid:1)(cid:242)(cid:250)(cid:145)(cid:250)(cid:169)(cid:214)(cid:169)(cid:216)(cid:250)(cid:1)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:1)(cid:444)(cid:442)(cid:444)(cid:445)(cid:540)(cid:1)
which better aligns our focus with our goals: Our mission is to 
(cid:269)(cid:186)(cid:189)(cid:158)(cid:186)(cid:1)(cid:156)(cid:169)(cid:293)(cid:169)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:208)(cid:189)(cid:181)(cid:216)(cid:242)(cid:1)(cid:222)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:179)(cid:222)(cid:158)(cid:256)(cid:242)(cid:1)(cid:269)(cid:189)(cid:250)(cid:186)(cid:1)(cid:222)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:181)(cid:222)(cid:145)(cid:208)(cid:242)(cid:541) Our mission is to 
empower and uplift the ﬁnancial well-being of our clients and the 
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communities we serve, creating a great culture to grow our team 
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members, while providing a strong return for our stockholders.
(cid:215)(cid:170)(cid:215)(cid:156)(cid:170)(cid:241)(cid:245)(cid:542)(cid:1)(cid:273)(cid:187)(cid:190)(cid:209)(cid:170)(cid:1)(cid:237)(cid:241)(cid:224)(cid:272)(cid:190)(cid:165)(cid:190)(cid:217)(cid:182)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:1)(cid:245)(cid:254)(cid:241)(cid:224)(cid:217)(cid:182)(cid:1)(cid:241)(cid:170)(cid:254)(cid:260)(cid:241)(cid:217)(cid:1)(cid:180)(cid:224)(cid:241)(cid:1)(cid:224)(cid:260)(cid:241)(cid:1)(cid:245)(cid:254)(cid:224)(cid:158)(cid:206)(cid:187)(cid:224)(cid:209)(cid:165)(cid:170)(cid:241)(cid:245)(cid:541)

2
2

In December we announced our merger with Rockhold Ban-Corp 
In December we announced our merger with Rockhold BanCorp 
and Bank of Kirksville, Missouri.
and Bank of Kirksville, Missouri.

Brad joined a CEO panel at the annual ABA 
Brad joined a CEO panel at the annual ABA 
Marketing Conference in Austin, Texas in September 
Marketing Conference in Austin, Texas in September 
2023, discussing the importance of the CEO and 
2023, discussing the importance of the CEO and 
marketing relationship.
marketing relationship.

We promoted Chris Navratil to Chief Financial 

We promoted Chris Navratil to Chief Financial 

the history of Equity Bancshares. We’ve worked 
the history of Equity Bancshares. We’ve worked 

Ofﬁcer in 2023 after ﬁve years within Equity, to 

(cid:77)(cid:179)(cid:290)(cid:158)(cid:169)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:1)(cid:444)(cid:442)(cid:444)(cid:445)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:179)(cid:250)(cid:169)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:290)(cid:268)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:275)(cid:169)(cid:145)(cid:238)(cid:242)(cid:1)(cid:269)(cid:189)(cid:250)(cid:186)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:1)(cid:26)(cid:237)(cid:256)(cid:189)(cid:250)(cid:275)(cid:540)(cid:1)(cid:250)(cid:222)(cid:1)

tirelessly to build a brand that delivers, wherever 
tirelessly to build a brand that delivers, wherever 

continue to elevate our ﬁnancial performance. 

(cid:158)(cid:222)(cid:216)(cid:250)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:256)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:250)(cid:222)(cid:1)(cid:169)(cid:208)(cid:169)(cid:268)(cid:145)(cid:250)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:222)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:290)(cid:216)(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:158)(cid:189)(cid:145)(cid:208)(cid:1)(cid:234)(cid:169)(cid:238)(cid:179)(cid:222)(cid:238)(cid:214)(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:158)(cid:169)(cid:539)(cid:1)

our customers are, and we have the team – nearly 
our customers are, and we have the team – nearly 

We also promoted Krzysztof Slupkowski to 

(cid:124)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:208)(cid:242)(cid:222)(cid:1)(cid:234)(cid:238)(cid:222)(cid:214)(cid:222)(cid:250)(cid:169)(cid:164)(cid:1)(cid:61)(cid:238)(cid:280)(cid:275)(cid:242)(cid:280)(cid:250)(cid:222)(cid:179)(cid:1)(cid:97)(cid:208)(cid:256)(cid:234)(cid:205)(cid:222)(cid:269)(cid:242)(cid:205)(cid:189)(cid:1)(cid:250)(cid:222)(cid:1)
Chief Credit Ofﬁcer. Since joining Equity,  both 

(cid:15)(cid:186)(cid:189)(cid:169)(cid:179)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:238)(cid:169)(cid:164)(cid:189)(cid:250)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:179)(cid:290)(cid:158)(cid:169)(cid:238)(cid:539)(cid:1)(cid:97)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:158)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:201)(cid:222)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:181)(cid:1)(cid:26)(cid:237)(cid:256)(cid:189)(cid:250)(cid:275)(cid:540)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:156)(cid:222)(cid:250)(cid:186)(cid:1)

Chris and Krzysztof have done exactly what our 

(cid:15)(cid:186)(cid:238)(cid:189)(cid:242)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:164)(cid:1)(cid:61)(cid:238)(cid:280)(cid:275)(cid:242)(cid:280)(cid:250)(cid:222)(cid:179)(cid:1)(cid:186)(cid:145)(cid:268)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:164)(cid:222)(cid:216)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:169)(cid:274)(cid:145)(cid:158)(cid:250)(cid:208)(cid:275)(cid:1)(cid:269)(cid:186)(cid:145)(cid:250)(cid:1)(cid:222)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)
value of entrepreneurial spirit suggests – they’ve 

value of entrepreneurial spirit suggests – they’ve 

800 people in over 70 communities – ready to 
800 people in over 70 communities – ready to 

keep doing that. 

keep doing that. 

Meeting customers where they are. That’s truly 
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improved our performance, our processes, and 

improved our performance, our processes, and 

Equity Bank, and that’s truly the concept of Equity. 
Equity Bank, and that’s truly the concept of Equity. 

our teamwork as a Company. Our Chief Human 

(cid:222)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:250)(cid:169)(cid:145)(cid:214)(cid:269)(cid:222)(cid:238)(cid:205)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:242)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:222)(cid:214)(cid:234)(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:275)(cid:539)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:186)(cid:189)(cid:169)(cid:179)(cid:1)(cid:44)(cid:256)(cid:214)(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:1)

It’s in the name. Thank you for your support and 
It’s in the name. Thank you for your support and 

Resources Ofﬁcer, Ann Knutson, arrived at Equity 

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thank you for choosing Equity Bancshares. 
thank you for choosing Equity Bancshares. 

in 2023, helping us to reﬁne our approach to 

(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:1)(cid:444)(cid:442)(cid:444)(cid:445)(cid:540)(cid:1)(cid:186)(cid:169)(cid:208)(cid:234)(cid:189)(cid:216)(cid:181)(cid:1)(cid:256)(cid:242)(cid:1)(cid:250)(cid:222)(cid:1)(cid:238)(cid:169)(cid:290)(cid:216)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:222)(cid:256)(cid:238)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:234)(cid:234)(cid:238)(cid:222)(cid:145)(cid:158)(cid:186)(cid:1)(cid:250)(cid:222)(cid:1)
employee recruitment, development, engagement 

employee recruitment, development, engagement 

and retention.

and retention.

I feel as positive about our team looking into 

I feel as positive about our team looking into 
2024 and beyond as I have at any point during 

2024 and beyond as I have at any point during 

Brad Elliott 
(cid:13)(cid:238)(cid:145)(cid:164)(cid:1)(cid:26)(cid:208)(cid:208)(cid:189)(cid:222)(cid:293) 
Chairman and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer
(cid:15)(cid:186)(cid:145)(cid:189)(cid:238)(cid:214)(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:1)(cid:145)(cid:216)(cid:164)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:186)(cid:189)(cid:169)(cid:179)(cid:1)(cid:26)(cid:274)(cid:169)(cid:158)(cid:256)(cid:250)(cid:189)(cid:268)(cid:169)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:179)(cid:290)(cid:158)(cid:169)(cid:238)

Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of 
This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the management of Equity Bancshares, Inc. 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the management of Equity Bancshares, Inc. 
(“Equity”, “we”, “us”, “our, “company”) with respect to, among other things, future events and Equity’s financial performance. These statements are often, but 
(“Equity”, “we”, “us”, “our, “company”) with respect to, among other things, future events and Equity’s financial performance. These statements are often, but 
not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” 
not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” 
“will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or 
“will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or 
other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature.  These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, 
other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature.  These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, 
estimates  and  projections  about  Equity’s  industry,  management’s  beliefs  and  certain  assumptions  made  by  management,  many  of  which,  by  their  nature, 
estimates  and  projections  about  Equity’s  industry,  management’s  beliefs  and  certain  assumptions  made  by  management,  many  of  which,  by  their  nature, 
are inherently uncertain and beyond Equity’s control. Accordingly, Equity cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 
are inherently uncertain and beyond Equity’s control. Accordingly, Equity cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 
performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although Equity believes that the expectations reflected in these 
performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although Equity believes that the expectations reflected in these 
forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by 
forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by 
the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Equity’s expectations include competition from other financial 
the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Equity’s expectations include competition from other financial 
institutions and bank holding companies; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal 
institutions and bank holding companies; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal 
Reserve Board; changes in the demand for loans; fluctuations in value of collateral and loan reserves; inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; 
Reserve Board; changes in the demand for loans; fluctuations in value of collateral and loan reserves; inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; 
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; and acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; and similar variables. The foregoing 
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; and acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; and similar variables. The foregoing 
list of factors is not exhaustive.
list of factors is not exhaustive.

For discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, please refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking 
For discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, please refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking 
Statements”  and  “Risk  Factors”  in  Equity’s Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  March  7,  2024,  and  any 
Statements”  and  “Risk  Factors”  in  Equity’s Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  March  7,  2024,  and  any 
updates to those risk factors set forth in Equity’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. If one or more events related 
updates to those risk factors set forth in Equity’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. If one or more events related 
to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Equity’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what 
to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Equity’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what 
Equity anticipates. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as 
Equity anticipates. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as 
of the date on which it is made, and Equity does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result 
of the date on which it is made, and Equity does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result 
of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is not possible for 
of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is not possible for 
us to predict those events or how they may affect us. In addition, Equity cannot assess the impact of each factor on Equity’s business or the extent to which 
us to predict those events or how they may affect us. In addition, Equity cannot assess the impact of each factor on Equity’s business or the extent to which 
any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking 
any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking 
statements, expressed or implied, included in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should 
statements, expressed or implied, included in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should 
also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Equity or persons acting on Equity’s behalf may issue.
also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Equity or persons acting on Equity’s behalf may issue.

*NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 
*Indicates non-GAAP financial measure. Please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
*Indicates non-GAAP financial measure. Please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations
and Results of Operations” for reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
– Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure
**Adjusted Net Income plus intangible amortization after-tax, divided by average tangible common equity.

$5.0  B
(cid:1550)(cid:1141)(cid:1235)(cid:1136)(cid:1228)(cid:1228)(cid:28)

assets
assets

$4.1 B
(cid:1550)(cid:1140)(cid:1235)(cid:1137)(cid:1228)(cid:28)

deposits
deposits

$3.3 B
(cid:1550)(cid:1139)(cid:1235)(cid:1139)(cid:1228)(cid:28)

loans
loans

$48.9 M*
(cid:1550)(cid:1140)(cid:1144)(cid:1235)(cid:1145)(cid:1228)(cid:105)*

adjusted operating  
adjusted net income
net income

(cid:1137)(cid:1140)(cid:1235)(cid:1139)(cid:1137)(cid:1405)*,**
14.33%**

adjusted return  
adjusted return  
on tangible 
on tangible 
common equity
common equity

15.48%
(cid:1137)(cid:1141)(cid:1235)(cid:1140)(cid:1144)(cid:1405)

total capital ratio
total capital ratio

3.45%
(cid:1139)(cid:1235)(cid:1140)(cid:1142)(cid:1405)

net interest margin
net interest margin

3

3

Financial Highlights & Performance
Financial Highlights & Performance

Dollars in thousands, except per share data
Dollars in thousands, except per share data

STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA

Interest and dividend income
Interest and dividend income

$ 
$ 

175,499 $ 
175,499 $ 

155,561 $ 
155,561 $ 

157,368 $ 
157,368 $ 

188,248 $ 
188,248 (cid:1550)(cid:1228)

246,712
(cid:1138)(cid:1140)(cid:1142)(cid:1236)(cid:1143)(cid:1137)(cid:1138)

As of December 31
As of December 31

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

202 2
202 2

20 23
20 23

Interest expense
Interest expense

Net interest income
Net interest income

Provision for credit losses
Provision for credit losses

Net gain on acquisition
Net gain on acquisition

Net Gain/Loss on Securities Transactions
Net Gain/Loss on Securities Transactions

Total non-interest income
Total non-interest income

Merger expense
Merger expense

Total non-interest expense
Total non-interest expense

Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes

Net income allocable to common stockholders
Net income allocable to common stockholders

Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

49,641
49,641

125,858
125,858

18,354
18,354

-
-

14
14

24,988
24,988

915
915

99,635
99,635

32,857
32,857

7,278
7,278

25,579
25,579

1.64
1.64

1.61
1.61

22,909
22,909

132,652
132,652

24,255
24,255

2,145
2,145

11
11

26,023
26,023

299
299

208,990
208,990

(74,570)
(74,570)

400
400

(74,970)
(74,970)

(4.97)
(4.97)

(4.97)
(4.97)

14,789
14,789

142,579
142,579

(8,480)
(8,480)

585
585

406
406

32,842
32,842

9,189
9,189

119,465
119,465

64,436
64,436

11,956
11,956

52,480
52,480

3.49
3.49

3.43
3.43

25,418
25,418

162,830
162,830

125
125

962
962

5
5

35,957
35,957

594
594

87,694
(cid:1144)(cid:1143)(cid:1236)(cid:1142)(cid:1145)(cid:1140)

159,018
(cid:1137)(cid:1141)(cid:1145)(cid:1236)(cid:1136)(cid:1137)(cid:1144)

1,873
(cid:1137)(cid:1236)(cid:1144)(cid:1143)(cid:1139)

-
-

(51,909)
(cid:1281)(cid:1141)(cid:1137)(cid:1236)(cid:1145)(cid:1136)(cid:1145)(cid:1282)

(19,129)
(cid:1281)(cid:1137)(cid:1145)(cid:1236)(cid:1137)(cid:1138)(cid:1145)(cid:1282)

297
(cid:1138)(cid:1145)(cid:1143)

128,380
128,380

135,601
(cid:1137)(cid:1139)(cid:1141)(cid:1236)(cid:1142)(cid:1136)(cid:1137)

70,282
70,282

12,594
12,594

57,688
57,688

3.56
3.56

3.51
3.51

2,415
(cid:1138)(cid:1236)(cid:1140)(cid:1137)(cid:1141)

(5,406)
(cid:1281)(cid:1141)(cid:1236)(cid:1140)(cid:1136)(cid:1142)(cid:1282)

7,821
(cid:1143)(cid:1236)(cid:1144)(cid:1138)(cid:1137)

0.50
(cid:1136)(cid:1235)(cid:1141)(cid:1136)

0.50
(cid:1136)(cid:1235)(cid:1141)(cid:1136)

NET INTEREST INCOME & NET INTEREST MARGIN
NET INTEREST INCOME & NET INTEREST MARGIN

ADJUSTED NET INCOME*,**
ADJUSTED NET INCOME*

(cid:2)(cid:3) (cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:15)
(cid:2)(cid:3) (cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:15)

(cid:2)(cid:3) (cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:16)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:12)(cid:18)(cid:15)
(cid:2)(cid:3) (cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:16)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:12)(cid:18)(cid:15)

3.48%
3.48%

,
,

8
8
5
5
8
8
5
5
2
2
1
1
$
$

3.63%
3.63%

,
,

2
2
5
5
6
6
2
2
3
3
1
1
$
$

3.44%
3.44%

,
,

9
9
7
7
5
5
2
2
4
4
1
1
$
$

3.51%
3.51%

3.46%
3.46%

,
,

0
0
3
3
8
8
2
2
6
6
1
1
$
$

,
,

8
8
1
1
0
0
9
9
5
5
1
1
$
$

,
,

9
9
7
7
5
5
5
5
2
2
$
$

,
,

6
6
5
5
5
5
4
4
2
2
$
$

9
9
8
8
1
1
,
,
2
2
5
5
$
$

4
4
8
8
6
6
7
7
5
5
$
$

,
,

,
,

1
1
1
1
9
9
8
8
4
4
$
$

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

2022
2022

2023
2023

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

2022
2022

2023
2023

Bond Portfolio Repositioning
Bond Portfolio Repositioning
In the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced the sale of available-for-sale investment securities. The transaction was neutral to 
In the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced the sale of available-for-sale investment securities. The transaction was neutral to 
tangible common equity while improving balance sheet efficiency.
tangible common equity while improving balance sheet efficiency.

(cid:1550)(cid:1140)(cid:1140)(cid:1138)(cid:1228)(cid:105)
$442 M

securities sold 
securities sold 
available-for-sale
available-for-sale

(cid:1550)(cid:1136)(cid:1235)(cid:1144)(cid:1137)
$0.81

2024 estimated 
2024 estimated 
EPS accretion
EPS accretion

(cid:1550)(cid:1137)(cid:1142)(cid:1228)(cid:105)(cid:1381)
$16 M+

annually estimated 
annually estimated 
net interest income
net interest income

(cid:1141)(cid:1235)(cid:1136)(cid:1136)(cid:1405)
5.00%

estimated 
estimated 
reinvestment yield
reinvestment yield

4
4

Savings
Savings
7%
7%

Time
Time
Deposits > 100k
Deposits > 100k
14%
14%

MMDA
MMDA
29%
29%

2023 DEPOSIT 
2023 DEPOSIT 
COMPOSITION
COMPOSITION

Time
Time
Deposits < 100k
Deposits < 100k
4%
4%

Non-Interest
Non-Interest
Bearing DDA
Bearing DDA
22%
22%

Interest
Interest
Bearing DDA
Bearing DDA
24%
24%

TRENDING DEPOSIT COMPOSITION &  
TRENDING DEPOSIT COMPOSITION &  
LOAN TO DEPOSIT RATIO
LOAN TO DEPOSIT RATIO
(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:16) (cid:21)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:16) (cid:21)(cid:5)(cid:8) (cid:16)(cid:22)
(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:16) (cid:21)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:16) (cid:21)(cid:5)(cid:8) (cid:16)(cid:22)
(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:16)
(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:16)

(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:3)
(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:3)
(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:7) (cid:16)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:10)
(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:7) (cid:16)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:10)

78.1%
78.1%

27%
27%

59%
59%

16%
16%

2019
2019

77.7%
77.7%

19%
19%

58%
58%

23%
23%

78.6%
78.6%

15%
15%

57%
57%

80.4%
80.4%

19%
19%

55%
55%

28%
28%

26%
26%

2020
2020

2021
2021

2022
2022

80.4%
80.4%

18%
18%

60%
60%

22%
22%

2023
2023

6.39%
6.39%

C&I
C&I
18%
18%

AVERAGE LOANS & YIELD
AVERAGE LOANS & YIELD

Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Real Estate
43%
43%

2023 DIVERSIFIED 
2023 DIVERSIFIED 
LOAN MIX 
LOAN MIX 

Residential
Residential
Real Estate
Real Estate
17%
17%

Real Estate
Real Estate
Construction
Construction
10%
10%

Consumer
Consumer
3%
3%

Agriculture
Agriculture
9%
9%

BALANCE SHEET DATA
BALANCE SHEET DATA

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents

Securities
Securities

Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses

5.73%
5.73%

5.00%
5.00%

4.98%
4.98%

4.77%
4.77%

$2.6B
$2.6B

$2.7B
$2.7B

$2.9B
$2.9B

$3.2B
$3.2B

$3.3B
$3.3B

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

2022
2022

2023
2023

As of December 31
As of December 31

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

202 2
202 2

20 23
20 23

$ 
$ 

89,291 $ 
89,291 $ 

280,698 $ 
280,698 $ 

259,954 $ 
259,954 $ 

104,428 $ 
104,428 (cid:1550)(cid:1228)

379,099
(cid:1139)(cid:1143)(cid:1145)(cid:1236)(cid:1136)(cid:1145)(cid:1145)

911,126 
911,126 

12,232
12,232

871,827 
871,827 

1,327,442 
1,327,442 

1,186,338
1,186,338

921,857 
(cid:1145)(cid:1138)(cid:1137)(cid:1236)(cid:1144)(cid:1141)(cid:1143)(cid:1228)

33,709
33,709

48,365
48,365

45,847
45,847

43,520
(cid:1140)(cid:1139)(cid:1236)(cid:1141)(cid:1138)(cid:1136)

Loans held for investment, net of allowance for loan losses
Loans held for investment, net of allowance for loan losses

2,544,420
2,544,420

2,557,987
2,557,987

3,107,262
3,107,262

3,265,701
3,265,701

3,289,381
(cid:1139)(cid:1236)(cid:1138)(cid:1144)(cid:1145)(cid:1236)(cid:1139)(cid:1144)(cid:1137)

Goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net
Goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net

156,339
156,339

47,658
47,658

69,344
69,344

63,697
63,697

60,323
(cid:1142)(cid:1136)(cid:1236)(cid:1139)(cid:1138)(cid:1139)

Total assets
Total assets

Total deposits
Total deposits

Total liabilities
Total liabilities

Total stockholders' equity
Total stockholders' equity

Tangible common equity*
Tangible common equity*

3,949,578
3,949,578

4,013,356
4,013,356

5,137,631
5,137,631

4,981,651
4,981,651

5,034,592
(cid:1141)(cid:1236)(cid:1136)(cid:1139)(cid:1140)(cid:1236)(cid:1141)(cid:1145)(cid:1138)

3,063,516
3,063,516

3,447,590
3,447,590

4,420,004
4,420,004

4,241,807
4,241,807

4,145,455
(cid:1140)(cid:1236)(cid:1137)(cid:1140)(cid:1141)(cid:1236)(cid:1140)(cid:1141)(cid:1141)

3,471,518
3,471,518

3,605,707
3,605,707

4,637,000
4,637,000

4,571,593
4,571,593

4,581,732
(cid:1140)(cid:1236)(cid:1141)(cid:1144)(cid:1137)(cid:1236)(cid:1143)(cid:1139)(cid:1138)

478,060
478,060

407,649
407,649

500,631
500,631

410,058
410,058

452,860
(cid:1140)(cid:1141)(cid:1138)(cid:1236)(cid:1144)(cid:1142)(cid:1136)

320,542
320,542

358,861
358,861

429,924
429,924

345,141
345,141

391,462
(cid:1139)(cid:1145)(cid:1137)(cid:1236)(cid:1140)(cid:1142)(cid:1138)

*Indicates non-GAAP financial measure. Please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
*Indicates non-GAAP financial measure. Please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
– Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure
– Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

**Adjusted Net Income Allocable to Common Stockholders, plus income tax and provision expense
**Adjusted Net Income Allocable to Common Stockholders, plus income tax and provision expense.

5
5

Financial Highlights & Performance
Financial Highlights & Performance

Dollars in thousands, except per share data
Dollars in thousands, except per share data

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
PERFORMANCE RATIOS

Return on average assets (ROAA) 
Return on average assets (ROAA) 

Return on average equity (ROAE) 
Return on average equity (ROAE) 

Return on average tangible common equity (ROATCE)*
Return on average tangible common equity (ROATCE)*

Yield on loans
Yield on loans

Cost of interest-bearing deposits
Cost of interest-bearing deposits

Net interest margin
Net interest margin

Efficiency ratio*
Efficiency ratio*

Non-interest income/average assets
Non-interest income/average assets

Non-interest expense/average assets
Non-interest expense/average assets

Dividend payout ratio
Dividend payout ratio

As of December 31
As of December 31

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

202 2
202 2

20 23
20 23

0.64%
0.64%

5.52%
5.52%

9.22%
9.22%

5.73%
5.73%

1.53%
1.53%

3.48%
3.48%

-1.87%
-1.87%

-16.14%
-16.14%

8.27%
8.27%

5.00%
5.00%

0.66%
0.66%

3.63%
3.63%

1.18%
1.18%

11.75%
11.75%

14.10%
14.10%

4.77%
4.77%

0.30%
0.30%

3.44%
3.44%

1.15%
1.15%

13.08%
13.08%

16.35%
16.35%

4.98%
4.98%

0.53%
0.53%

3.51%
3.51%

65.45%
65.45%

66.36%
66.36%

63.01%
63.01%

64.60%
64.60%

0.63%
0.63%

2.50%
2.50%

-
-

0.65%
0.65%

5.23%
5.23%

-
-

0.74%
0.74%

2.70%
2.70%

4.84%
4.84%

0.72%
0.72%

2.56%
2.56%

10.26%
10.26%

0.16%
0.16%

1.85%
1.85%

2.94%
2.94%

6.39%
6.39%

2.21%
2.21%

3.45%
3.4 %
6

70.55%
70.55%

-0.38%
-0.38%

2.71%
2.71%

88.35%
88.35%

TOTAL RESERVE RATIO

TOTAL RESERVE RATIO

(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:28)(cid:10)(cid:7)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:8) (cid:8)(cid:3) (cid:8)
(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:7)(cid:9)(cid:26)(cid:16) (cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:25)(cid:2)(cid:4)

(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:28)(cid:10)(cid:7)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:8) (cid:8)(cid:3) (cid:8)
(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:7)(cid:9)(cid:26)(cid:16) (cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:25)(cid:2)(cid:4)

ADJUSTED RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE 
ADJUSTED RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE 
COMMON EQUITY*, **
COMMON EQUITY*, **

1.89%
1.89%

16.35%
16.35%

14.10%
14.10%

14.31%
14.31%

1.65%
1.65%

1.43%
1.43%

1.35%
1.35%

9.22%
9.22%

8.27%
8.27%

0.73%
0.73%

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

2022
2022

2023
2023

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

2022
2022

2023
2023

6
6

CAPITAL RATIOS
CAPITAL RATIOS

Tier 1 Leverage Ratio 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio 

Common Equity Tier 1 Captial Ratio
Common Equity Tier 1 Captial Ratio

Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio
Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio

Total Risk Based Capital Ratio 
Total Risk Based Capital Ratio 

Equity/Assets 
Equity/Assets 

Book value per common share 
Book value per common share 

Tangible book value per share* 
Tangible book value per share* 

Tangible common equity to tangible assets*
Tangible common equity to tangible assets*

CAPITAL RATIOS
CAPITAL RATIOS

As of December 31
As of December 31

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

202 2
202 2

20 23
20 23

9.02%
9.02%

11.63%
11.63%

12.15%
12.15%

12.59%
12.59%

12.10%
12.10%

$30.95
$30.95

$20.75
$20.75

8.45%
8.45%

9.30%
9.30%

12.82%
12.82%

13.37%
13.37%

17.35%
17.35%

10.16%
10.16%

$28.04
$28.04

$24.68
$24.68

9.05%
9.05%

9.09%
9.09%

12.03%
12.03%

12.67%
12.67%

15.96%
15.96%

9.74%
9.74%

$29.87
$29.87

$25.65
$25.65

8.48%
8.48%

9.61%
9.61%

12.26%
12.26%

12.88%
12.88%

16.08%
16.08%

8.23%
8.23%

$25.74
$25.74

$21.67
$21.67

7.02%
7.02%

9.46%
9.46%

11.74%
11.74%

12.36%
12.36%

15.48%
15.48%

8.99%
8.99%

$29.35
(cid:1550)(cid:1138)(cid:1145)(cid:1235)(cid:1139)(cid:1141)

$25.37
(cid:1550)(cid:1138)(cid:1141)(cid:1235)(cid:1139)(cid:1143)

7.87%
7.87%

%
%
7
7
3
3
3
3
1
1

.
.

%
%
5
5
1
1
.
.
2
2
1
1

%
%
2
2
0
0
9
9

.
.

%
%
5
5
4
4
8
8

.
.

%
%
0
0
3
3
9
9

.
.

%
%
5
5
0
0
9
9

.
.

%
%
9
9
0
0
9
9

.
.

%
%
8
8
4
4
8
8

.
.

%
%
7
7
6
6
2
2
1
1

.
.

%
%
8
8
8
8
2
2
1
1

.
.

%
%
1
1
6
6
9
9

.
.

%
%
2
2
0
0
7
7

.
.

%
%
6
6
4
4
% 9
% 9
7
7
8
8
7
7

.
.

.
.

(cid:4)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:4)(cid:16)
(cid:4)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:4)(cid:16)

(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:5)(cid:29)(cid:5)(cid:23)(cid:3) (cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:7) (cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:7) (cid:16)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:10)
(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:5)(cid:29)(cid:5)(cid:23)(cid:3) (cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:7) (cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:7) (cid:16)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:10)
(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:5)(cid:29)(cid:5)(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:8)(cid:31) (cid:19)(cid:16) (cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:5)
(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:5)(cid:29)(cid:5)(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:8)(cid:31) (cid:19)(cid:16) (cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:5)
(cid:9) (cid:16)(cid:24)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:7) (cid:16)(cid:4) (cid:6)(cid:10)
(cid:9) (cid:16)(cid:24)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:7) (cid:16)(cid:4) (cid:6)(cid:10)

%
%
6
6
3
3
2
2
1
1

.
.

2019
2019

2020
2020

2021
2021

2022
2022

2023
2023

TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER SHARE (TBVPS)
TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER SHARE (TBVPS)*
(cid:6)!"#$%&$’(cid:5)() * +,(cid:5)-!(cid:5)’.#-!/(cid:5)0,0 )(cid:5)12(cid:5)(03* ) +
(cid:6)!"#$%&$’(cid:5)() * +,(cid:5)-!(cid:5)’.#-!/(cid:5)0,0 )(cid:5)12(cid:5)(03* ) +

$21.67
$21.67

$0.49
$0.49

$0.23
$0.23

($0.12)
($0.12)

($0.45)
($0.45)

($0.28)
($0.28)

$3.75
$3.75

$29.13
$29.13

$3.59
$3.59

$25.37
$25.37

2022
2022

TBVPS
TBVPS

Net 
Net 
 Income
 Income

Dividend
Dividend

Amort. of 
Amort. of 
 Intangibles
 Intangibles

Treasury 
Treasury 
 Stock 
 Stock 

Stock 
Stock 
 Based 
 Based 
 Comp / ESPP
 Comp / ESPP

Change 
Change 
 in AOCI
 in AOCI

TBVPS
TBVPS

AOCI
AOCI

TBVPS 
TBVPS 
 excl. AOCI
 excl. AOCI

2023
2023

2023
2023

*Indicates non-GAAP financial measure. Please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –  
*Indicates non-GAAP financial measure. Please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –  
Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure
Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. 
** Adjusted Net Income plus intangible amortization after-tax, divided by average tangible common equity.
**Adjusted Net Income plus intangible amortization after-tax, divided by average tangible common equity.

7
7

Community Focus
Community Focus

One of our core values shows up day in and day out in 
One of our core values shows up day in and day out in 
our numerous communities, with our people leading the 
our numerous communities, with our people leading the 
way. During 2023, Equity team members volunteered 
way. During 2023, Equity team members volunteered 
time, talent, and effort within our communities to help 
time, talent, and effort within our communities to help 
serve others in need. 
serve others in need. 

6,265
6,265

volunteer hours
volunteer hours

534
534

$2.6 MM
(cid:1550)(cid:1138)(cid:1235)(cid:1142)(cid:1228)(cid:105)(cid:105)

donations and 
donations and 
sponsorships
sponsorships

148
148

sponsorship causes
sponsorship causes

community boards served
community boards served

In June of 2023 Wichita team members volunteered at the Kansas Food Bank to make 
In June of 2023 Wichita team members volunteered at the Kansas Food Bank to make 
boxes of heart-healthy food for elderly people in need.
boxes of heart-healthy food for elderly people in need.

In Tulsa, Equity sponsors the Read 
In Tulsa, Equity sponsors the 
to Lead program with local schools, 
Read 2 Lead program with local 
encouraging students         to read 
schools, encouraging students to 
and earn books at a book fair.
read and earn books at a book fair.

 The Equity Bank team beat the sun to McDonalds in Overland Park, 
 The Equity Bank team beat the sun to McDonalds in Overland Park, 
Kansas to sell Chiefs Super Bowl flags to kick off the football season. 
Kansas to sell Chiefs Super Bowl flags to kick off the football season. 
All the proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities Kansas City. 
All the proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities Kansas City. 
700 flags sold in less than 2 hours!
700 flags sold in less than 2 hours!

8
8

In Wichita, the Equity Bank team volunteered at the Music Theatre Wichita Special Needs 
In Wichita, the Equity Bank team volunteered at the Music Theatre Wichita Special Needs 
Matinee of Cats.
Matinee of Cats.

Our Equity Bank team participated throughout 
our footprint at local schools and education 
centers on October 9, helping lead classrooms 
with a focus on financial literacy. Bankers led 
classroom sessions in partnership with schools and 
using Junior Achievement curriculum to introduce 
students to money, business, and financial 
literacy. At left, team members from Arkansas lead 
a rousing session, and Garden City team members 
(center, left) work with a local class.

Literacy is a focus of many of our volunteering 
efforts, including our sponsorship of Read2Lead 
in Tulsa, helping put books in the hands of 
hundreds of students in the metropolitan area. 
Our Wichita team (left) also volunteers for story 
time and book fairs at Gordon Parks Elementary 
in Wichita. 

All the Wichita Departments and Officers at Equity Bank participated in the Back-
To-School Backpack Drive. School supplies were donated to the McKinney-Vento 
Homeless Program that currently serves over 2,100 students in their local schools. 

Alex Goodpaster, Renee Dowell, Johnna 
Huke, and Sharon Holmes helped serve 
breakfast burritos to parents staying 
overnight at the Ronald McDonald 
House of Kansas City. 

Team Members from Equity Bank Ponca City Downtown put together goodie bags 
filled with supplies for teachers and support staff at Woodlands Elementary School, 
as a way to show their appreciation.

In 2023, Equity launched a cobranded sponsorship with Pheasants Forever to 
improve land access and conservation nationally. Russell Colburn of Equity Bank 
and Jordan Martincich visited about the partnership.

9

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(cid:1)(cid:309)(cid:309) (cid:44)(cid:355)(cid:377)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:405) (cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:363)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:77)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:1235) (cid:35)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:240)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:356)(cid:363) (cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:253) (cid:316)(cid:253)(cid:316)(cid:239)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:363)
(cid:325)(cid:274) (cid:371)(cid:282)(cid:253) (cid:44)(cid:355)(cid:377)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:405) (cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:306) (cid:28)(cid:325)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:246) (cid:325)(cid:274) (cid:35)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:240)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:356)(cid:363)

(cid:28)(cid:356)(cid:212)(cid:246) (cid:153)(cid:1235) (cid:44)(cid:309)(cid:309)(cid:286)(cid:325)(cid:371)(cid:371)
(cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:316)(cid:212)(cid:317) (cid:1312) (cid:29)(cid:44)(cid:115)(cid:1236)
(cid:44)(cid:355)(cid:377)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:405) (cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:363)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:77)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:1235)

(cid:97)(cid:253)(cid:325)(cid:317) (cid:73)(cid:1235) (cid:1289)(cid:97)(cid:253)(cid:253)(cid:1290) (cid:28)(cid:325)(cid:356)(cid:240)(cid:306)
(cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:316)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:1236) (cid:1)(cid:316)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:212)(cid:317) (cid:153)(cid:371)(cid:212)(cid:371)(cid:253)
(cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:363)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:77)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:1235)(cid:1236) (cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:246)

(cid:95)(cid:253)(cid:398)(cid:286)(cid:317) (cid:44)(cid:1235) (cid:29)(cid:325)(cid:325)(cid:306)
(cid:143)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:371)(cid:317)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:1236) (cid:65)(cid:325)(cid:356)(cid:398)(cid:286)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:246)

(cid:92)(cid:377)(cid:317)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:371)(cid:212) (cid:105)(cid:1235) (cid:44)(cid:398)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:371)
(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:35)(cid:253)(cid:309)(cid:371)(cid:212) (cid:35)(cid:253)(cid:317)(cid:371)(cid:212)(cid:309) (cid:325)(cid:274) (cid:95)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:363)(cid:212)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:246)

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(cid:143)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:371)(cid:317)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:97)(cid:97)(cid:29)

(cid:28)(cid:253)(cid:317)(cid:302)(cid:212)(cid:316)(cid:253)(cid:317) (cid:105)(cid:1235) (cid:73)(cid:377)(cid:371)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:317)
(cid:29)(cid:44)(cid:115)(cid:1236) (cid:73)(cid:377)(cid:371)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:317) (cid:29)(cid:325)(cid:317)(cid:363)(cid:371)(cid:356)(cid:377)(cid:240)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:325)(cid:317)

(cid:92)(cid:212)(cid:316)(cid:253)(cid:363) (cid:153)(cid:1235) (cid:97)(cid:325)(cid:398)(cid:286)(cid:317)(cid:275)
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(cid:92)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:356)(cid:405) (cid:143)(cid:1235) (cid:105)(cid:212)(cid:309)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:246)
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(cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:363)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:77)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:1235)(cid:1236) (cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:246)

(cid:153)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:399)(cid:317) (cid:35)(cid:1235) (cid:143)(cid:253)(cid:317)(cid:317)(cid:253)(cid:356)
(cid:115)(cid:399)(cid:317)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:1236)
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(cid:66)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:405) (cid:29)(cid:1235) (cid:1)(cid:309)(cid:309)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:282)(cid:253)(cid:286)(cid:309)(cid:286)(cid:275)(cid:253)(cid:317)
(cid:29)(cid:143)(cid:1)(cid:1250)(cid:29)(cid:325)(cid:317)(cid:363)(cid:377)(cid:309)(cid:371)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:371)(cid:1236) (cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:246)
(cid:28)(cid:325)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:246) (cid:325)(cid:274) (cid:35)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:240)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:356)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:44)(cid:355)(cid:377)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:405) (cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:306)

(cid:92)(cid:212)(cid:316)(cid:253)(cid:363) (cid:97)(cid:1235) (cid:28)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:275)(cid:309)(cid:377)(cid:317)(cid:246)
(cid:143)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:363)(cid:286)(cid:246)(cid:253)(cid:317)(cid:371) (cid:1312) (cid:29)(cid:44)(cid:115)(cid:1236) (cid:153)(cid:377)(cid:317)(cid:274)(cid:309)(cid:325)(cid:399)(cid:253)(cid:356) (cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:306)(cid:1236)
(cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:246)
(cid:28)(cid:325)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:246) (cid:325)(cid:274) (cid:35)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:240)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:356)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:44)(cid:355)(cid:377)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:405) (cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:306)

(cid:35)(cid:212)(cid:317) (cid:146)(cid:1235) (cid:28)(cid:325)(cid:399)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:363)
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(cid:28)(cid:325)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:246) (cid:325)(cid:274) (cid:35)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:240)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:356)(cid:363)(cid:1236) (cid:44)(cid:355)(cid:377)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:405) (cid:28)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:306)

E(cid:145)(cid:167) IT (cid:195) BAN(cid:95) SENIOR LEADERSHIP

(cid:28)(cid:356)(cid:212)(cid:246) (cid:153)(cid:1235) (cid:44)(cid:309)(cid:309)(cid:286)(cid:325)(cid:371)(cid:371)
(cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:316)(cid:212)(cid:317) (cid:1312) (cid:29)(cid:44)(cid:115)

(cid:146)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:246) (cid:105)(cid:1235) (cid:153)(cid:253)(cid:316)(cid:363)
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(cid:35)(cid:212)(cid:398)(cid:286)(cid:246) (cid:44)(cid:1235) (cid:143)(cid:212)(cid:363)(cid:363)
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(cid:1)(cid:317)(cid:317) (cid:105)(cid:1235) (cid:95)(cid:317)(cid:377)(cid:371)(cid:363)(cid:325)(cid:317)
(cid:44)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:253)(cid:274) (cid:73)(cid:377)(cid:316)(cid:212)(cid:317)
(cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:363)(cid:325)(cid:377)(cid:356)(cid:240)(cid:253)(cid:363) (cid:115)(cid:274)(cid:274)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:253)(cid:356)

(cid:105)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:306) (cid:29)(cid:1235) (cid:143)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:316)(cid:212)(cid:317)
(cid:44)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:153)(cid:253)(cid:317)(cid:286)(cid:325)(cid:356) (cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:275)(cid:286)(cid:325)(cid:317)(cid:212)(cid:309)
(cid:29)(cid:44)(cid:115)(cid:1236) (cid:105)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:356)(cid:325) (cid:105)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:306)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:363)

(cid:143)(cid:212)(cid:371)(cid:356)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:306) (cid:92)(cid:1235) (cid:73)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:239)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:371)
(cid:44)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:253)(cid:274)
(cid:1)(cid:246)(cid:316)(cid:286)(cid:317)(cid:286)(cid:363)(cid:371)(cid:356)(cid:212)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:398)(cid:253) (cid:115)(cid:274)(cid:274)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:253)(cid:356)

(cid:92)(cid:212)(cid:316)(cid:253)(cid:363) (cid:28)(cid:1235) (cid:1289)(cid:28)(cid:356)(cid:212)(cid:246)(cid:1290)
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(cid:29)(cid:325)(cid:316)(cid:316)(cid:377)(cid:317)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:405) (cid:189)(cid:253)(cid:363)(cid:371)

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(cid:153)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:146)(cid:253)(cid:275)(cid:286)(cid:325)(cid:317)(cid:212)(cid:309) (cid:29)(cid:44)(cid:115)(cid:1236)
(cid:29)(cid:325)(cid:316)(cid:316)(cid:377)(cid:317)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:405) (cid:153)(cid:325)(cid:377)(cid:371)(cid:282)

(cid:92)(cid:325)(cid:282)(cid:317) (cid:92)(cid:1235) (cid:73)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:309)(cid:253)(cid:405)
(cid:153)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:253)(cid:274) (cid:105)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:306)(cid:253)(cid:371)(cid:286)(cid:317)(cid:275)
(cid:115)(cid:274)(cid:274)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:253)(cid:356)

(cid:92)(cid:325)(cid:317)(cid:212)(cid:371)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:317) (cid:95)(cid:1235) (cid:146)(cid:325)(cid:325)(cid:353)
(cid:153)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:253)(cid:274) (cid:35)(cid:253)(cid:353)(cid:325)(cid:363)(cid:286)(cid:371)
(cid:153)(cid:371)(cid:356)(cid:212)(cid:371)(cid:253)(cid:275)(cid:405) (cid:115)(cid:274)(cid:274)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:253)(cid:356)

(cid:35)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:286)(cid:253)(cid:309) (cid:143)(cid:1235) (cid:35)(cid:377)(cid:240)(cid:282)(cid:317)(cid:325)(cid:399)(cid:363)(cid:306)(cid:286)
(cid:153)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:253)(cid:274) (cid:153)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:398)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:253)(cid:363) (cid:115)(cid:274)(cid:274)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:253)(cid:356)

(cid:105)(cid:286)(cid:240)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:253)(cid:309) (cid:1)(cid:1235) (cid:92)(cid:325)(cid:317)(cid:253)(cid:363)
(cid:153)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:77)(cid:317)(cid:371)(cid:253)(cid:356)(cid:317)(cid:212)(cid:309) (cid:1)(cid:377)(cid:246)(cid:286)(cid:371)
(cid:35)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:240)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:356)

(cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:356)(cid:309)(cid:371)(cid:325)(cid:317) (cid:189)(cid:1235) (cid:97)(cid:212)(cid:286)(cid:356)(cid:246)
(cid:153)(cid:188)(cid:143)(cid:1236) (cid:35)(cid:286)(cid:275)(cid:286)(cid:371)(cid:212)(cid:309) (cid:29)(cid:282)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:317)(cid:253)(cid:309)
(cid:143)(cid:356)(cid:253)(cid:363)(cid:286)(cid:246)(cid:253)(cid:317)(cid:371)

10

Randee Renee Koger
Attorney & Partner, Wise & Reber L.C.
Randee Renee Koger
Attorney & Partner, Wise & Reber L.C.

Gregory H. Kossover
President & CFO, 
Gregory H. Kossover
Vantage Point Properties
President & CFO, 
Vantage Point Properties

Dan R. Bowers
Max E. Nichols
Attorney
Director, American State 
Bancshares, Inc., Retired
Board of Directors, Equity Bank
Board of Directors, Equity Bank

Max E. Nichols
Richard M. Sems
Director, American State 
President, Equity Bank
Bancshares, Inc., Retired
Board of Directors, Equity Bank
Board of Directors, Equity Bank

The Equity Bancshares, Inc. and Equity Bank Boards of Directors.
The Equity Bancshares, Inc. and Equity Bank Boards of Directors.

M A RK E T  &  TE A M  LE A D ERS H I P
M A RK E T  &  TE A M  LE A D ERS H I P

Amada G. Alvidrez
Amada G. Alvidrez
Regional Retail Manager, 
Regional Retail Manager, 
Southwest
Southwest

Norman C. Belitz
Norman C. Belitz
Regional President 
Regional President 
Northern Missouri
Northern Missouri

J. Larry Britegam
J. Larry Britegam
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
North Central Kansas
North Central Kansas

Alexander M. Brown
Alexander M. Brown
Regional Retail Sales 
Regional Retail Sales 
Manager, Kansas City 
Manager, Kansas City 
& Topeka
& Topeka

Trevor D. Dorsey
Trevor D. Dorsey
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Southeast Kansas
Southeast Kansas

Brittany A. Dresel
Brittany A. Dresel
Regional Retail Manager, 
Regional Retail Manager, 
Western Missouri
Western Missouri

Greg L. Duran
Greg L. Duran
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Southwest
Southwest

Levi D. Getz
Levi D. Getz
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Western Kansas
Western Kansas

Alisha D. Herrera
Alisha D. Herrera
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Northern Oklahoma
Northern Oklahoma

Sharon R. Holmes
Sharon R. Holmes
VP, Regional Retail 
VP, Regional Retail 
Operations Manager
Operations Manager

Jason R. Johnson
Jason R. Johnson
Regional Retail Sales 
Regional Retail Sales 
Manager, Wichita
Manager, Wichita

Jefferson A. Keyes
Jefferson A. Keyes
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Kansas City
Kansas City

David A. King
David A. King
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Wichita
Wichita

Ryan K. Morris
Ryan K. Morris
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Tulsa
Tulsa

Andrew J. Musgrave
Andrew J. Musgrave
SVP, Director of Trust 
SVP, Director of Trust 
Operations
Operations

Shawn C. Powelson
Shawn C. Powelson
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Central Kansas
Central Kansas

Gabriel L. Smither
Gabriel L. Smither
Regional President, 
Regional President, 
Western Missouri
Western Missouri

Ronan J. Sramek
Ronan J. Sramek
SVP, Mortgage 
SVP, Mortgage 
Manager
Manager

Amy R. Villines
Amy R. Villines
Regional Retail Manager, 
Regional Retail Manager, 
Ozark Mountain
Ozark Mountain

11

Stephanie  A. 
Stephanie  A. 
Whitekiller
Whitekiller
Director of 
Director of 
Human Resources
Human Resources

Erin S. Winegar
Erin S. Winegar
Regional Retail 
Regional Retail 
Operations Manager
Operations Manager

11
11

(cid:7)
(cid:7)

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EQU IT Y  BA N K   LE A D ERS H I P
EQU IT Y  BA N K   LE A D ERS H I P
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Operations & Administration
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(cid:28)(cid:11)!* (cid:14)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:9)(cid:7)"(cid:11)*(cid:23)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:11)!* (cid:14)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:9)(cid:7)"(cid:11)*(cid:23)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:4)’+(cid:7)"(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:14)(cid:26)*(cid:4)(cid:6)’(cid:14)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7) (cid:8)(cid:11)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:7)((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:4)’+(cid:7)"(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:14)(cid:26)*(cid:4)(cid:6)’(cid:14)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7) (cid:8)(cid:11)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:7)((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)"(cid:9)(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)"(cid:9)(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:7)
(cid:7)
$(cid:4)(cid:26)%+(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7),(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)
$(cid:4)(cid:26)%+(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7),(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)
(cid:27)(cid:9)(cid:7)$(cid:23)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)/(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:14)’(cid:7)
(cid:27)(cid:9)(cid:7)$(cid:23)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)/(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:14)’(cid:7)
5(cid:9)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:6)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:7)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:6)(cid:22)
Finance & Accounting
(cid:19)(cid:11)0(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:27)(cid:9)(cid:7)1 (cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:4)+(cid:7)
(cid:19)(cid:11)0(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:27)(cid:9)(cid:7)1 (cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:4)+(cid:7)
2(cid:14)(cid:6)+(cid:14)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:14)’’(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:7)
2(cid:14)(cid:6)+(cid:14)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:14)’’(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:7)
$(cid:23)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)"(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:4)+(cid:7)
$(cid:23)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)"(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:4)+(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)+(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:21)’’(cid:11)(cid:6)!(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)+(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:21)’’(cid:11)(cid:6)!(cid:7)
(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:8)*(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:7)(cid:14)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:3)!(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:23)
Mortgage, Healthcare & Treasury
#(cid:14)(cid:23)%(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:30)(cid:4)(cid:12)!%(cid:21)(cid:7)
#(cid:14)(cid:23)%(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:30)(cid:4)(cid:12)!%(cid:21)(cid:7)
(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:23)(cid:14)’(cid:4)%(cid:7)
(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:23)(cid:14)’(cid:4)%(cid:7)
4(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:9)(cid:7)$(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:15)!(cid:7)
4(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:9)(cid:7)$(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:15)!(cid:7)
(cid:22)*(cid:23)(cid:21)!(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:7)
(cid:22)*(cid:23)(cid:21)!(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:7)
4(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:14)+(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:7)
4(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:14)+(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:7)
#(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:7)
#(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:7)

(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)4(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:6)’(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)$(cid:14)(cid:6)%(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:20)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)4(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:6)’(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)$(cid:14)(cid:6)%(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:20)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)#(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)#(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7).(cid:6)! (cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7).(cid:6)! (cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:3)*(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)!
(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:3)*(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)!
(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:3)*(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)!
(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:3)*(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)!
$ !(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:4)!!(cid:7))(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
$ !(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:4)!!(cid:7))(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)

(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22))(cid:24)(cid:7)&(cid:7))(cid:26)(cid:26)(cid:11) (cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:20)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:21)(cid:26)+(cid:7)((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22))(cid:24)(cid:7)&(cid:7))(cid:26)(cid:26)(cid:11) (cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:20)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:21)(cid:26)+(cid:7)((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20) (cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)+(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:31)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:20)
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20) (cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)+(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:31)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:20)
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7).(cid:6)(cid:5)(cid:4)!(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)!
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7).(cid:6)(cid:5)(cid:4)!(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)!
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)2(cid:14)3(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)2(cid:14)3(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)

(cid:22)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)((cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:31)’(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:7))(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:13)+(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:26)!(cid:7)(cid:7)
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:31)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:21)!%
#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7))(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:13)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)!
((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7))(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:13)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)!
(cid:22)*(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:7).(cid:6)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:23)’(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:26) (cid:23)(cid:21)(cid:3)+(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:22)*(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:7).(cid:6)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:23)’(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:26) (cid:23)(cid:21)(cid:3)+(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:23)

(cid:14)(cid:4)(cid:7)!(cid:8)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:7)(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:8)*(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:8)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:7)5(cid:9)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:6)(cid:16)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:16)(cid:11)!(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:19)
Trust & Wealth Management & Financial Services Group
)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)# !(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:7)
)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)# !(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:11)*(cid:6)(cid:7)#(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:4)!(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:11)*(cid:6)(cid:7)#(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:4)!(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:7)"(cid:9)(cid:7),(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:7)"(cid:9)(cid:7),(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:7)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:7)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:7)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:3)*(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:7)$(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:3)*(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:7)$(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)

(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)2(cid:23) !(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:31)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)!
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)((cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:7)2(cid:23) !(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:31)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)!
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)2(cid:23) !(cid:3)(cid:7))(cid:15)’(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:21)!(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)2(cid:23) !(cid:3)(cid:7))(cid:15)’(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:21)!(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:23)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)!(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)!(cid:7))!!(cid:21)!(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:3)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)!(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)!(cid:7))!!(cid:21)!(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:3)
5(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7))(cid:15)(cid:5)(cid:21)!(cid:11)(cid:23)
5(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7))(cid:15)(cid:5)(cid:21)!(cid:11)(cid:23)
$ !(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:4)!!(cid:7)((cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:31)’(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:23)
$ !(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:4)!!(cid:7)((cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:31)’(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:23)

#(cid:14)(cid:23)%(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:4)!(cid:21)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:7)"(cid:14)(cid:6)!(cid:14)!(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:3)+
#(cid:14)(cid:23)%(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:4)!(cid:21)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:7)"(cid:14)(cid:6)!(cid:14)!(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:3)+
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
#(cid:14)(cid:23)%(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:4)!(cid:21)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:7)2(cid:11)(cid:31)(cid:4)%(cid:14)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
$(cid:14)(cid:6)%(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:4)6!(cid:7)(cid:2) ’’(cid:21)(cid:3)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)!(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)
#(cid:14)(cid:23)%(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:4)!(cid:21)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:7)2(cid:11)(cid:31)(cid:4)%(cid:14)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
$(cid:14)(cid:6)%(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:4)6!(cid:7)(cid:2) ’’(cid:21)(cid:3)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)!(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:31)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)!(cid:7)#(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:9)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:24)(cid:31)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)!(cid:7)#(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:9)

(cid:22)*(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:7),(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:29)(cid:21)(cid:4)’(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)
(cid:22)*(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:7),(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:29)(cid:21)(cid:4)’(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)
$(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:15)+(cid:7)#(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)!(cid:7)
$(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:15)+(cid:7)#(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)!(cid:7)
#(cid:14)(cid:23)%(cid:7),(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:21)(cid:6)’(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)
#(cid:14)(cid:23)%(cid:7),(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:21)(cid:6)’(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7))(cid:9)(cid:7)2*(cid:14)+(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)
(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:7))(cid:9)(cid:7)2*(cid:14)+(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:7)

(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
(cid:22)(cid:11)’’(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:23)
$(cid:14)(cid:6)%(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:7)2(cid:11)(cid:31)(cid:4)%(cid:14)
$(cid:14)(cid:6)%(cid:7)#(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:7)2(cid:11)(cid:31)(cid:4)%(cid:14)

(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:8)*(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:9)!!(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:9)
Northern Missouri
(cid:29)(cid:11)(cid:23)’(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:9)(cid:7)$(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:7)
(cid:29)(cid:11)(cid:23)’(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:9)(cid:7)$(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:7)
(cid:7)
(cid:7)
$(cid:23)+(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:13)(cid:14)+(cid:7)
$(cid:23)+(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:13)(cid:14)+(cid:7)

(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:4)!(cid:21)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:29)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:3)*(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:7)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:4)!(cid:21)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:7)(cid:29)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:3)*(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:7)
#(cid:21)!!(cid:11) (cid:23)(cid:21)
#(cid:21)!!(cid:11) (cid:23)(cid:21)
(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:7).’(cid:31)(cid:13)(cid:4)’(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)#(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:9)
(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:7).’(cid:31)(cid:13)(cid:4)’(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)#(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:9)

(cid:7)
(cid:7)

KANSAS
KANSAS

MISSOURI
MISSOURI

OKLAHOMA
OKLAHOMA
O K L A H O M A
O K L A H O M A

ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS

Equity Bank Timeline
Equity Bank Timeline

Start-Up   |   2002-2007
Start-Up   |   2002-2007

Growth Stage  |  2008-2016

Equity Bancshares, Inc. 
Equity Bancshares, Inc. 
founded in 2002.
founded in 2002.
-  Completed 5 whole bank 
-  Completed 5 whole bank 

combinations.
combinations.
-  Opened two bank  
-  Opened two bank  

locations in Missouri.
locations in Missouri.

-  Opened new locations 
8 -  Opened new locations 
in Lee’s Summit and 
8
in Lee’s Summit and 
Overland Park, KS.
0
Overland Park, KS.
0
-  Acquired Ellis State 
0
-  Acquired Ellis State 
0
Bank in Ellis and 
Bank in Ellis and 
2
Hays, Kansas.
2
Hays, Kansas.

5
5
0
0
0
0
2
2

Equity expands into 
Equity expands into 
Wichita, acquiring 
Wichita, acquiring 
two locations from 
two locations from 
Hillcrest Bank.
Hillcrest Bank.

1
1
1
1
0
0
2
2

Acquired 4 locations 
Acquired 4 locations 
in Topeka from  
in Topeka from  
Citizens Bancshares.
Citizens Bancshares.

2
2
0
0
0
0
2
2

12
12

(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:6)%(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:2)
(cid:29)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6).(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:6)
*(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:10)&(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:6)
*(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6))(cid:10)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:13)((cid:4)#(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:6)
)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:14)/(cid:12)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:16)(cid:14)((cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:30)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:12) (cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:6)

(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:4)(cid:8)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)"(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:16)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:20)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:15)0(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:9)11(cid:10)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)

%!(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:5)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:8)(cid:13)
(cid:28)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:17)(cid:11)&(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:6)
(cid:6)
’(cid:17)(cid:10)!(cid:4)((cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:6))(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:6)
*(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:23)(cid:6))(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:6)
(cid:22)#(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:6)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:8)(cid:6)’(cid:15)(cid:27)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:6)
(cid:29)(cid:17)(cid:11),(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:6)
(cid:19)#(cid:15)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:6))(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:6)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:6))(cid:8)(cid:6)-(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:6) (cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:24)#(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:29)(cid:12)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:8)(cid:6)+(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:6)
(cid:6)

(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:9)!(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:6)
(cid:21)(cid:14)#(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:13)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)’#(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:26) (cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:23)(cid:24)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:20)&(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:11)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)"(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:23)(cid:11)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:14)(cid:15)

(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:9)!(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:6)
(cid:21)(cid:14)#(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:13)

(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:7)(cid:6))(cid:2)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:2)(cid:24)
2(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:6)*#(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:6)
(cid:29)(cid:12)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:6)2(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:17)&(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:15)(cid:11)!(cid:6)
(cid:6)
(cid:28)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:20)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)2(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:6)
(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:6))(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:6)
"(cid:4)#(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:8)(cid:6)"(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:27)(cid:27)(cid:6)
)(cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:6))(cid:8)(cid:6)*(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:17)(cid:6)

(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:2)
(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:6))(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:6)
(cid:30)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:22)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6)2(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:5)/(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:6)
"(cid:4)#(cid:17)(cid:4)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:4)/(cid:27)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:6)
’(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:16)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:6)

(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:6)
(cid:26)(cid:14)#(cid:27)(cid:3)/(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:27)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:6)
(cid:26)(cid:14)#(cid:27)(cid:3)/(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:27)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)2#(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:14)(cid:13)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:10)((cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:17)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)2(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:20)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:15)0(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:9)11(cid:10)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:15)

(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:30)#(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:4)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)

(cid:15)(cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:6)3(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:2)(cid:17)(cid:8)(cid:13)(cid:2)
*(cid:4)&(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6))(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:23)(cid:6)
(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:12)((cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:28)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:6)
(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:6)’(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:14)/(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:6)
’(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:6)
*(cid:4)&(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:11)1(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:6)
(cid:29)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:15)(cid:11)/(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:6)
(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:17)((cid:20)(cid:6)’(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:6)
(cid:2)(cid:20)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:9)4.(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:6)
(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6)5(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:6)
(cid:6)

(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:4)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:23)(cid:6)(cid:9)11(cid:10)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:4)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:4)
(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:9) (cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:8)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:4)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:31)(cid:6)
"(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:27)1(cid:14)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)

(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)
(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:13)(cid:6))(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:4)(cid:24)
(cid:26)+"(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:6)
(cid:2)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6))(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:4)(cid:24)

(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:6)3(cid:6)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:3)(cid:2)(cid:17)(cid:6))(cid:2)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:2)(cid:24)
(cid:18)(cid:11)&(cid:10)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6)2(cid:11)(cid:27)!(cid:6)
(cid:6)
(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:4)/(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:8)(cid:6)"(cid:14)/(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:6)
(cid:26)(cid:27)(cid:11)&(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:6) (cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)2(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:17)
(cid:29)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:11)((cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:6)
*(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:6)-(cid:8)(cid:6)2(cid:14)(cid:27)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:6)
(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:8)(cid:6)2(cid:15)(cid:10)11(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:6)
(cid:2)(cid:17)(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:6)"(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:6)

(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)’(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:24)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6).(cid:4)(cid:20)(cid:24)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:15)

(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:5)(cid:8)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:8)
2(cid:4)((cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:6)
(cid:6)
(cid:30)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:6)
(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:15)((cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:26)#(cid:11)(cid:6).(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:25)(cid:6)
(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:24)(cid:3)#(cid:4)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:6)
)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)*(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:6)
2(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:6)
(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:6)(cid:29)(cid:8)(cid:6)*(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:11)(cid:17)(cid:6)
(cid:6)

(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:6) (cid:6)
(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:14)#(cid:15)(cid:10)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:27)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:3)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:4)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:5)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:15)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:24)(#(cid:15)(cid:23)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:24)(cid:4)/
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:14)(cid:13)
(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:15)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:6)"(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:6).(cid:10)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:24)&(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:11)
(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:11)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:4)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:31)(cid:6)(cid:6)
(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:21)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:14)#(cid:15)(cid:10)

Equity University

E

U

EQUITY
UNIVERSITY

Since 2014, Equity 
Bank has been 
training our future 
leaders through 
Equity University, a 12-month program 
designed enhance participants’ leadership, 
organizational, and performance skills, 
while developing a solid understanding of 
the banking industry. Congratulations to 
our 2023 Class.

Olya Baker
AVP, Treasury Support  
Manager
Wichita

Alex Brown
VP, Regional Retail  
Sales Manager
Kansas City & Topeka

Rhonda Crosby
AVP, Human Resources  
Manager
Wichita

Michael Day
AVP, Internal 
Audit Supervisor
Wichita

Trevor Dorsey
Regional President
Southeast Kansas

Johnna Huke 
VP, Treasury  
Management
Kansas City & Topeka

Craig Kesner
Market President
Berryville

Jennifer Matzen
Director of Operational 
Risk
Wichita

Eric Ralston
Commercial Lender
Tulsa

Lisa Shaw
Mortgage Underwriting 
Manager
Wichita

Eric Tucker
Customer Care Manager
Wichita

Blake Yakel
VP, Commercial Lender,  
Portfolio Management
Wichita

2 Acquired First Community 
1
0
2

Bancshares, Inc. and 10 
bank locations in Western  
Missouri.

13

-  Acquired Community First Bank 
of Harrison, Arkansas.
-  $35.4MM private placement 

capital raise.

6
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

-  Completed Initial Public Offering and  
began trading on the Nasdaq Global 
Select Market.

-  Acquired First Independence Corporation 

of Independence, Kan.

Timeline continues on next page

13

Team in Action: 2024
Team in Action: 2024

Our annual all-employee 
Our annual all-employee 
celebration day is a 
celebration day is a 
highlight for Equity Bank 
highlight for Equity Bank 
team members throughout 
team members throughout 
regions, viewing a livestream 
regions, viewing a livestream 
with presentations from 
with presentations from 
leadership, team building videos, a motivational keynote, 
leadership, team building videos, a motivational keynote, 
and much more. On January 15, our Equity teams celebrated 
and much more. On January 15, our Equity teams celebrated 
continued growth and recognized top performers. Watch 
continued growth and recognized top performers. Watch 
selected content at equitybank.com/AEM-2024. 
selected content at equitybank.com/AEM-2024. 

Ronan Sramek leads Personal Bankers in Kansas City breakout 
Ronan Sramek leads Personal Bankers in breakout session. 
session. 

Jeff Keyes and Chad Nieman high-five in Kanas City.
Jeff Keyes and Chad Nieman high-five in Kanas City.

David King presents Taylor Ellison and Wichita Ridge 
David King presents Taylor Ellison and Wichita Ridge 
team with the Deposit Bank of the Year award.
team with the Deposit Bank of the Year award.

Growth Stage  |  2008-2016
Growth Stage  |  2008-2016

7
7
1
1
0
0
2
2

Acquired Prairie State 
Acquired Prairie State 
(Western KS), Patriot 
(Western KS), Patriot 
Bank (Tulsa), and 
Bank (Tulsa), and 
Eastman National Bank 
Eastman National Bank 
(Ponca City).
(Ponca City).

Andy Arnold and Jon Roop prepare for 
Andy Arnold and Jon Roop prepare for 
the meeting.
the meeting.

Brad Daniel, aka “Agent La Croix,” leads a breakout 
Brad Daniel, aka “Agent La Croix,” leads a breakout 
session in Western Kansas.
session in Western Kansas.

Launched Equity 
Launched Equity 
Trust and Wealth 
Trust and Wealth 
Management.
Management.

9
9
1
1
0
0
2
2

8
8
1
1
0
0
2
2

Acquired Kansas Bank 
Acquired Kansas Bank 
Corporation (Liberal, KS), 
Corporation (Liberal, KS), 
Adams Dairy Bank (Blue 
Adams Dairy Bank (Blue 
Springs, MO), and City Bank 
Springs, MO), and City Bank 
& Trust (Guymon, OK).
& Trust (Guymon, OK).

0
0
2
2
0
0
2
2

-  Completed $75MM 
-  Completed $75MM 

subordinated debt issuance.
subordinated debt issuance.
2020-2021: Originated $650 
2020-2021: Originated $650 
million of PPP.
million of PPP.
- Acquired Almena State Bank.
- Acquired Almena State Bank.

14
14

Our mission is to  
Our mission is to  
empower and uplift 
empower and uplift 
the ﬁnancial well-being 
(cid:371)(cid:282)(cid:253)(cid:1228)(cid:482)(cid:317)(cid:212)(cid:317)(cid:240)(cid:286)(cid:212)(cid:309)(cid:1228)(cid:399)(cid:253)(cid:309)(cid:309)(cid:1265)(cid:239)(cid:253)(cid:286)(cid:317)(cid:275)(cid:1228)
of our clients and the 
of our clients and the 
communities we serve, 
communities we serve, 
creating a great culture 
creating a great culture 
to grow our team 
to grow our team 
members, while providing 
members, while providing 
a strong return for our 
a strong return for our 
stockholders. 
stockholders. 

Keynote speaker Alex Weber with team members at 
Keynote speaker Alex Weber with team members at 
a “special spy screening!”
a “special spy screening!”

Justin Harris and Amy Villines led the Top Secret 
Justin Harris and Amy Villines led the Top Secret 
Ozark Mountain Region.
Ozark Mountain Region.

John Hanley, Brad Elliott, and Rick Sems answer 
John Hanley, Brad Elliott, and Rick Sems answer 
questions from Team Members.
questions from Team Members.

Alyson Johnson, 15 year tenure award winner, and 
Alyson Johnson, 15 year tenure award winner, and 
Levi Getz.
Levi Getz.

Shawn Powelson, Kelly Benzel, and Brad Daniel in 
Shawn Powelson, Kelly Benzel, and Brad Daniel in 
Western Kansas.
Western Kansas.

Behind-the-scenes filming of the “Debt Reckoning” skit.
Behind-the-scenes filming of the “Debt Reckoning” skit.

Rick Sems with 25-year tenure award winners 
Rick Sems with 25-year tenure award winners 
Sandra Rice and Liza O’Neal in Western Missouri.
Sandra Rice and Liza O’Neal in Western Missouri.

-  Acquired American 
-  Acquired American 
State Bancshares, 
State Bancshares, 
Inc. and 15 Kansas 
Inc. and 15 Kansas 
locations.
locations.

-   Acquired 3 St. Joseph, 
-   Acquired 3 St. Joseph, 
MO branches from 
MO branches from 
Security Bank of KC.
Security Bank of KC.

1
1
2
2
0
0
2
2

-  Equity Bank rings the bell at the New 
-  Equity Bank rings the bell at the New 
York Stock Exchange, signifying its 
York Stock Exchange, signifying its 
common stock, “EQBK,” is traded on 
common stock, “EQBK,” is traded on 
the NYSE.
the NYSE.

-  Announced merger with Rockhold 
-  Announced merger with Rockhold 
Ban-Corp, added locations in 
BanCorp, added locations in 
Northern Missouri.
Northern Missouri.

3
3
2
2
0
0
2
2

2022 of 1 million shares.

2 -  Completed quarterly EQBK stock repurchases in 
2
0
2

2 -  Completed quarterly EQBK stock repurchases in 
2
0
2

-  Launched Brilliant Bank, direct online-only bank.

-  Launched Brilliant Bank, direct online-only bank.

-  Launched Health Care Services Division.

-  Launched Health Care Services Division.

2022 of 1 million shares.

15
15

We Never Forget, 
We Never Forget 
It’s Your Money
It’s Your Money

At Equity Bank, we know people bank with people, 
At Equity Bank, we know people bank with people, 

not institutions. We value our relationships with 
not institutions. We value our relationships with 

local businesses of all shapes and size who share 
local businesses of all shapes and size who share 

the same Entrepreneurial Spirit our company 
the same Entrepreneurial Spirit our company 

was founded upon.
was founded upon.

Alyssa Cook visited with the staff of Matt’s Auto Sales of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. 
Alyssa Cook visited with the staff of Matt’s Auto Sales of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. 

Levi Getz and Chad Churchwell stopped by to chat 
Levi Getz and Chad Churchwell stopped by to chat 
with local farmer Jim Heier.
with local farmer Jim Heier.

Drake Reynolds tours a store Nathan McClure of 
Drake Reynolds tours a store
Rendezvous Adventure Outfitters of Wichita.
 of

Rendezvous Adventure Outfitters
Rendezvous Adventure Outfitters

 Nathan McClure

 with

.

Colby May with Relph Construction owner Russ Relph 
Colby May with Relph Construction owner Russ Relph 
in front of a property.
in front of a property.

Alex Goodpaster in the shop with Billy Vielhauer of 
Alex Goodpaster in the shop with Billy Vielhauer of 
Beaver Drill & Tool Co. and Beaver Racing.
Beaver Drill & Tool Co. and Beaver Racing.

Levi Getz and Chad Churchwell visited local rancher 
Levi Getz and Chad Churchwell visited local rancher 
Ferrel Zerr.
Ferrel Zerr.

Jeremy Dietsche with Jordan Schaeffer in front 
Jeremy Dietsche with Jordan Schaeffer in front 
of Sassy Wags LLC of Harrison, Arkansas.
of Sassy Wags LLC of Harrison, Arkansas.

16
16

 
 
`

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from

to

Commission File Number 001-37624

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Kansas
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

7701 East Kellogg Drive, Suite 300
Wichita, KS
(Address of principal executive offices)

72-1532188
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

67207
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 316.612.6000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

Trading Symbol(s)
EQBK

Name of exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging
growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company

☒
☐
☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over
financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its
audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the
correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the
registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of June 30, 2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and
non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates was $443.0 million.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Class B Non-Voting Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

Shares outstanding as of February 29, 2024
15,437,891
0

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed within 120 days after December 31,
2023, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I

Item 1.

Business ....................................................................................................................................................................

Item 1A.

Risk Factors ..............................................................................................................................................................

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments.....................................................................................................................................

Item 1C.

Cybersecurity ............................................................................................................................................................

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Part II

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Properties ..................................................................................................................................................................

Legal Proceedings.....................................................................................................................................................

Mine Safety Disclosures ...........................................................................................................................................

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities...................................................................................................................................................................

Reserved....................................................................................................................................................................

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...................................

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk ...................................................................................

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ........................................................................................................

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.....................................................................................

Consolidated Balance Sheets ....................................................................................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Income .........................................................................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income ...............................................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity....................................................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows...................................................................................................................

3

22

48

48

49

50

50

51

55

56

82

85

F-1

F-4

F-5

F-6

F-7

F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................................................................................

F-10

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ..................................

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures ...........................................................................................................................................

Item 9B.

Other Information .....................................................................................................................................................

Item 9C.

Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection .......................................................................

Part III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance .......................................................................................

Item 11.

Executive Compensation ..........................................................................................................................................

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters ................

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .........................................................

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services...................................................................................................................

Part IV

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ..................................................................................................................

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary ................................................................................................................................................

85

85

86

86

87

87

87

87

87

88

91

Important Notice about Information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K

Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “we,” “our,”

“us,” “the Company” and “Equity” refer to Equity Bancshares, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Equity Bank, which
we sometimes refer to as “Equity Bank,” “the Bank” or “our Bank.”

The information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is accurate only as of the date of this annual report and as of the

dates specified herein.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities

Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”).” These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial
performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,”
“predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,”
“project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of
a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts and are based on current expectations,
estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by
their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although
we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may
prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. When considering forward-
looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described in “Item 1A – Risk Factors” of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

There are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these

forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

external economic and/or market factors, such as changes in monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest
rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the Federal Reserve, inflation or deflation,
changes in the demand for loans, and fluctuations in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits which may have an
adverse impact on our financial condition;

losses resulting from a decline in the credit quality of the assets that we hold;

the occurrence of various events that negatively impact the real estate market, since a significant portion of our loan
portfolio is secured by real estate;

inaccuracies or changes in the appraised value of real estate securing the loans we originate that could lead to losses if the
real estate collateral is later foreclosed upon and sold at a price lower than the appraised value;

the loss of our largest loan and depositor relationships;

limitations on our ability to lend and to mitigate the risks associated with our lending activities as a result of our size and
capital position;

differences in our realized losses as compared to historical loss experience adjusted for quantitative and qualitative factors
reflected in our calculation of the allowance for credit losses;

inadequacies in our allowance for credit losses which could require us to take a charge to earnings and thereby adversely
affect our financial condition;

interest rate fluctuations which could have an adverse effect on our profitability;

an economic downturn, especially one affecting our core market areas;

potential fraud related to Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan applications through the Paycheck Protection
Program (“PPP”) as part of the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”);

the effects of pandemic and widespread public health emergencies;

the costs of integrating the businesses we acquire, which may be greater than expected;

1

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the departure of key members of our management personnel or our inability to hire qualified management personnel;

challenges arising from unsuccessful attempts to expand into new geographic markets, products, or services;

a lack of liquidity resulting from decreased asset repayment rates, lower deposit balances, or other factors;

inaccuracies in our assumptions about future events which could result in material differences between our financial
projections and actual financial performance;

an inability to keep pace with the rate of technological advances due to a lack of resources to invest in new technologies;

disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, our information
technology systems;

unauthorized access to nonpublic personal information of our customers, which could expose us to litigation or
reputational harm;

disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events affecting the third-party vendors who perform several of our critical
processing functions;

required implementation of new accounting standards that significantly change our existing recognition practices;

additional regulatory requirements and restrictions on our business, which could impose additional costs on us;

an increase in FDIC deposit insurance assessments, which could adversely affect our earnings;

increased capital requirements imposed by banking regulators, which may require us to raise capital at a time when capital
is not available on favorable terms or at all;

restraints on the ability of Equity Bank to pay dividends to us, which could limit our liquidity;

a failure in the internal controls we have implemented to address the risks inherent to the banking industry;

continued or increasing competition from other financial institutions, credit unions, and non-bank financial services
companies, many of which are subject to different regulations than we are;

costs arising from the environmental risks associated with making loans secured by real estate;

the occurrence of adverse weather or man-made events, which could negatively affect our core markets or disrupt our
operations;

the effects of new federal tax laws, or changes to existing federal tax laws;

the obligations associated with being a public company;

effect of pending and future litigation, including the results of the overdraft fee litigation against the Company that is
described in this annual report; and

other factors that are discussed in “Item 1A – Risk Factors.”

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements

that are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties
materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate.
Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks
only as of the date when it is made and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to
time and it is not possible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each
factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from
those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be
considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may
issue.

2

Part I

Item 1: Business

Our Company

We are a financial holding company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Our wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Equity Bank, provides
a broad range of financial services primarily to businesses and business owners as well as individuals through our network of 64
branches located in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had, on a
consolidated basis, total assets of $5.03 billion, total deposits of $4.15 billion, total loans (net of allowances) of $3.29 billion and total
stockholders’ equity of $452.9 million.

Our principal objective is to increase stockholder value and generate consistent earnings growth by expanding our commercial
banking franchise both organically and through strategic acquisitions. We strive to provide an enhanced banking experience for our
customers by providing them with a comprehensive suite of sophisticated banking products and services tailored to meet their needs
while delivering the high-quality relationship-based customer service of a community bank.

Our History and Growth

We were founded in November 2002 by our Chairman and CEO, Brad S. Elliott. Mr. Elliott believed that, as a result of in-market
consolidation, there existed an opportunity to build an attractive commercial banking franchise and create long-term value for our
stockholders. Following thirteen years’ experience as a finance executive, including serving as a Regional President for a Kansas
bank with over $1.0 billion in assets, Mr. Elliott implemented his banking vision of developing a strategic consolidator of community
banks and a destination for seasoned bankers and businesspersons who share our entrepreneurial spirit. In 2003, we raised capital
from 23 local investors to finance the acquisition of National Bank of Andover in Andover, Kansas.

We believe we have a successful track record of selectively acquiring, integrating and consolidating community banks and branch
networks. Our acquisition activity includes the following transactions.

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June 2003 – Acquired National Bank of Andover in Andover, Kansas for $3 million. At the time of our acquisition,
National Bank of Andover had $32 million in total assets.

February 2005 – Acquired two branches of Hillcrest Bank, N.A. in Wichita, Kansas, which increased our deposits by $66
million. In conjunction with this acquisition, we relocated our headquarters to our current principal executive offices in
Wichita.

June 2006 – Acquired the Mortgage Centre of Wichita and integrated it into our Bank as a department to expand our
mortgage loan platform.

October 2006 – Acquired a Missouri charter from First National Bank in Sarcoxie, Missouri, which allowed us to
subsequently open a full-service branch in Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 2007.

November 2007 – Acquired Signature Bancshares, Inc. in Spring Hill, Kansas, which provided us entry into the Overland
Park, Kansas market.

August 2008 – Acquired Ellis State Bank with locations in Ellis and Hays, Kansas.

December 2011 – Acquired four branches of Citizens Bank and Trust in Topeka, Kansas, which increased our deposits by
$110 million.

October 2012 – Acquired First Community Bancshares, Inc. in Overland Park, Kansas, which increased our deposits by
approximately $515 million. At the time of acquisition, First Community had total assets of approximately $595 million,
which significantly increased our total asset size and provided us with ten additional branches in Western Missouri and
five additional branches in Kansas City.

October 2015 – Acquired First Independence Corporation of Independence, the registered savings and loan holding
company for First Federal Savings & Loan of Independence, based in Independence, Kansas. First Independence
operated four full-service branches in Southeastern Kansas. At the time of acquisition, First Independence had
consolidated total assets of $135.0 million, total deposits of $87.1 million and total loans of $89.9 million.

November 2016 – Acquired Community First Bancshares, Inc. in Harrison, Arkansas, which increased our deposits by
$375.4 million. At the time of acquisition, Community First had total assets of $462.9 million and five locations in
Arkansas.

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March 2017 – Acquired Prairie State Bancshares, Inc. (“Prairie”) in Hoxie, Kansas, which increased our deposits by
$125.4 million and our total assets by $153.1 million. The merger added three locations in western Kansas.

November 2017 – Acquired Eastman National Bancshares, Inc. (“Eastman”), which had a total of four branches in Ponca
City and Newkirk, Oklahoma. The acquisition increased our deposits by $224.1 million, our loans by $177.9 million and
our total assets by $281.5 million. In addition, at the same time, we acquired Cache Holdings, Inc. (“Cache”) in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. Cache was the holding company for Patriot Bank and had one branch in Tulsa. The acquisition of Cache
added $278.7 million in deposits, $300.7 million in loans and $343.4 in total assets.

May 2018 – Acquired Kansas Bank Corporation (“KBC”), which had a total of five branches in Liberal and Hugoton,
Kansas. The acquisition increased our deposits by $288.4 million, our loans by $159.4 million and our total assets by
$336.1 million. On the same day we acquired Adams Dairy Bancshares, Inc. (“Adams”), which had one branch located in
Blue Springs, Missouri. The acquisition of Adams added $97.1 million in deposits, $82.7 million in loans and $119.8
million in total assets.

August 2018 – Acquired City Bank and Trust Company (“City Bank”), with one branch in Guymon, Oklahoma, from
Docking Bancshares, Inc. This acquisition increased our deposits by $126.9 million, our loans by $77.1 million and our
total assets by $163.3 million.

February 2019 – Acquired the assets and assumed the deposits and certain other liabilities of two branch locations in
Guymon, Oklahoma and one branch location in Cordell, Oklahoma, from MidFirst Bank based in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma. This acquisition increased our deposits by $98.5 million, our loans by $6.5 million and our total assets by
$98.6 million.

October 2020 – Purchased the assets and assumed the deposits of one branch location in Norton, Kansas, and one branch
location in Almena, Kansas, from Almena State Bank (“Almena”) facilitated by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (“FDIC”). This purchase increased our deposits by $62.5 million, our loans by $31.4 million and our total
assets by $66.9 million.

October 2021 – Acquired American State Bancshares, Inc. (“ASBI”), which had a total of seventeen branches in Kansas.
The acquisition increased our deposits by $668.8 million, our loans by $441.9 million and our total assets by $777.6
million.

December 2021 – Purchased the assets and assumed the deposits of three Security Bank of Kansas City (“Security”)
branch locations in St. Joseph, Missouri, from Valley View Financial Co. of Overland Park, Kansas. The purchase
increased our deposits by $75.1 million, our loans by $1.4 million and our total assets by $75.8 million.

December 2023 – Announced the Company's merger with Rockhold BanCorp, the parent company of Bank of Kirksville.
Following the merger, the Company has added approximately $350 million in deposit balances and $122 million in loan
balances serviced out of 8 branch locations located in northcentral Missouri. The transaction closed on February 9, 2024.

In conjunction with our strategic acquisition growth, we strive to reposition and improve the loan portfolio and deposit mix of the
banks we acquire. Following our acquisitions, we focus on identifying and disposing of problematic loans and replacing them with
higher quality loans generated organically. In addition, we focus on growth in our commercial loan portfolio through hiring and
retaining talented bankers and incentivizing them to expand their commercial banking relationships. We also seek to increase our
most attractive deposit accounts, primarily by growing deposits in our community markets and cross selling our depository products to
our loan customers.

As a result of these strategic and organic growth efforts, we have expanded our team of full-time equivalent employees from 19 to 717
and our network of branches from 2 to 64 as of December 31, 2023. We believe that we are well positioned to continue to be a
strategic consolidator of community banks while maintaining our history of attracting experienced and entrepreneurial bankers and
organically growing our loans and deposits.

Our Strategies

We believe we are a leading provider of commercial and personal banking services to businesses and business owners as well as
individuals in our targeted Midwestern markets. Our strategy is to continue consolidating community banks within such markets and
maintaining our organic growth, while preserving our asset quality through disciplined lending practices.

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Strategic Consolidation of Community Banks. We believe our strategy of selectively acquiring and integrating
community banks has provided us with economies of scale and improved our overall franchise efficiency. We expect to
continue to pursue strategic acquisitions and believe our targeted market areas present us with many and varied

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acquisition opportunities. The following map illustrates the headquarters of potential acquisition opportunities within our
target footprint.

We believe many of these banks will continue to be burdened by new and more complex banking regulations, resource
constraints, competitive limitations, rising technological and other business costs, management succession issues and
liquidity concerns.

Despite the significant number of opportunities, we intend to continue to employ a disciplined approach to our acquisition
strategy and only seek to identify and partner with financial institutions that possess attractive market share, low-cost
deposit funding or compelling non-interest income-generating businesses. We believe consolidation will lead to organic
growth opportunities for us following the integration of businesses we acquire. We also expect to continue to manage our
branch network in order to ensure effective coverage for customers while minimizing any geographic overlap and driving
corporate efficiency.

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Enhance the Performance of the Banks We Acquire. We strive to successfully integrate the banks we acquire into our
existing operational platform and enhance stockholder value through the creation of efficiencies within the combined
operations. As a result of our acquisition history, we believe we have developed an experienced approach to integration
that seeks to identify and execute on such synergies, particularly in the areas of technology, data processing, compliance
and human resources, while generating earnings growth. We believe that our experience and reputation as a successful
integrator and acquirer will allow us to continue to capitalize on additional opportunities within our markets in the future.

Focus on Lending Growth in Our Metropolitan Markets While Increasing Deposits in Our Community Markets. We
are focused on continuing to grow organically and believe the markets in which we operate currently provide meaningful

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opportunities to expand our commercial customer base and increase our current market share. We believe our branch
network is strategically split between growing metropolitan markets, such as Kansas City, Wichita and Tulsa, and stable
community markets within Western Kansas, Western Missouri, Topeka, Northern Arkansas and Northern Oklahoma. We
believe this diverse geographic footprint provides us with access to low cost, stable core deposits in community markets
that we can use to fund commercial loan growth in our metropolitan markets. The following table shows our total
deposits and loans in our community markets and our metropolitan markets as of December 31, 2023, which we believe
illustrates our execution of this strategy.

Metropolitan markets(2)
Community markets(3)

Deposits

Loans

Amount(1)
$ 1,633,213
$ 2,512,242

Overall %

Amount(1)

Overall %

39% $ 2,461,136
871,765
61% $

74%
26%

(1)

(2)

(3)

Amounts in thousands.
Represents 15 locations in the Wichita, Kansas City and Tulsa metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”).
Represents 49 locations outside of the Wichita, Kansas City and Tulsa MSAs.

Our team of seasoned bankers represents an important driver of our organic growth by expanding banking relationships
with current and potential customers. We expect to continue to make opportunistic hires of talented and entrepreneurial
bankers, particularly in our metropolitan markets, to further augment our growth. Our bankers are incentivized to
increase the size of their loan and deposit portfolios and generate fee income while maintaining strong credit quality. We
also seek to cross-sell our various banking products, including our deposit and treasury wealth management products, to
our commercial loan customers, which we believe provides a basis for expanding our banking relationships as well as a
stable, low-cost deposit base. We have built a scalable platform that will support this continued organic growth.

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Preserve Our Asset Quality Through Disciplined Lending Practices. Our approach to credit management uses well-
defined policies and procedures, disciplined underwriting criteria and ongoing risk management. We are a competitive
and effective commercial and industrial lender, supplementing ongoing and active loan servicing with early-stage credit
review provided by our bankers. This approach has allowed us to maintain loan growth with a diversified portfolio of
high-quality assets. We believe our credit culture supports accountable bankers who maintain an ability to expand our
customer base as well as make sound decisions for our Company.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe the following competitive strengths will allow us to continue to achieve our principal objective of increasing stockholder
value and generating consistent earnings growth through the organic and strategic expansion of our commercial banking franchise.

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Experienced Leadership and Management Team. Our seasoned and experienced executive management team, senior
leaders and board of directors have exhibited the ability to deliver stockholder value by consistently growing profitably
while expanding our commercial banking franchise through acquisition and integration. Our executive management team
has, on average, more than twenty years of experience working for and with large, financial institutions in our markets
during various economic cycles along with significant merger and acquisition experience in the financial services
industry. Our team has instilled a transparent and entrepreneurial culture that rewards leadership, innovation and problem
solving.

Focus on Commercial Banking. We are primarily a commercial bank. As measured by outstanding balances at
December 31, 2023, commercial loans composed over 70.8% of our loan portfolio and within our commercial loan
portfolio, 74.6% of such loans were commercial real estate loans and 25.4% were commercial and industrial loans. We
have developed strong commercial relationships in our markets across a diversified range of sectors including key areas
supporting regional and local economic activity and growth, such as manufacturing, freight/transportation, consumer
services, franchising and commercial real estate. We have also been successful in attracting customers from larger
competitors because of our flexible and responsive approach in providing banking solutions tailored to meet our
customers’ needs while maintaining disciplined underwriting standards. Our relationship-based approach seeks to grow
lending relationships with our customers through cross-selling our banking products, such as our deposit and treasury
management tools, as they expand their businesses. We have a growing presence in attractive commercial banking
markets, such as Wichita, Kansas City and Tulsa, which we believe present significant opportunities to continue to
increase our business banking activities.

Our Ability to Consolidate. Our branches are strategically located within metropolitan markets as well as stable
community markets that present opportunities to expand our market share. Our executive management team has
identified significant acquisition and consolidation opportunities ranging from small to large community banking

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institutions. We believe our track record of strategic acquisitions and effective integrations, combined with our expertise
in our markets and scalable platform, will allow us to capitalize on these growth opportunities.

Disciplined Acquisition Approach. Our disciplined approach to acquisitions, consolidations and integrations includes the
following: (i) selectively acquiring community banking franchises only at appropriate valuations, after taking into account
risks that we perceive with respect to the targeted bank; (ii) completing comprehensive due diligence and developing an
appropriate plan to address any legacy credit problems of the targeted institution; (iii) identifying an achievable cost
savings estimate and holding our management accountable for achieving such estimates; (iv) executing definitive
acquisition agreements that we believe provide adequate protections to us; (v) installing our credit procedures, audit and
risk management policies and procedures and compliance standards upon consummation of the acquisition; (vi)
collaborating with the target’s management team to execute on synergies and cost saving opportunities related to the
acquisition; and (vii) involving a broader management team across multiple departments in order to help ensure the
successful integration of all business functions. We believe our approach allows us to realize the benefits of the
acquisition and create stockholder value while appropriately managing risk.

Efficient and Scalable Platform with Capacity to Support Our Growth. Through significant investments in technology
and staff, our management team has built an efficient and scalable corporate infrastructure within our commercial banking
franchise, including in the areas of banking processes, technology, data processing, underwriting, risk management and
internal audit, which we believe will support our continued growth. While expanding our infrastructure, several
departmental functions have been outsourced to gain the experience of outside professionals while at the same time
achieving more favorable economics and cost-effective solutions. Such outsourced areas include specific internal audit
functions and select loan review. This outsourcing strategy has proven to control costs while adding enhanced controls
and/or service levels. We believe that this scalable infrastructure will continue to allow us to efficiently and effectively
manage our anticipated growth.

Culture Committed to Talent Development, Transparency and Accountability. We have invested in professional talent
since our inception by building a team of “businesspersons first and bankers second” and economically aligned them with
our stockholders, through our share-based incentive compensation and stock purchase opportunities. In our efforts to
become a destination for seasoned bankers with an entrepreneurial spirit, we have developed numerous leadership
development programs. For example, “Equity University” is a year-long program we designed for our promising
company-wide leaders. We believe our well-trained and motivated professionals work most effectively in a corporate
environment that emphasizes transparency, respect, innovation and accountability. Our culture provides our professionals
with the empowerment to better serve our clients and our communities.

Sophisticated and Customized Banking Products with High-Quality Customer Service. We strive to offer our customers
the sophisticated commercial banking products of large financial institutions with the personalized service of a community
bank. Our management team’s significant banking and lending experience in our markets has provided us with an
understanding of the commercial banking needs of our customers that allows us to tailor our products and services to meet
our customers’ needs. In addition to offering a diverse array of banking products and services, we offer our customers the
high-touch, relationship-based customer service experience of a community bank. For example, we utilize Equity
Connect, a customized customer relationship management system, to assign relationship officers to enhance relationships
with our customers and identify and meet their particular needs.

Strong Risk Management Practices. We place significant emphasis on risk management as an integral component of our
organizational culture without sacrificing growth. We believe our comprehensive risk management system is designed to
make sure that we have sound policies, procedures and practices for the management of key risks under our risk
framework (which includes market, operational, liquidity, interest rate sensitivity, credit, insurance, regulatory, legal and
reputational risk) and that any exceptions are reported by senior management to our board of directors or audit committee.
Our risk management practices are overseen by the Chairmen of our audit and risk committees, who have many years of
combined banking experience, and our Chief Risk Officer, who has more than 25 years of banking and financial services
experience. We believe that our enterprise risk management philosophy has been important in gaining and maintaining
the confidence of our various constituencies and growing our business and footprint within our markets. We also believe
our strong risk management practices are manifested in our asset quality statistics.

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Our Banking Services

A general description of the range of commercial banking products and other services we offer follows.

Lending Activities

At December 31, 2023, we had total loans of $3.29 billion (net of allowances), representing 65.3% of our total assets. For additional
information concerning our loan portfolio, see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations – Financial Condition – Loan Portfolio.”

Concentrations of Credit Risk. Most of our lending activity is conducted with businesses and individuals in metropolitan Kansas City,
Tulsa and Wichita. Our loan portfolio consists primarily of commercial real estate loans, which were $1.76 billion and constituted
52.8% of our total loans as of December 31, 2023, commercial and industrial loans, which were $598.3 million and constituted 18% of
our total loans as of December 31, 2023, and residential real estate loans, which were $556.3 million and constituted 16.7% of our
total loans as of December 31, 2023. Our commercial real estate loans are generally secured by first liens on real property. The
remaining commercial and industrial loans are typically secured by general business assets, accounts receivable, inventory and/or the
corporate guaranty of the borrower and/or personal guaranty of its principals. The geographic concentration subjects the loan
portfolio to the general economic conditions within Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The risks created by such
concentrations have been considered by management in the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.
Management believes the allowance for credit losses is adequate to cover expected losses in our loan portfolio as of December 31,
2023.

Sound risk management practices and appropriate levels of capital are essential elements of a sound commercial real estate lending
program. Concentrations of commercial real estate exposures add a dimension of risk that compounds the risk inherent in individual
loans. Interagency guidance on commercial real estate concentrations describe sound risk management practices which include board
and management oversight, portfolio management, management information systems, market analysis, portfolio stress testing and
sensitivity analysis, credit underwriting standards and credit risk review functions. Management believes these practices allow us to
appropriately monitor concentrations in commercial real estate in our loan portfolio.

Large Credit Relationships. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate amount of loans to our ten largest borrowers (including related
entities) amounted to approximately $344.7 million, or 10.3% of total loans. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our
Business – Our largest loan relationships currently make up a material percentage of our total loan portfolio.”

Loan Underwriting and Approval. Historically, we believe we have made sound, high quality loans while recognizing that lending
money involves a degree of business risk. We have loan policies designed to assist us in managing this business risk. These policies
provide a general framework for our loan origination, monitoring and funding activities, while recognizing that not all risks can be
anticipated. Our board of directors delegates loan authority up to board-approved hold limits collectively to our Directors’ credit
committee, which is comprised of members of our board of directors. Our board of directors also delegates limited lending authority
to our internal loan committee, which is comprised of members of our executive management team. In addition, our board of directors
also delegates more limited lending authority to our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Credit Officer, credit risk personnel and,
on a further limited basis, to selected lending managers in each of our target markets. Lending officers and relationship managers,
including our bankers, have further limited individual loan authority. When the total relationship exceeds an individual’s loan
authority, a higher authority or credit committee approval is required. The objective of our approval process is to provide a
disciplined, collaborative approach to larger credits while maintaining responsiveness to client needs.

Loan decisions are documented as to the borrower’s business, purpose of the loan, evaluation of the repayment source and associated
risks, evaluation of collateral, covenants and monitoring requirements and the risk rating rationale. Our strategy for approving or
disapproving loans is to follow conservative loan policies and consistent underwriting practices which include:

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maintaining close relationships among our customers and their designated banker to ensure ongoing credit monitoring and
loan servicing;

granting credit on a sound basis with full knowledge of the purpose and source of repayment for such credit;

ensuring that primary and secondary sources of repayment are adequate in relation to the amount of the loan;

developing and maintaining targeted levels of diversification for our loan portfolio as a whole and for loans within each
category; and

ensuring that each loan is properly documented and that any insurance coverage requirements are satisfied.

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Managing credit risk is a Company-wide process. Our strategy for credit risk management includes well-defined, centralized credit
policies, uniform underwriting criteria and ongoing risk monitoring and review processes for all credit exposures. Our processes
emphasize early-stage review of loans, regular credit evaluations and management reviews of loans, which supplement the ongoing
and proactive credit monitoring and loan servicing provided by our bankers. Our Chief Credit Officer provides Company-wide credit
oversight to ensure that the risk identification processes are functioning properly and that our credit standards are followed. In
addition, a third-party loan review is performed to assist in the identification of problem assets and to confirm our internal risk rating
of loans. We attempt to identify potential problem loans early in an effort to seek aggressive resolution of these situations before the
loans become a loss, record any necessary charge-offs promptly and maintain adequate allowance levels for probable credit losses
incurred in the loan portfolio.

Our loan policies generally include other underwriting guidelines for loans collateralized by real estate. These underwriting standards
are designed to determine the maximum loan amount that a borrower has the capacity to repay based upon the type of collateral
securing the loan and the borrower’s income. Such loan policies include maximum amortization schedules and loan terms for each
category of loans collateralized by liens on real estate.

In addition, our loan policies provide guidelines for personal guarantees; an environmental review; loans to employees, executive
officers and directors; problem loan identification; maintenance of an adequate allowance for credit losses and other matters relating to
lending practices.

Lending Limits. Our lending activities are subject to a variety of lending limits imposed by federal and state law. In general, the Bank
is subject to a legal lending limit on loans to a single borrower based on the Bank’s capital level. The dollar amounts of the Bank’s
lending limit increases or decreases as the Bank’s capital increases or decreases. The Bank is able to sell participations in its larger
loans to other financial institutions, which allows it to manage the risk involved in these loans and to meet the lending needs of its
customers requiring extensions of credit in excess of these limits.

The Bank’s legal lending limit as of December 31, 2023, on loans to a single borrower was $143.0 million. However, we typically
maintain an in-house limit of $25.0 million for loans to a single borrower. We have strict policies and procedures in place for the
establishment of hold limits with respect to specific products and businesses and evaluating exceptions to the hold limits for individual
relationships.

Our loan policies provide general guidelines for loan-to-value ratios that restrict the size of loans to a maximum percentage of the
value of the collateral securing the loans, which percentage varies by the type of collateral. Our internal loan-to-value limitations
follow limits established by applicable law.

Loan Types. We provide a variety of loans to meet our customers’ needs. The section below discusses our general loan categories.

Commercial and Industrial Loans. We make commercial and industrial loans, including commercial lines of credit, working capital
loans, term loans, equipment financing, aircraft financing, acquisition, expansion and development loans, borrowing base loans,
government guaranteed loans, letters of credit and other loan products, primarily in our target markets that are underwritten on the
basis of the borrower’s ability to service the debt from income. We take as collateral a lien on general business assets including,
among other things, available real estate, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment and generally obtain a personal guaranty of
the borrower or principal. Our commercial and industrial loans generally have variable interest rates and terms that typically range
from one to five years depending on factors such as the type and size of the loan, the financial strength of the borrower/guarantor and
the age, type and value of the collateral. Fixed rate commercial and industrial loan maturities are generally short-term, with three to
five-year maturities, or include periodic interest rate resets. Terms greater than five years may be appropriate in some circumstances
based upon the useful life of the underlying asset being financed or if some form of credit enhancement, such as a government
guarantee is obtained.

In general, commercial and industrial loans may involve increased credit risk and, therefore, typically yield a higher return. The
increased risk in commercial and industrial loans derives from the expectation that such loans generally are serviced principally from
the operations of the business and those operations may not be successful. Any interruption or discontinuance of operating cash flows
from the business, which may be influenced by events not under the control of the borrower such as economic events and changes in
governmental regulations, could materially affect the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. In addition, the collateral securing
commercial and industrial loans generally includes movable property such as equipment and inventory, which may decline in value
more rapidly than we anticipate exposing us to increased credit risk. As a result of these additional complexities, variables and risks,
commercial and industrial loans require extensive underwriting and servicing.

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Commercial Real Estate Loans. We make commercial mortgage loans collateralized by real estate, which may be owner occupied or
non-owner-occupied. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment is
dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. We
require our commercial real estate loans to be secured by well-managed property with adequate margins and generally obtain a
guarantee from responsible parties. Our commercial mortgage loans generally are collateralized by first liens on real estate, have
variable or fixed interest rates and amortize over a 10 to 20-year period with balloon payments or rate adjustments due at the end of
three to seven years. Periodically, we will utilize an interest rate swap to hedge against long-term fixed rate exposures. Commercial
mortgage loans considered for interest rate swap hedging typically have terms of greater than five years.

Repayment of these loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy to a greater extent than other
types of loans. In underwriting commercial real estate loans, we seek to minimize these risks in a variety of ways, including giving
careful consideration to the property’s age, condition, operating history, future operating projections, current and projected market
rental rates, vacancy rates, location and physical condition. The underwriting analysis also may include credit verification, reviews of
appraisals, environmental hazards or reports, the borrower’s liquidity and leverage, management experience of the owners or
principals, economic condition and industry trends.

We also make loans to finance the construction of residential and non-residential properties. Construction loans generally are
collateralized by first liens on real estate and have floating interest rates. We conduct periodic inspections, either directly or through
an agent, prior to approval of periodic draws on these loans. Underwriting guidelines similar to those described above are also used in
our construction lending activities. Our construction loans have terms that typically range from six months to two years depending on
factors such as the type and size of the development and the financial strength of the borrower/guarantor. Loans are typically
structured with an interest only construction period. Loans are underwritten to either mature at the completion of construction, or
transition to a traditional amortizing commercial real estate facility at the completion of construction, in line with other commercial
real estate loans held at the bank.

Construction loans generally involve additional risks attributable to the fact that loan funds are advanced upon the security of a project
under construction, and the project is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of uncertainties inherent in estimating
construction costs, the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on real property, it can be
difficult to accurately evaluate the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result of these
uncertainties, construction lending often involves the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the
success of the ultimate project rather than the ability of a borrower or guarantor to repay the loan. If we are forced to foreclose on a
project prior to completion, there is no assurance that we will be able to recover the entire unpaid portion of the loan. In addition, we
may be required to fund additional amounts to complete a project and it may be necessary to hold the property for an indeterminate
period of time subject to the regulatory limitations imposed by local, state or federal laws.

1 – 4 Family Residential Mortgages. We make residential real estate loans collateralized by owner-occupied properties located in our
market areas. We offer a variety of mortgage loan products with amortization periods up to 30 years including traditional 30-year
fixed loans and various adjustable rate mortgages. Typically, loans with a fixed interest rate of greater than 10 years are held for sale
and sold on the secondary market and adjustable rate mortgages are held for investment. Loans collateralized by one-to-four family
residential real estate generally are originated in amounts of no more than 80% of appraised value. Home equity loans and HELOCs
are generally limited to a combined loan-to-value ratio of 80%, including the subordinate lien. We retain a valid lien on real estate,
obtain a title insurance policy that ensures that the property is free from encumbrances and require hazard insurance.

From time to time we have purchased pools of residential mortgages originated by other financial institutions to hold for investment
with the intent to diversify our residential mortgage loan portfolio and increase our yield. We have a defined set of credit guidelines
that we use when evaluating these credits. Although these loans were originated and underwritten by another institution, our mortgage
and credit departments do their own independent review. These loans typically are secured by collateral outside of our branch
footprint.

Agricultural Loans. We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate agricultural real estate loans to our customers. We also make loans
to finance the purchase of machinery, equipment and breeding stock, seasonal crop operating loans used to fund the borrower’s crop
production operating expenses, livestock operating, and revolving loans used to purchase livestock for resale and related livestock
production expense.

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Generally, our agricultural real estate loans amortize over periods not in excess of 20 years and have a loan-to-value ratio under 80%.
We also originate agricultural real estate loans directly and through programs sponsored by the Farm Service Agency (“FSA”), an
agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, which provides a partial guarantee on loans underwritten to FSA standards.
Agricultural real estate loans generally carry higher interest rates and have shorter terms than 1-4 family residential real estate loans.
Agricultural real estate loans, however, entail additional credit risks compared to one-to-four-family residential real estate loans, as
they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. We generally require
farmers to obtain multi-peril crop insurance coverage through a program partially subsidized by the Federal government to help
mitigate the risk of crop failures.

Agricultural operating loans may be originated at an adjustable or fixed rate of interest and generally for a term of up to 7 years. In
the case of agricultural operating loans secured by breeding livestock and/or farm equipment, such loans are originated at fixed rates
of interest for a term of up to 5 years. We typically originate agricultural operating loans based on the borrower’s ability to make
repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s agricultural business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of
agricultural operating loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and the general economic
environment. A significant number of agricultural borrowers with these types of loans may qualify for relief under a chapter of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code that is designed specifically for the reorganization of financial obligations of family farmers and which
provides certain preferential procedures to agricultural borrowers compared to traditional bankruptcy proceedings pursuant to other
chapters of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Consumer Loans. We make a variety of loans to individuals for personal and household purposes, including secured and unsecured
term loans and home improvement loans. Consumer loans are underwritten based on the individual borrower’s income, current debt
level, past credit history and the value of any available collateral. The terms of consumer loans vary considerably based upon the loan
type, nature of collateral and size of the loan. Consumer loans entail greater risk than do residential real estate loans because they may
be unsecured or, if secured, the value of the collateral, such as an automobile or boat, may be more difficult to assess and more likely
to decrease in value than real estate. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an
adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan balance. The remaining deficiency often will not warrant further substantial
collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent
on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or
personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws may limit the amount which can be recovered on
such loans.

Deposit Products

Our lending and investing activities are primarily funded by deposits. We offer a variety of deposit accounts with a wide range of
interest rates and terms including demand, savings, money market and time deposits with the goal of attracting a wide variety of
customers, including small to medium-sized businesses. We employ customer acquisition strategies to generate new account and
deposit growth, such as customer referral incentives, search engine optimization, targeted direct mail and email campaigns, in addition
to conventional marketing initiatives and advertising. Our goal is to emphasize our core deposits and cross-sell our deposit products
to our loan customers.

We design our consumer deposit products specifically for the lifestyles of clients in the communities we serve. Some accounts
emphasize and reward debit card usage, while others appeal to higher deposit customers. We also utilize Equity Connect, which is our
customer relationship management system, to assist our personnel in deepening and expanding current relationships by providing
timely identification of potential needs. It also serves as a methodical tool to track customer onboarding and retention actions by
account officers. We do participate in the Certificate of Deposit Registry Services (“CDARS”) as well as the Insured Cash Sweep
("ICS") both provided via Promontory Interfinancial Network as options for our customers to place funds and occasionally as a
funding source.

We also bid for, and accept deposits from public entities in our markets.

Other Products and Services

We offer banking products and services that are competitively priced with a focus on convenience and accessibility. We offer a full
suite of online banking solutions including access to account balances, online transfers, online bill payment and electronic delivery of
customer statements, mobile banking solutions for iPhone and Android phones, including remote check deposit with mobile bill pay.
We offer extended drive-through hours, ITMs, ATMs and banking by telephone, mail and personal appointment. We offer debit cards
with no ATM surcharges or foreign ATM fees for checking customers, plus night depository, direct deposit, cashier’s and travelers
checks and letters of credit, as well as treasury management services, wire transfer services and automated clearing house (“ACH”)
services. We offer both consumer and commercial credit cards, as well as Health Savings Account solutions.

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We offer a full array of commercial treasury management services designed to be competitive with banks of all sizes. Treasury
management services include balance reporting (including current day and previous day activity), transfers between accounts, wire
transfer initiation, ACH origination and stop payments. Cash management deposit products consist of lockbox, remote deposit
capture, positive pay, reverse positive pay, account reconciliation services, zero balance accounts and sweep accounts, including loan
sweep.

We offer a full comprehensive suite of products and offerings for trust and wealth management customers. Trust and wealth
management services include private banking, investment management, trust services and estate and financial planning.

We offer insurance brokerage services primarily focused on crop coverage for agricultural customers throughout our footprint.

Our Markets

As of December 31, 2023, we conducted banking operations through our 64 bank locations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and
Oklahoma. We believe that an important factor contributing to our historical performance and our ability to execute our strategy is the
attractiveness and specific characteristics of our existing and target markets. In particular, we believe our markets provide us with
access to low cost, stable core deposits in community markets that we can use to fund commercial loan growth in metropolitan areas.

We believe our existing and target markets are among some of the most attractive in the Midwestern United States. Our markets are
home to thousands of manufacturing and trade jobs, and have experienced recent growth in the healthcare, consumer services and
technology sectors. We believe the central geographic footprint of our markets provides numerous industrial plants, facilities and
manufacturing businesses with a central shipping location from which they can distribute their products. Our markets also serve as the
corporate headquarters for Koch Industries Inc., Hallmark Cards, Inc., H&R Block, Inc., American Century Investments, Garmin
International, Inc., Cessna Aircraft Company, Seaboard Corporation, Cargill Meat Solutions, Spirit AeroSystems, Dairy Farmers of
America, Quik Trip, ONEOK, Salina Vortex and Williams Companies and host a major presence for companies across a variety of
industries, including Bombardier Learjet, Collective Brands, Inc., FedEx, Flexsteel, Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc., Textron Aviation
Services, Tyson Foods, Schwan’s Company, Phillips 66, Rib Crib, Honeywell, T-Mobile, Oracle, and Bayer Corporation. We
understand the community banking needs of the businesses and individuals within our markets and have focused on developing a
commercial and personal banking platform to service such needs.

Information Technology Systems

We continue to make significant investments in our information technology systems and staff for our banking and lending operations
and treasury management activities. We believe this investment will support our continued growth, permit us to enhance our
capabilities to offer new products and overall customer experience and enable us to provide scale for future growth and acquisitions.
We use nationally recognized software vendors and their support allows us to operate our data processing and core systems in-house.
Our internal network is maintained in-house. We house our back-up site at a decentralized location. This back-up site is intended to
provide for redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities in the event of a significant equipment failure or disaster.

The majority of our other systems, including our e-mail, electronic funds transfer, transaction processing and online banking services
are hosted by third-party service providers. The scalability of this infrastructure will support our growth strategy. In addition, the
tested capability of these vendors to automatically switch over to standby systems should allow us to recover our systems and provide
business continuity quickly in case of a disaster.

For a discussion of our cybersecurity risk management and strategy and governance, please see “Item 1C – Cybersecurity"

Competition

The financial services industry is highly competitive. We compete for loans, deposits, and financial services in all of our principal
markets. We compete directly with other bank and nonbank institutions located within our markets, Internet-based banks, out-of-
market banks, and bank holding companies that advertise in or otherwise serve our markets, along with money market and mutual
funds, brokerage houses, mortgage companies, and insurance companies or other commercial entities that offer financial services
products. Competition involves efforts to retain current customers, obtain new loans and deposits, increase the scope and type of
services offered and offer competitive interest rates paid on deposits and charged on loans. Many of our competitors enjoy
competitive advantages, including greater financial resources, a wider geographic presence, more accessible branch office locations,
the ability to offer additional services, more favorable pricing alternatives and lower origination and operating costs. Some of our
competitors have been in business for a long time and have an established customer base and name recognition. We believe that our
competitive pricing, personalized service and community involvement enable us to effectively compete in the communities in which
we operate.

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Human Capital

The Company’s success depends on its ability to attract and retain highly qualified senior and middle management and other skilled
employees. Competition for qualified employees can be intense and it may be difficult to locate personnel with the necessary
combination of skills, attributes and business relationships.

The Company believes that its employees are the primary key to the Company’s success as a financial institution. The Company is
committed to attracting, retaining and promoting top quality talent regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color,
national origin, age, religion and physical ability. The Company strives to identify and select the best candidates for all open positions
based on qualifying factors for each job. The Company is dedicated to providing a workplace for its employees that is inclusive,
supportive and free of any form of discrimination or harassment; rewarding and recognizing its employees based on their individual
results and performance; and recognizing and respecting all of the characteristics and differences that make each of the Company’s
employees unique.

Additionally, the Company is committed to employee development through a combination of in-house and external training programs.
Further, the Company has two staff development programs with formal in-house training programs for junior bankers including
guidance from senior banking team members.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company employed 717 full-time equivalent employees. None of our employees are represented by
any collective bargaining unit or is a party to a collective bargaining agreement.

Available Information

The Company files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company makes available, free of charge, on its website at
http://investor.equitybank.com its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably
practicable after the Company electronically files, or furnishes, such materials to the SEC. The SEC also maintains a website at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file
electronically with the SEC. The information contained on or accessible from our website does not constitute a part of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference herein.

Supervision and Regulation

Banking is a complex, highly regulated industry. Consequently, our growth and earnings performance can be affected, not only by
management decisions and general and local economic conditions, but also by the statutes administered by and the regulations and
policies of, various governmental regulatory authorities. These authorities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Reserve, the
FDIC, the Kansas Office of State Bank Commissioner (“OSBC”), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), the Internal
Revenue Service (“IRS”) and state taxing authorities. The effect of these statutes, regulations and policies and any changes to any of
them can be significant and cannot be predicted.

The primary goals of the bank regulatory scheme are to maintain a safe and sound banking system and to facilitate the conduct of
sound monetary policy. In furtherance of those goals, the U.S. Congress and the individual states have created several regulatory
agencies and enacted numerous laws, such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank
Act”), that govern banks and the banking industry. The system of supervision and regulation applicable to us establishes a
comprehensive framework for our operations and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s deposit insurance funds, our
depositors and the public, rather than the stockholders and creditors.

New regulations and statutes are regularly proposed that contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations and
competitive relationships of financial institutions operating in the United States. We cannot predict whether or in what form any
proposed regulation or statute will be adopted or the extent to which our businesses may be affected by any new regulation or statute.

The following is an attempt to summarize some of the relevant laws, rules and regulations governing banks and bank holding
companies, but does not purport to be a complete summary of all applicable laws, rules and regulations governing banks. The
descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the specific statutes and regulations discussed.

The laws, rules and regulations add significantly to the cost of operating the Company and Equity Bank and thus have a negative
impact on profitability. In recent years, financial service providers that are not subject to the same regulations as the Company and
Equity Bank have expanded significantly. Less regulation may give these institutions a competitive advantage over the Company and
Equity Bank. Such institutions may continue to draw large amounts of funds away from banking institutions, with a continuing
adverse effect on the banking industry in general.

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Bank Holding Company Regulation

We are a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (“BHC Act”), as amended, and are subject
to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve. Federal laws subject bank holding companies to particular restrictions on the
types of activities in which they may engage and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory
enforcement actions, for violation of laws and policies.

Activities Closely Related to Banking

The BHC Act prohibits a bank holding company, with certain limited exceptions, from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or
control of more than five percent of the voting shares of any company that is not a bank or from engaging in any activities other than
those of banking, managing or controlling banks and certain other subsidiaries or furnishing services to or performing services for its
subsidiaries. Bank holding companies also may engage in or acquire interests in companies that engage in a limited set of activities
that are so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto. If a bank holding company has become a financial holding
company (“FHC”), it may engage in a broader set of activities, including insurance underwriting and broker-dealer services as well as
activities that are jointly determined by the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury to be financial in nature or incidental to such
financial activity. FHCs may also engage in activities that are determined by the Federal Reserve to be complementary to financial
activities. To maintain FHC status, the bank holding company and all subsidiary depository institutions must be “well managed” and
“well capitalized.” Additionally, all subsidiary depository institutions must have received at least a “Satisfactory” rating on its most
recent Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) examination. Failure to meet these requirements may result in limitations on activities
and acquisitions. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we elected to become a FHC.

Safe and Sound Banking Practices

Bank holding companies are not permitted to engage in unsafe and unsound banking practices. The Federal Reserve may order a bank
holding company to terminate an activity or control of a non-bank subsidiary if such activity or control constitutes a significant risk to
the financial safety, soundness or stability of a subsidiary bank and is inconsistent with sound banking principles. Regulation Y also
requires a holding company to give the Federal Reserve prior notice of any redemption or repurchase of its own equity securities if the
consideration to be paid, together with the consideration paid for any repurchases or redemptions in the preceding year, is equal to
10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth.

Consistent with the Dodd-Frank Act codification of the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies must serve as a source
of financial strength for their subsidiary banks, the Federal Reserve has stated that, as a matter of prudence, a bank holding company
generally should not maintain a rate of distributions to stockholders unless its available net income has been sufficient to fully fund the
distributions and the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with a bank holding company’s capital needs, asset
quality and overall financial condition.

In addition, the Federal Reserve Supervisory Letter SR 09-4 provides guidance on the declaration and payment of dividends, capital
redemptions and capital repurchases by a bank holding company. Supervisory Letter SR 09-4 provides that, as a general matter, a
bank holding company should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce its dividends if: (i) the bank holding company’s net income
available to stockholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund
the dividends, (ii) the bank holding company’s prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the bank holding
company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition or (iii) the bank holding company will not meet, or is
in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Failure to do so could result in a supervisory finding that
the bank holding company is operating in an unsafe and unsound manner.

Limitations on Equity Bank’s ability to pay dividends could, in turn, affect our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. For more
information concerning Equity Bank’s ability to pay dividends, see “Bank Regulation” below.

The Federal Reserve has broad authority to prohibit activities of bank holding companies and their non-banking subsidiaries which
represent unsafe and unsound banking practices, or which constitute violations of laws or regulations. Notably, the Financial
Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”), provides that the Federal Reserve can assess civil money
penalties for such practices or violations which can be as high as $1 million per day. FIRREA contains expansive provisions
regarding the scope of individuals and entities against which such penalties may be assessed.

Annual Reporting and Examinations

We are required to file annual and quarterly reports with the Federal Reserve and such additional information as the Federal Reserve
may require pursuant to the BHC Act. The Federal Reserve may examine a bank holding company or any of its subsidiaries and

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charge the company for the cost of such an examination. We are also subject to reporting and disclosure requirements under state and
federal securities laws.

Rules on Regulatory Capital

Regulatory capital rules pursuant to the Basel III requirements (“Basel III rules”), require banks and bank holding companies to
maintain a minimum common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6%, a total
risk-based capital ratio of 8% and a leverage ratio of 4%. Under the Basel III rules, banks and bank holding companies must maintain
a CET1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8%, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% and a leverage
ratio of 5% to be deemed “well capitalized” for purposes of certain rules and requirements. Banks and bank holding companies are
also required to maintain a “capital conservation buffer” in excess of the minimum risk-based capital ratios. The buffer is intended to
help ensure that banking organizations conserve capital when it is most needed, allowing them to better weather periods of economic
stress. The minimum 2.5% buffer is composed solely of CET1 capital. If an institution’s capital conservation buffer is less than or
equal to 2.5%, then the institution is subject to limitations on certain activities, including payment of dividends, share repurchases and
discretionary bonuses to executive officers.

The federal bank regulatory agencies may also set higher capital requirements for banks and bank holding companies whose
circumstances warrant it. For example, holding companies experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions are expected to
maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance on intangible assets.
At this time, the bank regulatory agencies are more inclined to impose higher capital requirements to meet well capitalized standards
and future regulatory change could impose higher capital standards as a routine matter. Our regulatory capital ratios and those of
Equity Bank are in excess of the levels established for well capitalized institutions under the Basel III rules.

The Basel III rules also set forth certain changes in the methods of calculating certain risk-weighted assets, which in turn affect the
calculation of risk-based capital ratios. Under the Basel III rules, higher or more sensitive risk weights are assigned to various
categories of assets, including certain credit facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property, certain
exposures or credits that are 90 days past due or on non-accrual, foreign exposures and certain corporate exposures. In addition, the
Basel III rules include (i) alternative standards of credit worthiness consistent with the Dodd-Frank Act, (ii) greater recognition of
collateral and guarantees and (iii) revised capital treatment for derivatives and repo-style transactions.

In addition, the Basel III rules include certain exemptions to address concerns about the regulatory burden on community banks. For
example, banking organizations with less than $15 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31, 2009, are permitted to include in
Tier 1 capital trust preferred securities and cumulative perpetual preferred stock issued and included in Tier 1 capital prior to May 19,
2010, on a permanent basis without phase out. Community banks were also permitted to make a one-time election in their March 31,
2015, quarterly filings to opt-out of the requirement to include most accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) components
in the calculation of CET1 capital and, in effect, retain the AOCI treatment under the prior capital rules. Under the Basel III rules, we
made the one-time, permanent election to continue to exclude AOCI from capital.

In accordance with the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, depository institutions and depository
institution holding companies that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets and meet other qualifying criteria, including a
leverage ratio of greater than 9%, off-balance-sheet exposures of 25% or less of total consolidated assets and trading assets plus
trading liabilities of 5% or less of total consolidated assets, are deemed “qualifying community banking organizations” and are eligible
to opt into the community bank leverage ratio framework. A qualifying community banking organization that elects to use the
community bank leverage ratio framework and that maintains a leverage ratio of greater than 9% is considered to have satisfied the
generally applicable risk-based and leverage capital requirements under the Basel III rules and, if applicable, is considered to have met
the “well capitalized” ratio requirements for purposes of its primary federal regulator’s prompt corrective action rules, discussed
below. The final rules include a two-quarter grace period during which a qualifying community banking organization that temporarily
fails to meet any of the qualifying criteria, including the greater-than 9% leverage ratio requirement, is generally still deemed “well
capitalized” so long as the banking organization maintains a leverage ratio greater than 8%. A banking organization that fails to
maintain a leverage ratio greater than 8% is not permitted to use the grace period and must comply with the generally applicable
requirements under the Basel III Capital rules and file the appropriate regulatory reports. The Company and Equity Bank have not
made an election to use the community bank leverage ratio framework but may make such an election in the future if eligible and
doing so is advantageous.

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Imposition of Liability for Undercapitalized Subsidiaries

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) required each federal banking agency to revise its
risk-based capital standards to ensure that those standards take adequate account of interest rate risk, concentration of credit risk and
the risks of nontraditional activities, as well as reflect the actual performance and expected risk of loss on multifamily mortgages.

Pursuant to FDICIA, each federal banking agency has specified, by regulation, the levels at which an insured institution would be
considered well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. As
of December 31, 2023, Equity Bank exceeded the capital levels required to be deemed well capitalized.

Additionally, FDICIA requires bank regulators to take prompt corrective action to resolve problems associated with insured
depository institutions. Under these prompt corrective action provisions of FDICIA, if a controlled bank is undercapitalized, then the
regulators could require the bank to submit a capital restoration plan. If an institution becomes significantly undercapitalized or
critically undercapitalized, additional and significant limitations are placed on the institution. The capital restoration plan of an
undercapitalized institution will not be accepted by the regulators unless each company having control of the undercapitalized
institution guarantees the subsidiary’s compliance with the capital restoration plan, until it becomes adequately capitalized. We have
control of Equity Bank for the purpose of this statute.

Further, by statute and regulation, a bank holding company must serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to each bank
that it controls and, under appropriate circumstances, may be required to commit resources to support each such controlled bank. This
support may be required at times when the bank holding company may not have the resources to provide the support. In addition, if
the Federal Reserve believes that a bank holding company’s activities, assets or affiliates represent a significant risk to the financial
safety, soundness or stability of a controlled bank, then the Federal Reserve could require the bank holding company to terminate the
activities, liquidate the assets or divest the affiliates. The regulators may require these and other actions in support of controlled banks
even if such actions are not in the best interests of the bank holding company or its stockholders.

Acquisitions by Bank Holding Companies

The BHC Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before it may acquire all or
substantially all of the assets of any bank or ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if after such acquisition it would
own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting shares of such bank. In approving bank acquisitions by bank
holding companies, the Federal Reserve is required to consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the bank
holding company and banks concerned, the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, the effect on competition as well
as the financial stability of the United States. The Attorney General of the United States may, within 30 days after approval of an
acquisition by the Federal Reserve, bring an action challenging such acquisition under the federal antitrust laws, in which case the
effectiveness of such approval is stayed pending a final ruling by the courts. Under certain circumstances, the 30-day period may be
shortened to 15 days.

Control Acquisitions

The Change in Bank Control Act (“CBCA”) prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring “control” of a bank holding
company unless the Federal Reserve has been notified and has not objected to the transaction. Under a rebuttable presumption
established by the Federal Reserve, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a bank holding company with a class
of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, such as ourselves, would, under the circumstances set forth in the
presumption, constitute acquisition of control of us.

In addition, the BHC Act prohibits any entity from acquiring 25% or more (the BHC Act has a lower limit for acquirers that are
existing bank holding companies) of a bank holding company’s or bank’s voting securities, or otherwise obtaining control or the
power to exercise a “controlling influence” over a bank holding company or bank, without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve.
On January 30, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System adopted a final rule revising the Federal Reserve’s
regulations related to determinations of whether a company has the ability to exercise a controlling influence over another company,
including a bank holding company or a bank, for purposes of the BHC Act. The final rule establishes a comprehensive framework
that employs several factors to determine if a company has control over another company, including the first company’s total voting
and non-voting equity investment in the second company; director, officer and employee overlaps between the first company and the
second company; and the scope of business relationships between the first company and the second company. The final rule went into
effect on April 1, 2020.

Interstate Branching

The Dodd-Frank Act permits a national or state bank, with the approval of its regulator, to open a branch in any state if the law of the
state in which the branch is located would permit the establishment of the branch if the bank were a bank chartered in that state.

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Anti-Tying Restrictions

Bank holding companies and their affiliates are prohibited from tying the provision of certain services, such as extensions of credit, to
other services offered by a holding company or its affiliates.

Bank Regulation

Equity Bank operates under a Kansas state bank charter and is subject to regulation by the OSBC and the Federal Reserve. The OSBC
and the Federal Reserve regulate or monitor all areas of Equity Bank’s operations, including capital requirements, issuance of stock,
declaration of dividends, interest rates, deposits, loans, investments, borrowings, record keeping, establishment of branches,
acquisitions, mergers, information technology and employee responsibility and conduct. The OSBC places limitations on activities of
Equity Bank, including the issuance of capital notes or debentures and the holding of real estate and personal property and requires
Equity Bank to maintain a certain ratio of reserves against deposits. The OSBC requires Equity Bank to file a report annually, in
addition to any periodic report requested.

The Federal Reserve and the OSBC regularly examine Equity Bank and its records. The FDIC may also periodically examine and
evaluate insured banks.

Standards for Safety and Soundness

As part of FDICIA’s efforts to promote the safety and soundness of depository institutions and their holding companies, appropriate
federal banking regulators are required to have in place regulations specifying operational and management standards (addressing
internal controls, loan documentation, credit underwriting and interest rate risk), asset quality and earnings. As discussed above, the
Federal Reserve and the FDIC have extensive authority to police unsafe or unsound practices and violations of applicable laws and
regulations by depository institutions and their holding companies. For example, the FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any
institution that it determines has engaged in an unsafe or unsound practice. The agencies can also assess civil money penalties of up to
$1 million per day, issue cease-and-desist or removal orders, seek injunctions and publicly disclose such actions.

The ability of Equity Bank, as a Kansas state bank, to pay dividends is restricted under the Kansas Banking Code. Pursuant to the
Kansas Banking Code, a Kansas state bank may declare and pay a dividend out of undivided profits after deducting losses to the
holders of record of the stock outstanding on the date the dividend is declared. However, prior to the declaration of any dividend, a
Kansas state bank must transfer 25% of its net profits since the last preceding dividend to its surplus fund until the surplus fund is
equal to its total capital stock. In addition, no dividend may be declared without the approval of the OSBC, if such dividend would
reduce the surplus fund to an amount less than 30% of the resulting total capital of the bank.

Equity Bank is also subject to certain restrictions on the payment of dividends as a result of the requirement that it maintain an
adequate level of capital in accordance with guidelines promulgated from time to time by the federal regulators.

The present and future dividend policy of Equity Bank is subject to the discretion of its boards of directors. In determining whether to
pay dividends to us and, if paid, the amount of the dividends, the board of directors of Equity Bank considers many of the same factors
discussed above. Equity Bank cannot guarantee that it will have the financial ability to pay dividends to us, or if dividends are paid,
that they will be sufficient for us to make distributions to our stockholders. Equity Bank is not obligated to pay dividends.

Insider Transactions

A bank is subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to insiders of the bank or of any affiliate. Insiders include executive
officers, directors, certain principal stockholders and their related interests. Extensions of credit include derivative transactions,
repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and lending transactions to the extent that such transactions
cause a bank to have credit exposure to an insider. Any extension of credit to an insider must:

•

•

be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with third parties; and

involve no more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

For loans above certain threshold amounts, board approval is required, and the interested insider may not be involved. In addition, a
bank may purchase an asset from or sell an asset to an insider only if the transaction is on market terms and if representing more than
10% of capital, is approved in advance by the majority of disinterested directors.

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Additional and more stringent limits apply to a bank’s transactions with its own executive officers and certain directors. These limits
do not apply to transactions with all directors or to insiders of the bank’s affiliates.

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates

Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act imposes quantitative and qualitative limits on transactions between a bank and any affiliate
and requires certain levels of collateral for any such loans. It also limits the amount of advances to third parties which are
collateralized by the securities or obligations of a holding company. Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act requires that certain
transactions between Equity Bank and its affiliates must be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, as those prevailing
at the time for comparable transactions with or involving other nonaffiliated companies. In the absence of such comparable
transactions, any transaction between Equity Bank and its affiliates must be on terms and under circumstances, including credit
standards, which in good faith would be offered to or would apply to nonaffiliated companies.

Capital Adequacy

In addition to the capital rules applicable to both banks and bank holding companies discussed above, under the prompt corrective
action regulations, the federal bank regulators are required and authorized to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized banks.
For this purpose, a bank is placed in one of the following five categories based on the bank’s capital:

•

•

•

•

•

well capitalized (at least 5% leverage ratio, 6.5% CET1 risk-based capital ratio, 8% Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and
10% total risk-based capital ratio);

adequately capitalized (at least 4% leverage ratio, 4.5% CET1 risk-based capital ratio, 6% Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
and 8% total risk-based capital ratio);

undercapitalized (less than 4% leverage ratio, 4.5% CET1 risk-based capital ratio, 6% Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio or 8%
total risk-based capital ratio);

significantly undercapitalized (less than 3% leverage ratio, 3% CET1 risk-based capital ratio, 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital
ratio or 6% total risk-based capital ratio); and

critically undercapitalized (less than 2% tangible capital to total assets).

Federal banking regulators are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary
actions with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories. The severity of the action depends upon the capital
category in which the institution is placed. The regulators have the discretion to downgrade a bank from one category to a lower
category. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, banking regulators must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is
“critically undercapitalized.” An institution that is categorized as “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” or “critically
undercapitalized” is required to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan to its appropriate federal banking agency.

Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject Equity Bank to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital
directive, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, a prohibition on accepting brokered deposits and other restrictions on our
business.

As of December 31, 2023, Equity Bank exceeded the capital levels required to be deemed well capitalized.

Deposit Insurance

The FDIC insures the deposits of federally insured banks up to prescribed statutory limits for each depositor, through the Deposit
Insurance Fund (“DIF”) and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and thrift industries. The Dodd-Frank Act
permanently raised the standard maximum deposit insurance amount to $250,000. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each
insured depository institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by financial ratios and supervisory factors derived
from a statistical model that estimates a bank’s probability of failure within three years.

We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. At least semi-annually,
the FDIC will update its loss and income projections for the DIF and, if needed, will increase or decrease assessment rates, following
notice-and-comment rulemaking, if required. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures or if the FDIC otherwise
determines to increase assessment rates, Equity Bank may be required to pay higher FDIC insurance premiums. Any future increases
in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings.

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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB which is granted broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal
consumer financial protection laws, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Act, the Consumer Financial Privacy provisions of the Gramm-
Leach-Bliley Act and certain other statutes. The CFPB has examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to depository
institutions with $10 billion or more in assets. Depository institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as Equity Bank, are
subject to rules promulgated by the CFPB, which may increase their compliance risk and the costs associated with their compliance
efforts, but such banks will continue to be examined and supervised by federal banking regulators for consumer compliance purposes.
The CFPB has authority to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive practices in connection with the offering of consumer financial
products.

The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the CFPB to establish certain minimum standards for the origination of residential mortgages,
including a determination of the borrower’s ability to repay. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act allows borrowers to raise certain
defenses to foreclosure if they receive any loan other than a “qualified mortgage” as defined by the CFPB.

The CFPB has issued a number of regulations related to the origination of mortgages, foreclosure and overdrafts as well as many other
consumer issues. Additionally, the CFPB has proposed, or will be proposing, additional regulations on issues that directly relate to
our business. Although it is difficult to predict at this time the extent to which the CFPB’s final rules impact the operations and
financial condition of Equity Bank, such rules may have a material impact on Equity Bank’s compliance costs, compliance risk and
fee income.

Privacy

Under the Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and
prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records, financial institutions are required to disclose
their policies for collecting and protecting confidential information. Customers generally may prevent financial institutions from
sharing personal financial information with nonaffiliated third parties except for third parties that market the institutions’ own
products and services. Additionally, financial institutions generally may not disclose consumer account numbers to any nonaffiliated
third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or other marketing through electronic mail to consumers.

Recent cyber-attacks against banks and other institutions that resulted in unauthorized access to confidential customer information
have prompted the federal banking agencies to issue extensive guidance on cybersecurity. The regulatory agencies may devote more
resources to this part of their safety and soundness examination than they may have in the past.

Like other lending institutions, our subsidiary bank uses credit bureau data in its underwriting activities. Use of that data is regulated
under the Federal Credit Reporting Act on a uniform, nationwide basis. The act and its implementing regulation, Regulation V, cover
credit reporting, prescreening, sharing of information between affiliates and the use of credit data. The Fair and Accurate Credit
Transactions Act of 2003 allows states to enact identity theft laws that are not inconsistent with the conduct required by the provisions
of the act.

The Patriot Act, International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act and Bank Secrecy Act

A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions has been aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Patriot Act and the International Money Laundering and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 substantially broadened the scope
of U.S. anti-money laundering laws and penalties, specifically related to the Bank Secrecy Act and expanded the extra-territorial
jurisdiction of the United States. The U.S. Treasury has issued a number of implementing regulations that apply various requirements
of the Patriot Act to financial institutions, such as Equity Bank. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to
maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to
verify the identity of their customers.

Failure of a financial institution and its holding company to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering
and terrorist financing, or to comply with relevant laws and regulations, could have serious legal, reputational and financial
consequences for the institution. Because of the significance of regulatory emphasis on these requirements, Equity Bank will continue
to expend significant staffing, technology and financial resources to maintain programs designed to ensure compliance with applicable
laws and regulations and an effective audit function for testing of Equity Bank’s compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, on an
ongoing basis.

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The Community Reinvestment Act

The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) and related regulations are intended to encourage banks to help meet the credit needs of
their service areas, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound operations. The bank
regulators examine and assign each bank a public CRA rating. The CRA requires bank regulators to take into account the bank’s
record in meeting the needs of its service area when considering an application by a bank to establish or relocate a branch or to
conduct certain mergers or acquisitions. The Federal Reserve is required to consider the CRA records of a bank holding company’s
controlled banks when considering an application by the bank holding company to acquire a banking organization or to merge with
another bank holding company. When we or the Bank apply for regulatory approval to engage in certain transactions, the regulators
will consider the CRA record of target institutions and our depository institution subsidiaries. An unsatisfactory CRA record could
substantially delay approval or result in a withdrawal or denial of an application. The regulatory agency’s assessment of the
institution’s record is made available to the public. The Bank received an overall CRA rating of “satisfactory” on its most recent CRA
examination.

In October 2023, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) jointly adopted a final
rule that amends their regulations implementing the CRA. The final rule adopts key changes to existing CRA regulations, including:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Changes to the asset threshold of the different bank categories covered under the regulations.

Changes to activities that qualify for CRA credit.

New types of assessment areas that allow for increased flexibility in obtaining CRA credit.

New data collection and reporting obligations.

The final rule's effective date is April 1, 2024; however, most of the rule's new requirements will be applicable beginning January 1,
2026. The new data reporting requirements will be applicable on January 1, 2027.

Cybersecurity

Federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines for establishing information security standards and cybersecurity programs
for implementing safeguards. These guidelines, along with related regulatory materials, increasingly focus on risk management and
processes related to information technology and the use of third parties in the provision of financial services. State regulators have also
been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. Many states have also recently
implemented or modified their data breach notification, information security and data privacy requirements. We expect this trend of
state-level activity in those areas to continue and are continually monitoring developments in the states in which our customers are
located.

The federal banking regulators regularly issue new guidance and standards, and update existing guidance and standards, regarding
cybersecurity intended to enhance cyber risk management among financial institutions. Financial institutions are expected to comply
with such guidance and standards and to accordingly develop appropriate security controls and risk management processes. If we fail
to observe such regulatory guidance or standards, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.
Federal banking regulators have imposed a cybersecurity-related notification rules that requires banking organizations to notify their
primary federal regulator as soon as possible and within 36 hours of incidents that, among other things, have materially disrupted or
degraded, or are reasonably likely to materially disrupt or degrade, the banking organization’s ability to deliver services to a material
portion of its customer base, jeopardize the viability of key operations of the banking organization or impact the stability of the
financial sector. The rule also imposes requirements on bank service providers to notify their affected banking organization customers
of certain computer-security incidents.

Further, In July 2023, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents they experience
and to disclose on an annual basis material information regarding their cybersecurity risk management, processes, strategy, and
governance. The rules also generally require public companies to disclose on Form 8-K any cybersecurity incident it determines to be
material within four business days of such determination and to describe the material aspects of the incident's nature, scope, and
timing, as well as its material impact or reasonably likely material impact on the company. See Item 1C. Cybersecurity for a
discussion of the Company’s cybersecurity risk management, strategy and governance.

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Other Regulations

Interest and other charges that Equity Bank collects or contracts for are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest
rates. Equity Bank’s loan operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the Federal Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;

the Fair Housing Act;

the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public
officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the
community it serves;

the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in
extending credit;

the Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;

the Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and

the rules and regulations of the various governmental agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these
federal laws.

In addition, Equity Bank’s deposit operations are subject to the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E issued by the Federal
Reserve to implement such act, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and
liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services.

Violations of consumer protection laws and other regulations can result in significant potential liability, including actual damages,
restitution and injunctive relief from litigation brought by customers, state attorney generals, the Department of Justice and other
plaintiffs, as well as enforcement actions by banking regulators and reputational harm.

Concentrated Commercial Real Estate Lending Regulations

The Federal Reserve and other federal banking regulatory agencies have promulgated guidance governing financial institutions with
concentrations in commercial real estate lending. The guidance provides that a bank may be exposed to heightened commercial real
estate lending concentration risk and subject to further supervisory analysis if (i) total reported loans for construction, land
development and other land represent 100% or more of total capital or (ii) total reported loans secured by multifamily residential
properties, non-farm non-residential properties and loans for construction, land development and other land, together with loans to
finance commercial real estate, construction and land development activities that are not secured by real estate, represent 300% or
more of total capital and the bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months. If a
concentration is present, management is expected to employ heightened risk management practices including board and management
oversight and strategic planning, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and
stress testing and increasing capital requirements.

Effect of Governmental Monetary Policies

The commercial banking business is affected not only by general economic conditions but also by both U.S. fiscal policy and the
monetary policies of the Federal Reserve. Some of the instruments of fiscal and monetary policy available to the Federal Reserve
include changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings, the fluctuating availability of borrowings at the “discount window,”
open market operations, the imposition of and changes in reserve requirements against member banks’ deposits and assets of foreign
branches, the imposition of and changes in reserve requirements against certain borrowings by banks and their affiliates and the
placing of limits on interest rates that member banks may pay on time and savings deposits. Such policies influence, to a significant
extent, the overall growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and the interest rates charged on loans or paid on time and savings
deposits. We cannot predict the nature of future fiscal and monetary policies and the effect of such policies on the future business and
our earnings.

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Item 1A: Risk Factors

Our business and results of operations are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. The
material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect the Company are described below. Additional risks and uncertainties
that management is not aware of, or that management currently deems immaterial, may also impair the Company’s business
operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our
securities could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Some statements in the following risk factors
constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Summary of Risk Factors

Our risk factors can be broadly summarized by the following categories:

Economic Risks
Credit and Interest Rate Risks
Strategic Risks
Risks Relating to the Regulation of Our Industry
Risks Relating to the Company’s Common Stock

•
•
•
•
•
• General Risks

While not an exhaustive list, the principal risks that we believe could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of
operations include:

•

•
•

a change in economic conditions or a return to recessionary conditions could result in increases in our level of nonperforming
loans and/or reduced demand for our products and services;
the value of real estate collateral may fluctuate significantly resulting in an under-collateralized loan portfolio;
external economic factors, such as changes in monetary policy and inflation and deflation, may have an adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations;
inability to effectively manage or adequately measure credit risk;

•
• we could suffer losses from a decline in the credit quality of the assets that we hold;
•

•

a significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market
could negatively impact our business;
a large portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial loans that are secured by accounts receivable, inventory,
equipment or other asset-based collateral, and deterioration in the value of such collateral could increase our exposure to
future probable losses;
our largest lending relationships currently make up a material percentage of our total loan portfolio;
our profitability is vulnerable to interest rate fluctuations;

•
•
• market interest rates for loans, investments and deposits are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control;
our financial instruments expose us to certain market risks and may increase the volatility of earnings and AOCI;
•
the outbreak of an epidemic, pandemic or highly contagious disease occurring in the United States or in the geographies in
•
which we conduct operations;
our financial performance will be negatively impacted if we are unable to execute our growth strategy;
our strategy of pursuing acquisitions exposes us to financial, execution, compliance and operational risks;
acquisitions may disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value and be costly to integrate;

•
•
•
• we rely heavily on our management team and could be adversely affected by the unexpected loss of key officers;
•

our business is concentrated in, and largely dependent upon, the continued growth and welfare of the general geographic
markets in which we operate;
our ability to grow our loan portfolio may be limited;
our future profitability levels are dependent on our ability to grow and maintain deposits at competitive costs;
our ability to retain bankers and recruit additional successful bankers is critical to the success of our business strategy;
a lack of liquidity could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations;
our financial projections are based upon numerous assumptions about future events and our actual financial performance may
differ materially from our projections if our assumptions are inaccurate;

•
•
•
•
•

• we continually encounter technological change and may have fewer resources than our competitors;
•
• we use information technology in our operations and offer online banking services to our customers, and unauthorized access

our information systems may experience a failure or interruption;

to our or our customers’ confidential or proprietary information as a result of a cyber-attack or otherwise;

• we are dependent upon outside third parties for the processing and handling of our records and data;

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•
•
•

if our enterprise risk management framework is not effective at mitigating risk and loss to us;
changes in accounting standards could materially impact our financial statements;
if the goodwill that we have recorded or may record in connection with a business acquisition becomes impaired, it could
require charges to earnings, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations;
• we may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify buyers against losses in some circumstances, which could

•

harm liquidity, results of operations and financial condition;
increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders with respect to our
environmental, social and governance practices may impose additional costs on us or expose us to new or additional risks;

changes in laws, government regulation and monetary policy may have a material effect on our results of operations;
our banking subsidiary may be required to pay higher FDIC insurance premiums or special assessments;

• we are subject to extensive regulations in the conduct of our business, which imposes additional costs on us;
•
•
• we are subject to certain capital requirements by regulators;
• we are subject to stringent capital requirements, which may adversely impact our return on equity or constrain us from paying

dividends or repurchasing shares;

• we may need to raise additional capital in the future and the capital may not be available when it is needed or may be dilutive

to stockholders;

• we are subject to the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations, and any deemed deficiency

•

•

•

•
•
•

•
•
•

by us with respect to these laws could result in significant liability;
the laws that regulate our operations are designed for the protection of depositors and the public, not our stockholders;
as a bank holding company, the sources of funds available to us are limited;
recent negative developments affecting the banking industry, and resulting media coverage, may have eroded customer
confidence in the banking system;
any regulatory examination scrutiny or new regulatory requirements arising from the recent events in the banking industry
could increase the Company's expenses and affect the Company's operation;
climate change related legislative and regulatory initiatives, have the potential to disrupt our business and adversely impact
the operations and creditworthiness of our customers
the market price of our Class A common stock may be subject to substantial fluctuations which may make it difficult for you
to sell your shares at the volumes, prices and times desired;
the obligations associated with being a public company requires significant resources and management attention;
there is no guarantee that we will declare or pay cash dividends on our common stock;
securities analysts may not initiate or continue coverage on our Class A common stock, which could adversely affect the
market for our Class A common stock;
use of our common stock for future acquisitions or to raise capital may be dilutive to existing stockholders;
•
a future issuance of stock could dilute the value of our Class A common stock;
•
• we have significant institutional investors whose interests may differ from yours;
•

our directors and executive officers beneficially own a significant portion of our Class A common stock and have substantial
influence over us;
shares of our Class A common stock are not insured deposits and may lose value;

•
• we have the ability to incur debt and pledge our assets, including our stock in Equity Bank, to secure that debt, and holders of
any such debt obligations will generally have priority over holders of our Class A common stock with respect to certain
payment obligations;
if we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting,
we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud;
our board of directors may issue shares of preferred stock that would adversely affect the rights of our Class A common
stockholders;
the return on your investment in our Class A common stock is uncertain;

•
• we operate in a highly competitive industry and face significant competition from other banking organizations;
•

as a community bank, our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business, and the failure to do so
may materially adversely affect our performance;

•

•

• we are subject to environmental risk in our lending activities;
• we are subject to claims and litigation pertaining to intellectual property;
• we have pledged all of the stock of Equity Bank as collateral for a loan, and if the lender forecloses, you could lose your

investment; and

• we have outstanding subordinated debt obligations, and if the Company defaults on those obligations, the debt holders could

lose their investment.

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The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive. This summary of risk factors should be read in conjunction with the
more detailed risk factors below.

Economic Risks

Recessionary conditions could result in increases in our level of nonperforming loans and/or reduced demand for our

products and services, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Economic recession or other economic problems, including those affecting our markets and regions, but also those affecting the
U.S. or world economies, could have a material adverse impact on the demand for our products and services. If economic conditions
deteriorate, or if there are negative developments affecting the domestic and international credit markets, the value of our loans and
investments may be harmed, which in turn would have an adverse effect on our financial performance and our financial condition may
be adversely affected. In addition, although deteriorating market conditions could adversely affect our financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows, we may not benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions, either in our primary
market areas or nationally, even if they do occur.

Changes in economic conditions could cause an increase in delinquencies and nonperforming assets, including loan charge-

offs, which could depress our net income and growth.

Our loan portfolio includes many real estate secured loans, demand for which may decrease during economic downturns as a
result of, among other things, an increase in unemployment, a decrease in real estate values and a slowdown in housing. If we see
negative economic conditions develop in the United States as a whole or in our Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma markets,
we could experience higher delinquencies and loan charge-offs, which would reduce our net income and adversely affect our financial
condition. Furthermore, to the extent that real estate collateral is obtained through foreclosure, the costs of holding and marketing the
real estate collateral, as well as the ultimate values obtained from disposition, could reduce our earnings and adversely affect our
financial condition.

The value of real estate collateral may fluctuate significantly resulting in an under-collateralized loan portfolio.

The market value of real estate, particularly real estate held for investment, can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time

as a result of market conditions in the geographic area in which the real estate is located. If the value of the real estate serving as
collateral for our loan portfolio were to decline materially, a significant part of our loan portfolio could become under-collateralized.
If the loans that are collateralized by real estate become troubled during a time when market conditions are declining or have declined,
then, in the event of foreclosure, we may not be able to realize the amount of collateral that we anticipated at the time of originating
the loan. This could have a material adverse effect on our provision for credit losses and our operating results and financial condition.

External economic factors, such as changes in monetary policy and inflation and deflation, may have an adverse effect on

our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by credit policies of monetary authorities, particularly the Federal

Reserve. Actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, including the Federal Reserve, could lead to inflation, deflation or other
economic phenomena that could adversely affect our financial performance. The primary impact of inflation on our operations most
likely will be reflected in increased operating costs. Conversely, deflation generally will tend to erode collateral values and diminish
loan quality. Virtually all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact
on our performance than general levels of inflation or deflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or by the
same magnitude as the prices of goods and services.

Volatility in commodity prices may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition to the geographic concentration of our markets, certain industry-specific economic factors also affect us. For
example, while we do not have a concentration in energy lending, the industry is cyclical and recently has experienced a significant
volatility in crude oil and natural gas prices. In addition, we make loans to customers involved in the agricultural industry, many of
whom are also impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices. Volatility in commodity prices could adversely impact the ability of
borrowers in these industries to perform under the terms of their borrowing arrangements with us and, as a result, a severe and
prolonged decline in commodity prices may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. It is also difficult to
project future commodity prices as they are dependent upon many different factors beyond our control.

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Credit and Interest Rate Risks

Inability to effectively manage credit risk.

As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that our loan customers may not repay their loans according to the terms of these loans

and the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to fully compensate us for the outstanding balance of the
loan plus the costs to dispose of the collateral. We may experience significant credit losses, which could have a material adverse
effect on our operating results and financial condition. Management makes various assumptions and judgments about the
collectability of our loan portfolio, including the diversification by industry of our commercial loan portfolio, the amount of
nonperforming loans and related collateral, the volume, growth and composition of our loan portfolio, the effects on the loan portfolio
of current economic indicators and their probable impact on borrowers and the evaluation of our loan portfolio through our internal
loan review process and other relevant factors.

We maintain an allowance for credit losses, which is an allowance established through a provision for credit losses charged to

expense that represents management’s best estimate of probable incurred losses in our loan portfolio. Additional credit losses will
likely occur in the future and may occur at a rate greater than we have experienced to date. In determining the amount of the
allowance, we rely on an analysis of our loan portfolio, our experience and our evaluation of general economic conditions. If our
assumptions, prove to be incorrect, our current allowance may not be sufficient and adjustments may be necessary to allow for
different economic conditions or adverse developments in our loan portfolio. In addition, as an acquirer of other banks, our allowance
for credit losses may not be sufficient when coupled with purchase discounts on acquired portfolios. Material additions to the
allowance could materially decrease our net income.

In addition, banking regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses and may require us to increase our provision

for credit losses or recognize further charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of our management. Any increase in our
allowance for credit losses or charge-offs as required by these regulatory agencies could have a material negative effect on our
operating results, financial condition and liquidity.

We could suffer losses from a decline in the credit quality of the assets that we hold.

We could sustain losses if borrowers, guarantors, and related parties fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loans.

We have adopted underwriting and credit monitoring procedures and policies that we believe are appropriate to minimize this risk,
including the establishment and review of the allowance for credit losses, periodic assessment of the likelihood of nonperformance,
tracking loan performance and diversifying our credit portfolio. These policies and procedures, however, may not prevent unexpected
losses that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In particular, we face credit
quality risks presented by past, current and potential economic and real estate market conditions.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market

could negatively impact our business.

There are significant risks associated with real estate-based lending. Real estate collateral may deteriorate in value during the
time that credit is extended, in which case we might not be able to sell such collateral for an amount necessary to satisfy a defaulting
borrower’s obligation to us. In that event, there could be a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, commercial real estate loans are subject to unique risks. These types of loans are often viewed as having more risks than
residential real estate or other consumer loans, primarily because relatively large amounts are loans to a relatively small number of
borrowers. Thus, the deterioration of even a small number of these loans could cause a significant increase in the allowance for credit
losses or loan charge-offs, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, commercial real estate loans depend on cash flows from the property securing the debt. Cash flows may be affected
significantly by general economic conditions and a downturn in a local economy in one of our markets or in occupancy rates where a
property is located could increase the likelihood of default.

The foregoing risks are enhanced as a result of the limited geographic scope of our principal markets. Most of the real estate

securing our loans is located in our Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma markets. Because the value of this collateral depends
upon local real estate market conditions and is affected by, among other things, neighborhood characteristics, real estate tax rates, the
cost of operating the properties and local governmental regulation, adverse changes in any of these factors in our markets could cause
a decline in the value of the collateral securing a significant portion of our loan portfolio. Further, the concentration of real estate
collateral in these four markets limits our ability to diversify the risk of such occurrences.

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A large portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial loans that are secured by accounts receivable, inventory,
equipment or other asset-based collateral, and deterioration in the value of such collateral could increase our exposure to future
probable losses.

These commercial loans are typically larger in amount than loans to individuals and therefore, have the potential for larger
losses on a single loan basis. Additionally, asset-based borrowers are often highly leveraged and have inconsistent historical earnings
and cash flows. Historically, losses in our commercial credits have been higher than losses in other classes of our loan portfolio.
Significant adverse changes in our borrowers’ industries and businesses could cause rapid declines in values of, and collectability
associated with, those business assets, which could result in inadequate collateral coverage for our commercial loans and expose us to
future losses. An increase in specific reserves and charge-offs related to our commercial loan portfolio could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

Our use of appraisals in deciding whether to make a loan secured by real property does not ensure the value of the real

property collateral.

In considering whether to make a loan secured by real property, we generally require an appraisal. However, an appraisal is
only an estimate of the value of the property at the time the appraisal is made. If the appraisal does not reflect the amount that may be
obtained upon any sale or foreclosure of the property, we may not realize an amount equal to the indebtedness secured by the property.

A portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of participation and syndicated transaction interests, which could have an

adverse effect on our ability to monitor the lending relationships and lead to an increased risk of loss.

We participate in loans originated by other institutions and in syndicated transactions (including shared national credits) in

which other lenders serve as the agent bank. Our reduced control over the monitoring and management of these relationships,
particularly participations in large bank groups, could lead to increased risk of loss, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

Our largest loan relationships currently make up a material percentage of our total loan portfolio.

As of December 31, 2023, our ten largest loan relationships totaled over $344.7 million in loan exposure, or 10.4% of the total

loan portfolio. The concentration risk associated with having a small number of large loan relationships is that, if one or more of these
relationships were to become delinquent or suffer default, we could be at serious risk of material losses. The allowance for credit
losses may not be adequate to cover losses associated with any of these relationships and any loss or increase in the allowance would
negatively affect our earnings and capital. Even if the loans are collateralized, the large increase in classified assets could harm our
reputation with our regulators, investors and potential investors and inhibit our ability to execute our business plan.

We may not be able to adequately measure and limit the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio, which could adversely

affect our profitability.

As a part of the products and services that we offer, we make commercial and commercial real estate loans. The principal
economic risk associated with each class of loans is the creditworthiness of the borrower, which is affected by the strength of the
relevant business market segment, local market conditions and general economic conditions. Additional factors related to the credit
quality of commercial loans include the quality of the management of the business and the borrower’s ability both to properly evaluate
changes in the supply and demand characteristics affecting our market for products and services and to effectively respond to those
changes. Additional factors related to the credit quality of commercial real estate loans include tenant vacancy rates and the quality of
management of the property. A failure to effectively measure and limit the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio could have an
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We could be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have
exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial
services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks and other institutional clients. Many of these
transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be
exacerbated when our collateral cannot be foreclosed upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the
credit or derivative exposure due. Any such losses could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Our profitability is vulnerable to interest rate fluctuations.

Our profitability depends substantially upon our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest

earned on assets (such as loans and securities held in our investment portfolio) and the interest paid for liabilities (such as interest paid
on savings and money market accounts and time deposits). Income associated with interest-earning assets and costs associated with
interest-bearing liabilities may not be affected uniformly by fluctuations in interest rates. The magnitude and duration of changes in
interest rates are events over which we have no control and such changes may have an adverse effect on our net interest income.
Prepayment and early withdrawal levels, which are also impacted by changes in interest rates, can significantly affect our assets and
liabilities. For example, an increase in interest rates could, among other things, reduce the demand for loans and decrease loan
repayment rates. Such an increase could also adversely affect the ability of our floating-rate borrowers to meet their higher payment
obligations, which could in turn lead to an increase in nonperforming assets and net charge-offs. Conversely, a decrease in the general
level of interest rates could affect us by, among other things, leading to greater competition for deposits and incentivizing borrowers to
prepay or refinance their loans more quickly or frequently than they otherwise would. The primary tool that management uses to
measure interest rate risk is a simulation model that evaluates the impact of varying levels of prevailing interest rates and the impact
on net interest income and the economic value of equity. Generally, the interest rates on our interest-earning assets and interest-
bearing liabilities do not change at the same rate, to the same extent or on the same basis. Even assets and liabilities with similar
maturities or re-pricing periods may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Interest rates on certain types of
assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in general market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets
and liabilities may lag behind changes in general market rates. Certain assets, such as fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans, have
features that limit changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Changes in interest rates could
materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 7A – Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosure About Market Risk” for a discussion of interest rate risk modeling and the inherent risks in modeling assumptions.

Market interest rates for loans, investments and deposits are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control.

Generally, interest rate spreads (the difference between interest rates earned on assets and interest rates paid on liabilities) have

narrowed in recent years as a result of changing market conditions, policies of various government and regulatory authorities and
competitive pricing pressures and we cannot predict whether these rate spreads will narrow even further. This narrowing of interest
rate spreads could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we cannot predict whether interest
rates will continue to remain at present levels. Changes in interest rates may cause significant changes, up or down, in our net interest
income.

We attempt to minimize the adverse effects of changes in interest rates by structuring our asset-liability composition in order to

obtain the maximum spread between interest income and interest expense. However, there can be no assurance that we will be
successful in minimizing the adverse effects of changes in interest rates. Depending on our portfolio of loans and investments, our
financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates.

Our financial instruments expose us to certain market risks and may increase the volatility of earnings and AOCI.

We hold certain financial instruments measured at fair value. For those financial instruments measured at fair value, we are

required to recognize the changes in the fair value of such instruments in earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income
(“AOCI”) each quarter. Therefore, any increases or decreases in the fair value of these financial instruments have a corresponding
impact on reported earnings or AOCI. Fair value can be affected by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control,
including our credit position, interest rate volatility, capital markets volatility, and other economic factors. Accordingly, we are subject
to mark-to-market risk and the application of fair value accounting may cause our earnings and AOCI to be more volatile than would
be suggested by our underlying performance.

Strategic Risks

Global health pandemics or outbreaks of highly contagious diseases occurring in the United States or in the geographies in
which we conduct operations, could adversely affect the Company’s business operations, asset valuations, financial condition and
results of operations.

The Company’s business is dependent upon the willingness and ability of our customers to conduct banking and other financial

transactions. Outbreaks of highly contagious or infectious diseases could negatively impact the ability of our employees and customers
to conduct such transactions and disrupt the business activities and operations of our customers in the geographic areas in which we
operate. The COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in the behavior of customers, businesses, and their employees, including illness,
quarantines, social distancing practices, cancellation of events and travel, business and school shutdowns, reduction in commercial

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activity and financial transactions, supply chain interruptions, increased unemployment, and overall economic and financial market
instability. Similar impacts could be experienced in the future if such an outbreak or pandemic were to occur again. Notwithstanding
our contingency plans and other safeguards against pandemics or another contagious disease, the spread of contagion could negatively
impact the availability of Equity Bank staff who are necessary to conduct our business operations, as well as potentially impact the
business and operations third party service providers who perform critical services for us. If the response to contain a similar highly
infectious or contagious disease, is unsuccessful, the Company could experience a material adverse effect on our business operations,
asset valuations, financial condition, and results of operations. Material adverse impacts may include all or a combination of valuation
impairments on the Company’s intangible assets, investments, loans, loan servicing rights, deferred tax assets, or counter-party risk
derivatives.

Our financial performance will be negatively impacted if we are unable to execute our growth strategy.

Our current growth strategy is to grow organically and supplement that growth with select acquisitions. Our ability to grow

organically depends primarily on generating loans and deposits of acceptable risk and expense and we may not be successful in
continuing this organic growth. Our ability to identify appropriate markets for expansion, recruit and retain qualified personnel and
fund growth at a reasonable cost depends upon prevailing economic conditions, maintenance of sufficient capital, competitive factors,
and changes in banking laws, among other factors. Conversely, if we grow too quickly and are unable to control costs and maintain
asset quality, such growth, whether organic or through select acquisitions, could materially and adversely affect our financial
condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to identify and acquire other financial institutions, which could hinder our ability to continue to grow.

A substantial part of our historical growth has been a result of acquisitions of other financial institutions. We intend to continue

our strategy of evaluating and selectively acquiring other financial institutions that serve customers or markets we find desirable.
However, the market for acquisitions remains highly competitive and we may be unable to find satisfactory acquisition candidates in
the future that fit our acquisition strategy. To the extent that we are unable to find suitable acquisition candidates, an important
component of our strategy may be lost. If we are able to identify attractive acquisition opportunities, we must generally satisfy a
number of conditions prior to completing any such transaction, including certain bank regulatory approval, which has become
substantially more difficult, time-consuming and unpredictable as a result of the recent financial crisis. Additionally, any future
acquisitions may not produce the revenue, earnings or synergies that we anticipated.

Our strategy of pursuing acquisitions exposes us to financial, execution, compliance and operational risks that could have a

material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

We intend to continue pursuing a strategy that includes acquisitions. An acquisition strategy involves significant risks,

including the following:

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finding suitable candidates for acquisition;

attracting funding to support additional growth within acceptable risk tolerances;

maintaining asset quality;

retaining customers and key personnel, including bankers;

obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, which we may have difficulty obtaining or be unable to obtain;

conducting adequate due diligence and managing known and unknown risks and uncertainties;

integrating acquired businesses; and

maintaining adequate regulatory capital.

The market for acquisition targets is highly competitive, which may adversely affect our ability to find acquisition candidates

that fit our strategy and standards. We face significant competition in pursuing acquisition targets from other banks and financial
institutions, many of which possess greater financial, human, technical and other resources than we do. Our ability to compete in
acquiring target institutions will depend on our available financial resources to fund the acquisitions, including the amount of cash and
cash equivalents we have and the liquidity and market price of our Class A common stock. In addition, increased competition may
also drive up the acquisition consideration that we will be required to pay in order to successfully capitalize on attractive acquisition
opportunities. To the extent that we are unable to find suitable acquisition targets, an important component of our growth strategy
may not be realized.

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Acquisitions of financial institutions and branches also involve operational risks and uncertainties, such as unknown or

contingent liabilities with no available manner of recourse, exposure to unexpected problems such as asset quality, the retention of key
employees and customers and other issues that could negatively affect our business. We may not be able to complete future
acquisitions or, if completed, we may not be able to successfully integrate the operations, technology platforms, management,
products and services of the entities that we acquire or to realize our attempts to eliminate redundancies. The integration process may
also require significant time and attention from our management that would otherwise be directed toward servicing existing business
and developing new business. Failure to successfully integrate the entities we acquire into our existing operations in a timely manner
may increase our operating costs significantly and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further,
acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values and therefore, some dilution of our tangible
book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future acquisition and the carrying amount of any
goodwill that we currently maintain or may acquire may be subject to impairment in future periods.

If we continue to grow, we will face risks arising from our increased size. If we do not manage such growth effectively, we may

be unable to realize the benefit from the investments in technology, infrastructure and personnel that we have made to support our
expansion. In addition, we may incur higher costs and realize less revenue growth than we expect, which would reduce our earnings
and diminish our future prospects and we may not be able to continue to implement our business strategy and successfully conduct our
operations. Risks associated with failing to maintain effective financial and operational controls as we grow, such as maintaining
appropriate loan underwriting procedures, information technology systems, determining adequate allowances for credit losses and
complying with regulatory accounting requirements, including increased credit losses, reduced earnings and potential regulatory
penalties and restrictions on growth, all could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute stockholder value and integrating acquired companies may be more

difficult, costly or time-consuming than we expect.

Our pursuit of acquisitions may disrupt our business and any equity that we issue as merger consideration may have the effect of

diluting the value of common stockholders. In addition, we may fail to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of completed
acquisitions. We anticipate that the integration of businesses that we may acquire in the future will be a time-consuming and
expensive process, even if the integration process is effectively planned and implemented.

In addition, our acquisition activities could be material to our business and involve a number of significant risks, including the

following:

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incurring time and expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential acquisitions and negotiating potential
transactions, resulting in our attention being diverted from the operation of our existing business;

using inaccurate estimates and judgments to evaluate credit, operations, management and market risks with respect to the
target company or the assets and liabilities that we seek to acquire;

exposure to potential asset quality issues of the target company;

intense competition from other banking organizations and other potential acquirers, many of which have substantially
greater resources than we do;

potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of banks and businesses we acquire, including, without limitation,
liabilities for regulatory and compliance issues;

inability to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence and other
projected benefits of the acquisition;

incurring time and expense required to integrate the operations and personnel of the combined businesses;

inconsistencies in standards, procedures and policies that would adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with
customers and employees;

experiencing higher operating expenses relative to operating income from the new operations;

creating an adverse short-term effect on our results of operations;

losing key employees and customers;

significant problems relating to the conversion of the financial and customer data of the entity;

integration of acquired customers into our financial and customer product systems;

potential changes in banking or tax laws or regulations that may affect the target company; or

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risks of impairment to goodwill.

If difficulties arise with respect to the integration process, the economic benefits expected to result from acquisitions might not

occur. As with any merger of financial institutions, there also may be business disruptions that cause us to lose customers or cause
customers to move their business to other financial institutions. Failure to successfully integrate businesses that we acquire could have
an adverse effect on our profitability, return on equity, return on assets or our ability to implement our strategy, any of which in turn
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Operational Risks

We rely heavily on our management team and could be adversely affected by the unexpected loss of key officers.

We are led by an experienced management team with substantial experience in the markets that we serve and the financial
products that we offer. Our operating strategy focuses on providing products and services through long-term relationship managers.
Accordingly, our success depends in large part on the performance of our key personnel, as well as on our ability to attract, motivate
and retain highly qualified senior and middle management. Competition for employees is intense and the process of locating key
personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to execute our business plan may be lengthy. We may not be
successful in retaining our key employees and the unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel could have a
material adverse effect on our business because of their skills, knowledge of our market and financial products, years of industry
experience, long-term customer relationships and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel. If the services of
any of our key personnel should become unavailable for any reason, we may not be able to identify and hire qualified persons on
terms acceptable to us, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is concentrated in, and largely dependent upon, the continued growth and welfare of the general geographic

markets in which we operate.

Our banking operations are concentrated in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. As a result, our financial condition and

results of operations and cash flows are affected by changes in the economic conditions of our markets. Our success depends to a
significant extent upon the business activity, population, income levels, deposits and real estate activity in these markets. Although
our customers’ business and financial interests may extend well beyond these market areas, adverse conditions that affect these market
areas could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans, affect the value of collateral underlying
loans, impact our ability to attract deposits and generally affect our financial conditions and results of operations. Because of our
geographic concentration, we may be less able than other regional or national financial institutions to diversify our credit risks across
multiple markets.

Difficult conditions in the market for financial products and services may materially and adversely affect our business and

results of operations.

Recessionary periods historically have brought about increased foreclosures and unemployment which have resulted in
significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities and major commercial and
investment banks. These write-downs, initially of mortgage-backed securities but spreading to credit default swaps and other
derivative securities, have historically caused many financial institutions to seek additional capital, to merge with larger and stronger
institutions and, in some cases, to fail. This market turmoil and tightening of credit have led to an increased level of commercial and
consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity
generally. Although conditions have improved, a return of these trends could have a material adverse effect on our business and
operations. Negative market developments may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause adverse changes in payment
patterns, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which may impact our charge-offs and provisions for loan and credit
losses. Economic deterioration that affects household and/or corporate incomes could also result in reduced demand for credit or fee-
based products and services. These conditions would have adverse effects on us and others in the financial services industry.

Our ability to grow our loan portfolio may be limited by, among other things, economic conditions, competition within our

market areas, the timing of loan repayments and seasonality.

Our ability to continue to improve our operating results is dependent upon, among other things, growing our loan portfolio.

While we believe that our strategy to grow our loan portfolio is sound and our growth targets are achievable over an extended period
of time, competition within our market areas is significant, particularly for high credit quality borrowers. We compete with both large
regional and national financial institutions, who are sometimes able to offer more attractive interest rates and other financial terms
than we choose to offer, as well as other community-based banks who seek to offer a similar level of service to that which we offer.
This competition can make loan growth challenging, particularly if we are unwilling to price loans at levels that would cause
unacceptable levels of compression of our net interest margin or if we are unwilling to structure a loan in a manner that we believe
results in a level of risk to us that we are not willing to accept. Moreover, loan growth throughout the year can fluctuate due in part to

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seasonality of the businesses of our borrowers and potential borrowers and the timing on loan repayments, particularly those of our
borrowers with significant relationships with us, resulting from, among other things, excess levels of liquidity. To the extent that we
are unable to increase loans, we may be unable to successfully implement our growth strategy, which could materially and adversely
affect us.

Several of our large depositors have relationships with each other, which creates a higher risk that one customer’s
withdrawal of its deposit could lead to a loss of other deposits from customers within the relationship, which, in turn, could force
us to fund our business through more expensive and less stable sources.

As of December 31, 2023, our ten largest non-brokered depositors accounted for $270.6 million in deposits, or approximately
6.5% of our total deposits. Further, our non-brokered deposit account balance was $3.8 billion, or approximately 92.4% of our total
deposits, as of December 31, 2023. Several of our large depositors have business, family or other relationships with each other, which
creates a risk that any one customer’s withdrawal of its deposit could lead to a loss of other deposits from customers within the
relationship.

Withdrawals of deposits by any one of our largest depositors or by one of our related customer groups could force us to rely

more heavily on borrowings and other sources of funding for our business and withdrawal demands, adversely affecting our net
interest margin and results of operations. We may also be forced, as a result of any withdrawal of deposits, to rely more heavily on
other, potentially more expensive and less stable funding sources. Consequently, the occurrence of any of these events could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.

Our future profitability levels are dependent on our ability to grow and maintain deposits at competitive costs.

Our ability to fund our lending and investing activities at a reasonable cost depends on our ability to maintain adequate deposit

levels at an economically competitive cost structure. The following risks could impact the cost structures of deposits:

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Increased competition over transactional and time deposit accounts could increase the costs of these deposits by
increasing the rate of change and velocity of change in deposit rates, as overall market rates change;

• Migration of transactional deposit accounts to time deposit accounts could increase the overall costs of deposits; and

•

Changes in the mix of retail and public funds deposit customers could increase the costs of deposits. Public funds
deposits are more rate sensitive than retail deposits and if we are forced to rely more heavily on those types of deposits
overall funding cost could increase.

Our ability to retain bankers and recruit additional successful bankers is critical to the success of our business strategy and

any failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Our ability to retain and grow our loans, deposits and fee income depends upon the business generation capabilities, reputation

and relationship management skills of our bankers. If we were to lose the services of any of our bankers, including successful bankers
employed by banks that we may acquire, to a new or existing competitor or otherwise, we may not be able to retain valuable
relationships and some of our customers could choose to use the services of a competitor instead of our services.

Our growth strategy also relies on our ability to attract and retain additional profitable bankers. We may face difficulties in

recruiting and retaining bankers of our desired caliber, including as a result of competition from other financial institutions. In
particular, many of our competitors are significantly larger with greater financial resources and may be able to offer more attractive
compensation packages and broader career opportunities. Additionally, we may incur significant expenses and expend significant
time and resources on training, integration and business development before we are able to determine whether a new banker will be
profitable or effective. If we are unable to attract and retain successful bankers, or if our bankers fail to meet our expectations in terms
of customer relationships and profitability, we may be unable to execute our business strategy and our business, financial condition,
results of operations and growth prospects may be adversely affected.

Any expansion into new markets or new lines of business might not be successful.

As part of our ongoing strategic plan, we may consider expansion into new geographic markets. Such expansion might take the

form of the establishment of de novo branches or the acquisition of existing banks or bank branches. There are considerable costs
associated with opening new branches and new branches generally do not generate sufficient revenues to offset costs until they have
been in operation for some time. Additionally, we may consider expansion into new lines of business through the acquisition of third
parties or organic growth and development. There are substantial risks associated with such efforts, including risks that (i) revenues
from such activities might not be sufficient to offset the development, compliance and other implementation costs, (ii) competing

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products and services and shifting market preferences might affect the profitability of such activities and (iii) our internal controls
might be inadequate to manage the risks associated with new activities. Furthermore, it is possible that our unfamiliarity with new
markets or lines of business might adversely affect the success of such actions. If any such expansions into new geographic or product
markets are not successful, there could be an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our small to medium-sized business and entrepreneurial customers may have fewer financial resources than larger entities

to weather a downturn in the economy that might impair a borrower’s ability to repay a loan and could adversely affect our
financial condition and results of operations.

We focus our business development and marketing strategy primarily to serve the banking and financial services needs of small
to medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs. These small to medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs may have fewer financial
resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. If economic conditions negatively impact our markets
generally, and small to medium-sized businesses are adversely affected, our financial condition and results of operations may be
negatively affected.

A lack of liquidity could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Liquidity is essential to our business. We rely on our ability to generate deposits and effectively manage the repayment and

maturity schedules of our loans to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to fund our operations. An inability to raise funds through
deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our most important
source of funds is deposits. Deposit balances can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments as providing a better
risk/return tradeoff. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments such as money market funds, we would
lose a relatively low-cost source of funds, increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income.

Other primary sources of funds consist of cash flows from operations, maturities and sales of investment securities and proceeds

from the issuance and sale of our equity securities to investors. Additional liquidity is provided by the ability to borrow from the
Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. We also may borrow funds from third-party lenders, such as other financial institutions. Our
access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities, or on terms that are acceptable to us, could be
impaired by factors that affect us directly or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as disruptions in the financial
markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry. Our access to funding sources
could also be affected by a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in our markets or by one or more
adverse regulatory actions against us.

Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses or

to fulfill obligations such as repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material
adverse impact on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our financial flexibility would be severely constrained if we were unable to maintain our access to funding or if adequate
financing were not available at acceptable interest rates. Further, if we were required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding
sources to support liquidity, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our increased costs. In this case, our operating
margins and profitability would be adversely affected, If alternative funding sources were no longer available to us, we may need to
sell a portion of our investment and/or loan portfolio to raise funds, which, depending upon market conditions, could result in us
realizing a loss on the sale of such assets. As of December 31, 2023, we had a net unrealized loss of $51.9 million on our available for-
sale investment securities portfolio primarily as a result of the rising interest rate environment.

As a community banking institution, we have lower lending limits and different lending risks than certain of our larger,

more diversified competitors.

We are a community banking institution that provides banking services to the local communities in the market areas in which

we operate. Our ability to diversify our economic risks is limited by our own local markets and economies. We lend primarily to
individuals and small to medium-sized businesses, which may expose us to greater lending risks than those of banks that lend to
larger, better-capitalized businesses with longer operating histories. In addition, our legally mandated lending limits are lower than
those of certain of our competitors that have more capital than we do. These lower lending limits may discourage borrowers with
lending needs that exceed our limits from doing business with us. We may try to serve such borrowers by selling loan participations
to other financial institutions; however, this strategy may not succeed.

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Our financial projections are based upon numerous assumptions about future events and our actual financial performance

may differ materially from our projections if our assumptions are inaccurate.

If the communities in which we operate do not grow, or if the prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally are less
favorable than we have assumed, then our ability to reduce our nonperforming loans and other real estate owned portfolios and to
implement our business strategies may be adversely affected and our actual financial performance may be materially different from
our projections.

Moreover, we cannot give any assurance that we will benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions in our

market areas even if they do occur. If our senior management team is unable to provide the effective leadership necessary to
implement our strategic plan our actual financial performance may be materially adversely different from our projections.
Additionally, to the extent that any component of our strategic plan requires regulatory approval, if we are unable to obtain necessary
approval, we will be unable to completely implement our strategy, which may adversely affect our actual financial results. Our
inability to successfully implement our strategic plan could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock.

We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties.

In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with customers and counterparties, we may rely on
information furnished to us by or on behalf of customers and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial
information. We also may rely on representations of customers and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that
information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. In deciding whether to extend credit, we may
rely upon our customers’ representations that their financial statements conform to GAAP and present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. We also may rely on customer representations and
certifications or other audit or accountants’ reports, with respect to the business and financial condition of our clients. Our financial
condition, results of operations, financial reporting and reputation could be negatively affected if we rely on materially misleading,
false, inaccurate or fraudulent information.

We are subject to possible claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibility.

From time to time, customers could make claims and take legal action pertaining to our performance of our fiduciary

responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal action related to our performance of our fiduciary responsibilities are founded or
unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to us, they may result in significant financial
liability and/or adversely affect our market perception of our products and services as well as impact customer demand for those
products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in
turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may be the subject of litigation, which would result in legal liability and damage to its business and reputation.

From time to time, we may be subject to claims or legal action from customers, employees or others. Financial institutions like
the Company are facing a growing number of significant class actions, including those based on the manner of calculation of interest
on loans and the assessment of overdraft fees. Future litigation could include claims for substantial compensatory and/or punitive
damages or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages. The Company is also involved from time to time in other reviews,
investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental and other agencies regarding its businesses. These matters
also could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. Like other financial institutions, we are
also subject to risk from potential employee misconduct, including non-compliance with policies and improper use or disclosure of
confidential information. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us could materially adversely affect its
business, financial condition or results of operations and/or cause significant reputational harm to its business.

We continually encounter technological change and may have fewer resources than our competitors to continue to invest in

technological improvements.

The banking and financial services industries are undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new

technology-driven products and services. In addition to enhancing the level of service provided to customers, the effective use of
technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our
ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that enhance customer convenience
and create additional efficiencies in operations. Many of our competitors have greater resources to invest in technological
improvements and we may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services, which could reduce our
ability to effectively compete.

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Our information systems may experience a failure or interruption.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure or interruption in the
operation of these systems could impair or prevent the effective operation of our customer relationship management, general ledger,
deposit, lending or other functions. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of a failure or
interruption in the operation of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures or interruptions will not
occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures or interruptions impacting our
information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business and expose us to additional regulatory scrutiny,
civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results
of operations.

We use information technology in our operations and offer online banking services to our customers, and unauthorized

access to our or our customers’ confidential or proprietary information as a result of a cyber-attack or otherwise could expose us
to reputational harm and litigation and adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers.

Information security risks for financial institutions have generally increased in recent years, in part because of the proliferation
of new technologies, the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions and the increased
sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists and other external parties. The financial services industry
has seen increases in electronic fraudulent activity, hacking, security breaches, sophisticated social engineering and cyber-attacks,
including in the commercial banking sector, as cyber criminals have been targeting commercial bank accounts on an increasing basis.
We are under continuous threat of loss due to fraudulent activity, hacking and cyber-attacks, especially as we continue to expand
customer capabilities to utilize internet and other remote channels to transact business.

Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of the evolving nature and complexity of these threats from
cyber criminals and hackers, our plans to continue to provide internet banking and mobile banking channels and our plans to develop
additional remote connectivity solutions to serve our customers. Therefore, the secure processing, transmission and storage of
information in connection with our online banking services are critical elements of our operations. However, our network is
vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses and other malware, phishing schemes or other security failures. In addition, our
customers may use personal smartphones, tablet PCs or other mobile devices that are beyond our control systems in order to access
our products and services. Our technologies, systems and networks and our customers’ devices, may become the target of cyber-
attacks, electronic fraud or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse,
loss or destruction of our or our customers’ confidential, proprietary and other information, or otherwise disrupt our or our customers’
or other third parties’ business operations. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to spend significant capital and
other resources to protect against these threats or to alleviate or investigate problems caused by such threats. Our business relies on
the secure processing, storage, transmission and retrieval of confidential customer information in our computer and data management
systems and networks, and in the computer and data management systems and networks of third parties, and any breaches or
unauthorized access to such information could present significant regulatory costs and expose us to litigation and other possible
liabilities. Any inability to prevent these types of security threats could also cause existing customers to lose confidence in our
systems and could adversely affect our reputation and ability to generate deposits. The occurrence of any cyber-attack or information
security breach could result in financial losses or increased costs to us or our clients, disclosure or misuse of confidential information
belonging to us or personal or confidential information belonging to our clients, misappropriation of assets, reputational damage,
damage to our competitive position and the disruption of our operations, all of which could adversely affect our financial condition or
results of operations.

In recent periods, several governmental agencies and large corporations, including financial service organizations and retail

companies, have suffered major data breaches, in some cases exposing not only their confidential and proprietary corporate
information, but also sensitive financial and other personal information of their clients or clients and their employees or other third
parties and subjecting those agencies and corporations to potential fraudulent activity and their clients, clients and other third parties to
identity theft and fraudulent activity in their credit card and banking accounts. Therefore, security breaches and cyber-attacks can
cause significant increases in operating costs, including the costs and capital expenditures required to correct the deficiencies and
strengthen the security of data processing and storage systems.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to anticipate, detect, or recognize these threats to our systems, or to implement effective

preventative measures against all breaches, whether those breaches are malicious or accidental. Cybersecurity risks for banking
organizations have significantly increased in recent years and have been difficult to detect before they occur because, among other
reasons:

•

the proliferation of new technologies and the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial
transactions;

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•

•

•

•

•

these threats arise from numerous sources, not all of which are in our control, including among others, human error, fraud or
malice on the part of employees or third parties, accidental technological failure, electrical or telecommunication outages,
failures of computer servers or other damage to our property or assets, natural disasters or severe weather conditions, health
emergencies or pandemics, or outbreaks of hostilities or terrorist acts;

the techniques used in cyber-attacks change frequently and may not be recognized until launched or until well after the breach
has occurred;

the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime groups, hackers, terrorist organizations, hostile foreign
governments, disgruntled employees or vendors, activists and other external parties, including those involved in corporate
espionage;

the vulnerability of systems to third parties seeking to gain access to such systems either directly or using equipment or security
passwords belonging to employees, customers, third-party service providers or other users of our systems; and

our frequent transmission of sensitive information to, and storage of such information by, third parties, including our vendors
and regulators, and possible weaknesses that go undetected in our data systems notwithstanding the testing we conduct of those
systems.

While we invest in systems and processes that are designed to detect and prevent security breaches and cyber-attacks and we
conduct periodic tests of our security systems and processes, we may not succeed in anticipating or adequately protecting against or
preventing all security breaches and cyber-attacks from occurring. Even the most advanced internal control environment may be
vulnerable to compromise. Targeted social engineering attacks are becoming more sophisticated and are extremely difficult to
prevent. Additionally, the existence of cyber-attacks or security breaches at third parties with access to our data, such as vendors, may
not be disclosed to us in a timely manner. Further, we may not be able to insure against losses related to cyber threats. As cyber
threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our
protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities or incidents.

As is the case with non-electronic fraudulent activity, cyber-attacks or other information or security breaches, whether directed at
us or third parties, may result in a material loss or have material consequences. Furthermore, the public perception that a cyber-attack
on our systems has been successful, whether or not this perception is correct, may damage our reputation with customers and third
parties with whom we do business. A successful penetration or circumvention of system security could cause us negative
consequences, including loss of customers and business opportunities, disruption to our operations and business, misappropriation or
destruction of our confidential information and/or that of our customers, or damage to our customers’ and/or third parties’ computers
or systems, and could expose us to additional regulatory scrutiny and result in a violation of applicable privacy laws and other laws,
litigation exposure, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, loss of confidence in our security measures, reputational damage,
reimbursement or other compensatory costs, additional compliance costs, and could adversely impact our results of operations,
liquidity and financial condition.

We are dependent upon outside third parties for the processing and handling of our records and data.

We rely on software developed by third-party vendors to process various transactions. In some cases, we have contracted with

third parties to run their proprietary software on our behalf. These systems include, but are not limited to, general ledger, payroll,
employee benefits, loan and deposit processing and securities portfolio accounting. While we perform a review of controls instituted
by the applicable vendors over these programs in accordance with industry standards and perform our own testing of user controls, we
must rely on the continued maintenance of controls by these third-party vendors, including safeguards over the security of customer
data. In addition, we maintain, or contract with third parties to maintain, daily backups of key processing outputs in the event of a
failure on the part of any of these systems. Nonetheless, we may incur a temporary disruption in our ability to conduct business or
process transactions, or incur damage to our reputation, if the third-party vendor fails to adequately maintain internal controls or
institute necessary changes to systems. Such a disruption or breach of security may have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to losses due to the errors or fraudulent behavior of employees or third parties.

We are exposed to many types of operational risk, including the risk of fraud by employees and outsiders, clerical record-
keeping errors and transactional errors. Our business is dependent on our employees as well as third-party service providers to
process a large number of increasingly complex transactions. We could be materially adversely affected if someone causes a
significant operational breakdown or failure, either as a result of human error or where an individual purposefully sabotages or
fraudulently manipulates our operations or systems. When we originate loans, we rely upon information supplied by loan applicants
and third parties, including the information contained in the loan application, property appraisal and title information, if applicable,

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and employment and income documentation provided by third parties. If any of this information is misrepresented and such
misrepresentation is not detected prior to loan funding, we generally bear the risk of loss associated with the misrepresentation. Any
of these occurrences could result in a diminished ability of us to operate our business, potential liability to customers, reputational
damage and regulatory intervention, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If our enterprise risk management framework is not effective at mitigating risk and loss to us, we could suffer unexpected

losses and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our enterprise risk management framework seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between risk and return, which is critical to

optimizing stockholder value. We have established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor, report and
analyze the types of risk to which we are subject, including credit, liquidity, operational, regulatory compliance and reputational.
However, as with any risk management framework, there are inherent limitations to our risk management strategies as there may exist,
or develop in the future, risks that we have not appropriately anticipated or identified. For example, the recent financial and credit
crisis and resulting regulatory reform highlighted both the importance and some of the limitations of managing unanticipated risks. If
our risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses and our business and results of operations
could be materially adversely affected.

Changes in accounting standards could materially impact our financial statements.

From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the SEC may change the financial accounting and reporting
standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. Such changes may result in us being subject to new or changing
accounting and reporting standards. In addition, the bodies that interpret the accounting standards (such as banking regulators, outside
auditors or management) may change their interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. These changes may
be beyond our control, can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results
of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively or apply an existing standard
differently, also retrospectively, in each case resulting in our needing to revise or restate prior period financial statements.

If the goodwill that we have recorded or may record in connection with a business acquisition becomes impaired, it could

require charges to earnings, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Goodwill represents the amount by which the cost of an acquisition exceeded the fair value of net assets we acquired in

connection with the purchase of another financial institution. We review goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more
frequently if a triggering event occurs which indicates that the carrying value of the asset might be impaired. There can be no
assurance that our future evaluations of our existing goodwill or goodwill we may acquire in the future will not result in findings of
impairment and related write-downs, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For
additional information about the Company’s impairment assessment process and results see “NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND CORE
DEPOSIT INTANGIBLES” in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify buyers against losses in some circumstances, which could

harm liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

When mortgage loans are sold, whether as whole loans or pursuant to a securitization, we are required to make customary

representations and warranties to purchasers, guarantors and insurers, including government-sponsored enterprises, about the
mortgage loans and the manner in which they were originated. We may be required to repurchase or substitute mortgage loans, or
indemnify buyers against losses, in the event we breach these representations or warranties. In addition, we may be required to
repurchase mortgage loans as a result of early payment default of the borrower on a mortgage loan. With respect to loans that are
originated through Equity Bank or correspondent channels, the remedies available against the originating broker or correspondent, if
any, may not be as broad as the remedies available to purchasers, guarantors and insurers of mortgage loans against us. We face
further risk that the originating broker or correspondent, if any, may not have financial capacity to perform remedies that otherwise
may be available. Therefore, if a purchaser, guarantor or insurer enforces its remedies against us, we may not be able to recover losses
from the originating broker or correspondent. If repurchase and indemnity demands increase and such demands are valid claims and
are in excess of our provision for potential losses, our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely
affected.

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Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders with respect to

our environmental, social and governance practices may impose additional costs on us or expose us to new or additional risks.

Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders related to their
environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosure. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential
investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity,
labor conditions and human rights. Increased ESG related compliance costs could result in increases to our overall operational costs.
Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively
impact our reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, and our stock price. New government regulations could also result
in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure.

Risks Relating to the Regulation of Our Industry

We are subject to extensive regulation in the conduct of our business, which imposes additional costs on us and adversely

affects our profitability.

As a bank holding company, we are subject to federal regulation under the BHC Act, and the examination and reporting
requirements of the Federal Reserve. Federal regulation of the banking industry, along with tax and accounting laws, regulations, rules
and standards, may limit our operations significantly and control the methods by which we conduct business, as they limit those of
other banking organizations. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors, deposit insurance funds and the
banking system as a whole and not stockholders or other creditors. These regulations affect lending practices, capital structure,
investment practices, dividend policy and overall growth, among other things. For example, federal and state consumer protection
laws and regulations limit the manner in which we may offer and extend credit. In addition, the laws governing bankruptcy generally
favor debtors, making it more expensive and more difficult to collect from customers who become subject to bankruptcy proceedings.

We also may be required to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary

to comply with applicable laws and regulations, particularly as a result of regulations adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act. This
allocation of resources, as well as any failure to comply with applicable requirements, may negatively impact our financial condition
and results of operations.

Changes in laws, government regulation and monetary policy may have a material effect on our results of operations.

Financial institutions have been the subject of significant legislative and regulatory changes and may be the subject of further
significant legislation or regulation in the future, none of which is within our control. New proposals for legislation continue to be
introduced in the United States Congress that could further substantially increase regulation of the bank and non-bank financial
services industries, impose restrictions on the operations and general ability of firms within the industry to conduct business consistent
with historical practices, including in the areas of compensation, interest rates, financial product offerings and disclosures and have an
effect on bankruptcy proceedings with respect to consumer residential real estate mortgages, among other things. Federal and state
regulatory agencies also frequently adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied.
Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in their interpretation or implementation by regulators, could
affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could, among other things, subject us to additional costs and lower
revenues, limit the types of financial services and products that we may offer, ease restrictions on non-banks and thereby enhance their
ability to offer competing financial services and products, increase compliance costs and require a significant amount of
management’s time and attention. Failure to comply with statutes, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory
agencies, civil monetary penalties or reputational damage, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.

Banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including compliance with laws and regulations, and
our failure to comply with any supervisory actions to which we become subject as a result of such examinations could materially
and adversely affect us.

We are subject to supervision and regulation by federal and state banking agencies that periodically conduct examinations of our
business, including compliance with laws and regulations – specifically, our subsidiary, Equity Bank, is subject to examination by the
Federal Reserve and the OSBC and we are subject to examination by the Federal Reserve. Accommodating such examinations may
require management to reallocate resources, which would otherwise be used in the day-to-day operation of other aspects of our
business. If, as a result of an examination, any such banking agency was to determine that the financial condition, capital resources,
allowance for credit losses, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of our operations had become
unsatisfactory, or that we or our management were in violation of any law or regulation, such banking agency may take a number of
different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require

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affirmative actions to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be
judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital, to restrict our growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against us, our officers,
or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent
risk of loss to depositors, to terminate our deposit insurance. If we become subject to such a regulatory action, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our banking subsidiary may be required to pay higher FDIC insurance premiums or special assessments which may

adversely affect our earnings.

As a member institution of the FDIC, our banking subsidiary, Equity Bank, is assessed a quarterly deposit insurance premium.

We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums or special assessments that Equity Bank is required to pay, future bank
failures may stress the Deposit Insurance Fund and prompt the FDIC to increase its premiums or to issue special assessments. Any
future changes in the calculation or assessment of FDIC insurance premiums may have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations, financial condition and our ability to continue to pay dividends on our common stock at the current rate or at all.

We are subject to certain capital requirements by regulators.

Applicable regulations require us to maintain specific capital standards in relation to the respective credit risks of our assets and

off-balance sheet exposures. Various components of these requirements are subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. We
maintain a “well capitalized” status under the current regulatory framework. Our failure to maintain a “well capitalized” status could
affect our customers’ confidence in us, which could adversely affect our ability to do business. In addition, failure to maintain such
status could also result in restrictions imposed by our regulators on our growth and other activities. Any such effect on customers or
restrictions by our regulators could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to stringent capital requirements, which may adversely impact our return on equity or constrain us from

paying dividends or repurchasing shares.

Banking institutions are required to hold more capital as a percentage of assets than most industries. Holding high amounts of

capital compresses our earnings and constrains growth. In addition, the failure to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements
could result in one or more of our regulators placing limitations or conditions on our activities, including our growth initiatives, or
restricting the commencement of new activities, and could affect client and investor confidence, our costs of funds and FDIC
insurance costs and our ability to make acquisitions and result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and growth prospects.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, including as a result of potential increased minimum capital thresholds

established by regulators, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or may be dilutive to stockholders.

We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate capital levels to support our operations. New
regulations implementing minimum capital standards could require financial institutions to maintain higher minimum capital ratios
and may place a greater emphasis on common equity as a component of “Tier 1 capital,” which consists generally of stockholders’
equity and qualifying preferred stock, less certain goodwill items and other intangible assets. In order to support our operations and
comply with regulatory standards, we may need to raise capital in the future. Our ability to raise additional capital will depend on
conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we
cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, on favorable terms. The capital and credit markets have
experienced significant volatility in recent years. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and
credit availability for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. If we cannot raise additional
capital when needed, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected and our banking regulators may
subject us to regulatory enforcement action, including receivership. Furthermore, our issuance of additional shares of our Class A
common stock could dilute the economic ownership interest of our Class A stockholders.

Stockholders may be deemed to be acting in concert or otherwise in control of us and our bank subsidiary, which could

impose prior approval requirements and result in adverse regulatory consequences for such holders.

We are a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve. Any entity (including a “group” composed of natural
persons) owning 25% or more of a class of our outstanding shares of voting stock, or a lesser percentage if such holder or group
otherwise exercises a “controlling influence” over us, may be subject to regulation as a “bank holding company” in accordance with
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. In addition, (i) any bank holding company or foreign bank with a U.S.
presence is required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act to acquire or retain 5% or
more of a class of our outstanding shares of voting stock, and (ii) any person other than a bank holding company may be required to
obtain prior regulatory approval under the Change in Bank Control Act to acquire or retain 10% or more of our outstanding shares of

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voting stock. Any stockholder that is deemed to “control” the Company for bank regulatory purposes would become subject to prior
approval requirements and ongoing regulation and supervision. Such a holder may be required to divest amounts equal to or
exceeding 5% of the voting shares of investments that may be deemed incompatible with bank holding company status, such as an
investment in a company engaged in non-financial activities. Regulatory determination of “control” of a depository institution or
holding company is based on all of the relevant facts and circumstances. Potential investors are advised to consult with their legal
counsel regarding the applicable regulations and requirements.

Shares of our common stock owned by holders determined by a bank regulatory agency to be acting in concert would be
aggregated for purposes of determining whether those holders have control of a bank or bank holding company. Each stockholder
obtaining control that is a “company” would be required to register as a bank holding company. “Acting in concert” generally means
knowing participation in a joint activity or parallel action towards the common goal of acquiring control of a bank or a parent
company, whether or not pursuant to an express agreement. The manner in which this definition is applied in individual
circumstances can vary and cannot always be predicted with certainty. Many factors can lead to a finding of acting in concert,
including where: (i) the stockholders are commonly controlled or managed; (ii) the stockholders are parties to an oral or written
agreement or understanding regarding the acquisition, voting or transfer of control of voting securities of a bank or bank holding
company; (iii) the stockholders are immediate family members; or (iv) both a stockholder and a controlling stockholder, partner,
trustee or management official of such stockholder own equity in the bank or bank holding company.

We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the Community Reinvestment Act and fair

lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.

The Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws

and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The U.S. Department of Justice and other
federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution’s
performance under the CRA or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including damages and
civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, restrictions on expansion and restrictions on
entering new business lines. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws
in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and future prospects.

We are subject to the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations, and any deemed

deficiency by us with respect to these laws could result in significant liability.

The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, or the Patriot Act, and other laws and regulations require financial

institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and
currency transaction reports, when appropriate. In addition to other bank regulatory agencies, the federal Financial Crimes
Enforcement Network of the U.S. Treasury, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those
requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the state and federal banking regulators, as well as the
U.S. Department of Justice, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service,
or the IRS. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of
the U.S. Treasury regarding, among other things, the prohibition of transacting business with and the need to freeze assets of, certain
persons and organizations identified as a threat to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States. If our
policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which
may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain
aspects of our business plan, including our acquisition plans. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money
laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

Many of our new activities and expansion plans require regulatory approvals and failure to obtain them may restrict our

growth.

We intend to complement and expand our business by pursuing strategic acquisitions of financial institutions and other
complementary businesses. Generally, we must receive state and federal regulatory approval before we can acquire an FDIC-insured
depository institution or related business. In determining whether to approve a proposed acquisition, federal banking regulators will
consider, among other factors, the effect of the acquisition on competition, our financial condition, our future prospects and the impact
of the proposal on U.S. financial stability. The regulators also review current and projected capital ratios and levels, the competence,
experience and integrity of management and its record of compliance with laws and regulations, the convenience and needs of the
communities to be served (including the acquiring institution’s record of compliance under the CRA) and the effectiveness of the
acquiring institution in combating money laundering activities. Such regulatory approvals may not be granted on terms that are

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acceptable to us, or at all. We may also be required to sell branches as a condition to receiving regulatory approval, which may not be
acceptable to us or, if acceptable to us, may reduce the benefit of any acquisition.

The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support our subsidiary, Equity Bank.

The Federal Reserve requires a bank holding company to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary

banks and to commit resources to support its subsidiary banks. Under the “source of strength” doctrine, the Federal Reserve may
require a bank holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank at times when the bank holding company
may not be inclined to do so and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to
commit resources to such a subsidiary bank. Accordingly, we could be required to provide financial assistance to our subsidiary,
Equity Bank, if it experiences financial distress.

Such a capital injection may be required at a time when our resources are limited, and we may be required to borrow the funds
to make the required capital injection. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any
commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover,
bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the
holding company’s general unsecured creditors, including the holders of any note obligations.

The laws that regulate our operations are designed for the protection of depositors and the public, not our stockholders.

The federal and state laws and regulations applicable to our operations give regulatory authorities extensive discretion in
connection with their supervisory and enforcement responsibilities and generally have been promulgated to protect depositors and the
FDIC’s DIF and not for the purpose of protecting stockholders. These laws and regulations can materially affect our future business.
Laws and regulations now affecting us may be changed at any time and the interpretation of such laws and regulations by bank
regulatory authorities is also subject to change.

As a bank holding company, the sources of funds available to us are limited.

Any future constraints on liquidity at the holding company level could impair our ability to declare and pay dividends on our

Class A common stock. In some instances, notice to, or approval from, the Federal Reserve may be required prior to our declaration
or payment of dividends. Further, our operations are primarily conducted by our subsidiary, Equity Bank, which is subject to
significant regulation. Federal and state banking laws restrict the payment of dividends by banks to their holding companies and
Equity Bank will be subject to these restrictions in paying dividends to us. Because our ability to receive dividends or loans from
Equity Bank is restricted, our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders is also restricted.

Additionally, the right of a bank holding company to participate in the assets of its subsidiary bank in the event of a bank-level

liquidation or reorganization is subject to the claims of the bank’s creditors, including depositors, which take priority, except to the
extent that the holding company may be a creditor with a recognized claim.

Negative developments affecting the banking industry, and resulting media coverage in 2023 eroded customer confidence in

the banking system.

The high-profile bank failures in 2023 involving Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank have generated

significant market volatility among publicly traded bank holding companies and, in particular, regional banks like Equity Bank. These
market developments negatively impacted customer confidence in the safety and soundness of regional banks. As a result, customers
may choose to maintain deposits with larger financial institutions or invest in higher yielding short-term fixed income securities, all of
which could materially adversely impact Equity Bank's liquidity, loan funding capacity, net interest margin, capital and results of
operations. While the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the FDIC made statements ensuring that depositors of
these failed banks would have access to their deposits, including uninsured deposit accounts, there is no guarantee that such actions
will be successful in restoring customer confidence in regional banks and the banking system more broadly.

Any regulatory examination scrutiny or new regulatory requirements arising from the recent events in the banking industry

could increase the Company’s expenses and affect the Company’s operations.

The Company and Equity Bank anticipate increased regulatory scrutiny and new regulations directed towards banks of similar

size to the Bank, designed to address the recent negative developments in the banking industry, all of which may increase the
Company’s costs of doing business and reduce its profitability. Among other things, there may be an increased focus by both
regulators and investors on deposit composition and the level of uninsured deposits. As a result, the Bank could face increased

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scrutiny or be viewed as higher risk by regulators and the investor community. Equity Bank's level of uninsured deposits as a
percentage of non-brokered deposits was 35.2% at December 31, 2023, and 25.3% at December 31, 2022.

Climate change related legislative and regulatory initiatives, have the potential to disrupt our business and adversely impact

the operations and creditworthiness of our customers.

Political and social attention to the issue of climate change has increased. The federal and state legislatures and regulatory
agencies have proposed legislative and regulatory initiatives seeking to mitigate the effects of climate change. These agreements and
measures may result in the imposition of taxes and fees, the required purchase of emission credits, and the implementation of
significant operational changes. In addition, the federal banking agencies may address climate-related issues in their agendas in
various ways, including by increasing supervisory expectations with respect to banks' risk management practices, accounting for the
effects of climate change in stress testing scenarios and systemic risk assessments, revising expectations for credit portfolio
concentrations based on climate-related initiatives and lending to communities disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate
change. We may incur compliance, operating, maintenance and remediation costs.

Risks Relating to the Company’s Common Stock

The market price of our Class A common stock may be subject to substantial fluctuations which may make it difficult for you

to sell your shares at the volumes, prices and times desired.

The trading price of our Class A common stock may be volatile, which may make it difficult for you to resell your shares at the

volume, prices and times desired. There are many factors that may impact the market price and trading volume of our Class A
common stock, including:

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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results, financial condition or asset quality;

market conditions in the broader stock market in general or in our industry in particular;

publication of research reports about us, our competitors or the bank and non-bank financial services industries generally,
or changes in, or failure to meet, securities analysts’ estimates of our financial and operating performance, or lack of
research reports by industry analysts or ceasing of coverage;

future issuances of our Class A common stock or other securities;

significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or
involving our competitors or us;

additions or departures of key personnel;

trades of large blocks of our Class A common stock;

economic and political conditions or events;

regulatory developments; and

other news, announcements or disclosures (whether by us or others) related to us, our competitors, our core markets or the
bank and non-bank financial services industries.

The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks, have experienced substantial fluctuations in

recent years, which in many cases have been unrelated to the operating performance and prospects of particular companies. In
addition, significant fluctuations in the trading volume in our Class A common stock may cause significant price variations to occur.
Increased market volatility may materially and adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock, which could make it
difficult to sell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of our common stock, securities class action litigation has been

instituted. Pending or future securities class action suits against us could result in significant liabilities and, regardless of the outcome,
could result in substantial costs and the diversion of our management’s attention and resources.

The obligations associated with being a public company require significant resources and management attention.

As a public company, we face increased legal, accounting, administrative and other costs and expenses that are not incurred by

private companies. We subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, which requires that we file annual, quarterly and
current reports with respect to our business and financial condition and proxy and other information statements, and the rules and

41

regulations implemented by the SEC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the PCAOB and the New York Stock Exchange,
each of which imposes additional reporting and other obligations on public companies. As a public company, we are required to:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

prepare and distribute periodic reports, proxy statements and other stockholder communications in compliance with the
federal securities laws and rules;

expand the roles and duties of our board of directors and committees thereof;

maintain an enhanced internal audit function;

institute more comprehensive financial reporting and disclosure compliance procedures;

involve and retain to a greater degree outside counsel and accountants in the activities listed above;

enhance our investor relations function;

establish internal policies, including those relating to trading in our securities and disclosure controls and procedures;

retain additional personnel;

comply with the New York Stock Exchange listing standards; and

comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

We expect these rules and regulations and changes in laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and

public disclosure, which have created uncertainty for public companies, to increase legal and financial compliance costs and make
some activities more time consuming and costly. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many
cases due to their lack of specificity and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by
regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs
necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. Our investment in compliance with existing and evolving
regulatory requirements will result in increased administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from
revenue-generating activities to compliance activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations. These increased costs may require us to divert a significant amount of money that we could otherwise use to
expand our business and achieve our strategic objectives.

There is no guarantee that we will declare or pay cash dividends on our common stock.

The holders of our common stock will receive dividends if and when declared by our board of directors out of legally available

funds. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will
depend on a number of factors, including our future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, regulatory
restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

Our principal business operations are conducted through our subsidiary, Equity Bank. Cash available to pay dividends to our

stockholders is derived primarily, if not entirely, from dividends paid by Equity Bank to us. The ability of Equity Bank to pay
dividends to us, as well as our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders, will continue to be subject to and limited by, certain legal
and regulatory restrictions. Further, any lenders making loans to us may impose financial covenants that may be more restrictive with
respect to dividend payments than the regulatory requirements.

If a substantial number of shares become available for sale and are sold in a short period of time, the market price of our

Class A common stock could decline.

If our existing stockholders sell substantial amounts of our Class A common stock in the public market, the market price of our

Class A common stock could decrease significantly. The perception in the public market that our existing stockholders might sell
shares of Class A common stock could also depress our market price. A decline in the price of shares of our Class A common stock
might impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of our Class A common stock or other equity
securities and could result in a decline in the value of the shares of our Class A common stock.

42

Securities analysts may not initiate or continue coverage on our Class A common stock, which could adversely affect the

market for our Class A common stock.

The trading market for our Class A common stock may depend in part on the research and reports that securities analysts

publish about us and our business. We do not have any control over these securities analysts, and they may not cover our Class A
common stock. If securities analysts do not cover our Class A common stock, the lack of research coverage may adversely affect our
market price. If we are covered by securities analysts and our Class A common stock is the subject of an unfavorable report, the price
of our Class A common stock may decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to publish regular reports on us,
we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the price or trading volume of our Class A common stock to
decline.

The trading volume in our common stock is less than other larger financial institutions.

Although our Class A common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the trading volume in our common

stock is less than that of other, larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of
depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our Class A common stock
at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over
which we have no control. Given the lower trading volume of our Class A common stock, significant sales of our Class A common
stock or the expectation of these sales, could cause the price of our Class A common stock to decline.

Use of our common stock for future acquisitions or to raise capital may be dilutive to existing stockholders.

When we determine that appropriate strategic opportunities exist, we may acquire other financial institutions and related
businesses, subject to applicable regulatory requirements. We may use our common stock for such acquisitions. We may also seek to
raise capital for such acquisitions through selling additional common stock. It is possible that the issuance of additional common
stock in such acquisitions or capital transactions may be dilutive to the interests of our existing stockholders.

A future issuance of stock could dilute the value of our Class A common stock.

We may sell additional shares of Class A common stock, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares, in
subsequent public or private offerings. Future issuance of any new shares could cause further dilution in the value of our outstanding
shares of Class A common stock. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A common stock, or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for such shares, or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A common
stock will have on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock
(including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect
prevailing market prices of our Class A common stock.

We have significant institutional investors whose interests may differ from yours.

A significant portion of our outstanding equity is currently held by various investment funds. These funds could have a
significant level of influence because of their level of ownership, including a greater ability than you and our other stockholders to
influence the election of directors and the potential outcome of other matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, such as mergers,
the sale of substantially all of our assets and other extraordinary corporate matters and affect the votes of our board of directors. The
interests of these funds could conflict with the interests of our other stockholders, including you, and any future transfer by these funds
of their shares of Class A common stock to other investors who have different business objectives could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects, and the market value of our Class A common stock.

Our directors and executive officers beneficially own a significant portion of our Class A common stock and have substantial

influence over us.

Our directors and executive officers, as a group, beneficially own a significant portion of our Class A common stock. As a
result of this beneficial ownership, our directors and executive officers have the ability, by taking coordinated action, to exercise
significant influence over our affairs and policies. The interests of our directors and executive officers may not be consistent with
your interests as a stockholder. This influence may also have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control, or changes in
management or limiting the ability of our other stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of
our Company.

43

Shares of our Class A common stock are not insured deposits and may lose value.

Shares of our Class A common stock are not savings or deposit accounts and are not insured by the FDIC’s DIF or any other
agency or private entity. Such shares are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of some or all of the value of your
investment.

We have the ability to incur debt and pledge our assets, including our stock in Equity Bank, to secure that debt, and holders
of any such debt obligations will generally have priority over holders of our Class A common stock with respect to certain payment
obligations.

We have the ability to incur debt and pledge our assets to secure that debt. Absent special and unusual circumstances, a holder
of indebtedness for borrowed money has rights that are superior to those of holders of Class A common stock. For example, interest
must be paid to the lender before dividends can be paid to stockholders and loans must be paid off before any assets can be distributed
to stockholders if we were to liquidate. Furthermore, we would have to make principal and interest payments on our indebtedness,
which could reduce our profitability or result in net losses on a consolidated basis.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting,

we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for
evaluating and reporting on that system of internal control. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Ensuring that we have adequate disclosure controls and
procedures in place, including internal control over financial reporting, so that we can produce accurate financial statements on a
timely basis is costly and time-consuming and needs to be reevaluated frequently. As a public company, we are required to comply
with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules that govern public companies. Our management is required to certify our compliance
with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and to make annual assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm is required to report on the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting.

Our management may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective due to our failure to cure any

identified material weakness or otherwise. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial
reporting is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may not conclude that our internal control over financial
reporting is effective. In the future, our independent registered public accounting firm may not be satisfied with our internal control
over financial reporting or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or it may interpret the
relevant requirements differently from us. In addition, during the course of the evaluation, documentation and testing of our internal
control over financial reporting, we may identify deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls.
Any such deficiencies may also subject us to adverse regulatory consequences. If we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our
internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls, as these standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to
time, we may be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that
we have effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and we may suffer adverse regulatory consequences
or violations of listing standards. There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence
in the reliability of our financial statements.

Our corporate governance documents and certain corporate and banking laws applicable to us could make a takeover more

difficult.

Certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and our Bylaws and applicable corporate and federal banking laws, could

make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us or conduct a proxy contest, even if those events were perceived by
many of our stockholders as beneficial to their interests. These provisions and the corporate and banking laws and regulations
applicable to us, among others:

•

•

•

•

empower our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock, the terms of which, including
voting power, are set by our board of directors;

only permit stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and not by written consent in
lieu of such a meeting;

provide for a classified board of directors, so that only approximately one-third of our directors are elected each year;

prohibit us from engaging in certain business combinations with “interested stockholders” (generally defined as a holder
of 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock);

44

•

•

require at least 120 days’ advance notice of nominations for the election of directors and the presentation of stockholder
proposals at meetings of stockholders; and

require prior regulatory application and approval of any transaction involving control of our organization.

These provisions may discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control, including under

circumstances in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium over the market price of our shares.

Our board of directors may issue shares of preferred stock that would adversely affect the rights of our Class A common

stockholders.

Our authorized capital stock includes 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock of which none were issued and outstanding as of

March 7, 2024. Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may designate and issue one or more series of preferred stock from the
authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock. Subject to limitations imposed by law or our Articles of Incorporation, our board of
directors is empowered to determine:

•

•

•

•

•

•

the designation of, and the number of, shares constituting each series of preferred stock;

the dividend rate for each series;

the terms and conditions of any voting, conversion and exchange rights for each series;

the amounts payable on each series on redemption or our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up;

the provisions of any sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of shares of any series; and

the preferences and the relative rights among the series of preferred stock.

We could issue preferred stock with voting and conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the shares of

our Class A common stock and with preferences over our Class A common stock with respect to dividends and in liquidation.

The return on your investment in our Class A common stock is uncertain.

We cannot provide any assurance that an investor in our Class A common stock will realize a substantial return on his or her
investment, or any return at all. Further, as a result of the uncertainty and risks associated with our operations, many of which are
described in this “Item 1A—Risk Factors” section, it is possible that an investor could lose his or her entire investment.

General Risks

We operate in a highly competitive industry and face significant competition from other financial institutions and financial

services providers that could decrease our growth or profits.

Consumer and commercial banking are highly competitive industries. Our market areas contain not only a large number of
community and regional banks, but also a significant presence of the country’s largest commercial banks. We compete with other
state and national financial institutions, as well as savings and loan associations, savings banks and credit unions, for deposits and
loans. In addition, we compete with financial intermediaries, such as consumer finance companies, commercial finance companies,
mortgage banking companies, insurance companies, securities firms, mutual funds and several government agencies, as well as major
retailers, all actively engaged in providing various types of loans and other financial services. Some of these competitors may have a
long history of successful operations in our market areas and greater ties to local businesses and more expansive banking relationships,
as well as more established depositor bases, fewer regulatory constraints and lower cost structures than we do. Competitors with
greater resources may possess an advantage through their ability to maintain numerous banking locations in more convenient sites, to
conduct more extensive promotional and advertising campaigns or to operate a more developed technology platform. Due to their
size, many competitors may offer a broader range of products and services, as well as better pricing for certain products and services
than we can offer. For example, in a low interest rate environment, competitors with lower costs of capital may solicit our customers
to refinance their loans with a lower interest rate. Further, increased competition among financial services companies due to the recent
consolidation of certain competing financial institutions may adversely affect our ability to market our products and services.
Technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for banks to compete in our market areas without a retail footprint by
offering competitive rates and for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks.

The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological

changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial

45

holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both
agency and underwriting) and merchant banking.

Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

our ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term customer relationships based on quality service and high ethical
standards;

our ability to attract and retain qualified employees to operate our business effectively;

our ability to expand our market position;

the scope, relevance and pricing of products and services that we offer to meet customer needs and demands;

the rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors;

customer satisfaction with our level of service; and

industry and general economic trends.

Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, which could adversely affect our

growth and profitability, which, in turn, could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As a community bank, our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business, and the failure to do so

may materially adversely affect our performance.

We are a community bank and our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. As such, we strive to
conduct our business in a manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees
who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and
caring about our customers and associates. If our reputation is negatively affected by the actions of our employees or otherwise, our
business and therefore, our operating results may be materially adversely affected. Further, negative public opinion can expose us to
litigation and regulatory action as we seek to implement our growth strategy.

We are subject to environmental risks in our lending activities.

Because a significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property, we may foreclose upon and take title to such

property in the ordinary course of business. If hazardous substances are found on such property, we could be liable for remediation
costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws might require us to incur substantial expenses,
materially reduce the property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the property. Although management has policies requiring
environmental reviews before loans secured by real property are made and before foreclosure is commenced, it is still possible that
environmental risks might not be detected and that the associated costs might have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations.

Adverse weather or man-made events could negatively affect our markets or disrupt our operations, which could have an

adverse effect upon our business and results of operations.

A significant portion of our business is generated in our Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma markets, which have been,
and may continue to be, susceptible to natural disasters, such as tornadoes, droughts, floods and other severe weather events. These
natural disasters could negatively impact regional economic conditions, cause a decline in the value or destruction of mortgaged
properties and increase the risk of delinquencies, foreclosures or loss on loans originated by us, damage our banking facilities and
offices and negatively impact our growth strategy. Such weather events could disrupt operations, result in damage to properties and
negatively affect the local economies in the markets where we operate. We cannot predict whether, or to what extent, damage that
may be caused by future weather or man-made events will affect our operations or the economies in our current or future market areas,
but such events could negatively impact economic conditions in these regions and result in a decline in local loan demand and loan
originations, a decline in the value or destruction of properties securing our loans and an increase in delinquencies, foreclosures or
credit losses. Our business or results of operations may be adversely affected by these and other negative effects of natural or man-
made disasters. Further, severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events could adversely affect us
in a number of ways, including an increase in delinquencies, bankruptcies or defaults that could result in a higher level of
nonperforming assets, net charge-offs and provision for credit losses. Such risks could also impair the value of collateral securing
loans and hurt our deposit base.

46

We are or may become involved from time to time in suits, legal proceedings, information-gathering requests, investigations

and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies that may lead to adverse consequences.

Many aspects of our business involve substantial risk of legal liability. We have been named or threatened to be named as

defendants in various lawsuits arising from our business activities (and in some cases from the activities of companies that we have
acquired) including, but not limited to, consumer residential real estate mortgages. In addition, from time to time, we are, or may
become, the subject of governmental and self-regulatory agency information-gathering requests, reviews, investigations and
proceedings and other forms of regulatory inquiry, including by bank regulatory agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,
the SEC and law enforcement authorities. The results of such proceedings could lead to significant civil or criminal penalties,
including monetary penalties, damages, adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restrictions on the way in which we
conduct our business or reputational harm.

We are subject to claims and litigation pertaining to intellectual property.

We rely on technology companies to provide information technology products and services necessary to support our day-to-day

operations. Technology companies frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of patent infringement or other violations of
intellectual property rights. In addition, patent holding companies seek to monetize patents they have purchased or otherwise
obtained. Competitors of our vendors, or other individuals or companies, have from time to time claimed to hold intellectual property
sold to us by its vendors. Such claims may increase in the future as the financial services sector becomes more reliant on information
technology vendors. The plaintiffs in these actions frequently seek injunctions and substantial damages.

Regardless of the scope or validity of such patents or other intellectual property rights, or the merits of any claims by potential

or actual litigants, we may have to engage in litigation that could be expensive, time-consuming, disruptive to our operations and
distracting to management. If we are found to infringe one or more patents or other intellectual property rights, we may be required to
pay substantial damages or royalties to a third-party. In certain cases, we may consider entering into licensing agreements for disputed
intellectual property, although no assurance can be given that such licenses can be obtained on acceptable terms or that litigation will
not occur. These licenses may also significantly increase our operating expenses. If legal matters related to intellectual property
claims were resolved against us or settled, we could be required to make payments in amounts that could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have pledged all of the stock of Equity Bank as collateral for a loan, and if the lender forecloses, you could lose your

investment.

We have pledged all of the stock of Equity Bank as collateral for a third-party loan, which had no balance as of December 31,
2023. This loan has a maximum lending commitment of $25.0 million. This loan was renewed subsequent to December 31, 2023,
that set a new maturity date of February 10, 2025. If we were to default on this indebtedness, the lender of such loan could foreclose
on Equity Bank’s stock and we would lose our principal asset. In that event, if the value of Equity Bank’s stock is less than the
amount of the indebtedness, you would lose the entire amount of your investment.

We have outstanding subordinated debt obligations, and if the Company defaults on those obligations, the debt holders could

lose their investment.

In the event of default, the Company’s senior debt holders will be entitled to receive payment in full prior to payment of

subordinated debt holders. If the company’s distributable assets in the event of default can only repay the senior debt holders the
subordinated debt holders could lose their investment.

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Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 1C: Cybersecurity

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) recognizes the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our

customers, clients, business partners and employees. The Board is actively involved in oversight of the Company’s risk management
program, and cybersecurity represents an important component of the Company’s overall approach to enterprise risk management
(“ERM”). The Company’s cybersecurity policies, standards, processes and practices are integrated into the Company’s ERM program
In general, the Company seeks to address cybersecurity risks through a comprehensive, cross-functional approach that is focused on
preserving the confidentiality, security and availability of its systems and the information that the Company collects and stores by
identifying, preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats and effectively responding to cybersecurity incidents when they occur.

Due to our heavy reliance on the strength and capability of our technology systems, which we use both to interface with our
customers and to manage our internal financial reporting and other systems, we utilize a layered cybersecurity model designed to
protect Company systems and sensitive data. This defense model is composed of a variety of different components including
administrative, technical controls and safeguards. These various components are centrally managed and monitored creating a multi-
layered, interlocking, cybersecurity defense system. We believe this defense system is dynamic and designed to adjust to protect
against the latest cyber threats and attack vectors.

Risk Management and Strategy

As one of the critical elements of the Company’s overall ERM approach, the Company’s cybersecurity risk management

program and strategy is focused on the following key areas:

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•

•

•

•

•

Governance: As discussed in more detail under the heading “Governance,” The Board’s oversight of cybersecurity risk
management is supported by the Risk Management Committee of the Board (the “Risk Management Committee”), which
regularly interacts with the Company’s ERM function, the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), the
Company’s Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), other members of management.

Incident Response and Recovery Planning: The Company has implemented a comprehensive, cross-functional approach
to identifying, preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats and incidents, while also implementing controls and
procedures that provide for the prompt escalation of certain cybersecurity incidents so that decisions regarding the public
disclosure and reporting of such incidents can be made by management in a timely manner.

Technical Safeguards: The Company deploys technical safeguards that are designed to protect the Company’s information
systems from cybersecurity threats,
intrusion prevention and detection systems, anti-malware
functionality and access controls, which are evaluated and improved through vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity
threat intelligence.

including firewalls,

Incident Response and Recovery Planning: The Company has established and maintains comprehensive incident response
and recovery plans that establish a structured approach for the Company’s response to a cybersecurity incident, and such
plans are tested and evaluated on a regular basis.

Outside Experts. The Company routinely works with outside experts, consultants, auditors and other third parties in
connection with managing its cybersecurity risks and for advice regarding best practices and technical expertise.

Education and Awareness: The Company provides regular, mandatory training for personnel regarding cybersecurity
threats to equip the Company’s personnel with effective tools to address cybersecurity threats, and to communicate the
Company’s evolving information security policies, standards, processes and practices.

The Company engages in the periodic assessment and testing of the Company’s policies, standards, processes and practices that

are designed to address cybersecurity threats and incidents. These efforts include a wide range of activities, including audits,
assessments, tabletop exercises, threat modeling, vulnerability testing and other exercises focused on evaluating the effectiveness of
our cybersecurity measures and planning. The Company regularly engages third parties to perform assessments on our cybersecurity
measures, including information security maturity assessments, audits and independent reviews of our information security control
environment and operating effectiveness. The results of such assessments, audits and reviews are reviewed by the Cybersecurity team
and the Company adjusts its cybersecurity policies, standards, processes and practices as necessary based on the information provided
by these assessments, audits and reviews.

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Governance

Board Oversight of Risks from Cybersecurity Threats

The Board, in coordination with the Risk Management Committee, oversees the Company’s ERM process, including the
management of risks arising from cybersecurity threats. The Board and the Risk Management Committee each receive regular
presentations and reports on cybersecurity risks, which address a wide range of topics including recent developments, evolving
standards, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, technological trends and
information security considerations arising with respect to the Company’s peers and third parties. The Board and the Risk
Management Committee also receive prompt and timely information regarding any cybersecurity incident that meets established
reporting thresholds, as well as ongoing updates regarding any such incident until it has been addressed. On an annual basis, the Board
and the Risk Management Committee discuss the Company’s approach to cybersecurity risk management with the Company’s CISO
and CIO.

During the fiscal year of this Report, the Company has not identified risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of

prior cybersecurity incidents, that individually or in the aggregate have materially affected or are reasonably anticipated to materially
affect the organization. Nevertheless, the Company recognizes cybersecurity threats are ongoing and evolving, and we continue to
remain vigilant. For more information on the Company's cybersecurity-related risks, see "Item 1A - Risk Factors - We use information
technology in our operations and offer online banking services to our customers, and unauthorized access to our or our customers'
confidential or proprietary information as a result of a cyber-attack or otherwise could expose us to reputational harm and litigation
and adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers."

Management’s Role in Assessing and Managing Risks from Cybersecurity Threats

The CISO, in coordination with our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Chief Information

Officer (“CIO”) and Chief Legal Officer (“CLO”), works collaboratively across the Company to implement a program designed to
protect the Company’s information systems from cybersecurity threats and to promptly respond to any cybersecurity incidents in
accordance with the Company’s incident response and recovery plans. To facilitate the success of the Company’s cybersecurity risk
management program, multidisciplinary teams throughout the Company are deployed to address cybersecurity threats and to respond
to cybersecurity incidents. Through ongoing communications with these teams, the CISO and CIO monitor the prevention, detection,
mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity threats and incidents in real time, and report such threats and incidents to the Risk
Management Committee when appropriate.

The CISO has served in various roles in information technology and information security for over 15 years, including serving as

the Chief Information Security Officer of two large public companies. The CISO holds an undergraduate degree in Information
Networking and Telecommunications , a graduate degree in Cybersecurity, and has attained the professional certification of Certified
Information Systems Security Professional. The CIO holds an undergraduate degree in Business Finance and has served in various
roles in information technology for over 30 years, including serving as either the Chief Information Security Officer or Chief
Information Officer of two public companies.

Item 2: Properties

Our principal executive offices are located at 7701 East Kellogg Drive, Wichita, Kansas 67207. Including our principal
executive offices, as of December 31, 2023, we operated a total of 64 branches, consisting of seven branches in the Wichita, Kansas
metropolitan area, seven branches in the Kansas City metropolitan area, two branches in Topeka, Kansas, eleven branches in Western
Missouri, seven branches in Western Kansas, four branches in Southeast Kansas, seven branches in Southwest Kansas, five branches
in Central Kansas, two branches in North Central Kansas, five branches in Northern Arkansas, one branch in the Tulsa, Oklahoma
metropolitan area, four branches in Northern Oklahoma and two branches in Western Oklahoma. Most of Equity Bank’s branches are
equipped with automated teller machines and drive-through facilities. We believe all of our facilities are suitable for our operational
needs. The following table summarizes pertinent details of our principal executive offices and branches, as of December 31, 2023.

Address

Principal Executive Office and Wichita Branch:

7701 East Kellogg Drive
Wichita, Kansas 67207

Branches as of December 31, 2023

Owned
Leased(1)

Owned/Leased

Owned

57
7

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(1) Included in this category is one branch in which the building is owned but the land is on a long-term lease expiring in January 2030.

Item 3: Legal Proceedings

From time to time we are party to various litigation matters incidental to the conduct of our business. See “NOTE 21 – LEGAL

MATTERS” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete
discussion of litigation matters.

Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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Part II

Item 5: Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information and Common Equity Holders

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EQBK”. At February 29, 2024, there were
15,437,891 shares of our Class A common stock, outstanding and 241 stockholders of record for the Company’s Class A common
stock. At February 29, 2024, no shares of our Class B common stock were outstanding.

Dividend Policy

Our future determination to pay dividends on our common stock will be made by our board of directors and will depend on a

number of factors, including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

our historical and projected financial condition, liquidity and results of operations;

our capital levels and requirements;

statutory and regulatory prohibitions and other limitations;

any contractual restriction on our ability to pay cash dividends, including pursuant to the terms of any of our credit
agreements or other borrowing arrangements; the Company expects to pay dividends at similar levels in the future;

our business strategy;

tax considerations;

any acquisitions or potential acquisitions that we may examine;

general economic conditions; and

other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.

We are not obligated to pay dividends on our common stock.

As a Kansas corporation, we are subject to certain restrictions on dividends under the Kansas General Corporation Code.
Generally, a Kansas corporation may pay dividends to its stockholders out of its surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of its net profits
for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared or the preceding fiscal year, or both. In addition, if the capital of a Kansas
corporation is diminished by depreciation in the value of its property, or by losses or otherwise, to an amount less than the aggregate
amount of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets,
the directors of such corporation cannot declare and pay out of such net profits any dividends upon any shares of any classes of its
capital stock until the deficiency in the amount of capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a
preference upon the distribution of assets is repaired. We are also subject to certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends as a
result of banking laws, regulations and policies. For more information, see “Item 1 – Supervision and Regulation – Banking
Regulation – Standards for Safety and Soundness.”

Since we are a bank holding company and do not engage directly in business activities of a material nature, our ability to pay

dividends to our stockholders depends, in large part, upon our receipt of dividends from Equity Bank, which is also subject to
numerous limitations on the payment of dividends under federal and state banking laws, regulations and policies. The present and
future dividend policy of Equity Bank is subject to the discretion of its board of directors. Equity Bank is not obligated to pay
dividends.

If Equity Bank is “significantly undercapitalized” under the applicable federal bank capital standards, or if Equity Bank is
“undercapitalized” and has failed to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan or has materially failed to implement such a plan, the
FDIC may choose to require Equity Bank to receive prior approval from the Federal Reserve for any capital distribution. In addition,
Equity Bank generally is prohibited from making a capital distribution if such distribution would cause Equity Bank to be
“undercapitalized” under applicable federal bank capital standards. For more information, see “Item 7 – Supervision and Regulation –
Banking Regulation – Standards for Safety and Soundness.”

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table presents shares of our common stock that may be issued with respect to compensation plans at December

31, 2023.

51

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans - stock options
Equity compensation plans - restricted stock awards and restricted stock
units
Equity compensation plans - available
Equity compensation plans - employee stock purchase plan
Equity compensation plans
Equity compensation plans not approved by

security holders

Total

Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(a)
376,446

Weighted average
exercise price
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(b)

$

26.71

283,375
659,821
—
659,821

—
659,821

$

—

—
—

Number of
securities remaining
available for future
issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column a)
(c)

*

*
543,912
351,646
895,558

—
895,558

* All securities remaining available for future issuance were available under our 2022 Omnibus Equity Plan as of December 31, 2023.

On April 26, 2022, the Company's shareholders approved the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Equity Plan (the Plan) to reserve 760,000
shares for the grant of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock and unrestricted stock to its employees and
directors. The Plan replaced the Amended and Restated 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (2013 Plan). There were pour over shares
available in the new plan from the previous plan due to forfeiture, cancellation, and expiration after the effective date. For the year
ended December 31, 2023, there were pour over shares of 420,318 from our Amended and Restated 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, which
are included in the available RSU balance at December 31, 2023.

On January 27, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Equity Bancshares, Inc. 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(“ESPP”) and reserved 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance. The ESPP was approved by the Company’s stockholders on
April 24, 2019. The ESPP enables eligible employees to purchase the Company’s common stock at a price per share equal to 85% of
the lower of the fair market value of the common stock at the beginning or end of each offering period. At December 31, 2023, there
were 351,646 shares available under the employee stock purchase plan for future issuance.

52

Performance Graph

The following performance graph compares total stockholders’ return on the Company’s common stock for the period beginning

at the close of trading December 31, 2018, to December 31, 2023, with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ
Composite Index and the NASDAQ Bank Index for the same period. Cumulative total return is computed by dividing the difference
between the Company’s share price at the end and the beginning of the measurement period by the share price at the beginning of the
measurement period, including reinvestment of dividends. The performance graph assumes $100 is invested on December 31, 2018,
in the Company’s common stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index, the NASDAQ Bank Index and the S&P 500 Index. The NASDAQ
Composite Index is shown for comparative purposes and will be replaced with the S&P 500 Index in future reporting periods.
Historical stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities

None

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Repurchase of Common Stock

On September 27, 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City advised the Company that it had no objection to the
Company’s authorization of its repurchase of up to an additional 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Voting common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, from time to time, beginning October 1, 2023, and concluding September 30, 2024.

53

The following table presents shares that were repurchased under the repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2023.

Plan beginning October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

Average Price
Paid per
Share

— $
—
—
-

$

—
—
—
-

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Repurchase
Plan

—
—
—
-

Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plan(1)
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000

Period

October 1, 2023 through October 31, 2023
November 1, 2023 through November 30, 2023
December 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023
Total

(1)Represents shares that may be repurchased under the 2023 repurchase plan

54

Item 6: Reserved

55

Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with
our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected
performance. We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events may, and often do, vary
from actual results and the differences can be material. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Also,
see the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Item 1A – Risk Factors” included in Item 1A of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as
otherwise required by applicable law.

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operation includes the following sections:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Table containing selected financial data and ratios for the periods;

Overview;

Critical Accounting Policies – a discussion of accounting policies that require critical estimates and assumptions;

Results of Operations – an analysis of our operating results, including disclosures about the sustainability of our earnings;

Financial Condition – an analysis of our financial position;

Liquidity and Capital Resources – an analysis of our cash flows and capital position; and

Non-GAAP Financial Measures – reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.

56

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Statement of Income Data

Interest and dividend income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Provision (reversal) for credit losses
Net gain on acquisition
Net gain (loss) from securities transactions
Other non-interest income
Merger expense
Goodwill impairment
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Other non-interest expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Balance Sheet Data (at period end)

Cash and cash equivalents
Securities available-for-sale
Securities held-to-maturity
Loans held for sale
Gross loans held for investment
Allowance for credit losses
Loans held for investment, net of allowance for credit losses
Goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net
Mortgage servicing asset, net
Naming rights, net
Total assets
Total deposits
Borrowings
Total liabilities
Total stockholders’ equity
Tangible common equity*

Performance ratios

Return on average assets (ROAA)
Return on average equity (ROAE)
Return on average tangible common equity (ROATCE)*
Yield on loans
Cost of interest-bearing deposits
Net interest margin
Efficiency ratio*
Non-interest income / average assets
Non-interest expense / average assets
Dividend payout ratio

Capital Ratios

Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio
Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio
Total Risk Based Capital Ratio
Equity / Assets
Book value per share
Tangible book value per share*
Tangible common equity to tangible assets*

2023

246,712
87,694
159,018
1,873
-
(51,909)
32,780
297
—
—
135,304
2,415
(5,406)
7,821
7,821
0.50
0.50

379,099
919,648
2,209
476
3,332,901
43,520
3,289,381
60,323
75
1,000
5,034,592
4,145,455
380,503
4,581,732
452,860
391,462

0.16%
1.85%
2.94%
6.39%
2.21%
3.46%
70.55%
-0.38%
2.71%
88.35%

9.46%
11.74%
12.36%
15.48%
8.99%
29.35
25.37
7.87%

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

Years Ended December 31,
2021

2020

2022

188,248
25,418
162,830
125
962
5
34,990
594
—
—
127,786
70,282
12,594
57,688
57,688
3.56
3.51

104,428
1,184,390
1,948
349
3,311,548
45,847
3,265,701
63,697
176
1,044
4,981,651
4,241,807
281,734
4,571,593
410,058
345,141

1.15%
13.08%
16.35%
4.98%
0.53%
3.51%
64.60%
0.72%
2.56%
10.26%

9.61%
12.26%
12.88%
16.08%
8.23%
25.74
21.67
7.02%

$

$

$
$

157,368
14,789
142,579
(8,480)
585
406
31,851
9,189
—
372
109,904
64,436
11,956
52,480
52,480
3.49
3.43

259,954
1,327,442
—
4,214
3,155,627
48,365
3,107,262
69,344
276
1,087
5,137,631
4,420,004
151,891
4,637,000
500,631
429,924

$ 155,561
22,909
132,652
24,255
2,145
11
23,867
299
104,831
—
103,860
(74,570)
400
(74,970)
(74,970)
(4.97)
(4.97)

$ 280,698
871,827
—
12,394
2,591,696
33,709
2,557,987
47,658
—
1,130
4,013,356
3,447,590
133,857
3,605,707
407,649
358,861

1.18%
11.75%
14.10%
4.77%
0.30%
3.44%
63.01%
0.74%
2.70%
4.84%

9.09%
12.03%
12.67%
15.96%
9.74%
29.87
25.65
8.48%

$
$

(1.87)%
(16.14)%
8.27%
5.00%
0.66%
3.63%
66.36%
0.65%
5.23%
0.00%

9.30%
12.82%
13.37%
17.35%
10.16%
28.04
24.68
9.05%

2019

175,499
49,641
125,858
18,354
—
14
24,974
915
—
—
98,720
32,857
7,278
25,579
25,579
1.64
1.61

89,291
142,067
769,059
5,933
2,556,652
12,232
2,544,420
156,339
5
1,174
3,949,578
3,063,516
383,632
3,471,518
478,060
320,542

0.64%
5.52%
9.22%
5.73%
1.53%
3.48%
65.45%
0.63%
2.50%
0.00%

9.02%
11.63%
12.15%
12.59%
12.10%
30.95
20.75
8.45%

$

$

$
$

* Indicates non-GAAP financial measure. Please see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –
Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

57

Overview

We are a financial holding company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Our wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Equity Bank,

provides a broad range of financial services primarily to businesses and business owners as well as individuals through our network of
64 full-service branches located in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. As of December 31, 2023, we had, on a consolidated
basis, total assets of $5.03 billion, total deposits of $4.15 billion, total loans held for investment, net of allowances, of $3.29 billion
and total stockholders’ equity of $452.9 million. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $7.8 million, compared to
net income of $57.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

History and Background

From 2003 through 2023, we completed a series of twenty acquisitions, two charter consolidations and two branch dispositions.

We seek to integrate the banks we acquire into our existing operational platform and enhance stockholder value through the creation
of efficiencies within the combined operations. In conjunction with our strategic acquisition growth, we strive to reposition and
improve the loan portfolio and deposit mix of the banks we acquire. Following our acquisitions, we focus on identifying and
disposing of problematic loans and replacing them with higher quality loans generated organically. In addition, we concentrate on
growth in our commercial loan portfolio, which we believe generally offers higher return opportunities than our consumer loan
portfolio, primarily by hiring additional talented bankers, particularly in our metropolitan markets, and incentivizing our bankers to
expand their commercial banking relationships. We also seek to increase our most attractive deposit accounts primarily by growing
deposits in our community markets and cross selling our depository products to our loan customers.

Our principal objective is to continually increase stockholder value and generate consistent earnings growth by expanding our
commercial banking franchise both organically and through strategic acquisitions. We believe our strategy of selectively acquiring
and integrating community banks has provided us with economies of scale and improved our overall franchise efficiency. We expect
to continue to pursue strategic acquisitions and believe our targeted market areas present us with many and varied acquisition
opportunities. We are also focused on continuing to grow organically and believe the markets in which we operate currently provide
meaningful opportunities to expand our commercial customer base and increase our current market share. We believe our geographic
footprint, which is strategically split between growing metropolitan markets, such as Kansas City, Tulsa and Wichita, and stable
community markets within Western Kansas, Western Missouri, Topeka, Northern Arkansas and Northern Oklahoma, provides us with
access to low cost stable core deposits in community markets that we can use to fund commercial loan growth in our metropolitan
markets. We strive to provide an enhanced banking experience for our customers by providing them with a comprehensive suite of
sophisticated banking products and services tailored to meet their needs, while delivering the high-quality relationship-based customer
service of a community bank.

Highlights for the Year Ended December 31, 2023

•

•

•

•

•

Net income of $7.8 million, or $0.50 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended December 31, 2023. Adjusted to
exclude the loss on re-positioning of the investment portfolio, net income was $48.9 million, or $3.13 diluted earnings per
share.

Dividends declared of $6.9 million, or $0.44 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $5.4 million,
or $0.36 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of 22.0%

Total loans held for investment increased to $3.33 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $3.31 billion at December
31, 2022.

Announced the 10th whole-bank acquisition since the Company's initial public offering, with our merger with Rockhold
BanCorp. The transaction was announced on December 6, 2023, and closed on February 9, 2024, adding approximately
$340 million in deposits, eight banking locations and a new territory to the Equity Bank footprint.

Successfully reduced classified assets as a percentage of regulatory capital from 9.98% at the end of 2022 to 7.09% at the
end of 2023. Current problem asset ratios are amongst the lowest the Company has seen in its history.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make a number of judgments and

assumptions that affect our reported results and disclosures. Several of our accounting policies are inherently subject to valuation
assumptions and other subjective assessments and are more critical than others in terms of their importance to results. Changes in any
of the estimates and assumptions underlying critical accounting policies could have a material effect on our financial statements. Our

58

accounting policies are described in “NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The accounting policies that management believes are the most critical to an understanding of our financial condition and results

of operations and require complex management judgment are described below.

Allowance for Credit Losses: The allowance for credit losses for loans represents management’s estimate of all expected credit
losses over the expected contractual life of our loan portfolio. This assessment includes procedures to estimate the allowance and test
the adequacy and appropriateness of the resulting balance. The level of the allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of
historical default and loss experience, current and projected economic conditions, asset quality trends, known and inherent risks in the
portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay a loan (including the timing of future payments), the
estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, industry and peer bank loan quality indications and
other pertinent factors, including regulatory recommendations. The level of the allowance for credit losses maintained by
management is believed adequate to absorb all expected future losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date; however,
determining the appropriateness of the allowance is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that
are inherently uncertain. The actual realized facts and circumstances may be different than those currently estimated by management
and may result in significant changes in the allowance for credit losses in future periods. The allowance for credit losses for loans, as
reported in our consolidated balance sheets, is adjusted by provision for credit losses, which is recognized in earnings and is reduced
by the charge-off amounts, net of recoveries.

The Company utilizes primarily two methods for estimating the allowance for credit losses and the method used depends on the

status of the underlying loans. Non-performing loans primarily utilize a collateral specific fair value impairment method and
performing loans primarily utilize a historical loss method. The performing loan method utilizes a probability of default (PD) and loss
given default (LGD) modeling approach for historical loss coupled with a macroeconomic factor analysis derived from a statistical
regression of loss experience correlated to changes in economic factors for all commercial banks operating within our geographical
footprint. The macroeconomic regression is based on a multivariate approach and includes key indicators that provide the highest
cumulative adjusted R-square figure. Economic factors include, but are not limited to, national unemployment, gross domestic
product, market interest rates and property pricing indices. To arrive at the most predictive calculation, a lag factor was applied to
these inputs, resulting in current and historic economic inputs driving the projection of loss over our reasonable and supportable
forecast period, which management has defined as 12 months for all portfolio segments. Following the reasonable and supportable
forecast period, loss experience immediately reverts to the current historical loss experience of the Company. The estimated loan
losses for all loan segments are adjusted for changes in qualitative factors not inherently considered in the quantitative analyses. The
qualitative categories and the measurements used to quantify the risks within each of these categories are subjectively selected by
management but measured by objective measurements period over period. The current period measurements are evaluated and
assigned a factor commensurate with the current level of risk relative to past measurements over time. The resulting qualitative
adjustments are applied to the relevant collectively evaluated loan portfolios. These adjustments are based upon quarterly trend
assessments in projected economic sentiment, portfolio concentrations, policy exceptions, personnel retention, independent loan
review results, collateral considerations, risk ratings and competition. The qualitative allowance allocation, as determined by the
processes noted above, is increased or decreased for each loan segment based on the assessment of these various qualitative factors.
The resultant loss rates are applied to the estimated future exposure at default (EAD), as determined based on contractual amortization
terms through an average default month and estimated prepayment experience in arriving at the quantitative reserve within our
allowance for credit losses.

The allowance represents management’s best estimate, but significant changes in circumstances relating to loan quality and

economic conditions could result in significantly different results than what is reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2023. Likewise, an improvement in loan quality or economic conditions may allow for a further reduction in the
required allowance. Changing credit conditions would be expected to impact realized losses driving variability in specifically
assessed allowances, as well as calculated quantitative and more subjectively analyzed qualitative factors. Depending on the volatility
in these conditions, material impacts could be realized within the Company’s operations. Likewise, changing economic conditions,
both positive and negative, to the extent significant could result in unexpected realization of provision or reversal of allowance for
credit losses due to its impact on the quantitative and qualitative inputs to the Company’s calculation. Under the CECL methodology,
the impact of these conditions has the potential to further exacerbate periodic differences due to its life of loan perspective. The life of
loans calculated under the methodology is based in contractual duration and modified for prepayment expectations, making significant
variation in periodic results possible due to changing contractual or adjusted duration of the assets within the calculation.

Goodwill: Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of
acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any
such impairment is recognized and expensed in the period identified. Goodwill will be assessed more frequently if a triggering event
occurs which indicates that the carrying value of the asset might be impaired. We have selected December 31 as the date to perform
our annual goodwill impairment test. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite useful life. For the year ended December

59

31, 2023, management performed a qualitative analysis and has determined that there was not evidence of a triggering event during
the period then ended. Our qualitative analysis process consists of using recent bank merger transactions, for companies that are
similar to the Company based on financial performance, to calculate the average change in control premium from the merger data.
The average change in control premium, number of shares and our current trading price is used to estimate the market value of our
equity, which is compared to our book value of equity. In addition to estimating equity market value, we evaluate the qualitative
considerations contained in current accounting guidance to identify any evidence of goodwill impairment. Based on this qualitative
analysis and conclusion, it was determined that a more robust quantitative assessment was not necessary at our measurement date.

For additional information see “NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT

ACCOUNTING POLICIES” and “NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND CORE DEPOSIT INTANGIBLES” in the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

We generate most of our revenue from interest income and fees on loans, interest and dividends on investment securities and

non-interest income, such as service charges and fees, debit card income and mortgage banking income. We incur interest expense on
deposits and other borrowed funds and non-interest expense, such as salaries and employee benefits and occupancy expenses.

Changes in interest rates earned on interest-earning assets or incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the volume and
types of interest-earning assets, interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity, are usually the largest
drivers of periodic change in net interest income. Fluctuations in interest rates are driven by many factors, including governmental
monetary policies, inflation, deflation, macroeconomic developments, changes in unemployment, the money supply, political and
international circumstances and domestic and foreign financial markets. Periodic changes in the volume and types of loans in our loan
portfolio are affected by, among other factors, economic and competitive conditions in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, as
well as developments affecting the consumer, commercial and real estate sectors within these markets.

For information comparing our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, to year ended December 31, 2021,

see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2023.

Net Income

Year ended December 31, 2023, compared with year ended December 31, 2022

For the year ended December 31, 2023, there was net income allocable to common stockholders of $7.8 million, compared to
net income allocable to common stockholders of $57.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $49.9 million.
This change was primarily driven by the sale of $490.1 of investment securities at a loss of $52.0 million. The changes in the
components of net income are discussed in more detail below in the following sections of “Results of Operations.”

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin Analysis

Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, including loans and securities, and
interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, including deposits and other borrowed funds. To evaluate net interest income,
management measures and monitors (1) yields on loans and other interest-earning assets, (2) the costs of deposits and other funding
sources, (3) the net interest spread and (4) net interest margin. Net interest spread is the difference between rates earned on interest-
earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is calculated as net interest income divided by average
interest-earning assets. Because non-interest-bearing sources of funds, such as non-interest-bearing deposits and stockholders’ equity
also fund interest-earning assets, net interest margin includes the benefit of these non-interest-bearing sources of funds. Net interest
income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “volume
change,” and it is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and
other borrowed funds, referred to as “yield/rate change.”

The following table shows the average balance of each principal category of assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity and the

average yields on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022,

60

and 2021. The yields and rates are calculated by dividing income or expense by the average daily balances of the associated assets or
liabilities.

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets

Loans(1)
Commercial and industrial
Commercial real estate
Real estate construction
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Total loans
Taxable securities
Nontaxable securities
Federal funds sold and other
Total interest-earning assets

Non-interest-earning assets

Other real estate owned, net
Premises and equipment, net
Bank-owned life insurance
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
Other non-interest-earning assets
Total assets

Interest-bearing liabilities

Interest-bearing demand deposits
Savings and money market
Demand savings and money market
Certificates of deposit
Total interest-bearing deposits
FHLB term and line of credit advances
Federal Reserve Bank discount window
Subordinated borrowings
Other borrowings
Total interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest-bearing liabilities and

stockholders’ equity

Non-interest-bearing checking accounts
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
Stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Net interest income
Interest rate spread
Net interest margin(2)
Total cost of deposits, including
non-interest bearing deposits
Average interest-earning assets to

interest-bearing liabilities

Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis

December 31, 2023

Average
Outstanding
Balance

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average
Yield/
Rate(3)(4)

Average
Outstanding
Balance

December 31, 2022
Interest
Income/
Expense

Average
Yield/
Rate(3)(4)

Average
Outstanding
Balance

December 31, 2021
Interest
Income/
Expense

Average
Yield/
Rate(3)(4)

$

580,451
1,302,568
447,516
565,711
201,326
100,394
106,542
3,304,508
1,027,726
74,917
193,941
4,601,092

$ 42,901
83,441
33,764
23,799
13,820
6,966
6,522
211,213
23,873
1,960
9,666
246,712

7.39% $
6.41%
7.54%
4.21%
6.86%
6.94%
6.12%
6.39%
2.32%
2.62%
4.98%
5.36%

583,295
1,259,257
363,902
597,196
201,295
125,342
102,185
3,232,472
1,185,750
106,955
107,298
4,632,475

$ 32,258
65,122
18,269
22,004
11,399
6,697
5,110
160,859
22,713
2,698
1,978
188,248

5.53% $
5.17%
5.02%
3.68%
5.66%
5.34%
5.00%
4.98%
1.92%
2.52%
1.84%
4.06%

714,561
1,040,443
277,307
498,164
153,607
108,276
88,383
2,880,741
976,942
105,522
182,443
4,145,648

$ 41,580
48,676
10,256
19,341
8,122
5,361
3,998
137,334
15,996
2,843
1,195
157,368

3,991
107,297
123,665
63,064
100,296
$ 4,999,405

$ 1,002,543
1,359,822
2,362,365
827,652
3,190,017
98,380
108,551
96,651
49,464
3,543,063

979,410
53,210
423,722
$ 4,999,405

10,144
102,165
121,741
67,747
88,840
$ 5,023,112

10,510
93,539
103,255
50,831
28,017
$ 4,431,800

22,681
23,525
46,206
24,267
70,473
3,944
4,755
7,591
931
87,694

2.26% $ 1,124,828
1,308,536
1.73%
2,433,364
1.96%
663,790
2.93%
3,097,154
2.21%
79,775
4.01%
3
4.38%
96,133
7.85%
1.88%
55,036
3,328,101
2.48%

7,248
3,549
10,797
5,524
16,321
2,094
—
6,771
232
25,418

0.64% $ 1,032,938
1,129,869
0.27%
2,162,807
0.44%
625,562
0.83%
2,788,369
0.53%
16,797
2.63%
3
0.25%
89,785
7.04%
45,819
0.42%
2,940,773
0.76%

2,165
1,540
3,705
4,550
8,255
169
—
6,261
104
14,789

1,203,167
50,962
440,882
$ 5,023,112

1,021,261
22,971
446,795
$ 4,431,800

$ 159,018

$ 162,830

$ 142,579

2.88%
3.46%

3.30%
3.51%

5.82%
4.68%
3.70%
3.88%
5.29%
4.95%
4.52%
4.77%
1.64%
2.69%
0.65%
3.80%

0.21%
0.14%
0.17%
0.73%
0.30%
1.01%
0.25%
6.97%
0.23%
0.50%

3.30%
3.44%

$ 4,169,427

$ 70,473

1.69% $ 4,300,321

$ 16,321

0.38% $ 3,809,630

$

8,255

0.22%

129.86%

139.19%

140.97%

(1)Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans, hedge fair value adjustments and merger fair value adjustments.
(2)Net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income by average interest-earning assets for the period.
(3)Tax exempt income is not included in the above table on a tax equivalent basis.
(4)Actual un-rounded values are used to calculate the reported yield or rate disclosed. Accordingly, recalculations using the amounts in thousands as disclosed

in this report may not produce the same amounts.

61

The following table analyzes the change in volume variances and yield/rate variances for the year ended December 31, 2023, as
compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, and the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31,
2021.

Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets

Loans
Commercial and industrial
Commercial real estate
Real estate construction
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Total loans
Taxable securities
Nontaxable securities
Federal funds sold and other
Total interest-earning assets

Interest-bearing liabilities

Demand savings and money market
Certificates of deposit
Total interest-bearing deposits
FHLB term and line of credit advances
Federal Reserve Bank discount window
Subordinated borrowings
Other borrowings
Total interest-bearing liabilities

Net Interest Income

2023 vs. 2022
Increase (Decrease) Due to:
Yield/Rate(1)

Volume(1)

Total

Volume(1)

2022 vs. 2021
Increase (Decrease) Due to:
Yield/Rate(1)

Total

$

$

$

$

(158) $
2,307
4,860
(1,205)
2
(1,492)
226
4,540
(3,275)
(835)
2,473
2,903

$

(726) $
1,670
944
567
4,753
37
(26)
6,275
(3,372) $

$

$

$

10,801
16,012
10,635
3,000
2,419
1,761
1,186
45,814
4,435
97
5,215
55,561

36,135
17,073
53,208
1,283
2
783
725
56,001

(440) $

10,643
18,319
15,495
1,795
2,421
269
1,412
50,354
1,160
(738)
7,688
58,464

$

$

$

35,409
18,743
54,152
1,850
4,755
820
699
62,276
(3,812) $

(7,340) $
10,956
3,736
3,689
2,667
889
664
15,261
3,743
38
(658)
18,384

$

486
290
776
1,348
—
446
25
2,595
15,789

$

$

(1,982) $
5,490
4,277
(1,026)
610
447
448
8,264
2,974
(183)
1,441
12,496

$

6,606
684
7,290
577
—
64
103
8,034
4,462

$

$

(9,322)
16,446
8,013
2,663
3,277
1,336
1,112
23,525
6,717
(145)
783
30,880

7,092
974
8,066
1,925
—
510
128
10,629
20,251

(1)The effect of changes in volume is determined by multiplying the change in volume by the previous year’s average rate. Similarly, the effect of rate

changes is calculated by multiplying the change in average rate by the prior year’s volume. The changes attributable to both volume and rate, which cannot
be segregated, have been allocated to the volume variance and the rate variance in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change
in each.

Year ended December 31, 2023, compared with year ended December 31, 2022

The decrease in net interest income is primarily due to a 172 basis point increase in average rates of interest bearing liabilities

offset by a 130 basis point increase in yields on interest-earning assets. The change in yields and costs were driven, primarily, by rate
increases within the marketplace over the past 20 months and their lagged impact on our balance sheet. Total fed fund rate increases of
525 basis points have been realized ratably within the asset portfolio while associated increases to liability costs have lagged and were
more pronounced in 2023.

Following the banking turmoil in March of 2023, the Bank increased our FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank borrowings to
maintain a heightened liquidity position. The amounts were materially offset by cash balances for the majority of the year, resulting in
a small positive impact on net interest income and a reduction in net interest margin.

Net interest spread decreased from 3.30% at December 31, 2022 to 2.88% at December 31, 2023 primarily due to the increase in

both the volume and cost of interest-bearing liabilities out-pacing the increase in the yield and change in volume in interest-earning
assets. The primary driver of market interest rate changes in 2023 was the Federal Reserve raising the federal funds target rate four
times for a total of 100 basis points. The decrease in net interest margin is driven by the lagging impact of interest rate changes on our
interest-bearing liability balances coupled with the excess liquidity position maintained by the Company throughout 2023.

62

Provision for Credit Losses

We maintain an allowance for credit losses for estimated losses in our loan portfolio. The allowance for credit losses is

increased by a provision for credit losses, which is a charge to earnings, and subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged-off,
but is decreased by charge-offs when the collectability of a loan balance is unlikely. Management estimates the allowance balance
required using past loan loss experience within the Company’s portfolio. This historical loss calculation is then modified to reflect
quantitative economic circumstances based on evidenced economic conditions and regression formulas which incorporate lag factors
in identifying a sufficiently predictive adjusted-R square as well as qualitative factors not inherently reflected in our historical loss or
quantitative economic inputs. Included in our qualitative assessment is the consideration of prospective economic conditions over the
next 12 months, considered the Company’s reasonable and supportable forecast period. As these factors change, the amount of the
credit loss provision changes.

Year ended December 31, 2023, compared with year ended December 31, 2022

There was a $1.9 million provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a provision for credit

losses of $125 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022. The provision for credit losses recorded during the period ended
December 31, 2023, is the result of overall portfolio loan growth, current realized loss rate, and net charge-offs during the period
which were offset by decreases in projected future loss rates. The increase in impairments on specifically evaluated loans was
primarily due to the charge-off of loans deemed uncollectible.

For additional detail see “Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –
Allowance for Credit Losses.” Net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $4.2 million as compared to net charge-
offs of $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, gross charge-offs were $5.0
million offset by gross recoveries of $800 thousand. In comparison, gross charge-offs were $3.3 million for the year ended December
31, 2022, offset by gross recoveries of $700 thousand.

Non-Interest Income

The following table provides a comparison of the major components of non-interest income for the years ended December 31,

2023, 2022, and 2021.

Non-Interest Income
For the Years Ended December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)
Service charges and fees
Debit card income
Mortgage banking
Increase in value of bank-owned life

insurance

Other
Investment referral income
Trust income
Insurance sales commissions
Recovery on zero-basis

purchased loans

Income (loss) from equity method

investments

Other non-interest income
Total other
Subtotal

Gain on acquisition
Net gain (loss) from securities

transactions

Total non-interest income

$

2023
10,187
10,322
652

$

2022
10,632
10,677
1,416

$

2021

8,596
10,236
3,306

$

2023 vs. 2022

Change

%

2022 vs. 2021

Change

%

(445)
(355)
(764)

(4.2)% $
(3.3)%
(54.0)%

2,036
441
(1,890)

23.7%
4.3%
(57.2)%

4,059

424
1,123
582

517

(222)
5,136
7,560
32,780
—

3,113

539
1,036
566

249

(222)
6,984
9,152
34,990
962

3,506

678
1,140
545

946

30.4%

(393)

(11.2)%

(115)
87
16

(21.3)%
8.4%
2.8%

(139)
(104)
21

(20.5)%
(9.1)%
3.9%

85

268

107.6%

164

192.9%

(222)
3,981
6,207
31,851
585

—
(1,848)
(1,592)
(2,210)
(962)

—%
(26.5)%
(17.4)%
(6.3)%
(100.0)%

—
3,003
2,945
3,139
377

—%
75.4%
47.4%
9.9%
64.4%

(51,909)
$ (19,129) $

5
35,957

$

406
32,842

(51,914)
$ (55,086)

(100.0)%
(153.2)% $

(401)
3,115

(98.8)%
9.5%

63

Year ended December 31, 2023, compared with year ended December 31, 2022

Non-interest income, before gain on acquisition and gain (loss) on securities transactions decreased 6.3%. The decline was

driven by service revenue lines, including service charges, debit card and mortgage banking fee income, as consumer spending
activity decreased within our portfolio. In addition to declining service revenue, within the 'Other non-interest income' line item,
derivative fair value gains of $1.8 million contributed to earnings in 2022 as the majority of market interest rate increases were
realized. During 2023, this benefit was muted at $227 thousand, resulting in a comparative decline of $1.6 million.

During the year the Company sold securities to re-position aspects of the portfolio into higher yielding investments, including

loans, securities and cash. The sale resulted in a realized loss of $52.0 million. During 2022, the Company completed two branch sale
transactions resulting in realized gains of $962 thousand which did not repeat in 2023.

Non-Interest Expense

The following table provides a comparison of the major components of non-interest expense for the years ended December 31,

2023, 2022, and 2021.

Non-Interest Expense
For the Year Ended December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
Net occupancy and equipment
Data processing
Professional fees
Advertising and business development
Telecommunications
FDIC insurance
Courier and postage
Free nationwide ATM expense
Amortization of core deposit
intangibles
Loan expense
Other real estate owned
Loss on debt extinguishment
Other

Subtotal

Merger expenses

Total non-interest expense

$

2023
64,384
12,325
17,433
5,754
5,425
1,963
2,195
2,046
2,073

$

2022
62,006
12,223
15,883
4,951
5,042
1,916
1,140
1,881
2,103

$

2021
54,198
10,137
13,261
4,713
3,370
1,966
1,665
1,429
2,019

3,374
540
542
—
17,250
135,304
297
$ 135,601

4,042
828
589
—
15,182
127,786
594
$ 128,380

4,174
934
(188)
372
12,226
110,276
9,189
$ 119,465

$

$

2023 vs. 2022

Change

%

2022 vs. 2021

Change

%

2,378
102
1,550
803
383
47
1,055
165
(30)

(668)
(288)
(47)
—
2,068
7,518
(297)
7,221

3.8% $
0.8%
9.8%
16.2%
7.6%
2.5%
92.5%
8.8%
(1.4)%

(16.5)%
(34.8)%
(8.0)%
100.0%
13.6%
5.9%
(50.0)%

5.6% $

7,808
2,086
2,622
238
1,672
(50)
(525)
452
84

(132)
(106)
777
(372)
2,956
17,510
(8,595)
8,915

14.4%
20.6%
19.8%
5.0%
49.6%
(2.5)%
(31.5)%
31.6%
4.2%

(3.2)%
(11.3)%
(413.3)%
(100.0)%
24.2%
15.9%
(93.5)%
7.5%

Year ended December 31, 2023, compared with year ended December 31, 2022

The increase in non-interest expense was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits of $2.4 million, other non-

interest expense of $2.1 million, data processing of $1.6 million and FDIC insurance of $1.1 million, offset by a decrease in the
amortization of core deposits intangibles of $668 thousand. These items and other changes in the various components of non-interest
expense are discussed in more detail below.

Salaries and employee benefits: There was a $2.4 million increase in salaries and benefits for the year ended December 31,

2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Salaries and wages increased by $2.4 million, while deferral of cost
associated with loan production declined by $743 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2023, there was an increase in employee insurance of $179
thousand and employee payroll taxes of $154 thousand offset by a decrease in share-based compensation expense of $641 thousand
and incentive compensation of $521 thousand. Included in salaries and employee benefits is share-based compensation expense of
$2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Data processing: The $1.6 million increase was principally due to increased data processing expense of $939 thousand, debit

card expense of $270 thousand, credit card processing expense of $250 thousand and software license expenses of $144 thousand.

64

FDIC Insurance: The $1.1 million increase was primarily due to the FDIC's increase in their insurance base assessment rate

beginning in the first quarter of 2023.

Professional fees: The increase of $803 thousand was principally due to an increase in consulting fees of $1.1 million,
including increases in BSA compliance fees, placement fees and trust management fees, partially offset by a decrease in accounting
fees of $167 thousand.

Other: Other non-interest expenses consists of subscriptions, memberships and dues, employee expenses including travel,
meals, entertainment and education, supplies, printing, insurance, account related losses, correspondent bank fees, customer program
expenses, losses net of gains on the sale of fixed assets, losses net of gains on the sale of repossessed assets other than real estate, other
operating expenses, such as settlement of claims, limited partnership tax credits and provision for unfunded commitments. There was
a $2.1 million increase in other non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December
31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to increases in recruiting of $508 thousand, auto and travel expenses of $601 thousand, and
the write-off of tax credit investments of $315 thousand.

Merger expenses: Merger expenses include legal, advisory and accounting fees associated with services to facilitate the
acquisition of other banks. Merger expenses also include data processing conversion costs and costs associated with the integration of
personnel, processes, facilities and employee bonuses. During 2023, the Company incurred merger expenses of $297 thousand related
to the Bank of Kirksville acquisition.

Efficiency Ratio

The efficiency ratio is a supplemental financial measure utilized in the internal evaluation of our performance and is not defined

under GAAP. Our efficiency ratio is computed by dividing non-interest expense, excluding goodwill impairment, merger expenses
and loss on debt extinguishment, by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income, excluding net gains on sales of and
settlement of securities and gain on acquisition. Generally, an increase in the efficiency ratio indicates that more resources are being
utilized to generate the same volume of income, while a decrease would indicate a more efficient allocation of resources. The ratio
defined under GAAP that is most comparable to the efficiency ratio is non-interest expense to net interest income plus non-interest
income which is discussed in “Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

The Company’s efficiency ratio increased in 2023 as compared to 2022 due to non-interest expense, excluding goodwill
impairment and merger expenses, increasing at a higher proportional rate than net interest income and non-interest income, excluding
net loss on security transactions and gain on acquisition, as discussed in “Results of Operations – Net Interest Income and Net Interest
Margin Analysis” and “Results of Operations – Non-Interest Income.”

Income Taxes

The amount of income tax expense is influenced by the amount of pre-tax income, the amount of tax-exempt income, the

amount of non-deductible expenses and available tax credits.

Year ended December 31, 2023, compared with year ended December 31, 2022

The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023, was -223.9% as compared to the U.S. statutory rate of

21.0% as a result of tax planning benefits and credits amplified by a reduction in pre-tax book income for the year due to the pre-tax
losses generated in the fourth quarter related to the sale of bonds. The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022,
was 17.9% as compared to the U.S. statutory rate of 21.0%. As detailed in “NOTE 13 – INCOME TAXES” in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements, the income tax rates differed from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to non-taxable income,
non-deductible expenses, and tax credits. The Company made investments in solar tax credits during the years ended December 31,
2022, and December 31, 2023, which had a material impact on the effective income tax rate for each period.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets
and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying
amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces
deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not”
that the tax position will be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is
the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized on examination.

65

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. There were no material
amounts to report for interest or penalties incurred in 2023, 2022, or 2021.

Impact of Inflation

Our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP. These require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars,
without considering changes in the relative value of money over time due to inflation or recession.

Unlike many industrial companies, substantially all our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates
have a more significant impact on our performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates may not necessarily
move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. However, other operating expenses do
reflect general levels of inflation.

Financial Condition

Overview

Our total assets increased $52.9 million, or 1.06%, from $4.98 billion at December 31, 2022, to $5.03 billion at December 31,

2023. The increase in total assets was primarily from increases in cash and cash equivalents of $274.7 million, loans of $23.7 million
and premises and equipment, net of $11.1 million, offset by a decrease in securities of $264.7 million. Our total liabilities increased
$10.1 million, or 0.2%, from $4.57 billion at December 31, 2022, to $4.58 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in total
liabilities was from increases in Federal Reserve Bank borrowings of $140.0 million, offset by a decrease in total deposits of $96.4
million and FHLB advances of $38.9 million. Our total stockholders’ equity increased $42.8 million, or 10.4%, from $410.1 million at
December 31, 2022, to $452.9 million at December 31, 2023.

Loan Portfolio

Our loan portfolio consists of various types of loans, most of which are made to borrowers located in the Wichita, Kansas City

and Tulsa MSAs, as well as various community markets throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Although the
portfolio is diversified and generally secured by various types of collateral, the majority of our loan portfolio consists of commercial
and industrial and commercial real estate loans and a substantial portion of our borrowers’ ability to honor their obligations is
dependent on local economic conditions in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

At December 31, 2023, gross total loans were 80.4% of deposits and 66.2% of total assets. At December 31, 2022, gross total

loans were 78.1% of deposits and 66.5% of total assets.

The organic, or non-acquired, growth in our loan portfolio is attributable to our ability to attract new customers from other
financial institutions and overall growth in our markets. Our lending staff has been successful in building banking relationships with
new customers. Several new lenders have been hired in our markets and these employees have been successful in transitioning their
former clients and attracting new clients. Lending activities originate from the efforts of our lenders with an emphasis on lending to
individuals, professionals, small to medium-sized businesses and commercial companies located in the Wichita, Kansas City and
Tulsa MSAs, as well as community markets in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

66

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio by type of loan as of the dates indicated.

Composition of Loan Portfolio

Commercial and industrial
Real estate loans:

Commercial real estate
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate

Total real estate loans

Agricultural
Consumer

Total loans held for investment
Total loans held for sale
Total loans held for investment

(net of allowances)

2023

Amount

Percent

December 31,
2022

Amount
Percent
(Dollars in thousands)

2021

Amount

Percent

$ 598,327

17.9%$ 594,863

18.0% $ 567,497

18.0%

1,759,855
556,328
196,114
2,512,297
118,587
103,690
$3,332,901
476
$

52.8% 1,721,268
16.7% 570,550
5.9% 199,189
75.4% 2,491,007
3.6% 120,003
3.1% 105,675
100.0%$3,311,548
349
100.0%$

52.0% 1,486,148
638,087
17.2%
6.0%
198,330
75.2% 2,322,565
166,975
3.6%
98,590
3.2%
100.0% $3,155,627
4,214
100.0% $

47.1%
20.2%
6.3%
73.6%
5.3%
3.1%
100.0%
100.0%

$3,289,381

100.0%$3,265,701

100.0% $3,107,262

100.0%

Commercial and industrial: Commercial and industrial loans include loans used to purchase fixed assets, to provide working

capital or meet other financing needs of the business.

Commercial real estate: Commercial real estate loans include all loans secured by nonfarm, nonresidential properties and

multifamily residential properties, as well as 1-4 family investment-purpose real estate loans.

Residential real estate: Residential real estate loans include loans secured by primary or secondary personal residences.

Agricultural real estate, Agricultural, Consumer and other: Agricultural real estate loans are loans related to farmland.
Agricultural loans are primarily operating lines subject to annual farming revenues including productivity/yield of the agricultural
commodities produced. Consumer loans are generally secured by consumer assets but may be unsecured.

The contractual maturity ranges of loans in our loan portfolio and the amount of such loans with predetermined interest rates and

floating rates in each maturity range as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, are summarized in the following tables.

Loan Maturity and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

Commercial and industrial
Real Estate:

Commercial real estate
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Total real estate

Agricultural
Consumer
Total

$
Loans with a predetermined fixed interest rate $
Loans with an adjustable/floating interest rate

Total

$

One year
or less

After one year
through five
years

After fifteen
years

Total

$

171,879

$

345,693

2,869

$

598,327

As of December 31, 2023
After five
years
through
fifteen years
(Dollars in thousands)
$

77,886

$

369,311
1,447
73,882
444,640
80,659
31,832
729,010
289,816
439,194
729,010

1,063,226
10,091
84,802
1,158,119
30,948
50,779
$ 1,585,539
685,903
$
899,636
$ 1,585,539

247,300
128,077
27,559
402,936
2,851
19,077
$ 502,750
$ 127,602
375,148
$ 502,750

80,018
416,713
9,871
506,602
4,129
2,002
$ 515,602
$ 273,488
242,114
$ 515,602

1,759,855
556,328
196,114
2,512,297
118,587
103,690
3,332,901
1,376,809
1,956,092
3,332,901

$
$

$

67

Commercial and industrial
Real Estate:

Commercial real estate
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Total real estate

Agricultural
Consumer
Total

$
Loans with a predetermined fixed interest rate $
Loans with an adjustable/floating interest rate

Total

$

One year
or less

After one year
through five
years

After fifteen
years

Total

$

194,487

$

310,839

4,607

$

594,863

As of December 31, 2022
After five
years
through
fifteen years
(Dollars in thousands)
$

84,930

$

331,226
1,293
47,696
380,215
79,055
35,026
688,783
218,417
470,366
688,783

1,042,683
9,647
112,387
1,164,717
32,688
45,258
$ 1,553,502
771,980
$
781,522
$ 1,553,502

279,759
122,509
31,295
433,563
3,714
23,091
$ 545,298
$ 181,239
364,059
$ 545,298

67,600
437,101
7,811
512,512
4,546
2,300
$ 523,965
$ 306,537
217,428
$ 523,965

1,721,268
570,550
199,189
2,491,007
120,003
105,675
3,311,548
1,478,173
1,833,375
3,311,548

$
$

$

Nonperforming Assets

The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets at the dates indicated.

Nonperforming Assets

2023

Nonaccrual loans
Accruing loans 90 or more days past due
OREO acquired through foreclosure, net
Other repossessed assets

Total nonperforming assets

Ratios:

$

$

25,026
279
772
380
26,457

As of December 31,
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
$

$

17,601
—
600
47
18,248

$

$

2021

29,361
256
7,582
28,799
65,998

Nonperforming assets to total assets
Nonperforming assets to total loans plus OREO

0.53%
0.79%

0.37%
0.55%

1.28%
2.09%

Nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) include loans on nonaccrual status, accruing loans 90 or more days past due, restructured loans,

other real estate acquired through foreclosure and other repossessed assets. The change in NPAs is reflective of specific
circumstances on specific borrower relationships and not considered indicative of broad declining credit quality as of the reporting
date. NPAs and classified assets continue to be at historically low levels for the Company.

The nonperforming loans at December 31, 2023, consisted of 223 separate credits and 192 separate borrowers. We had five

nonperforming loan relationships each with outstanding balances exceeding $1.0 million as of December 31, 2023. There are several
procedures in place to assist us in maintaining the overall quality of our loan portfolio. We have established underwriting guidelines
to be followed by lenders and we also monitor delinquency levels for any negative or adverse trends. There can be no assurance,
however, that our loan portfolio will not become subject to increasing pressures from deteriorating borrower credit due to general
economic conditions.

Regulatory Loan Classification

We categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such

as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic
trends, among other factors. Loans are analyzed individually and classified based on credit risk. Consumer loans are considered pass

68

credits unless downgraded due to payment status or reviewed as part of a larger credit relationship. We use the following definitions
for risk ratings:

Pass: Loans classified as pass include all loans that do not fall under one of the three following categories. These loans are
considered unclassified.

Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If
left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of our credit
position at some future date. These loans are considered classified.

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the
obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the
liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the
deficiencies are not corrected. These loans are considered classified.

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added
characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values,
highly questionable and improbable. These loans are considered classified.

Potential problem loans consist of loans that are performing in accordance with contractual terms, but for which management
has concerns about the borrower’s ability to comply with repayment terms because of the borrower’s potential financial difficulties.
Potential problem loans are assigned a grade of special mention or substandard. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $11.1
million in potential problem loans which were not included in either non-accrual or 90 days past due categories, compared to $37.6
million at December 31, 2022.

For additional information about the risk category by class of loans see “NOTE 4 – LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR

CREDIT LOSSES” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2023, loans considered unclassified
increased to 98.8% of total loans from 98.2% of total loans at December 31, 2022.

Risk Category of Loans by Class

Commercial and industrial
Real estate:

Commercial real estate
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Total real estate

Agricultural
Consumer
Total

Commercial and industrial
Real estate:

Commercial real estate
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Total real estate

Agricultural
Consumer
Total

Unclassified

As of December 31, 2023
Classified
(Dollars in thousands)

Total

$

586,629

$

11,698

$

598,327

1,748,878
549,014
190,659
2,488,551
115,284
103,066
3,293,530

$

$

10,977
7,314
5,455
23,746
3,303
624
39,371

$

1,759,855
556,328
196,114
2,512,297
118,587
103,690
3,332,901

Unclassified

As of December 31, 2022
Classified
(Dollars in thousands)

Total

$

566,549

$

28,314

$

594,863

1,714,793
567,179
186,760
2,468,732
112,880
105,328
3,253,489

$

$

6,475
3,371
12,429
22,275
7,123
347
58,059

$

1,721,268
570,550
199,189
2,491,007
120,003
105,675
3,311,548

For additional information see “NOTE 4 – LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES” in the Notes to

Consolidated Financial Statements.

69

In accordance with applicable regulation, appraisals or evaluations are required to independently value real estate and, as an

important element, to consider when underwriting loans secured in part or in whole by real estate. The value of real estate collateral
provides additional support to the borrower’s credit capacity.

With respect to potential problem loans, all monitored and under-performing loans are individually reviewed. If we
determine that a loan has individually assessed credit loss, then we evaluate the borrower’s overall financial condition to determine the
need, if any, for non-performing classification, possible write downs or appropriate additions to the allowance for credit losses based
on the unlikelihood of full repayment of principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms or the net realizable value of
the pledged collateral.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Please see “Critical Accounting Policies – Allowance for Credit Losses” for additional discussion of our allowance policy.

In connection with our review of the loan portfolio, risk elements attributable to particular loan types or categories are
considered when assessing the quality of individual loans. For additional information see “NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS
AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Analysis of allowance for credit losses: At December 31, 2023, the allowance for credit losses totaled $43.5 million, or 1.31%

of total loans. At December 31, 2022, the allowance for credit losses totaled $45.8 million, or 1.38% of total loans.

The $2.3 million decrease in the allowance for credit losses was the result of an increase in net charge offs of $1.5 million

offset by the $2.1 million decrease in the allowance for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans and a $181 thousand decrease in
specific reserves. The allowance for credit losses calculation on loans collectively evaluated at December 31, 2023, totaled $38.8
million, or 1.2%, of the $3.3 billion in loans collectively evaluated, compared to an allowance for credit losses of $40.9 million, or
1.2%, of the $3.3 billion in loans collectively evaluated at December 31, 2022. The decrease in the collectively evaluated calculation
was primarily the result of a $1.0 million decrease in management qualitative adjustment coupled with a $889 thousand decrease in
economic adjustment.

Net losses as a percentage of average loans was 0.13% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 0.08%

for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, and 0.30% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

70

The following table presents, as of and for the periods indicated, an analysis of the allowance for credit losses and other related

data.

December 31, 2023
Allowance for credit losses
Total loans outstanding (1)
Net charge-offs
Average loan balance (1)
Non-accrual loan balance
Loans to total loans outstanding
ACL to total loans
Net charge-offs to average loans
Non-accrual loans to total loans
ACL to non-accrual loans

December 31, 2022
Allowance for credit losses
Total loans outstanding (1)
Net charge-offs
Average loan balance (1)
Non-accrual loan balance
Loans to total loans outstanding
ACL to total loans
Net charge-offs to average loans
Non-accrual loans to total loans
ACL to non-accrual loans

December 31, 2021
Allowance for loan losses
Total loans outstanding (1)
Net charge-offs
Average loan balance (1)
Non-accrual loan balance
Loans to total loans outstanding
ACL to total loans
Net charge-offs to average loans
Non-accrual loans to total loans
ACL to non-accrual loans

Allowance for Credit Losses
(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial
Real Estate
13,476
$
1,759,855
(75)
1,750,084
5,447
52.8%
0.8%
—%
0.3%
247.4%

Commercial
Real Estate
16,731
$
1,721,268
1,193
1,623,159
2,689
52.0%
1.0%
0.1%
0.2%
622.2%

Commercial
Real Estate
22,478
$
1,486,148
(129)
1,317,750
6,833
47.1%
1.5%
—%
0.5%
329.0%

Commercial
and
Industrial

$

17,954
598,327
3,700
580,451
5,041
18.0%
3.0%
0.6%
0.8%
356.2%

Commercial
and
Industrial

$

14,951
594,863
590
583,295
5,838
18.0%
2.5%
0.1%
1.0%
256.1%

Commercial
and
Industrial

$

12,248
567,497
7,870
714,561
6,557
18.0%
2.2%
1.1%
1.2%
186.8%

Residential
Real Estate
7,784
$
556,328
18
564,728
7,251
16.7%
1.4%
—%
1.3%
107.4%

Residential
Real Estate
8,608
$
570,550
56
595,494
3,206
17.2%
1.5%
—%
0.6%
268.5%

Residential
Real Estate
5,560
$
638,087
(52)
491,747
5,075
20.2%
0.9%
—%
0.8%
109.6%

Agricultural
Real Estate
1,718
$
196,114
46
201,326
4,214

Agricultural
995
$
118,587
(47)
100,394
2,470

5.9%
0.9%
—%
2.1%
40.8%

3.6%
0.8%
—%
2.1%
40.3%

Agricultural
Real Estate
819
$
199,189
27
201,295
2,052

Agricultural
2,457
$
120,003
35
125,342
3,468

6.0%
0.4%
—%
1.0%
39.9%

3.6%
2.0%
—%
2.9%
70.8%

Agricultural
Real Estate
2,235
$
198,330
473
153,607
4,398

Agricultural
3,756
$
166,975
(21)
108,276
6,175

6.3%
1.1%
0.3%
2.2%
50.8%

5.3%
2.2%
—%
3.7%
60.8%

$

$

$

$

$

$

Consumer

1,593
103,690
558
106,542
603
3.1%
1.5%
0.5%
0.6%
264.2%

Consumer

2,281
105,675
742
102,186
348
3.2%
2.2%
0.7%
0.3%
655.5%

Consumer

2,088
98,590
504
88,383
323
3.1%
2.1%
0.6%
0.3%
646.4%

Total

43,520
3,332,901
4,200
3,303,525
25,026
100.0%
1.3%
0.1%
0.8%
173.9%

Total

45,847
3,311,548
2,643
3,230,771
17,601
100.0%
1.4%
0.1%
0.5%
260.5%

Total

48,365
3,155,627
8,645
2,874,324
29,361
100.0%
1.5%
0.3%
0.9%
164.7%

(1) Excluding loans held for sale.

Management believes that the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2023, is adequate to cover current expected losses in
the loan portfolio as of such date. There can be no assurance, however, that we will not sustain losses in future periods that could be
substantial in relation to the size of the allowance at December 31, 2023.

Securities

We use our securities portfolio to provide a source of liquidity, to provide an appropriate return on funds invested, to manage

interest rate risk, to meet pledging requirements and to meet regulatory capital requirements. At December 31, 2023, securities
represented 18.3% of total assets compared with 23.8% at December 31, 2022.

At the date of purchase, debt securities are classified into one of two categories, held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. We do

not purchase securities for trading purposes. At each reporting date, the appropriateness of the classification is reassessed.
Investments in debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the
accretion of discounts, in the financial statements only if management has the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to
maturity. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and measured at fair value in the
financial statements with unrealized gains and losses reported, net of deferred income tax, as accumulated comprehensive income or
loss until realized. Interest earned on securities is included in total interest and dividend income. Also included in total interest and

71

dividend income are dividends received on stock investments in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the FHLB of Topeka.
These stock investments are stated at cost.

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value by classification of available-for-sale securities as of the dates

shown.

Available-For-Sale Securities

December 31,

U.S. Government-sponsored entities
U.S. Treasury securities
Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential
mortgage-backed securities

Private label residential mortgage-backed

securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and local subdivisions

Total available-for-sale securities

$

$

2023

Amortized
Cost

39,103
89,999

$

Fair
Value

Amortized
Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
33,087
89,256

123,196
257,690

$

2022

Fair
Value

$

106,406
232,158

560,674

529,143

560,776

498,606

161,174
56,722
8,066
81,458
997,196

$

137,841
49,683
7,727
72,911
919,648

190,889
56,642
12,915
130,311
$ 1,332,419

163,560
52,374
12,181
119,105
$ 1,184,390

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value by classification of held-to-maturity securities as of the dates

shown.

Held-To-Maturity Securities

2023

Amortized
Cost

December 31,

Fair
Value

Amortized
Cost
(Dollars in thousands)

2022

Fair
Value

$

$

1,094
1,115
2,209

$

$

1,097
1,153
2,250

$

$

1,108
840
1,948

$

$

1,108
865
1,973

Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential
mortgage-backed securities

State and local subdivisions

Total held-to-maturity securities

72

The following tables summarize the contractual maturity of debt securities and their weighted average yields as of December 31,

2023, and December 31, 2022. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call
or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-
backed securities, are shown separately. Available-for-sale securities are shown at fair value and held-to-maturity securities are
shown at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts.

Due in one year
or less

Due after one
year through
five years

Carrying
Value

Yield

Carrying
Value

Yield

December 31, 2023

Due after five
years through
ten years

Carrying
Value
(Dollars in thousands)

Yield

Due after 10 years

Total

Carrying
Value

Yield

Carrying
Value

Yield

Available-for-sale securities:

U.S. Government-sponsored entities
U.S. Treasury securities
Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential
mortgage-backed securities

Private label residential

mortgage-backed securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and political subdivisions(1)
Total available-for-sale securities

Held-to-maturity securities:

Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential
mortgage-backed securities
State and political subdivisions(1)
Total held-to-maturity securities

Total debt securities

$

—
69,843

— % $

5.39

—
19,413

0.00% $
1.18%

31,337
—

1.65% $
0.00%

1,750
—

2.02% $
— %

33,087
89,256

—

— %

40,978

3.78%

137,929

2.62%

350,236

4.26%

529,143

—
—
—
3,963
73,806

— %
— %
— %
2.09%
5.21%

—
8,001
—
6,138
74,530

— %
7.49%
— %
2.34%
3.38%

—
41,682
5,587
30,789
247,324

— % 137,841
—
2,140
32,021
523,988

4.63%
5.44%
2.00%
2.82%

2.27%
— %
2.08%
2.38%
3.60%

137,841
49,683
7,727
72,911
919,648

—
—
—
73,806

$

0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
5.21% $

—
—
—
74,530

—
0.00%
—
0.00%
0.00%
—
3.38% $ 247,324

1,094
0.00%
1,115
0.00%
0.00%
2,209
2.82% $ 526,197

4.93%
4.62%
4.77%
3.61% $

1,094
1,115
2,209
921,857

1.67%
4.47%

3.80%

2.27%
5.09%
4.51%
2.20%
3.51%

4.93%
4.62%
4.77%
3.51%

(1)

The calculated yield is not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.

Due in one year
or less

Carrying
Value

Yield

Due after one
year through
five years

December 31, 2022
Due after five
years through
ten years

Carrying
Value

Yield

Carrying
Value

Yield

(Dollars in thousands)

Due after 10 years
Carrying
Value

Yield

Total

Carrying
Value

Yield

Available-for-sale securities:

U.S. government-sponsored entities
U.S. treasury securities
Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential
mortgage-backed securities

Private label residential

mortgage-backed securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and political subdivisions(1)
Total available-for-sale securities

Held-to-maturity securities:

Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential
mortgage-backed securities
State and political subdivisions(1)
Total held-to-maturity securities

Total debt securities
(1)

$

—
—

—

—
—
—
4,958
4,958

— % $ 49,100
— % 222,552

0.74% $ 54,094
9,606
1.18%

1.51% $
1.32%

3,212
—

1.96% $ 106,406
232,158

— %

1.17%
1.19%

— %

89,698

1.44%

161,354

1.86%

247,554

2.50%

498,606

2.10%

— %
— %
— %
2.61%
2.61%

—
7,904
—
18,601
387,855

— %
6.20%
— %
2.42%
1.35%

—
44,470
7,676
42,088
319,288

— % 163,560
—
4,505
53,458
472,289

4.65%
3.53%
2.31%
2.27%

163,560
2.21%
52,374
— %
12,181
1.79%
2.50%
119,105
2.39% 1,184,390

2.21%
4.88%
2.89%
2.43%
2.02%

4.96%
4.57%
4.79%
2.02%

The calculated yield is not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.

—
—
—
4,958

$

— %
— %
— %

—
—
—
2.61% $ 387,855

— %
— %
— %

—
—
—
1.35% $ 319,288

— %
— %
— %

1,108
840
1,948
2.27% $ 474,237

1,108
4.96%
840
4.57%
4.79%
1,948
2.40% $1,186,338

Mortgage-backed securities are securities that have been developed by pooling a number of real estate mortgages and which are
principally issued by federal agencies such as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and non-agency private label providers. Unlike
U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government agency securities, which have a lump sum payment at maturity, mortgage-backed securities
provide cash flows from regular principal and interest payments and principal prepayments throughout the lives of the securities.
Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities are amortized and accreted over the expected life of the security and may be
impacted by prepayments. As such, mortgage-backed securities purchased at a premium will generally produce decreasing net yields
as interest rates drop because homeowners tend to refinance their mortgages resulting in prepayments and an acceleration of premium
amortization. Securities purchased at a discount will reflect higher net yields in a decreasing interest rate environment as prepayments
result in an acceleration of discount accretion.

73

The contractual maturity of mortgage-backed securities is not a reliable indicator of their expected lives because borrowers have

the right to prepay their obligations at any time. Monthly pay downs on mortgage-backed securities cause the average lives of these
securities to be much different than their stated lives. At December 31, 2023, and 2022, 73.2% and 62.1% of the mortgage-backed
securities held by us had contractual final maturities of more than ten years with a weighted average life of 5.3 years and 5.1 years and
a modified duration of 4.4 years and 4.3 years.

Deposits

Our lending and investing activities are primarily funded by deposits. A variety of deposit accounts are offered with a wide

range of interest rates and terms including demand, savings, money market and time deposits. We rely primarily on competitive
pricing policies, convenient locations, comprehensive marketing strategy and personalized service to attract and retain these deposits.
Overall, deposits have declined $96.4 million from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 and deposits excluding brokered
deposits have declined $44.5 million for the same time period. During 2023 there has been significant competition for deposits and
continued pricing pressure which has caused deposit migration to higher earning deposit account types. In addition to competition, the
overall decrease in deposits is due to a general decrease in excess liquidity in the market due to the impacts of elevated inflation and
the effects of monetary policy, in the form of higher interest rates, on both consumer and business customers.

The following table shows our composition of deposits at December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Composition of Deposits

2023

December 31,
2022

Amount

Percent of
Total

Amount

Percent of
Total

2021

2023 vs. 2022

2022 vs. 2021

Amount
(Dollars in thousands)

Percent of
Total

Change

%

Change

%

Non-interest-bearing demand
Interest-bearing demand
Savings and money market
Time

Total deposits

$

898,129
998,822
1,484,985
763,519
$ 4,145,455

21.7% $ 1,097,899
1,061,264
24.1%
1,268,320
35.8%
814,324
18.4%
100.0% $ 4,241,807

25.9% $
25.0%
29.9%
19.2%

100.0% $

1,244,117
1,202,408
1,319,881
653,598
4,420,004

28.1% $ (199,770)
(62,442)
27.2%
216,665
29.9%
(50,805)
14.8%
100.0% $ (96,352)

(18.2)% $ (146,218)
(141,144)
(5.9)%
(51,561)
17.1%
(6.2)%
160,726
(2.3)% $ (178,197)

(11.8)%
(11.7)%
(3.9)%
24.6%
(4.0)%

The following tables show deposits sold in 2022 branch dispositions, as of the time of such dispositions.

Non-interest-bearing demand
Interest-bearing demand
Savings and money market
Time

Total deposits

Non-interest-bearing demand
Interest-bearing demand
Savings and money market
Time

Total deposits

United Bank and Trust Branch
Sale

Amount

Percent of
Total
(Dollars in thousands)

$

$

15,817
9,039
19,576
8,282
52,714

30.0%
17.2%
37.1%
15.7%
100.0%

High Plains Bank Branch Sale

Amount

Percent of
Total
(Dollars in thousands)

$

$

1,925
3,664
7,300
6,168
19,057

10.1%
19.2%
38.3%
32.4%
100.0%

74

The following tables show deposits assumed in 2021 acquisitions, as of the time of such acquisitions.

ASBI Acquisition

Non-interest-bearing demand
Interest-bearing demand
Savings and money market
Time

Total deposits

Non-interest-bearing demand
Interest-bearing demand
Savings and money market
Time

Total deposits

$

$

$

$

Amount

Percent of
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
254,944
95,023
221,187
97,695
668,849

38.1%
14.2%
33.1%
14.6%
100.0%

Security Acquisition

Amount

Percent of
Total
(Dollars in thousands)

19,724
13,713
26,132
15,509
75,078

26.3%
18.3%
34.8%
20.6%
100.0%

The following table shows the average deposit balance and average rate paid on deposits for the year ended December 31, 2023,

2022, and 2021.

Average Deposit Balances and Average Rate Paid

2023

Average
Balance

Average
Rate
Paid

December 31,
2022

Average
Balance

Average
Rate
Paid
(Dollars in thousands)

2021

Average
Balance

Average
Rate
Paid

Non-interest-bearing demand
Interest-bearing demand
Savings and money market
Time

Total deposits

$

979,410
1,002,543
1,359,822
827,652
$ 4,169,427

— % $

2.26%
1.73%
2.93%

$

1,203,167
1,124,828
1,308,536
663,790
4,300,321

— % $

0.64%
0.27%
0.83%

$

1,021,261
1,032,938
1,129,869
625,562
3,809,630

— %
0.21%
0.14%
0.73%

75

Included in interest-bearing demand deposits are Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) reciprocal demand deposit balances of $382.6

million at December 31, 2023, and $282.7 million at December 31, 2022, and $308.4 million at December 31, 2021. Also included in
savings and money market deposits at December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, are ICS reciprocal money-market deposit balances of
$230.8 million, $17.7 million, and $52.2 million. These balances represent customer funds placed in ICS that allow Equity Bank to
break large demand and money-market deposits into smaller amounts and place them in a network of other ICS banks to ensure FDIC
insurance coverage on the entire deposit. These deposits are placed in ICS but are Equity Bank’s customer relationships that
management views as core funding.

Included in time deposits are Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) program balances of $21.8 million,

$11.8 million, and $3.0 million at December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. CDARS allows Equity Bank to break large deposits into
smaller amounts and place them in a network of other CDARS banks to ensure FDIC insurance coverage on the entire deposit.
Reciprocal deposits are not considered brokered deposits as long as the aggregate balance is less than the lesser of 20% of total
liabilities or $5.0 billion and Equity Bank is well capitalized and well rated. All non-reciprocal deposits and reciprocal deposits in
excess of regulatory limits are considered brokered deposits.

Also included in time deposits are brokered deposit balances totaling $200 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $252

million as of December 31, 2022.

The following table provides information on the maturity distribution of time deposits of $250,000 or more as of December 31,

2023, and December 31, 2022.

3 months or less
Over 3 through 6 months
Over 6 through 12 months
Over 12 months

Total Time Deposits

Other Borrowed Funds

December 31,

2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)

$

$

65,449 $
94,459
18,082
18,777
196,767 $

40,578
51,365
19,191
34,586
145,720

We utilize borrowings to supplement deposits to fund our lending and investing activities. Short-term borrowing and long-term
borrowing consist of funds from the FHLB, Federal Reserve Bank, federal funds purchased and retail repurchase agreements, a bank
stock loan and subordinated debt. The Company continually has short-term borrowings which are disclosed in “NOTE 10 –
BORROWINGS” and “NOTE 11 – SUBORDINATED DEBT.”

Federal funds purchased and retail repurchase agreements: We have available federal funds lines of credit with our

correspondent banks. Retail repurchase agreements outstanding represent the purchase of interests in securities by banking customers.
Retail repurchase agreements are stated at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. We do not account for any
of our retail repurchase agreements as sales for accounting purposes in our financial statements. Retail repurchase agreements with
banking customers are settled on the following business day. See “NOTE 10 – BORROWINGS” in the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional information.

FHLB advances: FHLB advances include both draws against our line of credit and fixed rate term advances. Each term
advance is payable in full at its maturity date and contains a provision for prepayment penalties. Our FHLB borrowings are used for
operational liquidity needs for originating and purchasing loans, purchasing investments and general operating cash requirements. See
“NOTE 10 – BORROWINGS” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Federal Reserve Bank: Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program borrowings are fixed rate term loans, secured by loans
and qualifying pledged securities. Our Federal Reserve Bank borrowings are used for operational liquidity needs for originating and
purchasing loans, purchasing investments and general operating cash requirements. see “NOTE 10 – BORROWINGS” in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Bank stock loan: The Company maintains a borrowing facility through an unaffiliated financial institution. The terms of the

loan require us and Equity Bank to maintain minimum capital ratios and other covenants. The loan and accrued interest may be
prepaid at any time without penalty. In the event of default, the lender has the option to declare all outstanding balances as
immediately due. For detailed information, see “NOTE 10 – BORROWINGS” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

76

Subordinated debentures: In conjunction with the 2012 acquisition of First Community, we assumed certain subordinated
debentures owed to special purpose unconsolidated subsidiaries that are controlled by us, FCB Capital Trust II and FCB Capital Trust
III, (“CTII” and “CTIII,” respectively). In conjunction with the 2016 acquisition of Community First Bancshares, Inc., we assumed
certain subordinated debentures owed to a special purpose unconsolidated subsidiary that is controlled by us, Community First (AR)
Statutory Trust I, (“CFSTI”). In conjunction with the 2021 acquisition of ASBI, we assumed certain subordinated debentures owed to
a special purpose unconsolidated subsidiary that is controlled by us, American State Bank Statutory Trust I, (“ASBSTI”). For
additional information, see “NOTE 11 – SUBORDINATED DEBT” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subordinated notes: In 2020, the Company entered into Subordinated Note Purchase Agreements with certain qualified
institutional buyers and institutional accredited investors pursuant to which the Company issued and sold a total of $75.0 million in
aggregate principal amounts of its 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due in 2030. For additional information, see
“NOTE 11 – SUBORDINATED DEBT” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Market and public confidence in our financial strength and financial institutions, in general, will largely determine access to

appropriate levels of liquidity. This confidence is significantly dependent on our ability to maintain sound asset quality and
appropriate levels of capital reserves.

Liquidity is defined as the ability to meet anticipated customer demands for future funds under credit commitments and deposit
withdrawals at a reasonable cost and on a timely basis. We measure our liquidity position by giving consideration to both on- and off-
balance sheet sources of and demands for funds on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Liquidity risk involves the risk of being unable to fund assets with the appropriate duration and rate-based liabilities, as well as

the risk of not being able to meet unexpected cash needs. Liquidity planning and management are necessary to ensure the ability to
fund operations in a cost-effective manner and to meet current and future potential obligations such as loan commitments, lease
obligations and unexpected deposit outflows. In this process, we focus on both assets and liabilities and on the manner in which they
combine to provide adequate liquidity to meet our needs.

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, our liquidity needs have primarily been met by core deposits,

securities and loan maturities, as well as amortizing payment from investment securities and loans. Other funding sources include
federal funds purchased, retail repurchase agreements, brokered certificates of deposit, subordinated notes, borrowings from the FHLB
and from the Federal Reserve Bank.

Our largest sources of funds are deposits, fed funds sold, retail repurchase agreements and subordinated debt, and our largest

uses of funds are the origination of loans or purchases of loans or investment securities. Average loans were $3.30 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2023, an increase of 2.2% over average loans of $3.23 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022. Excess
deposits are primarily invested in our interest-bearing deposit account with the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, investment
securities, federal funds sold or other short-term liquid investments until the funds are needed to fund loan growth. Our investment
securities portfolio has a weighted average life of 5.1 years and a modified duration of 4.3 years at December 31, 2023. We believe
that our daily funding needs can be met through cash provided by operating activities, payments and maturities on loans and
investment securities, our core deposit base, FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Bank and other borrowing relationships. For additional
information, see "NOTE 10 - BORROWINGS" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cash Flow Overview

During 2023, investing activities provided $232.2 million and operating activities provided $76.5 million of liquidity, which

were offset by financing activities use of $34.0 million, ultimately increasing total cash and cash equivalents by $274.7 million. The
cash provided by investing activities was driven mostly by the sale and maturity of securities of $789.4 million and mostly offset by
the purchase of securities of $510.5 million, the purchase of correspondent and miscellaneous stock of $11.9 million and the purchase
of premises and equipment of $15.6 million. The cash usage in financing activities was driven mostly by increases in proceeds from
term FHLB advances of $100.0 million and FRB discount window of $140.0 million and decreases in deposits of $96.4 million and
purchases of treasury stock of $17.9 million.

During 2022, operating activities provided $74.1 million of liquidity, which was offset by investing activities use of $214.2

million of cash assets and financing activities use of $15.4 million, ultimately decreasing total cash and cash equivalents by $155.5
million. The cash usage in investing activities was driven mostly by purchases of securities of $182.0 million and the net increase in

77

loans held for investment of $181.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from securities of $168.4 million and proceeds from sale of
foreclosed assets of $29.9 million. The cash usage in financing activities was driven mostly by decreases in deposits of $106.3 million
and purchases of treasury stock of $33.2 million.

For information related to cash flow during 2021, see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2022.

Off-Balance Sheet Items

In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions, which, in accordance with GAAP, are not included in our

consolidated balance sheets. We enter into these transactions to meet the financing needs of our customers. These transactions
include commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of
credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Our exposure to credit loss is
represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments. The same credit policies and procedures are used in making these
commitments as for on-balance sheet instruments.

Standby and Performance Letters of Credit: For additional information see “NOTE 20 – COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT

RISK” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Commitments to Extend Credit: For additional information see “NOTE 20 – COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT RISK” in the

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Future Debt Repayments

In the normal course of business, we enter into short-term and long-term debt obligations resulting in commitments to make

future payments. For additional information see “NOTE 10 – BORROWINGS” and “NOTE 11 – SUBORDINATED DEBT.”

Capital Resources

Capital management consists of providing equity to support our current and future operations. The bank regulators view capital

levels as important indicators of an institution’s financial soundness. As a general matter, FDIC-insured depository institutions and
their holding companies are required to maintain minimum capital relative to the amount and types of assets that they hold. As a bank
holding company and a state-chartered Fed member bank, the Company and Equity Bank are subject to regulatory capital
requirements.

Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and

certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject
to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action. Management believes, as of
December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company and Equity Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are
subject.

Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized,

significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial
condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital
distributions are limited, as are asset growth and acquisitions, and capital restoration plans are required.

Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject the institution to a variety of enforcement remedies by federal bank regulatory

agencies, including termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, restrictions on certain business activities and appointment of the
FDIC as conservator or receiver. As of December 31, 2023, the most recent notifications from the federal regulatory agencies
categorized Equity Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well
capitalized, Equity Bank must maintain minimum total capital, Tier 1 capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage
ratios. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed Equity Bank’s category.

The total increase in stockholders’ equity of $42.8 million was principally attributable to an increase in accumulated other
comprehensive income of $55.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in treasury stock of $17.9 million. For additional information
about the Company’s capital see "NOTE 12 – STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY", “NOTE 14 – REGULATORY MATTERS” and
"NOTE 17 – SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

78

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We identify certain financial measures discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as being “non-GAAP financial

measures.” In accordance with the SEC’s rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that
financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts,
that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States in our statements of income, balance
sheets or statements of cash flows. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and other statistical measures or ratios or
statistical measures calculated using exclusively either financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, operating measures or
other measures that are not non-GAAP financial measures or both.

The non-GAAP financial measures that we discuss in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should not be considered in isolation or

as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the
manner in which we calculate the non-GAAP financial measures that we discuss in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may differ from
that of other companies reporting measures with similar names. You should understand how such other banking organizations
calculate their financial measures similar or with names similar to the non-GAAP financial measures that we have discussed in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures.

Adjusted Net Income and Earnings Per Share: Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial
measures generally used to disclose core net income from the Company's operations and earnings per share. We calculated this by
taking GAAP net income less non-core impacts to net income to arrive at adjusted net income, basic earnings per share, and diluted
earnings per share. These financial measures are used by financial statement users to evaluate the core financial performance of the
Company.

Management believes that these measures are important to many investors who are interested in changes from period to period

in the Company's financial performance and quality of earnings.

The following table reconciles as of the dates set forth below, adjusted net income and earnings per share and compares them to

GAAP net income and earnings per share.

2023

2022

December 31,
2021
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

2020

2019

Net income (loss) allocable to common
stockholders
Less: gains (losses) from sale of securities
net of tax
Plus: goodwill impairment, net of actual
tax effect
Adjusted net income
Weighted average common shares
outstanding
Weighted average diluted shares

Earnings Per Share
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

$

$

$
$
$
$

7,821

$

57,688

$

52,480

$

(74,970) $

25,579

(41,090)

—
48,911

15,535,772
15,648,842
0.50
0.50
3.15
3.13

4

—
57,684

16,214,049
16,437,906
3.56
3.51
3.56
3.51

$

$
$
$
$

291

—
52,189

15,019,221
15,306,431
3.49
3.43
3.47
3.41

$

$
$
$
$

$

$
$
$
$

—

99,526
24,556

$

—

—
25,579

15,098,512
15,238,499

(4.97) $
(4.97) $
$
1.63
$
1.61

15,619,891
15,843,139
1.64
1.61
1.64
1.61

Tangible Book Value per Common Share and Tangible Book Value Per Diluted Common Share: Tangible book value is a non-

GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a)
tangible common equity as total stockholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill, core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated
amortization, mortgage servicing asset, net of accumulated amortization, and naming rights, net of accumulated amortization; (b)
tangible book value per common share as tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)) divided by shares of common stock
outstanding; and (c) tangible book value per diluted common share as tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)) divided by
shares of common stock outstanding plus the period-end dilutive effects of vested restricted stock units, the assumed exercise of stock
options, redemption of non-vested restricted stock units, and pending employee stock purchase plan shares at period end. For tangible
book value, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is book value.

79

Management believes that these measures are important to many investors who are interested in changes from period to period

in book value per common share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Goodwill and other intangible assets have the effect of
increasing total book value while not increasing our tangible book value.

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total stockholders’ equity to tangible common equity, tangible

book value per common share and tangible book value per diluted common share and compares these values with book value per
common share.

December 31,

Total stockholders’ equity
Less: goodwill
Less: core deposit intangibles, net
Less: mortgage servicing asset, net
Less: naming rights, net

Tangible common equity

Common shares outstanding at period end
Diluted common shares outstanding at
period end

Book value per common share
Tangible book value per common
share
Tangible book value per diluted
common share

2023

452,860
53,101
7,222
75
1,000
391,462
15,428,251

15,629,185
29.35

25.37

25.05

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2022

2021

2020
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
500,631
54,465
14,879
276
1,087
429,924
16,760,115

410,058
53,101
10,596
176
1,044
345,141
15,930,112

407,649
31,601
16,057
—
1,130
358,861
14,540,556

$

$

16,163,253
25.74

21.67

21.35

$

$

$

17,050,115
29.87

25.65

25.22

$

$

$

14,540,556
28.04

24.68

24.68

2019

478,060
136,432
19,907
5
1,174
320,542
15,444,434

15,719,810
30.95

20.75

20.39

$

$

$

$

$

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets: Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP measure generally
used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) tangible common equity as total
stockholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill, core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization, mortgage servicing
asset, net of accumulated amortization and naming rights, net of accumulated amortization; (b) tangible assets as total assets less
goodwill, core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization, mortgage servicing asset, net of accumulated amortization and
naming rights, net of accumulated amortization; and (c) tangible common equity to tangible assets as tangible common equity (as
described in clause (a)) divided by tangible assets (as described in clause (b)). For common equity to tangible assets, the most directly
comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is total stockholders’ equity to total assets.

Management believes that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the relative
changes from period to period in common equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Goodwill and other
intangible assets have the effect of increasing both total stockholders’ equity and total assets while not increasing tangible common
equity or tangible assets.

80

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total stockholders’ equity to tangible common equity and total

assets to tangible assets.

2023

2022

December 31,

2021

2020

2019

Total stockholders’ equity
Less: goodwill
Less: core deposit intangibles, net
Less: mortgage servicing asset, net
Less: naming rights, net

Tangible common equity

Total assets
Less: goodwill
Less: core deposit intangibles, net
Less: mortgage servicing asset, net
Less: naming rights, net

Tangible assets
Equity / assets
Tangible common equity to tangible
assets

$

$
$

$

452,860
53,101
7,222
75
1,000
391,462
5,034,592
53,101
7,222
75
1,000
4,973,194

$

$
$

$

410,058
53,101
10,596
176
1,044
345,141
4,981,651
53,101
10,596
176
1,044
4,916,734

$

(Dollars in thousands)
500,631
54,465
14,879
276
1,087
429,924
5,137,631
54,465
14,879
276
1,087
5,066,924

$
$

$

$

407,649
31,601
16,057
—
1,130
358,861
$
$ 4,013,356
31,601
16,057
—
1,130
$ 3,964,568

$

478,060
136,432
19,907
5
1,174
320,542
$
$ 3,949,578
136,432
19,907
5
1,174
$ 3,792,060

8.99%

7.87%

8.23%

7.02%

9.74%

10.16%

12.10%

8.48%

9.05%

8.45%

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity: Return on average tangible common equity is a non-GAAP measure generally

used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) average tangible common equity
as total average stockholders’ equity less average intangible assets and preferred stock; (b) adjusted net income allocable to common
stockholders as net income allocable to common stockholders plus goodwill impairment, net of actual tax effect, plus amortization of
intangible assets less estimated tax effect on amortization of intangible assets (tax rates used in this calculation were 21% for 2023,
2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019) (c) return on average tangible common equity as adjusted net income allocable to common stockholders
(as described in clause (b)) divided by average tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)). For return on average tangible
common equity, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is return on average equity.

Management believes that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace because it measures the return on
equity, exclusive of the effects of intangible assets on earnings and capital. Goodwill and other intangible assets have the effect of
increasing average stockholders’ equity and, through amortization, decreasing net income allocable to common stockholders while not
increasing average tangible common equity or decreasing adjusted net income allocable to common stockholders.

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total average stockholders’ equity to average tangible common

equity and net income allocable to common stockholders to adjusted net income allocable to common stockholders.

Total average stockholders’ equity
Less: average intangible assets

Average tangible common equity

Net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders
Plus: goodwill impairment, net of actual tax effect
Amortization of intangible assets
Less: estimated tax effect on intangible asset amortization

Adjusted net income allocable to common

stockholders

Return on average equity (ROAE)
Return on average tangible common equity

(ROATCE)

2023

2022

$ 423,722
63,064
$ 360,658
7,821
$
—
3,518
739

$ 440,882
67,746
$ 373,136
57,688
$
—
4,186
879

December 31,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)
$ 446,795
50,831
$ 395,964
52,480
$
—
4,242
891

2020

2019

$ 464,608
130,329
$ 334,279
$ (74,970)
99,526
3,898
819

$ 463,445
158,410
$ 305,035
25,579
$
—
3,218
676

$

10,600

$

1.85%

60,995
13.08%

$

55,831
11.75%

$

27,635
(16.14)%

$

28,121

5.52%

2.94%

16.35%

14.10%

8.27%

9.22%

Efficiency Ratio: The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to

evaluate financial institutions. We calculate the efficiency ratio by dividing non-interest expense, excluding goodwill impairment,
merger expenses and loss on debt extinguishment, by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income, excluding net gains on

81

the sale of available-for-sale securities and other securities transactions, and the net gain on acquisition. The GAAP-based efficiency
ratio is non-interest expense less goodwill impairment, divided by net interest income plus non-interest income.

In management’s judgment, the adjustments made to non-interest expense and non-interest income allow investors and analysts

to better assess operating expenses in relation to operating revenue by removing merger expenses, loss on debt extinguishment, net
gains on the sale of available-for-sale securities and other securities transactions, and the net gain on acquisition.

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, the efficiency ratio to the GAAP-based efficiency ratio.

Non-interest expense
Less: goodwill impairment
Less: merger expenses
Less: loss on debt extinguishment
Non-interest expense, excluding merger expenses and

loss on debt extinguishment

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Less: gain on acquisition and branch sales
Less: net gains (losses) from securities transactions
Non-interest income, excluding net gains (losses) from

security transactions and gain on acquisition
Non-interest expense, less goodwill impairment,

to net interest income plus non-interest income

Efficiency Ratio

2023

2022

2020

2019

$ 135,601
—
297
—

$ 128,380
—
594
—

December 31,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)
$ 119,465
—
9,189
372

$ 208,990
104,831
299
—

$ 135,304
$ 159,018
(19,129)
$
—
(51,909)

$ 127,786
$ 162,830
35,957
$
962
5

$ 109,904
$ 142,579
32,842
$
585
406

$ 103,860
$ 132,652
26,023
$
2,145
11

$

99,635
—
915
—

$
98,720
$ 125,858
24,988
$
—
14

$

32,780

$

34,990

$

31,851

$

23,867

$

24,974

96.93%
70.55%

64.58%
64.60%

68.10%
63.01%

65.64%
66.36%

66.05%
65.45%

Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Our asset liability policy provides guidelines to management for effective funds management, and management has established

a measurement system for monitoring net interest rate sensitivity position within established guidelines.

As a financial institution, the primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Fluctuations in interest rates will

ultimately impact both the level of income and expense recorded on most assets and liabilities, and the market value of all interest-
earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, other than those which have a short term to maturity. Interest rate risk is the potential of
economic gains or losses due to future interest rate changes. These changes can be reflected in future net interest income and/or fair
market values. The objective is to measure the effect on net interest income (“NII”) and economic value of equity (“EVE”) and to
adjust the balance sheet to minimize the inherent risk, while at the same time maximizing income.

We manage exposure to interest rates by structuring the balance sheet in the ordinary course of business. We have the ability to

enter into instruments such as leveraged derivatives, interest rate swaps, financial options, financial future contracts or forward
delivery contracts for the purpose of reducing interest rate risk; however, currently, we do not have a material exposure to these
instruments. We also have the ability to enter into interest rate swaps as an accommodation to our customers in connection with an
interest rate swap program. Based upon the nature of its operations, we are not subject to foreign exchange or commodity price risk.
We do not own any trading assets.

Our exposure to interest rate risk is managed by the Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”), which is composed of certain
members of senior management, in accordance with policies approved by the Board of Directors. The ALCO formulates strategies
based on appropriate levels of interest rate risk. In determining the appropriate level of interest rate risk, the ALCO considers the
impact on earnings and capital of the current outlook on interest rates, potential changes in interest rates, regional economies,
liquidity, business strategies and other factors. The ALCO meets monthly to review, among other things, the sensitivity of assets and
liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses, securities purchase
and sale activities, commitments to originate loans, and the maturities of investment securities and borrowings. Additionally, the
ALCO reviews liquidity, projected cash flows, maturities of deposits, and consumer and commercial deposit activity.

82

ALCO uses a simulation analysis to monitor and manage the pricing and maturity of assets and liabilities in order to diminish

the potential adverse impact that changes in interest rates could have on net interest income. The simulation tests the sensitivity of NII
and EVE. Contractual maturities and repricing opportunities of loans are incorporated in the simulation model as are prepayment
assumptions, maturity data and call options within the investment securities portfolio. Assumptions based on past experience are
incorporated into the model for non-maturity deposit accounts. The assumptions used are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the
model cannot precisely measure the future NII and EVE. Actual results will differ from the model’s simulated results due to timing,
magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and the application and timing of various
management strategies.

The change in the impact of net interest income from the base case for December 31, 2023, and 2022 was primarily driven by

the rate and mix of variable and fixed rate financial instruments, the underlying duration of the financial instruments, and the level of
response to changes in the interest rate environment.

December 31, 2023, Analysis

The increase in the level of positive impact to net interest income in the up interest rate shock scenarios is due to the decrease in
fixed rate investments, increase in interest earning cash balances and overall increase in the level of adjustable rate loans, which were
partially offset by the decreases in non-interest bearing deposits and savings accounts, which are low beta deposit products, and
increases in money market and ICS deposits, which are high beta deposit produces. These factors result in the positive impacts to net
interest income in the up interest rate shock scenarios that are detailed in the table below. In the down interest rate shock scenario, the
main drivers of the negative impact on net interest income are the downward pricing of variable rate loans receivable, increase in
interest-earning cash balances and the decrease in fixed rate investments. These factors result in the negative impact to net interest
income in the down interest rate shock scenario.

The change in the economic value of equity from the base case for December 31, 2023, is due to us being in a liability sensitive
position and the level of convexity in our prepayable assets. Generally, with a liability sensitive position, as interest rates increase, the
value of your assets decrease faster than the value of liabilities and, as interest rates decrease, the value of your assets increase at a
faster rate than liabilities. Due to the level of convexity in our fixed rate prepayable assets, we do not experience a similar change in
the value of assets in a down interest rate shock scenario; however, due to the current level of convexity in our fixed rate prepayable
assets becoming less negative and positive, in some cases, on a portion of or portfolio has resulted in the overall value of assets
increasing more than liabilities. In addition, the mix of interest-bearing deposit and non-interest-bearing deposits impact the level of
deposit decay and the resulting benefit of discounting from the non-interest-bearing deposits. At December 31, 2023, non-interest-
bearing deposits were approximately $898.1 million, or 18.2%, lower than that deposit type at December 31, 2022. Substantially all
investments and approximately 41.3% of loans are prepayable and fixed rate and as rates decrease the level of modeled prepayments
increase. The prepaid principal is assumed to reprice at the assumed current rates, resulting in a smaller positive impact to the
economic value of equity.

December 31, 2022, Analysis

The increase in the level of negative impact to net interest income in the up interest rate shock scenarios is due to the level of

adjustable rate loans that will reprice to higher interest rates and non-term deposits that will adjust to higher rates but at a slower pace.
These factors result in the positive impacts to net interest income in the up interest rate shock scenarios that are detailed in the table
below. In the down interest rate shock scenario, the main drivers of the negative impact on net interest income are the downward
pricing of variable rate loans receivable and the level of term deposit repricing; and the assumed prepayment and scheduled repayment
of existing fixed rate loans receivable and fixed rate investments. Term deposits repricing will only decrease the average cost paid by
some amount due to the assumed repricing occurring at maturity. These factors result in the negative impact to net interest income in
the down interest rate shock scenario.

The change in the economic value of equity from the base case for December 31, 2022, is due to us being in a liability sensitive
position and the level of convexity in our prepayable assets. Generally, with a liability sensitive position, as interest rates increase, the
value of your assets decrease faster than the value of liabilities and, as interest rates decrease, the value of your assets increase at a
faster rate than liabilities. Due to the level of convexity in our fixed rate prepayable assets, we do not experience a similar change in
the value of assets in a down interest rate shock scenario; however, due to the current level of convexity in our fixed rate prepayable
assets becoming less negative and positive, in some cases, on a portion of or portfolio has resulted in the overall value of assets
increasing more than liabilities. In addition, the mix of interest-bearing deposit and non-interest-bearing deposits impact the level of
deposit decay and the resulting benefit of discounting from the non-interest-bearing deposits. At December 31, 2022, non-interest-
bearing deposits were approximately $1.10 billion, or 11.8%, lower than that deposit type at December 31, 2021. Substantially all
investments and approximately 55.4% of loans are prepayable and fixed rate and as rates decrease the level of modeled prepayments

83

increase. The prepaid principal is assumed to reprice at the assumed current rates, resulting in a smaller positive impact to the
economic value of equity.

The following table summarizes the simulated immediate change in net interest income for twelve months as of the dates

indicated.

Market Risk

Change in prevailing interest rates
+300 basis points
+200 basis points
+100 basis points
0 basis points
-100 basis points
-200 basis points
-300 basis points

Change in prevailing interest rates
+300 basis points
+200 basis points
+100 basis points
0 basis points
-100 basis points
-200 basis points
-300 basis points

Impact on Net Interest Income
December 31,

2023

2022

10.3%
6.8%
3.3%
—%
(2.1)%
(4.3)%
(7.3)%

5.0%
3.3%
1.6%
—%
(2.3)%
(5.5)%
(10.2)%

Impact on Economic Value of Equity
December 31,

2023

2022

(7.4)%
(4.3)%
(2.2)%
—%
0.3%
(1.5)%
(5.3)%

(10.7)%
(6.6)%
(3.3)%
—%
0.7%
(0.5)%
(4.0)%

84

Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Our financial statements and accompanying notes, including the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are

set forth beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Audited Financial Statements

Description

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..................................................................................................

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 ........................................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 ...........................................

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 .................

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021......................

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.....................................

Page
Number

F-1

F-4

F-5

F-6

F-7

F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................................................................................................................

F-10

In the last three years, The Company has not had any retroactive change to historical quarterly data.

Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

None

Item 9A: Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management of the Company, under the supervision and with the

participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design
and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange
Act). Based upon, and as of the date of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in ensuring the information relating to the Company (and its
consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act was
recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-

15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the last fiscal quarter of the fiscal year for which this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed that
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Report on Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting
(as defined under Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control system is a process designed
to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with GAAP. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As of December 31, 2023, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework,”
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on the assessment,
management determined that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, has been audited by
Crowe LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana, (U.S. PCAOB Auditor Firm I.D. 173), the independent registered public accounting firm who also

85

has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Crowe LLP has issued a
report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, which is included in Item 8 of this Form
10-K and is incorporated into this item by reference.

Item 9B: Other Information

During the three months ended December 31, 2023, none of the Company's directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) adopted, terminated or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading
arrangement (as such defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933).

Item 9C: Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not Applicable

86

Part III

Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held April 23, 2024, a copy of which will be filed not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year and is incorporated herein
by reference.

Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and
directors, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other executive officers. The full text of our Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on the investor relations page of our website which is located at http://investor.equitybank.com.
We will post any amendments to our code of business conduct and ethics, or waivers of its requirements, on our website.

Item 11: Executive Compensation

The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held April 23, 2024, a copy of which will be filed not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year and is incorporated herein
by reference.

Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held April 23, 2024, a copy of which will be filed not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year and is incorporated herein
by reference.

Information relating to securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans is included in Part II of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 5 – Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities.”

Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held April 23, 2024, a copy of which will be filed not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year and is incorporated herein
by reference.

Item 14: Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held April 23, 2024, a copy of which will be filed not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year and is incorporated herein
by reference.

87

Part IV

Item 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

a)

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

1.

Financial Statements

The financial statements included as part of this Form 10-K are identified in the index to the Audited Financial Statements
appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and which index is incorporated in this Item 15 by reference.

2.

Financial Statement Schedules

All supplemental schedules are omitted as inapplicable or because the required information is included in the
Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

3.

Exhibits

The information required by this Item 15(a)(3) is set forth in the Exhibit Index immediately following. The exhibits listed
herein will be furnished upon written request to Equity Bancshares, Inc., 7701 East Kellogg Drive, Suite 300, Wichita,
Kansas 67207, Attention: Investor Relations, and payment of a reasonable fee that will be limited to our reasonable
expense in furnishing such exhibits.

b)

Exhibits

The exhibits listed below are incorporated by reference or attached hereto.

Exhibit
No.

2.1

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2*

4.3

4.4

10.1†

10.2†

Description

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 5, 2023, by and among Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Truman Merger Sub, Inc. Rockhold BanCorp and Rockhold BanCorp Stock Trust (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
SEC on December 6, 2023).

Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Equity Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
SEC on May 3, 2016).

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Equity Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on October 9,
2015, File No. 333-207351).

Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on
October 27, 2015, File No. 333-207351).

Description of Registrant’s Securities.

Indenture, dated as of June 29, 2020, by and between Equity Bancshares, Inc. and UMB Bank,
N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 2, 2020).

Form of 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Note due 2030 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 2,
2020).

Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on October 9, 2015, File
No. 333-207351).

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 5, 2021, between Equity Bank,
Equity Bancshares, Inc. and Brad S. Elliott (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2022).

88

Exhibit
No.

10.3†

10.4†

10.5†

10.6†

10.7†

10.8†

10.9†

10.10†

10.11†

10.12†

10.13†

10.14†

10.17

10.18

Description

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 5, 2021, between Equity Bank,
Equity Bancshares, Inc. and Julie Huber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on November 8, 2021).

Employment Agreement, dated May 2, 2023, among Equity Bank and Richard M. Sems,
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, filed with the SEC on May 4, 2023).

Employment Agreement, dated November 6, 2023, among Equity Bank, Equity Bancshares, Inc.
and Chris M. Navratil (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2023).

Employment Agreement, dated November 5, 2021, between Equity Bank, Equity Bancshares, Inc.
and Brett A. Reber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on November 8, 2021).

Equity Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Appendix A to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule
14A, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2016).

Equity Bancshares, Inc. Annual Executive Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix
A to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on
March 22, 2017).

Form of Performance-vested Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on
March 5, 2018).

Form of Time-vested Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on
March 5, 2018).

Equity Bancshares, Inc. 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to
Appendix A to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with
the SEC on March 22, 2019).

Equity Bancshares, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Appendix A to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with
the SEC on March 17, 2022).

Equity Bancshares, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to
Appendix A to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with
the SEC on March 17, 2022).

Equity Bancshares, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 8, 2022).

Form of Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2020, by and among Equity
Bancshares, Inc. and the several purchasers thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 2, 2020).

Loan and Security Agreement, dated January 28, 2016, by and between Equity Bancshares, Inc.
and ServisFirst Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2016).

89

Exhibit
No.

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

21.1*

23.1*

Description

Amended Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 13, 2017, between Equity Bancshares, Inc.
and ServisFirst Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2017).

Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 12, 2018. Between Equity
Bancshares, Inc. and ServisFirst Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2018).

Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 11, 2019, Between Equity
Bancshares, Inc. and ServisFirst Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2019).

The Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Promissory Notes Modification
Agreement, dated June 29, 2020, by and among Equity Bancshares, Inc., as Borrower, and
ServisFirst Bank, as Lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Equity Bancshares, Inc.’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 2, 2020).

Fifth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated February 11, 2022, by and between
Equity Bancshares, Inc. and ServisFirst Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 18, 2022).

Sixth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated February 10, 2023, by and between
Equity Bancshares, Inc. and ServisFirst Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 06, 2023).

Seventh Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated February 10, 2024, by and between
Equity Bancshares, Inc. and ServisFirst Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Equity
Bancshares, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 14, 2024).

List of Subsidiaries of Equity Bancshares, Inc.

Consent of Crowe LLP.

24.1*

Powers of Attorney.

31.1*

31.2*

32.1**

32.2**

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act as adopted
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

97.1*

Compensation Recovery Policy.

101.INS*

Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data
File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

101.SCH*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document with Embedded Linkbase Documents.

90

Exhibit
No.

Description

104*

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

* Filed herewith.
** These exhibits are furnished herewith and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or
otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
† Represents a management contract or a compensatory plan or arrangement.

c)

Excluded Financial Statements

Not Applicable

Item 16: Form 10-K Summary

Not Applicable

91

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

SIGNATURES

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.

/s/ Brad S. Elliott

By:
Name: Brad S. Elliott
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 7, 2024

92

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons

on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ Brad S. Elliott
Brad S. Elliott

/s/ Chris M. Navratil
Chris M. Navratil

/s/ Leon H. Borck
Leon H. Borck

/s/ Kevin E. Cook
Kevin E. Cook

/s/ Junetta M. Everett
Junetta M. Everett

/s/ Gregory L. Gaeddert
Gregory L. Gaeddert

/s/ Benjamen M. Hutton
Benjamen M. Hutton

/s/ R. Renee Koger
R. Renee Koger

/s/ Gregory H. Kossover
Gregory H. Kossover

/s/ James S. Loving
James S. Loving

/s/ Jerry P. Maland
Jerry P. Maland

/s/ Shawn D. Penner
Shawn D. Penner

*By: /s/ Chris M. Navratil
Attorney-in-Fact
March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive
Officer)

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

93

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Wichita, Kansas

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Inc. (the
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Equity Bancshares,
"Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
income,
the related consolidated statements of
comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We
also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based
on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion,
the Company
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal
control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, included in the accompanying Report on Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and
an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public
accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB")
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over
financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material

weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control
based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

F-1

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records
that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that
receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk
that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1)
relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our
especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter
does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by
communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or
on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans – Qualitative Adjustments

The allowance for credit losses (the “ACL”) as described in Notes 1 and 4 is an accounting estimate of
expected credit losses, measured over the contractual life of an instrument, which considers reasonable
and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions in addition to information about past events and
current conditions. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was
$43.5 million and the provision for credit losses on loans was $1.9 million for the year then ended.

The Company measures the allowance for credit losses utilizing a probability of default (“PD”) and loss
given default (“LGD”) modeling approach for historical loss. The estimated PD and LGD rates are applied
to the estimated exposure at default (“EAD”) to calculate expected credit losses. The Company’s ACL
model utilizes a statistical regression of loss experience correlated to changes in economic factors for all
commercial banks operating within the Company’s geographical footprint. The methodologies utilized to
develop and implement the macroeconomic factors that drive the loss estimates use multivariate regression
modeling techniques. The process involved the selection of the macroeconomic factors and the evaluation
of regression analysis outputs to determine the statistical fit of the macroeconomic factors used to forecast
expected credit losses. The Company also adjusts for changes in qualitative factors not
inherently
considered in the quantitative analyses. Significant management judgment is required in evaluating the
qualitative adjustments used in the analysis.

We determined that auditing the allowance for credit losses on loans was a critical audit matter because
of the extent of auditor judgment applied and significant audit effort to evaluate the significant subjective
and complex judgments made by management. The principal considerations resulting in our
determination included the following:

•

•

Significant auditor judgment and effort were used to evaluate reasonableness of the PD, LGD
and EAD assumptions.

Significant auditor judgment and audit effort were used to evaluate the application of the
reasonable and supportable forecast of economic variables.

F-2

•

•

Significant auditor judgment and effort were used in evaluating the qualitative adjustments used
in the calculation.

Significant audit effort related to the relevance and reliability of the high volume of data used in
the model computation.

The primary audit procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Testing the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over the Company’s significant
model assumptions and judgments,
reasonable and supportable forecasts, qualitative
adjustments and model validation.

Testing the effectiveness of controls over the relevance and reliability of loan data used in the
computation of the PD models and LGD assumptions.

Testing the effectiveness of controls over the Company’s preparation and review of
the
allowance for credit loss calculation, including the reasonableness of qualitative adjustments
and mathematical accuracy and appropriateness of the overall calculation.

Testing the effectiveness of controls over the relevant macroeconomic variables, including the
review of the regression analysis output and the relevance and reliability of third-party data used.

With the assistance of our valuation specialists, evaluating the reasonableness of assumptions
and judgments related to the PD, LGD, EAD and loan segmentation, the conceptual design of
the credit loss estimation models, model assumption sensitivity analysis and the adequacy of
the independent model validation.

Substantively tested management’s qualitative factor adjustments and assessed the relevance
and reliability of the data used, including evaluating management’s judgments and assumptions
for reasonableness.

Substantively testing the mathematical accuracy of the PD, LGD and EAD model on a pooled
loan level including the relevance and reliability of loan data used in the model.

Crowe LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2007.

Indianapolis, Indiana
March 07, 2024

F-3

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2023, and 2022
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2023

2022

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
Federal funds sold

Cash and cash equivalents
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value of $2,250 and $1,973
Loans held for sale
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $43,520 and $45,847
Other real estate owned, net
Premises and equipment, net
Bank-owned life insurance
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Interest receivable
Goodwill
Core deposit intangibles, net
Other

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits

Demand

Total non-interest-bearing deposits
Demand, savings and money market
Time

Total interest-bearing deposits
Total deposits

Federal funds purchased and retail repurchase agreements
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Federal Reserve Bank borrowings
Subordinated debt
Contractual obligations
Interest payable and other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingent liabilities, see Notes 20 and 21
Stockholders’ equity, see Note 12

Common stock
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Treasury stock

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

$

$

$

363,289
15,810
379,099
919,648
2,209
476
3,289,381
1,833
112,632
124,865
20,608
25,497
53,101
7,222
98,021
5,034,592

898,129
898,129
2,483,807
763,519
3,247,326
4,145,455
43,582
100,000
140,000
96,921
19,315
36,459
4,581,732

207
489,187
141,006
(57,920)
(119,620)
452,860
5,034,592

$

$

$

$

104,013
415
104,428
1,184,390
1,948
349
3,265,701
4,409
101,492
123,176
21,695
20,630
53,101
10,596
89,736
4,981,651

1,097,899
1,097,899
2,329,584
814,324
3,143,908
4,241,807
46,478
138,864
—
96,392
15,218
32,834
4,571,593

205
484,989
140,095
(113,511)
(101,720)
410,058
4,981,651

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2023

2022

2021

$

Interest and dividend income

Loans, including fees
Securities, taxable
Securities, nontaxable
Federal funds sold and other

Total interest and dividend income

Interest expense
Deposits
Federal funds purchased and retail repurchase agreements
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Federal Reserve Bank borrowings
Subordinated debt

Total interest expense

Net interest income
Provision (reversal) for credit losses
Net interest income after provision (reversal) for credit losses
Non-interest income

Service charges and fees
Debit card income
Mortgage banking
Increase in value of bank-owned life insurance
Net gain on acquisition and branch sales
Net gain (loss) from securities transactions
Other

Total non-interest income

Non-interest expense

Salaries and employee benefits
Net occupancy and equipment
Data processing
Professional fees
Advertising and business development
Telecommunications
FDIC insurance
Courier and postage
Free nationwide ATM cost
Amortization of core deposit intangibles
Loan expense
Other real estate owned
Merger expenses
Loss on debt extinguishment
Other

Total non-interest expense
Income (loss) before income tax
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Net income (loss) and net income (loss) allocable to common
stockholders
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$

211,213
23,873
1,960
9,666
246,712

70,473
931
3,944
4,755
7,591
87,694
159,018
1,873
157,145

10,187
10,322
652
4,059
—
(51,909)
7,560
(19,129)

64,384
12,325
17,433
5,754
5,425
1,963
2,195
2,046
2,073
3,374
540
542
297
—
17,250
135,601
2,415
(5,406)

$

160,859
22,713
2,698
1,978
188,248

16,321
232
2,094
—
6,771
25,418
162,830
125
162,705

10,632
10,677
1,416
3,113
962
5
9,152
35,957

62,006
12,223
15,883
4,951
5,042
1,916
1,140
1,881
2,103
4,042
828
589
594
—
15,182
128,380
70,282
12,594

$
$
$

7,821
0.50
0.50

$
$
$

57,688
3.56
3.51

$
$
$

137,334
15,996
2,843
1,195
157,368

8,255
104
169
—
6,261
14,789
142,579
(8,480)
151,059

8,596
10,236
3,306
3,506
585
406
6,207
32,842

54,198
10,137
13,261
4,713
3,370
1,966
1,665
1,429
2,019
4,174
934
(188)
9,189
372
12,226
119,465
64,436
11,956

52,480
3.49
3.43

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on

available-for-sale securities

Reclassification for net securities gains (losses) included in net income
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on cash flow
hedges

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

Tax effect
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Comprehensive income (loss)

2023

2022

2021

$

7,821

$

57,688

$

52,480

18,468
52,013

3,702
74,183
(18,592)
55,591
63,412

$

(150,377)
(79)

(2,805)
(153,261)
37,974
(115,287)
(57,599) $

(23,632)
(368)

(58)
(24,058)
6,053
(18,005)
34,475

$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

Common Stock

Shares
Outstanding
14,540,556
—

$

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Amount

$

174
—

386,820
—

$

50,787
52,480

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
19,781
$
—

Treasury
Stock

Employee
Stock
Loans

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

$

(49,870)
—

$

$

(43)
—

407,649
52,480

—

—

—
10,242

247,895
—

74,454

33,655

—
2,485,983
(632,670)
16,760,115
—

$

—

—

—
624

102,309

69,089

28,829
(1,030,854)
15,930,112
—

$

—

—

—
—

12,829

137,820

—

—

—

3
—

1

—

—
25
—
203
—

—

—

—
—

1

1

—
—
205
—

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

—
2,906

3,845
—

—

569

—

(18,005)

(2,493)

(47)
—

—
—

—

—

—

—
—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—
43

—

—

—
84,722
—
478,862
—

$

(12,403)
—
—
88,324
57,688

$

—
—
—
1,776
—

$

—
—
(18,664)
(68,534)
—

$

—
—
—
— $
—

—

—

—
3,325

2,010

—

—

(115,287)

(5,801)

(116)
—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

792
—
484,989
—

$

—
—
140,095
7,821

$

—
—
(113,511)
—

$

—
(33,186)
(101,720)
—

$

—
—
— $
—

$

$

—

—

—
3,213

203

(2)

—

55,591

(6,819)

(91)
—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

(18,005)

(2,493)

(47)
2,906

3,848
43

1

569

(12,403)
84,747
(18,664)
500,631
57,688

(115,287)

(5,801)

(116)
3,325

2,011

1

792
(33,186)
410,058
7,821

55,591

(6,819)

(91)
3,213

203

—

32,056
(669,166)
15,443,651

$

—
—
207

$

784
—
489,187

$

—
—
141,006

$

—
—
(57,920)

$

—
(17,900)
(119,620)

$

—
—
— $

784
(17,900)
452,860

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Balance at December 31, 2020
Net income
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of

tax effects

Cash dividends - common stock, $0.16 per
share
Dividend equivalents - restricted stock
units, $0.16 per share
Stock-based compensation, see Note 17
Common stock issued upon
exercise of stock options

Repayments on employee stock loans
Common stock issued under
stock-based incentive plans
Common stock issued under

employee stock purchase plan
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle from
implementation of ASU 2016-13

ASBI merger
Treasury stock purchases
Balance at December 31, 2021
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of

tax effects

Cash dividends - common stock, $0.36 per
share
Dividend equivalents - restricted stock
units, $0.36 per share
Stock-based compensation, see Note 17
Common stock issued upon
exercise of stock options
Common stock issued under
stock-based incentive plan
Common stock issued under

employee stock purchase plan

Treasury stock purchases
Balance at December 31, 2022
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of

tax effects

Cash dividends - common stock, $0.44 per
share
Dividend equivalents - restricted stock
units, $0.44 per share
Stock-based compensation, see Note 17
Common stock issued upon
exercise of stock options
Common stock issued under
stock-based incentive plan
Common stock issued under

employee stock purchase plan

Treasury stock purchases
Balance at December 31, 2023

F-7

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Cash flows from operating activities

Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:

2023

2022

2021

$

7,821

$

57,688

$

52,480

Stock-based compensation
Depreciation
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use asset
Amortization of cloud computing implementation costs
Provision (reversal) for credit losses
Net amortization (accretion) of purchase valuation adjustments
Amortization (accretion) of premiums and discounts on securities
Amortization of intangible assets
Deferred income taxes
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
Loss (gain) on sales and valuation adjustments on other real estate owned
Net loss (gain) on sales and settlements of securities
Change in unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities
Loss (gain) on disposal of premises and equipment
Loss (gain) on lease termination
Loss (gain) on sales of foreclosed assets
Loss (gain) on sales of loans
Originations of loans held for sale
Proceeds from the sale of loans held for sale
Increase in the value of bank-owned life insurance
Change in fair value of derivatives recognized in earnings
Gain on acquisition and branch sales
Payments on operating lease payable
Net change in:

Interest receivable
Other assets
Interest payable and other liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows (to) from investing activities

Purchases of available-for-sale securities
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities
Proceeds from sales, calls, pay-downs and maturities of available-for-sale
securities
Proceeds from calls, pay-downs and maturities of held-to-maturity

securities

Net change in interest-bearing time deposits in other banks
Net change in loans
Purchase of mortgage loans
Purchase of USDA guaranteed loans
Capitalized construction cost of other real estate owned
Purchase of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
Net redemptions (purchases) of Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve

Bank stock

Net redemptions (purchases) of correspondent and miscellaneous other stock
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance
Proceeds from bank-owned life insurance death benefits
Net cash (paid) received from acquisition of ASBI
Net cash (paid) received from acquisition of Security Bank locations
Net cash (paid) received from branch sale to United Bank and Trust
Net cash (paid) received from branch sale to High Plains Bank

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

3,213
4,516
604
188
1,873
(618)
4,041
3,518
(2,435)
(594)
218
52,013
(104)
(103)
173
58
(472)
(24,964)
24,967
(4,065)
522
—
(915)

(4,867)
6,172
5,767
76,527

3,325
4,466
714
188
125
(3,979)
6,302
4,186
2,594
(369)
80
(79)
74
(41)
—
(345)
(1,085)
(46,140)
50,774
(3,113)
(1,477)
(962)
(771)

(2,973)
22,466
(17,575)
74,073

(510,224)
(275)

(182,036)
(1,950)

2,906
4,186
480
171
(8,480)
18,001
9,638
4,242
1,592
(55)
(839)
(373)
(68)
(18)
(2)
(36)
(2,804)
(101,149)
111,986
(3,506)
(336)
(585)
(608)

1,672
(6,503)
20,706
102,698

(785,297)
—

789,390

168,409

472,894

17
—
(23,715)
—
(1,235)
(562)
(15,575)
163
110

1,681
(11,855)
1,874
—
2,376
—
—
—
—
232,170

3
—
(181,896)
(1,399)
(2,293)
(12)
(3,479)
164
29,888

(3,816)
(4,546)
9,323
—
723
—
—
(22,939)
(18,328)
(214,184)

—
249
218,107
(363,892)
(10,958)
—
(5,101)
24
161

3,212
(82)
4,732
(25,000)
1,749
102,710
71,153
—
—
(315,339)

Cash flows (to) from financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits

(96,436)

(106,330)

228,515

F-8

Net change in federal funds purchased and retail repurchase agreements
Net borrowings (repayments) on Federal Home Loan Bank line of credit
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank term advances
Principal repayments on Federal Home Loan Bank term advances
Proceeds from Federal Reserve Bank discount window
Principal payments on Federal Reserve Bank discount window
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
Principal payments on employee stock loan
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
Proceeds from subordinated notes
Debt issue cost of subordinated notes
Purchase of treasury stock
Net change in contractual obligations
Dividends paid on common stock

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Ending cash and cash equivalents
Supplemental cash flow information:

Interest paid
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
Supplemental noncash disclosures:

Other real estate owned acquired in settlement of loans
Other real estate owned transferred from premises and equipment
Other repossessed assets acquired in settlement of loans
Operating leases recognized
Other real estate owned recorded as a result of transferring non-operational

branch right-of-use-asset

Purchase of investments in tax credit structures and resulting contractual
obligations
Total fair value of assets acquired in purchase of ASBI, net of cash
Total fair value of liabilities assumed in purchase of ASBI
Total fair value of assets acquired in purchase of Security locations, net of cash
Total fair value of liabilities assumed in purchase of Security locations
Total fair value of assets sold in branch sale to United Bank and Trust, net of cash
Total fair value of liabilities assumed in branch sale to United Bank and Trust
Total fair value of assets sold in branch sale to High Plains Bank, net of cash
Total fair value of liabilities assumed in branch sale to High Plains Bank

$

$

(2,896)
(138,864)
1,366,091
(1,266,091)
141,000
(1,000)
203
—
784
—
—
(17,900)
(12,303)
(6,614)
(34,026)
274,671
104,428
379,099

80,807
3,467

1,086
—
505
690

—

16,400
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

$

$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

(9,528)
138,864
413,973
(413,973)
1,000
(1,000)
2,011
—
792
—
—
(33,186)
(2,474)
(5,564)
(15,415)
(155,526)
259,954
104,428

25,803
1,218

2,369
2,210
47
—

2,071

—
—
—
—
—
29,762
52,733
490
19,064

$

$

5,765
—
302,906
(327,422)
1,000
(1,000)
3,847
43
569
—
(16)
(18,664)
(2,497)
(1,149)
191,897
(20,744)
280,698
259,954

15,028
4,586

1,184
1,038
28,858
32

—

—
679,902
706,635
4,684
76,503
—
—
—
—

F-9

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations: Equity Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company, whose principal activity is the ownership and

management of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Equity Bank (“Equity Bank”), EBAC, LLC. (“EBAC”) and Equity Risk Management,
Inc. ("ERMI"). ERMI provides property and casualty insurance coverage to Equity Bancshares and Equity Bank and reinsurance to
other third party insurance captives for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in today's insurance
marketplace. The wholly-owned subsidiaries of Equity Bank are comprised of SA Holdings, Inc. ("SA Holdings"), SA Property LLC
("SA Property"), and EQBK Investments, LLC. ("EQBK Investments"). SA Holdings and SA Property were established for the
purpose of holding and selling other real estate owned. EQBK Investments was established for the purpose to hold Equity Bank's
investment in a real estate investment trust. These entities are collectively referred to as the “Company”. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Equity Bank is a Kansas state-chartered bank and member of the Federal Reserve (state Fed member bank jointly supervised by

both the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner).

The Company is primarily engaged in providing a full range of banking, mortgage banking and financial services to individual

and corporate customers generally in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Equity Bank competes with a variety of other
financial institutions including large regional banks, community banks and thrifts as well as credit unions and other non-traditional
lenders.

Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles,

management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts
reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided and actual results could differ.

Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions with original maturities less

than 90 days and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest-bearing deposits
in other financial institutions, federal funds purchased, retail repurchase agreements, Federal Home Loan Bank advances and
contractual obligations.

Securities: Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to

maturity. Securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are
carried at amortized cost while available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported
in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities

are amortized using the level-yield method over the estimated cash flows of the securities. This method requires retrospective
adjustment of the effective yield each time a payment is received, or changes occur in the estimated remaining cash flows, which
adjusts life-to-date amortization. Premiums and discounts on other investments are amortized using the level-yield method to
contractual maturity or first call date, if purchased at a premium.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Securities: The allowance for credit losses “ACL” on held-to-maturity securities is determined on

a collective basis by major security type and portfolio. Losses are charged against the allowance for credit losses when the Company
determines the held-to-maturity security is uncollectible. The Company does not estimate credit losses on held-to-maturity security
accrued interest receivable.

For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or is
more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding
intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For securities
that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or
other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, the current
interest rate environment, changes to rating of the security or security issuer, and adverse conditions specifically related to the
security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be
collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be
collected was less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss existed and an allowance for credit losses would be recorded for the

F-10

credit loss, which is limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been
recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Changes in the allowance for credit
losses are recorded as provision for or reversal of credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance for credit losses when
the Company determines the available-for-sale security is uncollectible or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to
sell is met. The Company does not estimate credit losses on available-for-sale security accrued interest receivable.

Equity Investments with Readily determinable Fair Value: Equity investments with a readily determinable fair value are

measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.

Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of
aggregate cost or fair value. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Mortgage
loans held for sale are sold with servicing rights released. Gains or losses on loans held for sale are recognized upon completion of the
sale and based on the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the sold loan.

Loans: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are
reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of previous charge-offs and an allowance for credit losses, and for purchased loans,
net of unamortized purchase premiums and discounts. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.

Nonaccrual Loans: Generally, loans are designated as nonaccrual when either principal or interest payments are 90 days or

more past due based on contractual terms unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Consumer loans are
typically charged off no later than 180 days past due. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if
collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to
income is reversed against income. Future interest income may be recorded on a cash basis after recovery of principal is reasonably
assured. Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought
current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated ("PCD") Loans: The Company has purchased loans, some of which have experienced more

than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. The following indicators are used by management to determine if a loan will
be classified as a PCD loan: (1) the loan has had previous charge-offs; (2) the loan was accounted for as non-accrual by the selling
entity; (3) the loan was accounted for as a modification to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty by the selling entity; (4) the
loan was previously or currently reported as classified for regulatory reporting; (5) the loan shows significant cash flow or collateral
deterioration since origination; (6) the loan has a pattern of late or delinquent payments; (7) consumer loans to borrowers that have
had a significant negative change in credit score; (8) loans in a geographic area that has suffered negative economic conditions; (9)
borrowers that have difficulty complying with realistic loan or collateral covenants; and (10) borrower distress evidenced by deferral
requests and/or loan modifications. PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An allowance for credit losses is determined using
the same methodology as other loans held for investment. If the initial allowance for credit losses is determined on a collective basis it
is allocated to individual loans. The sum of the loan's purchase price and allowance for credit losses becomes its initial amortized cost
basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which
is amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through
credit loss expense.

Allowance for Credit Losses:

Allowance for Credit Losses: Management assesses the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. This assessment

includes procedures to estimate the allowance and test the adequacy and appropriateness of the resulting balance. The level of the
allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of historical default and loss experience, current and projected economic
conditions, asset quality trends, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to
repay a loan (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan
portfolio, industry and peer bank loan quality indications and other pertinent factors, including regulatory recommendations. The
level of the allowance for credit losses maintained by management is believed adequate to absorb all expected future losses inherent in
the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is adjusted through provision for credit losses and charge-offs, net of
recoveries of amounts previously charged off.

The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective basis for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. The
Company has identified the following pools of financial assets with similar risk characteristics for measuring expected credit losses.

•

Commercial real estate mortgage loans – Owner occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans are secured by
commercial office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses or retail buildings where the owner of the building occupies
the property. For such loans, repayment is largely dependent upon the operation of the borrower's business.

F-11

•

•

•

•

•

Commercial and industrial loans – Commercial and industrial loans include loans to business enterprises issued for
commercial, industrial and/or other professional purposes. These loans are generally secured by equipment, inventory and
accounts receivable of the borrower and repayment is primarily dependent on business cash flows.

Residential real estate mortgage loans – Residential real estate mortgage consists primarily of loans secured by 1-4 family
residential properties, including home equity lines of credit. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow
of the borrower.

Agricultural real estate loans – Agricultural real estate loans are secured by real estate related to farmland and are affected
by the value of farmland. Generally, the borrower’s ability to repay is based on the value of farmland and cash flows from
farming operations.

Agricultural production loans – Agricultural production loans are primarily operating lines subject to annual farming
revenues, including productivity and yield of farm products and market pricing at the time of sale.

Consumer – Consumer loans include all loans issued to individuals not included in the categories above. Examples of
consumer and other loans are automobile loans, consumer credit cards and loans to finance education, among others.
Many consumer loans are unsecured. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the borrower.

The Company primarily utilizes a probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) modeling approach for historical

loss coupled with a macroeconomic factor analysis derived from a statistical regression of loss experience correlated to changes in
economic factors for all commercial banks operating within our geographical footprint. The macroeconomic regression is based on a
multivariate approach and includes key indicators that provide the highest cumulative adjusted R-square figure. Economic factors
include, but are not limited to, national unemployment, gross domestic product, market interest rates and property pricing indices. To
arrive at the most predictive calculation, a lag factor was applied to these inputs, resulting in current and historic economic inputs
driving the projection of loss over our reasonable, supportable forecast period which management has defined as 12 months for all
portfolio segments. Following the reasonable and supportable forecast period loss experience immediately reverts to the longer run
historical loss experience of the Company. The resultant loss rates are applied to the estimated future exposure at default (“EAD”), as
determined based on contractual amortization terms through an average default month and estimated prepayment experience in
arriving at the quantitative reserve within our allowance for credit losses.

The estimated loan losses for all loan segments are adjusted for changes in qualitative factors not inherently considered in the
quantitative analyses. The qualitative categories and the measurements used to quantify the risks within each of these categories are
subjectively selected by management but measured by objective measurements period over period. The data for each measurement
may be obtained from internal or external sources. The current period measurements are evaluated and assigned a factor
commensurate with the current level of risk relative to past measurements over time. The resulting qualitative adjustments are applied
to the relevant collectively evaluated loan portfolios. These adjustments are based upon quarterly trend assessments in projected
economic sentiment, portfolio concentrations, policy exceptions, personnel retention, independent loan review results, collateral
considerations, risk ratings and competition. The qualitative allowance allocation, as determined by the processes noted above, is
increased or decreased for each loan segment based on the assessment of these various qualitative factors. Due to the inclusion of a
lag factor in our quantitative economic analysis discussed above, the allowance for credit losses at the reporting date, is heavily
influenced by the qualitative economic factor considered by management to be reflective of risk associated with the continued market
disruption caused by elevated inflationary levels, supply chain issues and the impact of monetary policy on consumers and businesses.

Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with the collectively evaluated pools are evaluated on an individual basis and

are excluded from the collectively evaluated loan pools. Such loans are evaluated for credit losses based on either discounted cash
flows or the fair value of collateral. When management determines that foreclosure is probable, expected credit losses are based on
the fair value of the collateral, less selling costs. For loans for which foreclosure is not probable, but for which repayment is expected
to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the Company has elected the practical expedient under ASC
326 to estimate expected credit losses based on the fair value of collateral, with selling costs considered in the event sale of the
collateral is expected.

In assessing the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, the Company considers the results of the Company’s ongoing,

independent loan review process. The Company undertakes this process both to ascertain those loans in the portfolio with elevated
credit risk and to assist in its overall evaluation of the risk characteristics of the entire loan portfolio. Its loan review process includes
the judgment of management, independent internal loan reviewers and reviews that may have been conducted by third-party reviewers
including regulatory examiners. The Company incorporates relevant loan review results when determining the allowance.

F-12

In accordance with CECL, losses are estimated over the remaining contractual terms of loans, adjusted for estimated
prepayments. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals and modifications unless such extensions, renewals or
modifications are included in the original loan agreement and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company. Credit losses are
estimated on the amortized cost basis of loans, which includes the principal balance outstanding, purchase discounts and premiums
and loan fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable, as allowed under ASU 2016-13, is excluded from the credit loss estimate. In
addition, accrued interest receivable is presented separately on the balance sheets and is excluded from the tabular loan disclosures in
Note 4.

The Company’s policies and procedures used to estimate the allowance for credit losses, as well as the resultant provision for

credit losses charged to income, are considered adequate by management and are reviewed periodically by model validators, internal
audit and regulators they are inherently approximate estimates and imprecise. There are factors beyond the Company’s control, such
as changes in projected economic conditions, real estate markets or particular industry conditions which may materially impact asset
quality and the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and thus the resulting provision for credit losses.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures

The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual term of obligations to extend credit, unless the obligation is

unconditionally cancellable. The allowance for off-balance-sheet exposures is adjusted through other non-interest expense. The
estimates are determined based on the likelihood of funding during the contractual term and an estimate of credit losses subsequent to
funding. Estimated credit losses on subsequently funded balances are based on the same assumptions used to estimate credit losses on
existing funded loans.

Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been

relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the
transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the
transferred assets and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase
them before their maturity.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance: The Company maintains insurance policies on certain key executives as well as policies from
acquired institutions. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the
balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.
In some cases, the Company has entered into agreements with the insured which would require it to make one-time payments to the
insured’s beneficiaries if certain conditions exist at the time of death.

Other Real Estate Owned: Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less
estimated cost to sell when acquired, thereby establishing a new cost basis. Generally, collateral properties are recorded as other real
estate owned when the Company takes physical possession. Physical possession of residential real estate collateral occurs when legal
title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through
completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Other real estate owned properties are subsequently
accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation
allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed.

Premises and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is an estimate and is charged to expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective
assets. The useful lives buildings and related components are estimated to be 39 years. The useful lives of furniture, fixtures and
equipment are estimated to be 4 to 7 years. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method
over the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Property held for sale
is carried at the lower of cost or fair value.

Premises and equipment and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount

may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

Lease Obligation. The Company evaluates contracts that convey the right to control the use of identified property, plant or

equipment for a period of time for consideration to determine if they are lease obligations. The Company evaluates each lease
component to determine if the lease qualifies as a financing lease or as an operating lease. Leases that meet any of the following
criteria are considered financing leases: (1) the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset by the end of the lease term; (2) the
lease grants the Company an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise; (3) the lease
term is the major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset; (4) the present value of the sum of the lease payments
and any residual value guaranteed by the Company that is not already reflected in lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of

F-13

the fair value of the underlying asset; or (5) the underlying asset is of such a specialized nature that it is expected to have no
alternative use to the lessor at the end of the lease term. If none of the financing lease criteria are met, the lease is considered an
operating lease.

The Company evaluates each lease to determine the lease term which will be used based on the type and use of the leased

equipment and future expected changes in operations. The resulting lease term will consist of the non-cancellable period for which
the Company has the right to use the underlying asset plus (1) periods covered by an option to extend the lease if the Company is
reasonably certain to exercise that option; (2) periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if the Company is reasonably certain
not to exercise that option; and (3) periods covered by an option to extend the lease in which exercise of the option is controlled by the
lessor. The Company has certain leases that contain options to extend the lease and contain options for changes in lease payments
which are evaluated by the Company to determine the recorded values for right-of-use assets and lease liability.

Lease payments that are contractually known at lease inception are used by the Company for calculating the right-of-use asset
and lease liability. Lease payments that vary because of facts or circumstances after the commencement date of the lease from other
than passage of time are treated as variable lease payments and are recorded to lease expense in the period in which the obligation for
the payments are incurred by the Company. Variable lease payments are not part of the lease payments for determining the right-of-
use asset or the lease liability at the lease commencement date.

The discount rate to initially determine the present value of the lease payments is based on the information available at the lease
commencement date and is either the rate implicit in the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. If the rate implicit in the
lease is known or determinable, that rate shall be used. If that rate is not known, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate shall be
used.

Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease obligations are accounted for subsequent to initial recording by amortizing the

right-of-use asset over the lease term on a straight-line method while the lease obligation is increased by the accrual of interest and
decreased by subsequent lease payments. Operating lease right-of-use asset amortization and lease obligation interest are reported in
non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Operating lease payments and variable lease payments are reflected
within cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Financing lease right-of-use assets and lease obligations are accounted for subsequent to initial recording by amortizing the
right-of-use asset similar to owned assets over the lesser of the lease term or economic life of the asset if the lease transfers ownership
of the leased asset while the lease obligation is increased by the accrual of interest and decreased by subsequent lease payments.
Financing lease right-of-use asset amortization is reported in non-interest expense, similar to other owned assets, and lease obligation
interest accruals are reported in interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Financing lease obligation principal
payments are reflected within cash flows from financing activities and interest payments and variable lease payments are reflected
with the cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The Company evaluates lease modifications and will consider the modification a new contract if the modification grants the

lessee an additional right of use not included in the original lease and the lease payments increase commensurate with the stand-alone
price for the additional right-of-use asset. The Company will reallocate the remaining consideration in the contract and remeasure the
lease liability using a discount rate for the lease determined at the effective date of the lease modification if the contract modification
does any of the following: (1) grants the Company an additional right of use that was not included in the original contract; (2) extends
or reduces the term of an existing lease; (3) fully or partially terminates an existing lease; or (4) changes the consideration in the
contract only. The Company will recognize the remeasurement of the lease liability for the modification as an adjustment of the right-
of-use asset when the contract modification grants additional right-of-use-assets, extends or reduces the term of the lease or changes
the consideration of the lease contract. In the case of full or partial termination of the lease, the Company will decrease the carrying
amount of the right-of-use-asset on a proportionate basis to the reduction in the lease liability with a gain or loss recognized for the
difference between the lease liability adjustment and right of use asset adjustment.

If the Company modifies an operating lease, where the Company is the lessor, and the modification is not accounted for as a

separate contract, the Company will account for the modification as if it were a termination of the existing lease and the creation of a
new lease that commences on the effective date of the modification as follows:

•

•

If the modified lease is classified as an operating lease, the Company will consider any prepaid or accrued lease rentals
relating to the original lease as part of the lease payments for the modified lease.

If the modified lease is classified as a direct financing lease or a sales-type lease, the Company will derecognize any
deferred rent liability or accrued rent asset and adjust the selling profit or loss.

If the Company modifies a direct financing lease, where the Company is the lessor, and the modification is not accounted for as

a separate contract, the Company will account for the modified lease as follows:

•

If the modified lease is classified as a direct financing lease, the Company will adjust the discount rate for the modified
lease, so the initial net investment equals the carrying amount of the original lease at the modification effective date.

F-14

•

•

•

•

•

If the modified lease is classified as a sales-type lease, the Company shall determine the selling profit/loss on
commencement date of the modified lease as the difference between the fair value of the underlying asset and net
investment in the original lease prior to modification.

If the modified lease is classified as an operating lease, the carrying amount of the underlying asset shall equal the net
investment in the original lease immediately before the effective date of the modification.

If the Company modifies a sales-type lease, where the Company is the lessor, and the modification is not accounted for as
a separate contract, the Company will account for the modified lease as follows:

If the modified lease is classified as a direct financing lease, the Company will adjust the discount rate for the modified
lease, so the initial net investment of the modified lease equals the carrying amount of the original lease at the
modification effective date.

If the modified lease is classified as a direct financing lease, the Company will adjust the discount rate for the modified
lease, so the initial net investment equals the carrying amount of the original lease at the modification effective date.

Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock: Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and Federal Home Loan Bank

(“FHLB”) stocks are required investments for institutions that are members of the FRB and FHLB systems. FRB and FHLB stocks
are carried at cost, considered restricted securities and are periodically evaluated for impairment based on the ultimate recovery of par
value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles: Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase

price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Core deposit intangibles are
acquired customer relationships arising from whole bank and branch acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles are initially measured at
fair value and then amortized over their estimated useful lives using an accelerated method. The useful lives of the core deposits are
estimated to generally be between seven and ten years. Goodwill and core deposit intangibles are assessed at least annually for
impairment and any such impairment is recognized and expensed in the period identified. The Company has selected December 31 as
the date to perform its annual goodwill impairment test. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite useful life.

Credit Related Financial Instruments: Credit related financial instruments include off-balance-sheet credit instruments, such as

commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these
items represents the exposure to loss before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are
recorded when they are funded.

Derivatives: The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily from the effect of interest rate changes on its interest-

earning assets and its sources of funding these assets. The Company will periodically enter into interest rate swaps or interest rate
caps/floors to manage certain interest rate risk exposure.

An interest rate swap is an agreement between two entities to exchange cash flows in the future. The agreement sets the dates on

which the cash flows will be paid and the manner in which the cash flows will be calculated. Typically, an interest rate swap
transaction is used as an exchange of cash flows based on a fixed rate for cash flows based on a variable rate.

In an interest rate cap agreement, a cash flow is generated if the price or interest rate of an underlying variable rises above a
certain threshold price or interest rate. In an interest rate floor agreement, a cash flow is generated if the price or interest rate of an
underlying variable falls below a certain threshold price or interest rate. Caps and floors are designed as protection against the interest
rate on a variable rate asset or liability rising above or falling below a certain level.

At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivatives as one of three types. These three types are:

(1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”); (2) a hedge
of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow
hedge”); or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation (“stand-alone derivative”).

The Company presents gains/(losses) on derivatives and hedging activities for qualifying hedges in the following manner. For a

fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item and net interest
settlements, are recognized in net interest income in the same line as the earnings effect of the hedged item. For a cash flow hedge,
the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods
during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting
are reported currently in earnings as non-interest income.

F-15

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based

on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest
income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged unless
the derivative meets the criteria to be a financing derivative. All derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at their
fair values and are reported as either derivative assets or derivative liabilities net of accrued net settlements and collateral, if any. The
individual derivative amounts are netted by counterparty when the netting requirements have been met. If these netted values are
positive, they are classified as an asset and, if negative, they are classified as a liability.

The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management

objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation
includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or
forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, at least
quarterly, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the
hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting
changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no
longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or
intended.

When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income.

When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing
basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but
the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that are accumulated in other
comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

The Company has historically entered into interest rate cap derivatives to assist with interest rate risk management. These
derivatives are not designated as hedging instruments but rather as stand-alone derivatives. The fair values of stand-alone derivatives
are included in other assets and other liabilities. Changes in fair value of stand-alone derivatives are recorded through earnings as
non-interest income.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax

assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between
carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed,
reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely
than not” that the tax position will be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount
recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized on examination.

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. There were no material

amounts to report for interest or penalties incurred in 2023, 2022, or 2021.

Earnings Per Common Share: Net income, less dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock, equals net income allocable

to common stockholders. Basic earnings per common share is net income allocable to common stockholders divided by the weighted
average number of common shares and vested restricted stock units outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common
share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares of unexercised stock options, unvested restricted stock units,
and pending employee stock purchase plan shares at period end.

Share-Based Payments: The Company has share-based payments which are described more fully in a subsequent note.

Compensation expense associated with the stock option plan is based on the fair value of the options at the grant date. This
compensation is expensed over the periods during which the options vest. Options vest based on the passage of time or the
achievement of performance targets, depending on the structure of the related grant.

Compensation expense associated with restricted stock units and restricted stock agreements is based on the fair value of the
units at the grant date. This compensation expense is recognized ratably over the service period stipulated in the grant agreement.

Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other

comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and cash flow hedges.

Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are
recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Additional
discussion of loss contingencies at December 31, 2023, is presented in a subsequent note.

F-16

Restrictions on Cash: Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank was required to meet regulatory reserve and

clearing requirements.

Dividend Restriction: Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels, positive undivided profits and a certain

level of net income available to shareholders and may limit the dividends paid by the wholly-owned subsidiaries to the holding
company or by the holding company to stockholders.

Fair Value: Fair values of financial instruments, impaired loans, other real estate owned and property held for sale are estimated

using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve
uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, collateral values and other factors,
especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could materially
affect the estimates.

Segment Information: As a community-oriented financial institution, substantially all of the Company’s operations involve the

delivery of loan and deposit products to customers. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an
ongoing review of these banking operations, which constitute the Company’s only operating segment for financial reporting purposes.

Reclassifications: Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Management determined the items reclassified are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and did not
result in a change in equity or net income for years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit
Losses, which changed how the Company measures credit losses for most of its financial assets. This guidance is applicable to loans
held for investment, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, such as loan commitments and standby letters of credit, and held-to-maturity
investment securities. The Company was required to use a new forward-looking current expected credit losses (CECL) model that
will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for credit losses. For available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses, the
Company will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice but will recognize those credit losses as allowances rather
than reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. In addition, the ASU required significantly more disclosure including
information about credit quality by year of origination for most loans. Generally, the amendments were applied through a cumulative-
effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance was effective. The ASU
was originally effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2020; however, the CARES Act, issued in 2020, provided
temporary relief related to the implementation of this accounting guidance until the earlier of the date on which the national
emergency concerning the COVID-19 virus terminates or December 31, 2020. The Company elected to utilize this relief and has
calculated the allowance for loan losses and the resulting provision for loan losses using the prior incurred loss method through
December 31, 2020. Further implementation relief for this standard was provided on December 27, 2020, by section 540 of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act (“CAA”) which allowed for an additional extension to the earlier of 60 days after the national
emergency termination date or January 1, 2022. The Company elected not to extend the implementation any further and adopted
effective January 1, 2021. The adoption of CECL resulted in an increase to our total allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans
held for investment of $15,732, an increase in allowance for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments of $838, a reclassification of
purchased credit-impaired discount from loans to the ACL of $10,438, an increase in deferred tax asset of $4,167 and a decrease in
retained earnings of $12,403. The increase in the ACL at implementation date was largely attributable to moving to a life of loan
allowance methodology and the transition of certain purchase discounts from an adjustment to amortized cost into the ACL.

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASU

2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain
criteria are met. The transactions primarily include contract modifications; hedging relationships; and sale or transfer of debt
securities classified as held-to-maturity. The guidance was effective immediately for the Company and the amendments may be
applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company’s contracts issued prior to December 31, 2021, were primarily
LIBOR tenures that had operational fallback language or were covered by the transition rules of the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR)
Act of 2021 and resulted in this guidance not having a significant impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations
or cash flows.

In January 2021, FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). ASU 2021-01 clarifies that certain optional

expedients and exceptions that are noted in Topic 848 apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. Certain
provisions, if elected by the Company, apply to derivative instruments that use an interest rate for managing, discounting or contract
price alignment that is modified as a result of reference rate reform. The guidance was effective immediately for the Company and the
amendments may be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company’s contracts issued prior to December 31, 2021,

F-17

are primarily LIBOR tenures that had operational fallback language or were covered by the transition rules of the Adjustable Interest
Rate (LIBOR) Act of 2021 and resulted in this guidance not having a significant impact on the Company's financial condition, results
of operations or cash flows.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Fair Value Hedging – Portfolio Layer

Method. ASU 2022-01 expands the current last-of-layer method to allow multiple hedged layers of a single closed portfolio; expands
the scope of the portfolio layer method to include nonprepayable financial assets; addresses the types of hedging instruments that are
eligible in a single-layer hedge; provided additional guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of hedging basis adjustments; and
provided guidance on how hedge basis adjustments should be considered when determining credit losses for the assets included in the
closed portfolio. The guidance was effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods
within those fiscal years. The guidance required a modified retrospective basis by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the
opening balance of retained earnings on the initial application date. The implementation of this guidance did not have a material
financial impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Trouble Debt

Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors, while enhancing
disclosure requirements for loan restructurings by creditor when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Creditors will be
required to apply the refinancing and restructuring guidance to determine whether a modification results in a new loan or a
continuation of an existing loan. Additionally, ASU 2022-02 requires that public business entities disclose gross write offs by year of
origination for financing receivables and net investment in leases within the scope of Financial Instruments – Credit Losses –
Measured at Amortized Cost of the Accounting Standards Codification. The guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal years
beginning after December 31, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is permitted to apply the
guidance prospectively or through a modified retrospective method, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in
the period of adoption. Since the Company had adopted ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2021, the Company is permitted to early
adopt the guidance in totality or individually for the topics covered in this update. This guidance was adopted effective January 1,
2023, the Company did not early adopt this guidance and the implementation of this guidance did not have a material financial impact
on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; however, it did impact the Company's loan disclosures.

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 the restriction is not considered in measuring fair value.
In addition, the guidance clarifies that the contractual restriction cannot be valued as a separate unit of account or be recognized
separately. This guidance provides additional disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. The guidance
was effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early
adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not been issued or made available for issuance. This
guidance was adopted effective January 1, 2023, the Company did not early adopt this guidance and implementation of this guidance
did not have a material financial impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic

848. ASU 2022-06 extends the current sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2024, to allow for
contracts tied to certain tenors of USD LIBOR that have cessation dates of June 30, 2023, to apply the relief of Topic 848. The
Company's contracts issued prior to December 31, 2021, were primarily tenures that had operational fallback language or were
covered by the transition rules of the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act of 2021 and resulted in this guidance not having a
significant impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Accounting for

Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method, a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force.
The amendments in ASU 2023-02 permit all reporting entities that hold tax equity investments that meet the conditions for and elect
to account for them using the proportional amortization method or investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credit ("LIHTC")
structure through a limited liability entity that is not accounted for using the proportional amortization method and was previously
applying LIHTC specific guidance which has been removed by ASU 2023-02. The election to apply the proportional amortization
election is a program-by-program election rather than at a reporting entity or individual investment level. The amendments require
specific disclosures that must be provided for all investments that generate income tax credits and other income tax benefits from a tax
program for which the entity elected to apply the proportional amortization method which must be provided in both annual and interim
financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2023, including
interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted in any interim period and shall be adopted as of the beginning
of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The amendments in this update must be applied using a modified retrospective
method or a retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for the period
adoption for the modified retrospective method or the earliest period presented for the retrospective method. The Company is adopting

F-18

this guidance for investments in historic tax credits and solar tax credit structures entered into during 2023, as the Company's
investments in solar tax credit structures prior to 2023 do not qualify for the proportional amortization method under this guidance.
The Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows were not significantly impacted by this guidance for
investments in tax credit structures outstanding at December 31, 2023; however, the Company's disclosures related to income tax
expense and investments in tax credit structures have been expanded by this guidance.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment
Disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 provide for new disclosures which: (1) require that a public entity disclose on an
annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM")
and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss; (2) require that a public entity disclose, on an annual and interim
basis, an amount for other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition; (3) require that a public entity
provide all annual disclosures about a reportable segment's profit or loss and assets currently required by Topic 280 in interim periods;
(4) allows more than one measure of segment profit or loss used by the CODM when assessing segment performance and deciding
how to allocate resources to be disclosed; (5) require disclosure of title and position of CODM and explain how the CODM uses the
disclosed reported measures to assess segment performance; and (6) require that a public entity that has a single reportable segment
provide all the disclosures required by the amended Topic 280. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 with early
adoption permitted. The amendments in this update are required to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the
financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on
the significant segment expense categories and the amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment
expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The Company's financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows will not be impacted by this guidance; however, the Company will begin to provide disclosures of a single reportable
segment at the respective implementation dates.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The

amendments in ASU 2023-09 require public business entities on an annual basis to disclose: (1) specific categories in the rate
reconciliation; (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold of five percent of pretax
income multiplied by the statutory rate; (3) provide a qualitative description of the state and local jurisdictions that make up a majority
of the state and local income tax category; (4) requires the entity to provide an explanation of the nature, effect and underlying causes
of the reconciling items disclosed and the judgment used in categorizing the reconciling items; (5) requires that all entities disclose on
an annual basis income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes, and the amount of
income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid (net of refunds
received) is equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid (net of refunds); (6) requires disclosure of income from
continuing operations before income tax expense to be disaggregated between domestic and foreign, and income tax expense
disaggregated by federal, state and foreign; and (7) removes the disclosures of estimating the range of reasonably possible change in
unrecognized tax benefits balance in the next 12 months and removes the requirement to disclose the cumulative amount of each type
of temporary difference when a deferred tax liability is not recognized because of the exceptions to comprehensive recognition of
deferred taxes related to subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2024, and early adoptions is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or
made available for issuance. The amendments in this update should be applied on a prospective basis; however, retrospective
application is permitted. The Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will not be impacted by this
guidance; however, this guidance will impact the Company's financial statement disclosures.

NOTE 2 – BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

At the close of business on November 10, 2022, the Company sold one branch location located in Cordell, Oklahoma to High

Plains Bank ("HPB"). Results of the branch sale were included in the Company's results of operations beginning November 14, 2022.
There were no branch sale related costs on the Company's income statement for the year ended December 31, 2022. At December 31,
2023, there were no costs related to this branch sale.

F-19

The following table summarizes the carrying value of assets sold and liabilities assumed by HPB on November 10, 2022.

Summary of assets sold and liabilities
assumed by HPB:
Cash and due from banks
Loans
Premises and equipment
Core deposit intangible
Total assets sold

Deposits
Interest payable and other liabilities
Total liabilities assumed by HPB

Total net assets

Cash paid
Gain on branch sale

$

$

The following tables present the carrying value of loans and deposits sold to HPB on November 10, 2022.

Consumer

Total sold loans

Demand, savings and money markets

Time

Total interest-bearing deposits

Total deposits

$
$

$

$

176
26
211
77
490
19,057
7
19,064
(18,574)

18,152
(422)

26
26

12,889
6,168
19,057
19,057

At the close of business on June 24, 2022, the Company sold three branch locations located in Belleville, Clyde and Concordia,
Kansas to United Bank and Trust ("UBT"). Results of the branch sale were included in the Company's results of operations beginning
June 27, 2022. Branch sale related costs were $18 ($14 on an after-tax basis) and are included in merger expense in the Company's
income statement for the year ended December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, there were no costs related to this branch sale.

The following table summarizes the carrying value of assets sold and liabilities assumed by UBT on June 24, 2022.

Summary of assets sold and liabilities
assumed by UBT:
Cash and due from banks
Loans
Premises and equipment
Goodwill
Core deposit intangible
Other assets

Total assets sold

Deposits
Interest payable and other liabilities
Total liabilities assumed by UBT

Total net assets

Cash paid
Gain on branch sale

$

$

508
26,110
1,225
1,364
164
391
29,762
52,714
19
52,733
(22,971)

22,431
(540)

The following tables present the carrying value of loans and deposits sold to UBT on June 24, 2022.

F-20

Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Consumer

Total sold loans

Demand

Total non-interest-bearing deposits
Demand, savings and money markets

Time

Total interest-bearing deposits

Total deposits

$

$

$

$

793
537
521
23,685
574
26,110

15,817
15,817
28,615
8,282
36,897
52,714

At close of business on October 1, 2021, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of American State
Bancshares, Inc. (“ASBI”), based in Wichita, Kansas. Results of operations of American State Bank (“American State”) were included
in the Company’s results of operations beginning October 4, 2021. Acquisition-related costs associated with this acquisition were
$8,663 ($6,699 on an after-tax basis) and are included in merger expense in the Company’s income statement for the year ended
December 31, 2021. Additional acquisition-related costs for this acquisition were recognized in 2022 of $439 ($331 on an after-tax
basis) and are included in merger expense in the Company's income statement for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Information necessary to recognize the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is complete. The cash consideration
exchanged exceeded the recognized amounts of the identifiable net assets acquired, resulting in goodwill of $22,198. The acquisition
was an expansion to the Company’s current footprint in Kansas with the addition of five branch locations in the Wichita area, two in
Southwest Kansas, five in Central Kansas and five in North Central Kansas.

The following table summarizes the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date.

Fair value of consideration:

Cash
Common Stock

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and

liabilities assumed:
Cash and due from banks
Federal funds sold
Available-for-sale securities
Bank-owned life insurance
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Loans
Premises and equipment
Core deposit intangibles
Other assets

Total assets acquired

Deposits

Federal funds purchased and retail repurchase agreements

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Subordinated debt
Interest payable and other liabilities

Total liabilities assumed

Total identifiable net assets
Goodwill

$

$

$

$

8,442
84,747
93,189

97,724
13,428
176,476
16,986
4,251
441,884
11,975
2,660
15,164
780,548
668,849
12,906
14,409
7,732
5,661
709,557
70,991
22,198
93,189

The following tables reconcile the par value of ASBI’s loan portfolio as of the purchase date to the fair value indicated in the

table above. For non-purchase credit deteriorated assets, the entire fair value adjustment including both interest and credit related
components is recorded as an adjustment to par (“Fair Value Marks”) and reflected as an adjustment to the carrying value of that asset
within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Following purchase, an ACL is also established for these non-purchase credit deteriorated

F-21

assets which is not reflected in this table as it is accounted for outside of the business combination. For purchase-credit deteriorated
assets, as required by CECL, the fair value mark is divided between an adjustment to par (“Non-Credit Rate Marks”) and an addition
to the ACL (“Credit Marks in ACL”). The addition to ACL is based on the application of management’s CECL methodology to the
individual loans.

Non-Purchase Credit Deteriorated Loans
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer

Total non-PCD loans

Purchase Credit Deteriorated Loans
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer

Total PCD loans

Total Purchased Loans
Non-Purchase Credit Deteriorated Loans
Purchase Credit Deteriorated Loans

Total loans

Loan Par Value

Fair Value Marks

Purchase Price

97,554
62,901
37,766
57,158
55,971
15,819
327,169

Credit Marks
in ACL

(3,719)
(60)
(244)
(421)
(1,113)
(55)
(5,612)

Purchase Price
91,137
$
1,950
2,251
9,763
9,432
182
114,715

$

(1,220)
(348)
(153)
(1,474)
(267)
(13)
(3,475)

Fair Value Marks

(956)
(7)
(347)
(240)
(148)
(6)
(1,704)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

98,774
63,249
37,919
58,632
56,238
15,832
330,644

Loan Par Value

95,812
2,017
2,842
10,424
10,693
243
122,031

Purchase Price

327,169
114,715
441,884

On December 3, 2021, the Company acquired the assets and assumed the deposits and certain other liabilities of three bank

locations in St. Joseph, Missouri, from Security Bank of Kansas City, based in Kansas City, Kansas (“Security”). Results of
operations of these new branches were included in the Company’s results of operations beginning December 6, 2021. Acquisition-
related costs associated with this acquisition were $289 ($217 on an after-tax basis) and are included in merger expenses in the
Company’s income statement for the year ended December 31, 2021. Additional acquisition-related costs for this acquisition were
recognized in 2022 of $137 ($103 on an after-tax basis) and are included in merger expense in the Company's income statement for
the year ended December 31, 2022.

Information necessary to recognize the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is complete. The recognized amounts

of the identifiable net assets acquired, exceeded the cash consideration exchanged resulting in goodwill of $666. The acquisition was
an expansion to the Company’s current footprint in Missouri with the addition of three branch locations in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The following table summarizes the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date.

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and

liabilities assumed:
Cash and due from banks
Loans
Premises and equipment
Core deposit intangibles
Other assets

Total assets acquired

Deposits
Interest payable and other liabilities

Total liabilities assumed

Total identifiable net assets
Goodwill

F-22

$

$

71,153
1,365
2,779
336
204
75,837
75,078
1,425
76,503
(666)
666
—

The fair value of consideration exchanged exceeded the recognized amounts of the identifiable net assets and resulted in

goodwill of $666. Goodwill resulted from a combination of expected synergies including expansion in western Missouri with an
additional three bank locations and growth opportunities.

The following table presents the carrying value of the loans acquired in the Security acquisition by class, as of the date of

acquisition. There were no purchase accounting marks, either rate or credit related, recognized on these assets.

Commercial real estate
Residential real estate
Consumer

Total acquired loans

$

$

61
1,116
188
1,365

Assuming that the ASBI and Security acquisitions would have taken place on January 1, 2020, total combined revenue would
have been $170,638 for year ended December 31, 2021, and $180,224 for year ended December 31, 2020. Net income would have
been $64,252 at December 31, 2021, and net loss would have been $69,531 at December 31, 2020. The pro forma amounts disclosed
exclude merger expense from non-interest expense, which is considered a non-recurring adjustment. Separate revenue and earnings of
the former ASBI locations are not available subsequent to the acquisition.

NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in

accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows.

December 31, 2023
Available-for-sale securities

U.S. Government-sponsored entities
U.S. Treasury securities
Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed
securities
Private label residential mortgage-backed securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and political subdivisions

December 31, 2022
Available-for-sale securities

U.S. Government-sponsored entities
U.S. Treasury securities
Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed
securities
Private label residential mortgage-backed securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and political subdivisions

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Allowance for
Credit Losses

Fair Value

$

39,103
89,999

$

— $
28

(6,016) $
(771)

— $
—

33,087
89,256

560,674
161,174
56,722
8,066
81,458
997,196

123,196
257,690

$

$

560,776
190,889
56,642
12,915
130,311
$ 1,332,419

$

$

$

3,872
—
—
—
74
3,974

$

(35,403)
(23,333)
(7,039)
(339)
(8,621)
(81,522) $

—
—
—
—
—
— $

529,143
137,841
49,683
7,727
72,911
919,648

— $
—

(16,790) $
(25,532)

— $
—

106,406
232,158

—
17
—
—
55
72

(62,170)
(27,346)
(4,268)
(734)
(11,261)
$ (148,101) $

498,606
—
163,560
—
52,374
—
12,181
—
—
119,105
— $ 1,184,390

F-23

The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity securities and the related gross unrealized gains and losses were as

follows.

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrecognized
Gains

Gross
Unrecognized
Losses

Allowance for
Credit Losses

Fair Value

December 31, 2023
Held-to-maturity securities

Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential mortgage-
backed securities

State and political subdivisions

December 31, 2022
Held-to-maturity securities

Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential mortgage-
backed securities

State and political subdivisions

$

$

$

$

1,094
1,115
2,209

1,108
840
1,948

$

$

$

$

3
38
41

$

$

— $
—
— $

— $
— $
— $

1,097
1,153
2,250

— $
25
25

$

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

1,108
865
1,973

The fair value and amortized cost of debt securities at December 31, 2023, by contractual maturity, is shown below. Expected
maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call
or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately.

Within one year
One to five years
Five to ten years
After ten years
Mortgage-backed securities
Total debt securities

$

Available-for-Sale
Fair
Value
73,806 $
33,552
109,395
35,911
666,984

Amortized
Cost
73,807 $
34,744
124,883
41,914
721,848

$ 997,196 $ 919,648 $

Held-to-Maturity

Amortized
Cost

Fair
Value

—
—
—
1,153
1,097
2,250

— $
—
—
1,115
1,094
2,209 $

The following table shows the carrying value and fair value of securities pledged as collateral, to secure public deposits,

borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank and retail purchase obligations at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022.

Public fund deposits
Federal Home Loan Bank pledging
Federal Reserve Bank borrowings
Retail repurchase agreements
Total securities pledged

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Book Value

Fair Value

Book Value

Fair Value

$

$

509,010
84,421
158,382
51,548
803,361

$

$

488,270
72,293
141,125
47,282
748,970

$

$

734,494
92,041
32,691
62,884
922,110

$

$

654,356
77,871
33,235
55,289
820,751

F-24

The following tables show gross unrealized losses and fair value aggregated by investment category and length of time that

individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2023, and 2022.

December 31, 2023
Available-for-sale securities
U.S. Government-sponsored entities
U.S. Treasury securities
Mortgage-backed securities

Government-sponsored residential mortgage-
backed securities
Private label residential mortgage-backed securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and political subdivisions

Total temporarily impaired securities

December 31, 2022
Available-for-sale securities
U.S. Government-sponsored entities
U.S. Treasury securities
Mortgage-backed securities

$

$

$

Less Than 12 Months
Fair
Value

Unrealized
Loss

12 Months or More
Fair
Value

Unrealized
Loss

Total

Fair
Value

Unrealized
Loss

— $
—

— $
—

33,087
19,413

$

(6,016) $
(771)

33,087
19,413

$

(6,016)
(771)

7,799
—
—
5,097
11,386
24,282

3,936
92,896

$

$

(5)
306,858
—
137,841
—
49,683
(14)
2,630
57,326
(768)
(787) $ 606,838

(35,398)
(23,333)
(7,039)
(325)
(7,853)

314,657
137,841
49,683
7,727
68,712
$ (80,735) $ 631,120

(35,403)
(23,333)
(7,039)
(339)
(8,621)
$ (81,522)

(913) $ 102,470
139,262

(6,866)

$ (15,877) $ 106,406
232,158

(18,666)

$ (16,790)
(25,532)

Government-sponsored residential mortgage-
backed securities
Private label residential mortgage-backed securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and political subdivisions

Total temporarily impaired securities

203,416
43,610
48,199
7,676
88,713
$ 488,446

(15,511)
(7,227)
(3,443)
(60)
(5,463)

295,190
116,410
4,175
4,505
19,671
$ (39,483) $ 681,683

(46,659)
(20,119)
(825)
(674)
(5,798)

498,606
160,020
52,374
12,181
108,384
$ (108,618) $1,170,129

(62,170)
(27,346)
(4,268)
(734)
(11,261)
$ (148,101)

The tables above present unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities since the date of purchase, independent of the impact

associated with changes in cost basis upon transfer from the available-for-sale designation to the held-to-maturity designation. As of
December 31, 2023, the Company held 421 available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position. The company did not have any
held-to-maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2023, or 2022.

Unrealized losses on securities have not been recognized into income because the security issuers are of high credit quality,

management does not intend to sell and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities prior to
their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates. The fair value is expected to recover
as the securities approach maturity.

The Company's available-for-sale investments that carry some form of credit risk are the investments in private label residential

mortgage-backed securities, corporate securities and state and political subdivisions securities.

All private label residential mortgage-backed securities held by the Company are senior in the capital structure, carry substantial

credit enhancement and are 20% risk weighted by the Simplified Supervisory Formula Approach ("SSFA"). At December 31, 2023,
the Company does not anticipate any credit losses in the private label residential mortgage-backed securities portfolio.

The Company's corporate debt exposure consists of 14 separate positions in U.S. financial institutions, all of which the

Company has determined to be investment grade either by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization ("NRSRO") or by
internal review. Substantially all of the positions are subordinated debt issued by bank holding companies. The Company periodically
reviews financial data of the issuers to ensure their continued investment grade status. At December 31, 2023, the Company does not
anticipate any credit losses in the corporate debt securities portfolio.

The Company's portfolio of state and political subdivisions securities is comprised of 129 positions of which 84% of the
positions are rated "A" or better by a NRSRO, and 62% of the overall portfolio is made up of general obligation bonds. The Company
periodically reviews financial data of the entities and regularly monitors credit ratings changes of the entities. At December 31, 2023,
the Company does not anticipate any credit losses in the state and political subdivisions securities portfolio.

F-25

The proceeds from sales and the associated gains and losses on available-for-sale securities reclassified from other

comprehensive income to income are listed below.

Proceeds
Gross gains
Gross losses
Income tax expense (benefit) on net realized gains (losses)

$

$

2023
490,108
—
52,013
(12,740)

2022

2021

$

3,265
115
36
20

50,395
368
—
93

The Company also invests in several other investments, including investments in stocks and partnerships, which are included in

other assets. The following table shows the various investment balances and method of accounting at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Investments in stocks

Accounted for at fair value through net income
Accounted for at amortized cost assessed for impairment

Total investments in stocks

Investments in partnerships

Accounted for at equity method
Accounted for at hypothetical liquidation book value
Accounted for at proportional amortization

Total investments in partnerships

Total other investments

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

$

$

674
1,397
2,071

2,345
2,403
24,296
29,044
31,115

$

$

570
1,398
1,968

1,816
980
19,794
22,590
24,558

The Company invests in certain qualified affordable housing projects, solar tax credits, and historic tax credits which are
designated as being accounted for under proportional amortization. These investment balances are reflected in the other assets line in
the consolidated balance sheets. Total unfunded commitments accounted for using the proportional amortization method totaled
$19,315, $15,218 and $17,692 at December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The Company expects to fulfill these commitments during the
years 2024 through 2036.

The following table discloses the financial statement impact of tax credit investments at December 31, 2023.

Income Tax Credits
Recognized During
Period (a)

Other Income Tax
Benefits (a)

Total Tax Benefits

Investment Amortization
Included in Income Tax
Expense

December 31, 2023
Investments and tax credit structures:

Included in proportional amortization
Not included in proportional amortization

$
$

(11,734)
(3,745)

$
$

(1,615)
(664)

$
$

(13,349)
(4,409)

$
$

11,865
—

(a) Reported in income tax expense on consolidated statements of income and reported in net change in other assets on consolidated
statements of cash flows.

The investments and tax credit structures that are included in proportional amortization are low income housing tax credits,

historic tax credits and solar tax credits. The amortization plus the total tax benefits for these investments are recorded in the income
tax expense line in the consolidated statements of income and change in other assets in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Any
cash distributions received on these investments are recorded to the other non-interest income line in the consolidated statements of
income and net redemptions or purchases of correspondent and miscellaneous other stock line in the consolidated statements of cash
flows. The investments and tax credit structures not included in proportional amortization have the losses reported in other non-
interest expense and gains/losses from regular distributions and distributions from liquidation are reported in other non-interest income
consolidated statements of income. Net redemptions or purchases of these investment and tax credit structures is reported in net
redemptions (purchases) of correspondent and miscellaneous other stock in the consolidated statements of cash flows. During the
years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized amortization expense of low income housing tax credits of
$1,953 and $1,142, which was included in pretax income on the consolidated statements of income. The amortization expense for the
year ended December 31, 2023 is included in the table above in the investment amortization included in income tax expense.
Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 the Company recognized tax credits from its investment in
affordable housing tax credits of $1,327, $906 and $565.

F-26

Contingent contributions for investment tax credit structures not subject to proportional amortization were $4 for the year ended

December 31, 2023.

NOTE 4 – LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

Types of loans and normal collateral securing those loans are listed below.

Commercial real estate mortgage loans: Owner occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans are secured by commercial

office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses or retail buildings where the owner of the building occupies the property. For such
loans, repayment is largely dependent upon the operation of the borrower's business.

Commercial and industrial: Commercial and industrial loans include loans to business enterprises issued for commercial,
industrial and/or other professional purposes. These loans are generally secured by equipment, inventory and accounts receivable of
the borrower and repayment is primarily dependent on business cash flows.

Residential real estate mortgage loans: Residential real estate mortgage consists primarily of loans secured by 1-4 family
residential properties, including home equity lines of credit. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the
borrower.

Agricultural real estate loans: Agricultural real estate loans are secured by real estate related to farmland and are affected by

the value of farmland. Generally, the borrower’s ability to repay is based on the value of farmland and cash flows from farming
operations.

Agricultural production loans: Agricultural production loans are primarily operating lines subject to annual farming revenues,

including productivity and yield of farm products and market pricing at the time of sale.

Consumer: Consumer loans include all loans issued to individuals not included in the categories above. Examples of consumer
and other loans are automobile loans, consumer credit cards and loans to finance education, among others. Many consumer loans are
unsecured. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the borrower.

The following table lists categories of loans at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer

Total loans

Allowance for credit losses

Net loans

2023

2022

$ 1,759,855 $ 1,721,268
594,863
570,550
199,189
120,003
105,675
3,311,548
(45,847)
$ 3,289,381 $ 3,265,701

598,327
556,328
196,114
118,587
103,690
3,332,901
(43,520)

From time to time the Company has purchased pools of residential real estate loans originated by other financial institutions to
hold for investment with the intent to diversify the residential real estate portfolio. During 2023, the Company did not purchase any
pools of residential loans. During 2022, the Company purchased two pools of residential real estate loans totaling $1,399. As of
December 31, 2023, and 2022, residential real estate loans include $299,448 and $327,309 of purchased residential real estate loans.

The Company occasionally purchases the government guaranteed portion of loans originated by other financial institutions to

hold for investment. During 2023 and 2022, the Company purchased $1,235 and $2,293 in loans guaranteed by governmental
agencies.

The unamortized discount of merger purchase accounting adjustments related to non-purchase credit deteriorated loans included

in the loan totals above are $2,424 and $3,632 with related loans of $209,662 and $286,538 at December 31, 2023, and 2022.

Overdraft deposit accounts are reclassified and included in consumer loans above. These accounts totaled $387 and $475 at

December 31, 2023, and 2022.

The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses under CECL using relevant available information, from internal and

external sources, relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Internal historical loss
experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for

F-27

differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency levels
or loan terms, as well as, for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, consumer
price index, gross domestic product, housing starts or relevant index, U.S. personal income, U.S. housing price indices, federal funds
target and various U.S. Government interest rates.

The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company

has identified commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, residential real estate, agricultural real estate, agricultural production
and consumer as portfolio segments and measures the allowance for credit losses using a historical loss rate method for each segment
to estimate credit losses on a collective basis. The Company’s CECL calculation utilizes historical loss rates, average default month,
average prepayment rates and exposure at default as assumptions to calculate an unadjusted historical loss estimate for the contractual
term of the loans adjusted for prepayment. The historical loss estimate is then adjusted for the anticipated changes in the Company’s
historical loss rate using a regression analysis and current economic variables over the next 12 months. The Company has selected 12
months as its reasonable and supportable forecast period and has selected an immediate reversion back to unadjusted historical loss
rates for periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The calculated historical loss estimate and the economic
qualitative adjustment are further evaluated for change via a management qualitative adjustment factor. Management qualitative
adjustments typically are anticipated changes in loss trends that are not reflected in the historical data to be used in forecasting.

The Company evaluates all loans that do not share risk characteristics on an individual basis for estimating the allowance for

credit loss. Loans evaluated on an individual basis are not included in the collective basis. The Company currently reviews all loans
that are classified as non-accrual on an individual basis. The Company typically elects the collateral-dependent practical expedient on
all loans individually assessed for credit losses and expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting
date adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.

The Company’s ACL is highly dependent on credit quality, macroeconomic forecasts and conditions, the composition of our

loan portfolio and other management judgments. The current management adjustment represents a significant portion of the
Company’s ACL and is comprised of the estimated impact to ACL from the impact of inflation and the associated monetary policy
response and the impact of global market disruption.

During 2021, the Company updated the purchase accounting conclusions related to PCD assets acquired through the Almena

merger transaction and the adjustment is reflected in the table below within “Impact of adopting ASC 326 – PCD loans.” During the
year, additional information was obtained and additional analysis was performed by the management team which led to a modification
of purchase date accounting. The adjustment resulted in a reduction in the allowance for credit losses which was offset by an increase
in loan repurchase obligation, which is reported in interest payable and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, decrease in
deferred tax asset and an increase in gain on acquisition.

The following tables present the activity in the allowance for credit losses by class for the years ended December 31, 2023,

2022, and 2021.

December 31, 2023
Allowance for credit losses:

Commercial
Real Estate

Commercial
and
Industrial

Residential
Real
Estate

Agricultural
Real
Estate

Agricultural

Consumer

Total

Beginning balance
Provision (reversal) for credit losses
Loans charged-off
Recoveries
Total ending allowance balance

$

$

16,731
(3,330)
(20)
95
13,476

$

$

14,951
6,703
(3,791)
91
17,954

$

$

8,608
(806)
(80)
62
7,784

$

$

819
945
(54)
8
1,718

$

$

2,457
(1,509)
(108)
155
995

$

$

2,281
(130)
(901)
343
1,593

$ 45,847
1,873
(4,954)
754
$ 43,520

December 31, 2022
Allowance for credit losses:

Commercial
Real Estate

Commercial
and
Industrial

Residential
Real
Estate

Agricultural
Real
Estate

Agricultural

Consumer

Total

Beginning balance
Provision (reversal) for credit losses
Loans charged-off
Recoveries
Total ending allowance balance

$

$

22,478
(4,554)
(1,297)
104
16,731

$

$

12,248
3,293
(857)
267
14,951

$

$

5,560
3,104
(99)
43
8,608

$

$

2,235
(1,389)
(35)
8
819

$

$

3,756
(1,264)
(46)
11
2,457

$

$

2,088
935
(1,009)
267
2,281

$

$

48,365
125
(3,343)
700
45,847

F-28

December 31, 2021
Allowance for loan losses:

Beginning balance, prior to adoption of ASC
326
Cumulative effect adjustment of adopting

ASC 326

Impact of adopting ASC 326 - PCD loans
PCD mark on acquired loans
Provision (reversal) for credit losses
Loans charged-off
Recoveries
Total ending allowance balance

Commercial
Real Estate

Commercial
and
Industrial

Residential
Real
Estate

Agricultural
Real
Estate

Agricultural Consumer

Total

$

9,012 $ 12,456 $

4,559 $

904 $

758 $ 6,020 $ 33,709

5,612
4,571
3,719
(565)
(169)
298

4,167
(218)
60
3,653
(9,839)
1,969

$ 22,478 $ 12,248 $

8,870
220
244
(8,385)
(39)
91
5,560 $

167
960
420
257
(506)
33
2,235 $

(2,877)

(207)
4,905
1,113
(2,834)
(1)
22

15,732
— 10,438
5,611
55
(8,480)
(606)
(11,377)
(823)
2,732
319
3,756 $ 2,088 $ 48,365

The following tables present the recorded investment in loans and the balance in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio and

class based on impairment method as of December 31, 2023, and 2022.

December 31, 2023
Allowance for credit losses:

Individually evaluated for credit
losses
Collectively evaluated for credit
losses
Total

Loan Balance:

Individually evaluated for credit
losses
Collectively evaluated for credit
losses
Total

December 31, 2022
Allowance for credit losses:

Individually evaluated for credit
losses
Collectively evaluated for credit
losses
Total

Loan Balance:

Individually evaluated for credit
losses
Collectively evaluated for credit
losses
Total

Commercial
Real Estate

Commercial
and
Industrial

Residential
Real
Estate

Agricultural
Real
Estate

Agricultural

Consumer

Total

$

$

$

582

$

1,644

$

1,113

$

674

$

598

$

154

$

4,765

12,894
13,476

$

16,310
17,954

$

6,671
7,784

$

1,044
1,718

$

397
995

$

1,439
1,593

$

38,755
43,520

6,031

$

5,498

$

7,495

$

4,672

$

3,598

$

669

$

27,963

1,753,824
$ 1,759,855

592,829
$ 598,327

548,833
$ 556,328

$

191,442
196,114

$

114,989
118,587

103,021
$ 103,690

3,304,938
$ 3,332,901

Commercial
Real Estate

Commercial
and
Industrial

Residential
Real
Estate

Agricultural
Real
Estate

Agricultural

Consumer

Total

$

$

$

285

$

1,433

$

795

$

221

$

2,125

$

87

$

4,946

16,446
16,731

$

13,518
14,951

$

7,813
8,608

$

598
819

$

332
2,457

$

2,194
2,281

$

40,901
45,847

2,867

$

6,653

$

3,344

$

2,606

$

4,576

$

379

$

20,425

1,718,401
$ 1,721,268

588,210
$ 594,863

567,206
$ 570,550

$

196,583
199,189

$

115,427
120,003

105,296
$ 105,675

3,291,123
$ 3,311,548

The following table presents information related to nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2023.

F-29

December 31, 2023
With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Subtotal

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Subtotal
Total

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Recorded
Investment

Allowance for
Credit Losses
Allocated

Average
Recorded
Investment

Interest
Income
Recognized

$

$

3,948
2,925
21
1,342
2,303
23
10,562

2,297
8,452
7,605
4,753
2,946
689
26,742
37,304

$

$

3,376
—
—
948
—
—
4,324

2,071
5,041
7,251
3,266
2,470
603
20,702
25,026

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—

455
1,335
1,086
660
481
150
4,167
4,167

$

2,117
251
5
939
—
—
3,312

1,214
5,059
3,912
1,950
2,791
477
15,403
18,715

$

$

53
1
1
—
3
1
59

37
249
156
1
1
17
461
520

The above table presents interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. Interest income recognized in the

above table was substantially recognized on the cash basis. The recorded investment in loans excludes accrued interest receivable due
to immateriality.

The following table presents information related to nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2022.

December 31, 2022
With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Subtotal

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Subtotal
Total

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Recorded
Investment

Allowance for
Credit Losses
Allocated

Average
Recorded
Investment

Interest
Income
Recognized

$

$

2,443
21
54
1,518
—
6
4,042

1,011
10,758
3,488
1,956
6,272
412
23,897
27,939

$

$

1,866
—
25
583
—
—
2,474

823
5,838
3,181
1,469
3,468
348
15,127
17,601

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—

206
1,091
786
216
1,860
85
4,244
4,244

$

1,595
1,184
312
1,360
2
12
4,465

3,126
4,214
3,483
2,095
4,244
302
17,464
21,929

$

$

—
—
6
169
1
—
176

10
170
27
7
2
8
224
400

The above table presents interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. Interest income recognized in the

above table was substantially recognized on the cash basis. The recorded investment in loans excludes accrued interest receivable due
to immateriality.

F-30

The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, by

portfolio and class of loans.

December 31, 2023
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Total

December 31, 2022
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Total

Nonaccrual
5,447
$
5,041
7,251
4,214
2,470
603
25,026

$

Loans Not
Past Due
$ 1,751,624
588,649
546,957
190,951
115,474
102,526
$ 3,296,181

Total
$ 1,759,855
598,327
556,328
196,114
118,587
103,690
$ 3,332,901

30 – 59
Days
Past Due

60 – 89
Days
Past Due

Greater Than
90 Days Past
Due Still On
Accrual

198
2,713
676
—
65
118
3,770

$

$

189
71
—
—
19
—
279

60 – 89
Days
Past Due

Greater Than
90 Days Past
Due Still On
Accrual

$

$

$

$

2,397
1,853
1,444
949
559
443
7,645

30 – 59
Days
Past Due

1,526
232
1,133
569
212
246
3,918

$

$

$

$

69
195
1,993
—
—
55
2,312

$

$

Nonaccrual
2,689
5,838
3,206
2,052
3,468
348
17,601

— $
—
—
—
—
—
— $

Loans Not
Past Due
$ 1,716,984
588,598
564,218
196,568
116,323
105,026
$ 3,287,717

Total
$ 1,721,268
594,863
570,550
199,189
120,003
105,675
$ 3,311,548

Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures

The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk from

a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for
credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense recognized within other non-
interest expense on the consolidated statements of income and included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The
estimated credit loss 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 estimate of expected credit loss is based on the historical loss rate for
the class of loan the commitments would be classified as if funded.

The following table lists allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Total

Credit Quality Indicators

December 31, 2023
285
$
1,053
35
2
3
247
1,625

$

December 31, 2022
336
$
700
45
—
3
269
1,353

$

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their

debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current
economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. Consumer
loans are considered unclassified credits unless downgraded due to payment status or reviewed as part of a larger credit relationship.
The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Pass: Loans classified as pass include all loans that do not fall under one of the three following categories. These loans are
considered unclassified.

F-31

Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If
left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the
Company’s credit position at some future date. These loans are considered classified.

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the
obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the
liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the
deficiencies are not corrected. These loans are considered classified.

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those 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. These loans are considered classified.

Based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by type and year of origination, at December 31, 2023,

is as follows.

December 31, 2023
Commercial real estate

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

$

Total commercial real estate $

Commercial and industrial

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

Total commercial and
industrial

Residential real estate

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

$

$

$

Total residential real estate

$

Agricultural real estate

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

$

Total agricultural real estate $

Agricultural
Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

Total agricultural

Consumer

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

Total consumer

Total loans

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

Total loans

$

$

$

$

$

$

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Prior

Revolving
Loans
Amortized
Cost

Revolving
Loans
Converted to
Term

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

75,472
—
1,463
—
76,935

29,931
—
237
—

30,168

12,506
—
156
—
12,662

10,653
—
101
—
10,754

1,385
—
1,861
—
3,246

1,281
—
49
—
1,330

131,228
—
3,867
—
135,095

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

186,073
399
2,336
—
188,808

7,293
992
2,171
—

10,456

130,144
—
1,960
—
132,104

20,039
164
3,423
—
23,626

3,809
33
52
—
3,894

2,885
—
23
—
2,908

350,243
1,588
9,965
—
361,796

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

461,346
—
81
—
461,427

204,237
—
3,346
—

207,583

57,699
—
4,710
—
62,409

74,010
605
37
—
74,652

78,285
9
206
—
78,500

12,035
—
—
—
12,035

887,612
614
8,380
—
896,606

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

753
—
—
—
753

1,780
—
—
—

1,780

1,065
—
66
—
1,131

289
—
—
—
289

55
—
—
—
55

1
—
—
—
1

3,943
—
66
—
4,009

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

212,229
257
84
—
212,570

128,598
—
1,317
—

129,915

35,040
—
—
—
35,040

22,368
903
40
—
23,311

12,424
—
39
—
12,463

47,019
—
50
—
47,069

457,678
1,160
1,530
—
460,368

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

379,233
—
2,501
—
381,734

110,817
—
468
—

111,285

29,766
—
213
—
29,979

26,762
158
—
—
26,920

7,363
—
10
—
7,373

24,620
—
241
—
24,861

578,561
158
3,433
—
582,152

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

253,837
119
3,481
—
257,437

54,416
15
230
—

54,661

277,611
—
187
—
277,798

17,987
—
24
—
18,011

4,815
—
464
—
5,279

10,384
—
163
—
10,547

619,050
134
4,549
—
623,733

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

179,935
—
256
—
180,191

49,557
—
2,922
—

52,479

5,183
—
22
—
5,205

18,551
—
—
—
18,551

7,148
—
629
—
7,777

4,841
—
98
—
4,939

265,215
—
3,927
—
269,142

F-32

Total

1,748,878
775
10,202
—
1,759,855

586,629
1,007
10,691
—

598,327

549,014
—
7,314
—
556,328

190,659
1,830
3,625
—
196,114

115,284
42
3,261
—
118,587

103,066
—
624
—
103,690

3,293,530
3,654
35,717
—
3,332,901

The risk category of loans by type and year of origination, at December 31, 2022, is as follows.

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Prior

Revolving
Loans
Amortized
Cost

Revolving
Loans
Converted to
Term

December 31, 2022
Commercial real estate

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

$

Total commercial real estate $

Commercial and industrial

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

Total commercial and
industrial

Residential real estate

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

$

$

$

Total residential real estate

$

Agricultural real estate

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

$

Total agricultural real estate $

Agricultural
Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

Total agricultural

Consumer

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

Total consumer

Total loans

Risk rating

Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Doubtful

Total loans

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total

1,714,793
523
5,952
—
1,721,268

566,549
4,525
23,789
—

594,863

567,179
—
3,371
—
570,550

186,760
9,954
2,475
—
199,189

112,880
1,045
6,078
—
120,003

105,328
—
347
—
105,675

741
—
—
—
741

6,654
—
—
—

6,654

271
—
—
—
271

300
—
—
—
300

75
—
—
—
75

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $
—
—
—
— $

8,041
—
—
—
8,041

$

$

3,253,489
16,047
42,012
—
3,311,548

432,196
—
—
—
432,196

172,912
—
283
—

173,195

34,705
—
58
—
34,763

33,586
874
—
—
34,460

23,917
—
—
—
23,917

56,497
—
17
—
56,514

753,813
874
358
—
755,045

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

252,616
122
3,049
—
255,787

79,782
—
4,316
—

84,098

299,840
—
86
—
299,926

20,712
—
203
—
20,915

7,778
—
1,003
—
8,781

17,460
—
148
—
17,608

678,188
122
8,805
—
687,115

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

188,897
—
244
—
189,141

65,915
—
2,167
—

68,082

5,939
—
48
—
5,987

26,408
2,493
—
—
28,901

9,437
—
1,838
—
11,275

8,415
—
54
—
8,469

305,011
2,493
4,351
—
311,855

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

92,290
—
144
—
92,434

39,487
—
10,127
—

49,614

13,073
—
209
—
13,282

12,754
—
115
—
12,869

2,642
92
2,044
—
4,778

3,235
—
81
—
3,316

163,481
92
12,720
—
176,293

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

114,415
—
—
—
114,415

6,712
674
1,460
—

8,846

47,986
—
239
—
48,225

5,608
—
485
—
6,093

2,250
22
386
—
2,658

1,370
—
13
—
1,383

178,341
696
2,583
—
181,620

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

171,498
401
2,515
—
174,414

5,089
3,851
783
—

9,723

102,871
—
2,633
—
105,504

18,882
604
1,635
—
21,121

2,134
375
213
—
2,722

3,396
—
34
—
3,430

303,870
5,231
7,813
—
316,914

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

462,140
—
—
—
462,140

189,998
—
4,653
—

194,651

62,494
—
98
—
62,592

68,510
5,983
37
—
74,530

64,647
556
594
—
65,797

14,955
—
—
—
14,955

862,744
6,539
5,382
—
874,665

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

F-33

The following table discloses the charge-off and recovery activity by loan type and year of origination at December 31, 2023.

December 31, 2023
Commercial real estate
Gross charge-offs
Gross recoveries
Net charge-offs

Commercial and industrial

Gross charge-offs
Gross recoveries
Net charge-offs
Residential real estate
Gross charge-offs
Gross recoveries
Net charge-offs
Agricultural real estate
Gross charge-offs
Gross recoveries
Net charge-offs

Agricultural

Gross charge-offs
Gross recoveries
Net charge-offs

Consumer

Gross charge-offs
Gross recoveries
Net charge-offs

Total loans

Gross charge-offs
Gross recoveries
Net charge-offs

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Prior

Revolving
Loans
Amortized
Cost

Revolving
Loans
Converted
to Term

Total

— $
—
— $

— $
63
63

$

(10) $
—
(10) $

(226) $
32
(194) $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

(22) $
—
(22) $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

(107) $
—
(107) $

(240) $
20
(220) $

(168) $
53
(115) $

(120) $
58
(62) $

(250) $
20
(230) $

(394) $
148
(246) $

(249) $
58
(191) $

— $
—
— $

(18) $
15
(3) $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

(58) $
22
(36) $

(76) $
37
(39) $

(11) $
—
(11) $

(2) $
—
(2) $

(14) $
—
(14) $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

(51) $
24
(27) $

(78) $
24
(54) $

(9) $
32
23

$

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

(20)
95
75

(25) $ (3,488) $
10
(15) $ (3,454) $

34

— $ (3,791)
—
91
— $ (3,700)

(62) $
62
— $

(4) $
8
4

$

(1) $

155
154

$

(186) $
152
(34) $

(4) $
—
(4) $

(50) $
—
(50) $

— $
—
— $

(78) $
14
(64) $

(287) $ (3,620) $
419
132

$ (3,572) $

48

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

(80)
62
(18)

(54)
8
(46)

(108)
155
47

(901)
343
(558)

— $ (4,954)
—
754
— $ (4,200)

Modifications to Debtors Experiencing Financial Difficulty

The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, effective January 1, 2023, and this

accounting guidance is applied prospectively. The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans at December 31, 2023,
that were both experiencing financial difficulty and modified during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, by class and by
type of modification. The percentage of the amortized cost basis of loans that were modified to borrowers in financial distress as
compared to the amortized cost basis of each class of financing receivable is also presented below.

December 31, 2023
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Total

Payment Delay

Term Extension

Combination Rate
Change and Term
Extension

Combination Payment
Delay and Term
Extension

Total
Modifications

Total Class of
Financing Receivable

$

$

— $
—
—
—
122
—
122

$

— $

1,433
—
858
—
—
2,291

$

— $
—
—
—
—
21
21

$

3,547
11,492
12
1,098
421
—
16,570

$

$

3,547
12,925
12
1,956
543
21
19,004

0.20%
2.16%
0.00%
1.00%
0.46%
0.02%
0.57%

At December 31, 2023, there were $849 thousand in commitments to lend additional amounts on these loans.

The Company considers loans modified to borrowers in financial distress as loans that do not share similar risk characteristics

with collectively evaluated loans at modification date for the purposes of calculating the allowance for credit losses. These loans will

F-34

be evaluated for credit losses based on either discounted cash flows or the fair value of collateral at modification date; however,
subsequent to the modification date these loans will be evaluated for credit losses as part of the collectively evaluated pools after a
period of ongoing performance under the terms of the modified loan.

The Company closely monitors the performance of loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to
understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table presents the performance of such loans that have been
modified during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

December 31, 2023
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer
Total

30 - 59 Days
Past Due

60 - 89 Days
Past Due

Greater Than
89 days Past
Due

Total Past
Due

$

$

258
—
—
—
122
21
401

$

$

— $
211
—
—
—
—
211

$

— $
—
11
—
—
—
11

$

258
211
11
—
122
21
623

The following table presents the financial effect of the loan modifications presented above to borrowers experiencing financial

difficulty for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

December 31, 2023
Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Agricultural
Consumer

Total loans

Principal Forgiveness
—
$
2,254
—
—
—
—
2,254

$

Weighted Average
Interest Rate Reduction

Weighted Average
Term Extension in
Years

— %
— %
— %
— %
— %
— %
— %

0.36
1.05
3.42
0.85
0.58
2.16
—

NOTE 5 – OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

Changes in other real estate owned for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows.

Beginning of year
Transfers in
Net (loss) gain on sales
Proceeds from sales

Additions to valuation reserve
Capitalized cost
Lease termination
Right-of-use asset amortization

Recorded investment

2023

2022

$

$

4,409 $
1,086
(78)
(1,874)
3,543
(201)
562
(1,852)
(219)
1,833 $

9,523
4,578
260
(9,323)
5,038
(502)
12
-
(139)
4,409

F-35

Expenses related to other real estate owned for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were as follows.

Net loss (gain) on sales
Gain on initial valuation of other real estate properties
received
Provision for unrealized losses
Operating expenses, net of rental income
Total

2023

2022

2021

78 $

(260) $

(61)
201
324
542 $

(162)
502
509
589 $

(462)

(539)
162
651
(188)

$

$

The balance of other real estate owned includes $133 of foreclosed residential real estate properties recorded as a result of
obtaining physical possession of the property at December 31, 2023, and $338 at December 31, 2022. The recorded investment of
consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process was
$1,404 at December 31, 2023, and $1,013 at December 31, 2022. Included in the other real estate owned balance at December 31,
2023 and 2022, is $1,061 and $3,810 related to closed bank locations transferred from premises and equipment.

NOTE 6 – PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Major classifications of premises and equipment, stated at cost, are as follows.

Land
Buildings and improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment

Less: accumulated depreciation
Premises and equipment, net

2023

2022

$

$

21,161 $
96,204
30,582
147,947
(35,315)
112,632 $

21,094
87,106
24,251
132,451
(30,959)
101,492

At December 31, 2023, the Company had lease liabilities totaling $3,307 and right-of-use assets totaling $3,291 related to

operating leases. At December 31, 2022, the Company had lease liabilities totaling $5,294 and right-of-use assets totaling $5,256
related to operating leases. Lease liabilities and right-of-use assets are reflected in other liabilities and other assets.

Right-of-use asset and lease obligations by type of property are listed below.

December 31, 2023
Operating Leases
Land and building leases
Total operating leases

Right-of-use-asset reported in other assets
Right-of-use-asset not in operation, reported in other real
estate owned

Total

Right-of-Use
Asset

Lease
Liability

Weighted
Average Lease
Term in Years

Weighted
Average
Discount
Rate

$
$

$

$

3,291
3,291

$
$

3,307
3,307

14.8
14.8

3.00%
3.00%

3,291

—
3,291

F-36

December 31, 2022
Operating leases
Land and building leases
Total operating leases

Right-of-use-asset reported in other assets
Right-of-use-asset not in operation, reported in other real
estate owned

Total

Right-of-Use
Asset

Lease
Liability

Weighted
Average Lease
Term in Years

Weighted
Average
Discount
Rate

$
$

$

$

5,256
5,256

$
$

5,294
5,294

13.2
13.2

2.32%
2.32%

3,185

2,071
5,256

During 2023, the Company terminated two leases with a right-of-use asset balance of $2,051, lease liability of $2,062 and fees

paid of $184, resulting in a loss of $173.

Operating lease costs are listed below.

Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Variable lease cost
Total operating lease cost

2023

2022

2021

$

$

745
—
110
855

$

$

844
—
59
903

$

$

586
—
35
621

There were no sales and leaseback transactions, leverage leases, lease transactions with related parties or leases that had not yet

commenced during the periods ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.

A maturity analysis of operating lease liabilities and reconciliation of the undiscounted cash flows to the total operating lease

liability as of December 31, 2023, is listed below.

Lease payments
Due in one year or less
Due after one year through two years
Due after two years through three years
Due after three years through four years
Due after four years through five years
Thereafter
Total undiscounted cash flows
Discount on cash flows
Total

$

$

370
407
403
401
389
2,218
4,188
(881)
3,307

NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND CORE DEPOSIT INTANGIBLES

The assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.

The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets for tax free acquisitions is recorded as goodwill, none
of which is deductible for tax purposes. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets for taxable
acquisitions is recorded as goodwill and is deductible for tax purposes.

As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, management conducted a qualitative evaluation of current economic

conditions, Company performance, stock price and other pertinent factors, finally concluding that no goodwill impairment is
warranted at this time.

The carrying basis of goodwill and core deposit intangibles as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were as

follows.

F-37

Balance as of January 1, 2022
Sold in acquisition
Amortization
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Sold in acquisition
Amortization
Balance as of December 31, 2023

$

$

Goodwill

54,465 $
(1,364)
—
53,101
—
—
53,101 $

Core Deposit
14,879
(241)
(4,042)
10,596
—
(3,374)
7,222

Estimated core deposit intangibles amortization expense for each of the following five years and thereafter is listed in the

following table.

Expensed in one year or less
Expensed after one year through two years
Expensed after two years through three years
Expensed after three years through four years
Expensed after four years through five years
Thereafter
Total

$

$

2,657
1,942
1,272
755
332
264
7,222

NOTE 8 – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Fair Value Hedges

The Company periodically enters into interest rate swaps to hedge the fair value of certain commercial real estate loans. These

transactions are designated as fair value hedges. In this type of transaction, the Company typically receives from the counterparty a
variable-rate cash flow based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or one-month SOFR plus a spread to the
index and pays a fixed-rate cash flow equal to the customer loan rate. At December 31, 2023, the portfolio of interest rate swaps had a
weighted average maturity of 6.9 years, a weighted average pay rate of 4.60% and a weighted average rate received of 8.50%. At
December 31, 2022, the portfolio of interest rate swaps had a weighted average maturity of 8.5 years, a weighted average pay rate of
4.53% and a weighted average rate received of 7.13%.

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

The Company has entered into cash flow hedges to hedge future cash flows related to subordinated notes and Federal Home
Loan Bank advance interest expense and prime rate adjustable rate loans interest income. These agreements are designated as cash
flow hedges and are marked to market through other comprehensive income.

The following table lists the cash flow hedges at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Weighted
average
Maturity in
years

Weighted
average pay
rate

Weighted
average rate
received

Weighted
average
Maturity in
years

Weighted
average pay
rate

Weighted
average rate
received

11.7

2.2

0.2
1.4

2.80%

3.58%

8.50%
6.43%

7.43%

5.35%

5.60%
5.56%

12.7

—

1.3
1.8

2.81%

—%

7.50%
7.28%

6.57%

—%

5.60%
5.65%

Subordinated note hedges
Variable rate FHLB advance
hedges
Prime based receivable loan

hedges

Total cash flow hedges

Stand-Alone Derivatives

The Company periodically enters into interest rate swaps with our borrowers and simultaneously enters into swaps with a
counterparty with offsetting terms for the purpose of providing our borrowers long-term fixed rate loans. Neither swap is designated
as a hedge and both are marked to market through earnings. Through the acquisition of ASBI, the Company obtained swap
agreements with counterparties designed to offset the economic impact of fixed-rate loans. These swaps did not have corresponding
agreements with the borrowers. At December 31, 2023, this portfolio of interest rate swaps had a weighted average maturity of 4.6
years, weighed average pay rate of 8.31% and a weighted average rate received of 8.46%. At December 31, 2022, this portfolio of

F-38

interest rate swaps had a weighted average maturity of 5.6 years, a weighted average pay rate of 6.96% and a weighted average rate
received of 7.06%.

Reconciliation of Derivative Fair Values and Gains/(Losses)

The notional amount of a derivative contract is a factor in determining periodic interest payments or cash flows received or paid.

The notional amount of derivatives serves as a level of involvement in various types of derivatives. The notional amount does not
represent the Company’s overall exposure to credit or market risk, generally, the exposure is significantly smaller.

The following table shows the notional balances and fair values (including net accrued interest) of the derivatives outstanding by

derivative type at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022.

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate swaps

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:

Interest rate swaps

Total derivatives designated as hedging relationships
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate swaps

Total derivatives not designated as hedging

instruments

Total
Cash collateral
Netting adjustments
Net amount presented in balance sheet

Notional
Amount

December 31, 2023
Derivative
Assets

Derivative
Liabilities

Notional
Amount

December 31, 2022
Derivative
Assets

Derivative
Liabilities

$

15,461

$

1,580

$

— $

21,528

$

2,425

$

—

257,500
272,961

180,911

180,911
$ 453,872

1,976
3,556

3,446

631
631

157,500
179,028

3,025

184,277

2,120
4,545

4,191

184,277
$ 363,305

3,446
7,002
—
(6,406)
596

$

3,025
3,656
5,952
(6,406)
3,202

$

4,191
8,736
—
(7,336)
1,400

$

$

4,457
4,457

3,555

3,555
8,012
2,860
(7,336)
3,536

The table below lists designated and qualifying hedged items in fair value hedges at December 31, 2023, and December 31,

2022.

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Commercial real estate loans
Total

Carrying
Amount

$
$

15,795
15,795

Hedging Fair
Value
Adjustment
$
$

(1,826) $
(1,826) $

Fair Value
Adjustments
on
Discontinued
Hedges

Carrying
Amount

(446) $
(446) $

17,202
17,202

Hedging Fair
Value
Adjustment
$
$

(2,384) $
(2,384) $

Fair Value
Adjustments
on
Discontinued
Hedges

—
—

F-39

The following table shows net gains or losses on derivatives and hedging activities for the years ended December 31, 2023,

2022, and 2021.

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate swaps

Total net gains (losses) related to derivatives designated

as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:

Interest rate swaps

Total net gains (losses) related to derivatives designated

as cash flow hedges

Total net gain (loss) related to hedging relationships
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Economic hedges:

Interest rate swaps

Total net gains (losses) related to derivatives not designated

as hedging instruments

Net gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities

$

2023

2022

2021

$

(17) $

150

$

(17)

—

—
(17)

227

227
210

150

—

—
150

1,729

1,729
1,879

$

$

28

28

—

—
28

757

757
785

The following table shows the recorded net gains or losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedging
relationships and the impact of those derivatives on the Company’s net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022,
and 2021.

Commercial real estate loans
Total

December 31, 2023

Gain/(Loss)
on
Derivatives

Gain/(Loss)
on Hedged
Items

$
$

(508) $
(508) $

525
525

Net Fair
Value
Hedge
Gain/(Loss)
17
$
17
$

Effect of
Derivatives on
Net Interest
Income

$
$

717
717

December 31, 2022

Commercial real estate loans
Total

$
$

2,747
2,747

$
$

(2,597) $
(2,597) $

Gain/(Loss)
on
Derivatives

Gain/(Loss)
on Hedged
Items

Net Fair
Value
Hedge
Gain/(Loss)
150
150

Effect of
Derivatives on
Net Interest
Income

$
$

(246)
(246)

Commercial real estate loans
Total

December 31, 2021

Gain/(Loss)
on
Derivatives

Gain/(Loss)
on Hedged
Items

$
$

(14) $
(14) $

42
42

Net Fair
Value
Hedge
Gain/(Loss)
28
$
28
$

Effect of
Derivatives on
Net Interest
Income

$
$

(156)
(156)

The following table shows the recorded net gains or losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in cash flow hedging

relationships and the impact of those derivatives on the Company’s net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022
and 2021.

F-40

Prime based receivable loan hedges
FHLB Advance hedges
Subordinated note hedges
Total

Prime based receivable loan hedges
FHLB advance hedges
Subordinated note hedges
Total

Prime based receivable loan hedges
FHLB advance hedges
Subordinated note hedges
Total

NOTE 9 – DEPOSITS

December 31, 2023
Gain/(Loss)
Recorded in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

Effect of
Derivatives on
Net Interest
Income

Gain/(Loss)
on
Derivatives

3,164
684
(146)
3,702

$

$

2,376
517
(105)
2,788

$

$

(3,942)
1,246
246
(2,450)

December 31, 2022
Gain/(Loss)
Recorded in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

Effect of
Derivatives on
Net Interest
Income

Gain/(Loss)
on
Derivatives

(4,323) $
—
1,518
(2,805) $

(3,252) $
—
1,141
(2,111) $

217
—
72
289

December 31, 2021
Gain/(Loss)
Recorded in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

Effect of
Derivatives on
Net Interest
Income

Gain/(Loss)
on
Derivatives

— $
—
(58)
(58) $

— $
—
(44)
(44) $

—
—
—
—

$

$

$

$

$

$

Time deposits that met or exceeded the FDIC insurance limit of $250 totaled $196,767 and $145,720 as of December 31, 2023

and 2022.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) reciprocal demand deposits of $382,614 and $282,705 were

included in the Company’s interest bearing deposits. Also included in savings and money market deposits are $230,750 and $17,717
of ICS reciprocal money market deposits. ICS allows Equity Bank to break large deposits into smaller amounts and place them in a
network of other ICS banks to ensure FDIC coverage on the entire deposit.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (“CDARS”) deposits of $21,841 and
$11,764 were included in the Company’s time deposit balance. Of the CDARS deposits at December 31, 2023 and 2022, $21,841 and
$11,764 were reciprocal customer funds placed in the CDARS program. CDARS allows Equity Bank to break large deposits into
smaller amounts and place them in a network of other CDARS banks to ensure that FDIC insurance coverage is gained on the entire
deposit. Reciprocal deposits are not considered brokered deposits as long as the aggregate balance is less than the lesser of 20% of
total liabilities or $5 billion and Equity Bank is well capitalized and well rated. All non-reciprocal deposits and reciprocal deposits in
excess of regulatory limits are considered brokered deposits.

The following table lists reciprocal and brokered deposits included in total deposits categorized by type.

F-41

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

$

382,614
382,614

$

Interest bearing demand
Reciprocal
Total interest-bearing demand

Savings and money market
Reciprocal
Total saving and money market

Time
Reciprocal
Non-reciprocal brokered
Total time

Total reciprocal and brokered deposits

$

230,750
230,750

21,841
199,940
221,781
835,145

$

At December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows.

Due in one year or less
Due after one year through two years
Due after two years through three years
Due after three years through four years
Due after four years through five years
Thereafter
Total

282,705
282,705

17,717
17,717

11,764
251,799
263,563
563,985

677,493
63,305
11,572
8,753
2,266
130
763,519

$

$

NOTE 10 – BORROWINGS

Federal Funds Purchased and Retail Repurchase Agreements

Federal funds purchased and retail repurchase agreements included the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Federal funds purchased
Retail repurchase agreements

2023

$
$

— $
43,582 $

2022

—
46,478

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (retail repurchase agreements) consist of obligations of the Company to other

parties. The obligations are secured by residential mortgage-backed securities held by the Company with a fair value of $47,282 and
$55,289 at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The agreements are on a day-to-day basis and can be terminated on demand.

The following table presents the borrowing usage and interest rate information for federal funds purchased and retail repurchase

agreements at and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Average daily balance during the period
Average interest rate during the period
Maximum month-end balance during the period
Weighted average interest rate at period-end

$

$

2023

2022

43,469

1.13%

46,798

1.69%

$

$

53,337

0.42%

64,323

0.72%

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

The Federal Home Loan Bank advances as of December 31, 2023, and 2022 were as follows.

Federal Home Loan Bank line of credit advances
Federal Home Loan Bank fixed-rate term advances

Total Federal Home Loan Bank advances

2023

2022

— $

100,000
100,000 $

138,864
—
138,864

$

$

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had undisbursed advance commitments (letters of credit) with the Federal Home
Loan Bank of $39,922 and $18,305. These letters of credit were obtained in lieu of pledging securities to secure public fund deposits
that are over the FDIC insurance limit.

F-42

The advances, Mortgage Partnership Finance credit enhancement obligations and letters of credit were collateralized by certain

qualifying loans of $846,601 and securities of $65,209 for a total of $911,810 at December 31, 2023, and qualifying loans of
$744,125 and securities of $74,083 for a total of $818,208 at December 31, 2022. Based on this collateral and the Company’s
holdings of Federal Home Loan Bank stock, the Company was eligible to borrow an additional $770,711 and $659,695 at December
31, 2023 and 2022.

Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had a borrowing capacity of $471,569 and $330,077, for which the Company has
pledged loans with an outstanding balance of $394,810 and $390,102 and securities with a fair value of $155,934 and $33,235. At
December 31, 2023 there was $140,000 in borrowings secured from this facility under the Federal Reserve's Bank Term Funding
Program with a rate of 4.38% and a maturity date of March 22, 2024. The Company can repay this borrowing at any time without
penalties or fees. There were no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2022.

Bank Stock Loan

The Company entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated financial institution secured by the Company’s stock in Equity

Bank. The loan had a maturity date of August 15, 2021, and was extended to February 11, 2022. Each draw of funds on the facility
will create a separate note that is repayable over a term of five years. Each note will bear interest at the greater of a variable interest
rate equal to the prime rate published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal (or any generally recognized
successor), floating daily, or a floor of 3.50%. Accrued interest and principal payments will be due quarterly with one final payment
of unpaid principal and interest due at the end of the five-year term of each separate note. The Company is also required to pay an
unused commitment fee in an amount equal to 20 basis points per annum on the unused portion of the maximum borrowing facility.

The loan was renewed and amended on February 11, 2022, with the same terms as the previous renewal, a new maturity date of
February 11, 2023 and a new floor of 3.25%. With this amendment, the maximum borrowing amount was decreased from $40,000 to
$25,000.

The loan was renewed and amended on February 10, 2023, with the same terms as the previous renewal and a new maturity date

of February 10, 2024. The maximum borrowing amount at December 31, 2023, was $25,000.

The loan was renewed and amended on February 10, 2024, with the same terms as the previous renewal and a new maturity date

of February 10, 2025.

There were no bank stock loan advances as of December 31, 2023, or December 31, 2022.

The terms of the borrowing facility require the Company and Equity Bank to maintain minimum capital ratios and other
covenants. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company failed to satisfy the return on assets ratio covenant set
forth in the terms of the borrowing facility. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company was in compliance with
all other terms of the borrowing facility.

NOTE 11 – SUBORDINATED DEBT

The following table lists outstanding subordinated debt as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Subordinated debentures
Subordinated notes

Total

Subordinated Debentures

2023

2022

$

$

23,594 $
73,327
96,921 $

23,255
73,137
96,392

In conjunction with the 2012 acquisition of First Community Bancshares, Inc. (FCB), the Company assumed certain

subordinated debentures owed to special purpose unconsolidated subsidiaries that are controlled by the Company, FCB Capital Trust
II and FCB Capital Trust III, (“CTII” and “CTIII”, respectively).

On March 24, 2005, CTII, an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company, issued $10,000 of variable rate trust preferred
securities, all of which are outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The trust preferred securities issued by CTII were initially
issued to accrue and pay distributions quarterly at three-month LIBOR plus 2.00%; however, on July 12, 2023, after the LIBOR
transition it will now accrue and pay distributions quarterly at three-month CME term SOFR plus a tenor spread adjustment of 0.26%
plus 2.00% on the stated liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities. As an integral part of the acquisition of FCB, the
Company has guaranteed fully and unconditionally all of the obligations of CTII. The guaranty covers the quarterly distributions and
payments on liquidation or redemption of the trust preferred securities. These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable

F-43

upon maturity on April 15, 2035, or upon earlier redemption. The Company has the right to redeem the trust preferred securities in
whole or in part, on or after April 15, 2015, at a redemption price specified in the indenture plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the
redemption date. The proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities and the issuance of $310 in common securities to FCB
were used by CTII to purchase $10,310 of floating rate subordinated debentures of FCB which have the same payment terms as the
trust preferred securities.

On March 30, 2007, CTIII, an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company, issued $5,000 of variable rate trust preferred
securities, all of which are outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The trust preferred securities issued by CTIII were initially
issued to accrue and pay distributions quarterly at three-month LIBOR plus 1.89%; however, on September 15, 2023, after the LIBOR
transition it will now accrue and pay distributions quarterly at three-month CME term SOFR plus a tenor spread adjustment of 0.26%
plus 1.89% on the stated liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities. As an integral part of the acquisition of FCB, the
Company has guaranteed fully and unconditionally all of the obligations of CTIII. The guaranty covers the quarterly distributions and
payments on liquidation or redemption of the trust preferred securities. These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable
upon maturity on June 15, 2037, or upon earlier redemption. The Company has the right to redeem the trust preferred securities in
whole or in part at a redemption price specified in the indenture plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date. The
proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities and the issuance of $155 in common securities to FCB were used by CTIII to
purchase $5,155 of floating rate subordinated debentures of FCB which have the same payment terms as the trust preferred securities.

In conjunction with the 2016 acquisition of Community First Bancshares, Inc. (CFBI), the Company assumed certain
subordinated debentures owed to a special purpose unconsolidated subsidiary, Community First (AR) Statutory Trust I, (“CFSTI”).
The trust preferred securities issued by CFSTI were initially issued to accrue and pay distributions quarterly at three-month LIBOR
plus 3.25%; however, on September 26, 2023, after the LIBOR transition it will now accrue and pay distributions quarterly at three-
month CME term SOFR plus a tenor spread adjustment of 0.26% plus 3.25% on the stated liquidation amount of the trust preferred
securities. These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity on December 26, 2032, or upon earlier
redemption.

The common securities issued to the Company by the trusts possess sole voting rights with respect to matters involving those

entities. The Company has the right to defer the payment of interest on all of its outstanding trust preferred securities. The Company
has the right to declare such a deferral for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods and deferral may only be declared as long as the
Company is not then in default under the provisions of the Amended and Restated Trust Agreements. During the deferral period,
interest on the indebtedness continues to accrue and the unpaid interest is compounded. As long as the deferral period continues, the
Company is prohibited from: (i) declaring or paying any dividend on any of its capital stock, which would include both its common
stock and the outstanding preferred stock issued to the Treasury, or (ii) making any payment on any debt security that is ranked
equally with or junior to the securities issued by the trust.

As a part of the acquisition of FCB, the Company recorded the debentures at an estimated fair value of $8,270. As part of the

acquisition of CFBI, the Company recorded the debentures at an estimated fair value of $4,187. The initial fair value adjustments will
be amortized against earnings on a prospective basis.

In conjunction with the 2021 acquisition of ASBI, the Company assumed certain subordinated debentures owed to a special
purpose unconsolidated subsidiary, American State Bank Statutory Trust I, (“ASBSTI”). The trust preferred securities issued by
ASBSTI were initially issued to accrue and pay distributions quarterly at three-month LIBOR plus 1.80%; however, on September 15,
2023, after the LIBOR transition it will now accrue and pay distributions quarterly at three-month CME term SOFR plus a tenor
spread adjustment of .26% plus 1.80% on the stated liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities. These trust preferred
securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity on September 15, 2035, or upon earlier redemption.

On September 15, 2005, ASBSTI, an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company, issued $7,500 of variable rate trust preferred

securities, all of which are outstanding at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022. As an integral part of the acquisition of ASBI,
the Company has guaranteed fully and unconditionally all of the obligations of ASBSTI. The guaranty covers the quarterly
distributions and payments on liquidation or redemption of the trust preferred securities. These trust preferred securities are
mandatorily redeemable upon maturity on September 15, 2035, or upon earlier redemption. The Company has the right to redeem the
trust preferred securities in whole or in part at a redemption price specified in the indenture plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the
redemption date. The proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities and the issuance of $232 in common securities to ASBI
were used by ASBSTI to purchase $7,732 of floating rate subordinated debentures of ASBI which have the same payment terms as the
trust preferred securities.

F-44

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the contractual balance and the unamortized fair value adjustments were as shown below.

CTII subordinated debentures
CTIII subordinated debentures
CFSTI subordinated debentures
ASBII subordinated debentures
Total contractual balance
Fair market value adjustments
Total subordinated debentures

$

$

10,310
5,155
5,155
7,732
28,352
(4,758)
23,594

2023
Weighted
Average
Rate

7.66%
7.54%
8.87%
7.45%

Weighted
Average
Term in
Years

11.3
13.5
9.0
11.7

$

$

10,310
5,155
5,155
7,732
28,352
(5,097)
23,255

2022
Weighted
Average
Rate

6.08%
6.66%
7.97%
6.57%

Weighted
Average
Term in
Years

12.3
14.5
10.0
12.7

Subordinated debentures are included in Tier 1 capital for purposes of determining the Company’s compliance with regulatory

capital requirements.

Subordinated Notes

On June 29, 2020, the Company entered into Subordinated Note Purchase Agreements with certain qualified institutional buyers

and institutional accredited investors pursuant to which the Company issued and sold $42,000 in aggregate principal amount of its
7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030. The notes were issued under an Indenture, dated as of June 29, 2020 (the
“Indenture”), by and between the Company and UMB Bank, N.A., as trustee. The notes will mature on June 30, 2030. From June 29,
2020, through June 29, 2025, the Company will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of
each year, commencing on December 30, 2020, at a fixed interest rate of 7.00%. Beginning June 30, 2025, the notes convert to a
floating interest rate, to be reset quarterly, equal to the then-current Three-Month Term SOFR, as defined in the Indenture, plus 688
basis points. Interest payments during the floating-rate period will be paid quarterly in arrears on March 30, June 30, September 30
and December 30 of each year, commencing on September 30, 2025. On July 23, 2020, the Company closed on an additional $33,000
of subordinated notes with the same terms as the June 29, 2020, issue.

Subordinated notes as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, are listed below.

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Subordinated notes

Total principal outstanding

Debt issuance cost

Total subordinated notes

$ 75,000
75,000
(1,673)
$ 73,327

Weighted
Average
Rate

Weighted
Average
Term in
Years

7.00%

6.5

Weighted
Average
Rate

Weighted
Average
Term in
Years

7.00%

7.5

$ 75,000
75,000
(1,863)
$ 73,137

Subordinated notes are included in Tier 2 capital for purposes of determining the Company’s compliance with regulatory capital

requirements.

Future Principal Repayments

Future principal repayments of the December 31, 2023, outstanding balances for all borrowings are as follows.

Due in one year or less
Due after one year through two years
Due after two years through three years
Due after three years through four years
Due after four years through five years
Thereafter
Total

Subordinated
Debentures

Subordinated
Notes

FRB
Borrowings

Total

— $
—
—
—
—
28,352
28,352 $

— $ 140,000 $283,582
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
75,000
— 103,352
75,000 $ 140,000 $386,934

Retail
Repurchase
Agreements
$ 43,582 $100,000 $

FHLB
Advances

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—

$ 43,582 $100,000 $

F-45

NOTE 12 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

The Company’s articles of incorporation provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock. There were no shares of

preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021.

Common stock

The Company’s articles of incorporation provide for the issuance of 45,000,000 shares of Class A voting common stock (“Class

A common stock”) and 5,000,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock (“Class B common stock”), both of which have a par
value of $0.01 per share. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the following table presents shares that were issued and were held in
treasury or were outstanding.

Class A common stock – issued
Class A common stock – held in treasury
Class A common stock – outstanding
Class B common stock – issued
Class B common stock – held in treasury
Class B common stock – outstanding

2023
20,460,615
(5,016,964)
15,443,651
234,903
(234,903)
—

2022
20,277,910
(4,347,798)
15,930,112
234,903
(234,903)
—

Treasury stock is stated at cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method.

In September of 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional repurchase of up to 800,000 shares of the
Company’s outstanding common stock, from time to time, beginning October 30, 2020, and concluding October 29, 2021. Under this
program, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company repurchased a total of 679,557 shares of the Company’s
outstanding common stock at an average price paid of $24.12 per share.

In September of 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the

Company’s outstanding common stock, from time to time, beginning October 29, 2021, and concluding October 28, 2022. Under this
program, during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company repurchased a total of 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s
outstanding common stock at an average price paid of $32.11 per share.

In September of 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the

Company’s outstanding common stock, from time to time, beginning October 1, 2022, and concluding September 30, 2023. Under this
program, during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the company repurchased a total of 832,893 shares of the Company’s
outstanding common stock at an average price paid of $27.89 per share.

In July of 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the

Company’s outstanding common stock, from time to time, beginning October 1, 2023, and concluding September 30, 2024. The
repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire a specific dollar amount or number of shares and it could be extended,
modified or discontinued at any time without notice. The Company has not repurchased any shares under this program, during the year
ended December 31, 2023.

Restricted Stock Unit Plan Termination Loans

In connection with termination of the Company’s restricted stock unit plan (“RSUP”), 203,216 shares of Class A common stock

were issued in May 2015 to employees with vested restricted stock units. Additional paid-in capital includes $224 of tax benefits in
excess of those previously provided in connection with stock compensation expense. Also, in connection with the termination of the
RSUP, the Company agreed to loan electing participants an amount equal to each participant’s federal and state income tax
withholding obligation associated with the stock issuance. These loans, totaling $43 at December 31, 2020, were collateralized by the
shares received with an extended maturity date of March 31, 2021, and an interest rate of 1.60%. These were paid in full in the first
quarter of 2021.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of (i) the

after-tax effect of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and (ii) unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges.
During 2023, 2022, and 2021, there were $52,013, $79 and $368 of gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
to net gains on sales of and settlement of securities within the consolidated statements of income.

F-46

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, were as follows.

December 31, 2023
Net unrealized or unamortized gains (losses)
Tax effect

December 31, 2022
Net unrealized or unamortized gains (losses)
Tax effect

Available
-for-Sale
Securities

Cash Flow
Hedges

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

$

$

$

$

(77,548) $
18,995
(58,553) $

839
(206)
633

$

$

(76,709)
18,789
(57,920)

(148,029) $
36,673
(111,356) $

(2,863) $
708
(2,155) $

(150,892)
37,381
(113,511)

NOTE 13 – INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 is listed in the following table

Current income tax expense

Federal
State

Total current income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

Federal
State

Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Total income tax expense

2023

2022

2021

$

$

(3,072) $
101
(2,971)

(2,349)
(86)
(2,435)
(5,406) $

6,679
3,321
10,000

2,197
397
2,594
12,594

$

$

7,614
2,750
10,364

1,009
583
1,592
11,956

A reconciliation of income tax expense at the U.S. federal statutory rate (21% in 2023, 2022, and 2021) to the Company’s actual

income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 is shown below.

Computed at the statutory rate
Increase (decrease) resulting from:

State and local taxes, net of federal benefit
Tax-exempt interest
Non-taxable life insurance income
Non-deductible expenses
Share-based payments
Federal tax credits
Investments reported under proportional amortization
method
Bargain purchase gain
Change in valuation allowance
Other
Non-deductible transactions costs
Captive insurance company

Income tax expense

$

2023

2022

2021

$

507

$

14,759

$

13,532

(517)
(412)
(852)
814
2
(3,715)

(1,253)
—
98
171
62
(311)
(5,406) $

2,665
(749)
(654)
258
(200)
(4,330)

—
—
354
491
—
—
12,594

$

2,333
(597)
(736)
409
(480)
(2,754)

—
(123)
379
(176)
169
—
11,956

The decrease in income tax expense represents increases in pre-tax benefits and tax credits associated with certain investments
in renewable energy in addition to the reduction in pre-tax book income for the year due to the pre-tax losses generated in the fourth
quarter related to the sale of bonds, offset by the impacts of the adoption of ASU 2023-02, Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit
Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method, (“PAM”), for qualifying investments in low income housing and renewable
energy. Under PAM, an election is made for qualifying investments on a tax credit by program basis and the cost of the investment is
amortized through income tax expense or benefit as an offset to the non-refundable income tax credits and other income tax benefits
that it received from the project entity.

F-47

Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are shown in the table below.

Deferred tax assets

Allowance for credit losses
Tax credit carryforwards
Goodwill amortization
Accrued compensation
Net operating loss and attribute carryforwards
Net unrealized (gains) losses on securities and cash flow
hedges
Other real estate owned
Deferred Revenue
Other

Gross deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Assumed debt fair market value adjustments
Depreciation
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
Core deposit intangibles
Acquired loans fair market value adjustments
Deferred Revenue
Other

Gross deferred tax liabilities
Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax asset (liability)

2023

2022

$

$

11,075 $
635
2,311
1,850
4,763

18,789
475
336
1,225
41,459

1,166
5,241
15
662
842
—
1,143
9,069
(2,262)
30,128 $

11,691
722
2,666
2,199
2,146

37,381
443
—
1,135
58,383

1,267
5,658
66
1,383
768
327
509
9,978
(2,122)
46,283

Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
and their tax basis and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. The Company
generated a federal net operating loss of $8,883 and a capital loss of $300 in 2023. Federal net operating losses arising in years ending
after 2020 can be carried forward indefinitely but are limited to 80% of taxable income. The net operating losses do not have a
valuation allowance as they are expected to be utilized. Capital losses may generally be carried back three years and carried forward
five years and are expected to be utilized before the expiration date of December 31, 2028. Acquired federal tax credits totaling $635
at December 31, 2023, will expire between 2031 and 2034. The utilization of these tax credit carryforwards is not expected to be
limited by Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) sections 382 and 383.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as state income taxes in multiple jurisdictions.

The Company generated $14,821 in consolidated state and Equity Bank separate company state net operating losses in 2023 due to the
pre-tax losses generated in the fourth quarter related to the sale of bonds. These net operating losses do not have a valuation
allowance as they are expected to be utilized prior to their expiration which varies by state ranging from December 31, 2033, to
December 31, 2043. Commercial banks are not allowed to file consolidated Kansas returns with non-bank consolidated group
members. The state of Kansas allows net operating losses incurred for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, to be carried
forward indefinitely while those generated prior to this can be carried forward ten years. The Company has unused Kansas net
operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2023, of approximately $54,734 generated through operations and $16,619 acquired
through acquisitions. These net operating losses have a valuation allowance of $54,734 and $16,619, respectively, recorded against
them and expire between 2024 and 2027 for those incurred for tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, with the remaining
carried forward indefinitely. In establishing a valuation allowance, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some
or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Based on this analysis, certain deferred tax assets have a valuation allowance
recorded against them resulting in a zero carrying value. The Company is generally no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local
tax examinations for years before 2019. There are currently no examinations open at the federal or state level.

NOTE 14 – REGULATORY MATTERS

Banks and bank holding companies are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies.
Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets,
liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are
also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action. Regulatory
capital rules require banks to maintain a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5%, a total Tier 1 capital ratio of 8%, a total capital

F-48

ratio of 10% and a leverage ratio of 5% to be deemed “well capitalized” for purposes of certain rules and prompt corrective action
requirements. The risk-based ratios include a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%. An institution is subject to limitations on certain
activities, including payment of dividends, share repurchases and discretionary bonuses to executive officers, if its capital level is
below the buffer amount. Management believes as of December 31, 2023, the Company and Bank meet all capital adequacy
requirements to which they are subject.

Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized,

significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial
condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital
distributions are limited, as are asset growth and acquisitions and capital restoration plans are required.

As of December 31, 2023, the most recent notifications from the federal regulatory agencies categorized Equity Bank as well
capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, Equity Bank must
maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or
events since that notification that management believes have changed Equity Bank’s category.

The Company’s and Equity Bank’s capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2023 and 2022, are presented in the tables

below. Ratios provided for Equity Bancshares, Inc. represent the ratios of the Company on a consolidated basis.

December 31, 2023
Total capital to risk weighted assets

Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Equity Bank

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Equity Bank

Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk
weighted assets

Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Equity Bank

Tier 1 leverage to average assets

Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Equity Bank

December 31, 2022
Total capital to risk weighted assets

Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Equity Bank

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Equity Bank

Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk
weighted assets

Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Equity Bank

Tier 1 leverage to average assets

Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Equity Bank

Actual

Amount

Ratio

Minimum Required for
Capital Adequacy
Under Basel III

Amount

Ratio

To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Provisions

Amount

Ratio

$

589,131
571,938

15.48% $
15.05%

399,729
399,006

10.50%$
10.50%

N/A
380,006

470,659
526,793

447,064
526,793

470,659
526,793

12.36%
13.86%

323,590
323,005

8.50%
8.50%

N/A
304,004

11.74%
13.86%

9.46%
10.60%

266,486
266,004

199,112
198,782

7.00%
7.00%

4.00%
4.00%

N/A
247,004

N/A
248,477

N/A
10.00%

N/A
8.00%

N/A
6.50%

N/A
5.00%

Actual

Minimum Required for
Capital Adequacy
Under Basel III

To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Provisions

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

$

603,593
588,165

16.08% $
15.71%

394,072
393,168

10.50%$
10.50%

N/A
374,445

483,539
541,354

460,285
541,354

483,539
541,354

12.88%
14.46%

319,011
318,279

8.50%
8.50%

N/A
299,556

12.26%
14.46%

9.61%
10.77%

262,715
262,112

201,288
201,066

7.00%
7.00%

4.00%
4.00%

N/A
243,390

N/A
251,332

N/A
10.00%

N/A
8.00%

N/A
6.50%

N/A
5.00%

Equity Bank is subject to certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that it may declare without prior regulatory approval.

F-49

NOTE 15 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had loans outstanding to executive officers, directors, significant stockholders

and their affiliates (related parties) in the amount of $8,331 and $12,005. Changes during 2023 are listed below.

Balance at January 1, 2023
New loans/advances
Repayments
Balance at December 31, 2023

2023

12,005
656
(4,330)
8,331

$

$

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had deposits from executive officers, directors, significant stockholders and their

affiliates (related parties) in the amount of $10,157 and $13,095.

NOTE 16 – EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The Company has a defined contribution profit sharing plan and a retirement savings 401(k) plan covering substantially all

employees. Employees may contribute up to IRS maximum contribution limit. Contributions to the profit-sharing plan and 401(k)
plan are discretionary and are determined annually by the Board of Directors. Employer contributions charged to expense for 2023,
2022, and 2021 were $1,346 $1,253 and $1,140.

As a result of the acquisition of First Independence, the Company assumed the obligations related to First Independence’s

participation in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions, a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. The
Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan is treated as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes but operates as a multiple-employer plan
under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, certain multi-
employer plan disclosures are not applicable to the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan. Under the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan,
contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers
because assets contributed by an employer are not segregated in a separate account or restricted to provide benefits only to employees
of that employer. Also, in the event a participating employer is unable to meet its contribution requirements, the required
contributions for the other participating employers could increase proportionately.

The Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan covered substantially all officers and employees of First Independence who began

employment prior to December 31, 2009, with 50 participants retaining benefits under the plan.

The Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan operates on a fiscal year from July 1 through June 30 and files one Form 5500 on behalf of

all employers who participate in the plan. The Employer Identification Number is 13-5645888 and the three-digit plan number is 333.
There are no collective bargaining agreements in place at the Company.

The Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan’s annual valuation process includes calculating the plan’s funded status and separately
calculating the funded status of each participating employer. The funded status is defined as the market value of assets divided by the
funding target (100 percent of the present value of all benefit liabilities accrued at that date). As permitted by ERISA, the Pentegra
Defined Benefit Plan accepts contributions for the prior plan year up to eight and a half months after the asset valuation date. As a
result, the fair value of assets at the valuation date (July 1) will increase by any subsequent contributions designated for the
immediately preceding plan year ended June 30. The most recent Form 5500 available for the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan is for the
year ended June 30, 2022.

The following table presents the net pension cost and funded status of the Company relating to the Pentegra Defined Benefit

Plan since the date of acquisition (dollar amounts in thousands).

Net pension cost charged to salaries and employee
benefits
Pentegra defined benefit plan funded status as of
July 1
Plan's funded status as of July 1
Contributions paid to the plan

$

$

2023

2022

54

$

71

113.64%
87.84%
53

$

118.87%
93.66%
80

The Company’s contributions to the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan were less than 5.00% of the total contributions to the

Pentegra Defined Benefit plan for the plan year ended June 30, 2022.

F-50

NOTE 17 – SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The Company’s 2022 Omnibus Equity Plan (the Plan) reserved 760,000 shares for the grant of non-qualified stock options,
restricted stock units, restricted stock and unrestricted stock to its employees and directors. The Plan replaced the Amended and
Restated 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (2013 Plan). Under the 2013 Plan, there were 271,491 and 345,887 remaining fully vested and
exercisable options outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022. No new grants of options may be made under the 2013 Plan. The
Company believes that stock-based awards better align the interests of its employees with those of its stockholders. Under the
Company’s 2023 and 2022 director compensation policy, the directors receive a portion of their compensation in stock.

The following tables summarize the share and expense activity for the directors for the years ended December 31, 2023, and

2022.

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Outstanding at beginning
of year
Granted
Vested
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Outstanding at end of
year

Stock
Options

Restricted
Stock Units

Restricted
Stock
Awards

105,567
—
—
(7,579)
(41,649)

10,700
—
(10,700)
—
—

—
15,400
—
—
—

Total

116,267
15,400
(10,700)
(7,579)
(41,649)

Stock
Options

Restricted
Stock Units

Restricted
Stock
Awards

109,223
—
—
(3,656)
—

—
10,700
—
—
—

56,339

—

15,400

71,739

105,567

10,700

Total

109,223
10,700
—
(3,656)
—

116,267

—
—
—
—
—

—

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Stock
Options
Expense

Restricted
Stock Units
Expense

Restricted
Stock
Awards
Expense

Granted
Vested
Forfeited or expired
Outstanding at end of year

$

$

— $
—
—
— $

— $

163
—
163

$

165
—
—
165

Stock
Options
Expense

Restricted
Stock Units
Expense

— $
—
—
— $

239
102
—
341

$

$

Total
$ 165
163
—
$ 328

$

$

Restricted
Stock
Awards
Expense

Total
— $ 239
102
—
—
—
— $ 341

Stock Option Awards: Options granted to directors and employees under the Plan vest depending on the passage of time or the

achievement of performance targets, depending on the terms of the underlying grant.

The following tables summarize stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

December 31, 2023
Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Outstanding at end of year
Fully vested and expected to vest
Exercisable at end of year

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

27.72
24.41
15.83
31.53
26.71
26.71
27.40

4
10
2
6
5
5
3

$

$
$
$

2,118
963
(232)
(1)
2,780
2,780
1,838

Options

379,096
101,387
(12,829)
(91,208)
376,446
376,446
271,491

$

$
$
$

F-51

December 31, 2022
Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Outstanding at end of year
Fully vested and expected to vest
Exercisable at end of year

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

26.08
31.64
19.66
33.32
27.72
27.72
27.36

5
10
4
6
4
4
4

$

$
$
$

3,889
34
(1,331)
—
2,118
2,118
2,063

Options

478,841
33,250
(102,309)
(30,686)
379,096
379,096
345,887

$

$
$
$

The fair values of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, were estimated to be $9.86

per share, $11.23 per share, and $5.85 per share. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a closed
form option valuation (Black-Scholes) model. Expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of the SNL Bank
Index. The expected term of options granted is based on the Simplified Method. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of
the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

The fair values of options granted were determined using the following weighted-average assumptions as of grant dates.

Risk free rate
Market value of stock on grant date
Expected term (in years)
Expected volatility
Dividend rate

$

2023

2022

$

3.67%
24.41
6.2
33.76%
— %

1.67%
31.64
5.8
34.64%
— %

Compensation expense for stock options is recognized as the options vest. Total stock option compensation cost that has been
charged against income was $342, $260, and $201 for 2023, 2022, and 2021. The total income tax benefit was $85, $64 and $51. At
December 31, 2023, there was $815 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options granted under the
Plan. Unrecognized compensation expense at December 31, 2023, will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of
3.6 years.

F-52

Restricted Stock Unit Awards: Restricted stock units (RSUs) granted to employees under the Plan represent the right to receive
one share of Company stock upon vesting, in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in each award agreement. To the extent
vested, the RSUs become Class A voting common stock within ten calendar days of the vesting date. Non-vested RSUs have no
voting rights and are not considered outstanding until vesting. The fair value of the RSUs is determined by the closing price of the
Company’s stock on the date of grant.

A summary of changes in the Company’s non-vested RSUs is shown below.

Non-vested Restricted Stock Units

Non-vested RSUs at January 1, 2023
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2023

Shares

337,250
152,029
(122,420)
(98,884)
267,975

Non-vested Restricted Stock Units

Shares

Non-vested RSUs at January 1, 2022
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2022

287,737
166,136
(69,049)
(47,574)
337,250

Weighted
Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

27.35
28.68
27.72
27.06
26.19

Weighted
Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

25.13
31.39
26.29
29.58
27.35

$

$

$

$

Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award based on the fair value of RSU awards at the grant

date. The Company recognized share-based compensation attributable to RSUs of $2,193, $2,897 and $2,285 for the years ended
December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The total income tax benefit was $543, $719 and $575 for the same time periods. Unrecognized
RSU compensation expense of $4.9 million at December 31, 2023, will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of
2.9 years.

Restricted Stock Awards: Restricted stock awards (RSAs) granted to employees under the Plan represent the right to receive one

share of Company stock upon vesting, in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in each award agreement. To the extent
vested, the RSAs become Class A voting common stock within ten calendar days of the vesting date. Non-vested RSAs have no
voting rights and are not considered outstanding until vesting. The fair value of the RSAs is determined by the closing price of the
Company’s stock on the date of grant.

A summary of changes in the Company's non-vested RSAs is shown below.

Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards

Shares

Weighted
Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

Non-vested RSAs at January 1, 2023
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2023

— $

15,400
—
—
15,400

$

—
21.44
—
—
21.44

Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award based on the fair value of RSA awards at the grant

date. The Company recognized share-based compensation attributable to RSAs of $218, $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31,
2023, 2022, and 2021. The total income tax benefit was $54, $0 and $0 for the same time periods. Unrecognized RSA compensation
expense of $0.1 million at December 31, 2023, will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 0.3 years.

F-53

Employee Stock Purchase Plan:

On January 27, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Equity Bancshares, Inc. 2019 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan (“ESPP”) and reserved 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance. The ESPP was approved by the Company’s stockholders
on April 24, 2019. The ESPP enables eligible employees to purchase the Company’s common stock at a price per share equal to 85%
of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock at the beginning or end of each offering period. The following table
presents the offering periods and costs associated with this program.

Offering Period

August 15, 2020 to February 14, 2021
February 15, 2021 to August 14, 2021
August 15, 2021 to February 14, 2022
February 15, 2022 to August 14, 2022
August 15, 2022 to February 14, 2023
February 15, 2023 to August 14, 2023

NOTE 18 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share were computed as shown below.

Shares
Purchased

17,621
16,034
14,274
14,555
17,058
14,548

Cost Per Share
13.68
20.50
27.37
27.61
26.18
22.34

Compensation
Expense

42
58
69
71
81
57

Basic:

Net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Weighted average vested restricted stock units
Weighted average shares

Basic earnings (losses) per common share

Diluted:

Net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders
Weighted average common shares outstanding for:

Basic earnings per common share
Dilutive effects of the assumed exercise of

stock options

Dilutive effects of the assumed redemption of RSUs
Dilutive effects of the assumed exercise of

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Average shares and dilutive potential common shares

Diluted earnings (losses) per common share

2023

2022

2021

$

$

$

7,821
15,531,712
4,060
15,535,772
0.50

7,821

$

$

$

57,688
16,212,429
1,620
16,214,049
3.56

57,688

$

$

$

52,480
15,016,725
2,496
15,019,221
3.49

52,480

15,535,772

16,214,049

15,019,221

37,952
72,448

92,893
129,056

164,704
120,622

2,670
15,648,842
0.50

$

1,908
16,437,906
3.51

$

1,884
15,306,431
3.43

$

Average outstanding stock options and RSUs not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) because they were

antidilutive are shown below.

Stock options
Restricted stock units

Total antidilutive shares

NOTE 19 – FAIR VALUE

2023
272,414
66,279
338,693

2022

78,645
452
79,097

2021
55,872
451
56,323

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to disclose the

fair value of its 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. For disclosure purposes, the Company groups its financial and non-financial assets and liabilities into three
different levels based on the nature of the instrument and the availability and reliability of the information that is used to determine
fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values are defined as follows.

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as
of the measurement date.

F-54

Level 2: Significant other 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 reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market
participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

Level 1 inputs are considered to be the most transparent and reliable. The Company assumes the use of the principal market to
conduct a transaction of each particular asset or liability being measured and then considers the assumptions that market participants
would use when pricing the asset or liability. Whenever possible, the Company first looks for quoted prices for identical assets or
liabilities in active markets (Level 1 inputs) to value each asset or liability. However, when inputs from identical assets or liabilities
on active markets are not available, the Company utilizes market observable data for similar assets and liabilities. The Company
maximizes the use of observable inputs and limits the use of unobservable inputs to occasions when observable inputs are not
available. The need to use unobservable inputs generally results from the lack of market liquidity of the actual financial instrument or
of the underlying collateral. Although, in some instances, third party price indications may be available, limited trading activity can
challenge the implied value of those quotations.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the

general classification of each instrument under the hierarchy.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The fair values of available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. To the extent possible, observable

quoted prices in an active market are used to determine fair value and, as such, these securities are classified as Level 1. For securities
where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities, generally determined by
matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value securities without relying exclusively on quoted
prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2
inputs). The Company’s available-for-sale securities include residential mortgage-backed securities (all of which are issued or
guaranteed by government sponsored agencies) and are classified as Level 2.

The fair values of derivatives are determined based on a valuation pricing model using readily available observable market

parameters such as interest rate yield curves (Level 2 inputs) adjusted for credit risk attributable to the seller of the derivative.

F-55

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.

Assets:

Available-for-sale securities:

U.S. Government-sponsored entities
U.S. Treasury securities
Mortgage backed securities

Government-sponsored residential mortgage backed securities
Private label residential mortgage backed securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and political subdivisions

Derivative assets:

Derivative assets (included in other assets)
Cash collateral held by counterparty and netting

adjustments

Total derivative assets

Other assets:

Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Total other assets

Total assets

Liabilities:

Derivative liabilities:

Derivative liabilities (included in other liabilities)
Cash collateral held by counterparty and netting

adjustments

Total derivative liabilities

Total liabilities

Level 1

December 31, 2023
Level 2

Level 3

$

— $

89,256

33,087
—

$

—
—
—
—
—

—

(6,406)
(6,406)

673
673
83,523

$

529,143
137,841
49,683
7,727
72,911

7,002

—
7,002

—
—
837,394

$

— $

3,656

$

(454)
(454)
(454) $

—
3,656
3,656

$

$

$

$

—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—

—
—
—

—

—
—
—

F-56

Assets:

Available-for-sale securities:

U.S. Government-sponsored entities
U.S. Treasury securities
Mortgage backed securities

Government-sponsored residential mortgage backed securities
Private label residential mortgage backed securities

Corporate
Small Business Administration loan pools
State and political subdivisions

Derivative assets:

Derivative assets (included in other assets)
Cash collateral held by counterparty and netting

adjustments

Total derivative assets

Other assets:

Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Total other assets

Total assets

Liabilities:

Derivative liabilities:

Derivative liabilities (included in other liabilities)
Cash collateral held by counterparty and netting

adjustments

Total derivative liabilities

Total liabilities

Level 1

December 31, 2022
Level 2

Level 3

$

— $

232,158

106,406
—

$

—
—
—
—
—

—

(7,336)
(7,336)

498,606
163,560
52,374
12,181
119,105

8,736

—
8,736

570
570
225,392

$

—
—
960,968

$

— $

8,012

$

(4,476)
(4,476)
(4,476) $

—
8,012
8,012

$

$

$

$

—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—

—
—
—

—

—
—
—

There were no transfers between Levels during 2023 or 2022. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers into or out of a

level as of the end of a reporting period.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-recurring Basis

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis when there is evidence of loans individually assessed for credit

losses. The fair values of loans individually assessed for credit losses with specific allocations of the allowance for credit losses are
generally based on recent real estate appraisals of the collateral. Declines in the fair values of other real estate owned, subsequent to
their initial acquisitions, are also based on recent real estate appraisals less selling costs.

Real estate appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and

the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the
comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the
inputs for determining fair value.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below.

Loans individually evaluated for credit losses:

Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Other

Other real estate owned:
Commercial real estate
Residential real estate

Level 1

December 31, 2023
Level 2

Level 3

$

— $
—
—
—
—

—
—

— $
—
—
—
—

—
—

1,616
3,706
6,165
2,606
2,442

1,061
170

F-57

Loans individually evaluated for credit losses:

Commercial real estate
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate
Agricultural real estate
Other

Other real estate owned:
Commercial real estate
Residential real estate

Level 1

December 31, 2022
Level 2

Level 3

$

— $
—
—
—
—

—
—

— $
—
—
—
—

—
—

617
4,747
2,395
1,253
1,871

792
170

The Company did not record any liabilities for which the fair value was measured on a non-recurring basis during the years

ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Valuations of loans and other real estate owned individually assessed for credit losses utilize third party appraisals or broker

price opinions and are classified as Level 3 due to the significant judgment involved. Appraisals may include the utilization of
unobservable inputs, subjective factors and utilize quantitative data to estimate fair market value.

The following table presents additional information about the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of

financial assets measured on a nonrecurring basis that were categorized with Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

December 31, 2023

Real estate loans individually evaluated

for credit losses

Other real estate owned individually
evaluated

for credit losses
December 31, 2022

Real estate loans individually evaluated

for credit losses

Other real estate owned individually
evaluated

for credit losses

Fair
Value

Valuation
Technique

Unobservable
Input

Range
(weighted
average)

16,535

Sales Comparison
Approach

Adjustments for differences
between comparable sales

3% - 34%
(19%)

1,231

Sales Comparison
Approach

Adjustments for differences
between comparable sales

7% - 28%
(18%)

10,883

Sales Comparison
Approach

Adjustments for differences
between comparable sales

10% - 51%
(31%)

Sales Comparison
Approach

962

Adjustments for differences
between comparable sales

3% - 24%
(13%)

$

$

$

$

F-58

Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at year end were as follows as of the date indicated.

December 31, 2023

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities
Loans held for sale
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan

Bank stock

Interest receivable
Derivative assets
Cash collateral held by derivative counterparty and

netting adjustments
Total derivative assets
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Total assets

Financial liabilities:

Deposits
Federal funds purchased and retail repurchase

agreements

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings
Subordinated debentures
Subordinated notes
Contractual obligations
Interest payable
Derivative liabilities
Cash collateral held by derivative counterparty and

netting adjustments

Total derivative liabilities
Total liabilities

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

$

379,099
919,648
2,209
476
3,289,381

$

379,099
919,648
2,250
476
3,227,789

20,608
25,497
7,002

20,608
25,497
7,002

(6,406)
596
674
$ 4,638,188

(6,406)
596
674
$ 4,576,637

$ 4,145,455

$ 4,140,501

$

$

$

43,582
100,000
140,000
23,594
73,327
19,315
9,180
3,656

43,582
100,000
140,000
23,594
71,827
19,315
9,180
3,656

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

379,099
89,256
—
—
—

$

— $

—
—
—

830,392
2,250
476
— 3,227,789

—
—
—

20,608
25,497
7,002

—
—
—

(6,406)
(6,406)
674
462,623

$

—
7,002
—
886,225

—
—
—
$ 3,227,789

— $ 4,140,501

$

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

43,582
100,000
140,000
23,594
71,827
19,315
9,180
3,656

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—

(454)
3,202
$ 4,557,655

(454)
3,202
$ 4,551,201

$

—
(454)
3,656
(454)
(454) $ 4,551,655

$

F-59

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities
Loans held for sale
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan

Bank stock

Interest receivable
Derivative assets
Cash collateral held by derivative counterparty and

netting adjustments
Total derivative assets
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Total assets

Financial liabilities:

Deposits
Federal funds purchased and retail repurchase

agreements

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Subordinated debentures
Subordinated notes
Contractual obligations
Interest payable
Derivative liabilities
Cash collateral held by derivative counterparty and

netting adjustments

Total derivative liabilities
Total liabilities

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

$

104,428
1,184,390
1,948
349
3,265,701

$

104,428
1,184,390
1,973
349
3,251,129

21,695
20,630
8,736

21,695
20,630
8,736

(7,336)
1,400
570
$ 4,601,111

(7,336)
1,400
570
$ 4,586,564

$ 4,241,807

$ 4,232,948

$

$

$

46,478
138,864
23,255
73,137
15,218
2,473
8,012

46,478
138,864
23,255
70,887
15,218
2,473
8,012

December 31, 2022

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

104,428
232,158
—
—
—

$

— $

—
—
952,232
—
1,973
349
—
— 3,251,129

—
—
—

21,695
20,630
8,736

—
—
—

(7,336)
(7,336)
570
329,820

—
8,736
—
$ 1,005,615

—
—
—
$ 3,251,129

— $ 4,232,948

$

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

46,478
138,864
23,255
70,887
15,218
2,473
8,012

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—

(4,476)
3,536
$ 4,544,768

(4,476)
3,536
$ 4,533,659

$

—
(4,476)
(4,476)
8,012
(4,476) $ 4,538,135

$

The fair value of off-balance-sheet items is not considered material.

NOTE 20 – COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT RISK

The Company extends credit for commercial real estate mortgages, residential mortgages, working capital financing and loans to

businesses and consumers.

Commitments to Originate Loans and Available Lines of Credit

Commitments to originate loans and available lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation

of any condition established in the contract. Commitments and lines of credit generally have fixed expiration dates or other
termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since a portion of the commitments and lines of credit may expire without
being drawn upon, the total commitment and lines of credit amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each
customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, is based on
management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property,
plant and equipment, commercial real estate, and residential real estate. Mortgage loans in the process of origination represent
amounts that the Company plans to fund within a normal period of 60 to 90 days and are intended for sale to investors in the
secondary market.

F-60

The contractual amounts of commitments to originate loans and available lines of credit as of December 31, 2023 and 2022

were as follows.

Commitments to make loans
Mortgage loans in the process of origination
Unused lines of credit

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

$

Fixed
Rate

47,465
4,574
124,893

$

Variable
Rate
343,715
357
355,270

$

Fixed
Rate

73,185
2,130
130,843

$

Variable
Rate
210,266
3,480
354,408

At December 31, 2023, the fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 3.75% to 18.00% and maturities

ranging from 1 month to 150 months.

Standby Letters of Credit:

Standby letters of credit are irrevocable commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a
third party once specified preconditions are met. Financial standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private
borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions. Performance standby letters of credit
are issued to guarantee performance of certain customers under non-financial contractual obligations. The credit risk involved in
issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. The contractual amounts of
standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are listed below.

Standby letters of credit

NOTE 21 – LEGAL MATTERS

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Fixed
Rate

Variable
Rate

Fixed
Rate

Variable
Rate

$

18,145

$

30,680

$

16,358

$

25,791

The Company is party to various matters of litigation in the ordinary course of business. The Company periodically reviews all

outstanding pending or threatened legal proceedings and determines if such matters will have an adverse effect on the business,
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. A loss contingency is recorded when the outcome is probable and reasonably
able to be estimated. Any loss contingency described below has been identified by the Company as reasonably possible to result in an
unfavorable outcome for the Company or the Bank.

Equity Bank is party to a lawsuit filed on January 28, 2022, in the Sedgwick County Kansas District Court on behalf of one of
our customers alleging improperly collected overdraft fees. The plaintiff seeks to have the case certified as a class action. The Bank
filed a motion to dismiss this claim on its merits and on the grounds that the defendant must litigate any such claims in arbitration. The
court ruling denying arbitration is currently under appeal. The Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit, and it intends to
vigorously defend against the claim asserted. At this time, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the loss amount of this
litigation.

Equity Bank is party to a lawsuit filed on February 2, 2022, in Jackson County, Missouri District Court against the Bank on
behalf of one of our Missouri customers alleging improperly collected overdraft fees. The plaintiff seeks to have the case certified as a
class action. The Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit, and it intends to vigorously defend against the claims now
asserted. At this time, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the loss amount of this litigation.

Equity Bank is party to a lawsuit filed on February 28, 2023, in Saline County, Missouri District Court against the Bank on
behalf of one of our Missouri customers alleging improperly collected overdraft fees. The plaintiff seeks to have the case certified as a
class action. The Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit, and it intends to vigorously defend against the claims now
asserted. At this time, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the loss amount of this litigation.

NOTE 22 – REVENUE RECOGNITION

The majority of the Company’s revenues come from interest income on financial instruments, including loans, leases, securities

and derivatives, which are outside the scope of ASC 606. The Company’s services that fall within the scope of ASC 606 are
presented with non-interest income and are recognized as revenue as the Company satisfies its obligation to the customer. Services
within the scope of ASC 606 include service charges and fees on deposits, debit card income, investment referral income, insurance
sales commissions and other non-interest income related to loans and deposits.

F-61

Except for gains or losses from the sale of other real estate owned, all of the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers

within the scope of ASC 606 are recognized in non-interest income. The following table presents the Company’s sources of non-
interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Non-interest income
Service charges and fees
Debit card income
Mortgage banking(a)
Increase in bank-owned life insurance(a)
Net gain on acquisition and branch sales(a)
Net gain (loss) from securities transactions(a)
Other non-interest income

Investment referral income
Trust income
Insurance sales commissions
Recovery on zero-basis purchased loans(a)
Income (loss) from equity method investments(a)
Other non-interest income related to loans
and deposits
Other non-interest income not related to
loans and deposits(a)
Total other non-interest income

Total

(a) Not within the scope of ASC 606

2023

2022

2021

$

10,187 $
10,322
652
4,059
—
(51,909)

10,632 $
10,677
1,416
3,113
962
5

8,596
10,236
3,306
3,506
585
406

424
1,123
582
517
(222)

539
1,036
566
249
(222)

678
1,140
545
85
(222)

5,013

6,894

3,703

123
7,560
$ (19,129) $

90
9,152
35,957 $

278
6,207
32,842

A description of the Company’s revenue streams accounted for under ASC 606 follows.

Service Charges and Fees

The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based account maintenance and overdraft services.
Transaction-based fees, which include services such as stop payment charges, statement rendering and ACH fees, are recognized at
the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer’s request. Account maintenance fees,
which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of a month, representing the period over which the
Company satisfies the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs. Service
charges on deposits are collected through withdrawal from the customer’s account balance.

Debit Card Income

The Company earns debit card income from cardholder transactions conducted through payment processors. Debit card income

from cardholder transactions represents a percentage of the underlying transaction value and is recognized concurrently with the
transaction processing services provided to the cardholder.

Investment Referral Income

Investment referral services are offered through an unaffiliated registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. Investment

referral income consists of transaction-based fees (i.e., trade commissions) and account fees (i.e., custodial fees). The service
obligation for transaction-based fees relates to processing of individual transactions and is considered earned at the time the
transaction occurs. The Company currently records this income when payment is received and at each month end for current-month
transactions. Account fees are considered earned over the period for which the fees relate. These fees are received during the first
month of each quarter and represent advance payment for the current quarter. These fees are amortized ratably over the three months
during the quarter. Therefore, all account-based fees are currently recorded as performance obligations are satisfied.

Trust Income

Trust income includes fees from asset management, custody, recordkeeping, investment advisory and administration services.
Revenue is recognized at the time the services are performed and may be based on either the fair value of the account or the services
provided.

Insurance Sales Commissions

Insurance commissions are received based on contracts with insurance companies which provide for a percentage of premiums
to be paid to the Company in exchange for placement of policies with customers. The commissions generally relate to a period of one
year or less. Under certain contracts, the Company may also assist with the claims processing, but this performance obligation is

F-62

considered insignificant compared to the initial placement of the policy. As such, the performance obligation is considered to have
been substantially satisfied at the time of policy placement. While this indicates that all related revenue would be appropriately
accrued at policy inception, in some cases, recognition occurs over the policy period if received in installments from the insurance
company. In no cases would this deferral extend beyond 12 months and the effect is considered immaterial compared to recognition at
the time of policy placement. The Company also receives commissions based on renewals of policies previously placed. However,
additional work is required to process the renewals, resulting in future performance obligations to earn the related revenues. In
addition, the occurrence of such renewals is not certain as initial policies are generally for one year or less and the fees earned are not
determined until the time of renewal, based on underwriting at that time. As such, the Company has determined that accrual of
income for future renewals is not appropriate.

Other Non-interest Income

Other non-interest income related to loans and deposits is earned when the specific transaction is processed, similar to service

charges and fees.

Gain or Loss on Sale of Other Real Estate

Gain or loss on sale of other real estate is reported in non-interest expense and is netted with other real estate expenses. The

Company records a gain or loss from the sale of other real estate when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally
occurs at the time of an executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of other real estate to the buyer, the Company assesses
whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligation under the contract and whether collectability of the transaction price is
probable. Once these criteria are met, the other real estate is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of
control of the property to the buyer. In determining the gain or loss on the sale, the Company adjusts the transaction price and related
gain or loss on sale if a significant financing component is present. As a result, the Company has concluded that ASC 606 will affect
the decision to recognize or defer gains on sales of other real estate in circumstances where the Company has financed the sale.

NOTE 23 – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

Presented below is the condensed financial information as to financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the

Parent Company.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2023, and 2022
(Dollar Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
Investment in Equity Bank
Investment in EBAC
Investment in ERMI
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Bank stock loan
Subordinated debt
Interest payable and other liabilities

Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

2023

2022

12,729
531,272
3,261
1,955
3,009
552,226

$

$

— $

96,921
2,445
99,366
452,860
552,226

$

12,108
490,755
3,325
405
2,035
508,628

—
96,392
2,178
98,570
410,058
508,628

$

$

$

$

F-63

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
(Dollar Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Dividends from Equity Bank
Other income

Total income

Expenses

Interest expense
Other expenses

Total expenses

Income before income tax and equity in undistributed

income (loss) of subsidiaries

Income tax benefit
Income before equity in undistributed income (loss)

of subsidiaries

Equity in undistributed income (loss) of Equity Bank
Equity in undistributed income (loss) of EBAC
Equity in undistributed income (loss) of ERMI
Net income (loss) and net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders

2023

2022

2021

$

$

$

32,500
542
33,042

7,678
3,058
10,736

22,306
2,114

24,420
(17,844)
(305)
1,550
7,821

$

33,903
4
33,907

6,796
2,516
9,312

24,595
2,039

26,634
31,462
(413)
5
57,688

$

$

14,251
56
14,307

6,261
3,450
9,711

4,596
1,551

6,147
46,710
(377)
—
52,480

F-64

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
(Dollar Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from

operating activities:
Stock based compensation
Equity in undistributed (income) loss of Equity Bank
Equity in undistributed (income) loss of EBAC
Equity in undistributed (income) loss of ERMI
Net amortization of purchase valuation adjustments
Net change in:
Other assets
Interest payable and other liabilities

Net cash from (to) operating activities

Cash flows (to) from investing activities

Proceeds from sales, calls, pay-downs and maturities of AFS securities
Net redemptions (purchases) of correspondent and miscellaneous other
stock
Purchase of net assets of ASBI, net of cash acquired
Additional investment in Equity Bank
Additional investment in EBAC
Additional investment in ERMI

Net cash (used in) investing activities

Cash flows (to) from financing activities

Borrowings on bank stock loan
Principal payments on bank stock loan
Borrowings on subordinated debt
Subordinated debt issue cost
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
Principal payments on employee stock loan
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
Purchase of treasury stock
Dividends paid on common stock

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Ending cash and cash equivalents

NOTE 24 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

2023

2022

2021

$

7,821

$

57,688

$

52,480

3,213
17,844
305
(1,550)
530

(658)
(2,553)
24,952

—

(751)
—
—
(50)
—
(801)

—
—
—
—
203
—
784
(17,900)
(6,614)
(23,527)
624
12,108
12,732

$

3,325
(31,462)
413
(5)
506

1,464
(5,912)
26,017

—

(2,425)
—
—
(200)
(400)
(3,025)

—
—
—
—
2,011
—
792
(33,186)
(5,564)
(35,947)
(12,955)
25,063
12,108

$

2,906
(46,710)
377
—
485

6,965
(207)
16,296

376

—
(8,209)
—
—
—
(7,833)

—
—
—
(16)
3,847
43
569
(18,664)
(1,149)
(15,370)
(6,907)
31,970
25,063

$

The Company completed its previously announced merger with Rockhold BanCorp ("Rockhold") on February 9, 2024. In its
December 31, 2023, unaudited Consolidated Report of Condition, Rockhold reported total assets of $407,398, which included total
loan principal outstanding of $122,708 and securities of $173,997. At December 31, 2023, total liabilities of $352,278 were reported
by Rockhold, which included deposits of $343,047. Rockhold reported $5,902 in net income before income taxes for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2023. The Company anticipates there will not be goodwill recorded but there will be core deposit
intangible recorded with this acquisition.

F-65

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