Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Banks - Regional / HBT Financial, Inc.

HBT Financial, Inc.

hbt · NASDAQ Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker hbt
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 844
← All annual reports
FY2021 Annual Report · HBT Financial, Inc.
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Table of Contents

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, 2021

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: 001-39085
HBT Financial, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

401 North Hershey Road
Bloomington, Illinois 61704
(Address of principal executive offices,
including zip code)

37-1117216
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

(888) 897-2276
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)

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

Trading Symbol(s)
HBT

Name of each exchange on which registered
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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 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

Emerging growth company

☐

☐

☒

Accelerated filer

Smaller reporting 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. ☐

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates on the last business day of the registrant’s most
recently completed second fiscal quarter was $164.7 million, determined using a per share closing price for the registrant’s common stock on that
date of $17.41, as quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market.

As of February 22, 2022, there were 28,989,366 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value.

Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III incorporate information by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of HBT Financial, Inc. to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2021.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 
Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
HBT Financial, Inc.

Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Securities
[Reserved]
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary

Page

5
5
22
47
47
47
47

48

48
49
50
88
90
155
155
156
156

156
156
156

156
157
157

157
157
159

PART I.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

PART II.
Item 5.

Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.

PART III.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.

Item 13.
Item 14.

PART IV.
Item 15.
Item 16.

Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain  statements  contained  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  are  forward-looking  statements.  Forward-
looking  statements  may  include  statements  relating  to  our  plans,  strategies  and  expectations,  the  economic
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and our future financial results, near-term loan growth, net interest margin,
mortgage banking profits, wealth management fees, expenses, asset quality, capital levels, continued earnings
and liquidity. Forward looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "believe," "may," "will,"
"should,"  "could,"  "expect,"  "estimate,"  "intend,"  "anticipate,"  "project,"  "plan"  or  similar  expressions.  Forward
looking  statements  are  frequently  based  on  assumptions  that  may  or  may  not  materialize  and  are  subject  to
numerous uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-
looking  statements.  Factors  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  the  results  anticipated  or
projected and which could materially and adversely affect our operating results, financial condition or prospects
include, but are not limited to:

● our asset quality and any loan charge-offs;
● the composition of our loan portfolio;
● environmental liability associated with our lending activities;
● the effects of the current low interest rate environment or changes in interest rates on our net interest
income,  net  interest  margin,  our  investments,  and  our  loan  originations,  and  our  modeling  estimates
relating to interest rate changes;

● changes in and uncertainty related to benchmark interest rates used to price our loans, including the

elimination of LIBOR;

● our access to sources of liquidity and capital to address our liquidity needs;
● our  inability  to  receive  dividends  from  Heartland  Bank  and  Trust  Company  (“Heartland  Bank”  or  the

“Bank”), pay dividends to our common stockholders or satisfy obligations as they become due;

● the effects of problems encountered by other financial institutions;
● our ability to achieve organic loan and deposit growth and the composition of such growth;
● our ability to attract and retain skilled employees or changes in our management personnel;
● any failure or interruption of our information and communications systems;
● our ability to identify and address cybersecurity risks;
● the effects of the failure of any component of our business infrastructure provided by a third party;
● our ability to keep pace with technological changes;
● our ability to successfully develop and commercialize new or enhanced products and services;
● current and future business, economic and market conditions in the United States generally or in Illinois

in particular;

● the geographic concentration of our operations in Illinois and Iowa;
● our ability to effectively compete with other financial services companies and the effects of competition

in the financial services industry on our business;
● our ability to attract and retain customer deposits;
● severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, acts of war or terrorism or other external events;
● the  length  and  severity  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  and  the  effects  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,
including the impact of the pandemic on our operations and the operations of our customers and the
communities that we serve;

● possible impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets;
● the impact of, and changes in applicable laws, regulations and accounting standards and policies;
● our prior status as an S Corp;
● possible  changes  in  trade,  monetary  and  fiscal  policies  of,  and  other  activities  undertaken  by,

governments, agencies, central banks and similar organizations;

● the effectiveness of our risk management and internal disclosure controls and procedures;
● market perceptions associated with certain aspects of our business;
● our ability to meet our obligations as a public company, including our obligations under Section 404 of

Sarbanes-Oxley; and

3

Table of Contents

● damage  to  our  reputation  from  any  of  the  factors  described  above,  in  Part  I,  Item  1A  “Risk  Factors”,
Part  II,  Item  7  "Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of
Operations", or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

These  risks  and  uncertainties,  as  well  as  the  factors  discussed  in  Part  I,  Item  1A  "Risk  Factors,"  should  be
considered  in  evaluating  forward-looking  statements  and  undue  reliance  should  not  be  placed  on  such
statements.  Forward-looking  statements  speak  only  as  of  the  date  they  are  made.  We  do  not  undertake  any
obligation  to  update  any  forward-looking  statement  in  the  future,  or  to  reflect  circumstances  and  events  that
occur after the date on which the forward-looking statement was made.

4

Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1.        BUSINESS

COMPANY OVERVIEW

HBT Financial, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1982, is a bank holding company
headquartered  in  Bloomington,  Illinois  that  has  elected  to  be  regulated  as  a  financial  holding  company.  As  of
December  31,  2021,  we  had  total  assets  of  $4.3  billion,  loans  held  for  investment  of  $2.5  billion,  and  total
deposits of $3.7 billion. Through our bank subsidiary, Heartland Bank and Trust Company (“Heartland Bank” or
the  “Bank”),  we  provide  a  comprehensive  suite  of  business,  commercial  and  retail  banking  products  and
services  to  consumers,  businesses,  and  municipal  entities  throughout  Central  and  Northeastern  Illinois  and
Eastern Iowa. The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol
“HBT.”

The  roots  of  our  Company  can  be  traced  back  to  1920  when  M.B.  Drake,  the  grandfather  of  our  current
Chairman  and  CEO,  Fred  Drake,  helped  found  a  community  bank  in  Cornland,  Illinois.  The  Drake  family
operated  several  banks  throughout  Central  Illinois,  and  eventually,  in  1982,  George  Drake  (M.B.'s  son  and
Fred's father) incorporated the Company as one of the first multi-bank holding companies in Illinois. Since that
time, we have grown both organically and through the successful integration of more than a dozen community
bank acquisitions.

The foundation for our success has been built upon a steadfast commitment to our core operating principles:

● Prioritize safety and soundness. We engage in safe and sound banking practices that preserve the

asset quality of our balance sheet and protect our deposit base.

● Maintain  strong  profitability.  We  have  produced  consistently  strong  earnings  even  through

challenging times such as the 2008-2009 financial crisis as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

● Continue disciplined growth. We have a strong track record of organic and acquisitive growth with

our seasoned senior management team.

● Uphold  our  Midwestern  values.  We  convey  the  values  of  the  Midwest  through  hard  work,
perseverance  and  doing  the  right  things.  We  serve  our  customers  well;  provide  employment,
development opportunities, and rewards for our staff; and generate good returns for our stockholders.

NXT BANCORPORATION, INC. ACQUISITION

On October 1, 2021, HBT completed its acquisition of NXT Bancorporation, Inc. (NXT), the holding company for
NXT Bank. The acquisition expanded HBT’s footprint into Eastern Iowa with four locations that began operating
as  branches  of  Heartland  Bank  in  December  2021.  NXT  added  total  assets  of  $234  million,  total  loans  of
$195 million, and total deposits of $182 million.

Cash consideration of approximately $10.6 million and stock consideration of approximately 1.8 million shares
of HBT common stock resulted in aggregate consideration of $39.9 million. Goodwill of $5.7 million was created
in  the  acquisition.  Acquisition-related  expenses  totaled  $1.4  million  during  2021  and  consisted  primarily  of
investment banker fees, legal fees, and data processing expenses.

5

Table of Contents

MERGER OF STATE BANK OF LINCOLN INTO HEARTLAND BANK

On October 20, 2020, Heartland Bank and State Bank of Lincoln, both wholly-owned bank subsidiaries of the
Company on that date, entered into a Bank Merger Agreement providing for the merger of State Bank of Lincoln
into Heartland Bank. The merger was consummated on December 31, 2020, resulting in Heartland Bank being
our  sole  bank  subsidiary,  with  the  branch  locations  in  Lincoln,  Illinois  operating  as  “State  Bank  of  Lincoln,  a
division of Heartland Bank and Trust Company.”

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Our  products  and  services  are  primarily  deposit,  lending,  and  ancillary  products  that  offer  a  broad  range  of
options to meet the needs of consumers, businesses, and municipal entities. We continue to enhance our digital
banking  suite  of  products  so  that  all  consumer  and  commercial  customers  can  do  their  banking  at  their
convenience, through their channels of choice.

Additionally,  we  provide  traditional  trust  and  investment  services,  farmland  management,  and  farmland  sales
through our Wealth Management division.

Lending Products and Services

We offer a broad range of lending products with a focus on regulatory commercial real estate ("CRE"), which
includes  non-owner  occupied  CRE,  construction  and  land  development  (“C&D”)  and  multi-family;  commercial
and  industrial  ("C&I")  and  owner-occupied  CRE;  agricultural  and  farmland;  and  one-to-four  family  residential
loans.  We also provide municipal, consumer and other loans.

We  have  a  strong  credit  culture  that  is  conservative,  favors  asset  quality  first,  and  balances  local  lenders'
knowledge of their marketplace with a strong centralized credit process. We maintain a well-diversified portfolio
of loans and control concentrations related to loan types and specific industries or businesses.

Regulatory CRE

We provide financing for a wide variety of property types including multi-family, retail, warehouse, office, senior
living, and hotel/motel. Our C&D portfolio includes both ground up construction projects and renovation projects
in addition to some developed and undeveloped land. We focus on borrowers with successful backgrounds in
owning, managing, and developing real estate projects.

C&I and Owner-occupied CRE

We make loans to a wide variety of businesses with no material concentration in any one industry. C&I loans
primarily  include  loans  for  working  capital  and  equipment  needs.  Owner-occupied  CRE  primarily  includes
amortizing  first  mortgage  loans  on  properties  occupied  by  our  C&I  customers.  We  focus  on  small  and  middle
market businesses in the communities that we serve.

Agriculture and Farmland

With our roots in smaller communities throughout Central Illinois and Eastern Iowa, we have a long history of
financing  agriculture  production  and  land.  We  originate  loans  to  agriculture  producers  for  input  costs,
equipment, and land. Most of our agriculture loans are to family farms growing corn and soybeans.

One-to-Four Family Residential

These 
condominiums. They consist of first mortgage amortizing loans, second mortgage amortizing loans, and home

include  both  owner-occupied  and  non-owner  occupied  one-to-four 

family  homes  and

loans 

6

Table of Contents

equity  lines  of  credit.  These  loans  primarily  consist  of  loans  originated  by  our  lenders  through  our  branch
network on properties in the communities that we serve.

Deposit Products and Services

We offer traditional bank deposit account services as well as digital banking services tailored to meet the needs
of today's deposit consumers. Our deposit accounts consist of noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-
bearing transaction accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposits, HSA, and IRA
accounts. Our digital banking services include online banking, mobile banking, digital payments, and personal
financial  management  tools.  We  also  provide  commercial  checking  accounts  and  related  services  such  as
treasury management.

Wealth Management

Our  wealth  management  division  provides  financial  planning  to  consumers,  trusts,  and  estates;  trustee  and
custodial services; investment management; corporate retirement plan consulting and administration; and retail
brokerage  services.  Further,  our  agriculture  services  department  operates  under  our  wealth  management
division  and  provides  farm  management  services  and  brokers  farmland  sales  and  crop  insurance  throughout
our markets.

Residential Mortgage Origination and Servicing

We  originate  one-to-four  family  residential  mortgage  loans  and  generally  sell  those  loans  in  the  secondary
market.  Loans  are  originated  by  our  mortgage  lenders  within  our  branch  network.  To  a  lesser  extent,  we
purchase loans originated by other banks that are in turn sold into the secondary market. We sell conventional
loans to both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and retain the servicing for substantially all those loans. We also
originate FHA, VA, and Rural Development loans, which are typically sold servicing released.

MARKET AREA

We currently operate 57 branch locations in Central and Northeastern Illinois and four in Eastern Iowa. We hold
a leading deposit market share in many of our markets in Central Illinois, which we define as a top three deposit
share rank, providing the foundation for our strong deposit base. The stability provided by this low-cost funding
is  a  key  driver  of  our  strong  track  record  of  financial  performance.  Our  long  history  of  providing  relationship-
based, personal banking services; the successful integration of several strategic in-market acquisitions; and a
relatively small presence of money center and super-regional banks in our mid-sized markets has enabled us to
maintain meaningful market share in these markets.

Our management team believes our diverse footprint in both urban and rural markets positions us well relative
to our competition in terms of access to both high quality, stable funding sources and a wealth of loan growth
opportunities  in  attractive  markets.  We  consider  ourselves  to  be  well  positioned  to  meet  the  needs  of
commercial  and  retail  customers  through  our  branch  network,  comprehensive  suite  of  banking  and  wealth
management products, and our commitment to high-touch customer service.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

We intend to pursue the following strategies that we believe will continue to drive growth while maintaining our
high levels of asset quality and profitability:

Preserve Strong Ties to our Communities

Our community banking approach stems from our Midwestern values—hard work; perseverance; and doing the
right  things  for  our  customers,  staff,  stockholders,  and  communities.  Our  senior  management  team  lives  and
works in the communities we serve, and our commitment to delivering banking products and services that

7

Table of Contents

support the needs of our target customers enables us to preserve and grow share in our markets. The quality of
our  comprehensive  suite  of  products  and  services  coupled  with  our  relationship-based  approach  to  banking
contribute meaningfully to our growth and success.

Deploy Excess Deposit Funding into Loan Growth Opportunities

Our  strong  market  share  in  our  core  mid-sized  markets  provides  a  stable  source  of  attractive  funding.  Our
management believes our scale in these mid-sized markets and the relative scarcity of money center banking
institutions operating in them creates a highly defensible market position whereby we can continue to maintain
our  funding  cost  advantage  relative  to  our  peer  groups.  We  believe  the  Chicago  MSA  provides  significant
opportunities for loan growth. Many competitors in this market are money center or super-regional banks, and
we  believe  our  responsive,  local  decision-making  provides  a  competitive  advantage  over  these  larger,  more
bureaucratic  institutions.  Further,  we  expect  to  continue  to  benefit  from  continued  market  disruption  in  the
Chicago MSA, caused by recent significant bank acquisitions, by acquiring talent and customers experiencing
displacement.

Maintain a Prudent Approach to Credit Underwriting

Robust underwriting and pricing standards have been a hallmark of the Company and continue to serve as a
central  tenet  of  our  banking  strategy  even  as  we  grow  our  loan  portfolio  in  newer  markets.  We  intend  to
prudently  deploy  our  excess  funding  and  liquidity  into  assets  that  optimize  risk-adjusted  returns  with  minimal
losses. Further, we believe our history of maintaining strong asset quality and minimal levels of problem assets
even through the Great Recession confirms the effectiveness of our strong credit underwriting.

Pursue Strategic Acquisitions

Our management team has a history of successfully integrating strategic acquisitions over several decades. We
believe this track record will position the Company to be an attractive acquirer for many potential partners. We
continue  to  opportunistically  seek  acquisitions  that  are  either  located  within  our  market  footprint,  in  adjacent
markets or provide a new growth opportunity that is strategically and financially compelling and consistent with
our culture.

HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES

Employees

At December 31, 2021, we had 728 full-time equivalent employees. Our employees are not represented by a
collective  bargaining  unit,  and  we  consider  our  working  relationship  with  our  employees  to  be  good.  At
December 31, 2021, our average tenure was 9.0 years.

Employee Engagement and Retention

We recognize that the fulfillment of our mission requires attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse group of
highly  qualified  employees.  To  support  these  objectives,  our  human  resources  programs  are  designed  to
identify,  reward,  and  recognize  excellent  performance  and  loyalty.  We  utilize  regular  employee  engagement
surveys to seek feedback on a variety of topics, including but not limited to, confidence in Company leadership,
competitiveness  of  compensation  and  benefits,  career  growth  opportunities,  corporate  culture,  and
communications. We provide a variety of employee recognition programs and an open, social work environment
that encourages employees to be engaged and inclusive.

We understand the importance of offering employees a career path and career development opportunities. By
doing so, we are well-positioned to retain our talent, support our communities, and produce needed results. We
provide  required  and  self-directed  job  and  career  development  training  to  cultivate  talent  throughout  the
Company, from entry-level to leadership.

8

Table of Contents

Compensation & Benefits

To  attract  and  retain  high-performing,  skilled  individuals,  we  offer  competitive  base  pay  and  benefits.  Utilizing
various  industry  specific  compensation  surveys  and  member  associations,  we  analyze  pay  practices  for  jobs
and job families on a regular basis to ensure we remain competitive in the markets we operate and to maintain
internal pay equity.

To  support  the  well-being  of  our  employees  and  their  families,  we  provide  access  to  a  variety  of  flexible  and
convenient  healthcare  programs  for  physical  and  mental  health,  long-term  and  short-term  disability,  paid  time
off, and a Company-matched 401(k) plan.

In continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic and complying with federal, state, and local guidelines, we
have maintained heightened cleaning protocols and other safety measures at all locations, permitted work from
home to continue for many employees, and adjusted branch services to ensure a safe environment. Enhanced
employee  benefits  coverage  related  to  the  pandemic,  including  waiving  costs  associated  with  testing  and
treatment,  continue  to  be  in  place.  Additional  paid  time  off  was  granted  to  employees  to  get  the  vaccine  and
recover from any side effects.

COMPETITION

Our profitability and growth are affected by the highly competitive nature of the financial services industry. We
compete with community banks in all of our markets and, to a lesser extent, with money center banks, primarily
in the Chicago MSA. Additionally, we compete with non-bank financial services companies and other financial
institutions operating within the areas we serve.

Our  competition  for  loans  comes  principally  from  commercial  banks,  savings  banks,  mortgage  banking
companies, the U.S. Government, credit unions, leasing companies, insurance companies, real estate conduits
and other companies that provide financial services to businesses and individuals.

Our  most  direct  competition  for  deposits  has  historically  come  from  commercial  banks  and  credit  unions.  We
face increasing competition for deposits from online financial institutions and non-depository competitors such
as the mutual fund industry, securities and brokerage firms and insurance companies.

Financial  technology  companies  are  becoming  a  more  direct  threat  to  traditional  financial  institutions  as  they
begin  to  offer  deposit  accounts  insured  by  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  (the  “FDIC”)  alongside
their core product offerings.

We  seek  to  meet  this  competition  by  emphasizing  personalized  service,  efficient  decision-making  tailored  to
individual needs, and offering robust digital functionality. We do not rely on any individual, group, or entity for a
material portion of our loans or our deposits.

We  continue  to  see  increased  competitive  pressures  on  loan  rates  and  terms.  Competition  for  deposit
customers was minimal in 2021 given the excess liquidity at most financial institutions. Continued loan pricing
pressure may affect our financial results in the future.

COMPANY WEBSITE

The  Company  maintains  a  website  at  ir.hbtfinancial.com.  The  contents  of  this  website  are  not  a  part  of  this
report.  All  periodic  and  current  reports  of  the  Company  and  amendments  to  these  reports  filed  with  the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (“SEC”)  can  be  accessed,  free  of  charge,  through  this  website  and  at
www.sec.gov as soon as reasonably practicable after these materials are filed with the SEC.

9

Table of Contents

INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

On October 11, 2019, we priced our initial public offering (the “IPO”). In the IPO, we issued and sold 9,429,794
shares  of  common  stock  and  received  proceeds,  net  of  offering  costs,  of  approximately  $138  million.  The
proceeds were used to fund a $170 million special dividend, or $9.43 per share, to stockholders of record prior
to the IPO.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

General

FDIC-insured  institutions,  their  holding  companies,  and  their  affiliates  are  extensively  regulated  under  federal
and  state  law.  As  a  result,  our  growth  and  earnings  performance  may  be  affected  not  only  by  management
decisions and general economic conditions, but also by the requirements of federal and state statutes, and by
the regulations and policies of various bank regulatory agencies, including the Illinois Department of Financial
and  Professional  Regulation  (the  “IDFPR”),  the  Board  of  Governors  of  the  Federal  Reserve  System  (the
“Federal  Reserve”),  the  FDIC,  and  the  Consumer  Financial  Protection  Bureau  (the  “CFPB”).  Furthermore,
taxation laws administered by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and state taxing authorities, accounting
rules developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), securities laws administered by the
SEC and state securities authorities, and anti-money laundering laws enforced by the U.S. Department of the
Treasury (the “Treasury”) have an impact on our business. The effect of these statutes, regulations, regulatory
policies, and accounting rules are significant to our operations and results.

We  are  subject  to  federal  and  state  banking  laws  that  impose  a  comprehensive  system  of  supervision,
regulation, and enforcement on our operations that is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC-insured
deposits  and  depositors  of  banks,  rather  than  shareholders.  These  laws,  and  the  regulations  of  the  bank
regulatory  agencies  issued  under  them,  affect,  among  other  things,  the  scope  of  our  business,  the  kinds  and
amounts of investments that the Company and the Bank may make, required capital levels relative to assets,
the nature and amount of collateral for loans, the establishment of branches, the ability to merge, consolidate
and acquire, dealings with the Company’s and the Bank’s insiders and affiliates, and our payment of dividends.

In  reaction  to  the  global  financial  crisis,  and  particularly  following  the  passage  of  the  Dodd-Frank  Wall  Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), we experienced heightened regulatory requirements
and  scrutiny.  Although  the  reforms  primarily  targeted  systemically  important  financial  service  providers,  their
influence filtered down in varying degrees to community banks over time and caused our compliance and risk
management  processes,  and  the  costs  thereof,  to  increase.  The  Economic  Growth,  Regulatory  Relief  and
Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (“Regulatory Relief Act”) eliminated questions about the applicability of certain
Dodd-Frank  Act  reforms  to  community  bank  systems,  including  relieving  us  of  any  requirement  to  engage  in
mandatory stress tests, maintain a risk committee or comply with the Volcker Rule’s complicated prohibitions on
proprietary trading and ownership of private funds. These reforms have been favorable to our operations.

The  supervisory  framework  for  U.S.  banking  organizations  subjects  banks  and  bank  holding  companies  to
regular  examination  by  their  respective  regulatory  agencies,  which  results  in  examination  reports  and  ratings
that  are  not  publicly  available,  and  that  can  impact  the  conduct  and  growth  of  their  business.  These
examinations consider not only compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but also capital levels, asset
quality  and  risk,  management  ability  and  performance,  earnings,  liquidity,  and  various  other  factors.  The
regulatory agencies generally have broad discretion to impose restrictions and limitations on the operations of a
regulated  entity  where  the  agencies  determine,  among  other  things,  that  such  operations  are  unsafe  or
unsound, fail to comply with applicable law, or are otherwise inconsistent with laws and regulations.

The following is a summary of the material elements of the supervisory and regulatory framework applicable to
the  Company  and  our  subsidiary  bank.    It  does  not  describe  all  of  the  statutes,  regulations  and  regulatory
policies that apply, nor does it restate all of the requirements of those that are described. The descriptions are
qualified in their entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provision.

10

Table of Contents

COVID-19 Pandemic

The federal bank regulatory agencies, along with their state counterparts, issued a steady stream of guidance
responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and took a number of unprecedented steps to help banks navigate the
pandemic  and  mitigate  its  impact.    These  included,  without  limitation:  requiring  banks  to  focus  on  business
continuity  and  pandemic  planning;  adding  pandemic  scenarios  to  stress  testing;  encouraging  bank  use  of
capital  buffers  and  reserves  in  lending  programs;  permitting  certain  regulatory  reporting  extensions;  reducing
margin requirements on swaps; permitting certain otherwise prohibited investments in investment funds; issuing
guidance to encourage banks to work with customers affected by the pandemic and encourage loan workouts;
and  providing  credit  under  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  (“CRA”)  for  certain  pandemic-related  loans,
investments  and  public  service.  Because  of  the  need  for  social  distancing  measures,  the  agencies  revamped
the  manner  in  which  they  conducted  periodic  examinations  of  their  regulated  institutions,  including  making
greater use of off-site reviews, and they have continued using virtual bank examinations in 2022  

Reference is made to the COVID-19 discussion under “Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic” under Item
1A - “Risk Factors” and “COVID-19 Response and Impact Overview” under Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for discussions of the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic.  In addition, information as to selected topics is contained in the relevant sections of this Supervision
and Regulation discussion provided below.

The Role of Capital

Regulatory capital represents the net assets of a banking organization available to absorb losses. Because of
the risks attendant to their business, FDIC-insured institutions generally are required to hold more capital than
other businesses, which directly affects our earnings capabilities. Although capital historically has been one of
the  key  measures  of  the  financial  health  of  both  bank  holding  companies  and  banks,  its  role  became
fundamentally  more  important  in  the  wake  of  the  global  financial  crisis,  as  the  banking  regulators  recognized
that the amount and quality of capital held by banks prior to the crisis was insufficient to absorb losses during
periods of severe stress.  

Capital Levels

Banks  have  been  required  to  hold  minimum  levels  of  capital  based  on  guidelines  established  by  the  bank
regulatory agencies since 1983. The minimums have been expressed in terms of ratios of “capital” divided by
“total  assets.”  The  capital  guidelines  for  U.S.  banks  beginning  in  1989  have  been  based  upon  international
capital accords (known as “Basel” rules) adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, a committee
of central banks and bank supervisors that acts as the primary global standard-setter for prudential regulation,
as  implemented  by  the  U.S.  bank  regulatory  agencies  on  an  interagency  basis.  The  accords  recognized  that
bank assets, for the purpose of the capital ratio calculations, needed to be risk weighted (the theory being that
riskier assets should require more capital), and that off-balance sheet exposures needed to be factored in the
calculations.  Following  the  global  financial  crisis,  the  Group  of  Governors  and  Heads  of  Supervision,  the
oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, announced agreement on a strengthened set
of capital requirements for banking organizations around the world, known as Basel III, to address deficiencies
recognized in connection with the global financial crisis.  

The Basel III Rule

The  U.S.  bank  regulatory  agencies  adopted  the  Basel  III  regulatory  capital  reforms,  and,  at  the  same  time,
effected changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act, in regulations that were effective (with certain phase-ins) in
2015 (the “Basel III Rule”). Basel III established capital standards for banks and bank holding companies that
are meaningfully more stringent than those in place previously - it increased the required quantity and quality of
capital;  and  it  required  a  more  complex,  detailed,  and  calibrated  assessment  of  risk  in  the  calculation  of  risk
weightings.

11

Table of Contents

The Basel III Rule is applicable to all banking organizations that are subject to minimum capital requirements,
including federal and state banks and savings and loan associations, as well as to most bank and savings and
loan holding companies. The Company and the Bank are each subject to the Basel III Rule.

Not only did the Basel III Rule increase most of the required minimum capital ratios in effect prior to January 1,
2015,  but,  in  requiring  that  forms  of  capital  be  of  higher  quality  to  absorb  loss,  it  introduced  the  concept  of
Common  Equity  Tier  1  Capital,  which  consists  primarily  of  common  stock,  related  surplus  (net  of  Treasury
stock),  retained  earnings,  and  Common  Equity  Tier  1  minority  interests  subject  to  certain  regulatory
adjustments. The Basel III Rule also changed the definition of capital by establishing more stringent criteria that
instruments must meet to be considered Additional Tier 1 Capital (primarily non-cumulative perpetual preferred
stock  that  meets  certain  requirements)  and  Tier  2  Capital  (primarily  other  types  of  preferred  stock  and
subordinated debt, subject to limitations).  The Basel III Rule also constrained the inclusion of minority interests,
mortgage-servicing assets, and deferred tax assets in capital, and it required deductions from Common Equity
Tier 1 Capital in the event that such assets exceeded a percentage of a banking institution’s Common Equity
Tier 1 Capital.  

The Basel III Rule requires minimum capital ratios as follows:

● A ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital equal to 4.5% of risk-weighted assets;
● A ratio of Tier 1 Capital equal to 6% of risk-weighted assets;
● A  continuation  of  the  minimum  required  amount  of  Total  Capital  (Tier  1  plus  Tier  2)  at  8%  of  risk-

weighted assets; and

● A leverage ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total quarterly average assets equal to 4% in all circumstances.

In  addition,  institutions  that  seek  the  freedom  to  make  capital  distributions  (including  for  dividends  and
repurchases  of  stock),  and  pay  discretionary  bonuses  to  executive  officers  without  restriction,  also  must
maintain 2.5% in Common Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to a capital conservation buffer. The purpose of the
conservation buffer is to ensure that banking institutions maintain a buffer of capital that can be used to absorb
losses  during  periods  of  financial  and  economic  stress.  Factoring  in  the  conservation  buffer  increases  the
minimum ratios depicted above to 7% for Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, 8.5% for Tier 1 Capital and 10.5% for
Total Capital. The federal bank regulators released a joint statement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
reminding  the  industry  that  capital  and  liquidity  buffers  were  meant  to  give  banks  the  means  to  support  the
economy in adverse situations, and that the agencies would support banks that use the buffers for that purpose
if undertaken in a safe and sound manner.  

Well-Capitalized Requirements

The  ratios  described  above  are  minimum  standards  for  banking  organizations  to  be  considered  “adequately
capitalized.” Bank regulatory agencies uniformly encourage banks to hold more capital and be “well-capitalized”
and,  to  that  end,  federal  law  and  regulations  provide  various  incentives  for  banking  organizations  to  maintain
regulatory capital at levels in excess of minimum regulatory requirements. For example, a banking organization
that  is  well-capitalized  may:  (i)  qualify  for  exemptions  from  prior  notice  or  application  requirements  otherwise
applicable  to  certain  types  of  activities;  (ii)  qualify  for  expedited  processing  of  other  required  notices  or
applications; and (iii) accept, roll-over, or renew brokered deposits. Higher capital levels also could be required
if warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profiles of individual banking organizations. For example, the
Federal  Reserve’s  capital  guidelines  contemplate  that  additional  capital  may  be  required  to  take  adequate
account of, among other things, interest rate risk, or the risks posed by concentrations of credit, nontraditional
activities,  or  securities  trading  activities.  Further,  any  banking  organization  experiencing  or  anticipating
significant growth would be expected to maintain capital ratios, including tangible capital positions (i.e., Tier 1
Capital less all intangible assets), well above the minimum levels.

12

Table of Contents

Under  the  capital  regulations  of  the  Federal  Reserve,  in  order  to  be  well  capitalized,  a  banking  organization
must maintain:

● A ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.5% or more;
● A ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total risk-weighted assets of 8% or more;
● A ratio of Total Capital to total risk-weighted assets of 10% or more; and
● A leverage ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total adjusted average quarterly assets of 5% or greater.

It is possible under the Basel III Rule to be well-capitalized while remaining out of compliance with the capital
conservation buffer discussed above.

As of December 31, 2021: (i) the Bank was not subject to a directive from the FDIC to increase its capital; and
(ii) the Bank was well-capitalized, as defined by FDIC regulations. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had
regulatory  capital  in  excess  of  the  Federal  Reserve’s  requirements  and  met  the  requirements  to  be  well-
capitalized. The Company also is in compliance with the capital conservation buffer.

Prompt Corrective Action

The concept of an institution being “well-capitalized” is part of a regulatory enforcement regime that provides the
federal  banking  regulators  with  broad  power  to  take  “prompt  corrective  action”  to  resolve  the  problems  of
depository  institutions  based  on  the  capital  level  of  each  particular  institution.    The  extent  of  the  regulators’
powers  depends  on  whether  the  institution  in  question  is  “adequately  capitalized,”  “undercapitalized,”
“significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized,” in each case as defined by regulation. Depending
on the capital category to which an institution is assigned, the regulators’ corrective powers include: (i) requiring
the  institution  to  submit  a  capital  restoration  plan;  (ii)  limiting  the  institution’s  asset  growth  and  restricting  its
activities; (iii) requiring the institution to issue additional capital stock (including additional voting stock) or to sell
itself; (iv) restricting transactions between the institution and its affiliates; (v) restricting the interest rate that the
institution  may  pay  on  deposits;  (vi)  ordering  a  new  election  of  directors  of  the  institution;  (vii)  requiring  that
senior executive officers or directors be dismissed; (viii) prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from
correspondent  banks;  (ix)  requiring  the  institution  to  divest  certain  subsidiaries;  (x)  prohibiting  the  payment  of
principal or interest on subordinated debt; and (xi) ultimately, appointing a receiver for the institution.

Community Bank Capital Simplification

Community banks have long raised concerns with bank regulators about the regulatory burden, complexity, and
costs associated with certain provisions of the Basel III Rule. In response, Congress provided an “off-ramp” for
institutions,  like  the  Company,  with  total  consolidated  assets  of  less  than  $10  billion.  Section  201  of  the
Regulatory Relief Act instructed the federal banking regulators to establish a single “Community Bank Leverage
Ratio”  (“CBLR”)  of  between  8  and  10%.  Under  the  final  rule,  a  community  banking  organization  is  eligible  to
elect  the  new  framework  if  it  has  less  than  $10  billion  in  total  consolidated  assets,  limited  amounts  of  certain
assets  and  off-balance  sheet  exposures,  and  a  CBLR  greater  than  9%.    The  Company  may  elect  the  CBLR
framework at any time, but has not currently determined to do so.

Supervision and Regulation of the Company

General

As  the  sole  shareholder  of  the  Bank,  we  are  a  bank  holding  company.  As  a  bank  holding  company,  we  are
registered with, and are subject to regulation supervision and enforcement by, the Federal Reserve under the
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). We are legally obligated to act as a source of
financial strength to the Bank, and to commit resources to support the Bank in circumstances where we might
not otherwise do so. Under the BHCA, we are subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve. We are
required  to  file  with  the  Federal  Reserve  periodic  reports  of  our  operations,  and  such  additional  information
regarding us and our subsidiaries as the Federal Reserve may require.

13

Table of Contents

Acquisitions, Activities and Financial Holding Company Election

The primary purpose of a bank holding company is to control and manage banks. The BHCA generally requires
the prior approval of the Federal Reserve for any merger involving a bank holding company, or any acquisition
by a bank holding company of another bank or bank holding company. Subject to certain conditions (including
deposit concentration limits established by the BHCA), the Federal Reserve may allow a bank holding company
to  acquire  banks  located  in  any  state  of  the  United  States.  In  approving  interstate  acquisitions,  the  Federal
Reserve is required to give effect to applicable state law limitations on the aggregate amount of deposits that
may  be  held  by  the  acquiring  bank  holding  company  and  its  FDIC-insured  institution  affiliates  in  the  state  in
which the target bank is located (provided that those limits do not discriminate against out-of-state institutions or
their holding companies) and state laws that require that the target bank have been in existence for a minimum
period  of  time  (not  to  exceed  five  years)  before  being  acquired  by  an  out-of-state  bank  holding  company.
Furthermore,  in  accordance  with  the  Dodd-Frank  Act,  bank  holding  companies  must  be  well-capitalized  and
well-managed in order to effect interstate mergers or acquisitions. For a discussion of the capital requirements,
see “-The Role of Capital” above.

The BHCA generally prohibits us from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the
voting shares of any company that is not a bank, and from engaging in any business other than that of banking,
managing and controlling banks, or furnishing services to banks and their subsidiaries. This general prohibition
is subject to a number of exceptions. The principal exception allows bank holding companies to engage in, and
to own shares of companies engaged in, certain businesses found by the Federal Reserve prior to November
11, 1999 to be “so closely related to banking ... as to be a proper incident thereto.” This authority permits the
Company  to  engage  in  a  variety  of  banking-related  businesses,  including  the  ownership  and  operation  of  a
savings  association,  or  any  entity  engaged  in  consumer  finance,  equipment  leasing,  the  operation  of  a
computer service bureau (including software development), and mortgage banking and brokerage services. The
BHCA does not place territorial restrictions on the domestic activities of nonbank subsidiaries of bank holding
companies.

Additionally,  bank  holding  companies  that  meet  certain  eligibility  requirements  prescribed  by  the  BHCA  and
elect  to  operate  as  financial  holding  companies  may  engage  in,  or  own  shares  in  companies  engaged  in,  a
wider  range  of  nonbanking  activities,  including  securities  and  insurance  underwriting  and  sales,  merchant
banking,  and  any  other  activity  that  the  Federal  Reserve,  in  consultation  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,
determines  by  regulation  or  order  is  financial  in  nature  or  incidental  to  any  such  financial  activity,  or  that  the
Federal Reserve determines by order to be complementary to any such financial activity, as long as the activity
does not pose a substantial risk to the safety or soundness of FDIC-insured institutions or the financial system
generally.  The  Company  has  elected  to  operate  as  a  financial  holding  company.  To  maintain  its  status  as  a
financial holding company, the Company and the Bank must be well-capitalized, well-managed, and the Bank
must have a least a satisfactory CRA rating. If the Federal Reserve determines that a financial holding company
is not well-capitalized or well-managed, the Federal Reserve will provide a period of time in which to achieve
compliance,  but  during  the  period  of  noncompliance,  the  Federal  Reserve  may  place  any  limitations  on  the
Company  that  it  deems  to  be  appropriate.  Furthermore,  if  the  Federal  Reserve  determines  that  a  financial
holding company’s subsidiary bank has not received a satisfactory CRA rating, that company will not be able to
commence any new financial activities or acquire a company that engages in such activities.

Change in Control

Federal law prohibits any person or company from acquiring “control” of an FDIC-insured depository institution
or  its  holding  company  without  prior  notice  to  the  appropriate  federal  bank  regulator.  “Control”  is  conclusively
presumed to exist upon the acquisition of 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a bank or bank
holding company, but may arise under certain circumstances between 10% and 24.99% ownership.

14

Table of Contents

Capital Requirements

Bank holding companies are required to maintain capital in accordance with Federal Reserve capital adequacy
requirements. For a discussion of capital requirements, see “—The Role of Capital” above.

Dividend Payments

The  Company’s  ability  to  pay  dividends  to  its  stockholders  may  be  affected  by  both  general  corporate  law
considerations  and  policies  of  the  Federal  Reserve  applicable  to  bank  holding  companies.  As  a  Delaware
corporation,  the  Company  is  subject  to  the  limitations  of  the  Delaware  General  Corporation  Law  (“DGCL”),
which allow the Company to pay dividends only out of its surplus (as defined and computed in accordance with
the provisions of the DGCL) or if the Company has no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in
which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

As a general matter, the Federal Reserve has indicated that the board of directors of a bank holding company
should  eliminate,  defer  or  significantly  reduce  dividends  to  shareholders  if:  (i)  the  company’s  net  income
available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not
sufficient  to  fully  fund  the  dividends;  (ii)  the  prospective  rate  of  earnings  retention  is  inconsistent  with  the
company’s  capital  needs  and  overall  current  and  prospective  financial  condition;  or  (iii)  the  company  will  not
meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. The Federal Reserve also
possesses  enforcement  powers  over  bank  holding  companies  and  their  nonbank  subsidiaries  to  prevent  or
remedy actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices or violations of applicable statutes and regulations.
Among these powers is the ability to proscribe the payment of dividends by banks and bank holding companies.
In addition, under the Basel III Rule, institutions that seek the freedom to pay dividends have to maintain 2.5%
in  Common  Equity  Tier  1  Capital  attributable  to  the  capital  conservation  buffer.  See  “—The  Role  of  Capital”
above.

Incentive Compensation

There  have  been  a  number  of  developments  in  recent  years  focused  on  incentive  compensation  plans
sponsored by bank holding companies and banks, reflecting recognition by the bank regulatory agencies and
Congress  that  flawed  incentive  compensation  practices  in  the  financial  industry  were  one  of  many  factors
contributing  to  the  global  financial  crisis.  Layered  on  top  of  that  are  the  abuses  in  the  headlines  dealing  with
product  cross-selling  incentive  plans.  The  result  is  interagency  guidance  on  sound  incentive  compensation
practices.

The  interagency  guidance  recognized  three  core  principles.  Effective  incentive  plans  should:  (i)  provide
employees incentives that appropriately balance risk and reward; (ii) be compatible with effective controls and
risk-management;  and  (iii)  be  supported  by  strong  corporate  governance,  including  active  and  effective
oversight by the organization’s board of directors. Much of the guidance addresses large banking organizations
and,  because  of  the  size  and  complexity  of  their  operations,  the  regulators  expect  those  organizations  to
maintain  systematic  and  formalized  policies,  procedures,  and  systems  for  ensuring  that  the  incentive
compensation  arrangements  for  all  executive  and  non-executive  employees  covered  by  this  guidance  are
identified  and  reviewed,  and  appropriately  balance  risks  and  rewards.  Smaller  banking  organizations  like  the
Company  that  use  incentive  compensation  arrangements  are  expected  to  be  less  extensive,  formalized,  and
detailed than those of the larger banks.

Monetary Policy

The monetary policy of the Federal Reserve has a significant effect on the operating results of financial or bank
holding companies and their subsidiaries. Among the tools available to the Federal Reserve to affect the money
supply are open market transactions in U.S. government securities, and changes in the discount rate on bank
borrowings. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of bank
loans, investments and deposits, and their use may affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.

15

Table of Contents

Federal Securities Regulation

The  Company’s  common  stock  is  registered  with  the  SEC  under  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as  amended
(“Securities Act”), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). Consequently, the
Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading, and other restrictions and requirements
of the SEC under the Exchange Act.

Corporate Governance

The Dodd-Frank Act addressed many investor protection, corporate governance, and executive compensation
matters  that  will  affect  most  U.S.  publicly  traded  companies.  The  Dodd-Frank  Act  increased  shareholder
influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give shareholders a nonbinding vote on executive
compensation  and  so-called  “golden  parachute”  payments,  and  authorizing  the  SEC  to  promulgate  rules  that
would  allow  shareholders  to  nominate  and  solicit  voters  for  their  own  candidates  using  a  company’s  proxy
materials.  The  legislation  also  directed  the  Federal  Reserve  to  promulgate  rules  prohibiting  excessive
compensation  paid  to  executives  of  bank  holding  companies,  regardless  of  whether  such  companies  are
publicly traded.

Supervision and Regulation of the Bank

General

The  Bank  is  an  Illinois-chartered  bank.  The  deposit  accounts  of  the  Bank  are  insured  by  the  FDIC’s  Deposit
Insurance  Fund  (“DIF”)  to  the  maximum  extent  provided  under  federal  law  and  FDIC  regulations,  currently
$250,000 per insured depositor category. As an Illinois-chartered FDIC-insured bank, the Bank is subject to the
examination,  supervision,  reporting,  and  enforcement  requirements  of  the  IDFPR,  the  chartering  authority  for
Illinois  banks.    Because  the  Bank  is  not  a  member  of  the  Federal  Reserve  System,  it  is  subject  to  the
examination, supervision, reporting, and enforcement requirements of the FDIC, as the Bank’s primary federal
regulator.

Deposit Insurance

As  an  FDIC-insured  institution,  the  Bank  is  required  to  pay  deposit  insurance  premium  assessments  to  the
FDIC.  The  FDIC  has  adopted  a  risk-based  assessment  system,  whereby  FDIC-insured  institutions  pay
insurance  premiums  at  rates  based  on  their  risk  classification.  For  institutions  like  the  Bank  that  are  not
considered  large  and  highly  complex  banking  organizations,  assessments  are  now  based  on  examination
ratings and financial ratios. The total base assessment rates currently range from 1.5 basis points to 30 basis
points.  At  least  semi-annually,  the  FDIC  updates  its  loss  and  income  projections  for  the  DIF  and,  if  needed,
increases or decreases the assessment rates, following notice and comment on proposed rulemaking.

The reserve ratio is the FDIC insurance fund balance divided by estimated insured deposits. The Dodd-Frank
Act altered the minimum reserve ratio of the DIF, increasing the minimum from 1.15% to 1.35% of the estimated
amount of total insured deposits. The reserve ratio reached 1.36% as of September 30, 2018. As a result, the
FDIC  provided  assessment  credits  to  insured  depository  institutions,  like  the  Bank,  with  total  consolidated
assets  of  less  than  $10  billion,  for  the  portion  of  their  regular  assessments  that  contributed  to  growth  in  the
reserve  ratio  between  1.15%  and  1.35%.  The  FDIC  applied  the  small  bank  credits  for  quarterly  assessment
periods  beginning  July  1,  2019.  However,  the  reserve  ratio  fell  to  1.30%  in  2020  because  of  extraordinary
insured deposit growth caused by an unprecedented inflow of more than $1 trillion in estimated insured deposits
in the first half of 2020, stemming mainly from the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the FDIC could have ceased
the small bank credits, it waived the requirement that the reserve ratio be at least 1.35% for full remittance of
the remaining assessment credits, and it refunded all small bank credits to the Bank as of September 30, 2020.

16

Table of Contents

The DIF balance was $121.9 billion on September 30, 2021, up $1.4 billion from the end of the second quarter.
 The reserve ratio remained at 1.27%, as growth in the fund balance kept pace with growth in insured deposits.
The  FDIC  staff  continues  to  closely  monitor  the  factors  that  affect  the  reserve  ratio,  and  any  change  could
impact FDIC assessments.

Supervisory Assessments

All Illinois-chartered banks are required to pay supervisory assessments to the IDFPR to fund the operations of
that  agency.  The  amount  of  the  assessment  is  calculated  on  the  basis  of  the  Bank’s  total  assets.  During  the
year ended December 31, 2021, the Bank paid supervisory assessments to the IDFPR totaling approximately
$294,000.

Capital Requirements

Banks are generally required to maintain capital levels in excess of other businesses. For a discussion of capital
requirements, see “—The Role of Capital” above.

Liquidity Requirements

Liquidity is a measure of the ability and ease with which bank assets may be converted to cash. Liquid assets
are those that can be converted to cash quickly if needed to meet financial obligations. To remain viable, FDIC-
insured institutions must have enough liquid assets to meet their near-term obligations, such as withdrawals by
depositors.  Because  the  global  financial  crisis  was  in  part  a  liquidity  crisis,  Basel  III  also  includes  a  liquidity
framework that requires FDIC-insured institutions to measure their liquidity against specific liquidity tests. One
test,  referred  to  as  the  liquidity  coverage  ratio  (“LCR”)  is  designed  to  ensure  that  the  banking  entity  has  an
adequate  stock  of  unencumbered  high-quality  liquid  assets  that  can  be  converted  easily  and  immediately  in
private markets into cash to meet liquidity needs for a 30-calendar day liquidity stress scenario. The other test,
known as the net stable funding ratio (“NSFR”) is designed to promote more medium- and long-term funding of
the assets and activities of FDIC-insured institutions over a one-year horizon. These tests provide an incentive
for banks and holding companies to increase their holdings in Treasury securities and other sovereign debt as a
component of assets, increase the use of long-term debt as a funding source, and rely on stable funding like
core deposits (in lieu of brokered deposits).

In addition to liquidity guidelines already in place, the federal bank regulatory agencies implemented the Basel
III LCR in September 2014, which requires large financial firms to hold levels of liquid assets sufficient to protect
against constraints on their funding during times of financial turmoil, and in 2016 proposed implementation of
the NSFR. Although these rules do not, and will not, apply to the Bank, it continues to review its liquidity risk
management policies in light of developments.

Dividend Payments

Our  primary  source  of  funds  is  dividends  from  the  Bank.  Under  Illinois  banking  law,  Illinois-chartered  banks
generally may pay dividends only out of undivided profits. The IDFPR may restrict the declaration or payment of
a dividend by an Illinois-chartered bank, such as the Bank. Moreover, the payment of dividends by any FDIC-
insured  institution  is  affected  by  the  requirement  to  maintain  adequate  capital  pursuant  to  applicable  capital
adequacy  guidelines  and  regulations,  and  an  FDIC-insured  institution  generally  is  prohibited  from  paying  any
dividends if, following payment thereof, the institution would be undercapitalized. Notwithstanding the availability
of funds for dividends, however, the FDIC and the IDFPR may prohibit the payment of dividends by the Bank if
either or both determine that such payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. In addition, under
the  Basel  III  Rule,  institutions  that  seek  the  freedom  to  pay  unrestricted  dividends  have  to  maintain  2.5%  in
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to the capital conservation buffer. See “—The Role of Capital” above.

17

Table of Contents

State Bank Investments and Activities

The  Bank  is  permitted  to  make  investments  and  engage  in  activities  directly  or  through  subsidiaries  as
authorized  by  Illinois  law.  However,  under  federal  law  and  FDIC  regulations,  FDIC-insured  state  banks  are
prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, from making or retaining equity investments of a type, or in an amount,
that are not permissible for a national bank. Federal law and FDIC regulations also prohibit FDIC-insured state
banks and their subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, from engaging as principal in any activity that is not
permitted  for  a  national  bank  unless  the  bank  meets,  and  continues  to  meet,  its  minimum  regulatory  capital
requirements  and  the  FDIC  determines  that  the  activity  would  not  pose  a  significant  risk  to  the  DIF.  These
restrictions  have  not  had,  and  are  not  currently  expected  to  have,  a  material  impact  on  the  operations  of  the
Bank.

Insider Transactions

The Bank is subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law on “covered transactions” between the Bank
and its “affiliates.” We are an affiliate of the Bank for purposes of these restrictions, and covered transactions
subject to the restrictions include extensions of credit to us, investments in our stock or other securities, and the
acceptance  of  our  stock  and  other  securities  as  collateral  for  loans  made  by  the  Bank.  The  Dodd-Frank  Act
enhanced  the  requirements  for  certain  transactions  with  affiliates,  including  an  expansion  of  the  definition  of
“covered  transactions”  and  an  increase  in  the  amount  of  time  for  which  collateral  requirements  regarding
covered transactions must be maintained.

Certain  limitations  and  reporting  requirements  also  are  placed  on  extensions  of  credit  by  the  Bank  to  its
directors and officers, to directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, to principal shareholders of
the Company, and to “related interests” of such directors, officers and principal shareholders. In addition, federal
law and regulations may affect the terms on which any person who is a director or officer of the Company or the
Bank, or a principal shareholder of the Company, may obtain credit from banks with which the Bank maintains a
correspondent relationship.

Safety and Soundness Standards/Risk Management

The federal banking agencies have adopted operational and managerial standards to promote the safety and
soundness of FDIC-insured institutions. The standards apply to internal controls, information systems, internal
audit  systems,  loan  documentation,  credit  underwriting,  interest  rate  exposure,  asset  growth,  compensation,
fees and benefits, asset quality, and earnings.

In  general,  the  safety  and  soundness  standards  prescribe  the  goals  to  be  achieved  in  each  area,  and  each
institution  is  responsible  for  establishing  its  own  procedures  to  achieve  those  goals.  Although  regulatory
standards do not have the force of law, if an institution operates in an unsafe and unsound manner, the FDIC-
insured  institution’s  primary  federal  regulator  may  require  the  institution  to  submit  a  plan  for  achieving  and
maintaining compliance. If an FDIC-insured institution fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan, or fails in
any material respect to implement a compliance plan that has been accepted by its primary federal regulator,
the  regulator  is  required  to  issue  an  order  directing  the  institution  to  cure  the  deficiency.  Until  the  deficiency
cited  in  the  regulator’s  order  is  cured,  the  regulator  may  restrict  the  FDIC-insured  institution’s  rate  of  growth,
require the FDIC-insured institution to increase its capital, restrict the rates that the institution pays on deposits,
or  require  the  institution  to  take  any  action  that  the  regulator  deems  appropriate  under  the  circumstances.
Noncompliance  with  safety  and  soundness  also  may  constitute  grounds  for  other  enforcement  action  by  the
federal bank regulatory agencies, including cease and desist orders and civil money penalty assessments.

During the past decade, the bank regulatory agencies have increasingly emphasized the importance of sound
risk  management  processes  and  strong  internal  controls  when  evaluating  the  activities  of  the  FDIC-insured
institutions  that  they  supervise.  Properly  managing  risks  has  been  identified  as  critical  to  the  conduct  of  safe
and  sound  banking  activities  and  has  become  even  more  important  as  new  technologies,  product  innovation,
and the size and speed of financial transactions have changed the nature of banking markets. The agencies

18

Table of Contents

have  identified  a  spectrum  of  risks  facing  a  banking  institution  including,  but  not  limited  to,  credit,  market,
liquidity,  operational,  legal,  and  reputational  risk.  The  Bank  is  expected  to  have  active  board  and  senior
management oversight; adequate policies, procedures, and limits; adequate risk measurement, monitoring, and
management information systems; and comprehensive internal controls.

Privacy and Cybersecurity

The  Bank  is  subject  to  many  U.S.  federal  and  state  laws  and  regulations  governing  requirements  for
maintaining  policies  and  procedures  to  protect  non-public  confidential  information  of  their  customers.  These
laws  require  the  Bank  to  periodically  disclose  its  privacy  policies  and  practices  relating  to  sharing  such
information,  and  permit  consumers  to  opt  out  of  their  ability  to  share  information  with  unaffiliated  third  parties
under certain circumstances. They also impact the Bank’s ability to share certain information with affiliates and
non-affiliates  for  marketing  and/or  non-marketing  purposes,  or  to  contact  customers  with  marketing  offers.  In
addition,  the  Bank  is  required  to  implement  a  comprehensive  information  security  program  that  includes
administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records
and  information.  These  security  and  privacy  policies  and  procedures  are  in  effect  across  all  businesses  and
geographic locations.

Branching Authority

Illinois  banks,  such  as  the  Bank,  have  the  authority  under  Illinois  law  to  establish  branches  anywhere  in  the
State  of  Illinois,  subject  to  receipt  of  all  required  regulatory  approvals.  The  Dodd-Frank  Act  permits  well-
capitalized  and  well-managed  banks  to  establish  new  interstate  branches  or  acquire  individual  branches  of  a
bank  in  another  state  (rather  than  the  acquisition  of  an  out-of-state  bank  in  its  entirety)  without  impediments.
Federal  law  permits  state  and  national  banks  to  merge  with  banks  in  other  states  subject  to:  (i)  regulatory
approval; (ii) federal and state deposit concentration limits; and (iii) state law limitations requiring the merging
bank to have been in existence for a minimum period of time (not to exceed five years) prior to the merger.

Transaction Account Reserves

Federal law requires FDIC-insured institutions to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily
NOW and regular checking accounts) to provide liquidity. The amount of reserves is determined by the Federal
Reserve based on tranches of zero, three and ten percent of a bank’s transaction account deposits.  However,
in March 2020, in an unprecedented move, the Federal Reserve announced that the banking system had ample
reserves, and, as reserve requirements no longer played a significant role in this regime, it reduced all reserve
tranches to zero percent, thereby freeing banks from the legally mandated reserve maintenance requirement.
The action permits the Bank to loan or invest funds that previously were unavailable. The Federal Reserve has
indicated that it expects to continue to operate in an ample reserves regime for the foreseeable future.

Community Reinvestment Act Requirements

The CRA requires the Bank to have a continuing and affirmative obligation in a safe and sound manner to help
meet  the  credit  needs  of  the  entire  community,  including  low-  and  moderate-income  neighborhoods.  Federal
regulators regularly assess the Bank’s record of meeting the credit needs of its communities. Applications for
acquisitions  also  would  be  affected  by  the  evaluation  of  the  Bank’s  effectiveness  in  meeting  its  CRA
requirements.    In  a  joint  statement  responding  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  the  bank  regulatory  agencies
announced  favorable  CRA  consideration  for  banks  providing  retail  banking  services  and  lending  activities  in
their assessment areas, consistent with safe and sound banking practices, that are responsive to the needs of
low-  and  moderate-income  individuals,  small  businesses,  and  small  farms  affected  by  the  pandemic.  Those
activities include waiving certain fees, easing restrictions on out-of-state and non-customer checks, expanding
credit  products,  increasing  credit  limits  for  creditworthy  borrowers,  providing  alternative  service  options,  and
offering prudent payment accommodations.  The joint statement also provided favorable CRA consideration for
certain pandemic-related community development activities.

19

Table of Contents

Anti-Money Laundering

The USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act ( “BSA”) and other similar laws are designed to deny terrorists
and criminals the ability to obtain access to the U.S. financial system and have significant implications for FDIC-
insured  institutions  and  other  businesses  involved  in  the  transfer  of  money.  These  laws  mandate  financial
services  companies  to  have  policies  and  procedures  with  respect  to  measures  designed  to  address  the
following  matters:  (i)  customer  identification  programs;  (ii)  money  laundering;  (iii)  terrorist  financing;  (iv)
identifying  and  reporting  suspicious  activities  and  currency  transactions;  (v)  currency  crimes;  and  (vi)
cooperation between FDIC-insured institutions and law enforcement authorities.

Federal Home Loan Bank Membership

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System, an organization created under the
Federal Home Loan Bank Act of 1932 to serve as a central credit facility for its members through eleven U.S.
government-sponsored banks, including the FHLB of Chicago. The FHLB of Chicago makes loans to member
banks in the form of advances, all of which are required to be fully collateralized, as determined by the FHLB of
Chicago.  In  the  event  that  a  member  financial  institution  fails,  the  right  of  the  FHLB  of  Chicago  to  seek
repayment of funds loaned to that institution will take priority (a super lien) over the rights of all other creditors.
To  qualify  for  membership  in  the  FHLB  System,  and  to  be  eligible  to  borrow  funds  from  such  Federal  Home
Loan  Bank  under  the  FHLB  System’s  advance  program,  the  Bank  is  required  to  hold  a  certain  amount  of
common  stock  in  one  of  the  Federal  Home  Loan  Banks.  There  is  no  secondary  market  for  the  FHLB  of
Chicago’s common stock, but additional purchases from, or repurchases by, the FHLB of Chicago may occur
under prescribed circumstances. Specifically, the board of directors of the FHLB of Chicago can increase the
minimum investment requirements in the event it has concluded that additional capital is required to allow it to
meet its own regulatory capital requirements. Any increase in the minimum investment requirements outside of
specified  ranges  requires  the  approval  of  the  Federal  Housing  Finance  Agency.  Because  the  extent  of  any
obligation to increase the level of investment in the FHLB of Chicago depends entirely upon the occurrence of
future  events,  we  are  unable  to  determine  the  extent  of  future  required  potential  payments  to  the  FHLB  of
Chicago at this time.

Residential Mortgage Lending

As  required  by  the  Dodd-Frank  Act,  the  CFPB  issued  a  series  of  final  rules  in  January  2013  amending
Regulation Z, implementing the Truth in Lending Act, which requires mortgage lenders to make a reasonable
and  good  faith  determination,  based  on  verified  and  documented  information,  that  a  consumer  applying  for  a
residential  mortgage  loan  has  a  reasonable  ability  to  repay  the  loan  according  to  its  terms.  These  final  rules
prohibit creditors from extending residential mortgage loans without regard for the consumer’s ability to repay
and  add  restrictions  and  requirements  to  residential  mortgage  origination  and  servicing  practices.  In  addition,
these  rules  restrict  the  imposition  of  prepayment  penalties  and  restrict  compensation  practices  relating  to
residential mortgage loan origination. Mortgage lenders are required to determine consumers’ ability-to-repay in
one of two ways. The first alternative requires the mortgage lender to consider eight underwriting factors when
making  the  credit  decision.  Alternatively,  the  mortgage  lender  can  originate  “qualified  mortgages,”  which  are
entitled to a presumption that the creditor making the loan satisfied the ability-to-repay requirements. In general,
a  qualified  mortgage  is  a  residential  mortgage  loan  that  does  not  have  certain  high-risk  features,  such  as
negative amortization, interest-only payments, balloon payments, or a term exceeding 30 years. In addition, to
be a qualified mortgage, the points and fees paid by a consumer cannot exceed 3% of the total loan amount,
and the borrower’s total debt-to-income ratio must be no higher than 43% (subject to certain limited exceptions
for  loans  eligible  for  purchase,  guarantee  or  insurance  by  a  government  sponsored  enterprise  or  a  federal
agency).

20

Table of Contents

Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate

Concentration  risk  exists  when  FDIC-insured  institutions  deploy  too  many  assets  to  any  one  industry  or
segment.  A  concentration  in  commercial  real  estate  is  one  example  of  regulatory  concern.  The  interagency
Concentrations  in  Commercial  Real  Estate  (“CRE”)  Lending,  Sound  Risk  Management  Practices  guidance
(“CRE  Guidance”)  provides  supervisory  criteria,  including  the  following  numerical  indicators,  to  assist  bank
examiners in identifying banks with potentially significant commercial real estate loan concentrations that may
warrant greater supervisory scrutiny: (i) CRE loans exceeding 300% of capital and increasing 50% or more in
the preceding three years; or (ii) construction and land development loans exceeding 100% of capital. The CRE
Guidance does not limit banks’ levels of CRE lending activities, but rather guides institutions in developing risk
management  practices  and  levels  of  capital  that  are  commensurate  with  the  level  and  nature  of  their
commercial  real  estate  concentrations.  On  December  18,  2015,  the  federal  banking  agencies  issued  a
statement to reinforce prudent risk-management practices related to CRE lending, having observed substantial
growth in many CRE asset and lending markets, increased competitive pressures, rising CRE concentrations in
banks,  and  an  easing  of  CRE  underwriting  standards.  The  federal  bank  agencies  reminded  FDIC-insured
institutions  to  maintain  underwriting  discipline  and  exercise  prudent  risk-management  practices  to  identify,
measure, monitor, and manage the risks arising from CRE lending. In addition, FDIC-insured institutions must
maintain capital commensurate with the level and nature of their CRE concentration risk. As of December 31,
2021, the Bank did not exceed these guidelines.

Consumer Financial Services

The  historical  structure  of  federal  consumer  protection  regulation  applicable  to  all  providers  of  consumer
financial products and services changed significantly on July 21, 2011, when the CFPB commenced operations
to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range
of consumer protection laws that apply to all providers of consumer products and services, including the Bank,
as well as the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The CFPB has examination
and  enforcement  authority  over  providers  with  more  than  $10  billion  in  assets.  FDIC-insured  institutions  with
$10 billion or less in assets, like the Bank, continue to be examined by their applicable bank regulators.

Because  abuses  in  connection  with  residential  mortgages  were  a  significant  factor  contributing  to  the  global
financial crisis, many rules issued by the CFPB, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, addressed mortgage and
mortgage-related products, their underwriting, origination, servicing and sales. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly
expanded  underwriting  requirements  applicable  to  loans  secured  by  1-4  family  residential  real  property  and
augmented federal law combating predatory lending practices. In addition to numerous disclosure requirements,
the Dodd-Frank Act and the CFPB’s enabling rules imposed new standards for mortgage loan originations on all
lenders,  including  banks  and  savings  associations,  in  an  effort  to  strongly  encourage  lenders  to  verify  a
borrower’s  ability  to  repay,  while  also  establishing  a  presumption  of  compliance  for  certain  “qualified
mortgages.”  The  CFPB’s  rules  have  not  had  a  significant  impact  on  the  Bank’s  operations,  except  for  higher
compliance costs.

21

Table of Contents

ITEM 1A.        RISK FACTORS

The  material  risks  and  uncertainties  that  management  believes  affect  us  are  described  below.  You  should
carefully consider these risks, together with all of the information included herein. Any of the following risks, as
well  as  risks  that  we  do  not  know  or  currently  deem  immaterial,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our
business, financial condition or results of operations.

SUMMARY

Risk Factor

● COVID-19 Pandemic

● Credit Risks

● Interest Rate Risks

● Reference Rate

Reform

● Liquidity Risks

● Technology and

Cybersecurity Risks

● Legal and Regulatory
Compliance Risks

● Business Strategy

● Ownership of Our
Common Stock

● External Risks

Description

The COVD-19 pandemic and the associated economic disruption has
adversely affected our business operations, our financial results, and the
financial condition of our borrowers and counterparties. The duration,
severity, and lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown at
this time.
Borrowers or counterparties may be unable or unwilling to repay their
obligations to us in accordance with the underlying contractual terms which
could lead to unexpected losses.
Fluctuations in interest rates may reduce our earnings or the value of our
financial instruments.
We have financial instruments – including loans, securities, debt, and
interest rate swaps – that include LIBOR as a “benchmark” or “reference
rate”. The phase-out of LIBOR may adversely impact the value of, return on,
and market for our LIBOR-based financial instruments or lead to disputes or
litigation with counterparties.
An inability to obtain liquid funds at a reasonable price to timely meet our
financial obligations may have a material adverse impact on our operations
and jeopardize our business.
Our business is highly dependent upon secure and uninterrupted
information technology systems. A disruption or breach to these systems
may have a material adverse impact on our business.
The banking industry is highly regulated. Failure to comply with the laws and
regulations to which we are subject, or changes in them, may adversely
impact us.
Our strategy of pursuing growth via suitable acquisitions exposes us to
heightened operational risks and could have a material adverse impact on
our financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.
Our principal stockholder, Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Voting Trust U/A/D
5/4/2016, has significant influence over us, and its interests could conflict
with those of our other stockholders.
Adverse changes in the economic conditions, particularly such changes in
the Illinois and Iowa markets we operate, may adversely impact our
borrowers and our business.

22

Table of Contents

RISK RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affecting us, our business, employees, customers, counterparties
and third-party service providers, and the lasting impacts on our business, financial position, results of
operations, liquidity and prospects is uncertain.

The  COVID-19  pandemic  (“COVID-19”)  has  caused  significant  economic  disruption  throughout  the  United
States  and  the  communities  we  serve.  While  the  economic  outlook  generally  improved  in  2021,  and  has
continued  to  improve  into  2022,  compared  to  2020,  uncertainty  surrounding  potential  surges  in  COVID-19
infections with new virus variants and the longer lasting impacts on specific industries remains.

Declines  in  demand  for  the  goods  and  services  of  our  customers’  and  counterparties’  businesses  due  to
COVID-19,  such  as  in  the  hospitality  industry,  could  result  in  increased  risk  of  delinquencies,  defaults,
foreclosures and losses on our loans. Additionally, staffing shortages, such as in the health care industry, and
supply  chain  disruptions  have  driven  labor  and  operating  costs  higher  for  our  customers’  and  counterparties’
businesses  which  could  adversely  impact  their  ability  to  repay  obligation  to  us  and  lead  to  unexpected  credit
losses.

Although economic activity has generally increased since 2020, our business is dependent upon the willingness
and  ability  of  our  customers  to  conduct  banking  and  other  financial  transactions.  The  uncertainty  caused  by
COVID-19 may result in a decline in demand for our products and services, including loans and deposits. This
may  result  in  a  significant  decrease  in  business  and  could  negatively  impact  our  results  of  operations,  our
growth  strategy,  and  our  ability  to  make  payments  under  our  subordinated  note  and  junior  subordinated
debenture obligations as they become due.

Our  workforce,  and  the  workforces  of  our  third-party  service  providers,  have  been,  and  may  continue  to  be,
adversely impacted by COVID-19. We continue to take precautions to protect the safety and well-being of our
employees  and  customers,  including  complying  with  evolving  mitigation  guidelines  and  mandates,  but  no
assurance can be given that our actions will be adequate or appropriate. Our business continuity plan and the
efforts we have taken to adapt our workforce and business to the current environment has resulted in, and may
continue to require us to incur, increased expenses. Additionally, changing workforce preferences, such as work
from home arrangements, and heightened pressures on wage growth may adversely impact our ability to attract
and retain top talent and our results of operations.

CREDIT RISKS

We may not be able to adequately measure and limit our credit risk, which could lead to unexpected
losses.

Our  business  depends  on  our  ability  to  successfully  measure  and  manage  credit  risk.  As  a  lender,  we  are
exposed to the risk that the principal of, or interest on, a loan will not be repaid timely or at all or that the value
of  any  collateral  supporting  a  loan  will  be  insufficient  to  cover  our  outstanding  exposure.  In  addition,  we  are
exposed to risks with respect to the period of time over which the loan may be repaid, risks relating to proper
loan  underwriting,  risks  resulting  from  changes  in  economic  and  industry  conditions,  and  risks  inherent  in
dealing  with  individual  loans  and  borrowers.  The  creditworthiness  of  a  borrower  is  affected  by  many  factors
including local market conditions and general economic conditions. If the overall economic climate in the U.S.,
generally,  or  our  market  areas,  specifically,  experiences  material  disruption,  our  borrowers  may  experience
difficulties in repaying their loans, the collateral we hold may decrease in value or become illiquid, and the level
of  nonperforming  loans,  charge-offs  and  delinquencies  could  rise  and  require  significant  additional  provisions
for  credit  losses.  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  its  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.

23

Table of Contents

Our risk management practices, such as monitoring the concentration of our loans within specific industries and
our credit approval, review and administrative practices may not adequately reduce credit risk, and our credit
administration  personnel,  policies  and  procedures  may  not  adequately  adapt  to  changes  in  economic  or  any
other  conditions  affecting  customers  and  the  quality  of  the  loan  portfolio.  A  failure  to  effectively  measure  and
limit  the  credit  risk  associated  with  our  loan  portfolio  may  result  in  loan  defaults,  foreclosures  and  additional
charge-offs,  and  may  necessitate  that  we  significantly  increase  our  allowance  for  loan  losses,  each  of  which
could adversely affect our net income. As a result, our inability to successfully manage credit risk could have an
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb potential losses in our loan
portfolio.

We establish our allowance for loan losses and maintain it at a level that management considers adequate to
absorb probable loan losses based on an analysis of our portfolio and market environment. The allowance for
loan losses represents our estimate of probable losses in the portfolio at each balance sheet date and is based
upon relevant information available to us. The allowance contains provisions for probable losses that have been
identified  relating  to  specific  borrowing  relationships,  as  well  as  probable  losses  inherent  in  the  loan  portfolio
and credit undertakings that are not specifically identified. Additions to the allowance for loan losses, which are
charged  to  earnings  through  the  provision  for  loan  losses,  are  determined  based  on  a  variety  of  factors,
including  an  analysis  of  the  loan  portfolio,  historical  loss  experience  and  an  evaluation  of  current  economic
conditions in our market areas. The actual amount of loan losses is affected by changes in economic, operating
and other conditions within our markets, which may be beyond our control, and such losses may exceed current
estimates.

Although  management  believes  that  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  is  adequate  to  absorb  losses  on  existing
loans  that  may  become  uncollectible,  we  may  be  required  to  take  additional  provisions  for  loan  losses  in  the
future  to  further  supplement  the  allowance  for  loan  losses,  either  due  to  management’s  decision  to  do  so  or
because our banking regulators require us to do so. Our bank regulatory agencies will periodically review our
allowance  for  loan  losses  and  the  value  attributed  to  nonaccrual  loans  or  to  real  estate  acquired  through
foreclosure and may require us to adjust our determination of the value for these items. These adjustments may
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The small to midsized businesses to which we lend may have fewer resources to weather adverse
business developments, which may impair a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, and such impairment
could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We  target  our  business  development  and  marketing  strategy  primarily  to  serve  the  banking  and  financial
services needs of small to midsized businesses. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in
terms  of  capital  or  borrowing  capacity  than  larger  entities,  can  have  less  access  to  capital  sources  and  loan
facilities,  frequently  have  smaller  market  shares  than  their  competition,  may  be  more  vulnerable  to  economic
downturns,  often  need  substantial  additional  capital  to  expand  or  compete,  and  may  experience  substantial
volatility  in  operating  results,  any  of  which  may  impair  a  borrower’s  ability  to  repay  a  loan.  In  addition,  the
success of a small and medium-sized business often depends on the management talents and efforts of one or
two people or a small group of people, and the death, disability or resignation of one or more of these people
could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  the  business  and  its  ability  to  repay  its  loan.  If  general  economic
conditions negatively impact the markets in which we operate or any of our borrowers otherwise are affected by
adverse business developments, our small to medium-sized borrowers may be disproportionately affected and
their ability to repay outstanding loans may be negatively affected, resulting in an adverse effect on our results
of operations and financial condition.

24

Table of Contents

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

In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions, and in evaluating and monitoring our loan
portfolio  on  an  ongoing  basis,  we  may  rely  on  information  furnished  by  or  on  behalf  of  customers  and
counterparties, including financial statements, credit reports and other financial information. We may also rely
on representations of those customers or counterparties or of other third parties, such as independent auditors,
as  to  the  accuracy  and  completeness  of  that  information.  Reliance  on  inaccurate,  incomplete,  fraudulent  or
misleading financial statements, credit reports or other financial or business information, or the failure to receive
such information on a timely basis, could result in loan losses, reputational damage or other effects that could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The appraisals and other valuation techniques we use in evaluating and monitoring loans secured by
real property, foreclosed real estate and other repossessed assets may not accurately describe the fair
value of the asset.

In  considering  whether  to  make  a  loan  secured  by  real  property,  we  generally  require  an  appraisal  of  the
property.  However,  an  appraisal  is  only  an  estimate  of  the  value  of  the  property  at  the  time  the  appraisal  is
made,  and,  as  real  estate  values  may  change  significantly  in  relatively  short  periods  of  time  (especially  in
periods of heightened economic uncertainty), this estimate may not accurately describe the fair value of the real
property  collateral  after  the  loan  is  made.  As  a  result,  we  may  not  be  able  to  realize  the  full  amount  of  any
remaining indebtedness when we foreclose on and sell the relevant property. In addition, we rely on appraisals
and  other  valuation  techniques  to  establish  the  value  of  real  estate  and  personal  property  that  we  acquire
through  foreclosure  proceedings  and  to  determine  certain  loan  impairments.  If  any  of  these  valuations  are
inaccurate, our consolidated financial statements may not reflect the correct value of our foreclosed assets, and
our  allowance  for  loan  losses  may  not  reflect  accurate  loan  impairments.  This  could  have  a  material  adverse
effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities.

A  significant  portion  of  our  loan  portfolio  is,  and  is  expected  to  be,  secured  by  real  property  and  during  the
ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In addition,
we  own  our  branch  properties.  If  hazardous  or  toxic  substances  are  found  on  our  foreclosed  or  branch
properties,  we  may  be  liable  for  remediation  costs,  as  well  as  for  personal  injury  and  property  damage.
Environmental  laws  may  require  us  to  incur  substantial  expenses  and  may  materially  reduce  the  affected
property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent
interpretations  or  enforcement  policies  with  respect  to  existing  laws  may  increase  our  exposure  to
environmental liability. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental
hazard could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The majority of our loan portfolio consists of commercial and regulatory CRE loans, which have a
higher degree of risk than other types of loans.

Commercial  and  regulatory  CRE  loans  are  often  larger  and  involve  greater  risks  than  other  types  of  lending.
Because  payments  on  such  loans  are  often  dependent  on  the  successful  operation  or  development  of  the
property  or  business  involved,  repayment  of  such  loans  is  often  more  sensitive  than  other  types  of  loans  to
adverse  conditions  in  the  real  estate  market  or  the  general  business  climate  and  economy.  Accordingly,  a
downturn  in  the  real  estate  market  and  a  challenging  business  and  economic  environment  may  increase  our
risk  related  to  commercial  loans,  particularly  commercial  real  estate  loans.  Unlike  residential  mortgage  loans,
which generally are made on the basis of the borrowers’ ability to make repayment from their employment and
other  income  and  which  are  secured  by  real  property  whose  value  tends  to  be  more  easily  ascertainable,
commercial  loans  typically  are  made  on  the  basis  of  the  borrowers’  ability  to  make  repayment  from  the  cash
flow  of  the  commercial  venture.  Our  operating  commercial  loans  are  primarily  made  based  on  the  identified
cash  flow  of  the  borrower  and  secondarily  on  the  collateral  underlying  the  loans.  Most  often,  this  collateral
consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Inventory and equipment may depreciate over time,

25

Table of Contents

may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. If the cash flow
from business operations is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Due to the larger
average  size  of  each  commercial  loan  as  compared  with  other  loans  such  as  residential  loans,  as  well  as
collateral  that  is  generally  less  readily-marketable,  losses  incurred  on  a  small  number  of  commercial  or
regulatory CRE loans could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Real estate construction loans are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the
complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate, and we may be exposed to significant losses on
loans for these projects.

Real estate construction lending involves additional risks because funds are advanced upon the security of the
project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion, and costs may exceed realizable values in declining
real  estate  markets.  Because  of  the  uncertainties  inherent  in  estimating  construction  costs  and  the  realizable
market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively
difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio.
As a result, construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in
part, on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property, rather
than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If our appraisal of the value of the
completed project proves to be overstated or market values or rental rates decline, we may have inadequate
security  for  the  repayment  of  the  loan  upon  completion  of  construction  of  the  project.  If  we  are  forced  to
foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, we may not be able to recover all of the unpaid
balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, we
may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an
unspecified period of time while we attempt to dispose of it.

We provide loans and services to the agriculture industry and the health of this industry is impacted by
factors outside our control and the control of our customers.

Our  loan  portfolio  includes  loans  to  agricultural  producers  and  loans  secured  by  farmland.  In  addition,  our
commercial loan portfolio includes loans to farm implement dealerships, grain elevators and other businesses
that provide products and services to agricultural producers. We also provide farm management advice, engage
in farm sale services and arrange for crop insurance. Our agriculture loans generally consist of (i) real estate
loans  secured  by  farmland,  (ii)  crop  input  loans  primarily  focused  on  corn  and  soybeans  and  (iii)  equipment
financing for specific agriculture equipment. Decreases in commodity prices may negatively affect both the cash
flows of the borrowers and the value of the collateral supporting such loans, and could decrease the fees from
our  other  agricultural  services.  Although  we  attempt  to  account  for  the  possibility  of  such  commodity  price
fluctuations  in  underwriting,  structuring  and  monitoring  our  agriculture  loans,  there  is  no  guarantee  that  our
efforts  will  be  successful  and  we  may  experience  increased  delinquencies  or  defaults  in  this  portfolio  or  be
required to increase our provision for loan losses, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.

26

Table of Contents

Our agricultural loans are dependent on the profitable operation and management of the farmland securing the
loan  and  its  cash  flows.  The  success  of  our  agricultural  loans  may  be  affected  by  many  factors  outside  the
control of the borrower, including:

● adverse  weather  conditions  (such  as  hail,  drought  and  floods),  restrictions  on  water  supply  or  other

conditions that prevent the planting of a crop or limit crop yields, or that affect crop harvesting;

● loss of crops or livestock due to disease or other factors;
● declines 

the  market  prices  or  demand 

in 

for  agricultural  products  (both  domestically  and

internationally), for any reason;

● increases in production costs (such as the costs of labor, rent, feed, fuel and fertilizer);
● adverse  changes  in  interest  rates,  currency  exchange  rates,  agricultural  land  values  or  other  factors

that may affect delinquency levels and credit losses on agricultural loans;

● the  impact  of  government  policies  and  regulations  (including  changes  in  price  supports,  subsidies,
government-sponsored  crop  insurance,  minimum  ethanol  content  requirements  for  gasoline,  tariffs,
trade barriers and health and environmental regulations);

● access to technology and the successful implementation of production technologies; and
● changes  in  the  general  economy  that  could  affect  the  availability  of  off-farm  sources  of  income  and

prices of real estate for borrowers.

INTEREST RATE RISKS

Fluctuations in interest rates may reduce net interest income and otherwise negatively impact our
financial condition and results of operations.

The majority of our banking assets are monetary in nature and subject to risk from changes in interest rates.
Like most financial institutions, our earnings and cash flows depend to a great extent upon the level of our net
interest  income,  or  the  difference  between  the  interest  income  we  earn  on  loans,  investments  and  other
interest-earning assets, and the interest we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.
Changes in interest rates can increase or decrease our net interest income, because different types of assets
and  liabilities  may  react  differently,  and  at  different  times,  to  market  interest  rate  changes.  When  interest-
bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-earning assets in a period,
an increase in interest rates could reduce net interest income. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or
reprice  more  quickly,  or  to  a  greater  degree  than  interest-bearing  liabilities,  falling  interest  rates  could  reduce
net interest income.

Additionally, an increase in interest rates may, among other things, reduce the demand for loans, increase the
cost of deposit and wholesale funding, reduce our ability to originate loans and decrease loan repayment rates.
A decrease in the general level of interest rates may, among other things, increase prepayments on our loan
and  securities  portfolios  and  result  in  a  decrease  in  our  net  interest  margin,  negatively  impacting  our  results.
Although  our  asset-liability  management  strategy  is  designed  to  control  and  mitigate  exposure  to  the  risks
related  to  changes  in  market  interest  rates,  those  rates  are  affected  by  many  factors  outside  of  our  control,
including governmental monetary policies, inflation, deflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money
supply, international disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets.

We  may  seek  to  mitigate  our  interest  rate  risk  by  entering  into  interest  rate  swaps  and  other  interest  rate
derivative  contracts  from  time  to  time  with  counterparties.  Our  hedging  strategies  rely  on  assumptions  and
projections regarding interest rates, asset levels and general market factors and subject us to counterparty risk.
There is no assurance that our interest rate mitigation strategies will be successful and if our assumptions and
projections prove to be incorrect or our hedging strategies do not adequately mitigate the impact of changes in
interest rates, we may incur losses that could adversely affect our earnings.

27

Table of Contents

The value of the financial instruments we own may decline in the future.

An increase in market interest rates may affect the market value of our securities portfolio, potentially reducing
accumulated other comprehensive income and/or earnings.

In  addition,  we  evaluate  our  investment  securities  on  at  least  a  quarterly  basis,  and  more  frequently  when
economic  and  market  conditions  warrant  such  an  evaluation,  to  determine  whether  any  decline  in  fair  value
below amortized cost is the result of an other-than-temporary impairment. The process for determining whether
impairment  is  other-than-temporary  usually  requires  complex,  subjective  judgments  about  the  future  financial
performance  of  the  issuer  in  order  to  assess  the  probability  of  receiving  all  contractual  principal  and  interest
payments on the security. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting issuers, we may be
required  to  recognize  other-than-temporary  impairment  in  future  periods,  which  could  adversely  affect  our
business, results of operations or financial condition.

Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve could adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.

In  addition  to  being  affected  by  general  economic  conditions,  our  earnings  and  growth  are  affected  by  the
policies of the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the money supply
and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve to implement these objectives are
open market purchases and sales of U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes
in banks’ reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to
influence  overall  economic  growth  and  the  distribution  of  credit,  bank  loans,  investments  and  deposits.  Their
use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.

The  monetary  policies  and  regulations  of  the  Federal  Reserve  have  had  a  significant  effect  on  the  operating
results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such
policies upon our business, financial condition and results of operations cannot be predicted.

The Federal Reserve has signaled that it will begin to increase rates, taper its quantitative easing program, and
reduce its balance sheet of bonds and other assets in 2022, but will do so with the goal of avoiding abrupt or
unpredictable changes in economic or financial conditions so as not to disrupt the financial systems, also known
as “shocks;” despite this, the impact of these changes cannot be certain.  Vulnerabilities in the financial system
can amplify the impact of an initial shock following rate increases, potentially leading to unintended volatility, as
well as to disruptions in the provision of financial services, such as clearing payments, the provision of liquidity,
and the availability of credit.  Furthermore, asset liquidation pressures can be amplified by liquidity mismatches
and the leverage of certain nonbank financial intermediaries such as hedge funds.  The financial crisis in March
2020 also demonstrated that pressures on dealer intermediation can limit the availability of liquidity during times
of  market  stress.    Given  the  interconnectedness  of  the  global  financial  system,  these  vulnerabilities  could
impact the Company’s business operations and financial condition.

RISKS RELATED TO REFERENCE RATE REFORM

We may be adversely impacted by the transition from LIBOR as a reference rate.

In  2017,  the  United  Kingdom  Financial  Conduct  Authority  (the  “FCA”),  the  authority  that  regulates  LIBOR,
announced that it will stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after the end of 2021,
creating considerable uncertainty regarding the publication of such rates beyond 2021. In March 2021, the FCA
announced that the 1-week and 2-month U.S. dollar LIBOR will cease to be published at the end of 2021, with
the remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR panels ceasing at the end of June 2023. The transition away from LIBOR to
alternative reference rates could have a negative impact on the value of, return on, and trading market for the
LIBOR-based loans and securities in our portfolio and an adverse impact on the availability and cost of hedging
instruments and borrowings. In addition, we may incur expenses if we are required to renegotiate the terms of
existing agreements that govern LIBOR-based products as a result of the transition away from LIBOR, and

28

Table of Contents

could  be  subject  to  disputes  or  litigation  with  counterparties  regarding  the  interpretation  and  enforceability  of
provisions  in  existing  LIBOR-based  products  regarding  fallback  language  or  other  related  provisions,  as  the
economics  of  various  alternative  reference  rates  differ  from  LIBOR.  The  impact  on  the  valuation,  pricing,  and
operation  of  our  LIBOR-based  financial  instruments  and  the  cost  of  transitioning  to  the  use  of  alternative
reference rates is not yet known and could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

We  have  issued  fixed-to-floating  subordinated  notes  which  include  the  Secured  Overnight  Financing
Rate  (“SOFR”)  as  the  reference  rate  during  the  floating  rate  period.  SOFR  differs  fundamentally  from,
and may not be a comparable substitute for, LIBOR.

In June 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the "ARRC") convened by the Federal Reserve and
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York announced SOFR as its recommended alternative to LIBOR. However,
because  SOFR  is  a  broad  U.S.  Treasury  repo  financing  rate  that  represents  overnight  secured  funding
transactions, it differs fundamentally from LIBOR. For example, SOFR is a secured overnight rate, while LIBOR
is an unsecured rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities. In addition, because SOFR is a
transaction-based rate, it is backward-looking, whereas LIBOR is forward-looking. Because of these and other
differences, there can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as LIBOR would have done at
any time, and there is no guarantee that it is a comparable substitute for LIBOR.

LIQUIDITY RISKS

Liquidity risks could affect operations and jeopardize our business, financial condition and results of
operations.

Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans
and/or  investment  securities  and  from  other  sources  could  have  a  substantial  negative  effect  on  our  liquidity.
Our  most  important  source  of  funds  consists  of  our  customer  deposits.  Such  deposit  balances  can  decrease
when  customers  perceive  alternative  investments,  such  as  the  stock  market,  as  providing  a  better  risk/return
tradeoff. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments, we could lose a relatively
low cost source of funds, which would require us to seek wholesale funding alternatives in order to continue to
grow, thereby increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income.

In  addition  to  our  deposit  base,  our  liquidity  is  provided  by  cash  from  operations  and  investment  maturities,
redemptions and sales as well as cash flow from loan prepayments and maturing loans that are not renewed.
When needed, additional liquidity is sometimes provided by our ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank
of  Chicago  and  the  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank  of  Chicago  (the  "FHLB"),  through  federal  funds  lines  with  our
correspondent banks, and through other wholesale funding sources including brokered certificates of deposits
or deposits placed with the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service. 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.

Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to continue to implement our business plan,
including  originating  loans,  investing  in  securities,  meeting  our  expenses  or  fulfilling  obligations  such  as
repaying our borrowings and meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse
impact on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, and such capital may not be available when
needed or at all.

We may need to raise additional capital, in the form of debt or equity securities, in the future to have sufficient
capital resources to meet our commitments and our regulatory requirements, and to fund our business needs
and future growth, particularly if the quality of our assets or earnings were to deteriorate significantly. Our ability

29

Table of Contents

to  raise  additional  capital,  if  needed,  will  depend  on,  among  other  things,  conditions  in  the  capital  markets  at
that time, which are outside of our control, and our financial condition. We may not be able to obtain capital on
acceptable  terms  or  at  all.  Any  occurrence  that  may  limit  our  access  to  capital,  such  as  a  decline  in  the
confidence of debt purchasers, depositors of the Bank or counterparties participating in the capital markets or
other disruption in capital markets, may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, in
turn,  our  liquidity.  Further,  if  we  need  to  raise  capital  in  the  future,  we  may  have  to  do  so  when  many  other
financial institutions are also seeking to raise capital and would then have to compete with those institutions for
investors.  An  inability  to  raise  additional  capital  on  acceptable  terms  when  needed  could  have  a  material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We may be adversely affected by changes in the actual or perceived soundness or condition of other
financial institutions.

Financial  institutions  that  deal  with  each  other  are  interconnected  as  a  result  of  trading,  investment,  liquidity
management,  clearing,  counterparty  and  other  relationships.  Concerns  about,  or  a  default  by,  one  institution
could lead to significant liquidity problems and losses or defaults by other institutions, as the commercial and
financial soundness of many financial institutions is closely related as a result of these credit, trading, clearing
and other relationships. Even the perceived lack of creditworthiness of, or questions about, a counterparty may
lead  to  market-wide  liquidity  problems  and  losses  or  defaults  by  various  institutions.  This  systemic  risk  may
adversely affect financial intermediaries with which we interact on a daily basis or key funding providers such as
the  FHLB,  any  of  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  access  to  liquidity  or  otherwise  have  a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Loss of customer deposits could increase our funding costs.

We  rely  on  deposits  as  a  low  cost  and  stable  source  of  funding.  We  compete  with  banks  and  other  financial
services companies for deposits. If our competitors raise the rates they pay on deposits, our funding costs may
increase, either because we raise our rates to avoid losing deposits or because we lose deposits and must rely
on  more  expensive  sources  of  funding.  Higher  funding  costs  could  reduce  our  net  interest  margin  and  net
interest  income  and  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial  condition,  and  results  of
operations.

TECHNOLOGY AND CYBERSECURITY RISKS

The occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or
cybersecurity-related incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition or results of operations.

As  a  financial  institution,  we  are  susceptible  to  fraudulent  activity,  information  security  breaches  and
cybersecurity-related  incidents  that  may  be  committed  against  us  or  our  customers,  which  may  result  in
financial  losses  or  increased  costs  to  us  or  our  clients,  disclosure  or  misuse  of  our  information  or  our  client
information,  misappropriation  of  assets,  privacy  breaches  against  our  customers,  litigation  or  damage  to  our
reputation.  Such  fraudulent  activity  may  take  many  forms,  including  check  fraud,  electronic  fraud,  wire  fraud,
phishing, social engineering and other dishonest acts. Information security breaches and cybersecurity-related
incidents  may  include  fraudulent  or  unauthorized  access  to  systems  used  by  us  or  our  customers,  denial  or
degradation of service attacks, and malware or other cyber-attacks. There continues to be a rise in electronic
fraudulent  activity,  security  breaches  and  cyber-attacks  within  the  financial  services  industry,  especially  in  the
commercial banking sector due to cyber criminals targeting commercial bank accounts. Moreover, several large
corporations, including financial institutions and retail companies, have suffered major data breaches, in some
cases exposing not only confidential and proprietary corporate information, but also sensitive financial and other
personal  information  of  their  customers  and  employees  and  subjecting  them  to  potential  fraudulent  activity.
Some of our customers may have been affected by these breaches, which could increase their risks of identity
theft and other fraudulent activity that could involve their accounts with us.

30

Table of Contents

We also face risks related to cyber-attacks and other security breaches in connection with debit card and credit
card  transactions  that  typically  involve  the  transmission  of  sensitive  information  regarding  our  customers
through  various  third  parties,  including  retailers  and  payment  processors.  Some  of  these  parties  have  in  the
past been the target of security breaches and cyber-attacks, and because the transactions involve third parties
and environments such as the point of sale that we do not control or secure, future security breaches or cyber-
attacks affecting any of these third parties could affect us through no fault of our own. In some cases, we may
have  exposure  and  suffer  losses  for  breaches  or  attacks  relating  to  them,  including  costs  to  replace
compromised debit and credit cards and to address fraudulent transactions.

Information pertaining to us and our customers is maintained, and transactions are executed, on networks and
systems  maintained  by  us  and  certain  third-party  partners,  such  as  our  digital  banking  systems.  The  secure
maintenance  and  transmission  of  confidential  information,  as  well  as  execution  of  transactions  over  these
systems, are essential to protect us and our customers against fraud and security breaches and to maintain our
customers’  confidence.  Breaches  of  information  security  may  also  occur  through  intentional  or  unintentional
acts  by  those  having  access  to  our  systems  or  our  customers’  or  counterparties’  confidential  information,
including  employees.  In  addition,  a  number  of  developments  could  result  in  a  compromise  or  breach  of  the
technology, processes and controls that we use to prevent fraudulent transactions and to protect data about us,
our  customers  and  underlying  transactions,  as  well  as  the  technology  used  by  our  customers  to  access  our
systems.  These  developments  include  increases  in  criminal  activity  levels  and  sophistication,  advances  in
computer  capabilities,  new  discoveries  and  vulnerabilities  in  third-party  technologies  (including  browsers  and
operating systems).

Although we have developed, and continue to invest in, systems and processes that are designed to detect and
prevent  security  breaches  and  cyber-attacks  and  periodically  test  our  security,  our  or  our  third-party  partners’
inability to anticipate, or failure to adequately mitigate, breaches of security could result in losses to us or our
customers,  loss  of  business  and/or  customers,  reputational  damage,  the  incurrence  of  additional  expenses,
disruption  to  our  business,  our  inability  to  grow  our  online  services  or  other  businesses,  additional  regulatory
scrutiny or penalties, or our exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We depend on information technology and telecommunications systems of third parties, and any
systems failures, interruptions or data breaches involving these systems could adversely affect our
operations and financial condition.

Our business is highly dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology
and  telecommunications  systems,  third-party  servicers,  accounting  systems,  digital  banking  platforms  and
financial intermediaries. We outsource to third parties many of our major systems, such as digital banking, loan
servicing,  and  deposit  processing  systems.  The  failure  of  these  systems,  or  the  termination  of  a  third-party
software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations.
Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party
systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity or such third-party
systems fail or experience interruptions. If sustained or repeated, a system failure or service denial could result
in a deterioration of our ability to process loans or gather deposits and provide customer service, compromise
our ability to operate effectively, result in potential noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations, damage
our  reputation,  result  in  a  loss  of  customer  business  and/or  subject  us  to  additional  regulatory  scrutiny  and
possible  financial  liability,  any  of  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  financial  condition  and
results of operations. In addition, failure of third parties to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or fraud
or misconduct on the part of employees of any of these third parties, could disrupt our operations or adversely
affect our reputation.

31

Table of Contents

It  may  be  difficult  for  us  to  replace  some  of  our  third-party  vendors,  particularly  vendors  providing  our  core
banking, debit card and credit card services and information services, in a timely manner if they are unwilling or
unable to provide us with these services in the future for any reason and even if we are able to replace them, it
may be at higher cost or result in the loss of customers. Any such events could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our  operations  rely  heavily  on  the  secure  processing,  storage  and  transmission  of  information  and  the
monitoring  of  a  large  number  of  transactions  on  a  minute-by-minute  basis,  and  even  a  short  interruption  in
service could have significant consequences. We also interact with and rely on retailers, for whom we process
transactions, as well as financial counterparties and regulators. Each of these third parties may be targets of the
same  types  of  fraudulent  activity,  computer  break-ins  and  other  cybersecurity  breaches  described  above  or
herein, and the cybersecurity measures that they maintain to mitigate the risk of such activity may be different
than our own and may be inadequate.

As a result of financial entities and technology systems becoming more interdependent and complex, a cyber-
incident, information breach or loss, or technology failure that compromises the systems or data of one or more
financial  entities  could  have  a  material  impact  on  counterparties  or  other  market  participants,  including
ourselves. Although we review business continuity and backup plans for our vendors and take other safeguards
to support our operations, such plans or safeguards may be inadequate. As a result of the foregoing, our ability
to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to us or to third parties with whom
we interact.

Our use of third-party vendors and our other ongoing third-party business relationships is subject to
increasing regulatory requirements and attention.

Our use of third-party vendors for certain information systems is subject to increasingly demanding regulatory
requirements  and  attention  by  our  bank  regulators.  Regulatory  guidance  requires  us  to  enhance  our  due
diligence,  ongoing  monitoring  and  control  over  our  third-party  vendors  and  other  ongoing  third-party  business
relationships. In certain cases we may be required to renegotiate our agreements with these vendors to meet
these  enhanced  requirements,  which  could  increase  our  costs.  Our  regulators  may  hold  us  responsible  for
deficiencies  in  our  oversight  and  control  of  our  third-party  relationships  and  in  the  performance  of  the  parties
with  which  we  have  these  relationships.  As  a  result,  if  our  regulators  conclude  that  we  have  not  exercised
adequate oversight and control over our third-party vendors or other ongoing third-party business relationships
or  that  such  third  parties  have  not  performed  appropriately,  we  could  be  subject  to  enforcement  actions,
including civil money penalties or other administrative or judicial penalties or fines as well as requirements for
customer  remediation,  any  of  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  our  business,  financial  condition  or
results of operations.

We continually encounter technological change and may have fewer resources than many of our larger
competitors to continue to invest in technological improvements.

The  financial  services  industry  is  undergoing  rapid  technological  changes,  with  frequent  introductions  of  new
technology-driven  products  and  services.  The  effective  use  of  technology  increases  efficiency  and  enables
financial  institutions  to  better  serve  customers  and  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 will satisfy customer demands for convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations.
Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We also
may  not  be  able  to  effectively  implement  new  technology-driven  products  and  services  or  be  successful  in
marketing these products and services to our customers.

The  widespread  adoption  of  new  technologies,  including  internet  services,  cryptocurrencies  and  payment
systems,  could  require  us  in  the  future  to  make  substantial  expenditures  to  modify  or  adapt  our  existing
products and services as we grow and develop new products to satisfy our customers’ expectations and comply
with regulatory guidance.

32

Table of Contents

In  addition,  we  expect  that  new  technologies  and  business  processes  applicable  to  the  banking  industry  will
continue  to  emerge,  and  these  new  technologies  and  business  processes  may  be  better  than  those  we
currently  use.  The  implementation  of  technological  changes  and  upgrades  to  maintain  current  systems  and
integrate  new  ones  may  cause  service  interruptions,  transaction  processing  errors  and  system  conversion
delays and may cause us to fail to comply with applicable laws. Because the pace of technological change is
high and our industry is intensely competitive, we may not be able to sustain our investment in new technology
as critical systems and applications become obsolete or as better ones become available. A failure to maintain
current  technology  and  business  processes  could  cause  disruptions  in  our  operations  or  cause  our  products
and services to be less competitive, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition or results of operations.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE RISKS

The banking industry is highly regulated, and the regulatory framework, together with any future
legislative or regulatory changes, may have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and future prospects.

As  a  bank  holding  company,  we  and  our  subsidiaries  are  subject  to  extensive  examination,  supervision  and
comprehensive regulation under both federal and state laws and regulations that are intended primarily for the
protection of depositors, customers, the DIF and the overall financial stability of the United States, not for the
protection  of  our  stockholders  and  creditors.  We  are  subject  to  regulation  and  supervision  by  the  Federal
Reserve, and the Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the FDIC and the IDFPR. The banking laws
and  regulations  applicable  to  us  govern  a  variety  of  matters,  including,  among  other  things,  the  types  of
business activities in which we and our subsidiaries can engage; permissible types, amounts and terms of loans
and  investments  we  may  make;  the  maximum  interest  rate  that  we  may  charge;  the  amount  of  reserves  we
must hold against deposits we take; the types of deposits we may accept; maintenance of adequate capital and
liquidity; changes in the control of us and the Bank; restrictions on dividends or other capital distributions; and
establishment  of  new  offices  or  branches.  These  requirements  may  constrain  our  operations  or  require  us  to
obtain approval from our regulators before engaging in certain activities, with no assurance that such approvals
may  be  obtained,  either  in  a  timely  manner  or  at  all.  Also,  the  burden  imposed  by  those  federal  and  state
regulations may place banks in general at a competitive disadvantage compared to their non-bank competitors.

Applicable  banking  laws,  regulations,  interpretations,  enforcement  policies,  and  accounting  principles  have
been  subject  to  significant  changes  in  recent  years  and  may  be  subject  to  significant  future  changes.  In
addition,  regulators  may  elect  to  alter  standards  or  the  interpretation  of  the  standards  used  to  measure
regulatory compliance or to determine the adequacy of liquidity, certain risk management or other operational
practices for bank holding companies in a manner that impacts our ability to implement our strategy and could
affect  us  in  substantial  and  unpredictable  ways.  Compliance  with  existing  and  any  potential  new  or  changed
regulations,  as  well  as  regulatory  scrutiny,  may  significantly  increase  our  costs,  impede  the  efficiency  of  our
internal business processes, require us to increase our regulatory capital and limit our ability to pursue business
opportunities in an efficient manner. Our failure to comply with banking laws, regulations and policies, even if
the failure follows good faith effort or reflects a difference in interpretation, could subject us to restrictions on our
business  activities,  fines  and  other  penalties,  the  commencement  of  informal  or  formal  enforcement  actions
against  us,  and  other  negative  consequences,  including  reputational  damage,  any  of  which  could  adversely
affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, capital base and the price of our securities.

Federal and state regulators periodically examine our business, and we may be required to remediate
adverse examination findings.

The Federal Reserve (with respect to us) and the FDIC and the IDFPR (with respect to the Bank) periodically
examine  our  business,  including  our  compliance  with  applicable  laws  and  regulations.  These  regulatory
agencies  have  extremely  broad  discretion  in  their  interpretation  of  regulations  and  laws,  and  in  their
interpretation  of  the  quality  of  our  loan  portfolio,  securities  portfolio  and  other  assets.  If,  as  a  result  of  an
examination, a banking agency were to determine that our financial condition, capital resources, asset quality,

33

Table of Contents

lending  practices,  investment  practices,  earnings  prospects,  management,  liquidity  or  other  aspects  of  any  of
our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or regulation, it 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  affirmative  action  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 money penalties, to fine or 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  and  place  us  into  receivership  or  conservatorship.  Any  regulatory  action  against  us  could
have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Prior to October 11, 2019, we were treated as an S Corp, and claims of taxing authorities related to our
prior status as an S Corp could harm us.

Effective October 11, 2019, the Company revoked its S Corp status and became a taxable entity that is subject
to U.S. federal income tax. If the unaudited, open tax years in which we were an S Corp are audited by the IRS
and we are determined not to have qualified for, or to have violated, our S Corp status, we will be obligated to
pay back taxes, interest and penalties. The amounts that we would be obligated to pay could include tax on all
of our taxable income while we were an S Corp. Any such claims could result in additional costs to us and could
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We could become obligated to make payments to the pre-IPO stockholders for any additional federal,
state or local income taxes assessed against such pre-IPO stockholder for tax periods prior to the
completion of the IPO.

Prior to October 11, 2019, we were treated as an S Corp for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because we had
been an S Corp, our pre-IPO stockholders had been taxed on our income as individuals. Therefore each pre-
IPO stockholder has received certain distributions ("tax distributions") from us that were generally intended to
equal the amount of tax such was required to pay with respect to our income. In connection with the IPO, our S
Corp status terminated and we are now subject to federal and increased state income taxes. In the event of an
adjustment to our reported taxable income for periods prior to termination of our S Corp status, it is possible that
each  pre-IPO  stockholder  will  be  liable  for  additional  income  taxes  for  those  prior  periods.  Pursuant  to  the
Amended Restated Stockholder Agreement, upon our filing any tax return (amended or otherwise), in the event
of  any  restatement  of  our  taxable  income  or  pursuant  to  a  determination  by,  or  a  settlement  with,  a  taxing
authority, for any period during which we were an S Corp, depending on the nature of the adjustment we may
be  required  to  make  a  payment  to  each  of  the  pre-IPO  stockholders  in  an  amount  equal  to  such  pre-IPO
stockholder's incremental tax liability, which amount may be material. In addition, we agreed to indemnify each
pre-IPO  stockholder  with  respect  to  unpaid  income  tax  liabilities  to  the  extent  that  such  unpaid  income  tax
liabilities  are  attributable  to  an  adjustment  to  our  taxable  income  for  any  period  after  our  S  Corp  status
terminates. In both cases, the amount of the payment would assume that such pre-IPO stockholder is taxed at
the  highest  rate  applicable  to  individuals  for  the  relevant  periods.  We  also  agreed  to  indemnify  each  pre-IPO
stockholder for any interest, penalties, losses, costs or expenses arising out of any claim under the agreement.
However, each pre-IPO stockholder agreed to indemnify us with respect to our unpaid tax liabilities (including
interest  and  penalties)  to  the  extent  that  such  unpaid  tax  liabilities  are  attributable  to  a  decrease  in  the
shareholder's  taxable  income  for  any  for  tax  period  and  a  corresponding  increase  in  the  Company's  taxable
income for any period.

We are subject to capital adequacy requirements and may be subject to more stringent capital
requirements and, if we fail to meet these requirements, we will be subject to restrictions on our ability
to make capital distributions and other restrictions.

The Basel III Rule require us to maintain a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%, a minimum
total Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%, a minimum total capital ratio of 8% and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%,
and  a  capital  conservation  buffer  of  greater  than  2.5%  of  risk-weighted  assets  (the  "Capital  Conservation
Buffer"). Failure to maintain the Capital Conservation Buffer would result in increasingly stringent restrictions

34

Table of Contents

on our ability to make dividend payments and other capital distributions and to pay discretionary bonuses to our
executive officers. See "Supervision and Regulation—The Role of Capital" for more information on the capital
adequacy standards that we must meet and maintain.

While we currently meet the requirements of the Basel III Rule, we may fail to do so in the future and may be
unable to raise additional capital to remediate any capital deficiencies. The failure to meet applicable regulatory
capital  requirements  could  result  in  one  or  more  of  our  regulators  placing  limitations  or  conditions  on  our
activities  or  restricting  the  commencement  of  new  activities,  including  our  growth  initiatives,  and  could  affect
customer and investor confidence, our costs of funds and level of required deposit insurance assessments to
the FDIC, our ability to pay dividends on our capital stock, our ability to make acquisitions, and our business,
results of operations and financial conditions generally.

Future legislative or regulatory change could impose higher capital standards on us or the Bank. The Federal
Reserve may also set higher capital requirements for 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.

The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.

Federal  law  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  such  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 and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for
failure  to  commit  resources  to  a  subsidiary  bank.  A  capital  injection  may  be  required  at  times  when  the
Company may not have the resources to provide it and therefore may be required to borrow the funds or raise
capital. Any loans by a holding company to its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits
and  to  certain  other  indebtedness  of  such  subsidiary  bank.  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  institution’s
general  unsecured  creditors,  including  the  holders  of  its  note  obligations.  Thus,  any  borrowing  that  must  be
done by the Company to make a required capital injection into the Bank could be more difficult and expensive to
obtain and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks and/or losses to us.

Our risk management framework is comprised of various processes, systems and strategies, and is designed to
manage the types of risk to which we are subject, including, among others, credit, market, liquidity, interest rate
and  compliance.  Our  framework  also  includes  financial  or  other  modeling  methodologies  that  involve
management  assumptions  and  judgment.  Our  risk  management  framework  may  not  be  effective  under  all
circumstances or that it will adequately mitigate any risk or loss to us. If our framework is not effective, we could
suffer unexpected losses and our business, financial condition, results of operations or growth prospects could
be materially and adversely affected. We may also be subject to potentially adverse regulatory consequences.

Future consumer legislation or regulation could harm our performance and competitive position.

The  Dodd-Frank  Act  established  the  CFPB  as  an  independent  federal  agency  that  has  broad  rulemaking
authority over consumer financial products and services for all financial institutions, including deposit products,
residential  mortgages,  home-equity  loans  and  credit  cards.  In  addition,  the  CFPB  also  has  exclusive
supervisory  and  examination  authority  and  primary  enforcement  authority  with  respect  to  various  federal
consumer  financial  laws  and  regulations  for  insured  depository  institutions  with  more  than  $10  billion  in  total
consolidated assets. The Bank is not subject to the examination and supervisory authority of the CFPB because
it has less than $10 billion in total assets, but it is required to comply with the rules and regulations issued by

35

Table of Contents

the CFPB. The FDIC has the primarily responsibility for supervising and examining the Bank’s compliance with
federal consumer financial laws and regulations, including CFPB regulations. See "Supervision and Regulation
—Supervision and Regulation of the Bank—Consumer Financial Services" for additional information.

In addition to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, various state and local legislative bodies have adopted or
have been considering augmenting their existing framework governing consumers’ rights. These considerations
could also be impacted by the recent changes in federal administration. Such legislative or regulatory changes
to  consumer  financial  laws  and  regulations  could  result  in  changes  to  our  pricing,  practices,  products  and
procedures;  increases  in  our  costs  related  to  regulatory  oversight,  supervision  and  examination;  or  result  in
remediation efforts and possible penalties. We may be required to add additional compliance personnel or incur
other  significant  compliance-related  expenses  to  meet  the  demands  of  these  consumer  protection  laws.  We
cannot predict whether new legislation or regulation will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it would have
on our activities, financial condition, or results of operations.

We are subject to numerous laws and regulations 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  of  1977  ("CRA")  requires  the  Bank,  consistent  with  safe  and  sound
operations,  to  ascertain  and  meet  the  credit  needs  of  their  entire  communities,  including  low  and  moderate
income  areas.  The  Bank’s  failure  to  comply  with  the  CRA  could,  among  other  things,  result  in  the  denial  or
delay  of  certain  corporate  applications  filed  by  us  or  the  Bank,  including  applications  for  branch  openings  or
relocations  and  applications  to  acquire,  merge  or  consolidate  with  another  banking  institution  or  holding
company.  In  addition,  the  Equal  Credit  Opportunity  Act,  the  Fair  Housing  Act  and  other  fair  lending  laws  and
regulations  prohibit  discriminatory  lending  practices  by  financial  institutions.  The  U.S.  Department  of  Justice,
federal banking agencies, and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations.
A challenge to an institution’s compliance with 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 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
growth  prospects.  See  "Supervision  and  Regulation—Supervision  and  Regulation  of  the  Bank—Community
Reinvestment Act Requirements".

The expanding body of federal, state and local regulations and/or the licensing of loan servicing,
collections or other aspects of our business and our sales of loans to third parties may increase the
cost of compliance and the risks of noncompliance and subject us to litigation.

Loan servicing is subject to extensive regulation by federal, state and local governmental authorities as well as
to  various  laws  and  judicial  and  administrative  decisions  imposing  requirements  and  restrictions  on  those
activities. The volume of new or modified laws and regulations has increased in recent years and, in addition,
some individual municipalities have begun to enact laws that restrict loan servicing activities including delaying
or temporarily preventing foreclosures or forcing the modification of certain mortgages. If regulators impose new
or  more  restrictive  requirements,  we  may  incur  significant  additional  costs  to  comply  with  such  requirements
which may adversely affect us. In addition, were we to be subject to regulatory investigation or regulatory action
regarding our loan modification and foreclosure practices, our financial condition and results of operation could
be adversely affected. We have also sold loans to third parties. In connection with these sales, we, or certain of
our subsidiaries, make or have made various representations and warranties, breaches of which may result in a
requirement that we repurchase the loans or otherwise make whole or provide other remedies to counterparties.
These aspects of our business or our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could possibly lead
to, among other things, civil and criminal liability, loss of licensure, damage to our reputation in the industry or
with customers, fines and penalties, litigation (including class action lawsuits) and administrative enforcement
actions. Any of these outcomes could materially and adversely affect us.

36

Table of Contents

Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act (the "BSA"), or other laws and
regulations could result in fines or sanctions.

Financial  institutions  are  required  under  the  USA  PATRIOT  Act  of  2001  and  the  BSA  to  develop  programs  to
prevent financial institutions from being used for money-laundering, terrorist financing and other illicit activities.
Financial  institutions  are  also  obligated  to  file  suspicious  activity  reports  with  the  Office  of  Financial  Crimes
Enforcement  Network  ("FinCEN")  of  the  Treasury  if  such  activities  are  detected.  These  rules  also  require
financial  institutions  to  establish  procedures  for  identifying  and  verifying  the  identity  of  customers  seeking  to
open  new  financial  accounts.  Failure  or  the  inability  to  comply  with  these  regulations  could  result  in  fines  or
penalties, curtailment of expansion opportunities, intervention or sanctions by regulators and costly litigation or
expensive  additional  controls  and  systems.  In  recent  years,  several  banking  institutions  have  received  large
fines for non-compliance with these laws and regulations. In addition, FinCEN  requires financial institutions to
enhance  their  Customer  Due  Diligence  programs,  including  verifying  the  identity  of  beneficial  owners  of
qualifying business customers. We have developed policies and continue to augment procedures and systems
designed  to  assist  in  compliance  with  these  laws  and  regulations,  but  these  policies  may  not  be  effective  to
provide such compliance. If we violate these laws and regulations, or our policies, procedures and systems are
deemed  deficient,  we  could  face  severe  consequences,  including  sanctions,  fines,  regulatory  actions  and
reputational consequences. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Regulation in the areas of privacy and data security could increase our costs.

We are subject to various regulations related to privacy and data security, and we could be negatively impacted
by these regulations. For example, we are subject to the safeguards guidelines under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley
Act ("GLBA"). The safeguards guidelines require that each financial institution develop, implement and maintain
a  written,  comprehensive  information  security  program  containing  safeguards  that  are  appropriate  to  the
financial  institution’s  size  and  complexity,  the  nature  and  scope  of  the  financial  institution’s  activities  and  the
sensitivity  of  any  customer  information  at  issue.  Further,  there  are  various  other  statutes  and  regulations
relevant  to  the  direct  email  marketing,  debt  collection  and  text-messaging  industries  including  the  Telephone
Consumer Protection Act.

In addition to the foregoing enhanced data security requirements, various federal banking regulatory agencies,
and  all  50  states,  the  District  of  Columbia,  Puerto  Rico  and  the  Virgin  Islands,  have  enacted  data  security
regulations and laws requiring varying levels of consumer notification in the event of a security breach and/or
requirements to disclose to consumers information collected about them. Also, federal legislators and regulators
are  increasingly  pursuing  new  guidelines,  laws  and  regulations  that,  if  adopted,  could  further  restrict  how  we
collect,  use,  share  and  secure  consumer  information,  which  could  impact  some  of  our  current  or  planned
business initiatives. The interpretation of many of these statutes and regulations is evolving in the courts and
administrative  agencies  and  an  inability  or  failure  to  comply  with  them  may  have  an  adverse  impact  on  our
business.

Litigation and regulatory actions, including possible enforcement actions, could subject us to
significant fines, penalties, judgments or other requirements resulting in increased expenses or
restrictions on our business activities.

Our  business  is  subject  to  increased  litigation  and  regulatory  enforcement  risks  due  to  a  number  of  factors,
including  the  highly  regulated  nature  of  the  financial  services  industry  and  the  focus  of  state  and  federal
prosecutors  on  banks  and  the  financial  services  industry  generally.  This  focus  has  only  intensified  in
recent  years,  with  regulators  and  prosecutors  focusing  on  a  variety  of  financial  institution  practices  and
requirements, 
laws,
classification  of  "held  for  sale"  assets  and  compliance  with  anti-money  laundering  statutes,  the  BSA  and
sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury.

foreclosure  practices,  compliance  with  applicable  consumer  protection 

including 

37

Table of Contents

In the normal course of business, from time to time, we have in the past and may in the future be named as a
defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection
with our current and/or prior business activities. Legal actions could include claims for substantial compensatory
or  punitive  damages  or  claims  for  indeterminate  amounts  of  damages.  In  addition,  while  the  arbitration
provisions  in  certain  of  our  customer  agreements  historically  have  limited  our  exposure  to  consumer  class
action litigation, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in enforcing our arbitration clause in the
future.  We  may  also,  from  time  to  time,  be  the  subject  of  subpoenas,  requests  for  information,  reviews,
investigations  and  proceedings  (both  formal  and  informal)  by  governmental  agencies  regarding  our  current
and/or  prior  business  activities.  Any  such  legal  or  regulatory  actions  may  subject  us  to  substantial
compensatory or punitive damages, significant fines, penalties, obligations to change our business practices or
other  requirements  resulting  in  increased  expenses,  diminished  income  and  damage  to  our  reputation.  Our
involvement  in  any  such  matters,  whether  tangential  or  otherwise  and  even  if  the  matters  are  ultimately
determined in our favor, could also cause significant harm to our reputation and divert management attention
from the operation of our business. Further, any settlement, consent order or adverse judgment in connection
with  any  formal  or  informal  proceeding  or  investigation  by  government  agencies  may  result  in  litigation,
investigations  or  proceedings  as  other  litigants  and  government  agencies  begin  independent  reviews  of  the
same  activities.  As  a  result,  the  outcome  of  legal  and  regulatory  actions  could  be  material  to  our  business,
results  of  operations,  financial  condition  and  cash  flows  depending  on,  among  other  factors,  the  level  of  our
earnings for that period, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results
of operations.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY

We may not be able to continue growing our business, particularly if we cannot make acquisitions or
increase loans through organic loan growth, either because of an inability to find suitable acquisition
candidates, constrained capital resources or otherwise.

We  anticipate  that  much  of  our  future  growth  will  be  dependent  on  our  ability  to  successfully  implement  our
acquisition  growth  strategy  because  certain  of  our  market  areas  are  comprised  of  mature,  rural  communities
with  limited  population  growth.  A  risk  exists,  however,  that  we  will  not  be  able  to  identify  suitable  additional
candidates  for  acquisitions.  In  addition,  even  if  suitable  targets  are  identified,  we  expect  to  compete  for  such
businesses with other potential bidders, which may have greater financial resources than we have, which may
adversely  affect  our  ability  to  make  acquisitions  at  attractive  prices.  In  light  of  the  foregoing,  our  ability  to
continue to grow successfully will depend to a significant extent on our capital resources. It also will depend, in
part, upon our ability to attract deposits, identify favorable loan and investment opportunities and on whether we
can continue to fund growth while maintaining cost controls and asset quality, as well on other factors beyond
our control, such as national, regional and local economic conditions and interest rate trends.

Our strategy of pursuing growth via acquisitions exposes us to financial, execution and operational
risks that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations
and growth prospects.

We  have  been  pursuing  a  strategy  of  leveraging  our  human  and  financial  capital  by  acquiring  other  financial
institutions  in  our  target  markets,  including  acquisitions  of  failed  insured  depository  institutions  with  the
assistance  of  the  FDIC.  We  continue  to  opportunistically  seek  acquisitions  that  are  either  located  within  our
market  footprint,  in  adjacent  markets  or  provide  a  new  growth  opportunity  that  is  strategically  and  financially
compelling and consistent with our culture.

38

Table of Contents

Our acquisition activities could require us to use a substantial amount of cash, other liquid assets, and/or issue
debt  or  additional  equity.  In  addition  to  the  general  risks  associated  with  any  growth  plans,  acquiring  other
banks, businesses, or branches involves various risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among
other things:

● the time and expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential acquisitions and negotiating

potential transactions;

● inaccuracies  in  the  estimates  and  judgments  used  to  evaluate  credit,  operations,  management,  and
market risks with respect to the target institution. If the actual results fall short or exceed our estimates,
our earnings, capital and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected;

● the ability to finance an acquisition and possible dilution to existing stockholders;
● compliance and legal risks associated with acquiring unfamiliar customers, products and services, and

branches in new geographical markets; and

● risks  associated  with  integrating  the  operations  and  personnel  of  the  acquired  business  in  a  manner
that  permits  growth  opportunities  and  does  not  materially  disrupt  existing  customer  relationships  or
result in decreased revenues resulting from any loss of customers.

With respect to the risks particularly associated with the integration of an acquired business, we may encounter
a  number  of  difficulties,  such  as:  (1)  customer  loss  and  revenue  loss;  (2)  the  loss  of  key  employees;  (3)  the
disruption  of  its  operations  and  business;  (4)  the  inability  to  maintain  and  increase  its  competitive  presence;
(5) possible inconsistencies in standards, control procedures and policies; and/or (6) unexpected problems with
costs,  operations,  personnel,  technology  and  credit.  In  addition  to  the  risks  posed  by  the  integration  process
itself,  the  focus  of  management’s  attention  and  effort  on  integration  may  result  in  a  lack  of  sufficient
management  attention  to  other  important  issues,  causing  harm  to  our  business.  Also,  general  market  and
economic  conditions  or  governmental  actions  affecting  the  financial  industry  generally  may  inhibit  our
successful integration of an acquired business.

Generally,  any  acquisition  of  financial  institutions,  banking  centers  or  other  banking  assets  by  us  will  require
approval  by,  and  cooperation  from,  a  number  of  governmental  regulatory  agencies,  including  the  Federal
Reserve, the IDFPR, and the FDIC. Such regulators could deny our applications based on various prescribed
criteria or other considerations, which would restrict our growth, or the regulatory approvals may not be granted
on terms that are acceptable to us. For example, we could be required to sell banking centers as a condition to
receiving regulatory approvals and such a condition may not be acceptable to us or may reduce the benefit of
any  acquisition.  These  regulatory  approvals  and  the  factors  considered  in  reviewing  such  applications  are
described in greater detail in "Supervision and Regulation—Acquisitions and Branching."

We cannot assure you that we will be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered
in  connection  with  acquisitions.  Our  inability  to  overcome  risks  associated  with  acquisitions  could  have  an
adverse effect on our ability to successfully implement our acquisition growth strategy and grow our business
and profitability.

Attractive acquisition opportunities may not be available to us in the future.

While  we  seek  continued  organic  growth,  we  anticipate  continuing  to  evaluate  merger  and  acquisition
opportunities  presented  to  us  in  our  core  markets  and  beyond.  We  expect  that  other  banking  and  financial
companies,  many  of  which  have  significantly  greater  resources,  will  compete  with  us  to  acquire  financial
services businesses. In addition, it has yet to be seen what impact the recent changes in federal administration
will  have  on  the  Economic  Growth,  Regulatory  Relief,  and  Consumer  Protection  Act  (the  "Regulatory  Relief
Act") and certain proposed regulations. Currently, there is a regulatory freeze until new department or regulatory
agency heads have an opportunity to review and approve new rules, and depending on whether certain rules
are ultimately published in the Federal Register. As a result, certain large bank holding companies could more
aggressively  pursue  expansion,  including  through  acquisitions.  This  competition  could  increase  prices  for
potential  acquisitions,  which  could  reduce  our  potential  returns  and  reduce  the  attractiveness  of  these
opportunities to us.

39

Table of Contents

RISKS RELATED TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK

Our principal stockholder, Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Voting Trust U/A/D 5/4/2016, has significant influence
over us, and its interests could conflict with those of our other stockholders.

As of December 31, 2021, our principal stockholder, Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Voting Trust U/A/D 5/4/2016 (“the
Voting Trust”), owned approximately 59.4% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and its trustee is our
Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer.  As  a  result,  the  Voting  Trust  is  able  to  influence  matters  requiring
approval  by  our  stockholders,  including  the  election  of  directors  and  the  approval  of  mergers  or  other
extraordinary  transactions.  The  Voting  Trust  may  also  have  interests  that  differ  from  yours  and  may  vote  in  a
way with which you disagree and which may be adverse to your interests. The concentration of ownership may
also have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change of control of the Company, could deprive our
stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our company
and might ultimately affect the market price of our common stock.

The Voting Trust could sell its interest in us to a third-party in a private transaction, which may not lead to your
realization  of  any  change  of  control  premium  on  shares  of  our  common  stock  and  would  subject  us  to  the
influence of a presently unknown third-party.

The  ability  of  the  Voting  Trust  to  sell  its  shares  of  our  common  stock  privately,  with  no  requirement  for  a
concurrent  offer  to  be  made  to  acquire  all  of  the  shares  of  our  outstanding  common  stock,  could  prevent  our
stockholders from realizing any change of control premium on shares of our common stock that they own that
may accrue to the Voting Trust on its private sale of our common stock.

Even if the Voting Trust’s ownership of our shares falls below a majority, the Voting Trust may continue to be
able to influence or effectively control out decisions.

We are classified as a "controlled company" for purposes of the Nasdaq Listing Rules and, as a result,
we qualify for certain exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You do not have the
same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

As of the date of this report, the Voting Trust controls a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common
stock. As a result, we are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of
the  Nasdaq  Listing  Rules.  Under  the  Nasdaq  Listing  Rules,  a  company  of  which  more  than  50%  of  the
outstanding voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a "controlled company" and may
elect not to comply with certain stock exchange corporate governance requirements, including:

● the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consists of independent directors;
● the requirement that nominating and corporate governance matters be decided solely by independent

directors; and

● the  requirement  that  executive  and  officer  compensation  matters  be  decided  solely  by  independent

directors.

Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to
all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.

Our  ability  to  continue  to  pay  dividends  to  our  stockholders  is  restricted  by  applicable  laws  and
regulations and by the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us.

Holders  of  our  common  stock  are  only  entitled  to  receive  such  cash  dividends  as  our  board,  in  its  sole
discretion,  may  declare  out  of  funds  legally  available  for  such  payments.  Any  decision  to  declare  and  pay
dividends  will  be  dependent  on  a  variety  of  factors,  including  our  financial  condition,  earnings,  legal
requirements, our general liquidity needs, and other factors that our board deems relevant. As a bank holding
company, our ability to

40

Table of Contents

declare  and  pay  dividends  to  our  stockholders  is  subject  to  certain  banking  laws,  regulations,  and  policies,
including minimum capital requirements and, as a Delaware corporation, we are subject to certain restrictions
on  dividends  under  the  DGCL.  In  addition,  we  are  a  separate  legal  entity,  and,  accordingly,  our  ability  to  pay
dividends  depends  primarily  upon  the  receipt  of  dividends  or  other  capital  distributions  from  the  Bank.  The
ability of the Bank to make distributions or pay dividends to us is subject to its earnings, financial condition, and
liquidity needs, as well as federal and state laws, regulations, and policies applicable to the Bank, which limit
the  amount  the  Bank  can  pay  as  dividends  or  other  capital  distributions  to  us.  Finally,  our  ability  to  pay
dividends to our stockholders, or the Bank’s ability to pay dividends or other distributions to us, may be limited
by covenants in any financing arrangements that we or the Bank may enter into in the future. See “Supervision
and Regulation.”

As a consequence of these various limitations and restrictions, we may not be able to make, or may have to
reduce or eliminate at any time, future dividends on our common stock. Any change in the level of our dividends
or  the  suspension  of  the  payment  thereof  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  market  price  of  our
common stock.

We cannot guarantee that we will be able to pay dividends to our stockholders, or that the board of directors of
the Bank will be able to or will elect to pay dividends to us, nor can we guarantee the timing or amount of any
such dividends actually paid. As a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in our common stock
unless you sell our common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur,
may depress our stock price.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could
occur, could adversely affect the price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through
the sale of additional shares. Following the expiration of the 180-day underwriter lock-up agreed to by each of
our executive officers and directors and the trustee of the Voting Trust in connection with our IPO, the shares of
our common stock held by these holders may be sold in accordance with the volume, manner of sale, and other
limitations under Rule 144, and holders of approximately 17,210,400 shares of our common stock will have the
right to require us to register the sales of their shares under the Securities Act, under the terms of an agreement
between us and the holders of these securities.

In the future, we may also issue securities in connection with acquisitions or investments. The number of shares
of our common stock issued in connection with an acquisition or investment could constitute a material portion
of our then-outstanding shares of our common stock.

41

Table of Contents

We  are  an  “emerging  growth  company”  and  may  elect  to  comply  with  reduced  public  company
reporting requirements which could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”).
For  as  long  as  we  continue  to  be  an  emerging  growth  company,  we  may  choose  to  take  advantage  of
exemptions from various public company reporting requirements. These exemptions include, but are not limited
to,  (i)  not  being  required  to  comply  with  the  auditor  attestation  requirements  of  Section  404  of  the  Sarbanes-
Oxley  Act,  (ii)  reduced  disclosure  obligations  regarding  executive  compensation  in  our  periodic  reports,  proxy
statements  and  registration  statements,  and  (iii)  exemptions  from  the  requirements  of  holding  a  nonbinding
advisory  vote  on  executive  compensation  and  stockholder  approval  of  any  golden  parachute  payments  not
previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years after our IPO, which fifth
anniversary  will  occur  in  2024.  However,  if  certain  events  occur  prior  to  the  end  of  such  five-year  period,
including if we become a "large accelerated filer," our annual gross revenue exceeds $1.07 billion or we issue
more  than  $1.0  billion  of  non-convertible  debt  in  any  three-year  period,  we  would  cease  to  be  an  emerging
growth  company  prior  to  the  end  of  such  five-year  period.  We  have  taken  advantage  of  certain  reduced
disclosure  obligations  regarding  executive  compensation  and  may  elect  to  take  advantage  of  other  reduced
disclosure  obligations  in  future  filings.  As  a  result,  the  information  that  we  provide  to  holders  of  our  common
stock may be different than you might receive from other public reporting companies in which you hold equity
interests. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive as a result of our reliance on
these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of any choice we make to
reduce  disclosure,  there  may  be  a  less  active  trading  market  for  our  common  stock  and  the  price  for  our
common stock may be more volatile.

Under  the  JOBS  Act,  emerging  growth  companies  may  also  elect  to  delay  adoption  of  new  or  revised
accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to use
this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will
not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies.

Anti-takeover  provisions  in  our  charter  documents  and  Delaware  law,  and  the  banking  laws  and
regulations  to  which  we  are  subject,  might  discourage  or  delay  acquisition  attempts  for  us  that  you
might consider favorable.

Our  restated  certificate  of  incorporation  and  amended  and  restated  bylaws  will  contain  provisions  that  may
make  the  acquisition  of  the  Company  more  difficult  without  the  approval  of  our  board  of  directors.  These
provisions:

● authorize the issuance of undesignated preferred stock, the terms of which may be established and the
shares  of  which  may  be  issued  without  stockholder  approval,  and  which  may  include  super  voting,
special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences superior to the rights of the holders of common
stock;

● prohibit stockholder action by written consent, requiring all stockholder actions be taken at a meeting of
our stockholders, if the Voting Trust ceases to own more than 35% of our outstanding common stock;
● provide that the board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our amended and

restated bylaws;

● establish  advance  notice  requirements  for  nominations  for  elections  to  our  board  of  directors  or  for

proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings; and

● prohibit stockholders from calling special meetings of stockholders.

These anti-takeover provisions and other provisions under Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a
transaction  involving  a  change  in  control  of  the  Company,  even  if  doing  so  would  benefit  our  stockholders.
These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders
to elect directors of your choosing and to cause us to take other corporate actions you desire.

42

Table of Contents

Furthermore, banking laws impose notice, approval and ongoing regulatory requirements on any stockholder or
other party that seeks to acquire direct or indirect "control," as defined under applicable law, of an FDIC-insured
depository institution. These laws include the BHCA and the CBCA. These laws could, among other things, limit
the equity held by certain stockholders, restrain a stockholder’s ability to influence proxy matters, or prevent an
acquisition  of  the  Company,  in  each  case  without  first  obtaining  regulatory  approval.  See  “Supervision  and
Regulation—Supervision and Regulation of the Company—Change in Control."

Our restated certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as
the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our
stockholders,  which  could  limit  our  stockholders'  ability  to  obtain  a  favorable  judicial  forum  for
disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.

Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to limited exceptions, the Court of Chancery of the
State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District
of  Delaware)  will  be  the  sole  and  exclusive  forum  for  (i)  any  derivative  action  or  proceeding  brought  on  our
behalf,  (ii)  any  action  asserting  a  claim  of  breach  of  a  fiduciary  duty  owed  by  any  of  our  directors,  officers  or
other employees to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors,
officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation or our
by-laws or (iv) any other action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees
that  is  governed  by  the  internal  affairs  doctrine.  Any  person  or  entity  purchasing  or  otherwise  acquiring  any
interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions
of  our  certificate  of  incorporation  described  above.  This  choice  of  forum  provision  may  limit  a  stockholder's
ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or
other  employees,  which  may  discourage  such  lawsuits  against  us  and  our  directors,  officers  and  employees.
Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation inapplicable to, or
unenforceable  in  respect  of,  one  or  more  of  the  specified  types  of  actions  or  proceedings,  we  may  incur
additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our
business and financial condition.

EXTERNAL RISKS

Adverse changes in local economic conditions and adverse conditions in an industry on which a local
market in which we do business depends could hurt our business in a material way.

Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of our borrowers to pay interest on and repay
principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and
other  products  and  services  we  offer,  is  highly  dependent  upon  the  business  environment  in  the  markets  in
which  we  operate  and  in  the  United  States  as  a  whole.  Unlike  larger  banks  that  are  more  geographically
diversified, we provide banking and financial services to customers primarily in Illinois and Iowa. The economic
conditions  in  our  local  markets  may  be  different  from,  or  worse  than,  the  economic  conditions  in  the  United
States  as  a  whole.  Some  elements  of  the  business  environment  that  affect  our  financial  performance  include
short-term and long-term interest rates, the prevailing yield curve, inflation and price levels, tax policy, monetary
policy, unemployment and the strength of the domestic economy and the local economy in the markets in which
we operate.

Unfavorable  market  conditions  can  result  in  a  deterioration  in  the  credit  quality  of  our  borrowers  and  the
demand for our products and services, an increase in the number of loan delinquencies, defaults and charge-
offs, additional provisions for loan losses, adverse asset values and an overall material adverse effect on the
quality  of  our  loan  portfolio.  Unfavorable  or  uncertain  economic  and  market  conditions  can  be  caused  by,
among  other  factors,  declines  in  economic  growth,  business  activity  or  investor  or  business  confidence;
limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; changes in inflation or interest rates;
increases in real estate and other state and local taxes; high unemployment; natural disasters; pandemics, such
as COVID-19; severe weather; acts of terrorism or war; or a combination of these or other factors.

43

Table of Contents

Continued elevated levels of inflation could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

The United States has recently experienced elevated levels of inflation.  Continued levels of inflation could have
complex  effects  on  our  business  and  results  of  operations,  some  of  which  could  be  materially  adverse.    For
example, if interest rates were to rise in response to, or as a result of, elevated levels of inflation, the value of
our  securities  portfolio  would  be  negatively  impacted.    In  addition,  while  we  generally  expect  any  inflation-
related  increases  in  our  interest  expense  to  be  offset  by  increases  in  our  interest  revenue,  inflation-driven
increases  in  our  levels  of  non-interest  expense  could  negatively  impact  our  results  of  operations.    Continued
elevated  levels  of  inflation  could  also  cause  increased  volatility  and  uncertainty  in  the  business  environment,
which could adversely affect loan demand and our clients’ ability to repay indebtedness. It is also possible that
governmental  responses  to  the  current  inflation  environment  could  adversely  affect  our  business,  such  as
changes  to  monetary  and  fiscal  policy  that  are  too  strict,  or  the  imposition  or  threatened  imposition  of  price
controls. The duration and severity of the current inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

Labor  shortages  and  failure  to  attract  and  retain  qualified  employees  could  negatively  impact  our
business, results of operations and financial condition.

A number of factors may adversely affect the labor force available to us or increase labor costs, including high
employment levels, decreased labor force size and participation rates as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
expanded  unemployment  benefits  offered  in  response  to  the  ongoing  COVID-19  pandemic,  and  other
government actions. Although we have not experienced any material labor shortage to date, we have recently
observed  an  overall  tightening  and  increasingly  competitive  local  labor  market.  A  sustained  labor  shortage  or
increased  turnover  rates  within  our  employee  base  could  lead  to  increased  costs,  such  as  increased
compensation expense to attract and retain employees.

In addition, if we are unable to hire and retain employees capable of performing at a high-level, or if mitigation
measures  we  may  take  to  respond  to  a  decrease  in  labor  availability  have  unintended  negative  effects,  our
business  could  be  adversely  affected.  An  overall  labor  shortage,  lack  of  skilled  labor,  increased  turnover  or
labor  inflation,  caused  by  COVID-19  or  as  a  result  of  general  macroeconomic  factors,  could  have  a  material
adverse impact on our operations, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.

The  State  of  Illinois  has  experienced  significant  financial  difficulties,  and  this  could  adversely  impact
certain borrowers and our business.

Historically,  the  financial  condition  of  the  State  of  Illinois  has  been  characterized  by  significant  financial
difficulties,  including  material  pension  funding  shortfalls  and  large  budget  deficits.  These  issues  could  impact
the economic vitality of the State of Illinois and our customers, and could specifically encourage businesses to
relocate, and discourage new employers from starting or moving businesses to Illinois. These issues could also
result in delays in the payment of accounts receivable owed to borrowers that conduct business with the State
of  Illinois  and  Medicaid  payments  to  nursing  homes  and  other  healthcare  providers  in  Illinois  and  impair  their
ability to repay their loans when due.

Our  business  is  significantly  dependent  on  the  real  estate  markets  in  which  we  operate,  as  a
significant percentage of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate.

Many of the loans in our portfolio are secured by real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral,
with  substantially  all  of  these  real  estate  loans  concentrated  in  Illinois  and  Iowa.  Real  property  values  in  our
market may be different from, and in some instances worse than, real property values in other markets or in the
United States as a whole and may be affected by a variety of factors outside of our control and the control of
our borrowers. Cook County, in particular, has experienced volatility in real estate values over the past decade.
Declines  in  real  estate  values,  including  prices  for  homes  and  commercial  properties,  could  result  in  a
deterioration  of  the  credit  quality  of  our  borrowers,  an  increase  in  the  number  of  loan  delinquencies,  defaults
and  charge-offs,  and  reduced  demand  for  our  products  and  services,  generally.  Our  CRE  loans  may  have  a
greater risk of loss than residential mortgage loans, in part because these loans are generally larger or more

44

Table of Contents

complex to underwrite. In particular, real estate construction and land development loans have certain risks not
present  in  other  types  of  loans,  including  risks  associated  with  construction  cost  overruns,  project  completion
risk,  general  contractor  credit  risk  and  risks  associated  with  the  ultimate  sale  or  use  of  the  completed
construction.  In  addition,  declines  in  real  property  values  in  the  states  in  which  we  operate  could  reduce  the
value  of  any  collateral  we  realize  following  a  default  on  these  loans  and  could  adversely  affect  our  ability  to
continue to grow our loan portfolio consistent with our underwriting standards. We may have to foreclose on real
estate assets if borrowers default on their loans, in which case we are required to record the related asset to the
then  fair  market  value  of  the  collateral,  which  may  ultimately  result  in  a  loss.  An  increase  in  the  level  of
nonperforming  assets  increases  our  risk  profile  and  may  affect  the  capital  levels  regulators  believe  are
appropriate in light of the ensuing risk profile. Our failure to effectively mitigate these risks could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in a highly competitive
environment.

We  face  substantial  competition  in  all  phases  of  our  operations  from  a  variety  of  different  competitors.  Our
future  growth  and  success  will  depend  on  our  ability  to  compete  effectively  in  this  highly  competitive
environment. To date, our competitive strategies have focused on attracting deposits in our local markets and
growing our loan portfolio by emphasizing specific loan products in which we have significant experience and
expertise,  identifying  and  targeting  markets  in  which  we  believe  we  can  effectively  compete  with  larger
institutions  and  other  competitors,  and  offering  highly  competitive  pricing  to  borrowers  with  appropriate  risk
profiles.  We  compete  for  loans,  deposits  and  other  financial  services  with  other  commercial  banks,  credit
unions,  brokerage  houses,  mutual  funds,  insurance  companies,  real  estate  conduits,  mortgage  brokers  and
specialized finance companies. Many of our competitors offer products and services that we do not offer, and
some  offer  loan  structures  and  have  underwriting  standards  that  are  not  as  restrictive  as  our  required  loan
structures  and  underwriting  standards.  Some  larger  competitors  have  substantially  greater  resources  and
lending limits, name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business. In addition, larger
competitors  may  be  able  to  price  loans  more  aggressively  than  we  do,  and  because  of  their  larger  capital
bases, their underwriting practices for smaller loans may be subject to less regulatory scrutiny than they would
be for smaller banks. Newer competitors may be more aggressive in pricing their products in order to increase
their market share.

Some of the financial institutions and financial services organizations with which we compete are not subject to
the  extensive  regulations  imposed  on  banks  insured  by  the  FDIC  and  their  holding  companies.  As  a  result,
these  nonbank  competitors  have  certain  advantages  over  us  in  accessing  funding  and  in  providing  various
financial  services.  Additionally,  technology  and  other  changes  are  allowing  consumers  and  businesses  to
complete financial transactions through alternative methods that historically have involved banks. For example,
the wide acceptance of Internet-based commerce has resulted in a number of alternative payment processing
systems  and  lending  platforms  in  which  banks  play  only  minor  roles.  Customers  can  now  maintain  funds  in
prepaid debit cards or digital currencies and pay bills and transfer funds directly without the direct assistance of
banks. The diminishing role of banks as financial intermediaries has resulted and could continue to result in the
loss  of  fee  income,  as  well  as  the  loss  of  customer  deposits  and  the  related  income  generated  from  those
deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the potential loss of lower cost deposits as a source of funds
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

45

Table of Contents

Additionally, while we do not offer products relating to digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and
other similar assets, there has been a significant increase in digital asset adoption globally over the past several
years. Certain characteristics of digital asset transactions, such as the speed with which such transactions can
be conducted, the ability to transact without the involvement of regulated intermediaries, the ability to engage in
transactions  across  multiple  jurisdictions,  and  the  anonymous  nature  of  the  transactions,  are  appealing  to
certain  consumers  notwithstanding  the  various  risks  posed  by  such  transactions.  Accordingly,  digital  asset
service providers—which, at present are not subject to the same degree of scrutiny and oversight as banking
organizations  and  other  financial  institutions—are  becoming  active  competitors  to  more  traditional  financial
institutions. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the
loss  of  fee  income,  as  well  as  the  loss  of  customer  deposits  and  the  related  income  generated  from  those
deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Potential partnerships with digital
asset companies, moreover, could also entail significant investment.

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 business and the value of our stock.

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. Maintenance of our reputation depends not only on our success in maintaining our service-focused
culture, but also on our success in identifying and appropriately addressing issues that may arise in areas such
as  potential  conflicts  of  interest,  anti-money  laundering,  customer  personal  information  and  privacy  issues,
employee, customer and other third-party fraud, record-keeping, regulatory investigations, and any litigation that
may  arise  from  the  failure  or  perceived  failure  of  us  to  comply  with  legal  and  regulatory  requirements.  If  our
reputation  is  negatively  affected,  by  the  intentional,  inadvertent  or  unsubstantiated  misconduct  of  our
employees, directors, customers, third parties, or otherwise, our business and, therefore, our operating results
and the value of our stock may be materially adversely affected.

46

Table of Contents

ITEM 1B.        UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.        PROPERTIES

HBT  Financial  and  Heartland  Bank’s  headquarters  are 
located  at  401  North  Hershey  Road,
Bloomington, Illinois. The Company owns these headquarters, and it also owns or leases other facilities, such
as banking centers of Heartland Bank, for business operations.

HBT  Financial  and  its  subsidiaries  own  or  lease  all  of  the  real  property  and/or  buildings  on  which  each
respective entity is located. The Company considers its properties to be suitable and adequate for its present
needs.

ITEM 3.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We  are  sometimes  party  to  legal  actions  that  are  routine  and  incidental  to  our  business.  Management,  in
consultation  with  legal  counsel,  does  not  expect  the  ultimate  disposition  of  any  or  a  combination  of  these
matters to have a material adverse effect on our assets, business, cash flow, condition (financial or otherwise),
liquidity, prospects and results of operations. However, given the nature, scope and complexity of the extensive
legal and regulatory landscape applicable to our business, including laws and regulations governing consumer
protection,  fair  lending,  fair  labor,  privacy,  information  security  and  anti-money  laundering  and  anti-terrorism
laws, we, like all banking organizations, are subject to heightened legal and regulatory compliance and litigation
risk.

ITEM 4.        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

47

Table of Contents

PART II.

ITEM 5.        MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information and Holders of Record

HBT Financial, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “HBT.”

As  of  February  22,  2022,  HBT  Financial,  Inc.  had  approximately  65  shareholders  of  record.  A  substantially
greater number of holders of our common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares are held
by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.

Dividends

During  2021,  we  paid  quarterly  cash  dividends  of  $0.15  per  share  on  our  common  stock.  The  quarterly  cash
dividend  was  increased  to  $0.16  per  share  on  January  25,  2022.  We  expect  to  continue  our  policy  of  paying
quarterly cash dividends. Our board of directors may change or eliminate the payment of future dividends at its
discretion,  without  notice  to  our  stockholders.  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 general and
economic conditions, industry standards, our financial condition and operating results, our available cash and
current  and  anticipated  cash  needs,  capital  requirements,  banking  regulations,  contractual,  legal,  tax  and
regulatory  restrictions  and  implications  on  the  payment  of  dividends  by  us  to  our  stockholders  or  by  our
subsidiaries to us, and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On November 2, 2020, the Company’s board of directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized
the Company to repurchase up to $15 million of its common stock which expired on December 31, 2021 (the
“2021  Repurchase  Plan”).  On  December  14,  2021,  the  Company’s  board  of  directors  approved  a  new  stock
repurchase  program  that  took  effect  upon  the  expiration  of  the  old  stock  repurchase  program  and  expires  on
January  1,  2023  (the  “2022  Repurchase  Plan”).  The  2022  Repurchase  Plan  authorizes  the  Company  to
repurchase up to $15 million of its common stock. The timing of purchases and number of shares repurchased
are dependent upon a variety of factors including price, trading volume, corporate and regulatory requirements,
and  market  conditions.  The  Company  is  not  obligated  to  purchase  any  shares  under  the  stock  repurchase
program, and the stock repurchase program could be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice.

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s purchases of its common stock during the fourth
quarter of 2021:

Period

Total Number
of Shares

Average
Price Paid

     Purchased      Per Share     

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

Approximate Dollar Value of
Shares That May Yet be Purchased
 Under the Plans or Programs
(in thousands)

October 1 - 31, 2021

 78,565

$

16.67

 78,565

$

November 1 - 30, 2021

 40,421

18.63

December 1 - 31, 2021

 28,397

18.32

 40,421

 28,397

 11,367

 10,614

 10,094

Total

 147,383

$

17.52

 147,383

$

 10,094 (1)

(1) As of December 31, 2021, there was $10,094,000 left under the 2021 Repurchase Plan, which expired on December 31, 2021. There
are no longer any shares subject to repurchase under the 2021 Repurchase Plan. The 2022 Repurchase Plan took effect on January
1, 2022, and there remains $15 million in common stock subject to repurchase thereunder.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

None.

48

    
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Stock Performance Graph

The performance graph and table below compares the cumulative total return on the Company’s common stock
from October 11, 2019 (the date of the Company’s IPO and listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market through
December 31, 2021, with the cumulative total return of: (a) the Russell 2000 Index which reflects a broad equity
market index and (b) the S&P 600 Small Cap Bank Index. The performance graph and table assume an initial
investment of $100 and reinvestment of dividends. Returns are presented on a total return basis.

Index
HBT Financial, Inc.
Russell 2000 Index
S&P 600 Small Cap Bank Index

October 11,
2019
$  100.00
 100.00
 100.00

December 31,  December 31, 

$

2019
 122.20
 110.74
 109.98

$

2020
 101.97
 132.84
 101.30

$

December 31, 
2021
 130.55
 152.53
 135.81

The performance graph and table represent past performance and should not be considered to be an indication
of  future  performance.  The  information  in  the  preceding  paragraph,  stock  performance  graph,  and  table  shall
not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, other
than as provided in Item 201 of Regulation S-K, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to
the  extent  that  we  specifically  request  that  such  information  be  treated  as  soliciting  material  or  specifically
incorporate it by reference into a filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

ITEM 6.         [RESERVED]

49

Table of Contents

ITEM 7.        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to
HBT Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Management’s  discussion  and  analysis  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  following  parts  of  this  Annual
Report on Form 10-K: Part I, Item 1 “Business”, Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market  Risk”,  and  Part  II,  Item  8  “Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data”.  Detailed  discussion  and
analysis of the financial condition and results of operation for 2021 as compared to 2020 can be found below.

OVERVIEW

HBT  Financial,  Inc.,  headquartered  in  Bloomington,  Illinois,  is  the  holding  company  for  Heartland  Bank  and
Trust Company, and has banking roots that can be traced back to 1920. HBT provides a comprehensive suite of
business, commercial, wealth management, and retail banking products and services to businesses, families,
and  local  governments  throughout  Central  and  Northeastern  Illinois  and  Eastern  Iowa.  As  of  December  31,
2021, the Company had total assets of $4.3 billion, loans held for investment of $2.5 billion, and total deposits
of $3.7 billion.

Market Area

We  currently  operate  61  branch  locations  in  Central  and  Northeastern  Illinois  and  Eastern  Iowa.  We  hold  a
leading deposit share in many of our markets in Central Illinois, which we define as a top three deposit share
rank, providing the foundation for our strong deposit base. The stability provided by this low-cost funding is a
key  driver  of  our  strong  track  record  of  financial  performance.  Below  is  a  summary  of  the  loan  and  deposit
balances by geographic region.

Total loans

Illinois by metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas

Bloomington-Normal
Champaign-Urbana
Chicago
Lincoln
Ottawa-Peru
Peoria

Total Illinois

Iowa

Total loans

Total deposits

Illinois by metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas

Bloomington-Normal
Champaign-Urbana
Chicago
Lincoln
Ottawa-Peru
Peoria

Total Illinois

Iowa

Total deposits

50

    December 31, 2021    December 31, 2020

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

$

$

 527,161
 191,646
 1,196,605
 87,153
 101,117
 123,143
 2,226,825
 272,864
 2,499,689

 887,587
 203,899
 1,237,486
 203,098
 407,156
 610,155
 3,549,381
 188,804
 3,738,185

$

$

$

$

 523,418
 214,646
 1,132,893
 103,614
 107,098
 165,337
 2,247,006
 —
 2,247,006

 774,082
 174,653
 1,077,691
 201,012
 347,211
 555,885
 3,130,534
 —
 3,130,534

Table of Contents

NXT Bancorporation, Inc. Acquisition

On October 1, 2021, the Company completed its acquisition of NXT, the holding company for NXT Bank, which
was previously announced on June 7, 2021. The acquisition expands the Company’s footprint into Eastern Iowa
with  four  locations  that  began  operating  as  branches  of  Heartland  Bank  following  the  merger  and  system
conversion  of  NXT  Bank  into  Heartland  Bank  in  December  2021.  After  considering  business  combination
accounting adjustments, NXT added total assets of $234 million, total loans of $195 million, and total deposits
of $182 million.

Cash consideration of approximately $10.6 million and stock consideration of approximately 1.8 million shares
of  HBT  common  stock  resulted  in  aggregate  consideration  of  $39.9  million.  Goodwill  of  $5.7  million  was
recorded in the acquisition.

The  acquisition  of  NXT  provides  an  opportunity  to  utilize  the  Company’s  existing  excess  liquidity  to  replace
NXT’s higher cost funding. Additionally, Heartland Bank’s broader range of products and services and greater
ability to meet larger borrowing needs provides an opportunity to expand NXT customer relationships.

The Company incurred the following pre-tax acquisition expenses related to the acquisition of NXT during the
year ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

Salaries
Furniture and equipment
Data processing
Marketing and customer relations
Loan collection and servicing
Legal fees and other noninterest expense

Total NXT acquisition-related expenses

Branch Rationalization Plan

$

$

 65
 18
 355
 12
 11
 955
 1,416

In  April  2021,  the  Company  made  plans  to  close  or  consolidate  six  branches.  One  branch  was  consolidated
during  the  second  quarter  of  2021,  and  the  remaining  five  branches  were  closed  during  the  third  quarter  of
2021. The Company estimates annual pre-tax cost savings, net of associated revenue impacts, related to the
branch rationalization plan to be approximately $1.1 million.

The  Company  incurred  the  following  pre-tax  branch  closure  costs  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2021
(dollars in thousands):

NONINTEREST INCOME

Gains (losses) on other assets

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

Salaries
Marketing and customer relations
Legal fees and other noninterest expense

Total noninterest expense

Total branch closure costs

51

$

$

 (682)

 53
 6
 7
 66
 748

Table of Contents

COVID-19 Response and Impact Overview

The  Company  has  taken  a  number  of  steps  to  support  our  employees  and  customers  while  prioritizing  the
health and safety of all involved, including, but not limited to:

● Continued  to  place  the  health  of  customers  and  employees  first  by  maintaining  enhanced  cleaning

protocols and other safety measures at all locations;

● Enabling work from home for many employees and social distancing for employees who need to report

to the office;

● Maintaining regular business hours at our branches and call center to continue serving our customers

throughout the pandemic;

● Participating in both rounds of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program; and
● Offering loan payment modifications to customers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Paycheck Protection Program Loans

In  December  2020,  the  Paycheck  Protection  Program  (PPP)  was  extended  and  allowed  eligible  borrowers  to
receive a second PPP loan. During 2021, we funded $104.7 million of PPP loans as part of the second round of
the program.

We continue to process forgiveness applications for PPP loans, with $185.3 million of PPP loans originated in
round  1  and  $75.8  million  of  PPP  loans  originated  in  round  2  receiving  full  or  partial  forgiveness  by
December 31, 2021.

The following table summarizes outstanding PPP loans as of December 31, 2021:

PPP loan balance, before net deferred origination fees
Net deferred origination fees

PPP loan balance

Round 1

Round 2
(dollars in thousands)

Total

  $

$

 54
 (1)
 53

 30,926   $
 (1,491) 
 29,435

$

 30,980
 (1,492)
 29,488

During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the deferred origination fees on PPP loans were reduced
by  direct  origination  costs  of  $0.5  million  and  $0.5  million,  respectively,  consisting  primarily  of  salaries  and
benefits  costs.  Net  deferred  origination  fees  on  PPP  loans  of  $9.2  million  and  $3.0  million  during  the  years
ended  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  respectively,  were  recognized  as  taxable  loan  interest  income.
Recognition  of  net  deferred  origination  fees  is  accelerated  upon  loan  forgiveness  or  repayment  prior  to
contractual maturity.

52

    
    
    
 
 
Table of Contents

Payment Modifications Related to COVID-19

Loan  payment  modifications  were  made  for  borrowers  experiencing  financial  hardship  due  to  COVID-19,  with
substantially all modifications in the form of a three-month interest-only period or a one-month payment deferral.
Consistent with the applicable accounting and regulatory guidance, short-term loan payment modifications such
as these are generally not considered to be a troubled debt restructuring.

The volume of loan modification requests related to a COVID-19 financial hardship have declined significantly
from  its  height  during  the  second  quarter  of  2020.  As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  the  total  outstanding
balance  of  loans  with  an  existing  payment  modification  related  to  a  COVID-19  financial  hardship  were
$0.2 million and $28.0 million, respectively.

Industries Adversely Impacted by COVID-19

While many industries have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the
restaurant  and  hotel  industries  have  been  particularly  susceptible  to  significant  adverse  impacts.  While  many
areas  of  consumer  and  business  spending  have  rebounded  in  recent  months,  there  is  uncertainty  about  the
longer  lasting  impact  on  the  restaurant  and  hotel  industries  resulting  from  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  Adverse
impacts  in  these  and  other  industries  may  result  in  a  deterioration  of  the  loan  portfolio’s  credit  quality  or  an
increase in loan losses.

The  below  table  summarizes  loan  balances  within  the  restaurant  and  hotel  industries,  along  with  risk  rating
information, as of December 31, 2021:

Restaurants

Commercial and industrial
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Construction and land development

Total

Hotels

Commercial and industrial
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Construction and land development

Total

     Non-PPP Loans    

Carrying Balance
PPP Loans

Total

Substandard
     Risk Rating

$

$

$

$

 3,335   $

 17,372
 11,254
 737
 32,698   $

 75   $

 56,710
 11,246
 68,031   $

(dollars in thousands)

 6,263
 —
 —
 —
 6,263

 680
 —
 —
 680

$

$

$

$

 9,598   $

 17,372  
 11,254  
 737
 38,961   $

 755   $

 56,710  
 11,246
 68,711   $

 4
 1,723
 —
 —
 1,727

 —
 4,143
 —
 4,143

As of December 31, 2021, there were no loans within the restaurant and hotel industries that were granted a
loan payment modification related to a COVID-19 financial hardship that had not returned to regular payments.

53

    
 
 
Table of Contents

FACTORS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Economic Conditions

The Company’s business and financial performance are affected by economic conditions generally in the United
States and more directly in the Illinois and Iowa markets where we primarily operate. The significant economic
factors  that  are  most  relevant  to  our  business  and  our  financial  performance  include  the  general  economic
conditions  in  the  U.S.  and  in  the  Company’s  markets,  unemployment  rates,  real  estate  markets,  and  interest
rates.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Although  the  Company  has  had  continuous  business  operations  since  the  beginning  of  the  COVID-19
pandemic,  the  pandemic  has  caused  significant  economic  disruption  throughout  the  United  States  and  the
communities  that  we  serve.  While  the  economic  outlook  generally  improved  in  2021  compared  to  2020,
uncertainty surrounding potential surges in COVID-19 infections with new virus variants and the longer lasting
impact  on  specific  industries  remains.  As  a  result,  the  businesses  we  serve  may  continue  to  be  adversely
impacted  and  the  ability  of  our  customers  to  maintain  historic  deposit  levels  or  to  fulfill  their  contractual
obligations to us may deteriorate. This could adversely affect our asset valuations, financial condition, liquidity
and results of operations, and the impacts may be material.

During 2020, we experienced the following adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic:

● Decrease  in  net  interest  income  and  net  interest  margin,  as  a  result  of  the  lower  interest  rate

environment;

● Increase in provision for loan losses due to deterioration in the loan portfolio’s credit quality, as a result

of the economic slow-down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;

● Decrease in debit and credit card interchange income, as a result of a lower level of consumer activity

and lower associated volume of debit and credit card transactions;

● Decrease in service charge income on deposit accounts, such as overdraft fees, as a result of federal

economic stimulus payments received by customers;

● Decrease in demand for loans, excluding PPP loans, as a result of the economic slow-down caused by

the COVID-19 pandemic.

While  some  of  these  trends  reversed  in  2021,  and  have  continued  such  reversal  in  the  beginning  of  2022,
sustained  improvements  are  highly  dependent  upon  strengthening  economic  conditions.  The  COVID-19
pandemic  continues  to  cause  economic  uncertainties  which  may  again  result  in  these  and  other  adverse
impacts to our financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s executive management continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the date of
this filing, we anticipate we will continue to take actions to support our customers in a manner consistent with
the current guidance provided by federal banking regulatory authorities.

Interest Rates

Net  interest  income  is  our  primary  source  of  revenue.  Net  interest  income  is  equal  to  the  excess  of  interest
income  earned  on  interest  earning  assets  (including  discount  accretion  on  purchased  loans  plus  certain  loan
fees)  over  interest  expense  incurred  on  interest-bearing  liabilities.  The  level  of  interest  rates  as  well  as  the
volume  of  interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing  liabilities  both  impact  net  interest  income.  Net  interest
income is also influenced by both the pricing and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities
which,  in  turn,  are  impacted  by  external  factors  such  as  local  economic  conditions,  competition  for  loans  and
deposits, the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board and market interest rates.

54

Table of Contents

The  cost  of  our  deposits  and  short-term  wholesale  borrowings  is  largely  based  on  short-term  interest  rates,
which  are  primarily  driven  by  the  Federal  Reserve  Board’s  actions.  The  yields  generated  by  our  loans  and
securities  are  typically  driven  by  short-term  and  long-term  interest  rates,  which  are  set  by  the  market  and,  to
some degree, by the Federal Reserve Board’s actions. The level of net interest income is therefore influenced
by movements in such interest rates and the pace at which such movements occur.

Growth  in  deposit  balances  and  the  forgiveness  of  PPP  loans  has  resulted  in  significant  cash  inflows  and
excess liquidity. While some excess liquidity was invested into debt securities during 2021, the yields available
were  lower  than  existing  portfolio  yields.  Decreases  in  interest  rates,  as  well  as  the  ongoing  economic
uncertainty, may decrease our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods, while increases in
interest rates are expected to increase our net interest income and net interest margin in future periods.

Credit Trends

We focus on originating loans with appropriate risk / reward profiles. We have a detailed loan policy that guides
our overall loan origination philosophy and a well-established loan approval process that requires experienced
credit  officers  to  approve  larger  loan  relationships.  Although  we  believe  our  loan  approval  process  and  credit
review  process  are  strengths  that  allow  us  to  maintain  a  high  quality  loan  portfolio,  we  recognize  that  credit
trends in the markets in which we operate and in our loan portfolio can materially impact our financial condition
and  performance  and  that  these  trends  are  primarily  driven  by  the  economic  conditions  and  the  impact  of
COVID-19 in our markets.

Competition

Our profitability and growth are affected by the highly competitive nature of the financial services industry. We
compete with community banks in all our markets and, to a lesser extent, with money center banks, primarily in
the  Chicago  MSA.  Additionally,  we  compete  with  non-bank  financial  services  companies  and  other  financial
institutions operating within the areas we serve. We compete by emphasizing personalized service and efficient
decision-making  tailored  to  individual  needs.  We  do  not  rely  on  any  individual,  group,  or  entity  for  a  material
portion  of  our  loans  or  our  deposits.  We  continue  to  see  increased  competitive  pressures  on  loan  rates  and
terms which may affect our financial results in the future.

Digital Banking

Throughout the banking industry, in-person branch traffic is expected to continue to decline as more customers
turn to digital banking for routine banking transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this transition,
and in-person branch traffic is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. We plan to continue investing in
our  digital  banking  platforms,  while  maintaining  an  appropriately  sized  branch  network.  An  inability  to  meet
evolving  customer  expectations,  with  the  appropriate  level  of  security,  for  both  digital  and  in-person  banking
may adversely affect our financial results in the future.

Regulatory Environment and Trends

We  are  subject  to  federal  and  state  regulation  and  supervision,  which  continue  to  evolve  as  the  legal  and
regulatory  framework  governing  our  operations  continues  to  change.  The  current  operating  environment
includes extensive regulation and supervision in areas such as consumer compliance, the BSA and anti-money
laundering  compliance,  risk  management  and  internal  audit.  We  anticipate  that  this  environment  of  extensive
regulation and supervision will continue for the industry. As a result, changes in the regulatory environment may
result in additional costs for additional compliance, risk management and audit personnel or professional fees
associated with advisors and consultants.

55

Table of Contents

FACTORS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

S Corp Status

Prior to October 11, 2019, the Company elected to be taxed under sections of federal and state income tax law
as  an  "S  Corporation"  which  provides  that,  in  lieu  of  Company  income  taxes,  except  for  state  replacement
taxes,  the  stockholders  separately  account  for  their  pro  rata  shares  of  the  Company’s  items  of  income,
deductions, losses and credits. As a result of this election, no income taxes, other than state replacement taxes,
had been recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements prior to October 11, 2019.

Effective  October  11,  2019,  the  Company  voluntarily  revoked  its  S  Corporation  status  and  became  a  taxable
entity  (“C  Corporation”).  As  such,  any  periods  prior  to  October  11,  2019  will  only  reflect  an  effective  state
replacement tax rate. In connection with the conversion of tax status, the Company recognized a deferred tax
asset, and the associated income tax benefit, of $0.5 million.

The following table illustrates the impact of being taxed as a C Corporation:

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

2021

2019

As Reported

Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income

Earnings per share - Basic
Earnings per share - Diluted

Effective tax rate

Unaudited Pro Forma C Corp Equivalent

Historical income before income tax expense
C Corp equivalent income tax expense
C Corp equivalent net income

C Corp equivalent earnings per share - Basic
C Corp equivalent earnings per share - Diluted

Effective tax rate

N/A  Not applicable.

$

$

$
$

 76,562
 20,291
 56,271

 2.02
 2.02

$

$

$
$

 49,573
 12,728
 36,845

 1.34
 1.34

$

$

$
$

 72,121
 5,256
 66,865

 3.33
 3.33

 26.5 %   

 25.7 %   

 7.3 %

N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A

$

$

$
$

 72,121
 18,749
 53,372

 2.66
 2.66

 26.0 %

The C Corp equivalent effective rates reflect a federal tax rate of 21% and state income tax rate of 9.5%.

Jobs Act Accounting Election

We  qualify  as  an  “emerging  growth  company”  under  the  JOBS  Act.  The  JOBS  Act  permits  us  an  extended
transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards affecting public companies. We have
elected to use the extended transition period until we are no longer an emerging growth company or until we
choose  to  affirmatively  and  irrevocably  opt  out  of  the  extended  transition  period.  As  a  result,  our  financial
statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements
applicable to public companies.

56

 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview of Recent Financial Results

The  following  table  presents  selected  financial  results  and  measures  as  of  and  for  the  year  ended
December 31.

Consolidated Statement of Income Information
Total interest and dividend income
Total interest expense
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
Total noninterest income
Total noninterest expense
Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income

C Corp equivalent net income (1)
Adjusted net income (2)

Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)

Share and Per Share Information
Earnings per share - Diluted
C Corp equivalent earnings per share - Diluted (1)
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted (2)

As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 
2019
2020
2021
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

 128,223
 5,820
 122,403
 (8,077)
 130,480
 37,328
 91,246
 76,562
 20,291
 56,271

N/A
 56,840

 124,431

 2.02
N/A
 2.04

$

$

$

$

$

 124,065
 6,460
 117,605
 10,532
 107,073
 34,456
 91,956
 49,573
 12,728
 36,845

N/A
 39,734

 119,548

 1.34
N/A
 1.44

 143,735
 9,935
 133,800
 3,404
 130,396
 32,751
 91,026
 72,121
 5,256
 66,865

 53,372
 57,427

 136,109

 3.33
 2.66
 2.86

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

 27,795,806

 27,457,306

 20,090,270

Summary Ratios
Net interest margin
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)
Yield on loans
Yield on interest-earning assets
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities
Cost of total deposits

Efficiency ratio
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)

Return on average assets
Return on average stockholders' equity
Return on average tangible common equity  (2)

C Corp equivalent return on average assets (1)
C Corp equivalent return on average stockholders' equity (1)
C Corp equivalent return on average tangible common equity (1) (2)

Adjusted return on average assets  (2)
Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity  (2)
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity  (2)

 3.18 %   
 3.23
 4.68
 3.33
 0.23
 0.07

 3.54 %   
 3.60
 4.69
 3.74
 0.29
 0.14

 56.46 %   
 55.76

 59.66 %   
 58.91

 1.41 %   

 1.07 %   

 14.81
 15.95

N/A
N/A
N/A

 10.51
 11.38

N/A
N/A
N/A

 1.43 %   

 1.15 %   

 14.95
 16.12

 11.33
 12.28

 4.31 %
 4.38
 5.51
 4.63
 0.45
 0.29

 53.80 %
 53.06

 2.07 %

 19.58
 21.35

 1.65 %

 15.63
 17.04

 1.78 %

 16.81
 18.34

(1) Reflects  adjustment  to  our  historical  net  income  for  each  period  to  give  effect  to  the  C  Corp  equivalent  provision  for  income  tax  for

such period.

(2) See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.
(3) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 21% and state income tax rate of 9.5%.
N/A  Not applicable.

57

 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

For the year ended December 31, 2021, net income was $56.3 million increasing by $19.4 million, or 52.7%,
when compared to net income for the year ended December 31, 2020. Notable changes include the following:

● A $18.6 million improvement in the provision for loan losses, primarily reflecting the improvements in

the economic environment from a year ago.

● A $4.8 million improvement in net interest income, due primarily to a $6.2 million increase in PPP loan

fees recognized as loan interest income.

● A  $4.3  million  improvement  in  the  mortgage  servicing  rights  fair  value  adjustment,  primarily  resulting

from slower mortgage prepayment speed assumptions.

● A $1.6 million improvement in card income, primarily due to the 2020 results reflecting a lower volume
of  debit  and  credit  card  transactions  which  coincided  with  the  beginning  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic
and the related initial economic slowdown.

● A  $1.4  million  decrease  in  employee  benefits  expense,  primarily  due  to  the  2020  results  including  a
$1.5  million  charge  for  the  supplemental  executive  retirement  plan  (SERP)  which  was  terminated  in
June 2019 and paid out in June 2020.

● Partially offsetting these improvements was a $7.6 million increase in income tax expense, primarily as

a result of higher pre-tax income.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income equals the excess of interest income (including discount accretion on acquired loans) plus
fees earned on interest earning assets over interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate
spread and net interest margin are utilized to measure and explain changes in net interest income. Interest rate
spread  is  the  difference  between  the  yield  on  interest-earning  assets  and  the  rate  paid  for  interest-bearing
liabilities that fund those assets. The net interest margin is expressed as the percentage of net interest income
to  average  interest-earning  assets.  The  net  interest  margin  exceeds  the  interest  rate  spread  because
noninterest-bearing sources of funds, principally noninterest-bearing demand deposits and stockholders’ equity,
also support interest-earning assets.

58

Table of Contents

The following tables set forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the
years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccrual
loans  are  included  in  the  computation  of  average  balances  but  have  been  reflected  in  the  table  as  loans
carrying  a  zero  yield.  The  yields  set  forth  below  include  the  effect  of  deferred  fees  and  costs,  discounts  and
premiums, and purchase accounting adjustments that are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense.

December 31, 2021

     Average     
Balance

Interest   Yield/Cost

     Average     
Balance

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Interest
(dollars in thousands)

Yield/Cost 

     Average     
Balance

Interest

  Yield/Cost

ASSETS

Loans
Securities
Deposits with banks
Other

Total interest-earning assets

Allowance for loan losses
Noninterest-earning assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities

Interest-bearing deposits:

Interest-bearing demand
Money market
Savings
Time

Total interest-bearing deposits

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Borrowings
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital
trusts

Total interest-bearing liabilities

Noninterest-bearing deposits
Noninterest-bearing liabilities

Total liabilities
Stockholders' Equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)
Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/ Net
interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)

Net interest rate spread (4)
Net interest-earning assets (5)
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing
liabilities
Cost of total deposits

$ 2,271,544
   1,148,900
 422,828
 3,201

$

106,284  
 21,348  
 527  
 64  

 4.68 %  $ 2,245,093
 789,062
 1.86
 282,130
 0.12
 2,479
 2.01

$

105,196  
 17,875  
 938  
 56  

 4.69 %  $  2,178,897
 759,479
 2.27
 164,986
 0.33
 2,501
 2.28

$  120,142  
 20,582  
 2,951  
 60  

 5.51 %
 2.71
 1.79
 2.41

   3,846,473
 (27,999)
 162,064
$ 3,980,538

$ 1,024,888
 521,366
 595,887
 295,788
   2,437,929
 50,104
 1,653
 39,275

 37,680
   2,566,641
   1,004,757
 29,060
   3,600,458
 380,080
$ 3,980,538

$ 1,279,832

 1.50

$

128,223  

 3.33 %  

$

124,065  

 3,318,764
 (27,661)
 156,397
$ 3,447,500

 3.74 %     3,105,863
 (21,704)
 149,227
$  3,233,386

$  143,735  

 4.63 %

$

 518  
 437  
 188  
 1,329  
 2,472  
 34  
 9  

 1,879

 0.05 %  $  873,060
 474,033
 0.08
 477,260
 0.03
 317,308
 0.45
 2,141,661
 0.10
 49,714
 0.07
 1,080
 0.54
 12,869
 4.78

 1,426  
 5,820  

$

 3.79
 0.23 %  

 37,613
 2,242,937
 807,864
 45,996
 3,096,797
 350,703
$ 3,447,500

$

 647  
 697  
 196  
 2,681  
 4,221  
 48  
 2  

 616

 1,573  
 6,460  

$

 0.07 %  $  821,480
 463,233
 0.15
 430,220
 0.04
 396,560
 0.84
   2,111,493
 0.20
 41,177
 0.10
 351
 0.22
 —
 4.79

 37,553
 4.18
 0.29 %     2,190,574
 666,055
 35,213
   2,891,842
 341,544
$  3,233,386

$

 1,474  
 1,837  
 278  
 4,343  
 7,932  
 72  
 9  
 —

 1,922  
 9,935  

$

 0.18 %
 0.40
 0.06
 1.10
 0.38
 0.18
 2.60
 —

 5.12
 0.45 %

$

122,403
 2,028

$

124,431

 3.18 %  
 0.05

 3.23 %  
 3.10 %  

 0.07 %  

$ 1,075,827

 1.48

$

117,605
 1,943

$

119,548

 3.54 %  
 0.06

 3.60 %   
 3.45 %   

$  133,800
 2,309

$  136,109

$  915,289

 1.42

 0.14 %   

 4.31 %  
 0.07

 4.38 %  
 4.18 %  

 0.29 %  

(1) See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.
(2) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 21% and state income tax rate of 9.5%.
(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
(4) Net  interest  rate  spread  represents  the  difference  between  the  yield  on  average  interest-earning  assets  and  the  cost  of  average

interest-bearing liabilities.

(5) Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

59

 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the components of loan interest income. Loan interest income includes contractual
interest on loans, loan fees, accretion of acquired loan discounts and net earnings on cash flow hedges.

2021

2020

2019

Interest

Yield
Contribution

Interest

Yield
Contribution

Interest

Yield
Contribution

Year Ended December 31, 

Contractual interest
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)
PPP loan fees
Accretion of acquired loan discounts
Net cash flow hedge earnings
Total loan interest income

$

$

 92,161
 3,840
 9,181
 1,102
 —
 106,284

 4.06 % $
 0.17
 0.40
 0.05
 —

 4.68 % $

(dollars in thousands)
 97,529
 3,926
 2,953
 724
 64
 105,196

 4.34 % $
 0.19
 0.13
 0.03
 —

 4.69 % $

 114,025
 3,746
 —
 2,255
 116
 120,142

 5.23 %
 0.17
 —
 0.10
 0.01
 5.51 %

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  components  of  net  interest  income.  Total  interest  income  consists  of
contractual interest on loans, contractual interest on securities, contractual interest on interest-bearing deposits
in  banks,  loan  fees,  accretion  of  acquired  loan  discounts,  securities  amortization,  net,  and  other  interest  and
dividend  income.  Total  interest  expense  consists  of  contractual  interest  on  deposits,  contractual  interest  on
other interest-bearing liabilities and other interest expense.

Interest income:
Contractual interest on loans
Contractual interest on securities
Contractual interest on deposits with banks
Loan fees (excluding PPP loans)
PPP loan fees
Accretion of acquired loan discounts
Securities amortization, net
Other

Total interest income

Interest expense:
Contractual interest on deposits
Contractual interest on other interest-bearing liabilities
Other

Total interest expense
Net interest income
Tax equivalent adjustment (1)
Net interest income (tax equivalent) (1) (2)

2021

     Net Interest     
Margin
Contribution

Interest

Year Ended December 31, 
2020

Interest

Net Interest
Margin
Contribution

(dollars in thousands)

2019

     Net Interest

Margin
Contribution

Interest

$

$

 92,161  
 28,426  
 530  
 3,840  
 9,181
 1,102  
 (7,066) 
 49  
 128,223  

 2,541  
 2,903  
 376  
 5,820  
 122,403  
 2,028  
 124,431  

 2.39 %  $
 0.74
 0.01
 0.10
 0.24
 0.03
 (0.18)
 —
 3.33

 0.07
 0.07
 0.01
 0.15
 3.18
 0.05
 3.23 %  $

 97,529  
 22,920  
 938  
 3,926  
 2,953

 724  
 (5,045) 
 120  
 124,065  

 4,201  
 1,846  
 413  
 6,460  
 117,605  
 1,943  
 119,548  

 2.94 % $
 0.69
 0.03
 0.12
 0.09
 0.02
 (0.15)

 —  

 3.74

 0.13
 0.06
 0.01
 0.20
 3.54
 0.06
 3.60 % $

 114,025  
 24,032  
 2,951  
 3,746  
 —
 2,255  
 (3,450) 
 176  
 143,735  

 7,934  
 1,909  
 92  
 9,935  
 133,800  
 2,309  
 136,109  

 3.67 %
 0.77
 0.10
 0.12
 —
 0.07
 (0.11)
 0.01
 4.63

 0.26
 0.06
 —
 0.32
 4.31
 0.07
 4.38 %

(1) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.
(2) See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major
categories  of  our  interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing  liabilities.  Information  is  provided  for  each
category  of  interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing  liabilities  with  respect  to  changes  attributable  to
changes in volume (i.e., changes in average balances multiplied by the prior-period average rate), and changes
attributable to rate (i.e., changes in average rate multiplied by prior-period average balances). For purposes of
this  table,  changes  attributable  to  both  volume  and  rate  that  cannot  be  segregated  have  been  allocated
proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

Year Ended December 31, 2021
vs.
Year Ended December 31, 2020

Increase (Decrease) Due to

     Volume

Rate

Year Ended December 31, 2020
vs.
Year Ended December 31, 2019

Increase (Decrease) Due to

Total

     Volume
(dollars in thousands)

Rate

Total

$

 1,238
 7,100
 338
 15
 8,691

$

$

 (150) $  1,088
 3,473
 (411)
 8
 4,158

 (3,627)
 (749)
 (7)
 (4,533)

 3,558
 744
 1,308
 (1)
 5,609

$  (18,504) $  (14,946)
 (2,707)
 (2,013)
 (4)
   (19,670)

 (3,451)
 (3,321)
 (3)
 (25,279)

Interest-earning assets:

Loans
Securities
Deposits with banks
Other

Total interest-earning assets

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand
Money market
Savings
Time

Total interest-bearing deposits

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Borrowings
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts

Total interest-bearing liabilities

Change in net interest income

$

 100
 64
 43
 (171)
 36
 —  
 1
 1,264
 3
 1,304
 7,387

 (229)
 (324)
 (51)
 (1,181)
 (1,785)
 (14)
 6
 (1)
 (150)
 (1,944)

 (129)
 (260)
 (8)
 (1,352)
 (1,749)
 (14)
 7
 1,263
 (147)
 (640)
$  (2,589) $  4,798

 88
 42
 27
 (775)
 (618)
 13
 6
 616
 3
 20
 5,589

 (915)
 (1,182)
 (109)
 (887)
 (3,093)
 (37)
 (13)
 —
 (352)
 (3,495)

 (827)
 (1,140)
 (82)
 (1,662)
 (3,711)
 (24)
 (7)
 616
 (349)
 (3,475)
$  (21,784) $  (16,195)

$

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $4.8 million, or 4.1%, to $122.4 million
from $117.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Declines in benchmark interest rates drove lower
yields  on  interest-earnings  assets.  These  declines  were  more  than  offset  by  an  increase  in  PPP  loan  fees
recognized  as  loan  interest  income  which  totaled  $9.2  million  and  $3.0  million  during  the  years  ended
December  31,  2021  and  2020,  respectively.  Additionally,  a  substantial  increase  in  interest-earning  asset
balances  further  supported  net  interest  income,  driven  by  the  NXT  acquisition,  PPP  loan  originations,  and
federal economic stimulus payments received by our retail customers.

Net interest margin decreased to 3.18% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 3.54% for the year
ended  December  31,  2020.  The  decrease  was  primarily  attributable  to  the  decline  in  the  average  yield  on
earning assets and increased balances being held in cash and lower-yielding securities.

Additionally,  the  $40  million  of  subordinated  notes  issued  during  the  third  quarter  of  2020  added  downward
pressure to net interest income and net interest margin in subsequent periods. However, the proceeds from the
issuance provided additional regulatory capital to buffer against higher than estimated credit losses and support
organic and acquisitive growth.

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

The quarterly net interest margins were as follows:

Three months ended:

March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31

2021

2020

2019

 3.25 %  
 3.14
 3.18
 3.17

 4.03 %  
 3.51
 3.39
 3.31

 4.50 %
 4.37
 4.27
 4.09

During  2019,  overall  market  interest  rates  started  to  decline.  The  Federal  Open  Markets  Committee  lowered
Federal Funds target rates for the first time in 11 years on July 31, 2019 and then again in September 2019 and
October  2019,  for  a  combined  decrease  of  75  basis  points  during  2019.  In  March  2020,  the  Federal  Open
Markets Committee lowered Federal Funds target rates twice, for a combined decrease of 150 basis points in
response to the economic downturn related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These rate cuts, as well as quantitative easing, have resulted in a lower interest rate environment which has put
downward pressure on our net interest margin. In general, we believe that potential rate increases will lead to
improved net interest margins while rate decreases will result in lower net interest margins.

Provision for Loan Losses

Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level
we consider necessary to absorb probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. In determining the level of
the  allowance  for  loan  losses,  management  considers  past  and  current  loss  experience,  evaluations  of
collateral,  current  economic  conditions,  volume  and  type  of  lending,  adverse  situations  that  may  affect  a
borrower’s ability to repay a loan and the levels of nonperforming and other classified loans. The amount of the
allowance  is  based  on  estimates  and  the  ultimate  losses  may  vary  from  such  estimates  as  more  information
becomes  available  or  as  events  change.  We  assess  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  on  a  quarterly  basis  and
make provisions for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance. The provision for loan losses is a function of
the allowance for loan loss methodology we use to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for inherent
loan losses after accounting for net charge-offs (recoveries).

The  deterioration  of  economic  conditions  related  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic  adversely  affected  the
communities that we serve beginning in 2020. As a result, our allowance for loan losses initially increased at the
onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, remained elevated during the remainder of 2020, and then gradually returned
to near pre-pandemic levels during 2021 as economic conditions improved.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

The Company recorded a negative provision for loan losses of $8.1 million during the year ended December 31,
2021, compared to a provision for loan losses of $10.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. The
negative  provision  was  primarily  due  to  a  $4.4  million  decrease  in  specific  reserves  on  loans  individually
evaluated  for  impairment.  Additionally,  changes  to  qualitative  factors  resulted  in  a  $2.9  million  decrease  in
required  reserve,  primarily  reflecting  the  shrinking  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  on  our  borrowers,  an
improved economic environment, and improved asset quality metrics.

62

    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Noninterest Income

The following table outlines the amount of and changes to the various noninterest income line items as of the
dates indicated.

2021

     $ Change     

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

     $ Change

2019

Card income
Service charges on deposit accounts
Wealth management fees
Mortgage servicing
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment
Gains on sale of mortgage loans
Gains (losses) on securities
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets
Gains (losses) on other assets
Income on bank owned life insurance
Title insurance activity
Other noninterest income

Total noninterest income

$

 9,734
 6,080
 8,384
 2,825
 1,690
 5,846
 107
 310
 (723)
 41
 —
 3,034
$  37,328

$

$

 1,647
 93
 1,147
 (153)
 4,274
 (2,989)
 74
 168
 (652)
 41
 —
 (778)
 2,872

$

$

 8,087
 5,987
 7,237
 2,978
 (2,584)
 8,835
 33
 142
 (71)
 —  
 —  

 3,812
$  34,456

$

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

 322
 (1,883)
 410
 (165)
 (184)
 5,743
 38
 (798)
 (1,315)

 (167)
 (296)
 1,705

$

 7,765
 7,870
 6,827
 3,143
 (2,400)
 3,092
 (5)
 940
 1,244
 —
 167
 4,108
$  32,751

 —  

Total noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $37.3 million, an increase of $2.9 million,
or 8.3%, from the year ended December 31, 2020. Notable changes in noninterest income include the following:

● A  $4.3  million  improvement  in  the  mortgage  servicing  rights  fair  value  adjustment,  primarily  resulting

from slower mortgage prepayment speed assumptions.

● A $1.6 million increase in card income was primarily due to increased debit and credit card transaction
volume. Additionally, the 2020 results were adversely impacted by the initial economic slowdown which
coincided  with  the  beginning  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  while  the  2021  results  were  positively
impacted by improved economic conditions and increased consumer demand.

● A  $1.1  million  increase  in  wealth  management  fees  as  a  result  of  higher  values  of  assets  under
management  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2021  relative  to  the  year  ended  December  31,
2020.

● Partially offsetting these improvements was a $3.0 million decrease in gains on sale of mortgage loans
due to a lower level of mortgage refinancing activity. A lower level of mortgage refinancing activity and
margin  pressure  are  anticipated  during  2022  and  are  expected  to  result  in  lower  gains  on  sale  of
mortgage loans relative to 2021.

● Additionally,  there  were  impairment  losses  of  $0.6  million  related  to  branches  closed  during  2021,

pursuant to our branch rationalization plan, not present in the 2020 results.

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Noninterest Expense

The following table outlines the amount of and changes to the various noninterest expense line items as of the
dates indicated.

Salaries
Employee benefits
Occupancy of bank premises
Furniture and equipment
Data processing
Marketing and customer relations
Amortization of intangible assets
FDIC insurance
Loan collection and servicing
Foreclosed assets
Other noninterest expense

Total noninterest expense

2021

$  49,437
 6,694
 6,788
 2,676
 7,329
 3,376
 1,054
 1,043
 1,317
 908
 10,624
$  91,246

     $ Change     

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

     $ Change

$

$

 (1,179) $  50,616
 8,045
 (1,351)
 6,580
 208
 2,447
 229
 6,742
 587
 3,476
 (100)
 1,232
 (178)
 707
 336
 1,755
 (438)
 557
 351
 825
 9,799
 (710) $  91,956

$

$

 1,613
 (1,838)
 (287)
 (366)
 1,172
 (397)
 (191)
 509
 (878)
 (119)
 1,712
 930

2019

$  49,003
 9,883
 6,867
 2,813
 5,570
 3,873
 1,423
 198
 2,633
 676
 8,087
$  91,026

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $91.2 million, a decrease of $0.7 million,
or 0.8%, from the year ended December 31, 2020. Notable changes in noninterest expense include following:

● A  $1.4  million  decrease  in  employee  benefits  expense,  primarily  due  to  the  2020  results  including  a
$1.5  million  charge  for  the  supplemental  executive  retirement  plan  (SERP)  which  was  terminated  in
June 2019 and paid out in June 2020.

● A  $1.2  million  decrease  in  salaries  expense,  primarily  due  to  a  lower  employee  count  during  2021

relative to 2020.

● A  $0.6  million  increase  in  data  processing  expenses,  primarily  due  to  $0.4  million  of  systems

conversion expenses related to the NXT acquisition.

● A  $0.8  million  increase  in  other  noninterest  expenses,  primarily  due  to  $1.0  million  of  investment

banker and legal fees related to the NXT acquisition.

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Income Taxes

Prior  to  October  11,  2019,  the  Company  was  taxed  under  sections  of  federal  and  state  tax  law  as  an
"S corporation" which provides that with the exception of certain state replacement and franchise taxes, current
stockholders account separately for their share of the Company’s income, deductions, losses and credits. For
additional information, see “Factors Affecting Comparability of Financial Results: S Corp Status”.

Effective  October  11,  2019,  the  Company  voluntarily  revoked  its  S  Corporation  status  and  became  a  taxable
entity  (C  Corporation).  As  such,  any  periods  prior  to  October  11,  2019  will  only  reflect  an  effective  state
replacement tax rate. In connection with the conversion of tax status, the Company recognized a deferred tax
asset, and the associated income tax benefit, of $0.5 million.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

We  recorded  income  tax  expense  of  $20.3  million,  or  26.5%  effective  tax  rate,  during  the  year  ended
December 31, 2021 compared to $12.7 million, or 25.7% effective tax rate during the year ended December 31,
2020.  The  effective  income  tax  rate  was  lower  than  the  combined  federal  and  state  statutory  rate  of
approximately  28.5%  primarily  due  to  tax  exempt  interest  income.  The  effective  income  tax  rate  increased
primarily due to tax exempt interest income making up a smaller portion of pre-tax net income during the year
ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Additionally, the non-deductibility
of certain acquisition-related contributed to a higher effective tax rate.

65

Table of Contents

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
Cash and cash equivalents
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value
Debt securities held-to-maturity
Loans held for sale

Loans, before allowance for loan losses
Less: allowance for loan losses
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses

Goodwill
Core deposit intangible assets, net
Other assets

Total assets

Total deposits
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures
Other liabilities

Total liabilities
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

Tangible assets (1)
Tangible common equity (1)

Core deposits (1)

Share and Per Share Information
Book value per share
Tangible book value per share (1)

December 31, 
2021

December 31, 
2020

      $ Change      % Change

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

$

 409,268
 942,168
 336,185
 4,942

$

 312,451
 922,869
 68,395
 14,713

$  96,817
 19,299
   267,790
 (9,771)

 2,499,689
 23,936
 2,475,753

 2,247,006
 31,838
 2,215,168

 252,683
 (7,902)
 260,585

 29,322
 1,943
 114,673
$  4,314,254

 23,620
 2,798
 106,553
$  3,666,567

$  3,738,185
 61,256
 39,316
 37,714
 25,902
 3,902,373
 411,881
$  4,314,254

$  3,130,534
 45,736
 39,238
 37,648
 49,494
 3,302,650
 363,917
$  3,666,567

 5,702
 (855)
 8,120
$ 647,687

$ 607,651
 15,520
 78
 66
 (23,592)
 599,723
 47,964
$ 647,687

$  4,282,989
 380,616

$  3,640,149
 337,499

$ 642,840
 43,117

 31.0 %
 2.1
 391.5
 (66.4)

 11.2
 (24.8)
 11.8

 24.1
 (30.6)
 7.6
 17.7 %

 19.4 %
 33.9
 0.2
 0.2
 (47.7)
 18.2
 13.2
 17.7 %

 17.7 %
 12.8

$  3,674,435

$  3,103,847

$ 570,588

 18.4 %

$

 14.21
 13.13

$

 13.25
 12.29

Shares of common stock outstanding

 28,986,061

 27,457,306

Balance Sheet Ratios
Loan to deposit ratio
Core deposits to total deposits (1)
Stockholders' equity to total assets
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)

 66.87 %   
 98.29
 9.55
 8.89

 71.78 %   
 99.15
 9.93
 9.27

(1) See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.

Total  assets  were  $4.3  billion  at  December  31,  2021,  an  increase  of  $648.7  million,  or  17.7%,  from
December 31, 2020. Significant changes in our balance sheet include the following:

● Total deposits increased $607.7 million, primarily due to funds received by our commercial customers
from  round  2  PPP  loans  and  federal  economic  stimulus  payments  received  by  retail  customers.
Additionally, the NXT acquisition added $181.6 million of deposits.

● Cash  and  cash  equivalents  increased  $96.8  million,  primarily  as  a  result  of  funds  received  from  the

forgiveness of PPP loans and federal economic stimulus received by retail customers.

● Excess liquidity was invested in debt securities which increased $287.1 million.
● Loans,  before  allowance  for  loan  losses,  increased  $252.7  million,  primarily  as  a  result  of  the

$194.6 million of loans acquired in the NXT acquisition.

66

     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
Table of Contents

Loan Portfolio

The Company focuses on originating loans with appropriate risk / reward profiles. The Company has a detailed
loan policy that guides the overall loan origination philosophy and a well-established loan approval process that
requires experienced credit officers to approve larger loan relationships. The Company also has an active credit
department that underwrites and prepares annual reviews for larger and more complex loan relationships.

Management monitors credit quality closely with a series of monthly reports and a quarterly Credit Committee
meeting  where  performance  and  trends  within  the  loan  portfolio  are  reviewed.  Portfolio  diversification  at  the
borrower, industry, and product levels is actively managed to mitigate concentration risk. In addition, credit risk
management  includes  an  independent  loan  review  process  that  assesses  compliance  with  loan  policy,
compliance with loan documentation standards, accuracy of the risk rating and overall credit quality of the loan
portfolio.

Loans by Category

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio by category, excluding loans held-for-sale.

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Balance

     Percent

Balance

     Percent

(dollars in thousands)

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Loans, before allowance for loan losses

Allowance for loan losses

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses

PPP loans (included above)
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total PPP loans

$

 286,946  
 247,796  
 234,544  
 684,023  
 263,911  
 298,048  
 327,837  
 156,584  
 2,499,689  
 (23,936) 

$  2,475,753

$

$

 28,404
 913
 171
 29,488

 11.5 % $

 9.9
 9.4
 27.4
 10.5
 11.9
 13.1
 6.3
 100.0 %  

 393,312  
 222,723  
 222,360  
 520,395  
 236,391  
 225,652  
 306,775  
 119,398  
 2,247,006  
 (31,838) 
$  2,215,168  

 17.5 %
 9.9
 9.9
 23.2
 10.5
 10.0
 13.7
 5.3
 100.0 %

 1.1 % $
 0.1
 —  
 1.2 % $

 153,860
 3,049
 6,587
 163,496

 6.9 %
 0.1
 0.3
 7.3 %

Loans, before allowance for loan losses were $2.50 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $252.7 million,
or 11.2%, from December 31, 2020. Notable changes include the following:

● The NXT acquisition, which closed on October 1, 2021, added $194.6 million of loans and expanded

the Company’s footprint into Eastern Iowa.

● PPP loans decreased $134.0 million, with forgiveness far exceeding the $104.7 million of round 2 PPP

loans originated during 2021.

● Utilization of revolving lines of credit improved during 2021, increasing from 40% at December 31, 2020
to 44% at December 31, 2021, driving a $56.6 million increase in revolving line of credit balances.
● The higher lending limits of HBT Financial allowed for the repurchase of $22.4 million of participations

previously sold by NXT.

● Improved economic conditions, the expiration of certain federal economic stimulus programs, and our

expansion into Eastern Iowa, drove increased loan demand across the majority of our loan categories.

67

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

The principal categories of our loan portfolio are described below:

Commercial  and  Industrial:  Consists  of  loans  typically  granted  for  working  capital,  asset  acquisition
and other business purposes. These loans are underwritten primarily based on the borrower’s cash flow
with most loans secondarily supported by collateral. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured
by  the  assets  being  financed  or  other  business  assets,  such  as  accounts  receivable,  inventory,  and
equipment, and are typically supported by personal guarantees of the owners. Cash flows and collateral
values  may  fluctuate  based  on  general  economic  conditions,  specific  industry  conditions  and  specific
borrower circumstances.

Agricultural  and  Farmland:  Consists  of  loans  typically  secured  by  farmland,  agricultural  operating
assets,  or  a  combination  of  both,  and  are  generally  underwritten  to  existing  cash  flows  of  operating
agricultural  businesses.  Debt  repayment  is  provided  by  business  cash  flows.  Economic  trends
influenced by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are not closely correlated to the
credit quality of agricultural and farmland loans. The credit quality of these loans is most correlated to
changes  in  prices  of  corn  and  soybeans  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  weather,  which  has  been  partially
mitigated by federal crop insurance programs.

Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied: Consists of loans secured by commercial real estate that
is both owned and occupied by the same or a related borrower. These loans are primarily underwritten
based on the cash flow of the business occupying the property. As with commercial and industrial loans,
cash flows and collateral values may fluctuate based on general economic conditions, specific industry
conditions, and specific borrower circumstances.

Commercial  Real  Estate  -  Non-owner  Occupied:  Consists  of  loans  secured  by  commercial  real
estate for which the primary source of repayment is the sale or rental cash flows from the underlying
collateral. These loans are underwritten based primarily on the historic or projected cash flow from the
underlying  collateral.  Adverse  economic  developments  or  an  overbuilt  market  typically  impact
commercial real estate projects. Trends in rental and vacancy rates of commercial properties impact the
credit quality of these loans.

Multi-family: Consists of loans secured by five or more unit apartment buildings. Multi-family loans may
be  affected  by  demographic  and  population  trends,  unemployment  or  underemployment,  and
deteriorating market values of real estate.

Construction  and  Land  Development:  Consists  of  loans  for  speculative  and  pre-sold  construction
projects for developers intending to either sell upon completion or hold for long term investment, as well
as construction of projects to be owner occupied. In addition, loans in this segment generally possess a
higher  inherent  risk  of  loss  than  other  portfolio  segments  due  to  risk  of  non-completion,  changes  in
budgeted costs, and changes in market forces during the term of the construction period.

One-to-four Family Residential: Consists of loans secured by one-to-four family residences, including
both  first  and  junior  lien  mortgage  loans  for  owner  occupied  and  non-owner  occupied  properties  and
home  equity  lines  of  credit.  The  degree  of  risk  in  residential  mortgage  lending  depends  on  the  local
economy, including the local real estate market and unemployment rates.

Municipal, Consumer and Other: Loans to municipalities include obligations of municipal entities and
loans sponsored by municipal entities for the benefit of a private entity where that private entity, rather
than the municipal entity, is responsible for repayment of the obligation. Consumer loans include loans
to  individuals  for  consumer  purposes  and  typically  consist  of  small  balance  loans.  Economic  trends
determined  by  unemployment  rates  and  other  key  economic  indicators  are  closely  correlated  to  the
credit  quality  of  the  consumer  loans.  Loans  to  other  financial  institutions,  as  well  as  leases,  are  also
included.

68

Table of Contents

Loan Portfolio Maturities

The  following  table  summarizes  the  scheduled  maturities  of  the  loan  portfolio  as  of  December  31,  2021.
Demand  loans  (loans  having  no  stated  repayment  schedule  or  maturity)  and  overdraft  loans  are  reported  as
being due in one year or less.

     After 1 Year      After 5 Years

December 31, 2021

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

1 Year
or Less

Through
5 Years

After
15 Years

Total

Through
15 Years
(dollars in thousands)
$

$

$

$

 167,300
 106,164
 30,563
 88,733
 35,712
 160,665
 45,705
 24,452
 659,294

$

 96,854
 93,170
 134,012
 411,531
 159,391
 122,797
 142,491
 22,088
$  1,182,334

$

 22,792
 45,550
 66,187
 183,203
 68,808
 14,215
 82,991
 81,467
 565,213

 — $

 2,912
 3,782
 556

 —  

 286,946
 247,796
 234,544
 684,023
 263,911
 298,048
 327,837
 156,584
$  2,499,689

 371
 56,650
 28,577
 92,848

$

The following table summarizes loans maturing after one year, segregated into variable and fixed interest rates.

December 31, 2021

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Nonperforming Assets

Repricing
1 Year
or Less

Variable Interest Rates
Repricing
After
1 Year

Total
Variable

Predetermined
(Fixed)

Interest Rates     Interest Rates

$

$

 9,271
 10,670
 28,976
 56,990
 30,620
 70,759
 97,701
 41,605
 346,592

$

$

(dollars in thousands)

 308
 5,682
 19,188
 21,903
 3,239
 84
 19,639
 4,498
 74,541

$

$

 9,579
 16,352
 48,164
 78,893
 33,859
 70,843
 117,340
 46,103
 421,133

$

$

 110,067
 125,280
 155,817
 516,397
 194,340
 66,540
 164,792
 86,029
 1,419,262

Total

$

 119,646
 141,632
 203,981
 595,290
 228,199
 137,383
 282,132
 132,132
$  1,840,395

Nonperforming  loans  consist  of  all  loans  past  due  90  days  or  more  or  on  nonaccrual.  Nonperforming  assets
consist of all nonperforming loans and foreclosed assets. Typically, loans are placed on nonaccrual when they
reach 90 days past due, or when, in management’s opinion, there is reasonable doubt regarding the collection
of the amounts due through the normal means of the borrower. Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is
placed on nonaccrual status is reversed from interest income. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans
are  recognized  in  accordance  with  our  significant  accounting  policies.  Once  a  loan  is  placed  on  nonaccrual
status, the borrower must generally demonstrate at least six months of payment performance and we believe
that all remaining principal and interest is fully collectible, before the loan is eligible to return to accrual status.
Management believes the Company’s lending practices and active approach to managing nonperforming assets
has resulted in timely resolution of problem assets.

69

    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Loans  acquired  with  deteriorated  credit  quality  are  considered  past  due  or  delinquent  when  the  contractual
principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement remains unpaid after the due date
of  the  scheduled  payment.  However,  these  loans  are  considered  performing,  even  though  they  may  be
contractually past due, as any non-payment of contractual principal or interest is considered in the periodic re-
estimation  of  expected  cash  flows  and  is  included  in  the  resulting  recognition  of  current  period  loan  loss
provision  or  future  period  yield  adjustments.  The  accrual  of  interest  is  discontinued  on  loans  acquired  with
deteriorated  credit  quality  if  management  can  no  longer  estimate  future  cash  flows  on  the  loan.  Therefore,
interest revenue, through accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans and the expected
cash flows, is being recognized on all loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, except those management
can no longer estimate future cash flows.

When it appears likely that we will obtain title to real estate collateral, we develop an exit strategy by assessing
overall market conditions, the current use and condition of the asset, and its highest and best use. If determined
necessary to maximize value, we complete the necessary improvements or tenant stabilization tasks, with the
applicable  time  value  discount  and  improvement  expenses  incorporated  into  our  estimates  of  the  expected
costs to sell. Substantially all foreclosed real estate is valued on an "as-is" basis.

Estimates of the net realizable value of real estate collateral also include a deduction for the expected selling
costs. For most real estate collateral and foreclosed real estate, we apply a 7.0% deduction to the value of the
asset to account for the expected costs to sell the asset. This estimate includes sales commissions and closing
costs. Expenses for real estate taxes are accrued and repairs are expensed when incurred.

The following table sets forth information concerning nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets as of each
of the dates indicated.

NONPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual
Past due 90 days or more, still accruing (1)
Total nonperforming loans
Foreclosed assets
Total nonperforming assets

Allowance for loan losses
Loans, before allowance for loan losses

     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020    
(dollars in thousands)

$

$

$

 2,763
 16
 2,779
 3,278
 6,057

 23,936
 2,499,689

$

$

$

 9,939  
 21  
 9,960  
 4,168  

 14,128

 31,838
 2,247,006

CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for loan losses to loans, before allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for loan losses
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for loan losses
Nonperforming assets to total assets
Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for loan losses and foreclosed assets

 0.96 %   

 1.42 %  

 866.30
 861.32
 0.11
 0.11
 0.14
 0.24

 320.33
 319.66
 0.44
 0.44
 0.39
 0.63

(1) Excludes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are past due 90 or more days totaling $32 thousand and $0.6 million as of

December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Comparison of December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2020

Total nonperforming assets were $6.1 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $8.1 million, or 57.1%,
from  December  31,  2020.  Our  level  of  nonperforming  assets  has  remained  low  in  recent  years,  representing
only 0.14% of total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 0.39% of total assets as of December 31, 2020. We
believe  our  continuous  credit  monitoring  and  collection  efforts  have  resulted  in  lower  levels  of  nonperforming
assets,  while  also  recognizing  that  favorable  economic  conditions  prior  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic  and
substantial federal economic stimulus during the pandemic have also contributed to these lower levels.

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Troubled Debt Restructurings

In  general,  if  the  Company  grants  a  troubled  debt  restructuring  (TDR)  that  involves  either  the  absence  of
principal  amortization  or  a  material  extension  of  an  existing  loan  amortization  period  in  excess  of  our
underwriting standards, the loan will be placed on nonaccrual status. However, if a TDR is well secured by an
abundance of collateral and the collectability of both interest and principal is probable, the loan may remain on
accrual  status.  A  nonaccrual  TDR  in  full  compliance  with  the  payment  requirements  specified  in  the  loan
modification for at least six months may return to accrual status, if the collectability of both principal and interest
is probable. All TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment.

The following table presents TDRs by loan category.

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total accrual troubled debt restructurings

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings

Total troubled debt restructurings

    December 31, 2021    December 31, 2020

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

 203

$
 —  

 1,671
 1,278

 —  
 —  

 360

 —  

 3,512

 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
$

 3,512

 296
 —
 6,491
 1,354
 —
 —
 454
 —
 8,595

 75
 —
 141
 —
 —
 —
 139
 —
 355
 8,950

TDRs have remained a small portion of our loan portfolio as loan modifications to borrowers with deteriorating
financial condition are generally offered only as a part of an overall workout strategy to minimize losses to the
Company. The $5.4 million decrease, or 60.8%, from December 31, 2020 was primarily due to the pay down of
one relationship by $3.6 million.

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Risk Classification of Loans

Our policies, consistent with regulatory guidelines, provide for the classification of loans and other assets that
are considered to be of lesser quality as pass-watch, substandard, doubtful, or loss.

A pass-watch loan is still considered a "pass" credit and is not a classified or criticized asset, but is a reflection
of  a  borrower  who  exhibits  credit  weaknesses  or  downward  trends  warranting  close  attention  and  increased
monitoring. These potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan. No
loss of principal or interest is expected, and the borrower does not pose sufficient risk to warrant classification.

A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or
of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that
jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized as probable that the borrower will not pay principal
and interest in accordance with the contractual terms.

An asset classified as doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified as substandard with the added
characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts,
conditions,  and  values,  highly  questionable  and  improbable.  Assets  classified  as  loss  are  those  considered
uncollectible  and  of  such  little  value  that  their  continuance  as  assets  is  not  warranted;  such  balances  are
promptly charged-off as required by applicable federal regulations.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our risk classifications of loans were as follows:

Pass
Pass-watch
Substandard
Doubtful
Total

    December 31, 2021    December 31, 2020

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

$

 2,269,228
 148,285
 82,176

 —  
$

 2,499,689

 1,953,912
 208,584
 84,510
 —
 2,247,006

Pass-watch  loans  decreased  $60.3  million,  or  28.9%  from  December  31,  2020  to  December  31,  2021.
Additionally,  substandard  loans  decreased  $2.3  million,  or  2.8%,  from  December  31,  2020  to  December  31,
2021. These improvements were primarily driven by improving economic conditions, which resulted in both risk
rating  upgrades  and  paydowns.  Additionally,  the  transfer  of  one  larger  loan  to  foreclosed  assets  further
contributed to the decrease in substandard loans.

72

 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Net Charge-offs and Recoveries

The following table sets forth activity in the allowance for loan losses.

2021

Balance, beginning of year

$

 31,838

Charge-offs:
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total charge-offs

Recoveries:
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total recoveries

Net recoveries (charge-offs)
Provision for loan losses
Balance, end of year

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$

 22,299

$

 (668)

 —  
 (30)
 —  
 —  
 —  

 (267)
 (449)
 (1,414)

 653

 —  
 9
 24
 —  

 342
 249
 312
 1,589

 (1,784)
 (27)
 (39)
 (349)

 —  
 (27)
 (155)
 (587)
 (2,968)

 595

 —  

 440
 75
 —  

 250
 310
 305
 1,975

2019

 20,509

 (886)
 (30)
 (407)
 (111)
 (41)
 (9)
 (1,105)
 (684)
 (3,273)

 440
 —
 56
 20
 —
 450
 350
 343
 1,659

 175
 (8,077)
 23,936

$

 (993)
 10,532
 31,838

$

 (1,614)
 3,404
 22,299

$

73

 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

The following table summarizes net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, before allowance for loan losses
by loan category.

Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Average loans, before allowance for loan losses

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

$

$

 15
$
 —  
 21
 (24)
 —  

 (342)
 18
 137
 (175)

$

 1,189
 27
 (401)
 274
 —
 (223)
 (155)
 282
 993

$

$

 446
 30
 351
 91
 41
 (441)
 755
 341
 1,614

$

 347,547
 230,364
 204,148
 583,084
 227,736
 226,035
 314,871
 137,759
$  2,271,544

$

 372,927
 223,381
 222,593
 543,227
 196,632
 242,800
 324,645
 118,888
$  2,245,093

$

 346,540
 206,490
 243,572
 553,683
 170,878
 225,506
 324,039
 108,189
$  2,178,897

Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, before allowance for
loan losses

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

 — %
 —
 0.01
 —
 —
 (0.15)
 0.01
 0.10
 (0.01)%

 0.32 %
 0.01
 (0.18)
 0.05
 —
 (0.09)
 (0.05)
 0.24
 0.04 %

 0.13 %
 0.01
 0.14
 0.02
 0.02
 (0.20)
 0.23
 0.32
 0.07 %

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Net  charge-offs  (recoveries)  to  average  total  loans  before  allowance  for  loan  losses  have  remained  low  for
several  years,  including  each  of  the  years  ended  December  31,  2021  and  2020.  We  believe  our  continuous
credit monitoring and collection efforts have resulted in lower levels of loan losses, while also recognizing that
favorable  economic  conditions  prior  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic  and  substantial  federal  economic  stimulus
during the pandemic have also contributed to reduced loan losses.

Securities

The  Company’s  investment  policy  emphasizes  safety  of  the  principal,  liquidity  needs,  expected  returns,  cash
flow targets and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. The composition and maturities of
the debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2021 is summarized in the following table. Maturities are based
on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that
may occur. Security yields have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.

74

 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Due in 1 year or less

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate
Total

Due after 1 year through 5 years

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate
Total

Due after 5 years through 10 years

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate
Total

Due after 10 years

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate
Total

Total

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate
Total

Available-for-Sale

December 31, 2021
Held-to-Maturity

    Weighted    

    Weighted    

  Amortized   Average   Amortized   Average  

Cost

     Yield     

Cost
(dollars in thousands)

     Yield     

Total

     Weighted    

Amortized   Average  

Cost

     Yield

$

 —
 3,067  
 9,789  

 337  
 6,248  
 20,459  
$  39,900  

$  39,585

 11,016  
 52,651  

 11,478  
 20,070  
 7,723  
$ 142,523  

$  69,417

 85,765  
   144,424  

 41,228  
 93,076  
 32,959  
$ 466,869  

 — % $

 0.17
 2.59

 1.57
 2.55
 2.85
 2.53 % $

 —
 —  
 2,394  

 —  
 —  
 —  
 2,394  

 — % $
 —
 3.51

 —
 3,067  
 12,183  

 —  
 —  
 —  
 3.51 % $

 337  
 6,248  
 20,459  
 42,294  

 0.97 % $
 1.81
 2.15

 —
 5,000  
 10,887  

 — % $

 1.10
 3.71

 39,585
 16,016  
 63,538  

 —  
 2.08
 4,614  
 2.93
 3.61
 —  
 1.98 % $  20,501  

 2.25

 —  

 11,478  
 24,684  
 7,723  
 2.74 % $  163,024  

 —  

 1.41 % $
 1.69
 1.76

 —
 7,349  
 1,994  

 — % $

 1.63
 3.36

 69,417
 93,114  
 146,418  

 8,463  
 2.15
   201,116  
 1.47
 3.89
 —  
 1.82 % $ 218,922  

 1.62
 1.73

 49,691  
 294,192  
 32,959  
 1.73 % $  685,791  

 —  

$

 —

 — % $

 29,421  
 86,973  

 1.39
 1.89

 —
 —  
 391  

 — % $
 —
 4.26

 —

 29,421  
 87,364  

   125,193  
 45,481  
 2,000

$ 289,068  

 12,092  
 1.43
 81,885  
 1.67
 4.50
 —  
 1.63 % $  94,368  

 2.12
 1.94

 137,285  
 127,366  
 2,000  
 1.97 % $  383,436  

 —  

 — %

 0.17
 2.77

 1.57
 2.55
 2.85
 2.58 %

 0.97 %
 1.59
 2.42

 2.08
 2.80
 3.61
 2.08 %

 1.41 %
 1.68
 1.78

 2.06
 1.65
 3.89
 1.79 %

 — %

 1.39
 1.90

 1.49
 1.84
 4.50
 1.71 %

$ 109,002  
 129,269  
   293,837  

   178,236  
   164,875  
 63,141  
$ 938,360  

 1.25 % $
 1.59
 1.90

 —  
 12,349  
 15,666  

 — %  $  109,002  
 141,618  
 309,503  

 1.42
 3.65

 1.25 %  
 1.58
 1.98

 1.92
 1.80

 198,791  
 452,490  
 63,141  
 1.87 % $  1,274,545  

 —  

 1.67
 1.78
 3.54
 1.83 %

 20,555  
 1.64
   287,615  
 1.74
 3.54
 —  
 1.81 % $ 336,185  

75

 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
   
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
   
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits

Management continues to focus on growing non-maturity deposits, through the Company’s relationship driven
banking  philosophy  and  community-focused  marketing  programs,  and  to  deemphasize  higher  cost  deposit
categories, such as time deposits. Additionally, the Bank continues to add and improve ancillary convenience
services  tied  to  deposit  accounts,  such  as  mobile,  remote  deposits  and  peer-to-peer  payments,  to  solidify
deposit relationships.

The following tables set forth the distribution of average deposits, by account type.

Year Ended December 31, 2021

Percent
Change in

Noninterest-bearing
Interest-bearing demand
Money market
Savings

Total non-maturity deposits

Time

Total deposits

Noninterest-bearing
Interest-bearing demand
Money market
Savings

Total non-maturity deposits

Time

Total deposits

Noninterest-bearing
Interest-bearing demand
Money market
Savings

Total non-maturity deposits

Time

Total deposits

$

$

$

$

$

$

     Weighted      Average Balance

Average
Balance

     Percent of
  Total Deposits  Average Cost  
(dollars in thousands)
 29.2 %  
 29.8
 15.1
 17.3
 91.4
 8.6
 100.0 %  

 0.05
 0.08
 0.03
 0.04
 0.45
 0.07 %  

 — %  

 1,004,757  
 1,024,888  
 521,366  
 595,887  
 3,146,898  
 295,788  
 3,442,686  

2021 vs. 2020

 24.4 %
 17.4
 10.0
 24.9
 19.6
 (6.8)
 16.7 %

Year Ended December 31, 2020

Percent
Change in

     Weighted      Average Balance

Average
Balance

     Percent of
  Total Deposits  Average Cost  
(dollars in thousands)
 27.4 %  
 29.6
 16.1
 16.2
 89.3
 10.7

 — %  

 0.07
 0.15
 0.04
 0.06
 0.84
 0.14 %  

 100.0 %  

 807,864  
 873,060  
 474,033  
 477,260  
 2,632,217  
 317,308  
 2,949,525  

2020 vs. 2019

 21.3 %
 6.3
 2.3
 10.9
 10.6
 (20.0)

 6.2 %

Year Ended December 31, 2019

Average
Balance

     Weighted     

     Percent of
  Total Deposits  Average Cost  
(dollars in thousands)
 24.0 %  
 29.5
 16.7
 15.5
 85.7
 14.3

 0.18
 0.40
 0.06
 0.15
 1.10
 0.29 %  

 100.0 %  

 — %  

 666,055  
 821,480  
 463,233  
 430,220  
 2,380,988  
 396,560  
 2,777,548  

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

The average balances of non-maturity deposits increased 19.6% from the year ended December 31, 2020 to
the year ended December 31, 2021, with the increase primarily attributable to PPP loan proceeds received by
commercial  customers,  federal  economic  stimulus  received  by  retail  customers,  and  $139.4  million  of  non-
maturity  deposits  added  through  the  NXT  acquisition  on  October  1,  2021.  Partially  offsetting  the  increase  in
non-maturity deposits was a 6.8% decline in the average balances of time deposits, which resulted in a 16.7%
increase  in  average  balances  of  total  deposits  from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020  to  the  year  ended
December 31, 2021.

76

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

The following table sets forth time deposits by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2021.

    3 Months or    Over 3 through    Over 6 through     

 Less

6 Months

12 Months

Over
12 Months

Total

(dollars in thousands)

Time deposits:

Amounts less than $100,000

$  41,565

$

 40,847

$

 55,886

$

56,843

$  195,141

Amounts of $100,000 but less than $250,000

   16,312

 15,092

 20,126

22,025

 73,555

Amounts of $250,000 or more

   12,924

 5,182

 27,166

14,240

 59,512

Total time deposits

$  70,801

$

 61,121

$  103,178

$

93,108

$  328,208

As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  the  Bank’s  uninsured  deposits,  including  related  accrued  interest,  were
estimated to be $845.7 million and $573.8 million, respectively.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

All  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  are  sweep  instruments,  maturing  daily.  The  securities
underlying  the  agreements  are  held  under  our  control  in  safekeeping  at  third-party  financial  institutions,  and
include debt securities.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our securities sold under
agreements to repurchase.

Balance at end of year
Average balance during year
Maximum outstanding at any month end

2021

As of or for the Years Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$  45,736
 49,714
 58,839

$  44,433
 41,177
 52,085

$  61,256
 50,104
 61,256

2019

Weighted average interest rate at end of year
Average interest rate during year

 0.07 % 
 0.07

 0.06 % 
 0.10

 0.20 %
 0.18

LIQUIDITY

Bank Liquidity

The overall objective of bank liquidity management is to ensure the availability of sufficient cash funds to meet
all  financial  commitments  and  to  take  advantage  of  investment  opportunities.  The  Bank  manages  liquidity  in
order to meet deposit withdrawals on demand or at contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature,
and to fund new loans and investments as opportunities arise.

The  Bank  continuously  monitors  its  liquidity  position  to  ensure  that  assets  and  liabilities  are  managed  in  a
manner  that  will  meet  all  of  our  short-term  and  long-term  cash  requirements.  The  Bank  manages  its  liquidity
position to meet the daily cash flow needs of clients, while maintaining an appropriate balance between assets
and liabilities to meet the return on investment objectives. The Bank also monitors liquidity requirements in light
of interest rate trends, changes in the economy and the scheduled maturity and interest rate sensitivity of the
investment and loan portfolios and deposits, and regulatory capital requirements.

As part of the Bank’s liquidity management strategy, the Bank is also focused on minimizing costs of liquidity
and  attempts  to  decrease  these  costs  by  promoting  noninterest  bearing  and  low-cost  deposits  and  replacing
higher cost funding including time deposits and borrowed funds. While the Bank does not control the types of
deposit instruments our clients choose, those choices can be influenced with the rates and the deposit specials
offered.

77

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Additional sources of liquidity include unpledged securities, federal funds purchased, and borrowings from the
Federal  Home  Loan  Bank  of  Chicago  (FHLB).  Unpledged  securities  may  be  sold  or  pledged  as  collateral  for
borrowings to meet liquidity needs. Interest is charged at the prevailing market rate on federal funds purchased
and FHLB borrowings. Funds obtained from federal funds purchased and FHLB borrowings are used primarily
to meet daily liquidity needs. The total amount of the remaining credit available to the Bank from the FHLB at
December 31, 2021 was $316.7 million.

As  of  December  31,  2021,  management  believed  adequate  liquidity  existed  to  meet  all  projected  cash  flow
obligations  of  the  Bank.  As  of  December  31,  2021,  the  Bank  had  no  material  commitments  for  capital
expenditures.

Holding Company Liquidity

The  Company  is  a  corporation  separate  and  apart  from  the  Bank  and,  therefore,  it  must  provide  for  its  own
liquidity. As of December 31, 2021, HBT Financial, Inc. had cash and cash equivalents of $25.8 million.

The Company’s main source of funding is dividends declared and paid to it by the Bank. Due to state banking
laws, the Bank may not declare dividends in any calendar year in an amount that would exceed accumulated
retained earnings, after giving effect to any unrecognized losses and bad debts, without the prior approval of the
IDFPR. In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would
cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements. Management believes
that  these  limitations  will  not  impact  the  Company’s  ability  to  meet  its  ongoing  short-term  cash  obligations.
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Bank paid $20.0 million, $17.6 million, and
$110.0 million, in dividends to the Company, respectively.

The liquidity needs of the Company on an unconsolidated basis consist primarily of interest payments on the
subordinated  notes  and  junior  subordinated  debentures,  operating  expenses,  and  dividends  to  stockholders.
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, holding company operating expenses consisted
of interest expense of $3.3 million, $2.2 million, and $1.9 million, respectively; other operating expenses of $3.7
million, $2.5 million, and $1.0 million, respectively; and dividends to stockholders of $16.8 million, $16.5 million,
and $225.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, management was not aware of any known trends,
events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity.

As  of  December  31,  2021,  management  believed  adequate  liquidity  existed  to  meet  all  projected  cash  flow
obligations of the Company. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had no material commitments for capital
expenditures.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The overall objectives of capital management are to ensure the availability of sufficient capital to support loan,
deposit and other asset and liability growth opportunities and to maintain capital to absorb unforeseen losses or
write-downs that are inherent in the business risks associated with the banking industry. The Company seeks to
balance  the  need  for  higher  capital  levels  to  address  such  unforeseen  risks  and  the  goal  to  achieve  an
adequate return on the capital invested by our stockholders.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The  Company  and  Bank  are  each  subject  to  various  regulatory  capital  requirements  administered  by  federal
and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and
possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on
the financial statements of the Company and the Bank.

78

Table of Contents

In addition to meeting minimum capital requirements, the Company and the Bank must also maintain a “capital
conservation buffer” to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary
bonus  payments  to  management.  As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  the  capital  conservation  buffer
requirement was 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.

As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  the  Company  and  the  Bank  met  all  capital  adequacy  requirements  to
which  they  were  subject.  As  of  those  dates,  the  Bank  was  “well  capitalized”  under  the  regulatory  prompt
corrective action provisions.

The  following  table  sets  forth  actual  capital  ratios  of  the  Company  and  the  Bank  for  the  dates  indicated,  the
minimum ratios for capital adequacy purposes with the capital conservation buffer, and the minimum ratios to be
well capitalized under regulatory prompt corrective action provisions.

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

December 31, 
2021

December 31, 
2020

For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
With Capital

To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective

    Conversation Buffer (1)    Action Provisions (2)

 16.88 %  
 15.94

 17.40 %  
 15.63

 10.50 %
 10.50

N/A
 10.00 %

 14.66 %  
 15.09

 14.55 %  
 14.38

 13.37 %  
 15.09

 13.06 %  
 14.38

 9.84 %  

 10.13

 9.94 %  
 9.82

 8.50 %
 8.50

 7.00 %
 7.00

 4.00
 4.00

N/A
 8.00 %

N/A
 6.50 %

N/A
 5.00 %

(1) The Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio (known as the “leverage ratio”) is not impacted by the capital conservation buffer.
(2) The prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.
N/A  Not applicable.

Cash Dividends

During the 2021 and 2020, the Company paid quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share. On January 25, 2022,
the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share.

During 2019, the Company paid a $170.0 million dividend to shareholders of record prior to the Company’s IPO.
The dividend was paid using net proceeds from the IPO and the proceeds of dividends received from Heartland
Bank and State Bank of Lincoln.

Stock Repurchase Program

The Company repurchased 290,486 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $16.89 during
the  year  ended  December  31,  2021  under  the  Company’s  stock  repurchase  program  which  expired  on
December  31,  2021.  Repurchases  were  conducted  in  compliance  with  Rule  10b-18  and  in  compliance  with
Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. On December 14, 2021, the Company’s
Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up
to $15.0 million of its common stock. The new stock repurchase program took effect upon the expiration of the
prior stock repurchase program and expires on January 1, 2023.

79

 
 
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
Table of Contents

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As a financial services provider, the Bank is routinely a party to various financial instruments with off-balance
sheet  risks,  such  as  commitments  to  extend  credit,  standby  letters  of  credit,  unused  lines  of  credit  and
commitments  to  sell  loans.  While  these  contractual  obligations  represent  our  future  cash  requirements,  a
significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments
are subject to the same credit policies and approval process afforded to loans originated by the Bank. Although
commitments to extend credit are considered while evaluating our allowance for loan losses, at December 31,
2021 and 2020, there were no reserves for unfunded commitments. For additional information, see “Note 24 –
Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Critical  accounting  estimates  are  those  that  are  critical  to  the  portrayal  and  understanding  of  the  Company’s
financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  and  require  management  to  make  assumptions  that  are  difficult,
subjective or complex. These estimates involve judgments, assumptions and uncertainties that are susceptible
to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity
of  such  changes,  the  possibility  of  a  materially  different  financial  condition  or  materially  different  results  of
operations  is  a  reasonable  likelihood.  Further,  changes  in  accounting  standards  could  impact  the  Company’s
critical accounting estimates. The following accounting estimates could be deemed critical:

Allowance for Loan losses

The  allowance  for  loan  losses  (allowance)  is  an  estimate  of  loan  losses  inherent  in  the  Company’s  loan
portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents amounts that have been established to recognize incurred
credit  losses  in  the  loan  portfolio  that  are  both  probable  and  reasonably  estimable  at  the  date  of  the
consolidated  financial  statements.  The  allowance  is  established  through  a  provision  for  loan  losses  which  is
charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance.
Loan  losses  are  charged  off  against  the  allowance  when  the  Company  determines  the  loan  balance  to  be
uncollectible. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance.

The allowance consists of two primary components, general reserves and specific reserves related to impaired
loans.  General  reserves  cover  non-impaired  loans,  or  loans  collectively  evaluated  for  impairment,  and  are
based  on  historical  losses  adjusted  for  qualitative  factors.  The  historical  loss  experience  is  determined  by
portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent 16-
quarter period. Qualitative factor adjustments primarily consider current economic metrics, such as national and
regional unemployment rates, and current credit quality metrics of each portfolio segment, such as past due and
risk  rating  percentages,  relative  to  historical  levels.  These  qualitative  factor  adjustments  are  inherently
subjective.

Specific  reserves  cover  impaired  loans,  or  loans  individually  evaluated  for  impairment,  and  are  primarily
measured  based  on  the  fair  value  of  collateral.  Adjustments  to  the  fair  value  of  collateral  are  made  for
anticipated selling costs. A specific reserve may be zero if the fair value of collateral on the measurement date
is greater than the carrying balance of the impaired loan. Additionally, the present value of expected future cash
flows discounted at the original contractual interest rate may also be used, when practical.

While  the  Company  uses  the  best  information  available  to  make  evaluations,  future  adjustments  to  the
allowance for loan losses may become necessary if conditions change substantially from the conditions used in
previous evaluations. Determinations as to the risk classification of loans and the amount of the allowance for
loan  losses  are  subject  to  review  by  regulatory  agencies,  which  can  require  that  the  Company  establish
additional loss allowances.

80

Table of Contents

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations

Business  combinations  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method  of  accounting.  Under  the  acquisition
method of accounting, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair value on the
acquisition date. Estimating such fair values may require highly subjective assumptions or the use of a valuation
specialist.  In  the  NXT  acquisition,  the  fair  value  for  loans  was  most  significant  estimate  and  relatively  small
changes in assumptions used in this estimate could result in a materially different conclusion.

The  fair  value  for  loans  was  based  on  a  discounted  cash  flow  methodology  that  considered  credit  loss  and
prepayment expectations, market interest rates and other market factors, such as liquidity, from the perspective
of a market participant. Loan cash flows were generated on an individual loan basis. The probability of default,
loss given default, exposure at default, and prepayment assumptions are key factors in this analysis.

81

Table of Contents

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in
accordance with GAAP. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present
these non-GAAP financial measures, and accordingly believes that providing these measures may be useful for
peer comparison purposes. These disclosures should not be viewed as substitutes for the results determined to
be in accordance with GAAP; nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that may
be presented by other companies. See our reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly
comparable GAAP financial measures below.

Non-GAAP
Financial Measure
Adjusted Net Income

Definition

● Net income, with the following adjustments:
- adds additional C Corp equivalent tax

expense for periods prior to October 11,
2019,

- excludes acquisition expenses,
- excludes branch closure expenses,
- excludes charges related to termination of

certain employee benefit plans,

- excludes net earnings (losses) from closed

or sold operations,

- excludes realized gains (losses) on sales of

securities,

- excludes mortgage servicing rights fair value

-

adjustment, and
the income tax effect of these pre-tax
adjustments.

Net Interest Income
(Tax Equivalent Basis)

● Net interest income adjusted for the tax-
favored status of tax-exempt loans and
securities. (1)

How the Measure Provides Useful
Information to Investors

● Enhances comparisons to prior periods

and, accordingly, facilitates the
development of future projections and
earnings growth prospects.

● We also sometimes refer to ratios that
include Adjusted Net Income, such as:
- Adjusted Return on Average Assets,
which is Adjusted Net Income divided
by average assets.

- Adjusted Return on Average Equity,

which is Adjusted Net Income divided
by average equity.

- Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Basic,

which is Adjusted Net Income allocated
to common shares divided by weighted
average common shares outstanding.
- Adjusted Earnings Per Share – Diluted,
which is Adjusted Net Income allocated
to common shares divided by weighted
average common shares outstanding,
including all dilutive potential shares.
● We believe the tax equivalent basis is the
preferred industry measurement of net
interest income.

● Enhances comparability of net interest
income arising from taxable and tax-
exempt sources.

● We also sometimes refer to Net Interest
Margin (Tax Equivalent Basis), which is
Net Interest Income (Tax Equivalent
Basis) divided by average interest-
earning assets.

Efficiency Ratio (Tax
Equivalent Basis)

● Noninterest expense less amortization of

● Provides a measure of productivity in the

intangible assets divided by the sum of net
interest income (tax equivalent basis) and
noninterest income. (1)

banking industry.

● Calculated to measure the cost of

generating one dollar of revenue. That is,
the ratio is designed to reflect the
percentage of one dollar which must be
expended to generate that dollar of
revenue.

(1) Tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

82

Table of Contents

Non-GAAP
Financial Measure
Tangible Common
Equity to Tangible
Assets

Definition
● Tangible Common Equity is total stockholders’

equity less goodwill and other intangible
assets.

● Tangible Assets is total assets less goodwill

and other intangible assets.

Core Deposits

● Total deposits, excluding:

- Time deposits of $250,000 or more, and
- Brokered deposits

83

How the Measure Provides Useful
Information to Investors

● Generally used by investors, our

management, and banking regulators to
evaluate capital adequacy.

● Facilitates comparison of our earnings
with the earnings of other banking
organization with significant amounts of
goodwill or intangible assets.

● We also sometimes refer to ratios that
include Tangible Common Equity, such
as:
- Tangible Book Value Per Share, which
is Tangible Common Equity divided by
shares of common stock outstanding.
- Return on Average Tangible Common
Equity, which is net income divided by
average Tangible Common Equity.
- Adjusted Return on Average Tangible

Common Equity, which is Adjusted Net
Income divided by average Tangible
Common Equity.

● Provides investors with information

regarding the stability of the Company’s
sources of funds.

● We also sometimes refer to the ratio of

Core Deposits to total deposits.

Table of Contents

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average
Assets

Net income
C Corp equivalent adjustment (1)
C Corp equivalent net income (1)
Adjustments:

Acquisition expenses
Branch closure expenses
Charges related to termination of certain employee benefit plans
Net earnings from sold operations, including gains on sale (2)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment

Total adjustments
Tax effect of adjustments
Less adjustments after tax effect
Adjusted net income

Average assets

$

$

$

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$

$

 36,845
 —
 36,845

2021

 56,271
 —
 56,271

 (1,416)
 (748)

 —  
 —  

 —
 —
 (1,457)

 —  

 1,690
 (474)
 (95)
 (569)
 56,840

 3,980,538

 (2,584)
 (4,041)
 1,152
 (2,889)
 39,734

 3,447,500

$

$

$

$

2019

 66,865
 (13,493)
 53,372

 —
 —
 (3,796)
 524
 (2,400)
 (5,672)
 1,617
 (4,055)
 57,427

 3,233,386

Return on average assets
C Corp equivalent return on average assets (2)
Adjusted return on average assets

 1.41 %   

 1.07 %   

N/A
 1.43

N/A
 1.15

 2.07 %
 1.65
 1.78

(1) Reflects  adjustment  to  our  historical  net  income  for  each  period  to  give  effect  to  the  C  Corp  equivalent  provision  for  income  tax  for

such year.

(2) Sold operations include HBT Insurance and First Community Title Services, Inc.
N/A  Not applicable.

84

 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

2019

2021

Numerator:
Net income
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted

C Corp equivalent net income (2)
Earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock units (1)(2)
Numerator for C Corp equivalent earnings per share - basic and diluted (2)

Adjusted net income
Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)
Numerator for adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted

Denominator:

Weighted average common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential
shares

Earnings per share - Basic
Earnings per share - Diluted

C Corp equivalent earnings per share - Basic (2)
C Corp equivalent earnings per share - Diluted (2)

Adjusted earnings per share - Basic
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted

$

$

$

$

$
$

$
$

 56,271
 (104)
 56,167

N/A
N/A
N/A

 56,840
 (105)
 56,735

$

$

$

$

 36,845
 (93)
 36,752

N/A
N/A
N/A

 39,734
 (101)
 39,633

$

$

$

$

$

$

 66,865
 —
 66,865

 53,372
 —
 53,372

 57,427
 —
 57,427

 27,795,806
 15,487

 27,457,306
 —

 20,090,270
 —

 27,811,293

 27,457,306

 20,090,270

 2.02
 2.02

N/A
N/A

 2.04
 2.04

$
$

$
$

 1.34
 1.34

N/A
N/A

 1.44
 1.44

$
$

$
$

$
$

 3.33
 3.33

 2.66
 2.66

 2.86
 2.86

(1) The  Company  has  granted  certain  restricted  stock  units  that  contain  non-forfeitable  rights  to  dividend  equivalents.  Such  restricted
stock units are considered participating securities. As such, we have included these restricted stock units in the calculation of basic
earnings per share and calculate basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings
per  share  is  an  earnings  allocation  formula  that  determines  earnings  per  share  for  each  class  of  common  stock  and  participating
security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

(2) Reflects adjustment to our historical net income for each period to give effect to the C Corp equivalent income tax expense for such

period. No such adjustment is necessary for periods subsequent to 2019.

N/A  Not applicable.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Net Interest Margin (Tax Equivalent Basis)

Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)

Net interest income
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis) (1)

Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)

Net interest margin
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis) (1)

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

$

$

 122,403
 2,028
 124,431

$

$

 117,605
 1,943
 119,548

$

$

 133,800
 2,309
 136,109

 3.18 %  
 0.05
 3.23 %  

 3.54 %  
 0.06
 3.60 %  

 4.31 % 
 0.07
 4.38 % 

Average interest-earning assets

$  3,846,473

$  3,318,764

$  3,105,863

(1) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

85

   
   
 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Efficiency Ratio (Tax Equivalent Basis)

Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent basis)

Total noninterest expense
Less: amortization of intangible assets

Adjusted noninterest expense

Net interest income
Total noninterest income
Operating revenue
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)

Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

$

$

 91,246
 1,054
 90,192

$  122,403
 37,328
 159,731
 2,028
$  161,759

$

$

$

$

 91,956
 1,232
 90,724

 117,605
 34,456
 152,061
 1,943
 154,004

$

$

$

$

 91,026
 1,423
 89,603

 133,800
 32,751
 166,551
 2,309
 168,860

Efficiency ratio
Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent basis) (1)

 56.46 %   
 55.76

 59.66 %   
 58.91

 53.80 %  
 53.06

(1) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation  of  Non-GAAP  Financial  Measure  -  Tangible  Common  Equity  to  Tangible  Assets  and
Tangible Book Value Per Share

Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders' equity
Less: Goodwill
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net

Tangible common equity

Tangible Assets
Total assets
Less: Goodwill
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net

Tangible assets

Total stockholders' equity to total assets
Tangible common equity to tangible assets

Shares of common stock outstanding

Book value per share
Tangible book value per share

     December 31, 2021      December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

$

$

$

$

$

 411,881
 29,322
 1,943
 380,616

 4,314,254
 29,322
 1,943
 4,282,989

 9.55 %
 8.89

 28,986,061

 14.21
 13.13

$

$

$

$

$

 363,917
 23,620
 2,798
 337,499

 3,666,567
 23,620
 2,798
 3,640,149

 9.93 %
 9.27

 27,457,306

 13.25
 12.29

86

 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure – Adjusted Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity and
Adjusted Return on Tangible Common Equity

Average Tangible Common Equity

Total stockholders' equity
Less: Goodwill
Less: Core deposit intangible assets, net
Average tangible common equity

Net income
C Corp equivalent net income (1)
Adjusted net income

Return on average stockholders' equity
Return on average tangible common equity

C Corp equivalent return on average stockholders' equity (1)
C Corp equivalent return on average tangible common equity (1)

Adjusted return on average stockholders' equity
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity

$

$

$

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

$

$

$

 380,080
 25,057
 2,333
 352,690

 56,271
N/A
 56,840

 14.81 %   
 15.95

N/A
N/A

 14.95 %  
 16.12

$

$

$

 350,703
 23,620
 3,436
 323,647

 36,845
N/A
 39,734

 10.51 %  
 11.38

N/A
N/A

 11.33 %
 12.28

 341,544
 23,620
 4,748
 313,176

 66,865
 53,372
 57,427

 19.58 %
 21.35

 15.63 %
 17.04

 16.81 %
 18.34

(1) Reflects  adjustment  to  our  historical  net  income  for  each  period  to  give  effect  to  the  C  Corp  equivalent  provision  for  income  tax  for

such period.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Core Deposits

Core Deposits
Total deposits
Less: time deposits of $250,000 or more
Less: brokered deposits

Core deposits

December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)

$

$

 3,738,185
 59,512
 4,238
 3,674,435

$

$

 3,130,534
 26,687
 —
 3,103,847

Core deposits to total deposits

 98.29 %

 99.15 %

87

    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

ITEM 7A.        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Managing  risk  is  an  essential  part  of  successfully  managing  a  financial  institution.  Our  most  prominent  risk
exposures are interest rate risk and credit risk. Interest rate risk is the potential reduction of net interest income
as a result of changes in interest rates. Credit risk is the risk of not collecting the interest and/or the principal
balance of a loan or investment when it is due and is disclosed in detail above.

Interest Rate Risk

The most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk inherent in the normal course of lending and deposit-
taking activities. Management believes that our ability to successfully respond to changes in interest rates will
have a significant impact on our financial results. To that end, management actively monitors and manages our
interest rate exposure.

The Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO), which is authorized by the Company’s board of directors,
monitors  our  interest  rate  sensitivity  and  makes  decisions  relating  to  that  process.  The  ALCO’s  goal  is  to
structure our asset/liability composition to maximize net interest income while managing interest rate risk so as
to minimize the adverse impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income and capital in either a rising
or  declining  interest  rate  environment.  Profitability  is  affected  by  fluctuations  in  interest  rates.  A  sudden  and
substantial  change  in  interest  rates  may  adversely  impact  our  earnings  because  the  interest  rates  borne  by
assets and liabilities do not change at the same speed, to the same extent or on the same basis.

We  monitor  the  impact  of  changes  in  interest  rates  on  our  net  interest  income  and  economic  value  of  equity
(EVE)  using  rate  shock  analysis.  Net  interest  income  simulations  measure  the  short-term  earnings  exposure
from  changes  in  market  rates  of  interest  in  a  rigorous  and  explicit  fashion.  Our  current  financial  position  is
combined  with  assumptions  regarding  future  business  to  calculate  net  interest  income  under  varying
hypothetical rate scenarios. EVE measures our long-term earnings exposure from changes in market rates of
interest. EVE is defined as the present value of assets minus the present value of liabilities at a point in time. A
decrease in EVE due to a specified rate change indicates a decline in the long-term earnings capacity of the
balance sheet assuming that the rate change remains in effect over the life of the current balance sheet.

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the estimated impact on our EVE and net
interest income of immediate changes in interest rates at the specified levels.

Change in Interest Rates (basis points)

     Amount

    Percent    

Amount

    Percent    

Amount

    Percent

(dollars in thousands)

Estimated Increase  
(Decrease) in EVE  

Increase (Decrease) in
Estimated Net Interest Income
Year 2
Year 1

December 31, 2021
+400
+300
+200
+100
Flat
-100

December 31, 2020
+400
+300
+200
+100
Flat
-100

$  92,106  
 76,708  
 51,627  
 12,453  
 —  
 34,852  

 19.7 %  $ 23,230  
   17,938  
 16.4
   12,154  
 11.1
 5,818  
 2.7
 —  
 —  
   (4,098) 
 7.5

 18.7 %  $ 38,485  
 30,487  
 14.5
 21,339  
 9.8
 11,062  
 4.7
 —  
 —
 (7,746) 
 (3.3)

 31.7 %
 25.1
 17.6
 9.1
 —
 (6.4)

$  81,406  
 50,943  
 11,166  
   (26,976) 
 —  
 29,295  

 21.1 %  $ 27,461  
   21,149  
 13.2
   14,272  
 2.9
 6,851  
 (7.0)
 —  
   (4,088) 

 —  
 7.6

 23.8 %  $ 44,487  
 34,815  
 18.3
 24,197  
 12.4
 12,350  
 5.9
 —
 —  
 (7,262) 
 (3.5)

 42.1 %
 32.9
 22.9
 11.7
 —
 (6.9)

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

This data does not reflect any actions that we may undertake in response to changes in interest rates, such as
changes  in  rates  paid  on  certain  deposit  accounts  based  on  local  competitive  factors  or  changes  in  earning
assets mix, which could reduce the actual impact on EVE and net interest income, if any.

Certain  shortcomings  are  inherent  in  the  methodology  used  in  the  above  interest  rate  risk  measurements.
Modeling changes in EVE and net interest income requires that we make certain assumptions that may or may
not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. The EVE
and  net  interest  income  table  presented  above  assumes  that  the  composition  of  our  interest-rate-sensitive
assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and,
accordingly,  the  data  does  not  reflect  any  actions  that  we  may  undertake  in  response  to  changes  in  interest
rates, such as changes in rates paid on certain deposit accounts based on local competitive factors. The table
also assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of
the duration to maturity or the repricing characteristics of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the
EVE  and  net  interest  income  table  provides  an  indication  of  our  sensitivity  to  interest  rate  changes  at  a
particular  point  in  time,  such  measurements  are  not  intended  to  and  do  not  provide  a  precise  forecast  of  the
effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results.

Credit Risk

Credit  risk  is  the  risk  that  borrowers  or  counterparties  will  be  unable  or  unwilling  to  repay  their  obligations  in
accordance  with  the  underlying  contractual  terms.  We  manage  and  control  credit  risk  in  the  loan  portfolio  by
adhering 
to  well-defined  underwriting  criteria  and  account  administration  standards  established  by
management.  Our  loan  policy  documents  underwriting  standards,  approval  levels,  exposure  limits  and  other
limits  or  standards  deemed  necessary  and  prudent.  Portfolio  diversification  at  the  borrower,  industry,  and
product  levels  is  actively  managed  to  mitigate  concentration  risk.  In  addition,  credit  risk  management  also
includes an independent loan review process that assesses compliance with loan policy, compliance with loan
documentation standards, accuracy of the risk rating and overall credit quality of the loan portfolio.

89

Table of Contents

ITEM 8.        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB ID: 49)

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

90

Page

91

92
93
94
95
96
98

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors
HBT Financial, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HBT Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the
Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive
income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the
consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020,
and  the  results  of  its  operations  and  its  cash  flows  for  the  years  then  ended,  in  conformity  with  accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company’s  management.  Our  responsibility  is  to
express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements 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 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  error  or  fraud.  The  Company  is  not  required  to  have,  nor  were  we
engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required
to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express
no such opinion.

  Our  audits  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. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ RSM US LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.

Chicago, Illinois
March 11, 2022

91

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks
Interest-bearing deposits with banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Interest-bearing time deposits with banks
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value
Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $336,027 in 2021 and $72,441 in 2020)
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Equity securities with no readily determinable fair value
Restricted stock, at cost
Loans held for sale

Loans, before allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses

Bank owned life insurance
Bank premises and equipment, net
Bank premises held for sale
Foreclosed assets
Goodwill
Core deposit intangible assets, net
Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries
Accrued interest receivable
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing
Interest-bearing
Total deposits

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 12 and 24)

Stockholders' Equity

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 125,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued of 29,276,547 in
2021 and 27,457,306 in 2020; shares outstanding of 28,986,061 in 2021 and 27,457,306 in 2020
Surplus
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Treasury stock at cost, 290,486 shares in 2021 and none in 2020

Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

92

December 31,  December 31, 

2021

2020

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

23,387
385,881
409,268

490
942,168
336,185
3,443
1,927
2,739
4,942

2,499,689
(23,936)
2,475,753

7,393
52,483
1,452
3,278
29,322
1,943
7,994
1,165
14,901
17,408
4,314,254

1,087,659
2,650,526
3,738,185

61,256
39,316
37,714
25,902
3,902,373

24,912
287,539
312,451

—
922,869
68,395
3,292
1,552
2,498
14,713

2,247,006
(31,838)
2,215,168

—
52,904
121
4,168
23,620
2,798
5,934
1,165
14,255
20,664
3,666,567

882,939
2,247,595
3,130,534

45,736
39,238
37,648
49,494
3,302,650

—

—

293
220,891
194,132
1,471
(4,906)
411,881
4,314,254

$

275
190,875
154,614
18,153
—
363,917
3,666,567

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME

Loans, including fees:

Taxable
Federally tax exempt

Securities:
Taxable
Federally tax exempt

Interest-bearing deposits in bank
Other interest and dividend income

Total interest and dividend income

INTEREST EXPENSE

Deposits
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Borrowings
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts

Total interest expense
Net interest income
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

NONINTEREST INCOME

Card income
Service charges on deposit accounts
Wealth management fees
Mortgage servicing
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment
Gains on sale of mortgage loans
Gains (losses) on securities
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets
Gains (losses) on other assets
Income on bank owned life insurance
Title insurance activity
Other noninterest income

Total noninterest income

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

Salaries
Employee benefits
Occupancy of bank premises
Furniture and equipment
Data processing
Marketing and customer relations
Amortization of intangible assets
FDIC insurance
Loan collection and servicing
Foreclosed assets
Other noninterest expense

Total noninterest expense
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
NET INCOME

EARNINGS PER SHARE - BASIC
EARNINGS PER SHARE - DILUTED
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA C CORP EQUIVALENT INFORMATION (Note 1)

Historical income before income tax expense
Pro forma C Corp equivalent income tax expense
Pro forma C Corp equivalent net income

PRO FORMA C CORP EQUIVALENT EARNINGS PER SHARE - BASIC
PRO FORMA C CORP EQUIVALENT EARNINGS PER SHARE - DILUTED

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

93

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

2021

2019

$

103,900
2,384

$

102,893
2,303

$

16,948
4,400
527
64
128,223

2,472
34
9
1,879
1,426
5,820
122,403
(8,077)
130,480

9,734
6,080
8,384
2,825
1,690
5,846
107
310
(723)
41
—
3,034
37,328

49,437
6,694
6,788
2,676
7,329
3,376
1,054
1,043
1,317
908
10,624
91,246
76,562
20,291
56,271

2.02
2.02
27,795,806

$

$
$

13,179
4,696
938
56
124,065

4,221
48
2
616
1,573
6,460
117,605
10,532
107,073

8,087
5,987
7,237
2,978
(2,584)
8,835
33
142
(71)
—
—
3,812
34,456

50,616
8,045
6,580
2,447
6,742
3,476
1,232
707
1,755
557
9,799
91,956
49,573
12,728
36,845

1.34
1.34
27,457,306

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

117,296
2,846

14,854
5,728
2,951
60
143,735

7,932
72
9
—
1,922
9,935
133,800
3,404
130,396

7,765
7,870
6,827
3,143
(2,400)
3,092
(5)
940
1,244
—
167
4,108
32,751

49,003
9,883
6,867
2,813
5,570
3,873
1,423
198
2,633
676
8,087
91,026
72,121
5,256
66,865

3.33
3.33
20,090,270

72,121
18,749
53,372

2.66
2.66

    
    
Table of Contents

NET INCOME

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$ 36,845

$ 56,271

2019

$ 66,865

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

Unrealized (losses) gains on debt securities available-for-sale
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net unrealized losses on
debt securities transferred to held-to-maturity
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
Reclassification adjustment for net settlements on derivative instruments

Total other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax

Income tax (benefit) expense

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(24,798)

15,272

12,458

687
366
412
(23,333)
(6,651)
(16,682)
$ 39,589

18
(1,084)
238
14,444
4,123
10,321
$ 47,166

(264)
(698)
(87)
11,409
(711)
12,120
$ 78,985

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

94

    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock

Retained

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Treasury

     Voting     Series A     Surplus      Earnings      Income (Loss)      Stock     

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

Balance, December 31, 2018

$

Net income
Other comprehensive income
Reclassification of undistributed S-
Corp earnings
Issuance of common stock - voting,
net of issuance costs (9,429,794
shares)
Conversion of common stock - Series
A to common stock - Voting
Cancelation of 124,228 shares of
treasury stock
Cash dividends ($12.48 per share)

Balance, December 31, 2019

Net income
Other comprehensive income
Stock-based compensation
Cash dividends and dividend
equivalents ($0.60 per share)
Balance, December 31, 2020

Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Stock-based compensation
Issuance of common stock - voting
upon vesting of restricted stock units
(20,225 shares)
Issuance of common stock - voting in
NXT acquisition (1,799,016 shares)
Repurchase of common stock - voting
(290,486 shares)
Cash dividends and dividend
equivalents ($0.60 per share)
Balance, December 31, 2021

3
—
—

—

95

178

(1)
—
275
—
—
—

—
275
—
—
—

—

18

—

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

$

178
—
—

$ 32,288
—
—

$ 315,234
66,865
—

$

(4,288)
—
12,120

$ (3,019)
—
—

$

20,472

(20,472)

—

—

138,398

(178)

—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—

—

—

(634)
—
190,524
—
—
351

—
190,875
—
—
764

—

29,252

—

—

—

(2,384)
(224,956)
134,287
36,845
—
—

(16,518)
154,614
56,271
—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

3,019
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—
7,832
—
10,321
—

—
18,153
—
(16,682)
—

—

—

—

340,396
66,865
12,120

—

138,493

—

—
(224,956)
332,918
36,845
10,321
351

(16,518)
363,917
56,271
(16,682)
764

—

29,270

—
$ 293

$

—
—
— $ 220,891

(16,753)
$ 194,132

$

—
1,471

—
$ (4,906)

$

(16,753)
411,881

(4,906)

(4,906)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

95

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation expense
Provision for loan losses
Net amortization of debt securities
Amortization of unrealized gain on dedesignated cash flow hedge
Deferred income tax expense
Stock-based compensation
Net accretion of discount and deferred loan fees on loans
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities
Net loss (gain) on disposals of bank premises and equipment
Net gain on sales of bank premises held for sale
Impairment losses on bank premises held for sale
Net gain on sales of foreclosed assets
Write-down of foreclosed assets
Amortization of intangibles
(Increase) decrease in mortgage servicing rights
Amortization of discount and issuance costs on subordinated notes and debentures
Amortization of premium on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
Mortgage loans originated for sale
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
Gain on sale of First Community Title Services, Inc.
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
Decrease (increase) in other assets
Decrease (increase) in other liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Net change in interest-bearing time deposits with banks
Proceeds from paydowns, maturities, and calls of debt securities
Purchase of securities
Net increase in loans
Purchase of restricted stock
Proceeds from redemption of restricted stock
Purchases of bank premises and equipment
Proceeds from sales of bank premises and equipment
Proceeds from sales of bank premises held for sale
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets
Capital improvements to foreclosed assets
Net cash paid for acquisition of NXT Bancorporation, Inc.
Cash received from sale of First Community Title Services, Inc.

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Net increase (decrease) in deposits
Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
Issuance of subordinated notes, net of issuance costs
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs
Repurchase of common stock
Cash dividends and dividend equivalents paid

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

96

$

56,271

$

36,845

$

66,865

3,074
(8,077)
7,066
—
2,908
764
(12,448)
(107)
33
—
661
(505)
195
1,054
(1,690)
144
(105)
(179,921)
195,538
(5,846)
(41)
—
240
1,676
(17,784)
43,100

249
213,491
(513,838)
(50,089)
(241)
796
(1,028)
17
—
5,805
—
(4,771)
—
(349,609)

426,065
11,440
(12,520)
—
—
(4,906)
(16,753)
403,326

2,941
10,532
5,045
(64)
(339)
351
(4,902)
(33)
2
—
—
(348)
213
1,232
2,584
92
—
(370,112)
368,765
(8,835)
—
—
(304)
(1,090)
(11,320)
31,255

248
222,999
(523,559)
(80,278)
(73)
—
(1,861)
1
—
2,079
(6)
—
—
(380,450)

353,679
1,303
—
39,211
—
—
(16,518)
377,675

2,709
3,404
3,450
(86)
(2,695)
—
(3,707)
5
(29)
(448)
37
(1,048)
563
1,423
2,400
66
—
(150,652)
152,013
(3,092)
—
(498)
1,349
(516)
17,579
89,092

—
201,472
(73,117)
(17,950)
—
294
(2,107)
176
1,039
5,460
(41)
—
114
115,340

(19,115)
(1,762)
—
—
138,493
—
(224,956)
(107,340)

96,817
312,451
$ 409,268

28,480
283,971
$ 312,451

97,092
186,879
$ 283,971

    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets
Sales of foreclosed assets through loan origination
Transfers of bank premises and equipment to bank premises held for sale

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

97

$
5,928
$ 20,861

$
6,441
$ 17,451

$ 10,010
880
$

$
$
$

4,857
252
1,345

$
$
$

$
1,074
67
$
— $

2,520
2,046
—

    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

HBT  Financial,  Inc.  (“HBT  Financial”  or  the  “Company”)  is  headquartered  in  Bloomington,  Illinois  and  is  the
holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company (“Heartland Bank” or the “Bank”). The Bank provides a
comprehensive suite of business, commercial, wealth management and retail banking products and services to
individuals, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Central and Northeastern Illinois and Eastern Iowa.
Additionally,  the  Company  is  subject  to  the  regulations  of  certain  federal  and  state  agencies  and  undergoes
periodic examinations by those regulatory agencies.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally
accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and reporting practices applicable to the banking industry.
Significant accounting policies are summarized below.

On September 13, 2019, the Company effected a twenty-for-one stock split of its issued and outstanding shares
of common stock and its issued and outstanding shares of Series A nonvoting common stock. Accordingly, all
share  and  per  share  amounts  for  all  periods  presented  in  these  financial  statements  and  notes  thereto  have
been adjusted retroactively, where applicable, to reflect the stock split.

On October 10, 2019, each share of Series A nonvoting common stock was reclassified and converted into one
share of common stock. Additionally, the Company increased the authorized shares to 150,000,000, of which
125,000,000  shares,  par  value  of  $0.01  per  share,  are  designated  as  common  stock  and  25,000,000  shares,
par value of $0.01 per share, are designated as preferred stock.

Merger of State Bank of Lincoln into Heartland Bank

On October 20, 2020, Heartland Bank and State Bank of Lincoln, both wholly-owned bank subsidiaries of the
Company on that date, entered into a Bank Merger Agreement providing for the merger of State Bank of Lincoln
into Heartland Bank. The merger was consummated on December 31, 2020, resulting in Heartland Bank being
our  sole  bank  subsidiary,  with  the  branch  locations  in  Lincoln,  Illinois  operating  as  “State  Bank  of  Lincoln,  a
division of Heartland Bank and Trust Company.”

Initial Public Offering

On  September  13,  2019,  the  Company  filed  a  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1  with  the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on October 10,
2019. The Company issued and sold 9,429,794 shares of common stock at a price of $16 per share pursuant to
that Registration Statement. Total proceeds received by the Company, net of offering costs, were $138,493,000.
The proceeds were used to fund a $169,000,000 special dividend, or $9.43 per share, to stockholders of record
prior to the IPO.

The Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company” as defined by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups
Act (“JOBS Act”). Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies may also elect to delay adoption of new or
revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has
elected  to  use  this  extended  transition  period  for  complying  with  new  or  revised  accounting  standards  and,
therefore,  the  Company  will  not  be  subject  to  the  same  new  or  revised  accounting  standards  as  other  public
companies.

98

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Sale of First Community Title Services, Inc.

On February 15, 2019, the Company consummated an agreement to sell substantially all assets and liabilities
of  First  Community  Title  Services,  Inc.  to  Illinois  Real  Estate  Title  Center,  LLC,  an  Illinois  limited  liability
company, for a combination of cash and an equity interest in Illinois Real Estate Title Center, LLC representing
total consideration of approximately $498,000.

Basis of Consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  HBT  Financial,  Inc.  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its
wholly owned bank subsidiary, Heartland Bank.

The  Company  also  has  five  wholly  owned  subsidiaries,  Heartland  Bancorp,  Inc.  Capital  Trust  B,  Heartland
Bancorp,  Inc.  Capital  Trust  C,  Heartland  Bancorp,  Inc.  Capital  Trust  D,  FFBI  Capital  Trust  I,  and  National
Bancorp  Statutory  Trust  I,  which,  in  accordance  with  GAAP,  are  not  consolidated  as  more  fully  described  in
Note 14.

Significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Unaudited Pro Forma Income Statement Information

Effective  October  11,  2019,  the  Company  revoked  its  S  Corporation  status  and  became  a  taxable  entity  (C
Corporation). As such, any periods prior to October 11, 2019 will only reflect state replacement taxes.

The  unaudited  pro  forma  C  Corp  equivalent  income  tax  expense  information  gives  effect  to  the  income  tax
expense  had  the  Company  been  a  C  Corporation  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019.  The  unaudited
pro forma C Corp equivalent net income information, therefore, includes an adjustment for income tax expense
as if the Company had been a C Corporation during the year ended December 31, 2019.

The unaudited pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share information is computed using the unaudited pro
forma C Corp equivalent net income and weighted average shares of common stock outstanding. There were
no  dilutive  instruments  outstanding  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019;  therefore,  the  unaudited  pro
forma C Corp equivalent basic and diluted earnings per share amounts are the same.

Use of Estimates

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  conformity  with  accounting
principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America.  In  preparing  the  financial  statements,
management  is  required  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and
liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and the reported results of operations for the periods then ended.

Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible
to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and fair value
of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations.

99

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Business and Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk

The  Company  provides  several  types  of  loans  to  individuals,  businesses,  and  municipal  entities  primarily
located in its customer service area. Real estate and commercial loans are principal areas of concentration. The
Company also strives to meet the borrowing needs of the consumers in its market areas. Extension of credit is
generally  limited  to  the  primary  trade  areas  of  the  Company.  Primary  deposit  products  of  the  Bank  are
noninterest-bearing  and  interest-bearing  demand  accounts,  savings  accounts,  money  market  accounts,  and
term certificate of deposit accounts.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For  purposes  of  reporting  consolidated  cash  flows,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  include  cash  on  hand  and
amounts due from banks, all of which have an original maturity within 90 days or less. Cash flows from loans
and deposits are reported net.

Interest-Bearing Time Deposits with Banks

Interest-bearing time deposits with banks are carried at cost.

Debt Securities

Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold
the securities to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are
classified as available-for-sale. Debt securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains
and  losses  reported  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss).  Realized  gains  and  losses  on  debt
securities  available-for-sale  are  included  in  noninterest  income  when  applicable  and  reported  as  a
reclassification adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses on sales of securities are
determined  using  the  specific  identification  method  on  the  trade  date.  The  amortization  of  premiums  and
accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over
the period to maturity.

Any transfers of debt securities into the held-to-maturity category from the available-for-sale category are made
at  fair  value  at  the  date  of  transfer.  The  unrealized  holding  gain  or  loss  at  the  date  of  transfer  is  retained  in
accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  and  in  the  carrying  value  of  the  held-to-maturity  securities.
Such amounts are amortized over the period to maturity.

Declines in the fair value of individual securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary result in write-
downs of the individual securities to their fair value. The Company monitors the investment security portfolio for
impairment on an individual security basis and has a process in place to identify securities that could potentially
have a credit impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process involves analyzing the length of time and
the  extent  to  which  the  fair  value  has  been  less  than  the  amortized  cost  basis,  the  market  liquidity  for  the
security, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, expected cash flows, and the intent of the
Company to not sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell
the  security  before  its  anticipated  recovery.  A  decline  in  value  due  to  a  credit  event  that  is  considered  other-
than-temporary is recorded as a loss in noninterest income.

100

Table of Contents

Equity Securities

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Equity  securities  with  readily  determinable  fair  values  are  measured  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  fair  value
recognized in gains (losses) on securities on the statements of income.

The Company has elected to measure its equity securities with no readily determinable fair values at their cost
minus impairment, if any, plus or minus charges resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions
for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock, which consists of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (“FHLB”) stock, is carried at cost and
evaluated for impairment.

Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair
value.  The  Company  obtains  quotes  or  bids  on  these  loans  directly  from  purchasing  financial  institutions.
Typically, these quotes include a premium on sale and thus quotes typically indicate fair value of the held for
sale loans is greater than cost. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by
charges to income.

Mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  are  generally  sold  with  the  mortgage  servicing  rights  retained  by  the  Company.
The  carrying  value  of  mortgage  loans  sold  is  reduced  by  fair  value  allocated  to  the  associated  mortgage
servicing rights. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between
the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off
generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs and the allowance
for  loan  losses,  deferred  loan  fees  or  costs  on  originated  loans,  and  unamortized  premiums  or  discounts  on
acquired loans.

Interest  income  is  accrued  on  the  unpaid  principal  balance.  Loan  origination  fees,  net  of  certain  direct
origination  costs,  as  well  as  premiums  and  discounts,  are  deferred  and  recognized  as  an  adjustment  of  the
related loan yield using the interest method.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-
secured  and  in  process  of  collection.  Past  due  status  is  based  on  contractual  terms  of  the  loan.  In  all  cases,
loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered
doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against
interest income if it was accrued during the current year and charged-off against the allowance for loan losses if
accrued in a prior year. Amortization of related deferred loan fees or costs is also suspended at this time. The
interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to
accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are
brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

101

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Allowance for Loan Losses

The  allowance  for  loan  losses  (“allowance”)  is  an  estimate  of  loan  losses  inherent  in  the  Company’s  loan
portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents amounts that have been established to recognize incurred
credit  losses  in  the  loan  portfolio  that  are  both  probable  and  reasonably  estimable  at  the  date  of  the
consolidated  financial  statements.  The  allowance  is  established  through  a  provision  for  loan  losses  which  is
charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance.
Loan  losses  are  charged  off  against  the  allowance  when  the  Company  determines  the  loan  balance  to  be
uncollectible. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance.

The allowance consists of two primary components, general reserves and specific reserves related to impaired
loans.  The  general  component  covers  non-impaired  loans  and  is  based  on  historical  losses  adjusted  for
qualitative factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual
loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent 16-quarter period. This actual loss experience is
adjusted for qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These qualitative factors
include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and
trends  in  charge-offs  and  recoveries;  trends  in  volume  and  terms  of  loans;  effects  of  any  changes  in  risk
selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience,
ability,  and  depth  of  lending  management  and  other  relevant  staff;  national  and  local  economic  trends  and
conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.

These qualitative factors are inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk associated with each
portfolio segment.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company
will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual
terms  of  the  loan  agreement.  The  Company  reviews  the  loan  portfolio  on  an  ongoing  basis  to  determine
whether any loans require classification and impairment testing in accordance with applicable regulations and
accounting principles. Loans determined to be impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. When a loan
is classified as either substandard or doubtful and in certain other cases, such as troubled debt restructurings,
the  Company  generally  measures  impairment  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  collateral,  but  also  may  use  the
present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the original contractual interest rate, when practical.

Under  certain  circumstances,  the  Company  will  provide  borrowers  relief  through  loan  restructurings.  A
restructuring  of  debt  constitutes  a  troubled  debt  restructuring  (“TDR”)  if  the  Company  for  economic  or  legal
reasons  related  to  the  borrower’s  financial  difficulties  grants  a  concession  to  the  borrower  that  it  would  not
otherwise consider. Restructured loans typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not
able to perform according to the original contractual terms. TDR concessions can include reduction of interest
rates, extension of maturity dates, forgiveness of principal or interest due, or acceptance of other assets in full
or partial satisfaction of the debt.

In general, if the Company grants a TDR that involves either the absence of principal amortization or a material
extension of an existing loan amortization period in excess of our underwriting standards, the loan will be placed
on nonaccrual status. However, if a TDR is well secured by an abundance of collateral and the collectability of
both  interest  and  principal  is  probable,  the  loan  may  remain  on  accrual  status.  A  nonaccrual  TDR  in  full
compliance with the payment requirements specified in the loan modification for at least six months may return
to  accrual  status,  if  the  collectability  of  both  principal  and  interest  is  probable.  All  TDRs  are  individually
evaluated for impairment.

102

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  Company  assigns  a  risk  rating  to  all  loans  and  periodically  performs  detailed  internal  reviews  of  all  such
loans that are part of relationships with over $500,000 in total exposure to identify credit risks and to assess the
overall collectability of the portfolio. These risk ratings are also subject to review by the Company’s regulators,
external loan review, and internal loan review. During the internal reviews, management monitors and analyzes
the financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries in which the borrowers operate and
the fair values of collateral securing the loans. The risk rating is reviewed annually, at a minimum, and on an as
needed basis depending on the specific circumstances of the loan. These credit quality indicators are used to
assign  a  risk  rating  to  each  individual  loan.  Risk  ratings  are  grouped  into  four  major  categories,  defined  as
follows:

Pass: A Pass loan is a credit with no existing or known potential weaknesses deserving of management’s
close attention.

Pass-Watch: A Pass-Watch loan is still considered a Pass credit and not a classified or criticized asset, but
is a reflection of a borrower who exhibits credit weaknesses or downward trends warranting close attention
and  increased  monitoring.  These  potential  weaknesses  may  result  in  deterioration  of  the  repayment
prospects for the loan. No loss of principal or interest is expected, and the borrower does not pose sufficient
risk to warrant classification.

Substandard:  A  Substandard  loan  is  inadequately  protected  by  the  current  sound  worth  and  paying
capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as Substandard have a well-
defined  weakness,  or  weaknesses,  that  jeopardize  the  liquidation  of  the  debt.  They  are  characterized  as
probable that the borrower will not pay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms.

Doubtful:  A  Doubtful  loan  has  all  the  weaknesses  inherent  in  those  classified  as  Substandard,  with  the
added  characteristic  that  the  weaknesses  make  collection  or  repayment  in  full,  on  the  basis  of  currently
existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

The  Company  maintains  a  separate  general  valuation  allowance  for  each  portfolio  segment.  These  portfolio
segments  include  commercial  and  industrial,  agricultural  and  farmland,  commercial  real  estate  –  owner
occupied, commercial real estate – non-owner occupied, multi-family, construction and land development, one-
to-four family residential, and municipal, consumer and other, with risk characteristics described as follows:

Commercial and Industrial: Consists of loans typically granted for working capital, asset acquisition and
other  business  purposes.  These  loans  are  underwritten  primarily  based  on  the  borrower’s  cash  flow  with
most  loans  secondarily  supported  by  collateral.  Most  commercial  and  industrial  loans  are  secured  by  the
assets  being  financed  or  other  business  assets,  such  as  accounts  receivable,  inventory,  and  equipment,
and  are  typically  supported  by  personal  guarantees  of  the  owners.  Cash  flows  and  collateral  values  may
fluctuate  based  on  general  economic  conditions,  specific  industry  conditions  and  specific  borrower
circumstances.

Agricultural and Farmland: Consists of loans typically secured by farmland, agricultural operating assets,
or  a  combination  of  both,  and  are  generally  underwritten  to  existing  cash  flows  of  operating  agricultural
businesses.  Debt  repayment  is  provided  by  business  cash  flows.  Economic  trends  influenced  by
unemployment  rates  and  other  key  economic  indicators  are  not  closely  correlated  to  the  credit  quality  of
agricultural and farmland loans. The credit quality of these loans is most correlated to changes in prices of
corn  and  soybeans  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  weather,  which  has  been  partially  mitigated  by  federal  crop
insurance programs.

103

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Commercial Real Estate - Owner Occupied: Consists of loans secured by commercial real estate that is
both owned and occupied by the same or a related borrower. These loans are primarily underwritten based
on  the  cash  flow  of  the  business  occupying  the  property.  As  with  commercial  and  industrial  loans,  cash
flows  and  collateral  values  may  fluctuate  based  on  general  economic  conditions,  specific  industry
conditions, and specific borrower circumstances.

Commercial Real Estate - Non-owner Occupied: Consists of loans secured by commercial real estate for
which the primary source of repayment is the sale or rental cash flows from the underlying collateral. These
loans are underwritten based primarily on the historic or projected cash flow from the underlying collateral.
Adverse  economic  developments  or  an  overbuilt  market  typically  impact  commercial  real  estate  projects.
Trends in rental and vacancy rates of commercial properties impact the credit quality of these loans.

Multi-family: Consists of loans secured by five or more unit apartment buildings. Multi-family loans may be
affected  by  demographic  and  population  trends,  unemployment  or  underemployment,  and  deteriorating
market values of real estate.

Construction and Land Development: Consists of loans for speculative and pre-sold construction projects
for  developers  intending  to  either  sell  upon  completion  or  hold  for  long  term  investment,  as  well  as
construction of projects to be owner occupied. In addition, loans in this segment generally possess a higher
inherent risk of loss than other portfolio segments due to risk of non-completion, changes in budgeted costs,
and changes in market forces during the term of the construction period.

One-to-four  Family  Residential:  Consists  of  loans  secured  by  one-to-four  family  residences,  including
both first and junior lien mortgage loans for owner occupied and non-owner occupied properties and home
equity  lines  of  credit.  The  degree  of  risk  in  residential  mortgage  lending  depends  on  the  local  economy,
including the local real estate market and unemployment rates.

Municipal,  Consumer  and  Other:  Loans  to  municipalities  include  obligations  of  municipal  entities  and
loans sponsored by municipal entities for the benefit of a private entity where that private entity, rather than
the  municipal  entity,  is  responsible  for  repayment  of  the  obligation.  Consumer  loans  include  loans  to
individuals  for  consumer  purposes  and  typically  consist  of  small  balance  loans.  Economic  trends
determined by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit
quality of the consumer loans. Loans to other financial institutions, as well as leases, are also included.

Although management believes the allowance to be adequate, ultimate losses may vary from its estimates. At
least  quarterly,  the  Board  of  Directors  reviews  the  adequacy  of  the  allowance,  including  consideration  of  the
relevant  risks  in  the  portfolio,  current  economic  conditions  and  other  factors.  If  the  Board  of  Directors  and
management  determine  that  changes  are  warranted  based  on  those  reviews,  the  allowance  is  adjusted.  In
addition,  the  Company’s  regulators  review  the  adequacy  of  the  allowance  and  may  require  additions  to  the
allowance based on their judgment about information available at the time of their examinations.

104

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality

Loans acquired that have evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable,
at  acquisition,  that  the  Company  will  be  unable  to  collect  all  contractually  required  payments  receivable,  are
initially  recorded  at  fair  value  (as  determined  by  the  present  value  of  expected  future  cash  flows)  with  no
allowance for loan losses. Loans are evaluated by management at the time of purchase to determine if there is
evidence  of  deterioration  in  credit  quality  since  origination.  Loans  where  there  is  evidence  of  deterioration  of
credit  quality  since  origination  may  be  aggregated  and  accounted  for  as  a  pool  of  loans  if  the  loans  being
aggregated have common risk characteristics. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at
acquisition and the investment in the loan, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income over the
life  of  the  loan.  Contractually  required  payments  for  interest  and  principal  that  exceed  the  undiscounted  cash
flows  expected  at  acquisition,  or  the  “nonaccretable  difference,”  are  not  recognized  as  a  yield  adjustment.
Subsequent  decreases  to  the  expected  cash  flows  will  generally  result  in  a  provision  for  loan  losses.
Subsequent increases in expected cash flows result in a reversal of the provision for loan losses to the extent of
prior charges or a reclassification of the difference from nonaccretable to accretable yield with a positive impact
on  interest  income  on  a  prospective  basis.  If  the  Company  does  not  have  the  information  necessary  to
reasonably estimate cash flows to be expected, it may use the cost recovery method or cash basis method of
income recognition.

Off-Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments

In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  the  Company  has  entered  into  commitments  to  extend  credit,  including
commitments  under  credit  arrangements,  commercial  letters  of  credit,  and  standby  letters  of  credit.  Such
financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Loan Servicing

The Company periodically sells mortgage loans on the secondary market with servicing retained. For sales of
mortgage  loans,  a  portion  of  the  cost  of  originating  the  loan  is  allocated  to  the  servicing  right  based  on  fair
value.  Fair  value  is  based  on  market  prices  for  comparable  mortgage  servicing  contracts,  when  available,  or
alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing
income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future
net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate,
ancillary income, prepayment speeds, and default rates and losses. Mortgage servicing rights are carried at fair
value on the consolidated balance sheets and changes in fair value are recorded in mortgage servicing rights
fair value adjustment on the consolidated statements of income.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank  owned  life  insurance  represents  life  insurance  policies  on  the  lives  of  certain  current  and  former
employees and directors for which the Company is the sole owner and beneficiary. These policies are recorded
as an asset in the consolidated balance sheets at their cash surrender value ("CSV") or the current amount that
could be realized if settled. The change in CSV and insurance proceeds received are included as a component
of noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

Bank Premises and Equipment

Land  is  carried  at  cost.  Bank  premises  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation.
Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets using the straight-line method.

105

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Bank Premises Held for Sale

Bank premises held for sale is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. The bank
premises are not depreciated while classified as held for sale.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  may  not  be  recoverable.  Recoverability  of  assets  to  be  held  and  used  is
measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected
to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is
measured  by  the  amount  by  which  the  carrying  amount  of  the  assets  exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the  assets.
Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell.

Lease Obligations

The  Company  leases  certain  bank  premises  under  non-cancelable  operating  leases  in  the  normal  course  of
business  operations.  These  lease  obligations  result  in  the  recognition  of  right-of-use  assets  and  associated
lease contract liabilities. The amount of right-of-use assets and associated lease contract liabilities recorded is
based  on  the  present  value  of  future  minimum  lease  payments.  The  discount  rate  used  is  equal  to  the  rate
implicit  in  the  lease,  when  readily  determinable,  or  the  Company’s  incremental  borrowing  rate  at  lease
inception,  on  a  collateralized  basis  over  a  similar  term.  Right-of-use  assets  are  included  in  other  assets  and
lease contract liabilities are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and were insignificant
as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Foreclosed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value
less estimated cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Any write-down based on
the fair value of the asset at the date of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses. If the fair value
of the asset less estimated cost to sell exceeds the recorded investment in the loan at the date of foreclosure,
the increase in value is charged to current year operations unless there has been a prior charge-off, in which
case  a  recovery  to  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  is  recorded.  Subsequent  to  foreclosure,  valuations  are
periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value
less  estimated  cost  to  sell.  Write-downs  of  foreclosed  assets  subsequent  to  foreclosure  are  charged  to
current year operations as are gains and losses from sale of foreclosed assets, as well as expenses to maintain
and hold foreclosed assets.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  original  cost  over  the  fair  value  of  assets  acquired  and  liabilities
assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but instead is subject to an annual impairment evaluation. The Company
has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. At December 31, 2021 and 2020,
the Company’s evaluations of goodwill indicated that goodwill was not impaired.

Additionally, due to the economic weakness resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company completed a
quantitative  assessment  of  goodwill  as  of  March  31,  2020  which  indicated  that  goodwill  was  not  impaired.
Further goodwill impairment evaluations, which may result in goodwill impairment, may be necessary if events
or circumstance changes would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying
amount.

106

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other identifiable intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets with definite useful lives which are
being amortized using an accelerated depreciation method over 10 years. The Company will periodically review
the  status  of  core  deposit  intangible  assets  for  any  events  or  circumstances  which  may  change  the
recoverability of the underlying basis.

Wealth Management Assets and Fees

Assets of the wealth management department of the Bank are not included in the consolidated balance sheets
as such assets are not assets of the Company or the Bank. Fee income generated from wealth management
services is recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a source of noninterest income.

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a profit sharing plan under which the Company may contribute, at the discretion of the
Board  of  Directors,  a  discretionary  amount  to  all  participating  employees  for  the  plan  year.  Participating
employees  are  those  employees  in  service  on  the  valuation  date  who  were  employed  on  the  last  day  of  the
plan year then ended, were on leave of absence on the last day of the plan year then ended, or any participant
whose  service  was  terminated  during  the  plan  year  then  ended  due  to  retirement,  disability,  or  death.  A
401(k)  feature  also  allows  the  Bank  to  make  discretionary  matching  contributions  in  an  amount  up  to  5%  of
compensation contributed by employees.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation cost over the requisite service period, if any, which is generally defined
as  the  vesting  period.  For  awards  classified  as  equity,  compensation  cost  is  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the
awards  on  the  grant  date.  For  awards  classified  as  liabilities,  compensation  cost  also  includes  subsequent
remeasurements of the fair value of the awards until the award is settled. The Company’s policy is to recognize
forfeitures as they occur.

Transfers of Financial Assets and Participating Interests

Transfers of an entire financial asset or a participating interest in an entire financial asset are accounted for as
sales  when  control  over  the  assets  has  been  surrendered.  Control  over  transferred  assets  is  deemed  to  be
surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) 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 (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to
repurchase them before their maturity.

The transfer of a participating interest in an entire financial asset must also meet the definition of a participating
interest. A participating interest in a financial asset has all of the following characteristics: (1) from the date of
transfer, it must represent a proportionate (pro rata) ownership interest in the financial asset, (2) from the date
of transfer, all cash flows received, except any cash flows allocated as any compensation for servicing or other
services performed, must be divided proportionately among participating interest holders in the amount equal to
their share ownership, (3) the rights of each participating interest holder must have the same priority, and (4) no
party has the right to pledge or exchange the entire financial asset unless all participating interest holders agree
to do so.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

107

Table of Contents

Income Taxes

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Through October 10, 2019, the Company, with the consent of its then current stockholders, elected to be taxed
under  sections  of  federal  and  state  income  tax  law  as  an  "S  Corporation"  which  provides  that,  in  lieu  of
Company income taxes, except for state replacement taxes, the stockholders separately account for their pro
rata shares of the Company’s items of income, deductions, losses and credits. As a result of this election, no
income  taxes,  other  than  state  replacement  taxes,  have  been  recognized  in  the  accompanying  consolidated
financial  statements  prior  to  October  11,  2019.  No  provision  has  been  made  for  any  amounts  which  may  be
advanced or paid as dividends to the stockholders to assist them in paying their personal taxes on the income
from the Company.

Effective  October  11,  2019,  the  Company  voluntarily  revoked  its  S  Corporation  status  and  became  a  taxable
entity (C Corporation). In connection with the conversion of tax status, the Company recognized a deferred tax
asset of $534,000 and an income tax benefit of $534,000.

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,  computed  using  enacted  tax
rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

With  regard  to  uncertain  tax  matters,  the  Company  recognizes  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  the
impact  of  a  tax  position  taken,  or  expected  to  be  taken,  if  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that  the  position  will  be
sustained  on  audit  based  on  the  technical  merit  of  the  position.  Management  has  analyzed  the  tax  positions
taken by the Company and concluded as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there are no uncertain tax positions
taken  or  expected  to  be  taken  that  require  recognition  of  a  liability  or  disclosure  in  the  consolidated  financial
statements.  When  applicable,  the  Company  recognizes  interest  accrued  related  to  unrecognized  tax  benefits
and penalties in operating expenses.

The  Company  files  consolidated  federal  and  state  income  tax  returns.  The  Company  is  no  longer  subject  to
federal or state income tax examinations for years prior to 2018.

Derivative Financial Instruments

As part of the Company’s asset/liability management, the Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge various
exposures or to modify interest rate characteristics of various balance sheet accounts. Derivatives that are used
as part of the asset/liability management process are linked to specific assets or liabilities, or pools of assets or
liabilities,  and  have  high  correlation  between  the  contract  and  the  underlying  item  being  hedged,  both  at
inception and throughout the hedge period.

All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at their fair value. On the date the derivative
contract is entered into, the Company may designate the derivative as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of
the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability "cash flow" hedge.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash-
flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), until earnings are affected by the variability of
cash flows (e.g., when periodic settlements on a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings).

108

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as
its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedged transactions. This process includes
linking all derivatives that are designated as cash-flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance
sheet or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an
ongoing  basis,  whether  the  derivatives  that  are  used  in  hedging  transactions  are  highly  effective  in  offsetting
changes  in  cash  flows  of  hedged  items.  When  it  is  determined  that  a  derivative  is  not  highly  effective  as  a
hedge  or  that  it  has  ceased  to  be  a  highly  effective  hedge,  the  Company  discontinues  hedge  accounting
prospectively.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (a) it is determined that the derivative is no
longer  highly  effective  in  offsetting  changes  in  the  cash  flows  of  a  hedged  item  (including  forecasted
transactions); (b) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (c) the derivative is dedesignated as
a  hedge  instrument,  because  it  is  unlikely  that  a  forecasted  transaction  will  occur;  or  (d)  management
determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the
derivative will continue to be carried on the consolidated balance sheet at its fair value, and gains and losses
that were accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) will be recognized immediately in earnings. In all
other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative will be carried at its fair value on the
balance sheet, with subsequent changes in its fair value recognized in current-period earnings.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses be included in net
income.  Although  certain  changes  in  assets  and  liabilities,  such  as  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  securities
available-for-sale  and  interest  rate  swap  agreements  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges,  are  reported  as  a
separate  component  of  the  equity  section  of  the  consolidated  balance  sheets,  such  items,  along  with  net
income, are components of comprehensive income (loss).

Fair Value Measurements

The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy based on
the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique used to determine fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives
the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest
priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used in the determination of the fair value measurement
fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant
to the fair value measurement. Assets and liabilities valued at fair value are categorized based on the inputs to
the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs that are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that
the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2 - Inputs that are 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  -  Inputs  that  are  unobservable  inputs  that  reflect  a  Company’s  own  assumptions  about  the
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing as asset or liability.

109

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  the  Company  may  re-measure  the  carrying  value  of  assets  and  liabilities
measured on a nonrecurring basis to fair value. Adjustments to fair value usually result when certain assets are
impaired. Such assets are written down from their carrying amounts to their fair value.

Accounting standards allow entities the irrevocable option to elect to measure certain financial instruments and
other items at fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement on an instrument-by-instrument basis. The
Company  adopted  the  policy  and  has  not  elected  to  measure  any  existing  financial  instruments  at  fair  value,
except for mortgage servicing rights; however, it may elect to measure newly acquired financial instruments at
fair value in the future.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount
that  reflects  the  consideration  to  which  the  entity  expects  to  be  entitled  in  exchange  for  those  goods  and
services.  To  achieve  this,  the  Company  takes  the  following  steps:  identify  the  contract(s)  with  a  customer;
identify  the  performance  obligations  in  the  contract;  determine  the  transaction  price;  allocate  the  transaction
price to the performance obligations in the contract; and recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies
a  performance  obligation.  The  non-interest  revenue  streams  that  are  considered  to  be  in  the  scope  of  this
guidance are discussed below.

Card  income:  Consists  of  debit  and  credit  card  interchange  fees.  For  debit  and  credit  card
transactions,  the  Company  considers  the  merchant  as  the  customer  for  interchange  revenue  with  the
performance  obligation  being  satisfied  when  the  cardholder  purchases  goods  or  services  from  the
merchant.  Interchange  revenue  is  recognized  as  the  services  are  provided.  Payment  is  typically
received daily.

Service charges on deposit accounts: Consists of account analysis fees, monthly service fees, and
other deposit account related fees. The Company’s performance obligation account analysis fees and
monthly  service  fees  are  ongoing  and  either  party  may  cancel  at  any  time.  These  fees  are  generally
recognized  as  the  services  are  rendered  on  a  monthly  basis.  Payment  is  typically  received  monthly.
Other  deposit  account  related  fees  are  largely  transaction  based,  and  therefore,  the  Company’s
performance  obligation  is  satisfied,  and  related  revenue  recognized,  at  a  point  in  time.  Payment  for
other  deposit  account  related  fees  is  primarily  received  immediately  through  a  direct  charge  to
customers’ accounts.

Wealth management fees: Consists of revenue from the management and advisement of client assets
and  trust  administration.  The  Company’s  performance  obligation  is  generally  satisfied  over  time,  and
the fees are recognized monthly. Payment is typically received quarterly or annually.

Title insurance activity: Consists of fees related to real estate sale closings, title search fees, and title
insurance  premiums  with  First  Community  Title  Services,  Inc.  acting  as  an  agent.  The  Company’s
performance obligations were generally satisfied and payment was typically received at the time a real
estate  transaction  was  finalized.  In  2019,  First  Community  Title  Services,  Inc.  was  sold,  and  the
Company did not have title insurance activity revenue in subsequent periods.

110

Table of Contents

Segment Reporting

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company’s operations consist of one reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker
evaluates  the  operations  of  the  Company  using  consolidated  information  for  purposes  of  allocating  resources
and assessing performance.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation without any
impact on the reported amounts of net income or stockholders’ equity.

Subsequent Events

In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions for
potential recognition or disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments -
Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 requires the
measurement  of  all  expected  credit  losses  for  financial  assets  held  at  the  reporting  date  based  on  historical
experience,  current  conditions,  and  reasonable  and  supportable  forecasts  and  requires  enhanced  disclosures
related to the significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality
and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for
credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. ASU
2016-13  is  effective  for  years  beginning  after  December  15,  2022,  including  interim  periods  within  those
fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this standard will
have on the consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the
Test  for  Goodwill  Impairment.  This  ASU  simplifies  measurement  of  goodwill  and  eliminates  Step  2  from  the
goodwill impairment test. Under the ASU, a company should perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing
the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the
amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The impairment charge is limited
to  the  amount  of  goodwill  allocated  to  that  reporting  unit.  The  amendments  in  this  update  are  effective  for
annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim
periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates
after January 1, 2017. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated
results of operations or financial position.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects
of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.  This  ASU  provides  optional  expedients  and  exceptions  for
applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, if
certain criteria are met. Entities may apply the provisions as of the beginning of the reporting period when the
election is made and are available until December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that
this standard will have on the consolidated results of operations and financial position.

111

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS

NXT Bancorporation, Inc.

On October 1, 2021, HBT Financial acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of NXT Bancorporation,
Inc. (“NXT”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary NXT Bank, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
June 7, 2021. Under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, NXT merged with and into HBT Financial, with HBT
Financial  as  the  surviving  entity,  on  October  1,  2021.  Additionally,  NXT  Bank  was  merged  with  and  into
Heartland Bank, with Heartland Bank as the surviving entity, in December 2021.

At the effective time of the merger, each share of NXT was converted into the right to receive 67.6783 shares of
HBT Financial common stock, cash in lieu of fractional shares, and $400 in cash. There were 1,799,016 shares
of  HBT  Financial  common  stock  issued  at  the  effective  time  of  the  acquisition  with  a  market  value  of
$29,270,000, based on the closing stock price of $16.27 on October 1, 2021. This transaction was accounted
for  using  the  acquisition  method  of  accounting  and,  accordingly,  assets  acquired,  liabilities  assumed,  and
consideration  exchanged  was  recorded  at  estimated  fair  values  on  the  date  of  acquisition.  Goodwill  of
$5,702,000 was recorded in the acquisition, which reflects expected synergies from combining the operations of
HBT Financial and NXT, and is nondeductible for tax purposes.

The acquisition of NXT provides an opportunity to utilize Heartland Bank’s existing excess liquidity to replace
NXT  Bank’s  higher  cost  funding.  Additionally,  Heartland  Bank’s  broader  range  of  products  and  services  and
greater  ability  to  meet  larger  borrowing  needs  provides  an  opportunity  to  expand  NXT  Bank  customer
relationships.

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2021,  the  HBT  Financial  incurred  $1,416,000  in  pre-tax  acquisition
expenses  related  to  the  acquisition  of  NXT,  comprised  primarily  of  professional  fees  and  data  processing
expense. These expenses are reflected in noninterest expense on the consolidated statements of income.

112

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from NXT on the acquisition date were as follows
(dollars in thousands):

Assets acquired:

Cash and cash equivalents
Interest-bearing time deposits with banks
Debt securities
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Restricted stock
Loans
Bank owned life insurance
Bank premises and equipment
Core deposit intangible assets
Mortgage servicing rights
Accrued interest receivable
Other assets

Total assets acquired

Liabilities assumed:

Deposits
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
FHLB advances
Other liabilities

Total liabilities assumed

Net assets acquired

Consideration paid:

Cash
Common stock

Total consideration paid

Goodwill

Fair Value

5,862
739
18,295
43
796
194,576
7,352
3,667
199
370
886
1,340
234,125

181,586
4,080
12,625
1,633
199,924
34,201

10,633
29,270
39,903

5,702

$

$

$

$

$

The following table presents the acquired non-impaired loans as of the acquisition date (dollars in thousands):

Fair Value
Gross contractual amounts receivable
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected

$

194,576
196,104
1,045

There were no loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality from NXT.

113

    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  following  table  provides  the  pro  forma  information  for  the  results  of  operations  for  the  years  ended
December  31,  2021  and  2020,  as  if  the  acquisition  had  occurred  on  January  1,  2020.  The  pro  forma  results
combine  the  historical  results  of  NXT  into  HBT  Financial’s  consolidated  statements  of  income,  including  the
impact  of  certain  acquisition  accounting  adjustments,  which  include  loan  discount  accretion,  intangible  assets
amortization, deposit premium amortization, and borrowing premium amortization. The pro forma results have
been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have
been obtained had the acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2020. No assumptions have been applied to
the  pro  forma  results  of  operations  regarding  possible  revenue  enhancements,  provision  for  loan  losses,
expense  efficiencies  or  asset  dispositions.  The  acquisition-related  expenses  that  have  been  recognized  are
included in net income in the following table.

Pro Forma
Year Ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Total revenues (net interest income and noninterest income)
Net income
Earnings per share - basic
Earnings per share - diluted

NOTE 3 – RESTRICTED CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
161,005
$
39,263
1.34
1.34

166,677
57,883
1.98
1.98

$

There was no reserve requirement by the Federal Reserve Bank as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

NOTE 4 – SECURITIES

The carrying balances of the securities were as follows:

December 31, 
2021

December 31, 
2020

Debt securities available-for-sale
Debt securities held-to-maturity
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Equity securities with no readily determinable fair value

Total securities

$

$

114

$

(dollars in thousands)
942,168
336,185
3,443
1,927
1,283,723

922,869
68,395
3,292
1,552
996,108

$

    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

There were no sales of securities during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Gains (losses)
on securities were as follows during the years ended December 31:

Net realized gains (losses) on sales
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities:

Readily determinable fair value
No readily determinable fair value
Gains (losses) on securities

$

$

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
— $

—

2019

107
—
107

33
—
33

$

—

160
(165)
(5)

The $165,000 unrealized loss on equity securities with no readily determinable fair value during the year ended
December  31,  2019  reflects  a  downward  adjustment  based  on  observable  price  changes  of  an  identical
investment.

On June 30, 2021 and March 31, 2021, the Company transferred certain debt securities from the available-for-
sale  category  to  the  held-to-maturity  category  in  order  to  better  reflect  the  revised  intentions  of  the  Company
due to possible market volatility, resulting from a potential rise in interest rates. The following is a summary of
the amortized cost and fair value of securities transferred to the held-to-maturity category:

U.S. government agency
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Total

June 30, 2021

March 31, 2021

Amortized
Cost

Fair Value

Amortized
Cost

     Fair Value

$

— $

(dollars in thousands)
7,593

— $

$

7,323

—
99,271

8,776
—
118,792
99,275
$ 99,271 $ 99,275 $ 135,161

8,536
113,861
$ 129,720

The debt securities were transferred between categories at fair value, with the transfer date fair value becoming
the  new  amortized  cost  for  each  security  transferred.  The  unrealized  gain  (loss),  net  of  tax,  at  the  date  of
transfer  remains  a  component  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income,  but  will  be  amortized  over  the
remaining life of the debt securities as an adjustment of yield in a manner consistent with amortization of any
premium or discount. As a result, the amortization of an unrealized gain (loss) reported in accumulated other
comprehensive income will offset or mitigate the effect on interest income of the amortization of the premium or
discount for that held-to-maturity debt security.

115

    
    
Table of Contents

Debt Securities

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The amortized cost and fair values of debt securities, with gross unrealized gains and losses, are as follows:

December 31, 2021
Available-for-sale:

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate

Total available-for-sale

Held-to-maturity:

U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Total held-to-maturity
Total debt securities

December 31, 2020
Available-for-sale:

U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate

Total available-for-sale

Held-to-maturity:

Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Total held-to-maturity
Total debt securities

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

(dollars in thousands)

     Fair Value

$

109,002
129,269
293,837

$

328
1,303
6,144

178,236
164,875
63,141
938,360

12,349
15,666

2,149
1,234
1,638
12,796

42
809

$

(354) $

(2,467)
(2,904)

(919)
(2,048)
(296)
(8,988)

(51)
—

108,976
128,105
297,077

179,466
164,061
64,483
942,168

12,340
16,475

20,555
287,615
336,185
$ 1,274,545

196
1,749
2,796
$ 15,592

(102)
(2,801)
(2,954)

20,649
286,563
336,027
$ (11,942) $ 1,278,195

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized

Losses      Fair Value

(dollars in thousands)

$ 118,282
265,309

$ 3,720
9,232

$

(9) $ 121,993
274,261

(280)

198,543
246,649
70,917
899,700

4,871
4,651
1,786
24,260

(162)
(534)
(106)
(1,091)

203,252
250,766
72,597
922,869

22,484

1,390

—

23,874

13,031
32,880
68,395
$ 968,095

452
2,222
4,064
$ 28,324

—
(18)
(18)

13,483
35,084
72,441
$ (1,109) $ 995,310

116

    
    
    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  the  Company  had  securities  with  a  carrying  value  of  $353,338,000  and
$308,064,000,  respectively,  which  were  pledged  to  secure  public  and  trust  deposits,  securities  sold  under
agreements to repurchase, and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

The Company has no direct exposure to the State of Illinois, but approximately 46% of the obligations of local
municipalities  portfolio  consists  of  securities  issued  by  municipalities  located  in  Illinois  as  of  December  31,
2021. Approximately 95% of such securities were general obligation issues as of December 31, 2021.

The  amortized  cost  and  fair  value  of  debt  securities  by  contractual  maturity,  as  of  December  31,  2021,  are
shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right
to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Due in 1 year or less
Due after 1 year through 5 years
Due after 5 years through 10 years
Due after 10 years

Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Total

Available-for-Sale

Held-to-Maturity

Amortized
Cost

     Fair Value     

Amortized
Cost

     Fair Value

(dollars in thousands)

$ 33,315
110,975
332,565
118,394

$ 33,640
113,251
332,954
118,796

$

2,394
15,887
9,343
391

$

2,410
16,417
9,587
401

178,236
164,875
$ 938,360

179,466
164,061
$ 942,168

20,555
287,615
$ 336,185

20,649
286,563
$ 336,027

117

    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables present gross unrealized losses and fair value of investments, aggregated by investment
category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of
December 31:

December 31, 2021
Available-for-sale:

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate

Total available-for-sale

Held-to-maturity:

U.S. government agency
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Total held-to-maturity
Total debt securities

December 31, 2020
Available-for-sale:

U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate

Total available-for-sale

Held-to-maturity:

Mortgage-backed:

Agency commercial

Total held-to-maturity
Total debt securities

Less than 12 Months

Investments in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
12 Months or More

Total

Unrealized
Loss

     Fair Value     

Unrealized
Loss

     Fair Value     

Unrealized
Loss

     Fair Value

$

(354) $ 68,410
80,219
89,424

(2,183)
(2,018)

(851)
(1,921)
(7)
(7,334)

91,703
113,111
2,737
445,604

(dollars in thousands)
— $

$

— $

(284)
(886)

(68)
(127)
(289)
(1,654)

5,578
17,327

4,305
6,443
4,671
38,324

(354) $ 68,410
85,797
106,751

(2,467)
(2,904)

(919)
(2,048)
(296)
(8,988)

96,008
119,554
7,408
483,928

(51)

4,949

—

—

(51)

4,949

(102)
(2,673)
(2,826)

14,932
174,428
194,309
$ (10,160) $ 639,913

—
(128)
(128)

—
2,776
2,776
$ (1,782) $ 41,100

(102)
(2,801)
(2,954)

14,932
177,204
197,085
$ (11,942) $ 681,013

Less than 12 Months

Investments in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
12 Months or More
Fair
Value     

Unrealized
Loss

Unrealized
Loss

     Fair Value     

Total

Unrealized
Loss

     Fair Value

$

(9) $

(280)

5,919
19,652

(dollars in thousands)
$

— $ — $
—

—

(9) $

(280)

5,919
19,652

(142)
(524)
(106)
(1,061)

20,387
57,126
4,849
107,933

(20)
(10)
—
(30)

4,490
3,449
—
7,939

(162)
(534)
(106)
(1,091)

24,877
60,575
4,849
115,872

(18)
(18)

2,983
2,983
$ (1,079) $ 110,916

$

—
—
—
—
(30) $ 7,939

(18)
(18)

2,983
2,983
$ (1,109) $ 118,855

As of December 31, 2021, there were 37 securities in an unrealized loss position for a period of twelve months
or  more,  and  235  securities  in  an  unrealized  loss  position  for  a  period  of  less  than  twelve  months.  These
unrealized  losses  are  primarily  a  result  of  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  in  the  bond  market.  In  analyzing  an
issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government
or  its  agencies,  whether  downgrades  by  bond  rating  agencies  have  occurred,  and  industry  analysts’  reports.
Management believes that all declines in value of these securities are deemed to be temporary.

118

    
    
    
Table of Contents

Equity Securities

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  Company  has  elected  to  measure  equity  securities  with  no  readily  determinable  fair  value  at  cost  minus
impairment,  if  any,  plus  or  minus  changes  resulting  from  observable  price  changes  for  identical  or  similar
securities of the same issuer.

The initial cost and carrying values of equity securities, with cumulative net unrealized gains and losses, are as
follows:

December 31, 2021

Initial cost
Cumulative net unrealized gains (losses)

Carrying value

December 31, 2020

Initial cost
Cumulative net unrealized gains (losses)

Carrying value

Readily
Determinable
Fair Value

No Readily
Determinable
Fair Value

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

3,142
301
3,443

$

$

2,092
(165)
1,927

Readily
Determinable
Fair Value

No Readily
Determinable
Fair Value

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

3,098
194
3,292

$

$

1,717
(165)
1,552

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the cumulative net unrealized losses on equity securities with no readily
determinable  fair  value  reflects  downward  adjustments  based  on  observable  price  changes  of  an  identical
investment  in  a  prior  period.  There  have  been  no  impairments  or  upward  adjustments  based  on  observable
price changes to equity securities with no readily determinable fair value.

119

    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 5 – LOANS AND THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Major categories of loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

December 31, 
2021

December 31, 
2020

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Loans, before allowance for loan losses

Allowance for loan losses

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans (included above)
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total PPP loans

$

$

$

$

$

(dollars in thousands)
286,946
247,796
234,544
684,023
263,911
298,048
327,837
156,584
2,499,689
(23,936)
2,475,753

393,312
222,723
222,360
520,395
236,391
225,652
306,775
119,398
2,247,006
(31,838)
2,215,168

$

28,404
913
171
29,488

$

$

153,860
3,049
6,587
163,496

The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31:

Commercial Agricultural Real Estate
and

Commercial Commercial
Real Estate
Non-owner

and
Industrial

and
     Farmland      Occupied      Occupied     Multi-Family    Development     Residential     Other
(dollars in thousands)

and Land

Family

Owner

     Total

Municipal,
Construction One-to-four Consumer,

Balance,
December 31, 2018
Provision for loan
losses
Charge-offs
Recoveries

Balance,
December 31, 2019
Provision for loan
losses
Charge-offs
Recoveries

Balance,
December 31, 2020
Provision for loan
losses
Charge-offs
Recoveries

Balance,
December 31, 2021

$

3,748

$

2,650

$

2,506

$

2,644

$

912

$

4,176

$

2,782

$

1,091

$ 20,509

1,139
(886)
440

4,441

677
(1,784)
595

3,929

(1,474)
(668)
653

146
(30)
—

2,766

(1,946)
(27)
—

793

52
—
—

(376)
(407)
56

1,779

961
(39)
440

1,110
(111)
20

3,663

7,862
(349)
75

153
(41)
—

1,024

933
—
—

3,141

11,251

1,957

(1,280)
(30)
9

(3,130)
—
24

(694)
—
—

(1,640)
(9)
450

2,977

1,032
(27)
250

4,232

340
—
342

513
(1,105)
350

2,359
(684)
343

3,404
(3,273)
1,659

2,540

3,109

22,299

(894)
(155)
310

1,907
(587)
305

10,532
(2,968)
1,975

1,801

4,734

31,838

(472)
(267)
249

(1,419)
(449)
312

(8,077)
(1,414)
1,589

$

2,440

$

845

$

1,840

$

8,145

$

1,263

$

4,914

$

1,311

$

3,178

$ 23,936

120

    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables present the recorded investments in loans and the allowance for loan losses by category
as of December 31:

December 31, 2021     
Loan balances:
Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
Individually
evaluated for
impairment
Acquired with
deteriorated credit
quality
Total

Allowance for loan
losses:

Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
Individually
evaluated for
impairment
Acquired with
deteriorated credit
quality
Total

December 31, 2020     
Loan balances:
Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
Individually
evaluated for
impairment
Acquired with
deteriorated credit
quality
Total

Allowance for loan
losses:

Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
Individually
evaluated for
impairment
Acquired with
deteriorated credit
quality
Total

Commercial Agricultural Real Estate
and

Commercial Commercial
Real Estate
Non-owner

Municipal,
Construction One-to-four Consumer,

and
Industrial

and
     Farmland      Occupied      Occupied     Multi-Family    Development     Residential     Other

and Land

Family

Owner

Total

(dollars in thousands)

$

272,064

$ 247,021

$

216,794

$

641,555

$

262,701

$

293,548

$ 314,807

$ 143,510

$ 2,392,000

14,744

12

12,332

29,575

—

2,018

6,897

13,041

78,619

138
286,946

$

763
$ 247,796

5,418
234,544

$

12,893
684,023

$

1,210
263,911

$

$

2,482
298,048

6,133
$ 327,837

33
$ 156,584

29,070
$ 2,499,689

$

2,253

$

845

$

1,480

$

5,138

$

1,259

$

4,895

$

1,099

$

1,302

$

18,271

187

—

327

2,999

—

—

210

1,875

5,598

—
2,440

$

$

—
845

$

33
1,840

$

8
8,145

$

4
1,263

$

19
4,914

$

2
1,311

$

1
3,178

$

67
23,936

Commercial Agricultural Real Estate
and

Commercial Commercial
Real Estate
Non-owner

Municipal,
Construction One-to-four Consumer,

and
Industrial

and
     Farmland      Occupied      Occupied     Multi-Family    Development     Residential     Other

and Land

Family

Owner

Total

(dollars in thousands)

$

387,072

$ 217,077

$

201,417

$

480,165

$

234,252

$

219,822

$ 287,845

$ 105,796

$ 2,133,446

5,312

4,793

13,132

25,993

876

3,809

10,343

13,546

77,804

928
393,312

$

853
$ 222,723

7,811
222,360

$

14,237
520,395

$

1,263
236,391

$

$

2,021
225,652

8,587
$ 306,775

56
$ 119,398

35,756
$ 2,247,006

$

2,736

$

771

$

2,306

$

6,736

$

1,950

$

3,984

$

1,237

$

1,432

$

21,152

1,193

22

429

4,255

—

222

560

3,301

9,982

—
3,929

$

$

—
793

$

406
3,141

$

260
11,251

$

7
1,957

$

26
4,232

$

4
1,801

$

1
4,734

$

704
31,838

121

    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  following  tables  present  loans  individually  evaluated  for  impairment  by  category  of  loans  as  of
December 31:

December 31, 2021
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

With no related allowance:
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Total loans individually evaluated for impairment:

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

122

     Unpaid
Principal

Recorded

Related

     Balance      Investment      Allowance

(dollars in thousands)
$

$

303
—
3,013
14,912
—
—
1,421
8,523
$ 28,172

$

303
—
3,013
14,893
—
—
1,314
8,498
$ 28,021

187
—
327
2,999
—
—
210
1,875
5,598

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

187
—
327
2,999
—
—
210
1,875
5,598

$

$

$

$

$

$ 14,452
12
9,534
14,755
—
2,112
7,129
4,603
$ 52,597

$ 14,755
12
12,547
29,667
—
2,112
8,550
13,126
$ 80,769

$ 14,441
12
9,319
14,682
—
2,018
5,583
4,543
$ 50,598

$ 14,744
12
12,332
29,575
—
2,018
6,897
13,041
$ 78,619

   
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2020
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

With no related allowance:
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Total loans individually evaluated for impairment:

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

123

Unpaid
Principal

Recorded

Related

     Balance      Investment      Allowance

(dollars in thousands)
$

$

2,737
169
3,072
20,726
—
2,081
2,963
12,207
$ 43,955

$

2,725
168
3,040
20,394
—
2,055
2,739
12,181
$ 43,302

1,193
22
429
4,255
—
222
560
3,301
9,982

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

1,193
22
429
4,255
—
222
560
3,301
9,982

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,322
4,625
10,164
5,727
876
1,762
9,325
1,431
$ 37,232

$

6,059
4,794
13,236
26,453
876
3,843
12,288
13,638
$ 81,187

$

2,587
4,625
10,092
5,599
876
1,754
7,604
1,365
$ 34,502

$

5,312
4,793
13,132
25,993
876
3,809
10,343
13,546
$ 77,804

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  following  table  presents  the  average  recorded  investment  and  interest  income  recognized  for  loans
individually evaluated for impairment by category of loans during the years ended December 31:

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner
occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner
occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

With no related allowance:
Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner
occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner
occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Total loans individually evaluated
for impairment:

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner
occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner
occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Year Ended December 31, 

2021

2020

2019

     Average
Recorded

Interest
Income

Average    
Recorded

Interest
Income

Average    
Recorded

Interest
Income

    Investment    Recognized    Investment    Recognized    Investment     Recognized

$ 1,593
83

$

(dollars in thousands)
169
$
9

$ 3,031
273

89
4

$ 5,275
464

$

3,052

177

1,622

98

874

16,494
—
554
1,988
8,681
$ 32,445

$ 7,125
290

7,771

10,339
434
2,107
6,248
4,666
$ 38,980

$ 8,718
373

10,823

26,833
434
2,661
8,236
13,347
$ 71,425

791
—
27
77
158
1,323

330
17

344

432
10
28
192
86
1,439

419
21

521

1,223
10
55
269
244
2,762

6,345
—
2,441
3,120
10,617
$ 27,449

$ 4,004
11,061

11,056

14,412
447
892
8,022
3,089
$ 52,983

$ 7,035
11,334

12,678

20,757
447
3,333
11,142
13,706
$ 80,432

$

$

$

$

$

124

220
—
116
110
286
1,008

251
561

528

458
10
23
316
115
2,262

420
570

626

678
10
139
426
401
3,270

101
—
3,988
3,414
9,284
$ 23,400

$ 6,744
14,826

10,190

3,465
1,344
107
8,360
4,874
$ 49,910

$ 12,019
15,290

11,064

3,566
1,344
4,095
11,774
14,158
$ 73,310

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

152
12

43

7
—
171
79
396
860

206
824

483

131
9
4
240
104
2,001

358
836

526

138
9
175
319
500
2,861

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  following  tables  present  the  recorded  investment  in  loans  by  category  based  on  current  payment  and
accrual status as of December 31:

December 31, 2021

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Current

$

286,563
247,772
234,441
683,029
263,911
297,465
325,780
156,297
$ 2,495,258

Accruing Interest
30 - 89 Days

$

$

90+ Days
     Past Due      Past Due      Nonaccrual     
(dollars in thousands)
9
24
103
823
—
64
383
214
1,620

— $
—
—
—
—
—
32
16
48

374
—
—
171
—
519
1,642
57
2,763

$

$

$

December 31, 2020

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Current

$

392,490
222,723
221,308
516,387
236,391
225,508
301,282
119,055
$ 2,235,144

125

Accruing Interest
30 - 89 Days

$

90+ Days
     Past Due      Past Due      Nonaccrual     
(dollars in thousands)
— $
—
112
—
—
—
984
211
1,307

— $
—
—
—
—
—
595
21
616

822
—
940
4,008
—
144
3,914
111
9,939

$

$

$

Total
Loans

$

286,946
247,796
234,544
684,023
263,911
298,048
327,837
156,584
$ 2,499,689

Total
Loans

$

393,312
222,723
222,360
520,395
236,391
225,652
306,775
119,398
$ 2,247,006

    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  following  tables  present  total  loans  by  category  based  on  their  assigned  risk  ratings  determined  by
management as of December 31:

December 31, 2021

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

December 31, 2020

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Multi-family
Construction and land development
One-to-four family residential
Municipal, consumer, and other

Total

Pass

$

267,088
221,898
198,862
619,212
241,362
268,556
308,951
143,299
$ 2,269,228

$

Total

     Pass-Watch     Substandard     Doubtful     
(dollars in thousands)
$ 14,744
685
11,584
32,439
—
2,018
7,665
13,041
$ 82,176

5,114
25,213
24,098
32,372
22,549
27,474
11,221
244
$ 148,285

$ — $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

286,946
247,796
234,544
684,023
263,911
298,048
327,837
156,584
$ — $ 2,499,689

Pass

     Pass-Watch     Substandard     Doubtful     
(dollars in thousands)

Total

$

368,843
191,662
176,823
432,752
204,449
193,646
280,198
105,539
$ 1,953,912

$ 18,258
25,540
31,990
58,699
31,066
28,193
14,526
312
$ 208,584

$

6,211
5,521
13,547
28,944
876
3,813
12,051
13,547
$ 84,510

$ — $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

393,312
222,723
222,360
520,395
236,391
225,652
306,775
119,398
$ — $ 2,247,006

There  were  no  troubled  debt  restructurings  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2021.  The  following  tables
present the financial effect of troubled debt restructurings for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Year Ended December 31, 2020

Commercial real estate - owner occupied

Total

Year Ended December 31, 2019

Commercial and industrial
Agricultural and farmland
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
One-to-four family residential

Total

Recorded Investment
    Number    Pre-Modification    Post-Modification     Reserves

Charge-offs
and Specific

(dollars in thousands)

1
1

$

853
853

$

853
853

$

—
—

Recorded Investment
    Number    Pre-Modification    Post-Modification     Reserves

Charge-offs
and Specific

3
2
1
1
7

$

$

(dollars in thousands)
$

516
392
170
21
1,099

$

516
392
170
21
1,099

$

$

—
—
—
—
—

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and  2019,  all  troubled  debt  restructurings  were  the  result  of  a
payment concession. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no troubled debt restructurings which had
subsequent  payment  defaults  within  12  months  of  the  modification.  For  purposes  of  this  disclosure,  the
Company  considers  “default”  to  mean  90  days  or  more  past  due  as  to  interest  or  principal  or  were  on
nonaccrual status subsequent to restructuring.

126

    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  the  Company  had  $3,512,000  and  $8,950,000  of  troubled  debt
restructurings, respectively. Restructured loans are evaluated for impairment quarterly as part of the Company’s
determination of the allowance for loan losses. There were no material commitments to lend additional funds to
debtors owing receivables whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act), along with a joint statement issued
by banking regulatory agencies, provided that short-term loan payment modifications to borrowers experiencing
financial hardship due to COVID-19 made prior to January 1, 2022 generally do not need to be accounted for as
a troubled debt restructuring. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had loans totaling $204,000
and $27,986,000 that were granted a payment modification due to a COVID-19 related financial hardship and
have  not  returned  to  regular  payments.  Substantially  all  modifications  were  in  the  form  of  a  three-month
interest-only  period  or  a  one-month  payment  deferral.  Some  borrowers  have  received  more  than  one  loan
payment modification.

Changes in the accretable yield for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality were as follows for the years
ended December 31:

Beginning balance
Reclassification from non-accretable difference
Disposals
Accretion income
Ending balance

NOTE 6 – LOAN SERVICING

2019

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$ 1,662
288
—
(553)
$ 1,397

$ 2,101
822
—
(1,261)
$ 1,662

$ 1,397
508
(1,089)
(403)
413

$

Mortgage loans serviced for others, not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, amounted
to $1,040,809,000 and $1,090,219,000 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Activity in mortgage
servicing rights is as follows for years ended December 31:

Beginning balance
Acquired
Capitalized servicing rights
Fair value adjustment:

2021

2019

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$ 8,518
—
1,981

$ 10,918
—
1,018

$ 5,934
370
1,200

Attributable to payments and principal reductions
Attributable to changes in valuation inputs and assumptions

Total fair value adjustment

Ending balance

(1,788)
2,278
490
$ 7,994

(2,364)
(2,201)
(4,565)
$ 5,934

(1,614)
(1,804)
(3,418)
$ 8,518

127

    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 7 – BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation as of December 31 as follows:

     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020

Land, buildings, and improvements
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

Total bank premises and equipment

Less accumulated depreciation

Total bank premises and equipment, net

$

$

Depreciation expense by category for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

$

(dollars in thousands)
77,180
24,199
101,379
48,896
52,483

$

Buildings and improvements
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
Total depreciation expense

$

$

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$

$

1,694
1,380
3,074

$

1,761
1,180
2,941

$

75,790
23,035
98,825
45,921
52,904

2019

1,813
896
2,709

During  2021,  six  branch  locations  were  closed  or  consolidated  as  part  of  a  branch  rationalization  plan.  The
related bank premises were transferred to held for sale based on the lower of the carrying value or fair value,
less  estimated  costs  to  sell.  As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  bank  premises  held  for  sale  totaled
$1,452,000  and  $121,000,  respectively.  During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2021,  there  were  impairment
losses  of  $661,000  on  bank  premises  held  for  sale  included  in  gains  (losses)  on  other  assets  in  the
consolidated  statements  of  income.  During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020,  there  were  no  impairment
losses  on  bank  premises  held  for  sale.  During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019,  there  were  impairment
losses of $37,000 on bank premises held for sale included in gains (losses) on other assets in the consolidated
statements of income

NOTE 8 – FORECLOSED ASSETS

Foreclosed assets activity is as follows for the years ended December 31:

Beginning balance
Transfers from loans
Capitalized improvements
Proceeds from sales
Sales through loan origination
Net gain (loss) on sales
Direct write-downs
Ending balance

128

2021

2019

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$ 5,099
1,074
6
(2,079)
(67)
348
(213)
$ 4,168

$ 9,559
2,520
41
(5,460)
(2,046)
1,048
(563)
$ 5,099

$ 4,168
4,857
—
(5,805)
(252)
505
(195)
$ 3,278

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets includes the following for the years ended December 31:

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

Direct write-downs
Net gain (loss) on sales
Guarantee reimbursements
Gain on settlement

Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets

$

$

(195) $
505
—
—
310

$

(213) $
348
7
—
142

$

(563)
1,048
80
375
940

The carrying value of foreclosed one-to-four family residential real estate property as of December 31, 2021 and
2020,  was  $169,000  and  $868,000,  respectively.  As  of  December  31,  2021,  there  were  4  one-to-four  family
residential real estate loans in the process of foreclosure totaling approximately $55,000. As of December 31,
2020,  there  were  11  residential  real  estate  loans  in  the  process  of  foreclosure  totaling  approximately
$1,526,000.

NOTE 9 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill and core deposit intangible assets for
the years ended December 31:

Beginning balance
Additions
Amortization

Ending balance

Accumulated amortization

2021

Core
Deposit

Year Ended December 31, 
2020

Core
Deposit

2019

Core
Deposit

     Goodwill

     Intangible      Goodwill

     Intangible      Goodwill

     Intangible

$ 23,620
5,702
—
$ 29,322
$

$ 2,798
199
(1,054)
$ 1,943
— $ 19,974

(dollars in thousands)
$ 4,030
—
(1,232)
$ 2,798
— $ 18,920

$ 23,620
—
—
$ 23,620
$

$ 23,620
—
—
$ 23,620
$

$ 5,453
—
(1,423)
$ 4,030
— $ 17,688

Amortization of core deposit intangible assets for the years subsequent to December 31, 2021 is expected to be
as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year ended December 31, 
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter

Total

129

$

$

873
353
337
275
20
85
1,943

    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 10 – DEPOSITS

The Company’s deposits are summarized below as December 31:

Noninterest-bearing deposits
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand
Money market
Savings
Time

Total interest-bearing deposits

Total deposits

December 31, 2021      December 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)

$

1,087,659

$

882,939

1,105,949
583,198
633,171
328,208
2,650,526
3,738,185

$

968,592
462,056
517,473
299,474
2,247,595
3,130,534

$

Money  market  deposits  include  $4,238,000  of  brokered  deposits  as  of  December  31,  2021.  Money  market
deposits also include $6,895,000 and $6,489,000 of reciprocal transaction deposits as of December 31, 2021
and  2020,  respectively.  Time  deposits  include  $850,000  and  $3,164,000  of  reciprocal  time  deposits  as  of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The aggregate amounts of time deposits in denominations of $250,000 or more amounted to $59,512,000 and
$26,687,000  as  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  respectively.  The  aggregate  amounts  of  time  deposits  in
denominations of $100,000 or more amounted to $133,067,000 and $99,649,000 as of December 31, 2021 and
2020, respectively.

At December 31, 2021, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year ended December 31, 
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter

Total

$

$

235,100
64,106
13,179
9,042
6,562
219
328,208

The components of interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

Interest-bearing demand
Money market
Savings
Time

Total interest expense on deposits

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

$

$

518
437
188
1,329
2,472

$

$

647
697
196
2,681
4,221

$

$

1,474
1,837
278
4,343
7,932

130

    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11 – SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

All  repurchase  agreements  are  sweep  instruments.  The  securities  underlying  the  agreements  as  of
December  31,  2021  and  2020  were  under  the  Company’s  control  in  safekeeping  at  third-party  financial
institutions, and included debt securities.

Information pertaining to securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31 is as follows:

Balance at end of year
Weighted average rate as of end of year
Fair value of securities underlying the agreements
Carrying value of securities underlying the agreements

NOTE 12 – BORROWINGS

    December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020

$

$
$

(dollars in thousands)
61,256

$

45,736

0.07 %

64,164
64,262

$
$

0.06 %

62,472
62,415

There were no Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB) borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2021
and 2020. Available borrowings from the FHLB are secured by FHLB stock held by the Company and pledged
security in the form of qualifying loans. The total amount of loans pledged as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
was  $566,996,000  and  $493,690,000,  respectively.  As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  loans  pledged  also
served  as  collateral  for  credit  exposure  of  approximately  $355,000  associated  with  the  Bank’s  participation  in
the FHLB’s Mortgage Partnership Finance Program.

The Bank also had available borrowings through the discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
(FRB).  Available  borrowings  are  based  on  the  collateral  pledged.  As  of  December  31,  2021,  there  was  no
collateral pledged. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying value of securities pledged amounted to $499,000.
There was no outstanding balance from the FRB discount window as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

NOTE 13 – SUBORDINATED NOTES

On  September  3,  2020,  the  Company  issued  $40,000,000  of  fixed-to-floating  rate  subordinated  notes  that
mature  on  September  15,  2030.  The  subordinated  notes,  which  are  unsecured  obligations  of  the  Company,
bear a fixed interest rate of 4.50% for the first five years after issuance and thereafter bear interest at a floating
rate  equal  to  three-month  SOFR,  as  determined  on  the  Floating  Interest  Determination  Date,  plus  4.37%.
Interest is payable semi-annually during the five year fixed rate period and quarterly during the subsequent five
year floating rate period. The subordinated notes have an optional redemption in whole or in part on any interest
payment date on or after September 15, 2025. If the subordinated notes are redeemed before they mature, the
redemption price will be the principal amount plus any accrued but unpaid interest. The transaction resulted in
debt issuance costs of $789,000 which will be amortized over 10 years. As of December 31, 2021, 100% of the
subordinated notes qualified as Tier 2 capital.

The face value and carrying value of the subordinated notes are summarized below:

    December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020

Subordinated notes, at face value
Unamortized issuance costs

Subordinated notes, at carrying value

$

$

131

(dollars in thousands)
40,000
(684)
39,316

$

$

40,000
(762)
39,238

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14 – JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES ISSUED TO CAPITAL TRUSTS

Five subsidiary business trusts of the Company have issued floating rate capital securities (“capital securities”)
which are guaranteed by the Company.

The  Company  owns  all  of  the  outstanding  stock  of  the  five  subsidiary  business  trusts.  The  trusts  used  the
proceeds from the issuance of their capital securities to buy floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest
debentures (“junior subordinated debentures”) issued by the Company. These junior subordinated debentures
are the only assets of the trusts and the interest payments from the junior subordinated debentures finance the
distributions paid on the capital securities. The junior subordinated debentures are unsecured and rank junior
and subordinate in the right of payment to all senior debt of the Company.

In accordance with GAAP, the trusts are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

The carrying value of the junior subordinated debentures are summarized as follows:

    December 31, 2021    December 31, 2020

Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Capital Trust B
Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Capital Trust C
Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Capital Trust D
FFBI Capital Trust I
National Bancorp Statutory Trust I

Total junior subordinated debentures, at face value
National Bancorp Statutory Trust I unamortized discount

Total junior subordinated debentures, at carrying value

$

$

$

(dollars in thousands)
10,310
10,310
5,155
7,217
5,773
38,765
(1,051)
37,714

$

10,310
10,310
5,155
7,217
5,773
38,765
(1,117)
37,648

The  interest  rates  on  the  subordinated  debentures  are  variable,  reset  quarterly,  and  are  equal  to  the  three-
month  LIBOR,  as  determined  on  the  LIBOR  Determination  Date  immediately  preceding  the  Distribution
Payment Date specific to each junior subordinated debenture, plus a fixed percentage. The interest rates and
maturities of the junior subordinated debentures are summarized as follows:

Variable
Interest Rate

December 31, 
2021

December 31, 
2020

Interest Rate at

Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Capital Trust B
Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Capital Trust C
Heartland Bancorp, Inc. Capital Trust D
FFBI Capital Trust I
National Bancorp Statutory Trust I

LIBOR plus 2.75 %  
LIBOR plus 1.53
LIBOR plus 1.35
LIBOR plus 2.80
LIBOR plus 2.90

2.87 %  
1.73
1.55
2.92
3.10

2.99 %  
1.75
1.57
3.04
3.12

Maturity
Date
April 6, 2034
June 15, 2037
September 15, 2037
April 6, 2034
December 31, 2037

132

    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The distribution rate payable on the debentures is cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears. The Company
has the right, subject to events in default, to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures at
any time by extending the interest payment period for a period not exceeding 20 quarterly periods with respect
to each deferral period, provided that no extension period may extend beyond the redemption or maturity date
of  the  junior  subordinated  debentures.  The  capital  securities  are  subject  to  mandatory  redemption  upon
payment  of  the  junior  subordinated  debentures  and  carry  an  interest  rate  identical  to  that  of  the  related
debenture. The junior subordinated debentures maturity dates may be shortened if certain conditions are met,
or  at  any  time  within  90  days  following  the  occurrence  and  continuation  of  certain  changes  in  either  tax
treatment  or  the  capital  treatment  of  the  junior  subordinated  debentures  or  the  capital  securities.  If  the  junior
subordinated debentures are redeemed before they mature, the redemption price will be the principal amount
plus any accrued but unpaid interest. The Company has the right to terminate each Capital Trust and cause the
junior  subordinated  debentures  to  be  distributed  to  the  holders  of  the  capital  securities  in  liquidation  of  such
trusts.

Under  current  banking  regulations,  bank  holding  companies  are  allowed  to  include  qualifying  trust  preferred
securities in their Tier 1 Capital for regulatory capital purposes, subject to a 25% limitation to all core (Tier 1)
capital  elements,  net  of  goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets  less  any  associated  deferred  tax  liability.  As  of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, 100%of the trust preferred securities qualified as Tier 1 capital under the final
rule adopted in March 2005.

NOTE 15 – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Derivative financial instruments are negotiated contracts entered into by two issuing counterparties containing
specific  agreement  terms,  including  the  underlying  instrument,  amount,  exercise  price,  and  maturities.  The
derivatives  accounting  guidance  requires  that  the  Company  recognize  all  derivative  financial  instruments  as
either assets or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company may utilize interest rate
swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position.

133

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

The  Company  designated  certain  interest  rate  swap  agreements  as  cash  flow  hedges  on  variable-rate
borrowings. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on
interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments are reported as a component of accumulated
other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  and  reclassified  into  earnings  in  the  same  period  or  periods  during  which
the hedged transactions affect earnings.

The interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges are summarized as follows:

Fair value recorded in other liabilities

$ 17,000

December 31, 2021
Fair
Value

Notional
    Amount

December 31, 2020
Fair
Value

Notional
    Amount
(dollars in thousands)
(680) $ 17,000
$

$ (1,458)

As of December 31, 2021, the interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges had contractual
maturities between 2024 and 2025. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had cash pledged and
held on deposit at counterparties of $780,000 and $1,630,000, respectively.

During  the  three  months  ended  March  31,  2019,  the  Company  had  an  interest  rate  swap  contract  with  a
notional  amount  of  $10,000,000  designated  as  a  cash  flow  hedge  on  variable-rate  loans.  Beginning  April  1,
2019,  this  hedging  relationship  was  no  longer  considered  highly  effective,  and  the  Company  discontinued
hedge accounting. In accordance with hedge accounting guidance, the net unrealized gain associated with the
discontinued hedging relationship, recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income, was reclassified
into earnings through April 7, 2020, the period the hedged forecasted transactions affected earnings.

For  the  years  ended  December  31,  2021,  2020,  and  2019,  the  effect  of  interest  rate  swap  agreements
designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated statements of income are summarized as follows:

Location of gross gain (loss) reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income to income

Amounts of gross gain (loss)
reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income

Designated as cash flow hedges:

Taxable loan interest income
Junior subordinated debentures interest expense

Total

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

$

$

— $

(412)
(412)

$

64
(302)
(238)

$

$

116
(29)
87

134

   
   
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Interest Rate Swaps Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company may offer interest rate swap agreements to its commercial borrowers in connection with their risk
management needs. The Company manages the risk associated with these contracts by entering into an equal
and  offsetting  derivative  with  a  third-party  financial  institution.  While  these  interest  rate  swap  agreements
generally worked together as an economic interest rate hedge, the Company did not designate them for hedge
accounting  treatment.  Consequently,  changes  in  fair  value  of  the  corresponding  derivative  financial  asset  or
liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes
occurred.

The interest rate swap agreements not designated as hedging instruments are summarized as follows:

December 31, 2021
Fair
Notional
    Amount
    Value

December 31, 2020
Fair
Value

Notional
    Amount
(dollars in thousands)

Fair value recorded in other assets:

Interest rate swaps with a commercial borrower counterparty
Interest rate swaps with a financial institution counterparty

Total fair value recorded in other assets

Fair value recorded in other liabilities:

Interest rate swaps with a commercial borrower counterparty
Interest rate swaps with a financial institution counterparty

Total fair value recorded in other liabilities

$ 112,041 $ 8,622 $ 122,313 $ 15,360
—
$ 115,921 $ 8,697 $ 122,313 $ 15,360

3,880

75

—

$

3,880 $

—
(15,360)
$ 115,921 $ (8,697) $ 122,313 $ (15,360)

122,313

112,041

(8,622)

(75) $

— $

As  of  December  31,  2021,  the  interest  rate  swap  agreements  not  designated  as  hedging  instruments  had
contractual  maturities  between  2022  and  2042.  As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  the  Company  had
$7,483,000  and  $15,490,000,  respectively,  of  debt  securities  pledged  and  held  in  safekeeping  at  the  financial
institution counterparty.

For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the effect of interest rate contracts not designated as
hedging  instruments  recognized  in  other  noninterest  income  on  the  consolidated  statements  of  income  are
summarized as follows:

Not designated as hedging instruments:

Gross gains
Gross losses

Net gains (losses)

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

$

$

13,773
(13,773)

$

— $

24,758
(24,758)

$

— $

13,537
(13,500)
37

135

   
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 16 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The  following  table  presents  the  activity  and  accumulated  balances  for  components  of  other  comprehensive
income (loss) for the years ended December 31:

Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Debt Securities

    Available-for-Sale     Held-to-Maturity     Derivatives    

Total

$

(4,561) $

(dollars in thousands)
122

$

151

$ (4,288)

Balance, December 31, 2018

Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Reclassifications

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

Income tax (benefit) expense

Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax

Balance, December 31, 2019

Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Reclassifications

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

Income tax expense (benefit)

Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax

Balance, December 31, 2020

Transfer from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
Other comprehensive (loss) income before
reclassifications
Reclassifications

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax

Income tax (benefit) expense

Other comprehensive (loss) income, after tax

Balance, December 31, 2021

$

12,458
—
12,458
(762)
13,220
8,659

15,272
—
15,272
4,353
10,919
19,578
3,887

—
(264)
(264)
(11)
(253)
(131)

—
18
18
5
13
(118)
(3,887)

(698)
(87)
(785)
62
(847)
(696)

(1,084)
238
(846)
(235)
(611)
(1,307)
—

11,760
(351)
11,409
(711)
12,120
7,832

14,188
256
14,444
4,123
10,321
18,153
—

(24,798)
—
(24,798)
(7,069)
(17,729)
5,736

$

—
687
687
196
491
(3,514) $

366
412
778
222
556
(751) $

(24,432)
1,099
(23,333)
(6,651)
(16,682)
1,471

The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for unrealized gains (losses) on
debt securities available-for-sale are included in gains (losses) on securities in the accompanying consolidated
statements of income.

The  amounts  reclassified  from  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  for  unrealized  gains  on  debt
securities  held-to-maturity  are  included  in  securities  interest  income  in  the  accompanying  consolidated
statements of income.

The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the fair value of derivative
instruments represent net interest payments received or made on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.
See Note 15 for additional information.

136

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 17 – INCOME TAXES

Effective  October  11,  2019,  the  Company  voluntarily  revoked  its  S  Corporation  status  and  became  a  taxable
entity (C Corporation). As such, any periods prior to October 11, 2019 will only reflect an effective state income
tax  rate.  In  connection  with  the  conversion  of  tax  status,  the  Company  recognized  a  deferred  tax  asset  of
$534,000 and an income tax benefit of $534,000.

In  recording  the  impact  of  the  conversion  to  a  C  Corporation,  the  Company  recorded  a  deferred  income  tax
expense of $2,741,000 related to the unrealized gains (losses) on debt securities and derivatives, through the
income statement in accordance with ASC 740-20-45-8; therefore, the amount shown in other comprehensive
income  has  not  been  reduced  by  the  above  expense.  This  difference  will  remain  in  accumulated  other
comprehensive income until the underlying securities are sold or mature and the underlying cash flow hedging
relationships terminate in accordance with the portfolio approach allowed under ASC 740.

Allocation of income tax expense between current and deferred portions for the years ended December 31 is as
follows:

2021

Year Ended  December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

Current
Federal
State

Total current

Deferred
Federal
State
Change in tax status

Total deferred
Income tax expense

$ 11,330
6,053
17,383

$

8,358
4,709
13,067

1,945
963
—
2,908
$ 20,291

(226)
(113)
—
(339)
$ 12,728

$

$

4,849
3,102
7,951

(1,437)
(724)
(534)
(2,695)
5,256

Income  tax  expense  differs  from  the  statutory  federal  rate  for  the  years  ended  December  31  due  to  the
following:

Federal income tax, at statutory rate
Increase (decrease) resulting from:

Federally tax exempt interest income
State taxes, net of federal benefit
Change in tax status
Other

Income tax expense

2021

Amount

    Percentage

Year Ended  December 31, 
2020
    Percentage

Amount
(dollars in thousands)

2019

Amount     Percentage  

$ 16,078

21.0 %$ 10,410

21.0 %$ 3,933

5.5 %

(1,426)
5,430  
—  
209  
$ 20,291  

(1.9)
7.1
—
0.3

(1,470)
3,631  
—  
157  
26.5 %$ 12,728  

(3.0)
7.4
—
0.3

(372)
2,212  
(534) 
17  
25.7 %$ 5,256  

(0.5)
3.1
(0.8)
—
7.3 %

137

    
    
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

Deferred tax assets

Allowance for loan losses
Compensation related
Deferred loan fees
Nonaccrual interest
Foreclosed assets
Goodwill
Net unrealized losses on debt securities
Other

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Fixed asset depreciation
Mortgage servicing rights
Other purchase accounting adjustments
Intangible assets
Prepaid assets
Net unrealized gains on debt securities
Other

Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax asset (liability)

NOTE 18 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

6,756   $
2,314  
1,059
489
43
316
304
853
12,134

4,188
2,262
776
374
664
—
505
8,769
3,365

$

9,046
2,301
1,595
660
45
336
—
1,011
14,994

4,361
1,692
1,115
580
685
6,569
370
15,372
(378)

The  Company  has  granted  certain  restricted  stock  units  that  contain  non-forfeitable  rights  to  dividend
equivalents. Such restricted stock units are considered participating securities. As such, we have included these
restricted stock units in the calculation of basic earnings per share and calculate basic earnings per share using
the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula
that  determines  earnings  per  share  for  each  class  of  common  stock  and  participating  security  according  to
dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

Diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method and reflects the potential dilution from
the Company’s outstanding restricted stock units.

138

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

Numerator:
Net income
Earnings allocated to participating securities
Numerator for earnings per share - basic and diluted

Denominator:

Weighted average common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all
dilutive potential shares

Earnings per share - Basic
Earnings per share - Diluted

NOTE 19 – DEFERRED COMPENSATION

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

56,271
(104)
56,167

$

$

36,845
(93)
36,752

$

$

66,865
—
66,865

27,795,806
15,487

27,457,306
—

20,090,270
—

27,811,293

27,457,306

20,090,270

2.02
2.02

$
$

1.34
1.34

$
$

3.33
3.33

$

$

$
$

The Company maintained a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) for certain key executive officers.
The  SERP  benefit  payments  were  scheduled  to  be  paid  in  equal  monthly  installments  over  30  years.  In
June  2019,  the  Company  approved  the  termination  of  the  SERP,  and  a  lump  sum  payment  was  made  in
June  2020  to  each  participant  equal  to  the  present  value  of  any  remaining  installment  payments.  As  of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, there was no remaining deferred compensation liability for the SERP. During the
years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized deferred compensation expense for the
SERP of $1,660,000 and $4,291,000, respectively. 

NOTE 20 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Profit Sharing Plan

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2021,  2020,  and  2019,  the  Company’s  profit  sharing  plan  contribution
expense amounted to $1,269,000, $1,118,000, and $1,223,000, respectively. The Company’s contributions vest
to employees ratably over a six-year period.

Medical Insurance Benefits

The Company is partially self-insured for medical claims filed by its employees. As of December 31, 2021 and
2020, the Company’s maximum aggregate liability under the plan was $6,588,000 and $6,287,000, respectively.
During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2021,  2020,  and  2019,  medical  benefits  expense  amounted  to
$4,161,000, $4,840,000, and $3,734,000, respectively.

139

    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company has adopted the HBT Financial, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”). The
Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  provides  for  grants  of  (i)  stock  options,  (ii)  stock  appreciation  rights,  (iii)  restricted
shares, (iv) restricted stock units, (v) performance awards, (vi) other share-based awards and (vii) other cash-
based awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company. The maximum
number  of  shares  of  common  stock  available  for  issuance  under  the  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  is  1,820,000
shares.

The following is a summary of stock-based compensation expense (benefit):

Restricted stock units
Performance restricted stock units
Total awards classified as equity

Stock appreciation rights

Total stock-based compensation expense

Restricted Stock Units

$

$

2021

Year Ended December 31, 
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$

$

2019

579
185
764
226
990

351
—
351
(137)
214

$

$

—
—
—
343
343

A  restricted  stock  unit  grants  a  participant  the  right  to  receive  one  share  of  common  stock,  following  the
completion of the requisite service period. Restricted stock units are classified as equity. Compensation cost is
based  on  the  Company’s  stock  price  on  the  grant  date  and  is  recognized  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the
service period for the entire award. Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units, which are either accrued until
vested or paid at the same time as dividends on common stock, are classified as dividends charged to retained
earnings.

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the total grant date fair value of the restricted stock units
granted was $948,000 and $1,399,000, respectively, based on the grant date closing prices. The total intrinsic
value of restricted stock units that vested during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $305,000.

The following is a summary of outstanding restricted stock unit activity:

Balance, December 31, 2018

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2019

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2020

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2021

140

Restricted
Stock Units

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

— $
—
—
—
— $

73,700
—
(2,700)
71,000
59,994
(20,225)
(1,525)
109,244

$

$

—
—
—
—
—
18.98
—
19.03
18.98
15.81
18.86
18.11
17.27

    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As  of  December  31,  2021,  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  non-vested  restricted  stock  units  was
$1,339,000.  This  cost  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  the  weighted  average  remaining  contractual  term  of
2.3 years

Performance Restricted Stock Units

A  performance  restricted  stock  unit  is  similar  to  a  restricted  stock  unit,  except  that  the  number  of  shares  of
common stock awarded is based on a performance condition and the completion of the requisite service period.
The  number  of  shares  of  common  stock  that  may  be  earned  ranges  from  0%  to  150%  of  the  number  of
performance  restricted  stock  units  granted.  Performance  restricted  stock  units  are  classified  as  equity.
Compensation  cost  is  based  on  the  Company’s  stock  price  on  the  grant  date  and  an  assessment  of  the
probable outcome of the performance condition. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over
the service period of the entire award. Changes in the performance condition probability assessment result in
cumulative  catch-up  adjustments  to  the  compensation  cost  recognized.  Dividend  equivalents  on  performance
restricted stock units, which are accrued until vested, are classified as dividends charged to retained earnings.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the total grant date fair value of the performance restricted stock
units  granted  was  $603,000,  based  on  the  grant  date  closing  prices.  Performance  conditions  are  based  on
either the average annual return on average tangible common equity during the performance period or average
loan balances for a specified geographic region during the performance period, with downward adjustments if
certain credit quality criteria are not maintained.

The following is a summary of performance restricted stock unit activity:

Balance, December 31, 2018

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2019

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2020

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2021

Performance
Restricted
Stock Units

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

— $
—
—
—
— $
—
—
—
— $

38,344
—
—
38,344

$

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15.72
—
—
15.72

As of December 31, 2021, unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance restricted stock
units was $579,000, based on the current assessment of the probable outcome of the performance condition.
This cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.5 years.

141

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Stock Appreciation Rights

A stock appreciation right grants a participant the right to receive an amount of cash, the value of which equals
the appreciation in the Company’s stock price between the grant date and the exercise date. Stock appreciation
rights units are classified as liabilities. Prior to becoming a public entity, the liability was based on the intrinsic
value  of  the  stock  appreciation  rights,  calculated  using  the  grant  date  assigned  value  and  an  independent
appraisal of the Company’s stock price that was subject to approval by the Board of Directors. Since becoming
a public entity on October 11, 2019, the liability was based on an option-pricing model used to estimate the fair
value of the stock appreciation rights. Compensation cost for unvested stock appreciation rights is recognized
on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the entire award. The unvested stock appreciation rights vest
in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.

The following is a summary of outstanding stock appreciation rights activity:

Balance, December 31, 2018

Granted
Exercised
Expired
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2019

Granted
Exercised
Expired
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2020

Granted
Exercised
Expired
Forfeited

Balance, December 31, 2021

Stock
Appreciation
Rights

91,800
110,160
(91,800)
—
—
110,160
—
—
—
(4,590)
105,570
—
(6,120)
(1,530)
—
97,920

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Assigned Value
5.73
16.32
5.73
—
—
16.32
—
—
—
16.32
16.32
—
16.32
16.32
—
16.32

$

$

$

$

A further summary of outstanding stock appreciation rights as of December 31, 2021, is as follows:

Stock Appreciation Rights

Weighted Average
Remaining

Grant Date Assigned Values

$ 16.32

    Outstanding     Exercisable      Contractual Term
85,680

7.2 years

97,920

As of December 31, 2021, unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock appreciation rights was
$56,000.

142

    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  the  liability  recorded  for  outstanding  stock  appreciation  rights  was
$485,000  and  $272,000,  respectively.  The  Company  used  an  option  pricing  model  to  value  the  stock
appreciation rights, using the assumptions in the following table. Expected volatility is derived from the historical
volatility of the Company’s stock price and a selected peer group of industry-related companies.

Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Expected life (in years)
Expected dividend yield

    December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020

1.40 %
35.52 %
7.7
3.20 %

0.80 %
34.72 %
8.7
3.96 %

As of December 31, 2021, the liability recorded for previously exercised stock appreciation rights was $797,000,
which will be paid in three remaining equal annual installments. As of December 31, 2020, the liability recorded
for previously exercised units was $1,087,000.

NOTE 22 – REGULATORY CAPITAL

The  Company  (on  a  consolidated  basis)  and  the  Bank  are  each  subject  to  various  regulatory  capital
requirements  administered  by  the  federal  and  state  banking  agencies.  Failure  to  meet  minimum  capital
requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by the regulators that,
if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company and
the  Bank.  Additionally,  the  ability  of  the  Company  to  pay  dividends  to  its  stockholders  is  dependent  upon  the
ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company.

Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and
the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities, and
certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and
classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and
other  factors.  As  allowed  under  the  regulations,  the  Company  and  the  Bank  elected  to  exclude  accumulated
other  comprehensive  income,  including  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  securities,  in  the  computation  of
regulatory capital. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

Additionally, the Company and the Bank must maintain a “capital conservation buffer” to avoid becoming subject
to  restrictions  on  capital  distributions  and  certain  discretionary  bonus  payments  to  management.  As  of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, the capital conservation buffer was 2.5%of risk-weighted assets.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they
are subject.

143

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The actual and required capital amounts and ratios of HBT Financial, Inc. (consolidated) and the Bank are as
follows:

December 31, 2021

     Amount

     Ratio     

Amount

     Ratio     

(dollars in thousands)

Actual

For Capital 
Adequacy 
Purposes

To Be Well
Capitalized Under 
Prompt Corrective 
Action Provisions
Amount

     Ratio  

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk
Weighted Assets)

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

December 31, 2020

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

$ 479,320
452,162

16.88 %  $ 227,115
226,950
15.94

8.00 %  
8.00

N/A
$ 283,688

N/A
10.00 %

$ 416,068
428,226

14.66 %  $ 170,336
170,213
15.09

6.00 %  
6.00

N/A
$ 226,950

N/A
8.00 %

$ 379,519
428,226

13.37 %  $ 127,752
127,659
15.09

4.50 %  
4.50

N/A
$ 184,397

N/A
6.50 %

$ 416,068
428,226

9.84 %  $ 169,171
169,070

10.13

4.00 %  
4.00

N/A
$ 211,337

N/A
5.00 %

Actual

     Amount

     Ratio     

For Capital 
Adequacy 
Purposes

Amount

     Ratio     
(dollars in thousands)

To Be Well
Capitalized Under 
Prompt Corrective 
Action Provisions
Amount

     Ratio  

$ 426,283
382,511

17.40 %  $ 195,970
195,787
15.63

8.00 %  
8.00

N/A
$ 244,733

N/A
10.00 %

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

$ 356,410
351,904

14.55 %  $ 146,977
146,840
14.38

6.00 %  
6.00

N/A
$ 195,787

N/A
8.00 %

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk
Weighted Assets)

Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company

$ 319,927
351,904

13.06 %  $ 110,233
110,130
14.38

4.50 %  
4.50

N/A
$ 159,077

N/A
6.50 %

$ 356,410
351,904

9.94 %  $ 143,454
143,296
9.82

4.00 %  
4.00

N/A
$ 179,120

N/A
5.00 %

144

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 23 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Recurring Basis

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine
fair value disclosures. Additional information on fair value measurements are summarized in Note 1. There were
no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The Company’s policy for
determining  transfers  between  levels  occurs  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period  when  circumstances  in  the
underlying valuation criteria change and result in transfer between levels.

The  following  tables  present  the  balances  of  the  assets  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis  as  of
December 31:

December 31, 2021

Debt securities available-for-sale:

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate

Equity securities with readily determinable fair values
Mortgage servicing rights
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities

December 31, 2020

Debt securities available-for-sale:

U.S. government agency
Municipal
Mortgage-backed:

Agency residential
Agency commercial

Corporate

Equity securities with readily determinable fair values
Mortgage servicing rights
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities

Level 1 
Inputs

Level 2
Inputs
(dollars in thousands)

Level 3 
Inputs     

Total 
Fair Value

$

$ 108,976
—
—

— $ — $ 108,976
128,105
297,077

—
—

128,105
297,077

—
—
—
3,443
—
—
—

179,466
164,061
64,483
—
—
8,697
9,377

—
—
—
—
7,994
—
—

179,466
164,061
64,483
3,443
7,994
8,697
9,377

Level 1 
Inputs     

Level 2
Inputs
(dollars in thousands)

Level 3 
Inputs     

Total 
Fair Value

$ — $ 121,993
274,261

—

$ — $ 121,993
274,261

—

—
—
—
3,292
—
—
—

203,252
250,766
72,597
—
—
15,360
16,818

—
—
—
—
5,934
—
—

203,252
250,766
72,597
3,292
5,934
15,360
16,818

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a
recurring  basis,  as  well  as  the  general  classification  of  such  instruments  pursuant  to  the  valuation  hierarchy.
There were no changes to the valuation techniques from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021.

145

    
    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

Investment Securities

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of securities; such items
are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. For the Company’s securities where quoted prices are not
available for identical securities in an active market, the Company determines fair value utilizing vendors who
apply matrix pricing for similar bonds where no price is observable or may compile prices from various sources.
These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value,
yield  curve,  volatility  factors,  prepayment  speeds,  default  rates,  loss  severity,  current  market  and  contractual
prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of
these  assumptions  are  observable  in  the  marketplace.  Fair  values  from  these  models  are  verified,  where
possible,  against  quoted  market  prices  for  recent  trading  activity  of  assets  with  similar  characteristics  to  the
security  being  valued.  Such  methods  are  generally  classified  as  Level  2.  However,  when  prices  from
independent sources vary, cannot be obtained or cannot be corroborated, a security is generally classified as
Level 3. The change in fair value of debt securities available-for-sale is recorded through an adjustment to the
consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income.  The  change  in  fair  value  of  equity  securities  with  readily
determinable fair values is recorded through an adjustment to the consolidated statement of income.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Interest rate swap agreements are carried at fair value as determined by dealer valuation models. Based on the
inputs used, the derivative financial instruments subjected to recurring fair value adjustments are classified as
Level  2.  For  derivative  financial  instruments  designated  as  a  hedging  instruments,  the  change  in  fair  value  is
recorded  through  an  adjustment  to  the  consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income.  For  derivative
financial instruments not designated as a hedging instruments, the change in fair value is recorded through an
adjustment to the consolidated statement of income.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

The Company has elected to record its mortgage servicing rights at fair value. Mortgage servicing rights do not
trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, the Company determines the fair value of
mortgage  servicing  rights  by  estimating  the  fair  value  of  the  future  cash  flows  associated  with  the  mortgage
loans  being  serviced  as  calculated  by  an  independent  third  party.  Key  economic  assumptions  used  in
measuring  the  fair  value  of  mortgage  servicing  rights  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  prepayment  speeds  and
discount rates. Due to the nature of the valuation inputs, mortgage servicing rights are classified in Level 3 of
the  fair  value  hierarchy.  The  change  in  fair  value  is  recorded  through  an  adjustment  to  the  consolidated
statement of income.

146

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  following  tables  present  additional  information  about  the  unobservable  inputs  used  in  the  fair  value
measurement of the mortgage servicing rights (dollars in thousands):

December 31, 2021
Mortgage servicing rights

    Fair Value     Valuation Technique      Unobservable Inputs     

$ 7,994

Discounted cash
flows

Constant pre-
payment rates
(CPR)
Discount rate

Unobservable Inputs

Constant pre-
payment rates
(CPR)
Discount rate

Range
(Weighted Average)
7.0% to 88.9% (11.7%)

9.0% to 11.0% (9.0%)

Range
(Weighted Average)
7.0% to 85.0% (17.3%)

9.0% to 11.0% (9.0%)

December 31, 2020
Mortgage servicing rights

Fair Value Valuation Technique
Discounted cash
$ 5,934
flows

Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value
on  an  ongoing  basis;  however,  they  are  subject  to  fair  value  adjustments  in  certain  circumstances,  such  as
there is evidence of impairment or a change in the amount of previously recognized impairment.

The following tables present the balances of the assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of
December 31:

December 31, 2021

Loans held for sale
Collateral-dependent impaired loans
Bank premises held for sale
Foreclosed assets

December 31, 2020

Loans held for sale
Collateral-dependent impaired loans
Bank premises held for sale
Foreclosed assets

Loans Held for Sale

Total 
Fair Value

Level 1 
Inputs     

Level 3 
Inputs

Level 2
Inputs     
(dollars in thousands)
$

$ — $ 4,942
—
—
—

—
—
—

— $ 4,942
22,423
1,452
3,278

22,423
1,452
3,278

Total 
Fair Value

Level 1 
Inputs     

Level 3 
Inputs

Level 2
Inputs
(dollars in thousands)
$

$ — $ 14,713
—
—
—

—
—
—

— $ 14,713
33,320
121
4,168

33,320
121
4,168

Mortgage  loans  originated  and  held  for  sale  are  carried  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  estimated  fair  value.  The
Company obtains quotes or bids on these loans directly from purchasing financial institutions. Typically, these
quotes  include  a  premium  on  the  sale  and  thus  these  quotes  indicate  fair  value  of  the  held  for  sale  loans  is
greater than cost.

147

    
    
    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Collateral-dependent Impaired Loans

In accordance with the provisions of the loan impairment guidance, impairment was measured for loans which it
is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of
the loan agreement. The fair value of collateral-dependent impaired loans is estimated based on the fair value
of the underlying collateral supporting the loan. Collateral-dependent impaired loans require classification in the
fair value hierarchy. Impaired loans include loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. Collateral values are
estimated using Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria.

Bank Premises Held for Sale

Bank premises held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, at the
date classified as held for sale. Values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on appraisals and customized
discounting  criteria.  The  carrying  value  of  bank  premises  held  for  sale  is  not  re-measured  to  fair  value  on  a
recurring  basis  but  is  subject  to  fair  value  adjustments  when  the  carrying  value  exceeds  the  fair  value,  less
estimated selling costs.

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed assets are recorded at fair value based on property appraisals, less estimated selling costs, at the
date of the transfer. Subsequent to the transfer, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value,
less  estimated  selling  costs.  Values  are  estimated  using  Level  3  inputs  based  on  appraisals  and  customized
discounting criteria. The carrying value of foreclosed assets is not re-measured to fair value on a recurring basis
but is subject to fair value adjustments when the carrying value exceeds the fair value, less estimated selling
costs.

Collateral-Dependent Impaired Loans, Bank Premises Held for Sale, and Foreclosed Assets

The  estimated  fair  value  of  collateral-dependent  impaired  loans,  bank  premises  held  for  sale,  and  foreclosed
assets is based on the appraised fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell. Collateral-dependent
impaired loans, bank premises held for sale, and foreclosed assets are classified within Level 3 of the fair value
hierarchy.

The Company considers the appraisal or a similar evaluation as the starting point for determining fair value and
then considers other factors and events in the environment that may affect the fair value. Appraisals or a similar
evaluation of the collateral underlying collateral-dependent loans and foreclosed assets are obtained at the time
a  loan  is  first  considered  impaired  or  a  loan  is  transferred  to  foreclosed  assets.  Appraisals  or  a  similar
evaluation  of  bank  premises  held  for  sale  are  obtained  when  first  classified  as  held  for  sale.  Appraisals  or
similar evaluations are obtained subsequently as deemed necessary by management but at least annually on
foreclosed assets and bank premises held for sale. Appraisals are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by
management. Appraisals are performed by individuals selected from the list of approved appraisers maintained
by  management.  The  appraised  values  are  reduced  by  discounts  to  consider  lack  of  marketability  and
estimated  costs  to  sell.  These  discounts  and  estimates  are  developed  by  management  by  comparison  to
historical results.

148

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  following  tables  present  quantitative  information  about  unobservable  inputs  used  in  nonrecurring  Level  3
fair value measurements (dollars in thousands).

December 31, 2021
Collateral-dependent impaired
loans
Bank premises held for sale
Foreclosed assets

December 31, 2020
Collateral-dependent impaired
loans
Bank premises held for sale
Foreclosed assets

Other Fair Value Methods

Fair
Value

Valuation
Technique

     Unobservable Inputs

Range 
(Weighted
Average)

$ 22,423 Appraisal of collateral Appraisal adjustments Not meaningful

1,452
3,278

Appraisal
Appraisal

Appraisal adjustments
Appraisal adjustments

Fair
Value

Valuation
Technique

Unobservable Inputs

7% (7%)
7% (7%)

Range 
(Weighted
Average)

$ 33,320 Appraisal of collateral Appraisal adjustments Not meaningful

121
4,168

Appraisal
Appraisal

Appraisal adjustments
Appraisal adjustments

7% (7%)
7% (7%)

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures of its
other  financial  instruments.  There  were  no  changes  in  the  methods  and  significant  assumptions  used  to
estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values.

Interest-bearing Time Deposits with Banks

The carrying values of interest-bearing time deposits with banks approximate their fair values.

Restricted Stock

The carrying amount of FHLB stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the FHLB.

Loans

The  fair  value  estimation  process  for  the  loan  portfolio  uses  an  exit  price  concept  and  reflects  discounts  the
Company believes are consistent with discounts in the marketplace. Fair values are estimated for portfolios of
loans with similar characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial and industrial, agricultural
and  farmland,  commercial  real  estate  -  owner  occupied,  commercial  real  estate  -  non-owner  occupied,  multi-
family, construction and land development, one-to-four family residential, and municipal, consumer, and other.
The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar
loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for similar maturities. The fair value analysis
also  includes  other  assumptions  to  estimate  fair  value,  intended  to  approximate  those  a  market  participant
would  use  in  an  orderly  transaction,  with  adjustments  for  discount  rates,  interest  rates,  liquidity,  and  credit
spreads, as appropriate.

149

    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries

The  fair  values  of  the  Company’s  investments  in  unconsolidated  subsidiaries  are  presumed  to  approximate
carrying amounts.

Time Deposits

Fair  values  of  certificates  of  deposit  with  stated  maturities  have  been  estimated  using  the  present  value  of
estimated  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  rates  currently  offered  for  similar  instruments.  Time  deposits  also
include public funds time deposits.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

The  fair  values  of  repurchase  agreements  with  variable  interest  rates  are  presumed  to  approximate  their
recorded carrying amounts.

Subordinated Notes

The fair values of subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates
observed on recent debt issuances by other financial institutions.

Junior Subordinated Debentures

The fair values of subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates
observed on recent debt issuances by other financial institutions.

Accrued Interest

The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

Limitations

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information
about  the  financial  instrument.  Because  no  market  exists  for  a  significant  portion  of  the  Company’s  financial
instruments,  fair  value  estimates  are  based  on  judgments  regarding  future  expected  loss  experience,  current
economic  conditions,  risk  characteristics  of  various  financial  instruments,  and  other  factors.  These  estimates
are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be
determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair values have been estimated using data which management considered the best available and estimation
methodologies deemed suitable for the pertinent category of financial instrument.

150

Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  following  table  provides  summary  information  on  the  carrying  amounts  and  estimated  fair  values  of  the
Company’s financial instruments as of December 31:

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Debt securities held-to-maturity
Restricted stock
Loans, net
Investments in unconsolidated
subsidiaries
Accrued interest receivable

Financial liabilities:

Time deposits
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures
Accrued interest payable

Fair Value
Hierarchy

     Level

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
     Fair Value

Carrying
Amount
(dollars in thousands)

Estimated
Fair Value

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 3

Level 3
Level 2

$

409,268
336,185
2,739
2,475,753

$

409,268
336,027
2,739
2,494,686

$

312,451
68,395
2,498
2,215,168

$

312,451
72,441
2,498
2,235,767

1,165
14,901

1,165
14,901

1,165
14,255

1,165
14,255

Level 3

328,208

327,779

299,474

300,989

Level 2
Level 3
Level 3
Level 2

61,256
39,316
37,714
1,043

61,256
41,602
33,640
1,043

45,736
39,238
37,648
1,151

45,736
38,403
23,766
1,151

The Company estimated the fair value of lending related commitments as described in Note 24 to be immaterial
based  on  limited  interest  rate  exposure  due  to  their  variable  nature,  short-term  commitment  periods  and
termination clauses provided in the agreements.

NOTE 24 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Financial Instruments

The  Bank  is  party  to  credit-related  financial  instruments  with  off-balance  sheet  risk  in  the  normal  course  of
business  to  meet  the  financing  needs  of  its  customers.  These  financial  instruments  include  commitments  to
extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and
interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument
for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those
instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it
 does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Such commitments and conditional obligations were as follows as of December 31:

Contractual Amount

    December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020

Commitments to extend credit
Standby letters of credit

$

(dollars in thousands)
$

609,947
12,960

530,191
10,031

Commitments  to  extend  credit  are  agreements  to  lend  to  a  customer  as  long  as  there  is  no  violation  of  any
condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination

151

    
    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

clauses  and  may  require  payment  of  a  fee.  Since  many  of  the  commitments  are  expected  to  expire  without
being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The
Bank evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained,
if deemed necessary, by the Bank upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the
customer. Collateral held varies, but may include real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, and
equipment, and income-producing properties.

Standby  letters  of  credit  are  conditional  commitments  issued  by  the  Bank  to  guarantee  the  performance  of  a
customer to a third party. Those standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support extensions of credit. The
credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans
to customers. The Bank secures the standby letters of credit with the same collateral used to secure the related
loan.

Lease Commitments

The Company leases office space under operating leases. Certain leases contain renewal options for periods
from three to five years at their fair rental value at the time of renewal. Future minimum lease payments under
these leases are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year ended December 31, 

2022
2023
2024
2025

Total

Legal Contingencies

  $

  $

167
131
81
33
412

Various  legal  claims  arise  from  time  to  time  in  the  normal  course  of  business  which,  in  the  opinion  of
management, will have no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 25 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Loans

As  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,  loans  to  directors,  executive  officers,  principal  shareholders  and  their
affiliated  entities  (related  parties)  amounted  to  $2,633,000  and  $3,072,000,  respectively.  These  loans  were
made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral,
as those prevailing for comparable loans with persons not related to us.

Deposits

Deposits  of  related  parties  amounted  to  $4,023,000  and  $2,596,000  as  of  December  31,  2021  and  2020,
respectively.

152

    
 
 
 
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 26 – CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Following are the condensed financial statements of HBT Financial, Inc. (Parent only).

Condensed Parent Company Only Balance Sheets

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents
Investment in subsidiaries:

Bank
Non-bank
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020

$

$

$

$

(dollars in thousands)
25,752

$

44,149

461,339
1,165
1,283
489,539

39,316
37,714
628
77,658

411,881
489,539

$

$

$

397,201
1,165
1,140
443,655

39,238
37,648
2,852
79,738

363,917
443,655

Condensed Parent Company Only Statements of Income

INCOME

Dividends received from subsidiaries:

Bank
Non-bank

Undistributed earnings from subsidiaries:

Bank
Non-bank
Other income

Total income

EXPENSES

Interest expense
Other expense

Total expenses

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
NET INCOME

153

2021

Years ended December 31
2020
(dollars in thousands)

2019

$ 20,000
—

$ 17,600
36

$ 109,969
385

41,227
—
454
61,681

22,462
(36)
215
40,277

(41,202)
(151)
52
69,053

3,305
3,741
7,046
54,635
(1,636)
$ 56,271

2,189
2,519
4,708
35,569
(1,276)
$ 36,845

$

1,922
1,025
2,947
66,106
(759)
66,865

    
    
Table of Contents

HBT FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Condensed Parent Company Only Statements of Cash Flows

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:

Undistributed earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
Stock-based compensation
Amortization of discount and issuance costs on subordinated
notes and debentures
Net gain on sale of foreclosed assets
Changes in other assets and liabilities, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Capital contribution to bank subsidiary
Capital contribution to non-bank subsidiary
Purchase of securities
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
Net cash paid for acquisition of NXT Bancorporation, Inc.

Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Issuance of subordinated notes, net of issuance costs
Issuance of common stock
Repurchase of common stock
Cash dividends and dividend equivalents paid

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

2021

$ 56,271

Year ended December 31
2020
(dollars in thousands)
$
$ 36,845

(41,227)
764

(22,426)
351

144
(74)
(2,231)
13,647

92
—
1,633
16,495

—
—
(48)
74
(10,411)
(10,385)

—
—
(4,906)
(16,753)
(21,659)

—
—
(17)
—
—
(17)

39,211
—
—
(16,518)
22,693

2019

66,865

41,353
—

66
—
(1,912)
106,372

(17,000)
(100)
—
—
—
(17,100)

—
138,493
—
(224,956)
(86,463)

2,809

2,169
4,978

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Beginning of year
End of year

(18,397)

39,171

44,149
$ 25,752

4,978
$ 44,149

$

154

        
        
        
Table of Contents

ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.

None.

ITEM 9A.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-
15(e)  under  the  Exchange  Act)  as  of  the  end  of  the  period  covered  by  this  report  was  carried  out  under  the
supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  the  Company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and
other  members  of  the  Company’s  senior  management.  The  Company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief
Financial  Officer  concluded  that,  as  of  December  31,  2021,  the  end  of  the  period  covered  by  this  report,  the
Company’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  effective  in  ensuring  that  the  information  required  to  be
disclosed  by  the  Company  in  the  reports  it  files  or  submits  under  the  Exchange  Act  is:  (i)  accumulated  and
communicated  to  the  Company’s  management  (including  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial
Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management  of  the  Company  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over
financial  reporting.  Internal  control  is  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of
financial reporting and the preparation of published financial statements. Internal control over financial reporting
includes self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

Management  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of
December 31, 2021. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 2013. Based on this assessment, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have determined that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2021 based on the specified criteria.

All  internal  control  systems,  no  matter  how  well  designed,  have  inherent  limitations.  Therefore,  even  those
systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement
preparation and presentation. 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.

This  annual  report  does  not  include  an  attestation  report  of  the  Company's  independent  registered  public
accounting  firm  regarding  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  As  an  emerging  growth  company,
management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's independent registered public accounting
firm in accordance with the JOBS Act.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There  were  no  changes  in  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  defined  in  Rule  13a-
15(f)  or  Rule  15d-15(f)  under  the  Exchange  Act)  that  occurred  during  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2021
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting.

155

Table of Contents

ITEM 9B.        OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 9C.       DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

Not applicable.

PART III.

ITEM 10.        DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our  Code  of  Ethics  applies  to  all  of  our  officers,  directors  and  employees,  including  our  principal  executive
officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics is publicly available on our
internet website at ir.hbtfinancial.com. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements of Item 5.05 of Form 8-K
regarding  any  amendment  to,  or  waiver  from,  a  provision  of  the  Code  of  Ethics  that  applies  to  our  principal
executive  officer,  principal  financial  officer  or  principal  accounting  officer  and  relates  to  any  element  of  the
definition  of  code  of  ethics  set  forth  in  Item  406(b)  of  Regulation  S-K  by  posting  such  information  on  our
website, ir.hbtfinancial.com.

All  other  information  required  by  this  item  is  incorporated  by  reference  to  the  information  set  forth  in  our
Definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2022  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders  (the  “Definitive  Proxy  Statement”),
which we expect to file with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year end.

ITEM 11.        EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, which we
expect to file with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year end.

ITEM 12.        SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2021 relating to our equity compensation plans
pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock or other rights to acquire shares may be granted from time
to time.

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

Total

Number of
Securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
(A)

Weighted-Average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(B)

 166,760
 —

 166,760

$

$

 16.74
 —

 16.74

Number of
Securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (excluding
securities
reflected in
column (A)) (C)

 1,633,015
 —

 1,633,015

All other information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, which
we expect to file with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year end.

156

    
    
    
Table of Contents

ITEM 13.        CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, which we
expect to file with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year end.

ITEM 14.        PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, which we
expect to file with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year end.

PART IV.

ITEM 15.        EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1). See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 90.

(a)(2). Financial Statement Schedule

All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable or not required, or because
the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto included in
Part II, Item 8.

(a)(3). Exhibits

157

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

    Description

2.1

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5 §

10.6 §

10.7 §

10.8 §

10.9 §

10.10 §

10.11 §

10.12 §

Agreement and Plan of Merger between HBT Financial, Inc., HB-NXT Merger, Inc. and NXT
Bancorporation, Inc. dated June 7, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 7, 2021).

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of HBT Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the Commission on October 30, 2019).

Amended and Restated By-law of HBT Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the Commission on October 30, 2019).

Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the Commission on October 1, 2019).

Description of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on March 27, 2020).

Form of 4.50% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Note due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on September 3, 2020).

Voting Trust Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2016, among Fred L. Drake, the Company and the depositors
party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form
S-1, filed with the Commission on September 13, 2019).

Amended Restated Stockholder Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2019, by and among the Company
and the stockholders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the Commission on October 1, 2019).

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2019, by and among the Company and the
stockholders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, filed with the Commission on November 20, 2019).

Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated September 3, 2020, by and among HBT Financial, Inc. and
the Purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K,
filed with the Commission on September 3, 2020).

HBT Financial, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the Commission on October 30, 2019).

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021, by and between the
Company and Fred L. Drake (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 25, 2021).

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021, by and between the
Company and J. Lance Carter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 25, 2021).

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021, by and between the
Company and Patrick F. Busch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 25, 2021).

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the Commission on September 13, 2019).

Form of Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the Commission on October 1, 2019).

Form of Restricted Shares Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the Commission on October 1, 2019).

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (with dividend equivalent rights) (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 3,
2020).

158

Table of Contents

10.13 §

Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on March 12, 2021).

10.14 § *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.

10.15 § *

Form of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.

21.1 *

23.1 *

31.1 *

31.2 *

32.1 **

32.2 **

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

Consent of RSM US LLP.

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of the 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 the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

iXBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.LAB

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

*
**

§

Filed herewith.
This exhibit is furnished herewith and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 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 of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-
K.

ITEM 16.        FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

159

Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

Dated: March 11, 2022

HBT FINANCIAL, INC.

By: /s/ Matthew J. Doherty
Matthew J. Doherty
Chief Financial Officer
(on behalf of the registrant and as principal
financial officer)

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

/s/ Fred L. Drake
Fred L. Drake

/s/ Matthew J. Doherty
Matthew J. Doherty

/s/ Roger A. Baker
Roger A. Baker

/s/ C. Alvin Bowman
C. Alvin Bowman

/s/ Eric E. Burwell
Eric E. Burwell

/s/ Patrick F. Busch
Patrick F. Busch

/s/ J. Lance Carter
J. Lance Carter

/s/ Allen C. Drake
Allen C. Drake

/s/ Linda J. Koch
Linda J. Koch

/s/ Gerald E. Pfeiffer
Gerald E. Pfeiffer

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

Executive Vice President, Chief Lending
Officer and Director

     Date

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

March 11, 2022

Director

Director

Director

160

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

EXHIBIT 10.14

RSU AWARD AGREEMENT
HBT FINANCIAL, INC. OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

HBT Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) grants to the Participant named below (“you”) the number of restricted stock
units (“RSUs”) set forth below (the “Award”), under this RSU Award Agreement (this “Agreement”  or  “Award
Agreement”).

Governing Plan: HBT Financial, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”)

Defined Terms: As set forth in the Plan, unless otherwise defined in this Agreement

Participant:

[Name]

Grant Date:

[Date]

Number of RSUs: [●]

Definition of
RSU:

Each RSU entitles you to receive one Share, together with accrued Dividend Equivalents, in the future,
subject to the terms of this Agreement.

Earning and
Payment:

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the RSUs will become vested and payable as follows, as long as
you do not have a Separation from Service before the applicable vesting date:

Vesting Date

% of RSUs Payable

[●]

[●]

[●]

[●]%

[●]%

[●]%

1.

Grant of RSUs.

RSU TERMS

(a)

The  Award  is  subject  to  the  terms  of  the  Plan.  The  terms  of  the  Plan  are  incorporated  into  this

Agreement by this reference.

(b)

You must accept the terms of this Agreement by returning a signed copy to the Company within 30
days  after  the  Agreement  is  presented  to  you  for  review.  The  Committee  may  unilaterally  cancel  and  forfeit  the
Award in its entirety if you do not accept the terms of this Agreement.

 
 
 
 
 
2.

Restrictions; Rights as Stockholders.

(a)

You will have no rights or privileges of a Stockholder as to the Shares underlying the RSUs before
Settlement under Section 5 below, including no right to vote or receive dividends or other distributions; in addition,
the following terms will apply:

(i)

you will not be entitled to delivery of any Share certificates for the RSUs until Settlement

(if at all) and upon the satisfaction of all other terms;

(ii)

you  may  not  sell,  transfer  (other  than  by  will  or  the  laws  of  descent  and  distribution),

assign, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of the RSUs or any rights under the RSUs before Settlement;

(iii)

you will forfeit all of the RSUs, and all of your rights under the RSUs will terminate in their

entirety on the terms set forth in Section 4(a) and Section 10(j) below; and

(iv)

each  RSU  will  be  credited  with  cash  and  stock  dividends,  if  any,  paid  by  the  Company
during  the  period  commencing  on  the  Grant  Date  and  ending  on  the  date  of  Settlement  in  respect  of  one  Share
(“Dividend Equivalents”), and any such Dividend Equivalents accumulated will vest and be paid in the same form
(cash or stock) at the time the vested RSU is paid.

(b)

Any attempt to dispose of the RSUs or any interest in the RSUs in a manner contrary to the terms of

this Agreement will be void and of no effect.

3.
Restricted  Period  and  Payment.  The  “Restricted  Period”  is  the  period  beginning  on  the  Grant  Date  and
ending on the date the RSUs, or such applicable portion of the RSUs, vest and become payable under the terms set
forth in the table at the beginning of this Agreement or as provided in Section 4 below.

4.

Forfeiture; Qualifying Separation; Retirement; Change in Control.

(a)

Except  as  otherwise  provided  in  the  remainder  of  this  Section  4,  if,  during  the  Restricted  Period,
(a)  you  incur  a  Separation  from  Service  (for  the  avoidance  of  doubt,  which  does  not  otherwise  result  in  the
immediate or continued vesting and payment of the RSUs), (b) you materially breach this Agreement or (c) you fail
to meet the tax withholding obligations described in Section 6 below, all of your rights to the RSUs will terminate
immediately and be forfeited in their entirety.

(b)

If  you  incur  a  Separation  from  Service  due  to  your  death  or  a  Disability  (such  Separation  from
Service a “Qualifying Separation”) prior to [●], then 100% of your unvested RSUs shall become vested RSUs. The
RSUs which become vested pursuant to this Section 4(b) will be payable in accordance with Section 5 below.

(c)

If you incur a Separation from Service due to your Retirement on or after [●] and prior to [●], then
your unvested RSUs will not terminate and will instead continue to vest under the terms set forth in the table at the
beginning  of  this  Agreement  as  if  you  had  not  incurred  a  Separation  from  Service.  For  purposes  of  this  Award
Agreement, “Retirement” means your Separation from Service for any reason other than a Qualifying Separation or
termination for Cause if:

(i)

you are (A) at least 55 years of age and have at least 15 years of continuous service with the
Company and its Affiliates, or (B) at least 60 years of age and have at least five years of such continuous service;
and

(ii)

you have provided for an orderly transition of your duties to a successor as determined by

the Committee, including by:  (A) providing notice that you are considering retirement sufficiently in advance

2

(generally at least 90 days unless the Committee approves a shorter period) of your anticipated retirement date; and
(B) assisting with the transition of your duties to a successor.

In addition, as a condition for your Separation from Service to qualify as a Retirement, on or effective on the date of
your  Retirement,  you  will  be  required  to  enter  into  an  agreement  with  the  Company  (the  “Post-Retirement
Agreement”) providing that during the period following your Retirement in which unvested RSUs are outstanding
and  for  one  year  after  the  date  the  last  of  such  unvested  RSUs  become  vested  (the  “Post-Retirement Restricted
Covenant Period”), you will comply with and not violate any of the restrictive covenants (the “Post-Retirement
Restrictive Covenants”) set forth on Schedule 1 of this Agreement or any post-employment covenant applicable to
you  under  an  Employment  Agreement  or  other  agreement  in  effect  with,  or  policy  of,  the  Company  or  any  of  its
Affiliates  (any  such  violation  a  “Post-Retirement  Violation”).  Without  limiting  any  other  provision  of  this
Agreement,  including  Section  10(i),  if  a  Post-Retirement  Violation  occurs  during  the  Post-Retirement  Restricted
Covenant Period (A) any unvested RSUs will immediately terminate and be forfeited in their entirety and (B) any
Shares  received  upon  vesting  of  RSUs  after  the  date  of  your  Retirement  will  be  subject  to  repayment  to  the
Company (either the actual Shares or the current value thereof).

(d)

If a Change in Control occurs prior to the date the RSUs become vested under the terms set forth in
the  table  at  the  beginning  of  this  Agreement,  and  you  incur  a  Separation  from  Service  due  to  a  Qualifying
Separation, Retirement, without Cause or for Good Reason upon such Change in Control or within the 24 months
after  the  Change  in  Control,  but  prior  to  the  date  all  of  the  RSUs  have  become  vested,  then  any  RSUs  (or  a
Substitute Award as described below, as the case may be) which are then unvested shall become vested in full on the
date of such Separation from Service and will be payable in accordance with Section 5 below. If your Separation
from  Service  occurs  for  any  other  reason  (including  for  Cause  or  without  Good  Reason  (other  than  Retirement))
upon or within the 24 months after such Change in Control but prior to the time that all of the RSUs (or a Substitute
Award, as the case may be) have become vested, then the unvested RSUs (or a Substitute Award, as the case may
be) shall be immediately forfeited and all of your rights hereunder shall terminate.

(e)

For  purposes  of  this  Award  Agreement,  a  Separation  from  Service    “without  Cause”  means
termination of your employment by the Company or any Subsidiary without Cause, and “for Good Reason” means
your  resignation  from  employment  for  Good  Reason.    If  you  are  a  party  to  an  employment  agreement  with  the
Company or any Subsidiary (such agreement, the “Employment Agreement”), the determination of whether your
employment terminated “without Cause” or “for Good Reason” shall be determined in accordance with the terms of
your Employment Agreement, including but not limited to provisions relating to involuntary termination or words of
similar  import.    If  you  do  not  have  an  Employment  Agreement  with  the  Company  or  any  Subsidiary  with  such
terms, then the following terms shall apply:

(i)

“Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Plan.

(ii)

“Good  Reason”  shall  mean  the  occurrence  of  any  event,  other  than  in  connection  with
termination of your employment by the Company or any Subsidiary, which results in (1) a material diminution of
your principal duties or responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, including,
without limitation, a significant change in the nature or scope of your principal duties or responsibilities, such that
your  duties  or  responsibilities  are  inconsistent  with  those  immediately  prior  to  the  Change  in  Control,  and
commonly (in the banking industry) considered to be of lesser responsibility; or (2) a material diminution of your
total compensation from that immediately prior to the Change in Control; or (3) you being required to be based at an
office  or  location  which  is  more  than  35  miles  from  your  office  or  location  immediately  prior  to  the  Change  in
Control.    Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  in  order  for  your  resignation  for  Good  Reason  to  occur,  (x)  you  must
provide written notice of the Good Reason event to the Company or its subsidiary within 30 days after the initial
existence of such event, (y) the Company or its subsidiary must not have cured such condition within 30 days of
receipt of your written notice or the Company or Subsidiary must have stated unequivocally in writing that it does
not intend to attempt to cure such condition and (z) you must resign from employment at the end of the period

3

within which the Company or Subsidiary was entitled to remedy the condition constituting Good Reason but failed
to do so.

(f)

A Change in Control shall not, by itself, result in acceleration of vesting or payment of the unvested

RSUs, except as provided in this Section (4)(f).

(i)

Upon a Change in Control, the unvested RSUs will become earned and vest in full upon the
date of the Change in Control and become payable on the first regular payroll day following the Change in Control
unless another award meeting the requirements of this Section (4)(f) (a “Substitute Award”) is provided to you to
replace this Award (the “Original Award”).  The earned RSUs represented by such Substitute Award, if applicable,
shall  continue  to  vest  and  become  payable  as  provided  in  Section  3,  subject  to  earlier  vesting  in  accordance  with
Section 4(b) and 4(d), above.

(ii)

An  award  shall  meet  the  requirements  of  this  Section  (4)(f),  and  thereby  qualify  as  a

Substitute Award, if the following conditions are met:

(1)

the award has a value at least equal to the value of the Original Award;

(2)

the award relates to publicly traded equity securities of the Company or its
successor  following  the  Change  in  Control  or  another  entity  that  is  affiliated  with  the
Company or its successor following the Change in Control; and

(3)

the  other  terms  and  conditions  of  the  award  are  not  less  favorable  to  you
than  the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  Original  Award,  including  the  vesting  provisions  of
Section  4(d)  above  (except  that  in  the  event  of  a  subsequent  Change  in  Control  of  the
Company or its successor, the Substitute Award shall be fully vested and freely transferable
upon such subsequent Change in Control).

Without  limiting  the  generality  of  the  foregoing,  a  Substitute  Award  may  take  the  form  of  a  continuation  of  the
Original  Award  if  the  requirements  of  the  preceding  sentence  are  satisfied.    The  determination  of  whether  the
conditions  of  this  Section  4  are  satisfied  shall  be  made  by  the  Committee,  as  constituted  immediately  before  the
Change in Control, in its sole discretion.

Settlement of RSUs. Delivery of Shares or payment of other amounts (“Settlement”) which become vested

5.
and payable under this Agreement will be subject to the following:

(a)

The  Company  will  deliver  to  you  one  Share  for  each  RSU  that  has  become  vested,  and  any
Dividend Equivalents with respect thereto shall be payable, within 30 days after the end of the applicable Restricted
Period.

(b)

Any issuance of Shares under the Award may be effected on a non-certificated basis, to the extent

not prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of any securities exchange or similar entity.

(c)

If a certificate for Shares is delivered to you under the Award, the certificate may bear the following

or a similar legend as determined by the Company:

The ownership and transferability of this certificate and the shares of stock represented hereby are
subject to the terms (including forfeiture) of the HBT Financial, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan and an
RSU award agreement entered into between the registered owner and HBT Financial, Inc. Copies of
such plan and agreement are on file in the executive offices of HBT Financial, Inc.

4

In addition, any stock certificates for Shares will be subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the
Company  may  deem  advisable  under  the  rules,  regulations  and  other  requirements  of  the  SEC,  any  securities
exchange or similar entity upon which the Shares are then listed, and any applicable federal or state securities law,
and the Company may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any certificates to make appropriate reference to
these restrictions.

6.

Withholding.

(a)

Regardless of any action the Company may take that is related to any or all income tax, payroll tax
or other tax-related withholding (“Tax-Related Items”), the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items owed by you
is  and  will  remain  your  responsibility.  The  Company  (i)  makes  no  representations  or  undertakings  regarding  the
treatment of any Tax-Related Items under the Award and (ii) does not commit to structure the terms of the Award to
reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

(b)

You will be required to meet any applicable tax withholding obligation in accordance with the tax
withholding terms of Section 14.5 of the Plan (and any successor terms); provided that you will be permitted to elect
to have the Company withhold from the Shares and any Dividend Equivalents otherwise payable to you under this
Award the amounts necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations as described in said Section 14.5 of the Plan.  
The RSUs are intended to be exempt from Section 409A, and this Agreement will be administered and interpreted
consistently with that intent and with the terms of Section 14.16 of the Plan (and any successor terms).

Adjustment.  Upon  any  event  described  in  Section  4.2  of  the  Plan  (and  any  successor  sections)  occurring

7.
after the Grant Date, the adjustment terms of that section will apply to the Award.

8.
Bound by Plan and Committee Decisions. By accepting the Award, you acknowledge that you have received
a copy of the Plan, have had an opportunity to review the Plan, and agree to be bound by all of the terms of the Plan.
If  there  is  any  conflict  between  this  Agreement  and  the  Plan,  the  Plan  will  control.  The  authority  to  manage  and
control the operation and administration of this Agreement and the Plan is vested in the Committee. The Committee
has all powers under this Agreement that it has under the Plan. Any interpretation of this Agreement or the Plan by
the  Committee  and  any  decision  made  by  the  Committee  related  to  the  Agreement  or  the  Plan  will  be  final  and
binding on all Persons.

9.
Regulatory  and  Other  Limitations.  Notwithstanding  anything  else  in  this  Agreement,  the  Committee  may
impose  conditions,  restrictions  and  limitations  on  the  issuance  of  Shares  under  the  Award  unless  and  until  the
Committee determines that the issuance complies with (a) all registration requirements under the Securities Act, (b)
all listing requirements of any securities exchange or similar entity on which the Shares are listed, (c) all Company
policies and administrative rules and (d) all applicable laws.

10.

Miscellaneous.

(a)

Notices. Any notice that may be required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and
may be delivered personally, by intraoffice mail, or by electronic mail or via a postal service (postage prepaid) to the
electronic mail or postal address and directed to the person as the receiving party may designate in writing from time
to time.

(b)

Waiver. The waiver by any party to this Agreement of a breach of any term of the Agreement will

not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

(c)

Entire Agreement.  This  Agreement  and  the  Plan  constitute  the  entire  agreement  between  you  and
the Company related to the Award. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the Award are
superseded.

5

(d)

Binding Effect; Successors. The obligations and rights of the Company under this Agreement will
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor corporation or organization resulting
from the merger, consolidation, sale or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or
organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company. Your obligations and rights
under this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to your benefit and the benefit of your beneficiaries, executors,
administrators, heirs and successors.

(e)

Governing  Law;  Jurisdiction;  Waiver  of  Jury  Trial.  You  acknowledge  and  expressly  agree  to  the
governing law terms of Section 14.9 of the Plan (and any successor terms) and the jurisdiction and waiver of jury
trial terms of Section 14.10 of the Plan (and any successor terms).

(f)

Amendment.  This  Agreement  may  be  amended  at  any  time  by  the  Committee,  except  that  no

amendment may, without your consent, materially impair your rights under the Award.

(g)

Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any term of the Plan or this Agreement will not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other term of the Plan or this Agreement, and each other term of the Plan
and this Agreement will be severable and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.

(h)

No Rights to Service; No Impact on Other Benefits. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed as
giving you any right to be retained in any position with the Company or its Affiliates. Nothing in this Agreement
will interfere with or restrict the rights of the Company or its Affiliates—which are expressly reserved—to remove,
terminate  or  discharge  you  at  any  time  for  any  reason  whatsoever  or  for  no  reason,  subject  to  the  Company’s
certificate  of  incorporation,  bylaws,  and  other  similar  governing  documents  and  applicable  law.  The  value  of  the
RSUs is not part of your normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, retirement,
welfare,  insurance,  or  similar  employee  benefit.  The  grant  of  the  RSUs  does  not  create  any  right  to  receive  any
future awards.

(i)

Further  Assurances.  You  must,  upon  request  of  the  Company  or  the  Committee,  do  all  acts  and
execute, deliver, and perform all additional documents, instruments and agreements that may be reasonably required
by the Company or the Committee to implement this Agreement.

(j)

Clawback. All awards, amounts or benefits received or outstanding under the Plan will be subject to
clawback,  cancellation,  recoupment,  rescission,  payback,  reduction  or  other  similar  action  in  accordance  with  the
terms of any Company clawback or similar policy or any applicable law related to such actions, as may be in effect
from time to time. You acknowledge and consent to the Company’s application, implementation and enforcement of
any  applicable  Company  clawback  or  similar  policy  that  may  apply  to  you,  whether  adopted  before  or  after  the
Grant Date (including the forfeiture, clawback and detrimental conduct terms contained in Section 14.22 of the Plan
as of the Grant Date (and any successor terms)), and any term of applicable law relating to clawback, cancellation,
recoupment, rescission, payback or reduction of compensation, and the Company may take such actions as may be
necessary to effectuate any such policy or applicable law, without further consideration or action.

(k)

Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may deliver any documents related to current or
future participation in the Plan by electronic means. You consent to receive those documents by electronic delivery
and to participate in the Plan through any online or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or
a third party designated by the Company.

11.
Your  Representations.  You  represent  to  the  Company  that  you  have  read  and  fully  understand  this
Agreement  and  the  Plan  and  that  your  decision  to  participate  in  the  Plan  is  completely  voluntary.  You  also
acknowledge that you are relying solely on your own advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Award.

6

By signing below, you agree that the Award is granted under and governed by the terms of the Plan and this RSU
Award Agreement—and you agree to all such terms—as of the Grant Date.

PARTICIPANT

HBT FINANCIAL, INC.

Sign name:

Print name:

7

Sign name:

Print name:

Title:

  
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
PERFORMANCE RSU AWARD AGREEMENT
HBT FINANCIAL, INC. OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

HBT Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) grants to the Participant named below (“you”)  the  number  of  performance
restricted  stock  units  (“PRSUs”)  set  forth  below  (the  “Award”  or  “PRSU  Award”),  under  this  PRSU  Award
Agreement (this “Agreement” or “Award Agreement”).

EXHIBIT 10.15

Governing Plan: HBT Financial, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”)

Defined Terms: As set forth in the Plan, unless otherwise defined in this Agreement

Participant:

[Name]

Grant Date:

[Date]

Target Number
of PRSUs:

[●] (the “target number of PRSUs”)

Definition of
PRSU:

Each PRSU earned entitles you to receive one Share, together with accrued Dividend Equivalents, in the
future subject to the terms of this Agreement.

Performance
Period:

Earning and
Payment:

[●] through [●] (the “Performance Period”)

Subject to the terms of the Agreement, the number of PRSUs which may earned and become vested and
payable is as follows:

If average annual ROATCE for the
Performance Period, as determined in
accordance with Exhibit A is:

PRSUs Earned and Payable
(% of target number of PRSUs)

[●]% or greater

150%

[●]% or more, but less than [●]%

25% to 150% depending upon relative performance
as determined in accordance with Exhibit A to this
Agreement

Less than [●]%

0%

 
 
1.

Grant of PRSUs.

PRSU TERMS

(a)

The  Award  is  subject  to  the  terms  of  the  Plan.  The  terms  of  the  Plan  are  incorporated  into  this

Agreement by this reference.

(b)

You must accept the terms of this Agreement by returning a signed copy to the Company within 30
days  after  the  Agreement  is  presented  to  you  for  review.  The  Committee  may  unilaterally  cancel  and  forfeit  the
Award in its entirety if you do not accept the terms of this Agreement.

2.

Rights as Stockholder..

(a)

You will have no rights or privileges of a Stockholder as to the Shares underlying the PRSUs before
Settlement under Section 5 below, including no right to vote or receive dividends or other distributions; in addition,
the following terms will apply:

(i)

you will not be entitled to delivery of any Share certificates for the PRSUs until Settlement

(if at all) and upon the satisfaction of all other terms;

(ii)

you  may  not  sell,  transfer  (other  than  by  will  or  the  laws  of  descent  and  distribution),

assign, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of the PRSUs or any rights under the PRSUs before Settlement;

(iii)

you will forfeit all of the PRSUs and all of your rights under the PRSUs will terminate in

their entirety on the terms set forth in Section 4(a) and Section 10(j) below; and

(iv)

each  earned  PRSU  will  be  credited  with  cash  and  stock  dividends,  if  any,  paid  by  the
Company during the period commencing on the Grant Date and ending on the date of Settlement in respect of one
Share (“Dividend Equivalents”), and any such Dividend Equivalents will be accumulated and will vest and be paid
in the same form (cash or stock) at the same time as such earned PRSUs vest and are paid.

(b)

Any attempt to dispose of the PRSUs or any interest in the PRSUs in a manner contrary to the terms

of this Agreement will be void and of no effect.

Vesting.  Earned  PRSUs,  if  any, determined  in  accordance  with  this  Agreement  will  vest  on  [ ● ]  (the  “[ ● ]

3.
Vesting Date”), subject to Section 4 below.

4.

Effect of Separation from Service; Forfeiture; Change in Control.  

(a)    Except  as  otherwise  provided  in  the  remainder  of  this  Section  4,  if  (i)  you  incur  a  Separation  from
Service prior to the [●] Vesting Date (for the avoidance of doubt, which does not otherwise result in the immediate
or continued earning and payment of the PRSUs), (ii) you materially breach this Agreement or (iii) you fail to meet
the  tax  withholding  obligations  described  in  Section  6  below,  all  of  your  rights  to  the  PRSUs  will  terminate
immediately and be forfeited in their entirety.

(b)  Except as provided in the following paragraphs of this Section 4, if you incur a Separation from Service
due to your death or a Disability (such Separation from Service a “Qualifying Separation”) on or prior to [●], then
a percentage of your target number of PRSUs shall remain outstanding and may become earned and vested PRSUs,
and the remainder of your target number of PRSUs  shall  be  forfeited  and  will not  become  earned  or  vested  after
such Separation from Service. In the event of such Qualifying Separation, the percentage of your target number of
PRSUs that will remain outstanding and eligible to become earned and vested will be equal to the product of (i) the

2

target number of PRSUs multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole months that
have elapsed from [●] to the date your Qualifying Separation and the denominator of which is 36; provided, that if at
the time of your Qualifying Separation you had satisfied the Retirement Age and Service Requirement (as defined in
Section 4(c) below), then such product shall be 100% of your target number of PRSUs. Such product shall become
your  target  number  PRSUs  for  purposes  of  determining  the  number  of  earned  PRSUs  under  Exhibit  A,  if  any,
following  the  end  the  of  the  Performance  Period.   Your  earned  PRSUs,  if  any,  will  vest  and  become  payable  in
Shares on the [●] Vesting Date.

(c)  If you incur a Separation from Service due to your Retirement on or after [●] and prior to the [●] Vesting
Date, then your target number of PRSUs shall remain outstanding and may become earned and vested PRSUs after
such Separation from Service and such target number PRSUs shall apply for purposes of determining the number of
earned PRSUs under Exhibit A, if any, following the end the of the Performance Period.  Your earned PRSUs, if any,
will  vest  and  become  payable  in  Shares  on  the  [ ● ]  Vesting  Date.  For  purposes  of  this  Award  Agreement,
“Retirement” means your Separation from Service for any reason other than a Qualifying Separation or termination
for Cause if:

(i)

you are (A) at least 55 years of age and have at least 15 years of continuous service with the
Company and its Affiliates, or (B) at least 60 years of age and have at least five years of such continuous service
(the “Retirement Age and Service Requirement”); and

(ii)

you have provided for an orderly transition of your duties to a successor as determined by
the  Committee,  including  by:    (A)  providing  notice  that  you  are  considering  retirement  sufficiently  in  advance
(generally at least 90 days unless the Committee approves a shorter period) of your anticipated retirement date; and
(B) assisting with the transition of your duties to a successor.

In addition, as a condition for your Separation from Service to qualify as a Retirement, on or effective on the date of
your  Retirement,  you  will  be  required  to  enter  into  an  agreement  with  the  Company  (the  “Post-Retirement
Agreement”) providing that during the period following your Retirement in which unvested PRSUs are outstanding
and  for  one  year  after  the  date  any  of  such  PRSUs  become  vested  (the  “Post-Retirement  Restricted  Covenant
Period”), you will comply with and not violate any of the restrictive covenants (the “Post-Retirement Restrictive
Covenants”)  set  forth  on  Schedule 1 or any  post-employment  covenant  applicable  to  you  under  an  Employment
Agreement or other agreement in effect with, or policy of, the Company or any of its Affiliates (any such violation a
“Post-Retirement Violation”). Without limiting any other provision of this Agreement, including Section 10(i), if a
Post-Retirement Violation occurs during the Post-Retirement Restricted Covenant Period (A) any unvested PRSUs
will immediately terminate and be forfeited in their entirety and (B) any Shares received upon vesting of the PRSUs
after  the  date  of  your  Retirement  will  be  subject  to  repayment  to  the  Company  (either  the  actual  Shares  or  the
current value thereof).

(d)  Except as provided in the following paragraphs of this Section 4, if you incur a Separation from Service
after [●] but prior to the [●] Vesting Date due to a Qualifying Separation, or without Cause or for Good Reason, then
100%  of  your  target  number  of  PRSUs  shall  remain  outstanding  and  may  become  earned  PRSUs  and  vest  and
become payable on the [●] Vesting Date as if such Separation from Service had not occurred.

(e)  If a Change in Control occurs prior to [●] and you incur a Separation from Service due to a Qualifying
Separation, Retirement, without Cause or for Good Reason upon such Change in Control or within the 24 months
after  the  Change  in  Control,  but  prior  to  the  date  all  of  the  earned  PRSUs  have  become  vested,  then  any  earned
PRSUs (or a Substitute Award as described below, as the case may be) which are then unvested shall vest in full on
the date of such Separation from Service and become immediately payable. If your Separation from Service occurs
for  any  other  reason  (including  for  Cause  or  without  Good  Reason  (other  than  Retirement)  upon  or  within  the
24 months after such Change in Control but prior to the time that all of the earned PRSUs (or a Substitute Award,

3

as the case may be) have become vested, then the unvested earned PRSUs (or a Substitute Award, as the case may
be) shall be immediately forfeited and all of your rights hereunder shall terminate.

(f)  For purposes of this Award Agreement, a Separation from Service  “without Cause” means termination of
your  employment  by  the  Company  or  any  Subsidiary  without  Cause,  and  “for  Good  Reason”  means  your
resignation from employment for Good Reason.  If you are a party to an employment agreement with the Company
or any Subsidiary (such agreement the “Employment Agreement”), the determination of whether your employment
terminated  “without  Cause”  or  “for  Good  Reason”  shall  be  determined  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  your
Employment  Agreement,  including  but  not  limited  to  provisions  relating  to  involuntary  termination  or  words  of
similar  import.    If  you  do  not  have  an  Employment  Agreement  with  the  Company  or  any  Subsidiary  with  such
terms, then the following terms shall apply:

(i)

“Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Plan.

(ii)

“Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any event, other than in connection
with termination  of  your  employment  by  the  Company  or  any  Subsidiary,  which  results  in  (1)  a  material
diminution of your principal duties or responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change
in Control, including, without limitation, a significant change in the nature or scope of your principal duties
or responsibilities, such that your duties or responsibilities are inconsistent with those immediately prior to
the Change in Control, and commonly (in the banking industry) considered to be of lesser responsibility, or
(2) a material diminution of your total compensation from that immediately prior to the Change in Control
or (3) you being required to be based at an office or location which is more than 35 miles from your office
or location immediately prior to the Change in Control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order for your
resignation for Good Reason to occur, (x) you must provide written notice of the Good Reason event to the
Company or its subsidiary within 30 days after the initial existence of such event, (y) the  Company  or  its
subsidiary  must  not  have  cured  such  condition  within  30  days  of  receipt  of  your  written  notice  or  the
Company or Subsidiary must have stated unequivocally in writing that it does not intend to attempt to cure
such  condition;  and  (z)  you  must  resign  from  employment  at  the  end  of  the  period  within  which  the
Company or Subsidiary was entitled to remedy the condition constituting Good Reason but failed to do so.

(g)  In the event of a Change in Control after the completion of the Performance Period on [●], but prior to the

[●] Vesting Date, the earned PRSUs will continue to vest and become payable as provided above.

(h)    In  the  event  and  concurrently  with  the  effectiveness  of  a  Change  in  Control  during  the  Performance
Period, the Performance Period shall end and the number of earned PRSUs shall be determined in accordance with
Exhibit A. The earned PRSUs shall vest and become payable as provided in Section 4(i) below.

(i)  A Change in Control shall not, by itself, result in acceleration of vesting or payment of the earned PRSUs,

except as provided in this Section (4)(i).

(i)

Upon  a  Change  in  Control,  the  earned  PRSUs  (as  determined  in  accordance  with
Exhibit A) will vest in full upon the date of the Change in Control and become payable on the first regular
payroll day following the Change in Control unless another award meeting the requirements of this Section
(4)(i)  (a  “Substitute  Award”)  is  provided  to  you  to  replace  this  Award  (the  “Original  Award”).    The
earned  PRSUs  represented  by  such  Substitute  Award,  if  applicable,  shall  continue  to  vest  and  become
payable  as  provided  in  Section  3  and  Section  4(b)  and  (d),  subject  to  earlier  vesting  in  accordance  with
Section 4(e), above.

(ii)

An award shall meet the requirements of this Section (4)(i), and thereby qualify as a

Substitute Award, if the following conditions are met:

4

(1)

the award has a value at least equal to the value of the Original Award;

(2)

the award relates to publicly traded equity securities of the Company or its
successor following the Change in Control or another entity that is affiliated with the Company or
its successor following the Change in Control; and

(3)

the  other  terms  and  conditions  of  the  award  are  not  less  favorable  to  you
than  the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  Original Award,  including  the  vesting  provisions  of  Section
4(d)  above  (except  that  in  the  event  of  a  subsequent  Change  in  Control  of  the  Company  or  its
successor, the Substitute Award shall be fully vested and freely transferable upon such subsequent
Change in Control).

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Substitute Award may take the form of a continuation of
the  Original  Award  if  the  requirements  of  the  preceding  sentence  are  satisfied.    The  determination  of
whether  the  conditions  of  this  Section  4  are  satisfied  shall  be  made  by  the  Committee,  as  constituted
immediately before the Change in Control, in its sole discretion.

Settlement  of  PRSUs.  Delivery  of  Shares  or  payment  of  other  amounts  (“Settlement”)  which  become

5.
vested and payable under this Agreement will be subject to the following:

(a)

The  Company  will  deliver  to  you  one  Share  and  the  accrued  Dividend  Equivalents  with  respect
thereto for each earned PRSU within 15 days after the date the earned PRSU has become vested and payable (the
2024 Vesting Date or such earlier date as provided in Section 4(d) or 4(h) above).

(b)

Any issuance of Shares under the Award may be effected on a non-certificated basis, to the extent

not prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of any securities exchange or similar entity.

(c)

If a certificate for Shares is delivered to you under the Award, the certificate may bear the following

or a similar legend as determined by the Company:

The ownership and transferability of this certificate and the shares of stock represented hereby are
subject to the terms (including forfeiture) of the HBT Financial, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan and a
PRSU award agreement entered into between the registered owner and HBT Financial, Inc. Copies
of such plan and agreement are on file in the executive offices of HBT Financial, Inc.

In addition, any stock certificates for Shares will be subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the
Company  may  deem  advisable  under  the  rules,  regulations  and  other  requirements  of  the  SEC,  any  securities
exchange or similar entity upon which the Shares are then listed, and any applicable federal or state securities law,
and the Company may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any certificates to make appropriate reference to
these restrictions.

6.

Withholding.

(a)

Regardless of any action the Company may take that is related to any or all income tax, payroll tax
or other tax-related withholding (“Tax-Related Items”), the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items owed by you
is  and  will  remain  your  responsibility.  The  Company  (i)  makes  no  representations  or  undertakings  regarding  the
treatment of any Tax-Related Items under the Award and (ii) does not commit to structure the terms of the Award to
reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

(b)

You will be required to meet any applicable tax withholding obligation in accordance with the tax

withholding terms of Section 14.5 of the Plan (and any successor terms); provided that you will be permitted to

5

elect to have the Company withhold from the Shares and any Dividend Equivalents otherwise payable to you under
this Award the amounts necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations as described in said Section 14.5 of the
Plan.  The  PRSUs  are  intended  to  be  exempt  from  Section  409A,  and  this  Agreement  will  be  administered  and
interpreted consistently with that intent and with the terms of Section 14.16 of the Plan (and any successor terms).

Adjustment.  Upon  any  event  described  in  Section  4.2  of  the  Plan  (and  any  successor  sections)  occurring

7.
after the Grant Date, the adjustment terms of that section will apply to the Award.

8.
Bound by Plan and Committee Decisions. By accepting the Award, you acknowledge that you have received
a copy of the Plan, have had an opportunity to review the Plan, and agree to be bound by all of the terms of the Plan.
If  there  is  any  conflict  between  this  Agreement  and  the  Plan,  the  Plan  will  control.  The  authority  to  manage  and
control the operation and administration of this Agreement and the Plan is vested in the Committee. The Committee
has all powers under this Agreement that it has under the Plan. Any interpretation of this Agreement or the Plan by
the  Committee  and  any  decision  made  by  the  Committee  related  to  the  Agreement  or  the  Plan  will  be  final  and
binding on all Persons.

Regulatory  and  Other  Limitations.  Notwithstanding  anything  else  in  this  Agreement,  the  Committee  may
9.
impose  conditions,  restrictions  and  limitations  on  the  issuance  of  Shares  under  the  Award  unless  and  until  the
Committee determines that the issuance complies with (a) all registration requirements under the Securities Act, (b)
all listing requirements of any securities exchange or similar entity on which the Shares are listed, (c) all Company
policies and administrative rules and (d) all applicable laws.

10.

Miscellaneous.

(a)

Notices. Any notice that may be required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and
may be delivered personally, by intraoffice mail, or by electronic mail or via a postal service (postage prepaid) to the
electronic mail or postal address and directed to the person as the receiving party may designate in writing from time
to time.

(b)

Waiver. The waiver by any party to this Agreement of a breach of any term of the Agreement will

not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

(c)

Entire Agreement.  This  Agreement  and  the  Plan  constitute  the  entire  agreement  between  you  and
the Company related to the Award. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the Award are
superseded.

(d)

Binding Effect; Successors. The obligations and rights of the Company under this Agreement will
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor corporation or organization resulting
from the merger, consolidation, sale or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or
organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company. Your obligations and rights
under this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to your benefit and the benefit of your beneficiaries, executors,
administrators, heirs and successors.

(e)

Governing  Law;  Jurisdiction;  Waiver  of  Jury  Trial.  You  acknowledge  and  expressly  agree  to  the
governing law terms of Section 14.9 of the Plan (and any successor terms) and the jurisdiction and waiver of jury
trial terms of Section 14.10 of the Plan (and any successor terms).

(f)

Amendment.  This  Agreement  may  be  amended  at  any  time  by  the  Committee,  except  that  no

amendment may, without your consent, materially impair your rights under the Award.

6

(g)

Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any term of the Plan or this Agreement will not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other term of the Plan or this Agreement, and each other term of the Plan
and this Agreement will be severable and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.

(h)

No Rights to Service; No Impact on Other Benefits. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed as
giving you any right to be retained in any position with the Company or its Affiliates.  Nothing in this Agreement
will interfere with or restrict the rights of the Company or its Affiliates—which are expressly reserved—to remove,
terminate  or  discharge  you  at  any  time  for  any  reason  whatsoever  or  for  no  reason,  subject  to  the  Company’s
certificate  of  incorporation,  bylaws,  and  other  similar  governing  documents  and  applicable  law.  The  value  of  the
PRSUs is not part of your normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, retirement,
welfare,  insurance  or  similar  employee  benefit.  The  grant  of  the  PRSUs  does  not  create  any  right  to  receive  any
future awards.

(i)

Further  Assurances.  You  must,  upon  request  of  the  Company  or  the  Committee,  do  all  acts  and
execute, deliver, and perform all additional documents, instruments and agreements that may be reasonably required
by the Company or the Committee to implement this Agreement.

(j)

Clawback. All awards, amounts or benefits received or outstanding under the Plan will be subject to
clawback,  cancellation,  recoupment,  rescission,  payback,  reduction  or  other  similar  action  in  accordance  with  the
terms of any Company clawback or similar policy or any applicable law related to such actions, as may be in effect
from time to time. You acknowledge and consent to the Company’s application, implementation and enforcement of
any  applicable  Company  clawback  or  similar  policy  that  may  apply  to  you,  whether  adopted  before  or  after  the
Grant Date (including the forfeiture, clawback and detrimental conduct terms contained in Section 14.22 of the Plan
as of the Grant Date (and any successor terms)), and any term of applicable law relating to clawback, cancellation,
recoupment, rescission, payback, or reduction of compensation, and the Company may take such actions as may be
necessary to effectuate any such policy or applicable law, without further consideration or action.

(k)

Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may deliver any documents related to current or
future participation in the Plan by electronic means. You consent to receive those documents by electronic delivery
and to participate in the Plan through any online or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or
a third party designated by the Company.

11.
Your  Representations.  You  represent  to  the  Company  that  you  have  read  and  fully  understand  this
Agreement  and  the  Plan  and  that  your  decision  to  participate  in  the  Plan  is  completely  voluntary.  You  also
acknowledge that you are relying solely on your own advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Award.

By signing below, you agree that the Award is granted under and governed by the terms of the Plan and this PRSU
Award Agreement—and you agree to all such terms—as of the Grant Date.

PARTICIPANT

HBT FINANCIAL, INC.

Sign name:

Print name:

Sign name:

Print name:

Title:

7

  
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
 
Exhibit A to Performance RSU Award Agreement

References  herein  to  “Award  Agreement”  shall  mean  the  Performance  RSU  Award  Agreement  to  which  this
Exhibit is attached and references to “Participant” means you.

(1)

Definitions.  For purposes of this Exhibit A, the following terms will have the meanings set forth

below:

(a)
may be adjusted as described therein.

“Comparison Group” means the companies listed on Appendix 1 to this Exhibit A, as

(b)

“S&P Global” means S&P Global Market Intelligence (sometimes referred to as SNL)
or  any  successor  organization  designated  by  the  Committee,  and  “as  reported  by  S&P  Global”  means
comparative financial data for an applicable period as defined and reported by S&P Global based upon publicly
reported financial information.

(c)

(d)

“Performance Period” means the three-year period commencing [●] and ending [●].

“Calendar Year” means each of the calendar years [●] (or a portion thereof as may be

applicable under this Exhibit A).

(e)

“Calendar Year ROATCE” means ROATCE for the applicable Calendar Year.

(f)

“ROATCE”,  as  applied  to  the  Company  or  any  company  in  the  Comparison  Group,
means with respect to any specified period net income, adjusted for tax-affected amortization of intangibles, as a
percent of average tangible common equity,  for  such  period  as  reported  by  S&P  Global.  If  during  a  period  a
company:  (i) files for bankruptcy, reorganization or liquidation under any chapter of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code;
(ii)  is  the  subject  of  an  involuntary  bankruptcy  proceeding  that  is  not  dismissed  within  30  days;  (iii)  is  the
subject  of  a  stockholder  approved  plan  of  liquidation  or  dissolution;  or  (iv)  ceases  to  conduct  substantial
business operations other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation, share exchange or similar transaction, then
the ROATCE for that company for such period will be negative one hundred percent (-100%).

(g)

“AAROATCE” means, as applied to the Company or any company in the Comparison
Group, the average Calendar Year ROATCE for the Calendar Years in the Performance Period; provided that in
the event of a Change in Control during the Performance Period, the Average Calendar Year ROATCE shall be
determined for the number of full Calendar Years in the Performance Period that have elapsed as of the calendar
quarter  end  immediately  preceding  the  Change  in  Control  (the  “Measurement  Quarter  End”);  provided,
however, that for this purpose the Calendar Year including the Measurement Quarter End shall be treated as a
full Calendar Year and the Calendar  Year  ROATCE  for  such  year  shall  be  determined  by  annualizing  the  net
income through the Measurement Quarter End and dividing that amount by the average tangible common equity
during such Calendar Year through the Measurement Quarter End.

(h)

Other Capitalized Terms.  All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this

Exhibit A shall have the same definitions stated in the Award Agreement or the Plan, as applicable.

(2)

Average Annual ROATCE Performance Goal.

(a)

Performance Goal.   The  Performance  Goal  applicable  to  the  PRSU  Award  is  average

annual return on tangible common equity or AAROATCE during the Performance Period.

Exhibit A – Page 1

(b)

Determination of Achievement Relative to Performance Criteria.  Following the end of
the Performance Period, the Committee will determine the level of the AAROATCE performance goal achieved
by the Company.  Performance at or above the threshold level set forth below will result in PRSUs becoming
earned (“earned PRSUs”).  The determination of the level of the AAROATCE performance goal achieved and
the number of earned PRSUs shall occur no later than 60 days after the end of the Performance Period.  Such
determination shall be made as described in Sections 3 through 5 below.  Earned PRSUs will vest as set forth in
the Award Agreement.  The PRSUs will be forfeited and cancelled in full if the Company’s performance during
the Performance Period does not meet or exceed the threshold.  To the extent the earned PRSUs are less than the
target numbers of PRSUs, such unearned PRSUs shall be forfeited and cancelled.

(3)

Calculation.  For  purposes  of  this  Exhibit  A,  the  number  of  PRSUs  which  shall  become  earned

PRSUs will be calculated as follows:

(a)

FIRST:  Determine the AAROATCE for the Performance Period for the Company and

for each other company in the Comparison Group. If the AAROATCE for the Company is:

(i)

[ ● ]%  or  greater,  then  the  number  of  earned  PRSUs  shall  be  150%  of  the  target

number of PRSUs granted under the PRSU Award;

(ii)

Less than [●]%, then the number of earned PRSUs shall be 0% of the target number

of PRSUs granted under the PRSU Award; or

(iii)

[ ● ]%  or  greater,  but  less  than  [ ● ]%,  the  number  of  earned  PRSUs  shall  be

determined in accordance with the second and third steps below.

(b)

SECOND:  Rank the AAROATCE values determined in the first step from low to high
(with the company having the lowest AAROATCE being ranked number 1, the company with the second lowest
Average  Calendar  Year  ROATCE  Percentile  ranked  number  2,  and  so  on)  and  determine  the  Company’s
AAROATCE percentile rank (expressed as a percentage) by dividing the Company’s rank by the total number of
companies (including the Company) in the list and rounding the quotient to the nearest hundredth.  For example,
if  the  Company’s,  number  rank  is  14  on  a  list  of  22  companies  (including  the  Company),  the  Company’s
percentile rank would be 63.63%, reflecting the fact that the AAROATCE value for 13 companies was lower
than the Company’s AAROATCE value.

(c)

THIRD:  Plot the percentile rank for the Company determined in the second step into
the appropriate band in the left-hand column of the table below and determine the number of PRSUs earned as a
percent of the number of the target number of PRSUs, which is the figure in the right-hand column of the table
below  corresponding  to  that  percentile  rank.    Use  linear  interpolation  between  points  in  the  table  below  to
determine  the  percentile  rank  and  the  corresponding  percent  of  the  target  number  of  PRSUs  earned  if  the
Company’s percentile rank is greater than 25% and less than 75% but not exactly one of the percentile ranks
listed in the left-hand column.    For example, if the Company’s percentile rank is 63.63%, then the number of
earned PRSUs would be equal to 127.36% of the target number of PRSUs.

PERCENTILE RANK
<25%
  25%
  50%
75% or above

PERCENT OF TARGET NUMBER OF PRSUS EARNED
25%
50%
100%
150%

(4)

Rules. The following rules apply to the computation of the number of PRSUs earned:

Exhibit A – Page 2

(a)

No Guaranteed Payout. The minimum number of PRSUs that may be earned is zero and

the maximum number of PRSUs which may be earned is 150% of the target number of PRSUs.

(b)

Committee  Discretion.  In  determining  the  level  of  AAROATCE  achieved,  and  the
resulting number of earned PRSUs, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, (i) make equitable adjustments in
the  determination  of  the  Company’s  ROATCE  for  any  period  as  the  Committee  may  deem  appropriate  in
recognition  of  certain  events  affecting  the  Company  or  its  financial  statements,  in  response  to  changes  in
applicable laws, accounting principles or policies, or to account for items of gain, loss or expense determined to
be  extraordinary,  uncommon  or  unusual  in  nature  or  infrequent  in  occurrence,  or  related  to  the  divestiture  of
assets  or  a  business  segment  or  related  to  a  change  in  accounting  principles,  or  other  events  or  transactions
comparable to the foregoing;  (ii) make adjustments to the ROATCE for any period reported by S&P Global for
the  Company  or  any  company  in  the  Comparison  Group  as  the  Committee  may  deem  appropriate  to  correct
errors  or  inconsistencies  in  such  reported  amounts  and  (iii)  determine,  or  direct  that  an  alternative  method  be
used to determine, the ROATCE for any period for the Company or any company in the Comparison Group to
the  extent  such  amount  has  not  been  reported  by  S&P  Global  or  is  otherwise  unavailable  (which  alternative
method  may  include  excluding  a  company  from  the  Comparison  Group  to  the  extent  its  ROATCE  is  not
reasonably determinable).

(5)

Effect of Certain Events.  The following provisions will apply in the event  the Participant incurs a

Separation of Service or the occurrence of a Change in Control:

(a)

Termination of Employment Prior to a Change in Control.  The effect of a Separation
from Service prior to a Change in Control shall be governed by Section 4 of the Award Agreement to which this
Exhibit A is a part.

(b)

Effect of Change in Control.  In the event of a Change in Control, the number of PRSUs

that shall be earned shall be calculated and determined by the Committee as follows:

FIRST:  If the Performance Period has not been completed, there shall be determined the number of PRSUs
that would be earned if the Performance Period was the period that began on [●] and ended on the effective date of
the Change in Control.  The Compensation Committee shall determine the number of PRSUs earned in accordance
with  Sections  1(c)  and  3  of  this  Exhibit  A.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if  the  number  of  earned  PRSUs  so
determined is less than 100% of the target number of PRSUs, the number of earned PRSUs shall be equal to the
target number of PRSUs.

SECOND:  If the Performance Period has been completed, then the number of earned PRSUs shall be equal

to the number determined in accordance with Sections 1(c) and 3 of this Exhibit A.

The Earned PRSUs shall vest and be payable in accordance with Section 4 of the Award Agreement.

Exhibit A – Page 3

Appendix 1 to Exhibit A to Performance RSU Award Agreement

Comparison Group

[●]

Companies shall be removed from the Comparison Group if they undergo a Specified Corporate Change.  A 
company that is removed from the Comparison Group before the end of a Performance Period will not be included 
at all in the calculation of the percentile rank of the Company’s AAROATCE for the Performance Period. 

A company in the Comparison Group will be deemed to have undergone a “Specified Corporate Change” if it:

(i)  

ceases to be a domestically domiciled publicly traded company on a national stock exchange or

market system, unless such cessation of such listing is due to a low stock price or low trading volume; or

(ii)

has gone private; or

(iii)

has reincorporated in a foreign (e.g., non-U.S.) jurisdiction, regardless of whether it is a reporting

company in that or another jurisdiction; or

(iv)

has been acquired or merged, or has announced a transaction whereby it will be acquired by or

merged, into another company (whether by another company in the Comparison Group or otherwise, but not
including internal reorganizations), or has sold or will sell all or substantially all of its assets.

The Committee may rely on press releases, public filings, website postings and other reasonably reliable information
available regarding a company in the Comparison Group in making a determination that a Specified Corporate
Change has occurred.

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

EXHIBIT 21.1

Subsidiary of HBT Financial, Inc.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company (Illinois)

Subsidiary of Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Heartland Real Estate Holdings, LLC (Illinois)

EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (No. 333-234385) on Form S-8
of HBT Financial, Inc. of our report dated March 11, 2022, relating to the consolidated financial statements
of HBT Financial, Inc., appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of HBT Financial, Inc. for the year
ended December 31, 2021.

/s/ RSM US LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 11, 2022

1

 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

EXHIBIT 31.1

I, Fred L. Drake, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of HBT Financial, Inc.:

2.           Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.           Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in

all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this annual report;

4.           The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual
report is being prepared;

b)           Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be

designed under our supervision, 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;

c)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our

conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this annual report based on such evaluation; and

d)           Disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred

during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report)
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and

5.           The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over

financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):

a)           All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial

reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and

b)           Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 11, 2022

/s/ Fred L. Drake
Fred L. Drake
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

EXHIBIT 31.2

I, Matthew J. Doherty, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of HBT Financial, Inc.:

2.           Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.           Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in

all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this annual report;

4.           The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual
report is being prepared;

b)           Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be

designed under our supervision, 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;

c)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our

conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this annual report based on such evaluation; and

d)           Disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred

during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report)
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and

5.           The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over

financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):

a)           All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial

reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and

b)           Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 11, 2022

/s/ Matthew J. Doherty
Matthew J. Doherty
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

EXHIBIT 32.1

In connection with the Annual Report of HBT Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge:

1.            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations

of the Company.

/s/ Fred L. Drake
Fred L. Drake
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 11, 2022

Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

EXHIBIT 32.2

In connection with the Annual Report of HBT Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge:

1.            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations

of the Company.

/s/ Matthew J. Doherty
Matthew J. Doherty
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
March 11, 2022