Equity Bancshares, Inc. reported net income of $26.8 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. The company reported core earnings per diluted share of $1.40 for the period. Net interest income for the quarter was $72.8 million, with a net interest margin of 4.20%. Total loans held for investment ended the period at $5.4 billion, an increase of $39.2 million, or an annualized rate of 2.9%. Loan production for the quarter was $379.3 million, a 20.3% increase from the previous quarter. Legacy markets, excluding those acquired through previous transactions, grew at an annualized rate of 11.9%.
The company reported total assets of $7.6 billion and total deposits of $6.2 billion at the end of the quarter. Non-interest income was $10.9 million, up $2.8 million from the prior quarter. Non-interest expense was $48.1 million, resulting in an efficiency ratio of 54.0%. The provision for credit losses was $1.7 million, and net charge-offs were $2.1 million. The allowance for credit losses closed the quarter at 1.18% of outstanding balances. Return on average equity was 12.7%, and return on average tangible common equity (ROATCE) was 16.1%.
Equity Bancshares announced a 22% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.22 per share on outstanding common shares as of September 30, 2026. The company repurchased 711,369 shares year to date at a weighted average cost of $44.84 per share. Additionally, the company announced a merger with Lincoln Bancorp. The press release states that the approval process is progressing as planned and the company expects to discuss the merger further in 2027. Equity Bancshares intends to hold an investor call and webcast on October 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss its financial results.
