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On Thursday, Equity Bancshares (NYSE:EQBK) maintained its Neutral rating and a $43.00 price target from DA Davidson. The firm’s analyst, Jeff Rulis, highlighted the bank’s adherence to its strategic plan, specifically its recent move to acquire NBC Oklahoma, as a follow-through on previously disclosed intentions. With a current market capitalization of $651 million and trading at $37.19, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued.
Equity Bancshares successfully completed a capital raise in December 2024, with the bank indicating at the time that a portion of the funds would be allocated for acquisitions. These acquisitions were aimed to be in or adjacent to the bank’s current operational areas. The definitive agreement to purchase NBC Oklahoma aligns with Equity Bancshares’ strategy to expand its market presence. The bank has demonstrated strong financial performance, with impressive revenue growth of 59.55% and trades at an attractive P/E ratio of 9.87.
The bank has scheduled a conference call for Thursday at 10am ET to discuss the details of the acquisition. DA Davidson’s analyst noted that subsequent to the conference call, additional insights from the conversation with Equity Bancshares’ management will be made available, along with an updated earnings model for the bank. InvestingPro subscribers can access additional insights, including 6 key ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis in the Pro Research Report.
The acquisition is seen as a strategic move for Equity Bancshares, as it seeks to strengthen its footprint in the region. The bank’s clear communication of its intentions and the execution of its capital deployment strategy have been closely followed by analysts and investors alike.
Further details on the impact of the acquisition on Equity Bancshares’ financials and market position will be expected following the analyst’s review of the conference call discussions and the updated earnings model. For now, the bank’s stock rating remains unchanged at Neutral with a set price target of $43.00 as it proceeds with its expansion plans.
In other recent news, Equity Bancshares has announced a significant merger agreement with NBC Corp. of Oklahoma, which will add seven locations to its network and significantly expand its presence in Oklahoma. This deal, valued at approximately $86.9 million, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 and will enhance Equity Bancshares’ asset base by $906 million, with $682 million in loans and $816 million in deposits. Piper Sandler maintained an Overweight rating on Equity Bancshares, citing the strategic nature of the acquisition, while Keefe, Bruyette & Woods held a Market Perform rating, noting the financial benefits expected from the merger.
Additionally, Equity Bancshares has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share, reflecting its ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders. The dividend will be paid on April 15, 2025, to shareholders of record by March 31, 2025. In another development, the company has amended its loan agreement with ServisFirst Bank, extending the maturity date of its credit facility to February 10, 2026. This extension provides continued financial flexibility for Equity Bancshares.
The merger with NBC Oklahoma, which will see NBC Chairman Ken Fergeson join Equity Bancshares’ Board of Directors, is expected to be accretive to earnings by 2026. The strategic acquisition and the extension of the credit line underscore Equity Bancshares’ focus on growth and stability. These developments are part of the company’s long-term strategy to enhance its market position and financial performance.
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