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On Thursday, Piper Sandler reaffirmed its Overweight rating and $46.00 price target for Equity Bancshares (NYSE:EQBK), following the company’s announcement of a strategic acquisition aimed at expanding its presence in Oklahoma. Currently trading at $39.55, InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is undervalued, with analysts setting targets ranging from $43 to $57. The acquisition of NBC Corp. of Oklahoma and its subsidiary NBC Oklahoma is set to significantly enhance Equity Bancshares’ footprint in the region.
The deal, which is Equity Bancshares’ 13th since its initial public offering in 2015, will add $906 million in assets, $682 million in loans, and $816 million in deposits to the company’s portfolio. This acquisition includes seven locations in Oklahoma, one of which is a loan production office, and notably provides Equity Bancshares with an entry into the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The company, currently valued at $692 million in market cap, has demonstrated strong financial performance with a 59.55% revenue growth in the last twelve months.
Piper Sandler analyst Andrew Liesch highlighted the strategic nature of the transaction, noting that it will elevate Equity Bancshares’ deposit market rank within the state to 9th from 42nd. The completion of the deal, expected in the early third quarter of this year, will result in a combined entity with approximately $6.4 billion in assets, $4.3 billion in loans, and $5.3 billion in deposits across 82 locations.
Liesch also pointed out that given the size of NBC Corp. of Oklahoma, representing about 18% of Equity Bancshares’ size, and considering Equity’s extensive experience with acquisitions, the transaction is not expected to present significant merger or integration-related risks. This confidence in the smooth integration of the new acquisition underlines the analyst’s positive outlook on Equity Bancshares stock. For deeper insights into the acquisition’s potential impact and comprehensive financial analysis, InvestingPro subscribers can access detailed merger analysis tools and the company’s Pro Research Report, part of the platform’s coverage of over 1,400 US stocks.
In other recent news, Equity Bancshares has announced a definitive merger agreement with NBC Corp. of Oklahoma, expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. This merger will add seven locations to Equity Bank’s network, significantly increasing its presence in Oklahoma. The transaction is valued at approximately $86.9 million and is projected to be 12.5% accretive to Equity’s earnings per share by 2026, excluding one-time transaction expenses. In another development, Equity Bancshares declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share, maintaining its commitment to providing shareholder value. Additionally, Equity Bancshares has extended its credit line with ServisFirst Bank, with the maturity date now set for February 10, 2026, ensuring continued financial flexibility. The company also appointed Gregory H. Kossover as Executive Vice President of Capital Markets, marking his return to the bank after serving in various roles. Furthermore, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained a Market Perform rating on Equity Bancshares, noting the strategic financial benefits of the NBC Corp. acquisition. These developments highlight Equity Bancshares’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its market position and financial standing.
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