Is HBT Financial, Inc. a Buy?

HBT Financial, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, offering a comprehensive suite of financial products and services. They cater to a diverse client base, including individuals, businesses, and municipal entities, providing retail, commercial, and business banking solutions. Their deposit offerings encompass a variety of options, such as non-interest and interest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The company's extensive lending portfolio spans commercial real estate (both owner-occupied and investment properties), construction and land development, multi-family housing, commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, agricultural and farmland financing, and one-to-four family residential mortgages, as well as municipal and consumer loans. Beyond traditional banking, HBT Financial also provides robust wealth management services. These include financial planning for consumers, trusts, and estates; trustee and custodial responsibilities; investment management; corporate retirement plan consulting and administration; and retail brokerage. Further extending its offerings, the company provides specialized services like farmland management, sales, and crop insurance, in addition to treasury management solutions. It also originates residential mortgage loans and subsequently sells them. Modern digital banking solutions are readily available, encompassing online and mobile banking platforms, various digital payment services, and personal financial management tools. The company maintains an extensive branch network, with 57 locations situated across Central and Northeastern Illinois, complemented by four branches in Eastern Iowa. Established in 1920, HBT Financial, Inc. was originally known as Heartland Bancorp, Inc., before adopting its current name in September 2019. The company's headquarters are located in Bloomington, Illinois.