Investor Day Emphasizes Building Organic Growth Momentum & Differentiation; Reit OW

Research evidence excerpt

Investor Day Emphasizes Building Organic Growth Momentum & Differentiation; Reit OW

ent level absent specific deterioration or macro adjustments with LLP largely tied to

portfolio growth. In conjunction with our outlook for 12 bps of NCOs, we forecast the ACL to remain

relatively stable going forward. We believe that EQBK’s conservative underwriting and proactive

client approach, coupled with a generally constructive overall credit environment, should result in

future asset quality being a non-issue for EQBK going forward.

Fee Income Cross-Sell and Expense Discipline Should Support Positive Operating Leverage.

We believe EQBK’s expanded footprint provides meaningful fee income upside over time,

particularly across TM, mortgage, and wealth management. Moreover, expense discipline and

Frontier cost saves should support continued positive operating leverage. Mgmt. highlighted TM as

a notable opportunity within Frontier wherein this product set was not historically emphasized, and

EQBK has already added a new Head of TM to accelerate penetration. Mortgage also represents a

cross-sell opportunity given Frontier’s existing mortgage business, though mgmt. reiterated that

EQBK is not attempting to become a mortgage shop and instead views the product as a relationship-

deepening tool. Wealth management is also showing positive momentum as mgmt. is looking to add

talent in several community markets, including Nebraska and Kansas City. Mgmt. is targeting 15%-

25% growth within the wealth segment as it ramps up within newer market expansion efforts and as

EQBK continues to generate share gains within its legacy footprint. On expenses, operating

expenses of $49.2M in 1Q were in-line with expectations despite the Frontier closing and systems

conversion, and mgmt.