Equity Bancshares reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.26 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22 and marking an increase from $1.10 per share in the year-ago period. The bank’s net interest income benefited from a modest expansion in its loan portfolio, which grew by 4.5% sequentially and 9.8% year-over-year, driven primarily by commercial real estate and small-business loans. Non-interest income also improved, rising 3.2% from the prior quarter on higher fee income and gains on loan sales. Despite pressure on funding costs, Equity Bancshares maintained a stable net interest margin of 3.65%. Operating expenses were well controlled, increasing just 1.1% from the previous quarter, resulting in a fourth-quarter efficiency ratio of 54.2%. Investors will be watching the bank’s guidance for loan growth and margin trends as management seeks to sustain profitability in a rising rate environment.