We are investigating Equity Bancshares, Inc. (EQBK) (“Equity Bancshares” or the “Company”) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.
On January 24, 2019, Equity Bancshares disclosed that, during the fourth quarter of 2018, one credit relationship was downgraded to Watch and Substandard for $19 million and $9 million, respectively. On this news, the Company’s stock price fell $2.14 per share, or more than 6%, to close at $32.15 per share on January 24, 2019. Then, on April 22, 2019, Equity Bancshares disclosed a $14.5 million provision for loss against the credit relationship, resulting in a $4.1 million net loss for the first quarter of 2019. On this news, the Company’s stock price fell $4.76 per share, or more than 16%, to close at $24.71 per share on April 23, 2019.