Equity Bancshares (EQBK) Proxy Filing summary

Executive summary

• The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held on April 21, 2026, to elect five Class III directors, approve executive compensation, amend the equity incentive plan, and ratify the external auditor.

• Shareholders of record as of February 27, 2026, are entitled to vote; proxy materials are available online.

• The company emphasizes environmental responsibility by distributing proxy materials electronically.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Proposals include electing five Class III directors, a non-binding say-on-pay vote, approval of the Second Amendment to the 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, and ratification of Crowe LLP as auditor.

• Each proposal requires a majority vote of shares present or represented by proxy.

• Abstentions count as votes against; broker non-votes do not affect outcomes except for auditor ratification.

• Shareholders may submit proposals for the 2027 meeting by November 12, 2026.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• The board is classified into three staggered terms; five nominees for Class III are up for election.

• Board committees include Audit, Compensation, Risk, and Corporate Governance and Nominating.

• Majority of directors are independent per NYSE and SEC rules.

• The board values diversity in skills, experience, gender, and race.

• Directors are encouraged to attend annual meetings and maintain significant stock ownership.