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Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q2 2026

BATON ROUGE, La., July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) (Business First), parent company of b1BANK, today announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $22.8 million or $0.70 per diluted common share, increases of $0.6 million and $0.02, respectively, compared to the linked quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $23.3 million or $0.71 per diluted common share, decreases of $0.7 million and $0.02 from the linked quarter.

"Our second-quarter results — marked by solid organic loan origination, margin expansion, growth in capital, and improving asset quality trends — are laying the foundation we expected for a strong second half of the year," said Jude Melville, Chairman, President, and CEO of Business First. "Meta's recently announced additional $40 billion investment in Northeast Louisiana, the expected full integration of our Progressive acquisition in August, and meaningful growth in our Houston-area pipeline — along with other positive developments across our markets — give our team significant opportunities to build on as we execute on our growth plans."

On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Business First’s board of directors declared a quarterly preferred dividend in the amount of $18.75 per share, which is the full quarterly dividend of 1.875% based on the per annum rate of 7.50%. Additionally, the board of directors declared a quarterly common dividend based upon financial performance for the second quarter in the amount of $0.15 per share of common stock. The preferred and common dividends will be paid on August 31, 2026, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to the shareholders of record as of August 15, 2026.

Quarterly Highlights

  • Consistent Core Performance. Return to common shareholders on average assets, on an annualized basis, was 1.03% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 1.05% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 1.01% or 1.10% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter. Return to common shareholders on average equity on an annualized basis, was 9.83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 10.05% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 9.77%, or 10.57% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter.
  • American Planning Corporation Acquisition. On June 29, 2026, Business First completed the acquisition of American Planning Corporation, a financial consulting firm serving community banks since 1972. CEO T. Jefferson Fair and his team joined Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW), a b1BANK subsidiary, expanding SSW’s advisory platform to serve SSW and b1 Financial Services Group clients nationwide.
  • Margin Expansion. Net interest margin expanded 8 basis points (bps) to 3.73% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 3.68% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 3.65% or 3.60%, respectively, for the linked quarter. The expansion was driven by a slight improvement in book yield on loans and continued deposit cost management.
  • Improving Shareholder Value. During the second quarter, as part of a previously announced stock repurchase program, Business First repurchased 176,849 shares, with a market value of $4.8 million, at a weighted average price of $27.22 per share. Common equity to total assets increased from 10.32% to 10.52%.
  • Strengthening Capital Position. Tangible common equity to tangible assets increased from 8.65% to 8.79%, an increase of 1.67% or 6.71% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. Book value per common share increased to $28.79 at June 30, 2026, compared to $28.18 at March 31, 2026. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $23.18 at the linked quarter to $23.61 at June 30, 2026, an increase of 1.85% or 7.42% annualized. Consolidated total risk based capital ratio increased to 13.77% from 13.08%, an increase of 0.69% from the prior quarter. The linked quarter capital build was driven by the successful completion of our April 2nd issuance of $85.0 million fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debt.
  • Balance Sheet Repositioning. Completed the sale of $100.3 million lower-yielding acquired Progressive loans during the quarter, including $55.3 million of residential mortgages at a weighted average yield net of fees of 3.0% and $45.0 million of commercial real estate loans at a weighted average yield net of fees of 3.5%.

Statement of Financial Condition

Loans

Loans held for investment decreased $24.8 million or 0.37%, 1.49% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. During the quarter, organic loan production of approximately $96.4 million, or 5.8% annualized, was offset by the sale of $100.3 million of acquired loans and the resolution and reduction of $21.0 million on a nonperforming loan.

Credit Quality

The ratio of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment decreased 27 bps to 1.26% at June 30, 2026, while the ratio of nonperforming assets compared to total assets decreased 15 bps to 1.23% compared to the linked quarter. The decreases in the nonperforming loans and assets ratios over the linked quarter were largely attributable to previously identified commercial real estate and commercial business relationships that the Company resolved during the second quarter. Net charge-offs to average quarterly total loans increased to 4 bps for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, up from 1 bps from the linked quarter.

Securities

The securities portfolio decreased $4.7 million or 0.45%, from the linked quarter, impacted by $2.6 million in positive pre-tax fair value adjustments. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 11.69% of total assets as of June 30, 2026.

Deposits

Deposits as of June 30, 2026 decreased $229.4 million or 3.07%, 12.33% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. During the second quarter, interest-bearing deposits decreased $237.9 million or 4.04% and noninterest-bearing deposits increased $8.5 million or 0.54%. The decrease in interest-bearing deposits was largely impacted by approximately $71.8 million in commercial money market accounts and $62.6 million in brokered deposits. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $145.0 million or 2.46%, and noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $2.9 million or 0.19% from the linked quarter.

Borrowings

Borrowings increased $206.3 million or 53.66%, from the linked quarter due primarily to increases in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders' equity increased $17.4 million or 1.76% compared to the linked quarter. Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased from $37.9 million to $35.8 million or 5.51%, during the quarter due to after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $28.79 at June 30, 2026, compared to $28.18 at March 31, 2026. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $23.18 at the linked quarter to $23.61 at June 30, 2026, 1.85% or 7.42% annualized.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, net interest income totaled $77.8 million, compared to $75.2 million from the linked quarter. Loan yields increased 2 bps to 6.63% compared to 6.61% from the linked quarter and interest-bearing asset yields increased 7 bps to 6.02% compared to 5.95% from the linked quarter. Net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.73% and 2.99% compared to 3.65% and 2.91% for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which included noninterest-bearing deposits, decreased 1 bps from 2.45% to 2.44% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 million) totaled $76.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $74.1 million (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 million) were 3.68% and 2.94%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 3.60% and 2.85% (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) for the linked quarter.

Provision for Credit Losses

During the quarter ended June 30, 2026, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $2.0 million, compared to $2.3 million from the linked quarter. At June 30, 2026, the ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment was 1.02%, compared to 1.03% for the linked quarter.

Other Income

For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, other income decreased $0.1 million or 0.59%, compared to the linked quarter. The decrease was largely attributable to a $1.2 million decrease in swap fee income, partially offset by a $0.5 million gain on redemption of debt and a $0.2 million increase in gain on sales of loans.

Other Expenses

For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, other expenses increased $2.1 million or 3.57% compared to the linked quarter. The increase was largely attributable to increases of $1.1 million each in advertising and promotions expense and other expenses and increases of $0.6 million each in legal and other professional fees and regulatory assessments, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in merger and conversion-related expenses.

Return on Assets and Common Equity

Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.03% and 9.83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 1.01% and 9.77%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.05% and 10.05% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 1.10% and 10.57% for the linked quarter.

Conference Call and Webcast

Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Interested parties may attend the call by dialing toll-free 1-800-715-9871 (North America only), conference ID 4840024, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ow56nmrd. On the day of the presentation, the corresponding slide presentation will be available to view on the b1BANK website at https://www.b1bank.com/shareholder-info.

About Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Business First Bancshares, Inc., (Nasdaq: BFST) through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, has $8.9 billion in assets, $5.6 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (not including $1.0 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW) and operates Banking Centers and Loan Production Offices in markets across Louisiana and Texas providing commercial and personal banking products and services. b1BANK is a 2024 Mastercard “Innovation Award” winner and multiyear winner of American Banker Magazine’s “Best Banks to Work For.” Visit b1BANK.com for more information.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures (e.g., referenced as “core” or “tangible”) intended to supplement, not substitute for, comparable GAAP measures. “Core” measures typically adjust income available to common shareholders for certain significant activities or transactions that, in management’s opinion, can distort period-to-period comparisons of Business First’s performance. Transactions that are typically excluded from non-GAAP “core” measures include realized and unrealized gains/losses on former bank premises and equipment, investment sales, acquisition-related expenses (including, but not limited to, legal costs, system conversion costs, severance and retention payments, etc.). “Tangible” measures adjust common equity by subtracting goodwill, core deposit intangibles, and customer intangibles, net of accumulated amortization. Management believes presentations of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the operating results of Business First’s core business. These non-GAAP disclosures are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures that may be presented by other companies. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures are provided at the end of the tables below.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by their reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “could,” or “intend.” We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, in that actual results could differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those factors specified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other public filings. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this news release.

Additional Information

For additional information about Business First, you may obtain Business First’s reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) free of charge by using the SEC’s EDGAR service on the SEC’s website at www.SEC.gov or by contacting the SEC for further information at 1-800-SEC-0330. Alternatively, these documents can be obtained free of charge from Business First by directing a request to: Business First Bancshares, Inc., 500 Laurel Street, Suite 101, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

No Offer or Solicitation

This release does not constitute or form part of any offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities of Business First. There will be no sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

   
Investor Relations Contacts:  
   
Gregory Robertson Matt Sealy
337.721.2701 225.388.6116
Gregory.Robertson@b1bank.com Matt.Sealy@b1bank.com
   
Media Contact: Misty Albrecht
b1BANK
225.286.7879
media@b1BANK.com
 
   
   
   


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended
  June 30,   March 31,   June 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2026
  2026
  2025
           
Balance Sheet Ratios          
           
Loans (HFI) to Deposits   92.04 %     89.54 %     94.21 %
Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio   11.33 %     11.13 %     10.67 %
           
Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI)          
           
Commercial $ 1,988,696     $ 1,943,412     $ 1,960,974  
Real Estate:          
Commercial   2,824,015       2,841,626       2,533,761  
Construction   693,477       685,817       600,292  
Residential   1,079,018       1,141,220       879,891  
Total Real Estate   4,596,510       4,668,663       4,013,944  
Consumer and Other   74,241       72,188       72,732  
Total Loans (Held for Investment) $ 6,659,447     $ 6,684,263     $ 6,047,650  
           
Allowance for Loan Losses          
           
Balance, Beginning of Period $ 63,655     $ 53,959     $ 56,863  
Progressive - PCD ALLL   -       9,264       -  
Charge-offs – Quarterly   (3,208 )     (1,104 )     (921 )
Recoveries – Quarterly   293       181       99  
Provision for Loan Losses – Quarterly   1,718       1,355       2,455  
Balance, End of Period $ 62,458     $ 63,655     $ 58,496  
           
Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI)   0.94 %     0.95 %     0.97 %
Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI) (1)   1.02 %     1.03 %     1.02 %
Net Charge-offs to Average Quarterly Total Loans   0.04 %     0.01 %     0.01 %
           
Remaining Loan Purchase Discount $ 7,341     $ 15,818     $ 10,099  
           
Nonperforming Assets          
           
Nonperforming Loans:          
Nonaccrual Loans $ 80,124     $ 100,803     $ 56,377  
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More   4,011       1,404       2,467  
Total Nonperforming Loans   84,135       102,207       58,844  
Other Nonperforming Assets:          
Other Real Estate Owned   25,109       20,898       1,473  
Other Nonperforming Assets   -       -       -  
Total Other Nonperforming Assets   25,109       20,898       1,473  
Total Nonperforming Assets $ 109,244     $ 123,105     $ 60,317  
           
Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI)   1.26 %     1.53 %     0.97 %
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets   1.23 %     1.38 %     0.76 %
           
(1) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments.
           


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
                   
  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
  June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2026
  2026
  2025
  2026
  2025
                   
Per Share Data                  
                   
Basic Earnings per Common Share $ 0.70     $ 0.68     $ 0.70     $ 1.38     $ 1.36  
Diluted Earnings per Common Share   0.70       0.68       0.70       1.37       1.35  
Dividends per Common Share   0.15       0.15       0.14       0.30       0.28  
Book Value per Common Share   28.79       28.18       26.23       28.79       26.23  
                   
                   
Average Common Shares Outstanding   32,589,951       32,579,934       29,517,495       32,584,970       29,354,228  
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding   32,763,608       32,785,554       29,586,975       32,778,199       29,500,061  
End of Period Common Shares Outstanding   32,535,659       32,624,887       29,602,970       32,535,659       29,602,970  
                   
                   
Annualized Performance Ratios                  
                   
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets (1)   1.03 %     1.01 %     1.07 %     1.02 %     1.04 %
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity (1)   9.83 %     9.77 %     10.87 %     9.80 %     10.68 %
Net Interest Margin (1)   3.73 %     3.65 %     3.68 %     3.69 %     3.68 %
Net Interest Spread (1)   2.99 %     2.91 %     2.88 %     2.95 %     2.90 %
Efficiency Ratio (2)   64.83 %     64.45 %     62.83 %     64.65 %     63.33 %
                   
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets $ 8,916,954     $ 8,893,419     $ 7,791,371     $ 8,905,251     $ 7,771,288  
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity   931,020       922,037       765,884       926,553       754,470  
                   
Other Expenses                  
                   
Salaries and Employee Benefits $ 33,120     $ 33,039     $ 28,317     $ 66,159     $ 57,814  
Occupancy and Equipment Expense   8,279       8,122       7,162       16,401       14,518  
Advertising and Promotions   2,606       1,508       1,088       4,114       2,379  
Communications   638       652       590       1,290       1,181  
Ad Valorem Shares Tax   977       978       1,125       1,955       2,250  
Data Processing Fees   3,317       3,712       5,321       7,029       8,557  
Directors' Fees   247       260       193       507       472  
Insurance   432       411       435       843       839  
Legal and Professional Fees   1,661       1,085       1,093       2,746       2,106  
Office Supplies and Printing   278       313       300       591       611  
Regulatory Assessments   1,534       984       933       2,518       2,190  
Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses   303       1,377       210       1,680       460  
Other   6,133       5,030       4,439       11,163       8,407  
Total Other Expenses $ 59,525     $ 57,471     $ 51,206     $ 116,996     $ 101,784  
                   
Other Income                  
                   
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts $ 3,197     $ 3,142     $ 2,633     $ 6,339     $ 5,493  
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities   (6 )     80       (47 )     74       (48 )
Gain on Sales of Loans   1,583       1,341       781       2,924       2,037  
Debit Card and ATM Fee Income   2,415       2,306       1,958       4,721       3,816  
Cash Value of Life Insurance Income   902       831       758       1,733       1,566  
Fees and Brokerage Commission   2,387       2,261       1,980       4,648       4,128  
Pass-Through Income (Loss) from Other Investments   14       135       (246 )     149       505  
Gain on Extinguishment/Redemption of Debt   545       -       -       545       630  
Gain on Sale of Branch   -       -       3,360       -       3,360  
Swap Fee Income   385       1,537       808       1,922       1,547  
Other   2,545       2,417       2,430       4,962       4,607  
Total Other Income $ 13,967     $ 14,050     $ 14,415     $ 28,017     $ 27,641  
                   
                   
(1) Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an actual day count convention.
(2) Noninterest expense (excluding provision for loan losses) divided by noninterest income plus net interest income less gain/loss on sales of securities.
                   


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
           
  June 30,   March 31,   June 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2026
  2026
  2025
           
Assets          
           
Cash and Due From Banks $ 575,604     $ 589,804     $ 495,757  
Federal Funds Sold   95,535       88,257       39,296  
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell   30,702       30,743       25,433  
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values   1,041,133       1,045,817       926,450  
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale   2,838       480       677  
Loans and Lease Receivable   6,659,447       6,684,263       6,047,650  
Allowance for Loan Losses   (62,458 )     (63,655 )     (58,496 )
Net Loans and Lease Receivable   6,596,989       6,620,608       5,989,154  
Premises and Equipment, Net   88,925       88,421       79,007  
Accrued Interest Receivable   38,969       38,176       36,738  
Other Equity Securities   51,302       40,047       48,736  
Other Real Estate Owned   25,109       20,898       1,473  
Cash Value of Life Insurance   139,169       132,682       118,707  
Deferred Taxes, Net   21,561       22,959       25,222  
Goodwill   135,222       133,564       121,146  
Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles   33,267       29,409       15,775  
Other Assets   27,181       24,943       24,723  
           
Total Assets $ 8,903,506     $ 8,906,808     $ 7,948,294  
           
           
Liabilities          
           
Deposits          
Noninterest-Bearing $ 1,583,562     $ 1,575,086     $ 1,410,708  
Interest-Bearing   5,651,994       5,889,863       5,008,943  
Total Deposits   7,235,556       7,464,949       6,419,651  
           
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase   24,442       21,594       22,557  
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings   442,494       260,792       492,946  
Subordinated Debt   114,250       92,472       92,645  
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities   9,678       9,666       5,000  
Accrued Interest Payable   3,774       3,692       4,829  
Other Liabilities   64,735       62,467       62,226  
           
Total Liabilities   7,894,929       7,915,632       7,099,854  
           
Shareholders' Equity          
           
Preferred Stock   71,930       71,930       71,930  
Common Stock   32,536       32,625       29,603  
Additional Paid-In Capital   578,087       580,640       502,046  
Retained Earnings   361,846       343,890       292,629  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss   (35,822 )     (37,909 )     (47,768 )
           
Total Shareholders' Equity   1,008,577       991,176       848,440  
           
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 8,903,506     $ 8,906,808     $ 7,948,294  
           


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
                       
  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
  June 30,   March 31,
  June 30,   June 30,
  June 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2026
  2026
  2025
  2026
  2025
                       
Interest Income:                      
Interest and Fees on Loans $ 111,780     $ 109,146     $ 104,028     $ 220,926     $ 207,020  
Interest and Dividends on Securities   9,104       8,462       6,906       17,566       13,520  
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks   4,766       4,886       3,916       9,652       8,003  
Total Interest Income   125,650       122,494       114,850       248,144       228,543  
                       
Interest Expense:                      
Interest on Deposits   41,251       42,758       41,546       84,009       83,985  
Interest on Borrowings   6,555       4,541       6,262       11,096       11,533  
Total Interest Expense   47,806       47,299       47,808       95,105       95,518  
                       
Net Interest Income   77,844       75,195       67,042       153,039       133,025  
                       
Provision for Credit Losses   1,991       2,278       2,225       4,269       5,037  
                       
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses   75,853       72,917       64,817       148,770       127,988  
                       
Other Income:                      
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts   3,197       3,142       2,633       6,339       5,493  
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities   (6 )     80       (47 )     74       (48 )
Gain on Sales of Loans   1,583       1,341       781       2,924       2,037  
Other Income   9,193       9,487       11,048       18,680       20,159  
Total Other Income   13,967       14,050       14,415       28,017       27,641  
                       
Other Expenses:                      
Salaries and Employee Benefits   33,120       33,039       28,317       66,159       57,814  
Occupancy and Equipment Expense   8,279       8,122       7,162       16,401       14,518  
Merger and Conversion-Related Expense   303       1,377       210       1,680       460  
Other Expenses   17,823       14,933       15,517       32,756       28,992  
Total Other Expenses   59,525       57,471       51,206       116,996       101,784  
                       
Income Before Income Taxes   30,295       29,496       28,026       59,791       53,845  
                       
Provision for Income Taxes   6,120       5,932       5,923       12,052       11,199  
                       
Net Income   24,175       23,564       22,103       47,739       42,646  
                       
Preferred Stock Dividends   1,350       1,350       1,350       2,700       2,700  
                       
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders $ 22,825     $ 22,214     $ 20,753     $ 45,039     $ 39,946  
                       


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
                                   
                                   
  Three Months Ended
  June 30, 2026   March 31, 2026   June 30, 2025
  Average           Average           Average        
  Outstanding   Interest Earned /   Average   Outstanding   Interest Earned /   Average   Outstanding   Interest Earned /   Average
(Dollars in thousands) Balance   Interest Paid   Yield / Rate   Balance   Interest Paid   Yield / Rate   Balance   Interest Paid   Yield / Rate
                                   
Assets                                  
                                   
Interest-Earning Assets:                                  
Total Loans $ 6,757,776     $ 111,780   6.63 %   $ 6,698,261     $ 109,146   6.61 %   $ 5,995,490     $ 104,028   6.96 %
Securities   1,068,191       9,104   3.42 %     1,065,447       8,462   3.22 %     937,099       6,906   2.96 %
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell   30,683       335   4.38 %     26,657       302   4.59 %     31,172       401   5.16 %
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks   509,177       4,431   3.49 %     558,468       4,584   3.33 %     336,138       3,515   4.19 %
Total Interest-Earning Assets   8,365,827       125,650   6.02 %     8,348,833       122,494   5.95 %     7,299,899       114,850   6.31 %
Allowance for Loan Losses   (63,280 )             (60,553 )             (56,934 )        
Noninterest-Earning Assets   614,407               605,139               548,406          
Total Assets $ 8,916,954     $ 125,650       $ 8,893,419     $ 122,494       $ 7,791,371     $ 114,850    
                                   
                                   
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                  
                                   
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:                                  
Interest-Bearing Deposits $ 5,739,241     $ 41,251   2.88 %   $ 5,884,257     $ 42,758   2.95 %   $ 5,029,981     $ 41,546   3.31 %
Subordinated Debt   112,252       1,778   6.35 %     92,163       1,209   5.32 %     92,682       1,235   5.34 %
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities   9,670       178   7.40 %     11,671       165   5.73 %     5,000       100   8.02 %
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)   441,012       4,457   4.05 %     297,588       3,038   4.14 %     447,271       4,793   4.30 %
Other Borrowings   22,206       142   2.58 %     20,030       129   2.61 %     20,514       134   2.62 %
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities   6,324,381       47,806   3.03 %     6,305,709       47,299   3.04 %     5,595,448       47,808   3.43 %
                                   
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:                                  
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits $ 1,518,400             $ 1,521,252             $ 1,292,262          
Other Liabilities   71,223               72,491               65,847          
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities   1,589,623               1,593,743               1,358,109          
Shareholders' Equity:                                  
Common Shareholders' Equity   931,020               922,037               765,884          
Preferred Equity   71,930               71,930               71,930          
Total Shareholders' Equity   1,002,950               993,967               837,814          
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 8,916,954             $ 8,893,419             $ 7,791,371          
                                   
Net Interest Spread         2.99 %           2.91 %           2.88 %
Net Interest Income     $ 77,844           $ 75,195           $ 67,042    
Net Interest Margin         3.73 %           3.65 %           3.68 %
                                   
Overall Cost of Funds         2.44 %           2.45 %           2.78 %
                                   
NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention.
                                   


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
                               
                               
  Six Months Ended
  June 30, 2026
  June 30, 2025
  Average
            Average
         
  Outstanding
  Interest Earned /   Average
  Outstanding
  Interest Earned /   Average
(Dollars in thousands) Balance
  Interest Paid   Yield / Rate
  Balance
  Interest Paid   Yield / Rate
                               
Assets                              
                               
Interest-Earning Assets:                              
Total Loans $ 6,728,183     $ 220,926   6.62 %   $ 5,983,870     $ 207,020   6.98 %
Securities 1,066,827     17,566   3.32 %   930,930     13,520   2.93 %
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell 28,681     637   4.48 %   40,950     1,052   5.18 %
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks 533,687     9,015   3.41 %   326,000     6,951   4.30 %
Total Interest-Earning Assets 8,357,378     248,144   5.99 %   7,281,750     228,543   6.33 %
Allowance for Loan Losses (61,924 )             (55,829 )          
Noninterest-Earning Assets 609,797               545,367            
Total Assets $ 8,905,251     $ 248,144         $ 7,771,288     $ 228,543      
                               
                               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                              
                               
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:                              
Interest-Bearing Deposits $ 5,811,348     $ 84,009   2.92 %   $ 5,085,431     $ 83,985   3.33 %
Subordinated Debt 102,263     2,998   5.91 %   94,954     2,497   5.30 %
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities 10,665     332   6.27 %   5,000     199   8.03 %
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) 369,696     7,495   4.09 %   404,917     8,589   4.28 %
Other Borrowings 21,124     271   2.59 %   19,424     248   2.57 %
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities 6,315,096     95,105   3.04 %   5,609,726     95,518   3.43 %
                               
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:                              
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits 1,519,818               1,268,659            
Other Liabilities 71,854               66,503            
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities 1,591,672               1,335,162            
Shareholders' Equity:                              
Common Shareholders' Equity 926,553               754,470            
Preferred Equity 71,930               71,930            
Total Shareholders' Equity 998,483               826,400            
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 8,905,251               $ 7,771,288            
                               
Net Interest Spread           2.95 %             2.90 %
Net Interest Income       $ 153,039               $ 133,025      
Net Interest Margin           3.69 %             3.68 %
                               
Overall Cost of Funds           2.45 %             2.80 %
                               
NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention.                
                               


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
                   
  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
  June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2026
  2026
  2025
  2026
  2025
                   
Interest Income:                  
Interest income $ 125,650     $ 122,494     $ 114,850     $ 248,144     $ 228,543  
Core interest income   125,650       122,494       114,850       248,144       228,543  
Interest Expense:                  
Interest expense   47,806       47,299       47,808       95,105       95,518  
Core interest expense   47,806       47,299       47,808       95,105       95,518  
Provision for Credit Losses: (b)                  
Provision for credit losses   1,991       2,278       2,225       4,269       5,037  
Core provision expense   1,991       2,278       2,225       4,269       5,037  
Other Income:                  
Other income   13,967       14,050       14,415       28,017       27,641  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment   -       (28 )     -       (28 )     (155 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities   6       (80 )     47       (74 )     48  
Gain on sale of branch   -       -       (3,360 )     -       (3,360 )
Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt   (545 )     -       -       (545 )     (630 )
Core other income   13,428       13,942       11,102       27,370       23,544  
Other Expense:                  
Other expense   59,525       57,471       51,206       116,996       101,784  
Acquisition-related expenses (2)   (1,169 )     (2,227 )     (570 )     (3,396 )     (1,249 )
Core conversion expenses   -       -       (1,008 )     -       (1,224 )
Core other expense   58,356       55,244       49,628       113,600       99,311  
Pre-Tax Income: (a)                  
Pre-tax income   30,295       29,496       28,026       59,791       53,845  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment   -       (28 )     -       (28 )     (155 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities   6       (80 )     47       (74 )     48  
Gain on sale of branch   -       -       (3,360 )     -       (3,360 )
Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt   (545 )     -       -       (545 )     (630 )
Acquisition-related expenses (2)   1,169       2,227       570       3,396       1,249  
Core conversion expenses   -       -       1,008       -       1,224  
Core pre-tax income   30,925       31,615       26,291       62,540       52,221  
Provision for Income Taxes: (1)                  
Provision for income taxes   6,120       5,932       5,923       12,052       11,199  
Tax on gain on former bank premises and equipment   -       (6 )     -       (6 )     (33 )
Tax on (gain) loss on sale of securities   1       (17 )     10       (16 )     10  
Tax on gain on sale of branch   -       -       (833 )     -       (833 )
Tax on gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt   (115 )     -       -       (115 )     (133 )
Tax on acquisition-related expenses (2)   239       319       103       558       246  
Tax on core conversion expenses   -       -       213       -       259  
Core provision for income taxes   6,245       6,228       5,416       12,473       10,715  
Preferred Dividends:                  
Preferred dividends   1,350       1,350       1,350       2,700       2,700  
Core preferred dividends   1,350       1,350       1,350       2,700       2,700  
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:                  
Net income available to common shareholders   22,825       22,214       20,753       45,039       39,946  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax   -       (22 )     -       (22 )     (122 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax   5       (63 )     37       (58 )     38  
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax   -       -       (2,527 )     -       (2,527 )
Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax   (430 )     -       -       (430 )     (497 )
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax   930       1,908       467       2,838       1,003  
Core conversion expenses, net of tax   -       -       795       -       965  
Core net income available to common shareholders   23,330       24,037       19,525       47,367       38,806  
                   
Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings available to common shareholders (a+b) (3)   32,286       31,774       30,251       64,060       58,882  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment   -       (28 )     -       (28 )     (155 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities   6       (80 )     47       (74 )     48  
Gain on sale of branch   -       -       (3,360 )     -       (3,360 )
Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt   (545 )     -       -       (545 )     (630 )
Acquisition-related expenses (2)   1,169       2,227       570       3,396       1,249  
Core conversion expenses   -       -       1,008       -       1,224  
Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings $ 32,916     $ 33,893     $ 28,516     $ 66,809     $ 57,258  
                   
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding   32,763,608       32,785,554       29,586,975       32,778,199       29,500,061  
                   
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:                  
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.70     $ 0.68     $ 0.70     $ 1.37     $ 1.35  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax   -       -       -       -       -  
(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax   -       -       -       -       -  
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax   -       -       (0.09 )     -       (0.09 )
Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax   (0.01 )     -       -       (0.01 )     (0.02 )
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax   0.02       0.05       0.02       0.09       0.04  
Core conversion expenses, net of tax   -       -       0.03       -       0.03  
Core diluted earnings per common share $ 0.71     $ 0.73     $ 0.66     $ 1.45     $ 1.31  
                   
Pre-tax, pre-provision profit diluted earnings per common share $ 0.99     $ 0.97     $ 1.02     $ 1.95     $ 2.00  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment   -       -       -       -       (0.01 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities   -       -       -       -       -  
Gain on sale of branch   -       -       (0.11 )     -       (0.11 )
Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt   (0.02 )     -       -       (0.02 )     (0.02 )
Acquisition-related expenses (2)   0.04       0.06       0.02       0.10       0.04  
Core conversion expenses   -       -       0.03       -       0.04  
Core pre-tax, pre-provision diluted earnings per common share $ 1.01     $ 1.03     $ 0.96     $ 2.03     $ 1.94  
                   
(1) Tax rates, exclusive of certain nondeductible merger-related expenses and goodwill, utilized were 21.129% for 2026 and 2025. These rates approximated the marginal tax rates.
(2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits.
(3) Before preferred dividends.
                   


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
           
           
  June 30,   March 31,   June 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2026
  2026
  2025
           
Total Shareholders' (Common) Equity:          
Total shareholders' equity $ 1,008,577     $ 991,176     $ 848,440  
Preferred stock   (71,930 )     (71,930 )     (71,930 )
Total common shareholders' equity   936,647       919,246       776,510  
Goodwill   (135,222 )     (133,564 )     (121,146 )
Core deposit and customer intangible   (33,267 )     (29,409 )     (15,775 )
Total tangible common equity $ 768,158     $ 756,273     $ 639,589  
           
           
Total Assets:          
Total assets $ 8,903,506     $ 8,906,808     $ 7,948,294  
Goodwill   (135,222 )     (133,564 )     (121,146 )
Core deposit and customer intangible   (33,267 )     (29,409 )     (15,775 )
Total tangible assets $ 8,735,017     $ 8,743,835     $ 7,811,373  
           
Common shares outstanding   32,535,659       32,624,887       29,602,970  
           
Book value per common share $ 28.79     $ 28.18     $ 26.23  
Tangible book value per common share $ 23.61     $ 23.18     $ 21.61  
Common equity to total assets   10.52 %     10.32 %     9.77 %
Tangible common equity to tangible assets   8.79 %     8.65 %     8.19 %
           


 
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
                   
  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
  June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2026
  2026
  2025
  2026
  2025
                   
                   
Total Quarterly Average Assets $ 8,916,954     $ 8,893,419     $ 7,791,371     $ 8,905,251     $ 7,771,288  
Total Quarterly Average Common Equity $ 931,020     $ 922,037     $ 765,884     $ 926,553     $ 754,470  
                   
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:                  
Net income available to common shareholders $ 22,825     $ 22,214     $ 20,753     $ 45,039     $ 39,946  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax   -       (22 )     -       (22 )     (122 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax   5       (63 )     37       (58 )     38  
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax   -       -       (2,527 )     -       (2,527 )
Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax   (430 )     -       -       (430 )     (497 )
Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax   930       1,908       467       2,838       1,003  
Core conversion expenses, net of tax   -       -       795       -       965  
Core net income available to common shareholders $ 23,330     $ 24,037     $ 19,525     $ 47,367     $ 38,806  
                   
Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) (2)   1.03 %     1.01 %     1.07 %     1.02 %     1.04 %
Core return on average assets (annualized) (2)   1.05 %     1.10 %     1.01 %     1.07 %     1.01 %
Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) (2)   9.83 %     9.77 %     10.87 %     9.80 %     10.68 %
Core return on average common equity (annualized) (2)   10.05 %     10.57 %     10.23 %     10.31 %     10.37 %
                   
Interest Income:                  
Interest income $ 125,650     $ 122,494     $ 114,850     $ 248,144     $ 228,543  
Core interest income   125,650       122,494       114,850       248,144       228,543  
Interest Expense:                  
Interest expense   47,806       47,299       47,808       95,105       95,518  
Core interest expense   47,806       47,299       47,808       95,105       95,518  
Other Income:                  
Other income   13,967       14,050       14,415       28,017       27,641  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment   -       (28 )     -       (28 )     (155 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities   6       (80 )     47       (74 )     48  
Gain on sale of branch   -       -       (3,360 )     -       (3,360 )
Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt   (545 )     -       -       (545 )     (630 )
Core other income   13,428       13,942       11,102       27,370       23,544  
Other Expense:                  
Other expense   59,525       57,471       51,206       116,996       101,784  
Acquisition-related expenses   (1,169 )     (2,227 )     (570 )     (3,396 )     (1,249 )
Core conversion expenses   -       -       (1,008 )     -       (1,224 )
Core other expense $ 58,356     $ 55,244     $ 49,628     $ 113,600     $ 99,311  
                   
Efficiency Ratio:                  
Other expense (a) $ 59,525     $ 57,471     $ 51,206     $ 116,996     $ 101,784  
Core other expense (c) $ 58,356     $ 55,244     $ 49,628     $ 113,600     $ 99,311  
Net interest and other income (1) (b) $ 91,817     $ 89,165     $ 81,504     $ 180,982     $ 160,714  
Core net interest and other income (1) (d) $ 91,272     $ 89,137     $ 78,144     $ 180,409     $ 156,569  
Efficiency ratio (a/b)   64.83 %     64.45 %     62.83 %     64.65 %     63.33 %
Core efficiency ratio (c/d)   63.94 %     61.98 %     63.51 %     62.97 %     63.43 %
                   
Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets $ 8,365,827     $ 8,348,833     $ 7,299,899     $ 8,357,378     $ 7,281,750  
                   
Net Interest Income:                  
Net interest income $ 77,844     $ 75,195     $ 67,042     $ 153,039     $ 133,025  
Loan discount accretion   (995 )     (1,138 )     (767 )     (2,133 )     (1,560 )
Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion $ 76,849     $ 74,057     $ 66,275     $ 150,906     $ 131,465  
                   
Net interest margin (2)   3.73 %     3.65 %     3.68 %     3.69 %     3.68 %
Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion (2)   3.68 %     3.60 %     3.64 %     3.64 %     3.64 %
Net interest spread (2)   2.99 %     2.91 %     2.88 %     2.95 %     2.90 %
Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion (2)   2.94 %     2.85 %     2.84 %     2.90 %     2.85 %
                   
(1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities.
(2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention.
                   



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