Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q3 2025

BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) (Business First), parent company of b1BANK, today announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025. Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $21.5 million or $0.73 per diluted common share, increases of $0.8 million and $0.03, respectively, compared to the linked quarter ended June 30, 2025. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $21.2 million or $0.72 per diluted common share, increases of $1.7 million and $0.06 from the linked quarter.

“In the third quarter we delivered another quarter of consistent earnings growth for our shareholders leading to strong capital and tangible book value accretion,” said Jude Melville, chairman, president, and CEO of Business First, “We also had the opportunity to again demonstrate solid operational execution with the successful conversion of former Oakwood Bank systems. We are focused on daily blocking and tackling, in particular that required to fulfill the promise of our current M&A projects, attainment of which will lead to continued improvement in financial performance over the coming quarters.”

On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, 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 third quarter in the amount of $0.15 per share of common stock, a $0.01 increase from the linked quarter. The preferred and common dividends will be paid on Nov. 30, 2025, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to the shareholders of record as of Nov. 15, 2025.

Quarterly Highlights

  • Consistent Core Performance. Return to common shareholders on average assets, on an annualized basis, was 1.08% for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, or 1.06% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 1.07% or 1.01% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter.

  • Continued Capital Growth. Common equity to total assets increased from 9.77% to 10.14%. Tangible common equity to tangible assets increased from 8.19% to 8.57%, 4.71% or 18.68% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased to $22.63 as of Sept. 30, 2025, a $1.02 increase, 4.75% or 18.83% annualized, compared to the prior quarter. The increase was largely driven by earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) which accounted for $0.38 or 1.78% of the total 4.75% increase.

  • Stable Net Interest Margin (NIM). Net interest income totaled $69.3 million and net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.68% and 2.85%, respectively, compared to $67.0 million, 3.68% and 2.88% for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) were 3.63% and 2.80% for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, compared to 3.64% and 2.84% (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) for the linked quarter.

  • Corporate Actions. Business First’s board of directors approved a $0.01 per common share increase to the quarterly dividend from $0.14 to $0.15 per common share beginning November 2025.

  • Oakwood Conversion. In September 2025, Business First successfully converted Oakwood Bank’s core systems onto its platform, accomplishing its second system conversion over consecutive quarters.

Statement of Financial Condition


Loans

Loans held for investment decreased $26.6 million or 0.44%, 1.74% annualized. The commercial and commercial real estate portfolios decreased $40.2 million and $71.1 million, respectively, compared to the linked quarter. The construction and residential portfolios increased $38.6 million and $47.6 million compared to the linked quarter. Texas-based loans represented approximately 40% of the overall loan portfolio as of Sept. 30, 2025, based on unpaid principal balance.


Credit Quality

Credit quality metrics stabilized compared to the prior quarter. The ratio of loans past due 30 days or more, excluding nonaccrual, compared to total loans held for investment decreased from 0.89% to 0.27% at Sept. 30, 2025. The ratio of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment decreased 15 basis points (bps) to 0.82% at Sept. 30, 2025, while the ratio of nonperforming assets compared to total assets increased 7 bps to 0.83% compared to the linked quarter. The increase in the nonperforming assets ratio over the linked quarter was attributable to the transfer of some nonaccrual loans to other real estate owned. The commercial, residential real estate, commercial real estate and construction portfolios encompass approximately $21.9 million, $10.2 million, $9.0 million and $4.0 million respectively, of the $45.4 million nonaccrual balance at Sept. 30, 2025.


Securities

The securities portfolio increased $59.5 million, or 6.42%, from the linked quarter. This increase was impacted by $14.4 million in positive pre-tax fair value adjustments and the remainder attributed largely to purchases of mortgage-backed securities. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 12.40% of total assets as of Sept. 30, 2025. The newly purchased securities increased the book yield of the securities portfolio from 2.77% to 2.92% at Sept. 30, 2025.


De


posits

Deposits increased $87.2 million or 1.36%, 5.39% annualized, for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, compared to the linked quarter. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $92.2 million, or 1.83%, and noninterest-bearing deposits increased $22.8 million or 1.76%, from the linked quarter.

Period-end interest bearing deposits increased $131.4 million or 2.62% and noninterest bearing deposits decreased $44.2 million or 3.13%. The increase in interest-bearing deposits was largely attributed to money market accounts, which experienced rate reductions of approximately 25 bps towards the end of the quarter.


Borrowings

Borrowings decreased $118.3 million or 19.29%, from the linked quarter due primarily to reductions in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances.


Shareholders


’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity increased $30.0 million or 3.54% compared to the linked quarter. Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) increased $11.3 million or 23.74%, during the quarter due to positive after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $27.23 at Sept. 30, 2025, compared to $26.23 at June 30, 2025, due to strong earnings and positive fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $21.61 at the linked quarter to $22.63 at Sept. 30, 2025, 4.75% or 18.83% annualized.

Results of Operations


Net Interest Income

For the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, net interest income totaled $69.3 million, compared to $67.0 million from the linked quarter. Loan yields increased 5 bps to 7.01% compared to 6.96% from the linked quarter, while the interest-bearing asset yield remained flat at 6.31%. Net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.68% and 2.85% compared to 3.68% and 2.88% for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which included noninterest-bearing deposits, increased 3 bps from 2.78% to 2.81% for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025.

Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) totaled $68.2 million for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, compared to $66.3 million (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) were 3.63% and 2.80%, respectively, for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, compared to 3.64% and 2.84% (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) for the linked quarter.


Provision for Credit Losses

During the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $3.2 million, compared to $2.2 million from the linked quarter. The current quarter’s reserve was largely impacted by an additional $1.5 million reserve on unfunded loan commitments and the remainder attributed to reserves on individually evaluated loans. At Sept. 30, 2025, the ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment ratio was 1.03%, compared to 1.02% for the linked quarter.


Other Income

For the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, other income decreased $2.7 million or 19.04%, compared to the linked quarter. The decrease was largely attributable to a $3.4 million gain on the Kaplan branch sale in the linked quarter, positively offset by a $414,000 increase related to other real estate owned and a $379,000 increase in equity investment income. Excluding the gain on the Kaplan branch sale and securities sale gains and losses, other income for Sept. 30, 2025, was $11.6 million compared to $11.1 million for the linked quarter, an increase of $492,000, or 4.43%.


Other Expenses

For the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, other expenses decreased $2.3 million or 4.54% compared to the linked quarter. The decrease was largely attributable to a $1.9 million tax credit the company recognized as an expense reduction within salaries and employee benefits. Excluding the tax credit recognized in the current quarter and merger-related and core conversion expenses recognized in both the current and linked quarters, other expenses were $49.3 million compared to $49.6 million for the linked quarter, a decrease of $345,000 or 0.70%.


Return on Assets and Common Equity

Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.08% and 10.80% for the quarter ended Sept 30, 2025, compared to 1.07% and 10.87%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.06% and 10.65% for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, compared to 1.01% and 10.23%, for the prior period quarter.

Conference Call and Webcast

Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Thursday October 23, 2025, 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 8427939, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/hvu86bo6. 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 $8.0 billion in assets, $5.7 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (excludes $0.9 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. Proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, when they become available, free of charge, by directing a request to Business First Bancshares, Inc., 500 Laurel Street, Suite 101, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Telephone: 225-248-7600.

Investor Relation Contact
:

Gregory Robertson       Matt Sealy
337.721.2701       225.388.6116
[email protected]        [email protected] 

 
Media Contact: Misty Albrecht
b1BANK
225.286.7879
[email protected] 
 

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
         
    Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
2025
June 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
         

Balance Sheet Ratios
       
         
Loans (HFI) to Deposits     92.53 %   94.21 %   92.54 %
Shareholders’ Equity to Assets Ratio     11.04 %   10.67 %   10.15 %
         

Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI)
       
         
Commercial   $ 1,920,813   $ 1,960,974   $ 1,496,480  
Real Estate:        
Commercial     2,462,617     2,533,761     2,256,370  
Construction     638,907     600,292     654,353  
Residential     927,456     879,891     743,878  
Total Real Estate     4,028,980     4,013,944     3,654,601  
Consumer and Other     71,262     72,732     69,037  
Total Loans (Held for Investment)   $ 6,021,055   $ 6,047,650   $ 5,220,118  
         

Allowance for Loan Losses
       
         
Balance, Beginning of Period   $ 58,496   $ 56,863   $ 41,412  
Charge-Offs – Quarterly     (3,415 )   (921 )   (1,424 )
Recoveries – Quarterly     348     99     295  
Provision for Loan Losses – Quarterly     1,633     2,455     1,871  
Balance, End of Period   $ 57,062   $ 58,496   $ 42,154  
         
Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI)     0.95 %   0.97 %   0.81 %
Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI)/(1)     1.03 %   1.02 %   0.86 %
Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Quarterly Total Loans     0.05 %   0.01 %   0.02 %
         
Remaining Loan Purchase Discount   $ 8,943   $ 10,099   $ 9,003  
         

Nonperforming Assets
       
         
Nonperforming        
Nonaccrual Loans   $ 45,362   $ 56,377   $ 25,874  
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More     3,929     2,467     185  
Total Nonperforming Loans     49,291     58,844     26,059  
Other Nonperforming Assets:        
Other Real Estate Owned     16,766     1,473     1,787  
Other Nonperforming Assets              
Total other Nonperforming Assets     16,766     1,473     1,787  
Total Nonperforming Assets   $ 66,057   $ 60,317   $ 27,846  
         
Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI)     0.82 %   0.97 %   0.50 %
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets     0.83 %   0.76 %   0.40 %
            
(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   Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
2025
June 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
  September 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
               

Per Share Data
             
               
Basic Earnings per Common Share   $ 0.73   $ 0.70   $ 0.65     $ 2.09   $ 1.77  
Diluted Earnings per Common Share     0.73     0.70     0.65       2.08     1.75  
Dividends per Common Share     0.14     0.14     0.14       0.42     0.42  
Book Value per Common Share     27.23     26.23     24.59       27.23     24.59  
               
Average Common Shares Outstanding     29,544,425     29,517,495     25,289,094       29,363,138     25,227,319  
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding     29,656,639     29,586,975     25,440,247       29,495,049     25,421,746  
End of Period Common Shares Outstanding     29,615,370     29,602,970     25,519,501       29,615,370     25,519,501  
               

Annualized Performance Ratios
             
               
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets (1)     1.08 %   1.07 %   0.97 %     1.05 %   0.89 %
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity (1)     10.80 %   10.87 %   10.76 %     10.74 %   10.08 %
Net Interest Margin (1)     3.68 %   3.68 %   3.51 %     3.68 %   3.43 %
Net Interest Spread (1)     2.85 %   2.88 %   2.54 %     2.88 %   2.46 %
Efficiency Ratio (2)     60.45 %   62.83 %   63.45 %     62.37 %   66.02 %
               
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets   $ 7,921,159   $ 7,791,371   $ 6,788,644     $ 7,825,828   $ 6,722,716  
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity     790,148     765,884     610,018       764,959     590,354  
               

Other Expenses
             
               
Salaries and Employee Benefits

  $ 27,613   $ 28,317   $ 24,877     $ 85,427   $ 75,816  
Occupancy and Bank Premises     3,324     3,119     2,630       9,844     7,778  
Depreciation and Amortization     2,036     2,076     1,844       6,264     5,262  
Data Processing     3,972     5,321     2,881       12,529     8,101  
FDIC Assessment Fees     988     861     887       3,033     2,589  
Legal and Other Professional Fees     1,024     1,093     873       3,130     2,781  
Advertising and Promotions     1,205     1,088     1,057       3,584     3,168  
Utilities and Communications     767     743     716       2,243     2,108  
Ad Valorem Shares Tax     1,125     1,125     900       3,375     2,700  
Directors’ Fees     261     193     245       733     795  
Other Real Estate Owned Expenses and Write-Downs     355     27     11       405     119  
Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses     477     210     319       937     1,068  
Other     5,735     7,033     5,210       19,162     15,797  
Total Other Expenses   $ 48,882   $ 51,206   $ 42,450     $ 150,666   $ 128,082  
               
               

Other Income
             
               
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts   $ 2,565   $ 2,633   $ 2,723     $ 8,058   $ 7,699  
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities     77     (47 )   (13 )     29     (14 )
Debit Card and ATM Fee Income     1,915     1,958     1,864       5,731     5,590  
Bank-Owned Life Insurance Income     802     758     679       2,368     1,885  
Gain on Sales of Loans     624     781     122       2,661     2,721  
Mortgage Origination Income     122     55     98       287     202  
Fees and Brokerage Commission     1,880     1,980     1,968       6,008     5,780  
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Other Real Estate Owned     470     56     (16 )     258     49  
Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Other Assets                   155     (15 )
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt                   630      
Gain on Branch Sale         3,360           3,360      
Swap Fee Income     1,065     808     937       2,612     1,451  
Pass-Through Income (Loss) from Other Investments     133     (246 )   335       638     1,021  
Other     2,018     2,319     2,077       6,517     5,966  
Total Other Income   $ 11,671   $ 14,415   $ 10,774     $ 39,312   $ 32,335  
               
(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 (excluding security sales gains/losses) plus net interest income less gain/loss on sales of securities.
 

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
         
     
(Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
2025
June 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
         

Assets
       
         
Cash and Due From Banks   $ 399,079   $ 495,757   $ 213,199  
Federal Funds Sold     101,103     39,296     169,980  
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell     25,518     25,433     25,879  
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values     985,938     926,450     916,091  
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale     433     677      
Loans and Lease Receivable     6,021,055     6,047,650     5,220,118  
Allowance for Loan Losses     (57,062 )   (58,496 )   (42,154 )
Net Loans and Lease Receivable     5,963,993     5,989,154     5,177,964  
Premises and Equipment, Net     77,944     79,007     67,617  
Accrued Interest Receivable     37,171     36,738     32,547  
Other Equity Securities     44,313     48,736     39,555  
Other Real Estate Owned     16,766     1,473     1,787  
Cash Value of Life Insurance     119,509     118,707     101,362  
Deferred Taxes, Net     21,433     25,222     20,852  
Goodwill     121,146     121,146     91,527  
Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles     15,136     15,775     10,326  
Other Assets     24,380     24,723     19,963  
         
Total Assets   $ 7,953,862   $ 7,948,294   $ 6,888,649  
         

Liabilities
       
         
Deposits        
Noninterest-Bearing   $ 1,366,558   $ 1,410,708   $ 1,190,942  
Interest-Bearing     5,140,304     5,008,943     4,450,004  
Total Deposits     6,506,862     6,419,651     5,640,946  
         
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase     29,896     22,557     21,529  
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings     367,408     492,946     367,202  
Subordinated Debt     92,587     92,645     99,818  
Subordinated Debt – Trust Preferred Securities     5,000     5,000     5,000  
Accrued Interest Payable     4,064     4,829     3,752  
Other Liabilities     69,605     62,226     50,878  
         
Total Liabilities     7,075,422     7,099,854     6,189,125  
         

Shareholders’ Equity
       
         
Preferred Stock     71,930     71,930     71,930  
Common Stock     29,615     29,603     25,520  
Additional Paid-In Capital     503,325     502,046     398,237  
Retained Earnings     309,999     292,629     249,981  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss     (36,429 )   (47,768 )   (46,144 )
         
Total Shareholders’ Equity     878,440     848,440     699,524  
         
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   $ 7,953,862   $ 7,948,294   $ 6,888,649  
                     

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
               
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
2025
June 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
  September 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
               
Interest Income:              
Interest and Fees on Loans   $ 106,662 $ 104,028   $ 93,307     $ 313,682 $ 269,858  
Interest and Dividends on Securities     7,554   6,906     6,417       21,074   17,949  
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks     4,472   3,916     3,017       12,475   10,815  
Total Interest Income     118,688   114,850     102,741       347,231   298,622  
               
Interest Expense:              
Interest on Deposits     43,358   41,546     41,303       127,343   120,232  
Interest on Borrowings     6,054   6,262     5,324       17,587   16,736  
Total Interest Expense     49,412   47,808     46,627       144,930   136,968  
               
Net Interest Income     69,276   67,042     56,114       202,301   161,654  
                 
Provision for Credit Losses     3,183   2,225     1,665       8,220   4,161  
               
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses     66,093   64,817     54,449       194,081   157,493  
               
Other Income:              
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts     2,565   2,633     2,723       8,058   7,699  
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities     77   (47 )   (13 )     29   (14 )
Gain on Sales of Loans     624   781     122       2,661   2,721  
Other Income     8,405   11,048     7,942       28,564   21,930  
Total Other Income     11,671   14,415     10,774       39,312   32,336  
                 
Other Expenses:                
Salaries and Employee Benefits     27,613   28,317     24,877       85,427   75,816  
Occupancy and Equipment Expense     7,284   7,162     5,828       21,802   16,902  
Merger and Conversion-Related Expense     477   210     319       937   1,068  
Other Expenses     13,508   15,517     11,426       42,500   34,296  
Total Other Expenses     48,882   51,206     42,450       150,666   128,082  
               
Income Before Income Taxes     28,882   28,026     22,773       82,727   61,747  
               
Provision for Income Taxes     6,026   5,923     4,930       17,225   13,128  
               
Net Income     22,856   22,103     17,843       65,502   48,619  
               
Preferred Stock Dividends     1,351   1,350     1,351       4,051   4,051  
               
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders   $ 21,505 $ 20,753   $ 16,492     $ 61,451 $ 44,568  
                               

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
                       
  Three Months Ended
  September 30, 2025   June 30, 2025   September 30, 2024
(Dollars in thousands) Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned/Interest Paid Average Yield/Rate   Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned/Interest Paid Average Yield/Rate   Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned/Interest Paid Average Yield/Rate
                       

Assets
                     
Interest Earning Assets:                      
Total Loans $ 6,036,622   $ 106,662 7.01 %   $ 5,995,490   $ 104,028 6.96 %   $ 5,212,948   $ 93,307 7.12 %
Securities   978,502     7,554 3.06 %     937,099     6,906 2.96 %     924,012     6,263 2.70 %
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell   25,490     330 5.14 %     31,172     401 5.16 %     17,117     154 3.58 %
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks   419,413     4,142 3.92 %     336,138     3,515 4.19 %     209,918     3,017 5.72 %
Total Interest Earning Assets   7,460,027     118,688 6.31 %     7,299,899     114,850 6.31 %     6,363,995     102,741 6.42 %
Allowance for Loan Losses   (58,468 )   .     (56,934 )   .     (41,554 )    
Noninterest- Earning Assets   519,600           548,406           466,203      
Total Assets $ 7,921,159   $ 118,688     $ 7,791,371   $ 114,850     $ 6,788,644   $ 102,741  
                       

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                     
                       
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:                      
Interest-Bearing Deposits   5,122,136     43,358 3.36 %     5,029,981     41,546 3.31 %     4,308,780     41,303 3.81 %
Subordinated Debt   92,624     1,235 5.29 %     92,682     1,235 5.34 %     99,854     1,353 5.39 %
Subordinated Debt – Trust Preferred Securities   5,000     100 7.93 %     5,000     100 8.02 %     5,000     114 9.07 %
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)   424,287     4,547 4.25 %     447,271     4,793 4.30 %     347,476     3,723 4.26 %
Other Borrowings   26,176     172 2.61 %     20,514     134 2.62 %     20,971     134 2.54 %
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities $ 5,670,223   $ 49,412 3.46 %   $ 5,595,448   $ 47,808 3.43 %   $ 4,782,081   $ 46,627 3.88 %
                       
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:                      
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits $ 1,315,064         $ 1,292,262         $ 1,269,282      
Other Liabilities   73,794           65,847           55,333      
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities   1,388,858           1,358,109           1,324,615      
Shareholders’ Equity:                      
Common Shareholders’ Equity   790,148           765,884           610,018      
Preferred Equity   71,930           71,930           71,930      
Total Shareholders’ Equity   862,078           837,814           681,948      
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 7,921,159         $ 7,791,371         $ 6,788,644      
                       
Net Interest Spread     2.85 %       2.88 %       2.54 %
Net Interest Income   $ 69,276       $ 67,042       $ 56,114  
Net Interest Margin     3.68 %       3.68 %       3.51 %
                       
Overall Cost of Funds     2.81 %       2.78 %       3.07 %
 
Note: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention.
 

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
               
  Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2025   September 30, 2024
  Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned/Interest Paid Average Yield/Rate   Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned/Interest Paid Average Yield/Rate

Assets
             
               
Interest Earning Assets:              
Total Loans $ 6,001,647   $ 313,682 6.99 %   $ 5,131,474   $ 269,858 7.02 %
Securities   946,961     21,074 2.98 %     901,525     17,795 2.64 %
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell   35,740     1,382 5.17 %     5,747     154 3.58 %
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks   361,760     11,093 4.10 %     262,068     10,815 5.51 %
Total Interest Earning Assets   7,346,108     347,231 6.32 %     6,300,814     298,622 6.33 %
Allowance for Loan Losses   (56,718 )         (41,178 )    
Noninterest- Earning Assets   536,438           463,080      
Total Assets $ 7,825,828   $ 347,231     $ 6,722,716   $ 298,622  
               
               

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
             
               
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:              
Interest-Bearing Deposits $ 5,103,928   $ 127,343 3.34 %   $ 4,216,866   $ 120,232 3.81 %
Subordinated Debt   94,169     3,732 5.30 %     99,913     4,063 5.43 %
Subordinated Debt – Trust Preferred Securities   5,000     299 8.00 %     5,000     340 9.08 %
Bank Term Funding Program       %     86,496     2,788 4.31 %
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)   411,444     13,136 4.27 %     298,735     9,189 4.11 %
Other Borrowings   21,699     420 2.59 %     18,758     356 2.54 %
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities $ 5,636,240   $ 144,930 3.44 %   $ 4,725,768   $ 136,968 3.87 %
               
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:              
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits $ 1,284,297         $ 1,283,035      
Other Liabilities   67,954           51,629      
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities   1,352,251           1,334,664      
Shareholders’ Equity:              
Common Shareholders’ Equity   764,959           590,354      
Preferred Equity   71,930           71,930      
Total Shareholders’ Equity   836,889           662,284      
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 7,825,381         $ 6,722,716      
               
Net Interest Spread     2.88 %       2.46 %
Net Interest Income   $ 202,301       $ 161,654  
Net Interest Margin     3.68 %       3.43 %
               
Overall Cost of Funds     2.80 %       3.04 %
               
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   Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) September 30,
2025
June 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
  September 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
             
Interest Income:            
Interest income $ 118,688   $ 114,850   $ 102,741     $ 347,231   $ 298,622  
Core interest income   118,688     114,850     102,741       347,231     298,622  
             
Interest Expense:            
Interest expense   49,412     47,808     46,627       144,930     136,968  
Core interest expense   49,412     47,808     46,627       144,930     136,968  
             
Provision for Credit Losses: (b)            
Provision for credit losses   3,183     2,225     1,665       8,220     4,161  
Core provision expense   3,183     2,225     1,665       8,220     4,161  
             
Other Income:            
Other income   11,671     14,415     10,774       39,312     32,336  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment                 (155 )   (50 )
(Gain) Loss on sale of securities   (77 )   47     13       (29 )   14  
Gain on extinguishment of debt                 (630 )    
Gain on branch sale

      (3,360 )         (3,360 )  
Core other income   11,594     11,102     10,787       35,138     32,300  
             
Other Expense:            
Other expense   48,882     51,206     42,450       150,666     128,082  
Acquisition-related expenses (2)   (1,157 )   (570 )   (319 )     (2,406 )   (1,453 )
Core conversion expenses   (439 )   (1,008 )   (511 )     (1,663 )   (511 )
Tax credit – ERC   1,997           1,997    
Core other expense   49,283     49,628     41,620       148,594     126,118  
             
Pre-Tax Income: (a)            
Pre-tax income   28,882     28,026     22,773       82,727     61,747  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment                 (155 )   (50 )
(Gain) Loss on sale of securities   (77 )   47     13       (29 )   14  
Gain on extinguishment of debt                 (630 )    
Gain on branch sale       (3,360 )         (3,360 )    
Acquisition-related expenses (2)   1,157     570     319       2,406     1,453  
Core conversion expenses   439     1,008     511       1,663     511  
Tax credit – ERC   (1,997 )             (1,997 )    
Core pre-tax income   28,404     26,291     23,616       80,625     63,675  
             
Provision for Income Taxes: (1)            
Provision for income taxes   6,026     5,923     4,930       17,225     13,128  
Tax on gain on former bank premises and equipment                 (33 )   (11 )
Tax on (gain) loss on sale of securities   (16 )   10     3       (6 )   3  
Tax on gain on extinguishment of debt                 (133 )    
Tax on gain on branch sale       (833 )       (833 )    
Tax on acquisition-related expenses (2)   157     103           403     91  
Tax on core conversion expenses   93     213     108       352     108  
Tax on tax credit – ERC   (422 )             (422 )    
Core provision for income taxes   5,838     5,416     5,041       16,553     13,319  
             
Preferred Dividends:            
Preferred dividends   1,351     1,350     1,351       4,051     4,051  
Core preferred dividends   1,351     1,350     1,351       4,051     4,051  
             
             
Net income available to common shareholders   21,505     20,753     16,492       61,451     44,568  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax                 (122 )   (39 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax   (61 )   37     10       (23 )   11  
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax                 (497 )    
Gain on branch sale, net of tax       (2,527 )         (2,527 )    
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax   1,000     467     319       2,003     1,362  
Core conversion expenses, net of tax   346     795     403       1,311     403  
Tax credit – ERC, net of tax   (1,575 )             (1,575 )    
Core net income available to common shareholders $ 21,215   $ 19,525   $ 17,224     $ 60,021   $ 46,305  
             
Pre-tax, Pre-provision Earnings Available to Common Shareholders (a+b) $ 32,065   $ 30,251   $ 24,438     $ 90,947   $ 65,908  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment                 (155 )   (50 )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities   (77 )   47     13       (29 )   14  
Gain on extinguishment of debt                 (630 )    
Gain on branch sale       (3,360 )         (3,360 )    
Acquisition-related expenses (2)   1,157     570     319       2,406     1,453  
Core conversion expenses   439     1,008     511       1,663     511  
Tax credit- ERC   (1,997 )             (1,997 )    
Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings $ 31,587   $ 28,516   $ 25,281     $ 88,845   $ 67,836  
             
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding   29,656,639     29,586,975     25,440,247       29,495,049     25,421,746  
             
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share            
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.73   $ 0.70   $ 0.65     $ 2.08   $ 1.75  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax                      
(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax                      
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax                 (0.02 )    
Gain on branch sale, net of tax       (0.09 )         (0.09 )    
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax   0.03     0.02     0.01       0.07     0.05  
Core conversion expenses,net of tax   0.01     0.03     0.02       0.04     0.02  
Tax credit – ERC, net of tax   (0.05 )             (0.05 )    
Core diluted earnings per common share $ 0.72   $ 0.66   $ 0.68     $ 2.03   $ 1.82  
             
Pre-tax, Pre-provision Diluted Earnings per Common Share $ 1.08   $ 1.02   $ 0.96     $ 3.08   $ 2.59  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment                 (0.01 )    
(Gain) loss on sale of securities                      
Gain on extinguishment of debt                 (0.02 )    
Gain on branch sale       (0.11 )         (0.11 )    
Acquisition-related expenses (2)   0.04     0.02     0.01       0.08     0.06  
Core conversion expenses   0.02     0.03     0.02       0.06     0.02  
Tax credit – ERC   (0.07 )             (0.07 )    
Core pre-tax, pre-provision diluted earnings per common share $ 1.07   $ 0.96   $ 0.99     $ 3.01   $ 2.67  
             
(1) Tax rates, exclusive of certain nondeductible merger-related expenses and goodwill, utilized were 21.129% for 2025 and 2024. These rates approximated the marginal tax rates.
(2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits.
(3) CECL non-purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) provision/unfunded commitment expense attributable to the Oakwood acquisition.
 

                          

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
       
       
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) September 30,
2025
June 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
       
Total Shareholders’ (Common) Equity:      
Total shareholders’ equity $ 878,440   $ 848,440   $ 699,524  
Preferred stock   (71,930 )   (71,930 )   (71,930 )
Total common shareholders’ equity   806,510     776,510     627,594  
Goodwill   (121,146 )   (121,146 )   (91,527 )
Core deposit and customer intangible   (15,136 )   (15,775 )   (10,326 )
Total tangible common equity $ 670,228   $ 639,589   $ 525,741  
       
       
Total Assets:      
Total assets $ 7,953,862   $ 7,948,294   $ 6,888,649  
Goodwill   (121,146 )   (121,146 )   (91,527 )
Core deposit and customer intangible   (15,136 )   (15,775 )   (10,326 )
Total tangible assets $ 7,817,580   $ 7,811,373   $ 6,786,796  
       
Common shares outstanding   29,615,370     29,602,970     25,519,501  
       
Book value per common share $ 27.23   $ 26.23   $ 24.59  
Tangible book value per common share $ 22.63   $ 21.61   $ 20.60  
Common equity to total assets   10.14 %   9.77 %   9.11 %
Tangible common equity to tangible assets   8.57 %   8.19 %   7.75 %
                   

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
             
  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) September 30,
2025
June 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
  September 30,
2025
September 30,
2024
             
Total Quarterly Average Assets $ 7,921,159   $ 7,791,371   $ 6,788,644     $ 7,825,828   $ 6,722,716  
Total Quarterly Average Common Equity $ 790,148   $ 765,884   $ 610,018     $ 764,959   $ 590,354  
             
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:            
Net income available to common shareholders $ 21,505   $ 20,753   $ 16,492     $ 61,451   $ 44,568  
CECL Oakwood impact (3), net of tax                 (122 )   (39 )
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax   (61 )   37     10       (23 )   11  
(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax                 (497 )    
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax       (2,527 )         (2,527 )    
Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax   1,000     467     319       2,003     1,362  
Gain on branch sale, net of tax

  346     795     403       1,311     403  
Core conversion expenses, net of tax   (1,575 )             (1,575 )    
Core net income available to common shareholders $ 21,215   $ 19,525   $ 17,224     $ 60,021   $ 46,305  
             
Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) (2)   1.08 %   1.07 %   0.97 %     1.05 %   0.89 %
Core return on average assets (annualized) (2)   1.06 %   1.01 %   1.01 %     1.03 %   0.92 %
Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) (2)   10.80 %   10.87 %   10.76 %     10.74 %   10.08 %
Core return on average common equity (annualized) (2)   10.65 %   10.23 %   11.23 %     10.49 %   10.48 %
             
Interest Income:            
Interest income $ 118,688   $ 114,850   $ 102,741     $ 347,231   $ 298,622  
Core interest income   118,688     114,850     102,741       347,231     298,622  
Interest Expense:            
Interest expense   49,412     47,808     46,627       144,930     136,968  
Core interest expense   49,412     47,808     46,627       144,930     136,968  
Other Income:            
Other income   11,671     14,415     10,774       39,312     32,336  
Gain on former bank premises and equipment                 (155 )   (50 )
Loss (Gain) on sale of securities   (77 )   47     13       (29 )   14  
Gain on extinguishment of debt                 (630 )    
Gain on branch sale       (3,360 )       (3,360 )    
Core other income   11,594     11,102     10,787       35,138     32,300  
Other Expense:            
Other expense   48,882     51,206     42,450       150,666     128,082  
Acquisition-related expenses   (1,157 )   (570 )   (319 )     (2,406 )   (1,453 )
Core conversion expenses   (439 )   (1,008 )   (511 )     (1,663 )   (511 )
Tax credit – ERC   1,997           1,997    
Core other expense $ 49,283   $ 49,628   $ 41,620     $ 148,594   $ 126,118  
             
Efficiency Ratio:            
Other expense (a) $ 48,882   $ 51,206   $ 42,450     $ 150,666   $ 128,082  
Core other expense (c) $ 49,281   $ 49,628   $ 41,620     $ 148,592   $ 126,118  
Net interest and other income (1) (b) $ 80,869   $ 81,504   $ 66,901     $ 241,583   $ 194,004  
Core net interest and other income (1) (d) $ 80,869   $ 78,144   $ 66,901     $ 237,438   $ 193,954  
Efficiency ratio (a/b)   60.45 %   62.83 %   63.45 %     62.37 %   66.02 %
Core efficiency ratio (c/d)   60.94 %   63.51 %   62.21 %     62.58 %   65.02 %
             
Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets $ 7,460,027   $ 7,299,899   $ 6,363,995     $ 7,346,108   $ 6,300,814  
             
Net Interest Income:            
Net interest income $ 69,276   $ 67,042   $ 56,114     $ 202,301   $ 161,654  
Loan discount accretion $ (1,111 ) $ (767 ) $ (705 )   $ (2,671 ) $ (3,185 )
Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion $ 68,165   $ 66,275   $ 55,409     $ 199,630   $ 158,469  
             
Net interest margin (2)   3.68 %   3.68 %   3.51 %     3.68 %   3.43 %
Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion (2)   3.63 %   3.64 %   3.46 %     3.63 %   3.36 %
Net interest spread (2)   2.85 %   2.88 %   2.54 %     2.88 %   2.46 %
Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion (2)   2.80 %   2.84 %   2.50 %     2.83 %   2.39 %
             
(1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities.
(2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention.
(3) CECL non-PCD provision/unfunded commitment expense attributable to the Oakwood acquisition.