Business First Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for b1BANK, a bank serving personal and commercial customers with banking, treasury management and wealth solutions. Company news commonly covers operating results, earnings-call materials, dividend actions and capital management tied to lending, deposit activity, fees and securities income.
Recurring developments also include commercial and corporate banking initiatives, technology partnerships for loan and deposit operations, subordinated debt financing, shareholder voting matters and governance updates. These items reflect BFST's public-company disclosures around bank growth, regulatory capital support and the operating capabilities of b1BANK.
Business First Bancshares (Nasdaq: BFST) approved a stock repurchase program authorizing purchases of up to $30 million of common stock. The authorization covers a 24-month period from Oct. 29, 2026, through Oct. 28, 2028. Purchases may occur in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The program does not obligate the company to buy shares.
Business First Bancshares (BFST) reported third-quarter 2026 net income available to common shareholders of $23.2 million, up from the prior quarter. Diluted earnings were $0.71 per share, up $0.01. Core earnings, which exclude certain income and expenses, reached $26.0 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, versus $23.3 million and $0.71 in the prior quarter.
Net interest margin widened to 3.86% from 3.73%, while loans increased $121.4 million and deposits rose $141.2 million. Borrowings fell $107.8 million. Net charge-offs rose to 0.08% of average quarterly loans from 0.04%, and shareholders’ equity declined $6.1 million, alongside securities valuation losses. Progressive Bank’s systems conversion was completed in August. Quarterly common and preferred dividends of $0.15 and $18.75 per share, respectively, are payable November 30, 2026, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
Business First Bancshares (BFST) will release its third-quarter 2026 financial results before market open on October 26, 2026. The results cover the quarter ended September 30, 2026. Executive management will host a conference call and webcast that day at 9:00 a.m. CDT. The earnings release and accompanying slide presentation will be available on b1BANK’s shareholder information website.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) reported unaudited Q2 2026 net income available to common shareholders of $22.8 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, up $0.6 million and $0.02 from Q1. Core non-GAAP net income was $23.3 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, down $0.7 million and $0.02 sequentially.
Net interest income rose to $77.8 million and net interest margin expanded 8 bps to 3.73% (3.68% non-GAAP). The board declared a quarterly common dividend of $0.15 per share and a preferred dividend of $18.75 per share, both payable August 31, 2026 to holders of record on August 15, 2026.
Business First completed the acquisition of American Planning Corporation, repurchased 176,849 shares for $4.8 million, sold $100.3 million of lower-yield Progressive loans, and issued $85.0 million of subordinated debt. Tangible book value per share increased to $23.61, the consolidated total risk-based capital ratio improved to 13.77%, while deposits declined $229.4 million and borrowings rose $206.3 million versus Q1.
Business First Bancshares (Nasdaq: BFST) announced the acquisition of American Planning Corporation, a community bank consulting firm serving clients since 1972.
American Planning’s team, led by CEO T. Jefferson Fair, joins Smith Shellnut Wilson (SSW), expanding SSW’s advisory platform for SSW and b1 Financial Services Group clients nationwide.
The deal broadens services from investment management and asset/liability management to a comprehensive suite including outsourced CFO services, financial modeling, strategic and capital planning, stock valuations, and regulatory consulting.
Business First Bancshares (Nasdaq: BFST), parent of b1BANK, will release Q2 2026 financial results after market close on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Executive management will host a conference call and live webcast at 4:00 p.m. CDT the same day for investors and analysts.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) reported Q1 2026 net income available to common shareholders of $22.2 million or $0.68 diluted EPS and core net income of $24.0 million or $0.73 core EPS. The quarter included the January 1, 2026 acquisition of Progressive (≈$773.8M assets, $684.9M deposits). Deposits rose 11.44%, book value per share increased to $28.18, and the board declared preferred and common quarterly dividends payable May 29, 2026.
Business First Bancshares (Nasdaq: BFST) completed a private placement of $85.0 million principal of 6.50% fixed-to-floating subordinated notes due 2036 on April 2, 2026. The Notes are structured to qualify as Tier 2 capital.
Proceeds will redeem $66.93 million of outstanding subordinated notes, provide additional capital support to b1BANK, support growth, repay borrowings, and for general corporate purposes. Interest is 6.50% through March 30, 2031, then resets quarterly to SOFR + 300 bps; callable by the company on or after the fifth anniversary.
b1BANK (BFST) named Ben Marmande director of corporate banking effective April 2, 2026. Marmande will lead corporate banking for Texas, focusing on client acquisition, relationship growth and expanding commercial capabilities.
He brings 40+ years of banking experience, a 19-year tenure at IBERIABANK and First Horizon, and prior leadership of a $500 million division at Lason Systems, providing operational perspective for serving complex commercial clients.
Business First Bancshares (Nasdaq: BFST) will release Q1 2026 results before the market opens on Monday, April 27, 2026. Executive management will host a conference call and webcast the same morning at 9:00 a.m. CST to discuss results and answer questions.
Dial-in: 1-800-715-9871 (North America toll-free), Conference ID 4364723. A live webcast and a slide presentation will be available at the provided URLs on the day of the call.