Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q2 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) reported strong Q2 2025 financial results with net income of $20.8 million ($0.70 per diluted share), up $1.6 million from Q1. Core net income reached $19.5 million ($0.66 per diluted share).

Key highlights include a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per common share, successful core conversion to FIS, and branch optimization through the sale of Kaplan branch for an 8% premium. The bank maintained a stable net interest margin of 3.68% and increased tangible book value per share to $28.61.

Notably, BFST announced the acquisition of Progressive Bancorp with $752 million in assets and executed strategic initiatives including branch repositioning and system upgrades, positioning for future growth particularly in the Dallas market.

Positive

• Net income increased by $1.6 million to $20.8 million compared to previous quarter
• Tangible book value per share grew to $28.61, a 14.82% annualized increase
• Strategic sale of Kaplan branch resulted in $3.4 million net capital injection and $750,000 annual cost savings
• Announced acquisition of Progressive Bancorp adding $752 million in assets
• Common equity to total assets improved from 9.69% to 9.77%
• Texas-based loans represent 40% of portfolio, showing strong market diversification

Negative

• Nonperforming loans ratio increased 28 bps to 0.97%
• Nonperforming assets to total assets rose 21 bps to 0.76%
• Total deposits decreased by $38.5 million or 0.60%
• Construction portfolio declined $33.4 million or 5.27%
• Data processing expenses increased by $2.1 million due to core conversion costs

Insights

Financial Analyst

BFST posts solid Q2 earnings with growth in core metrics despite operational changes; acquisitions and branch optimization position bank for stronger future performance.

Business First Bancshares delivered $20.8 million in net income ($0.70 EPS) for Q2 2025, representing increases of $1.6 million and $0.05 per share from Q1. On a core basis (excluding non-recurring items), earnings reached $19.5 million ($0.66 EPS). The bank maintained a healthy 3.68% net interest margin despite headwinds from their core conversion process (~3 bps impact) and branch sale deposit replacement (~2 bps impact).

The quarter featured several strategic moves positioning the bank for future growth. First, BFST optimized its branch network by selling its Kaplan location, generating a $3.4 million gain while divesting $50.7 million in deposits (sold at an 8% premium). This transaction should reduce annual operating costs by $750,000. Second, the bank completed its core systems conversion to FIS, enhancing technological capabilities for future scaling. Third, BFST announced the acquisition of Progressive Bancorp ($752 million in assets), strengthening its competitive position.

Balance sheet metrics showed incremental improvement with loans increasing 1.12% (4.48% annualized) while the Texas portfolio now represents approximately 40% of total loans. The bank's capital position strengthened with tangible book value per share growing to $21.61, a 3.70% quarterly increase (14.82% annualized). However, credit quality showed some deterioration with nonperforming loans to total loans increasing 28 bps to 0.97%.

Most impressive was BFST's ability to maintain consistent performance while undertaking significant operational initiatives. Return on assets reached 1.07% for the quarter (1.01% on a core basis), while return on common equity hit 10.87% (10.23% core). These metrics demonstrate management's capability to drive shareholder value while simultaneously investing in future growth capabilities.

BATON ROUGE, La., July 28, 2025 (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, 2025. Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $20.8 million or $0.70 per diluted common share, increases of $1.6 million and $0.05, respectively, compared to the linked quarter ended March 31, 2025. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $19.5 million or $0.66 per diluted common share, an increase of $0.2 million and $0.01, from the linked quarter.

“Between our latest partnership announcement, successful core conversion and legacy branch repositioning, this was a quarter that positions us for continued growth and development in the coming quarters and years,” said Jude Melville, chairman, president and CEO of Business First Bancshares, “I’m especially proud that our team conducted these productive operational activities while continuing to post consistent earnings and healthy balance sheet growth including our tangible book value and capital levels. We look forward to converting our Oakwood franchise systems late in the third quarter and competing from a position of strength in the Dallas market as a fully integrated team.”

On Thursday, July 24, 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 second quarter in the amount of $0.14 per share of common stock. The preferred and common dividends will be paid on August 31, 2025, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to the shareholders of record as of August 15, 2025.

Quarterly Highlights

• Sustained Core Performance. Return to common shareholders on average assets, on an annualized basis, was 1.07% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, or 1.01% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 1.00% or 1.01% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter.
  
• Capital Growth. Common equity to total assets increased from 9.69% to 9.77% and tangible common equity to tangible assets increased from 8.06% to 8.19%, 1.61% or 6.47% annualized, compared to the linked quarter, driven largely by solid quarterly earnings. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased to $28.61 as of June 30, 2025, a 77 basis point increase, 3.70% or 14.82% annualized, compared to the linked quarter.
  
• Branch Optimization. In early April, Business First sold a banking branch located in Kaplan, LA (Kaplan) resulting in a net capital injection of $3.4 million. The transaction included a sale of $50.7 million of deposits for an 8.0% purchase premium. The sale is estimated to result in $750,000 lower annual operating cost.
  
• Core Conversion. Business First successfully converted its core processing for loans, deposits, and the general ledger to Fidelity Information Systems ("FIS") to improve capabilities and efficiencies for future growth.
  
• Stable Net Interest Margin (NIM). Net interest income totaled $67.0 million and net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.68% and 2.88%, respectively, compared to $66.0 million, 3.68% and 2.91% for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) were 3.64% and 2.84% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 3.64% and 2.86% (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) for the linked quarter. Net interest margin for the quarter was impacted by excess funding utilized during the core conversion (~3 basis points, "bps") and incremental funding cost associated with replacing the Kaplan deposit portfolio (~2 bps).
  
• Progressive Bank Acquisition. On July 7, 2025, Business First executed a definitive agreement to acquire Progressive Bancorp, Inc. (“Progressive”) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Progressive Bank. As of March 31, 2025, Progressive reported total assets of $752 million, deposits of $673 million, and equity of $65 million.
  
  

Statement of Financial Condition

Loans

Loans held for investment increased $66.7 million or 1.12%, 4.48% annualized. The commercial and commercial real estates portfolios increased $98.8 million and $61.6 million, respectively, compared to the linked quarter. The construction portfolio declined $33.4 million, or 5.27% compared to the linked quarter. Texas-based loans represented approximately 40% of the overall loan portfolio as of June 30, 2025, based on unpaid principal balance.

Credit Quality

Credit quality metrics migrated upwards compared to the linked quarter. The ratio of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment increased 28 bps to 0.97% at June 30, 2025, while the ratio of nonperforming assets compared to total assets increased 21 bps to 0.76% compared to the linked quarter. The commercial real estate, commercial, and residential real estate portfolios encompass approximately $22.5 million, $20.8 million, and $7.5 million, respectively, of the $56.4 million nonaccrual balance at June 30, 2025.

Securities

The securities portfolio increased $5.9 million, or 0.64%, from the linked quarter, impacted by $6.4 million in positive fair value adjustments. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 11.83% of total assets as of June 30, 2025.

Deposits

Deposits decreased $38.5 million or 0.60%, 2.39% annualized, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to the linked quarter. Excluding the $50.7 million in deposits transferred in the Kaplan sale, deposits increased $12.1 million or 0.19%, 0.76% annualized.

Noninterest bearing deposits increased $102.4 million or 7.83% and interest-bearing deposits decreased $140.9 million or 10.77%. The portfolio was impacted by various transactions during the quarter. The money market portfolio was affected by approximately $62.8 million of withdrawals from financial institutional accounts with a weighted average rate of 4.45%. These withdrawals were replaced with more efficient brokered certificates of deposits (CDs). The Kaplan sale accounted for reductions of approximately $41.5 million in interest bearing deposits and $9.2 million in noninterest bearing deposits. Some of the migration was mitigated through successful retail CD promotion offers which generated $43.0 million increase in the portfolio. Additionally, the noninterest bearing portfolio benefited from a short-term inflow of approximately $60 million in deposits which subsequently were withdrawn after quarter end.

Borrowings

Borrowings increased $179.0 million or 41.25%, from the linked quarter due primarily to an increase in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Additional liquidity was utilized during the quarter as Business First's main correspondent banking relationship was changed during the core conversion process, as well as borrowings for short-term deposit fluctuations.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders' equity increased $22.1 million or 2.68% during the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) increased $5.1 million or 9.61%, during the quarter due to positive after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $26.23 at June 30, 2025, compared to $25.51 at March 31, 2025, due to strong earnings and positive fair value adjustments. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $20.84 at the linked quarter to $21.61 at June 30, 2025, 3.70% or 14.82% annualized.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, net interest income totaled $67.0 million, compared to $66.0 million from the linked quarter. Loan and interest-earning asset yields of 6.96% and 6.31%, decreased 3 and 4 bps, respectively, compared to 6.99% and 6.35% from the linked quarter. Net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.68% and 2.88% compared to 3.68% and 2.91% for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which included noninterest-bearing deposits, declined 4 bps from 2.82% to 2.78% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, despite the sale of $50.7 million in deposits associated with the Kaplan, LA banking branch sale in April (~2 bps reduction in margin). Additionally, margin was also negatively impacted by ~3 bps due to excess cash carried during the transfer of our primary correspondent banking relationship through the core conversion process.

Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) totaled $66.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to $65.2 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 $0.8 million) were 3.64% and 2.84%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 3.64% and 2.86% (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) for the linked quarter.

Provision for Credit Losses

During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $2.2 million, compared to $2.8 million from the linked quarter. The current quarter’s reserve was largely impacted by an additional $1.6 million reserve on a loan transferred to nonaccrual status. At June 30, 2025, the ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment ratio was 1.02%, compared to 1.01% the linked quarter.

Other Income

For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, other income increased $1.2 million or 8.99%, compared to the linked quarter. The net increase was largely attributable to a $3.4 million gain on the Kaplan sale, offset largely by a $1.0 million reduction in equity investment income, and a $475,000 reduction in gain on sale of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.

Other Expenses

For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, other expenses increased $628,000 or 1.24%, compared to the linked quarter. The increase was largely attributable to a $2.1 million increase in data processing expenses, of which $1.0 million was associated with core conversion expenses, offset by a $1.2 million reduction in salaries and benefits largely due to lower incentive-based expenses.

Return on Assets and Common Equity

Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.07% and 10.87% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.00% and 10.48%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.01% and 10.23% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.01% and 10.53%, for the linked quarter.

Conference Call and Webcast

Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. Interested parties may attend the call by dialing toll-free 1-800-715-9871 (North America only), conference ID 2799880, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jqbmtwns. 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 $7.9 billion in assets, $5.4 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.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication is being made with respect to the proposed transaction involving Business First and Progressive. This material is not a solicitation of any vote or approval of the Progressive shareholders and is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other documents that Business First and Progressive may send to their respective shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

In connection with the proposed transaction, Business First will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that will include a proxy statement of Progressive and a prospectus of Business First, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and shareholders are urged to read carefully the Registration Statement and the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction, as well as any other relevant documents filed with the SEC and any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important information. Progressive will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders. Shareholders are also urged to carefully review and consider Business First’s public filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, its proxy statements, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of the Registration Statement and proxy statement/prospectus and other filings incorporated by reference therein, as well as other filings containing information about Business First, may be obtained, free of charge, as they become available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You will also be able to obtain these documents when they are filed, free of charge, from Business First at www.b1BANK.com. Copies of the 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.

Participants in the Solicitation

Business First, Progressive and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may, under the SEC’s rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of Progressive’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about Business First’s directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 9, 2025, and other documents filed by Business First with the SEC. Other information regarding the persons who may, under the SEC’s rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of Progressive’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction, and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

Investor Relations Contact:

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

Misty.Albrecht@b1BANK.com

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)		June 30, 2025			March 31, 2025			June 30, 2024
Balance Sheet Ratios
Loans (HFI) to Deposits			94.21	%		92.61	%		97.80	%
Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio			10.67	%		10.61	%		9.91	%
Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI)
Commercial		$	1,960,974		$	1,862,176		$	1,520,392
Real Estate:
Commercial			2,533,761			2,472,121			2,198,119
Construction			600,292			633,698			637,466
Residential			879,891			934,357			743,876
Total Real Estate			4,013,944			4,040,176			3,579,461
Consumer and Other			72,732			78,567			62,999
Total Loans (Held for Investment)		$	6,047,650		$	5,980,919		$	5,162,852
Allowance for Loan Losses
Balance, Beginning of Period		$	56,863		$	54,840		$	41,165
Oakwood - PCD ALLL			—			—			—
Charge-Offs - Quarterly			(921	)		(1,648	)		(1,426	)
Recoveries - Quarterly			99			671			91
Provision for Loan Losses - Quarterly			2,455			3,000			1,582
Balance, End of Period		$	58,496		$	56,863		$	41,412
Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI)			0.97	%		0.95	%		0.80	%
Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI)/(1)			1.02	%		1.01	%		0.86	%
Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Quarterly Total Loans			0.01	%		0.02	%		0.03	%
Remaining Loan Purchase Discount		$	10,099		$	11,322		$	9,690
Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming
Nonaccrual Loans		$	56,377		$	35,915		$	21,008
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More			2,467			5,635			1,355
Total Nonperforming Loans			58,844			41,550			22,363
Other Nonperforming Assets:
Other Real Estate Owned			1,473			1,282			1,983
Other Nonperforming Assets			—			—			—
Total other Nonperforming Assets			1,473			1,282			1,983
Total Nonperforming Assets		$	60,317		$	42,832		$	24,346
Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI)			0.97	%		0.69	%		0.43	%
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets			0.76	%		0.55	%		0.36	%
(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
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)		June 30, 2025			March 31, 2025			June 30, 2024				June 30, 2025			June 30, 2024
Per Share Data
Basic Earnings per Common Share		$	0.70		$	0.65		$	0.63			$	1.36		$	1.11
Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.70			0.65			0.62				1.35			1.10
Dividends per Common Share			0.14			0.14			0.14				0.28			0.28
Book Value per Common Share			26.23			25.51			23.24				26.23			23.24
Average Common Shares Outstanding			29,517,495			29,329,668			25,265,495				29,354,228			25,196,079
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding			29,586,975			29,545,921			25,395,614				29,500,061			25,412,142
End of Period Common Shares Outstanding			29,602,970			29,572,297			25,502,175				29,602,970			25,502,175
Annualized Performance Ratios
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets (1)			1.07	%		1.00	%		0.95	%			1.04	%		0.84	%
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity (1)			10.87	%		10.48	%		10.94	%			10.68	%		9.73	%
Net Interest Margin (1)			3.68	%		3.68	%		3.45	%			3.68	%		3.39	%
Net Interest Spread (1)			2.88	%		2.91	%		2.47	%			2.90	%		2.42	%
Efficiency Ratio (2)			62.83	%		63.85	%		65.14	%			63.33	%		67.37	%
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets		$	7,791,372		$	7,750,982		$	6,711,173			$	7,771,289		$	6,689,350
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity			765,884			742,930			583,184				754,470			580,414
Other Expenses
Salaries and Employee Benefits		$	28,317		$	29,497		$	25,523			$	57,814		$	50,939
Occupancy and Bank Premises			3,119			3,401			2,634				6,520			5,148
Depreciation and Amortization			2,076			2,152			1,742				4,228			3,418
Data Processing			5,321			3,236			2,641				8,557			5,220
FDIC Assessment Fees			861			1,184			874				2,045			1,702
Legal and Other Professional Fees			1,093			1,013			1,042				2,106			1,908
Advertising and Promotions			1,088			1,291			966				2,379			2,111
Utilities and Communications			743			733			718				1,476			1,392
Ad Valorem Shares Tax			1,125			1,125			900				2,250			1,800
Directors' Fees			193			279			268				472			550
Other Real Estate Owned Expenses and Write-Downs			27			23			71				50			108
Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses			210			250			409				460			749
Other			7,033			6,394			5,322				13,427			10,587
Total Other Expenses		$	51,206		$	50,578		$	43,110			$	101,784		$	85,632
Other Income
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts		$	2,633		$	2,860		$	2,537			$	5,493		$	4,976
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities			(47	)		(1	)		—				(48	)		(1	)
Debit Card and ATM Fee Income			1,958			1,858			1,950				3,816			3,726
Bank-Owned Life Insurance Income			758			808			627				1,566			1,206
Gain on Sales of Loans			781			1,256			2,460				2,037			2,599
Mortgage Origination Income			55			110			35				165			104
Fees and Brokerage Commission			1,980			2,148			1,875				4,128			3,812
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Other Real Estate Owned			56			(268	)		2				(212	)		65
Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Other Assets			—			155			(15	)			155			(15	)
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt			—			630			—				630			—
Gain on Branch Sale			3,360			—			—				3,360			—
Swap Fee Income			808			739			285				1,547			514
Pass-Through Income (Loss) from Other Investments			(246	)		751			392				505			686
Other			2,319			2,180			2,028				4,499			3,890
Total Other Income		$	14,415		$	13,226		$	12,176			$	27,641		$	21,562
(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)		June 30, 2025			March 31, 2025			June 30, 2024
Assets
Cash and Due From Banks		$	495,757		$	312,887		$	208,051
Federal Funds Sold			39,296			117,422			113,587
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell			25,433			50,589			—
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values			926,450			920,573			875,048
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale			677			—			680
Loans and Lease Receivable			6,047,650			5,980,919			5,162,852
Allowance for Loan Losses			(58,496	)		(56,863	)		(41,412	)
Net Loans and Lease Receivable			5,989,154			5,924,056			5,121,440
Premises and Equipment, Net			79,007			81,582			68,545
Accrued Interest Receivable			36,738			33,741			30,617
Other Equity Securities			48,736			40,947			38,805
Other Real Estate Owned			1,473			1,282			1,983
Cash Value of Life Insurance			118,707			117,950			100,684
Deferred Taxes, Net			25,222			25,289			25,888
Goodwill			121,146			121,691			91,527
Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles			15,775			16,538			10,849
Other Assets			24,723			20,181			16,185
Total Assets		$	7,948,294		$	7,784,728		$	6,703,889
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest-Bearing		$	1,410,708		$	1,308,312		$	1,310,204
Interest-Bearing			5,008,943			5,149,869			4,253,466
Total Deposits			6,419,651			6,458,181			5,563,670
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase			22,557			19,046			18,445
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings			492,946			317,352			305,208
Subordinated Debt			92,645			92,702			99,875
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities			5,000			5,000			5,000
Accrued Interest Payable			4,829			5,356			4,517
Other Liabilities			62,226			60,779			42,644
Total Liabilities			7,099,854			6,958,416			6,039,359
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Stock			71,930			71,930			71,930
Common Stock			29,603			29,572			25,502
Additional Paid-In Capital			502,046			501,609			397,851
Retained Earnings			292,629			276,045			237,031
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			(47,768	)		(52,844	)		(67,784	)
Total Shareholders' Equity			848,440			826,312			664,530
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity		$	7,948,294		$	7,784,728		$	6,703,889

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended									Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)		June 30, 2025			March 31, 2025			June 30, 2024			June 30, 2025			June 30, 2024
Interest Income:
Interest and Fees on Loans		$	104,028		$	102,992		$	90,604		$	207,020		$	176,551
Interest and Dividends on Securities			6,906			6,614			5,933			13,520			11,532
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks			3,916			4,088			3,333			8,003			7,798
Total Interest Income			114,850			113,693			99,870			228,543			195,881
									—
Interest Expense:									—
Interest on Deposits			41,546			42,439			40,900			83,985			78,929
Interest on Borrowings			6,262			5,271			4,961			11,533			11,412
Total Interest Expense			47,808			47,710			45,861			95,518			90,341
									—
Net Interest Income			67,042			65,983			54,009			133,025			105,540
									—
Provision for Credit Losses			2,225			2,812			1,310			5,037			2,496
									—
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses			64,817			63,171			52,699			127,988			103,044
									—
Other Income:									—
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts			2,633			2,860			2,537			5,493			4,976
(Loss) Gain on Sales of Securities			(47	)		(1	)		—			(48	)		(1	)
Gain on Sales of Loans			781			1,256			2,460			2,037			2,599
Other Income			11,048			9,111			7,179			20,159			13,988
Total Other Income			14,415			13,226			12,176			27,641			21,562
									—
Other Expenses:									—
Salaries and Employee Benefits			28,317			29,497			25,523			57,814			50,939
Occupancy and Equipment Expense			7,162			7,356			5,717			14,518			11,074
Merger and Conversion-Related Expense			210			250			409			460			749
Other Expenses			15,517			13,475			11,461			28,992			22,870
Total Other Expenses			51,206			50,578			43,110			101,784			85,632
									—
Income Before Income Taxes			28,026			25,819			21,765			53,845			38,974
									—
Provision for Income Taxes			5,923			5,276			4,559			11,199			8,198
									—
Net Income			22,103			20,543			17,206			42,646			30,776
									—
Preferred Stock Dividends			1,350			1,350			1,350			2,700			2,700
								$	—
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders		$	20,753		$	19,193		$	15,856		$	39,946		$	28,076

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2025								March 31, 2025								June 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	$	5,995,490		$	104,028	6.96	%		$	5,972,120		$	102,992	6.99	%		$	5,153,642		$	90,604	7.07	%
Securities		937,099			6,906	2.96	%			924,693			6,614	2.90	%			891,384			5,933	2.68	%
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell		31,172			401	5.16	%			50,836			651	5.19	%			—			—	—	%
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks		336,138			3,515	4.19	%			315,750			3,436	4.41	%			246,590			3,333	5.44	%
Total Interest Earning Assets		7,299,899			114,850	6.31	%			7,263,399			113,693	6.35	%			6,291,616			99,870	6.38	%
Allowance for Loan Losses		(56,934	)			.				(54,711	)			.				(41,450	)
Noninterest- Earning Assets		548,406								542,294								461,007
Total Assets	$	7,791,371		$	114,850				$	7,750,982		$	113,693				$	6,711,173		$	99,870
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest-Bearing Deposits
Subordinated Debt		5,029,981			41,546	3.31	%			5,141,498			42,439	3.35	%			4,268,207			40,900	3.85	%
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities		92,682			1,235	5.34	%			97,251			1,262	5.26	%			99,913			1,354	5.45	%
Bank Term Funding Program		5,000			100	8.02	%			5,000			99	8.03	%			5,000			113	9.09	%
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)		447,271			4,793	4.30	%			362,092			3,796	4.25	%			324,691			3,372	4.18	%
Other Borrowings		20,514			134	2.62	%			18,321			114	2.52	%			19,164			122	2.56	%
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities	$	5,595,448		$	47,808	3.43	%		$	5,624,162		$	47,710	3.44	%		$	4,716,975		$	45,861	3.91	%
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits	$	1,292,262							$	1,244,793							$	1,297,085
Other Liabilities		65,847								67,167								41,999
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities		1,358,109								1,311,960								1,339,084
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity		765,884								742,930								583,184
Preferred Equity		71,930								71,930								71,930
Total Shareholders' Equity		837,814								814,860								655,114
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	7,791,371							$	7,750,982							$	6,711,173
Net Interest Spread						2.88	%							2.91	%							2.47	%
Net Interest Income				$	67,042							$	65,983							$	54,009
Net Interest Margin						3.68	%							3.68	%							3.45	%
Overall Cost of Funds						2.78	%							2.82	%							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)
	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2025								June 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	$	5,983,870		$	207,020	6.98	%		$	5,090,289		$	176,551	6.97	%
Securities		930,930			13,520	2.93	%			890,158			11,532	2.61	%
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell		40,950			1,052	5.18	%
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks		326,000			6,951	4.30	%			288,426			7,798	5.44	%
Total Interest Earning Assets		7,281,750			228,543	6.33	%			6,268,873			195,881	6.28	%
Allowance for Loan Losses		(55,829	)							(40,988	)
Noninterest- Earning Assets		545,367								461,465
Total Assets	$	7,771,288		$	228,543				$	6,689,350		$	195,881
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest-Bearing Deposits	$	5,085,431		$	83,985	3.33	%		$	4,170,406		$	78,929	3.81	%
Subordinated Debt		94,954			2,497	5.30	%			99,942			2,710	5.45	%
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities		5,000			199	8.03	%			5,000			226	9.09	%
Bank Term Funding Program		—			—	—	%			130,220			2,788	4.31	%
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)		404,917			8,589	4.28	%			274,096			5,466	4.01	%
Other Borrowings		19,424			248	2.57	%			17,640			222	2.53	%
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities	$	5,609,726		$	95,518	3.43	%		$	4,697,304		$	90,341	3.87	%
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits	$	1,268,659							$	1,289,948
Other Liabilities		66,503								49,754
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities		1,335,162								1,339,702
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity		754,470								580,414
Preferred Equity		71,930								71,930
Total Shareholders' Equity		826,400								652,344
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	7,771,288							$	6,689,350
Net Interest Spread						2.90	%							2.42	%
Net Interest Income				$	133,025							$	105,540
Net Interest Margin						3.68	%							3.39	%
Overall Cost of Funds						2.80	%							3.03	%
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
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2025			March 31, 2025			June 30, 2024				June 30, 2025			June 30, 2024
Interest Income:
Interest income	$	114,850		$	113,693		$	99,870			$	228,543		$	195,881
Core interest income		114,850			113,693			98,870				228,543			195,881
Interest Expense:
Interest expense		47,808			47,710			45,861				95,518			90,341
Core interest expense		47,808			47,710			45,861				95,518			90,341
Provision for Credit Losses: (b)
Provision for credit losses		2,225			2,812			1,310				5,037			2,496
Core provision expense		2,225			2,812			1,310				5,037			2,496
Other Income:
Other income		14,415			13,226			12,176				27,641			21,562
Gain on former bank premises and equipment		—			(155	)		—				(155	)		(50	)
Loss (Gain) on sale of securities		47			1			—				48			1
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—			(630	)		—				(630	)		—
Gain on branch sale		(3,360	)		—			—				(3,360	)
Core other income		11,102			12,442			12,176				23,544			21,513
Other Expense:
Other expense		51,206			50,578			43,110				101,784			85,632
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		(570	)		(679	)		(419	)			(1,249	)		(1,134	)
Core conversion expenses		(1,008	)		(216	)		—				(1,224	)		—
Core other expense		49,628			49,683			42,691				99,311			84,498
Pre-Tax Income: (a)
Pre-tax income		28,026			25,819			21,765				53,845			38,974
Gain on former bank premises and equipment		—			(155	)		—				(155	)		(50	)
Loss (Gain) on sale of securities		47			1			—				48			1
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—			(630	)		—				(630	)		—
Gain on branch sale		(3,360	)									(3,360	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		570			679			419				1,249			1,134
Core conversion expenses		1,008			216			—				1,224			—
Core pre-tax income		26,291			25,930			22,184				52,221			40,059
Provision for Income Taxes: (1)
Provision for income taxes		5,923			5,276			4,559				11,199			8,198
Tax on gain on former bank premises and equipment		—			(33	)		—				(33	)		(11	)
Tax on loss (gain) on sale of securities		10			—			—				10			—
Tax on gain on extinguishment of debt		—			(133	)		—				(133	)		—
Tax on gain on branch sale		(833	)									(833	)
Tax on acquisition-related expenses (2)		103			143			2				246			91
Tax on core conversion expenses		213			46			—				259			—
Core provision for income taxes		5,416			5,299			4,561				10,715			8,278
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		20,753			19,193			15,856				39,946			28,076
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax		—			(122	)		—				(122	)		(39	)
Loss (Gain) on sale of securities, net of tax		37			1			—				38			1
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax		—			(497	)		—				(497	)		—
Gain on branch sale, net of tax		(2,527	)		—							(2,527	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax		467			536			417				1,003			1,043
Core conversion expenses, net of tax		795			170			—				965			—
Core net income available to common shareholders	$	19,525		$	19,281		$	16,273			$	38,806		$	29,081
Pre-tax, Pre-provision Earnings Available to Common Shareholders (a+b)	$	30,251		$	28,631		$	23,075			$	58,882		$	41,470
Gain on former bank premises and equipment		—			(155	)		—				(155	)		(50	)
Loss (Gain) on sale of securities		47			1			—				48			1
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—			(630	)		—				(630	)		—
Gain on branch sale		(3,360	)									(3,360	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		570			679			419				1,249			1,134
Core conversion expenses		1,008			216			—				1,224			—
Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings	$	28,516		$	28,742		$	23,494			$	57,258		$	42,555
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding		29,586,722			29,545,921			25,395,614				29,500,061			25,412,142
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.70		$	0.65		$	0.62			$	1.35		$	1.10
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax		—			—			—				—			—
Loss (Gain) on sale of securities, net of tax		—			—			—				—			—
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax		—			(0.02	)		—				(0.02	)		—
Gain on branch sale, net of tax		(0.09	)		—							(0.09	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax		0.02			0.02			0.02				0.04			0.04
Core conversion expenses,net of tax		0.03			—			—				0.03			—
Core diluted earnings per common share	$	0.66		$	0.65		$	0.64			$	1.31		$	1.14
Pre-tax, Pre-provision Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	1.02		$	0.97		$	0.91			$	2.00		$	1.63
Gain on former bank premises and equipment		—			(0.01	)		—				(0.01	)		—
Loss (gain) on sale of securities		—			—			—				—			—
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—			(0.02	)		—				(0.02	)		—
Gain on branch sale		(0.11	)		—							(0.11	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		0.02			0.02			0.02				0.04			0.04
Core conversion expenses		0.03			0.01			—				0.04			—
Core pre-tax, pre-provision diluted earnings per common share	$	0.96		$	0.97		$	0.93			$	1.94		$	1.67
(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 Oakwood

                          

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2025			March 31, 2025			June 30, 2024
Total Shareholders' (Common) Equity:
Total shareholders' equity	$	848,440		$	826,312		$	664,530
Preferred stock		(71,930	)		(71,930	)		(71,930	)
Total common shareholders' equity		776,510			754,382			592,600
Goodwill		(121,146	)		(121,691	)		(91,527	)
Core deposit and customer intangible		(15,775	)		(16,538	)		(10,849	)
Total tangible common equity	$	639,589		$	616,153		$	490,224
Total Assets:
Total assets	$	7,948,294		$	7,784,728		$	6,703,889
Goodwill		(121,146	)		(121,691	)		(91,527	)
Core deposit and customer intangible		(15,775	)		(16,538	)		(10,849	)
Total tangible assets	$	7,811,373		$	7,646,499		$	6,601,513
Common shares outstanding		29,602,970			29,572,297			25,502,175
Book value per common share	$	26.23		$	25.51		$	23.24
Tangible book value per common share	$	21.61		$	20.84		$	19.22
Common equity to total assets		9.77	%		9.69	%		8.84	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets		8.19	%		8.06	%		7.43	%

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended										Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2025			March 31, 2025			June 30, 2024				June 30, 2025			June 30, 2024
Total Quarterly Average Assets	$	7,791,372		$	7,750,982		$	6,711,173			$	7,771,289		$	6,689,350
Total Quarterly Average Common Equity	$	765,884		$	742,930		$	583,184			$	754,470		$	580,414
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:
Net income available to common shareholders	$	20,753		$	19,193		$	15,856			$	39,946		$	28,076
CECL Oakwood impact (3), net of tax		—			—			—				—			—
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax		—			(122	)		—				(122	)		(39	)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities, net of tax		37			1			—				38			1
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax		—			(497	)		—				(497	)		—
Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax		467			—			—				467			—
Gain on branch sale, net of tax		(2,527	)		536			417				(2,527	)		1,043
Core conversion expenses, net of tax		795			170			—				965			—
Core net income available to common shareholders	$	19,525		$	19,281		$	16,273			$	38,806		$	29,081
Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) (2)		1.07	%		1.00	%		0.95	%			1.04	%		0.84	%
Core return on average assets (annualized) (2)		1.01	%		1.01	%		0.98	%			1.01	%		0.87	%
Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) (2)		10.87	%		10.48	%		10.94	%			10.68	%		9.73	%
Core return on average common equity (annualized) (2)		10.23	%		10.53	%		11.22	%			10.37	%		10.08	%
Interest Income:
Interest income	$	114,850		$	113,693		$	99,870			$	228,543		$	195,881
Core interest income		114,850			113,693			99,870				228,543			195,881
Interest Expense:
Interest expense		47,808			47,710			45,861				95,518			90,341
Core interest expense		47,808			47,710			45,861				95,518			90,341
Other Income:
Other income		14,415			13,226			12,176				27,641			21,562
Gain on former bank premises and equipment		—			(155	)		—				(155	)		(50	)
Loss (Gain) on sale of securities		47			1			—				48			1
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—			(630	)		—				(630	)		—
Gain on branch sale		(3,360	)									(3,360	)
Core other income		11,102			12,442			12,176				23,544			21,513
Other Expense:
Other expense		51,206			50,578			43,110				101,784			85,632
Acquisition-related expenses		(570	)		(679	)		(419	)			(1,249	)		(1,134	)
Core conversion expenses		(1,008	)		(216	)		—				(1,224	)		—
Core other expense	$	49,628		$	49,683		$	42,691			$	99,311		$	84,498
Efficiency Ratio:
Other expense (a)	$	51,206		$	50,578		$	43,110			$	101,784		$	85,632
Core other expense (c)	$	49,628		$	49,683		$	42,691			$	99,311		$	84,498
Net interest and other income (1) (b)	$	81,505		$	79,210		$	66,185			$	160,714		$	127,103
Core net interest and other income (1) (d)	$	78,144		$	78,425		$	66,185			$	156,569		$	127,053
Efficiency ratio (a/b)		62.83	%		63.85	%		65.14	%			63.33	%		67.37	%
Core efficiency ratio (c/d)		63.51	%		63.35	%		64.50	%			63.43	%		66.51	%
Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets	$	7,299,899		$	7,263,399		$	6,291,616			$	7,281,750		$	6,268,873
Net Interest Income:
Net interest income	$	67,042		$	65,983		$	54,009			$	133,025		$	105,540
Loan discount accretion	$	(767	)	$	(793	)	$	(1,695	)		$	(1,560	)	$	(2,480	)
Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion	$	66,275		$	65,190		$	52,314			$	131,465		$	103,060
Net interest margin (2)		3.68	%		3.68	%		3.45	%			3.68	%		3.39	%
Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion (2)		3.64	%		3.64	%		3.34	%			3.64	%		3.31	%
Net interest spread (2)		2.88	%		2.91	%		2.47	%			2.90	%		2.42	%
Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion (2)		2.84	%		2.86	%		2.37	%			2.85	%		2.34	%
(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 Oakwood

FAQ

What were Business First Bancshares (BFST) earnings per share in Q2 2025?

BFST reported earnings of $0.70 per diluted share in Q2 2025, an increase of $0.05 compared to Q1 2025. Core earnings were $0.66 per diluted share.

How much is Business First Bancshares (BFST) quarterly dividend for Q2 2025?

BFST declared a quarterly common dividend of $0.14 per share, payable on August 31, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2025.

What is the size of Progressive Bancorp acquisition by BFST?

Progressive Bancorp has total assets of $752 million, deposits of $673 million, and equity of $65 million as of March 31, 2025.

What was BFST's net interest margin in Q2 2025?

BFST maintained a net interest margin of 3.68%, unchanged from the previous quarter. The core net interest margin (excluding loan discount accretion) was 3.64%.

How did BFST's credit quality metrics perform in Q2 2025?

Credit quality metrics declined with nonperforming loans increasing to 0.97% of total loans (up 28 bps) and nonperforming assets rising to 0.76% of total assets (up 21 bps).

What was the impact of BFST's Kaplan branch sale?

The Kaplan branch sale resulted in a $3.4 million net capital injection, included $50.7 million in deposits sold at an 8.0% premium, and is expected to reduce annual operating costs by $750,000.