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, Inc. (BFST) reported its unaudited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2020, revealing a net income of $30.0 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, compared to $23.8 million, or $1.74 per diluted share in 2019. Core net income rose to $37.5 million, or $2.05 per diluted share. Q4 2020 net income surged to $13.8 million, with core net income of $14.1 million. Total loans decreased by $91.1 million, mainly due to PPP loan forgiveness. A quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share was declared, with a book value of $19.88 per share as of December 31, 2020.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) reported a strong third quarter 2020 with a net income of $9.6 million ($0.46 per diluted share), up from $5.5 million ($0.40) year-over-year. Core net income reached $11.0 million ($0.53 per diluted share), driven by higher net interest income and reduced acquisition expenses following the Pedestal acquisition. Total loans grew by 81.89% year-over-year, bolstered by the SBA Paycheck Protection Program. However, the company recorded an increase in nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets to 0.54%. A quarterly dividend of $0.10 was declared.
Baton Rouge, La., Sept. 25, 2020 – b1BANK President and CEO Jude Melville announced the appointment of Carol Calkins to the board of directors of b1BANK and its parent company Business First Bancshares, under the ticker BFST. With over 30 years of experience in finance and ESG, Calkins previously held top roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Melville praised her background and connections in Louisiana and Texas as beneficial for the bank’s future. Calkins expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the community banking sector.
Jude Melville, CEO of b1BANK, announced Jesse Jackson as the new leader of the bank's Financial Institutions Group, bringing over 30 years of banking experience. Previously an executive at Texas Capital Bank, Jackson is recognized for building a broad correspondent banking network. Melville emphasized the need for community bankers to collaborate for economic recovery. Jackson aims to foster high-value partnerships to drive success at b1BANK. The bank operates 42 locations across Louisiana and Dallas, offering various banking services. Business First Bancshares trades under the ticker BFST.
On July 21, 2020, b1BANK's President and CEO Jude Melville announced Keith Tillage's appointment to the board of directors of b1BANK and its parent company, Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST). Tillage brings over 20 years of experience in commercial construction, having led Tillage Construction to national recognition as a minority-owned business. Melville highlighted Tillage's expertise in business development as an asset during economic uncertainty, emphasizing the company's commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs.
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