Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) posts Q2 2026 profit, boosts margin and capital
Business First Bancshares, Inc. reported net income available to common shareholders of $22.8 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, modestly higher than the linked quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income was $23.3 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, slightly below the prior quarter. Net interest margin improved to 3.73%, or 3.68% excluding loan discount accretion, while annualized returns to common shareholders were 1.03% on average assets and 9.83% on average equity, with core returns of 1.05% and 10.05%.
Capital and shareholder returns strengthened. Tangible common equity to tangible assets rose to 8.79%, and book value per common share reached $28.79, with tangible book value at $23.61. The consolidated total risk-based capital ratio increased to 13.77%, aided by an earlier $85.0 million subordinated debt issuance. The company repurchased 176,849 shares for $4.8 million and declared a $0.15 quarterly common dividend and a $18.75 quarterly preferred dividend, both payable on August 31, 2026 to shareholders of record on August 15, 2026.
The balance sheet was actively repositioned. Loans held for investment declined slightly to $6.66 billion, as approximately $96.4 million of organic production was offset by $88.3 million of acquired loan sales and resolution of a $21.0 million nonperforming loan. Deposits decreased $229.4 million to $7.24 billion, largely from interest-bearing balances, while borrowings increased $206.3 million, primarily short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Asset quality improved, with nonperforming loans at 1.26% of loans and nonperforming assets at 1.23% of total assets, and net charge-offs of 0.04% of average loans alongside an allowance for credit losses equal to 1.02% of loans.
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Filing Explained
Business First Bancshares completed its acquisition of American Planning Corporation on June 29, 2026; its chief executive and team joined subsidiary Smith Shellnut Wilson, expanding the advisory platform to serve clients nationwide.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
net interest margin financial
tangible book value per common share financial
nonperforming assets financial
allowance for credit losses financial
core net income financial
Offering Details
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FAQ
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(State of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Number | Exhibit | |||||||
| 99.1 | Press Release of Business First Bancshares, Inc., dated July 23, 2026 announcing results of operations for the second quarter 2026 | |||||||
| 99.2 | Investor Presentation, dated July 23, 2026, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
| BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ David R. Melville, III | |||||||
| Name: | David R. Melville, III | |||||||
| Title: | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||
Date: July 23, 2026 | ||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | |||||||||||
| Selected Financial Information | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Ratios | |||||||||||
| Loans (HFI) to Deposits | 92.04 | % | 89.54 | % | 94.21 | % | |||||
| Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio | 11.33 | 11.13 | 10.67 | ||||||||
| Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI) | |||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 1,988,696 | $ | 1,943,412 | $ | 1,960,974 | |||||
| Real Estate: | |||||||||||
| Commercial | 2,824,015 | 2,841,626 | 2,533,761 | ||||||||
| Construction | 693,477 | 685,817 | 600,292 | ||||||||
| Residential | 1,079,018 | 1,141,220 | 879,891 | ||||||||
| Total Real Estate | 4,596,510 | 4,668,663 | 4,013,944 | ||||||||
| Consumer and Other | 74,241 | 72,188 | 72,732 | ||||||||
| Total Loans (Held for Investment) | $ | 6,659,447 | $ | 6,684,263 | $ | 6,047,650 | |||||
| Allowance for Loan Losses | |||||||||||
| Balance, Beginning of Period | $ | 63,655 | $ | 53,959 | $ | 56,863 | |||||
| Progressive - PCD ALLL | — | 9,264 | — | ||||||||
| Charge-offs – Quarterly | (3,208) | (1,104) | (921) | ||||||||
| Recoveries – Quarterly | 293 | 181 | 99 | ||||||||
| Provision for Loan Losses – Quarterly | 1,718 | 1,355 | 2,455 | ||||||||
| Balance, End of Period | $ | 62,458 | $ | 63,655 | $ | 58,496 | |||||
| Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI) | 0.94 | % | 0.95 | % | 0.97 | % | |||||
Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI) (1) | 1.02 | 1.03 | 1.02 | ||||||||
| Net Charge-offs to Average Quarterly Total Loans | 0.04 | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||||||||
| Remaining Loan Purchase Discount | $ | 7,341 | $ | 15,818 | $ | 10,099 | |||||
| Nonperforming Assets | |||||||||||
| Nonperforming Loans: | |||||||||||
| Nonaccrual Loans | $ | 80,124 | $ | 100,803 | $ | 56,377 | |||||
| Loans Past Due 90 Days or More | 4,011 | 1,404 | 2,467 | ||||||||
| Total Nonperforming Loans | 84,135 | 102,207 | 58,844 | ||||||||
| Other Nonperforming Assets: | |||||||||||
| Other Real Estate Owned | 25,109 | 20,898 | 1,473 | ||||||||
| Other Nonperforming Assets | — | — | — | ||||||||
| Total Other Nonperforming Assets | 25,109 | 20,898 | 1,473 | ||||||||
| Total Nonperforming Assets | $ | 109,244 | $ | 123,105 | $ | 60,317 | |||||
| Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI) | 1.26 | % | 1.53 | % | 0.97 | % | |||||
| Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets | 1.23 | 1.38 | 0.76 | ||||||||
| (1) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments. | |||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected Financial Information | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Per Share Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic Earnings per Common Share | $ | 0.70 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.70 | $ | 1.38 | $ | 1.36 | ||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | 0.70 | 0.68 | 0.70 | 1.37 | 1.35 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends per Common Share | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.14 | 0.30 | 0.28 | |||||||||||||||
| Book Value per Common Share | 28.79 | 28.18 | 26.23 | 28.79 | 26.23 | |||||||||||||||
| Average Common Shares Outstanding | 32,589,951 | 32,579,934 | 29,517,495 | 32,584,970 | 29,354,228 | |||||||||||||||
| Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding | 32,763,608 | 32,785,554 | 29,586,975 | 32,778,199 | 29,500,061 | |||||||||||||||
| End of Period Common Shares Outstanding | 32,535,659 | 32,624,887 | 29,602,970 | 32,535,659 | 29,602,970 | |||||||||||||||
| Annualized Performance Ratios | ||||||||||||||||||||
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets (1) | 1.03 | % | 1.01 | % | 1.07 | % | 1.02 | % | 1.04 | % | ||||||||||
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity (1) | 9.83 | 9.77 | 10.87 | 9.80 | 10.68 | |||||||||||||||
Net Interest Margin (1) | 3.73 | 3.65 | 3.68 | 3.69 | 3.68 | |||||||||||||||
Net Interest Spread (1) | 2.99 | 2.91 | 2.88 | 2.95 | 2.90 | |||||||||||||||
Efficiency Ratio (2) | 64.83 | 64.45 | 62.83 | 64.65 | 63.33 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets | $ | 8,916,954 | $ | 8,893,419 | $ | 7,791,371 | $ | 8,905,251 | $ | 7,771,288 | ||||||||||
| Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity | 931,020 | 922,037 | 765,884 | 926,553 | 754,470 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and Employee Benefits | $ | 33,120 | $ | 33,039 | $ | 28,317 | $ | 66,159 | $ | 57,814 | ||||||||||
| Occupancy and Equipment Expense | 8,279 | 8,122 | 7,162 | 16,401 | 14,518 | |||||||||||||||
| Advertising and Promotions | 2,606 | 1,508 | 1,088 | 4,114 | 2,379 | |||||||||||||||
| Communications | 638 | 652 | 590 | 1,290 | 1,181 | |||||||||||||||
| Ad Valorem Shares Tax | 977 | 978 | 1,125 | 1,955 | 2,250 | |||||||||||||||
| Data Processing Fees | 3,317 | 3,712 | 5,321 | 7,029 | 8,557 | |||||||||||||||
| Directors' Fees | 247 | 260 | 193 | 507 | 472 | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance | 432 | 411 | 435 | 424 | 843 | 839 | ||||||||||||||
| Legal and Other Professional Fees | 1,661 | 1,085 | 1,093 | 2,746 | 2,106 | |||||||||||||||
| Office Supplies and Printing | 278 | 313 | 300 | 591 | 611 | |||||||||||||||
| Regulatory Assessments | 1,534 | 984 | 933 | 2,518 | 2,190 | |||||||||||||||
| Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses | 303 | 1,377 | 210 | 1,680 | 460 | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 6,133 | 5,030 | 4,439 | 11,163 | 8,407 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expenses | $ | 59,525 | $ | 57,471 | $ | 51,206 | $ | 116,996 | $ | 101,784 | ||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected Financial Information | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Service Charges on Deposit Accounts | $ | 3,197 | $ | 3,142 | $ | 2,633 | $ | 6,339 | $ | 5,493 | ||||||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities | (6) | 80 | (47) | 74 | (48) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on Sales of Loans | 1,583 | 1,341 | 781 | 2,924 | 2,037 | |||||||||||||||
| Debit Card and ATM Fee Income | 2,415 | 2,306 | 1,958 | 4,721 | 3,816 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash Value of Life Insurance Income | 902 | 831 | 758 | 1,733 | 1,566 | |||||||||||||||
| Fees and Brokerage Commission | 2,387 | 2,261 | 1,980 | 4,648 | 4,128 | |||||||||||||||
| Pass-Through Income (Loss) from Other Investments | 14 | 135 | (246) | 149 | 505 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on Extinguishment/Redemption of Debt | 545 | — | — | 545 | 630 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on Branch Sale | — | — | 3,360 | — | 3,360 | |||||||||||||||
| Swap Fee Income | 385 | 1,537 | 808 | 1,922 | 1,547 | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 2,545 | 2,417 | 2,430 | 4,962 | 4,607 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Other Income | $ | 13,967 | $ | 14,050 | $ | 14,415 | $ | 28,017 | $ | 27,641 | ||||||||||
| (1) Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (2) Noninterest expense (excluding provision for loan losses) divided by noninterest income plus net interest income less gain/loss on sales of securities. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | |||||||||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and Due From Banks | $ | 575,604 | $ | 589,804 | $ | 495,757 | |||||
| Federal Funds Sold | 95,535 | 88,257 | 39,296 | ||||||||
| Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell | 30,702 | 30,743 | 25,433 | ||||||||
| Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values | 1,041,133 | 1,045,817 | 926,450 | ||||||||
| Mortgage Loans Held for Sale | 2,838 | 480 | 677 | ||||||||
| Loans and Lease Receivable | 6,659,447 | 6,684,263 | 6,047,650 | ||||||||
| Allowance for Loan Losses | (62,458) | (63,655) | (58,496) | ||||||||
| Net Loans and Lease Receivable | 6,596,989 | 6,620,608 | 5,989,154 | ||||||||
| Premises and Equipment, Net | 88,925 | 88,421 | 79,007 | ||||||||
| Accrued Interest Receivable | 38,969 | 38,176 | 36,738 | ||||||||
| Other Equity Securities | 51,302 | 40,047 | 48,736 | ||||||||
| Other Real Estate Owned | 25,109 | 20,898 | 1,473 | ||||||||
| Cash Value of Life Insurance | 139,169 | 132,682 | 118,707 | ||||||||
| Deferred Taxes, Net | 21,561 | 22,959 | 25,222 | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 135,222 | 133,564 | 121,146 | ||||||||
| Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles | 33,267 | 29,409 | 15,775 | ||||||||
| Other Assets | 27,181 | 24,943 | 24,723 | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 8,903,506 | $ | 8,906,808 | $ | 7,948,294 | |||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||
| Noninterest-Bearing | $ | 1,583,562 | $ | 1,575,086 | $ | 1,410,708 | |||||
| Interest-Bearing | 5,651,994 | 5,889,863 | 5,008,943 | ||||||||
| Total Deposits | 7,235,556 | 7,464,949 | 6,419,651 | ||||||||
| Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase | 24,442 | 21,594 | 22,557 | ||||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings | 442,494 | 260,792 | 492,946 | ||||||||
| Subordinated Debt | 114,250 | 92,472 | 92,645 | ||||||||
| Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities | 9,678 | 9,666 | 5,000 | ||||||||
| Accrued Interest Payable | 3,774 | 3,692 | 4,829 | ||||||||
| Other Liabilities | 64,735 | 62,467 | 62,226 | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities | 7,894,929 | 7,915,632 | 7,099,854 | ||||||||
| Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||
| Preferred Stock | 71,930 | 71,930 | 71,930 | ||||||||
| Common Stock | 32,536 | 32,625 | 29,603 | ||||||||
| Additional Paid-In Capital | 578,087 | 580,640 | 502,046 | ||||||||
| Retained Earnings | 361,846 | 343,890 | 292,629 | ||||||||
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (35,822) | (37,909) | (47,768) | ||||||||
| Total Shareholders' Equity | 1,008,577 | 991,176 | 848,440 | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | $ | 8,903,506 | $ | 8,906,808 | $ | 7,948,294 | |||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and Fees on Loans | $ | 111,780 | $ | 109,146 | $ | 104,028 | $ | 220,926 | $ | 207,020 | ||||||||||
| Interest and Dividends on Securities | 9,104 | 8,462 | 6,906 | 17,566 | 13,520 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks | 4,766 | 4,886 | 3,916 | 9,652 | 8,003 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Interest Income | 125,650 | 122,494 | 114,850 | 248,144 | 228,543 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on Deposits | 41,251 | 42,758 | 41,546 | 84,009 | 83,985 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest on Borrowings | 6,555 | 4,541 | 6,262 | 11,096 | 11,533 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Interest Expense | 47,806 | 47,299 | 47,808 | 95,105 | 95,518 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Income | 77,844 | 75,195 | 67,042 | 153,039 | 133,025 | |||||||||||||||
| Provision for Credit Losses | 1,991 | 2,278 | 2,225 | 4,269 | 5,037 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses | 75,853 | 72,917 | 64,817 | 148,770 | 127,988 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Service Charges on Deposit Accounts | 3,197 | 3,142 | 2,633 | 6,339 | 5,493 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities | (6) | 80 | (47) | 74 | (48) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on Sales of Loans | 1,583 | 1,341 | 781 | 2,924 | 2,037 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 9,193 | 9,487 | 11,048 | 18,680 | 20,159 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Other Income | 13,967 | 14,050 | 14,415 | 28,017 | 27,641 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and Employee Benefits | 33,120 | 33,039 | 28,317 | 66,159 | 57,814 | |||||||||||||||
| Occupancy and Equipment Expense | 8,279 | 8,122 | 7,162 | 16,401 | 14,518 | |||||||||||||||
| Merger and Conversion-Related Expense | 303 | 1,377 | 210 | 1,680 | 460 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 17,823 | 14,933 | 15,517 | 32,756 | 28,992 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expenses | 59,525 | 57,471 | 51,206 | 116,996 | 101,784 | |||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | 30,295 | 29,496 | 28,026 | 59,791 | 53,845 | |||||||||||||||
| Provision for Income Taxes | 6,120 | 5,932 | 5,923 | 12,052 | 11,199 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income | 24,175 | 23,564 | 22,103 | 47,739 | 42,646 | |||||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock Dividends | 1,350 | 1,350 | 1,350 | 2,700 | 2,700 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income Available to Common Shareholders | $ | 22,825 | $ | 22,214 | $ | 20,753 | $ | 45,039 | $ | 39,946 | ||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Net Interest Margin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (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 | $ | 6,757,776 | $ | 111,780 | 6.63 | % | $ | 6,698,261 | $ | 109,146 | 6.61 | % | $ | 5,995,490 | $ | 104,028 | 6.96 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Securities | 1,068,191 | 9,104 | 3.42 | 1,065,447 | 8,462 | 3.22 | 937,099 | 6,906 | 2.96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell | 30,683 | 335 | 4.38 | 26,657 | 302 | 4.59 | 31,172 | 401 | 5.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks | 509,177 | 4,431 | 3.49 | 558,468 | 4,584 | 3.33 | 336,138 | 3,515 | 4.19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Earning Assets | $ | 8,365,827 | $ | 125,650 | 6.02 | % | $ | 8,348,833 | $ | 122,494 | 5.95 | % | $ | 7,299,899 | $ | 114,850 | 6.31 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for Loan Losses | (63,280) | (60,553) | (56,934) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-Earning Assets | 614,407 | 605,139 | 548,406 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 8,916,954 | $ | 125,650 | $ | 8,893,419 | $ | 122,494 | $ | 7,791,371 | $ | 114,850 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Deposits | $ | 5,739,241 | $ | 41,251 | 2.88 | % | $ | 5,884,257 | $ | 42,758 | 2.95 | % | $ | 5,029,981 | $ | 41,546 | 3.31 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt | 112,252 | 1,778 | 6.35 | 92,163 | 1,209 | 5.32 | 92,682 | 1,235 | 5.34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities | 9,670 | 178 | 7.40 | 11,671 | 165 | 5.73 | 5,000 | 100 | 8.02 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) | 441,012 | 4,457 | 4.05 | 297,588 | 3,038 | 4.14 | 447,271 | 4,793 | 4.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Borrowings | 22,206 | 142 | 2.58 | 20,030 | 129 | 2.61 | 20,514 | 134 | 2.62 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities | $ | 6,324,381 | $ | 47,806 | 3.03 | % | $ | 6,305,709 | $ | 47,299 | 3.04 | % | $ | 5,595,448 | $ | 47,808 | 3.43 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-Bearing Deposits | $ | 1,518,400 | $ | 1,521,252 | $ | 1,292,262 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Liabilities | 71,223 | 72,491 | 65,847 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities | $ | 1,589,623 | $ | 1,593,743 | $ | 1,358,109 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders' Equity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Shareholders' Equity | 931,020 | 922,037 | 765,884 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Equity | 71,930 | 71,930 | 71,930 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Shareholders' Equity | $ | 1,002,950 | $ | 993,967 | $ | 837,814 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | $ | 8,916,954 | $ | 8,893,419 | $ | 7,791,371 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Spread | 2.99 | % | 2.91 | % | 2.88 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Income | $ | 77,844 | $ | 75,195 | $ | 67,042 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Margin | 3.73 | % | 3.65 | % | 3.68 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overall Cost of Funds | 2.44 | % | 2.45 | % | 2.78 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Net Interest Margin | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | 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 | $ | 6,728,183 | $ | 220,926 | 6.62 | % | $ | 5,983,870 | $ | 207,020 | 6.98 | % | |||||||||||
| Securities | 1,066,827 | 17,566 | 3.32 | 930,930 | 13,520 | 2.93 | |||||||||||||||||
| Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell | 28,681 | 637 | 4.48 | 40,950 | 1,052 | 5.18 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks | 533,687 | 9,015 | 3.41 | 326,000 | 6,951 | 4.30 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Earning Assets | 8,357,378 | 248,144 | 5.99 | 7,281,750 | 228,543 | 6.33 | |||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for Loan Losses | (61,924) | (55,829) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-Earning Assets | 609,797 | 545,367 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 8,905,251 | $ | 248,144 | $ | 7,771,288 | $ | 228,543 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Deposits | $ | 5,811,348 | $ | 84,009 | 2.92 | $ | 5,085,431 | $ | 83,985 | 3.33 | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt | 102,263 | 2,998 | 5.91 | 94,954 | 2,497 | 5.30 | |||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities | 10,665 | 332 | 6.27 | 5,000 | 199 | 8.03 | |||||||||||||||||
| Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) | 369,696 | 7,495 | 4.09 | 404,917 | 8,589 | 4.28 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Borrowings | 21,124 | 271 | 2.59 | 19,424 | 248 | 2.57 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities | $ | 6,315,096 | $ | 95,105 | 3.04 | % | $ | 5,609,726 | $ | 95,518 | 3.43 | % | |||||||||||
| Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-Bearing Deposits | $ | 1,519,818 | $ | 1,268,659 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Liabilities | 71,854 | 66,503 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities | 1,591,672 | 1,335,162 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders' Equity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Shareholders' Equity | 926,553 | 754,470 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Equity | 71,930 | 71,930 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Shareholders' Equity | 998,483 | 826,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | $ | 8,905,251 | $ | 7,771,288 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Spread | 2.95 | % | 2.90 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Income | $ | 153,039 | $ | 133,025 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Margin | 3.69 | % | 3.68 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Overall Cost of Funds | 2.45 | % | 2.80 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Measures | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 125,650 | $ | 122,494 | $ | 114,850 | $ | 248,144 | $ | 228,543 | ||||||||||
| Core interest income | 125,650 | 122,494 | 114,850 | 248,144 | 228,543 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 47,806 | 47,299 | 47,808 | 95,105 | 95,518 | |||||||||||||||
| Core interest expense | 47,806 | 47,299 | 47,808 | 95,105 | 95,518 | |||||||||||||||
| Provision for Credit Losses: (b) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 1,991 | 2,278 | 2,225 | 4,269 | 5,037 | |||||||||||||||
| Core provision expense | 1,991 | 2,278 | 2,225 | 4,269 | 5,037 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income | 13,967 | 14,050 | 14,415 | 28,017 | 27,641 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment | — | (28) | — | (28) | (155) | |||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of securities | 6 | (80) | 47 | (74) | 48 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt | (545) | — | — | (545) | (630) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on branch sale | — | — | (3,360) | — | (3,360) | |||||||||||||||
| Core other income | 13,428 | 13,942 | 11,102 | 27,370 | 23,544 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | 59,525 | 57,471 | 51,206 | 116,996 | 101,784 | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related expenses (2) | (1,169) | (2,227) | (570) | (3,396) | (1,249) | |||||||||||||||
| Core conversion expenses | — | — | (1,008) | — | (1,224) | |||||||||||||||
| Core other expense | 58,356 | 55,244 | 49,628 | 113,600 | 99,311 | |||||||||||||||
| Pre-Tax Income: (a) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-tax income | 30,295 | 29,496 | 28,026 | 59,791 | 53,845 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment | — | (28) | — | (28) | (155) | |||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of securities | 6 | (80) | 47 | (74) | 48 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt | (545) | — | — | (545) | (630) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on branch sale | — | — | (3,360) | — | (3,360) | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related expenses (2) | 1,169 | 2,227 | 570 | 3,396 | 1,249 | |||||||||||||||
| Core conversion expenses | — | — | 1,008 | — | 1,224 | |||||||||||||||
| Core pre-tax income | 30,925 | 31,615 | 26,291 | 62,540 | 52,221 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for Income Taxes: (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 6,120 | 5,932 | 5,923 | 12,052 | 11,199 | |||||||||||||||
| Tax on gain on former bank premises and equipment | — | (6) | — | (6) | (33) | |||||||||||||||
| Tax on (gain) loss on sale of securities | 1 | (17) | 10 | (16) | 10 | |||||||||||||||
| Tax on gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt | (115) | — | — | (115) | (133) | |||||||||||||||
| Tax on gain on branch sale | — | — | (833) | — | (833) | |||||||||||||||
Tax on acquisition-related expenses (2) | 239 | 319 | 103 | 558 | 246 | |||||||||||||||
| Tax on core conversion expenses | — | — | 213 | — | 259 | |||||||||||||||
| Core provision for income taxes | 6,245 | 6,228 | 5,416 | 12,473 | 10,715 | |||||||||||||||
| Preferred Dividends: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred dividends | 1,350 | 1,350 | 1,350 | 2,700 | 2,700 | |||||||||||||||
| Core preferred dividends | $ | 1,350 | $ | 1,350 | $ | 1,350 | $ | 2,700 | $ | 2,700 | ||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Measures | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Available to Common Shareholders: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 22,825 | $ | 22,214 | $ | 20,753 | $ | 45,039 | $ | 39,946 | ||||||||||
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax | — | (22) | — | (22) | (122) | |||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax | 5 | (63) | 37 | (58) | 38 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax | (430) | — | — | (430) | (497) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on branch sale, net of tax | — | — | (2,527) | — | (2,527) | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax | 930 | 1,908 | 467 | 2,838 | 1,003 | |||||||||||||||
| Core conversion expenses, net of tax | — | — | 795 | — | 965 | |||||||||||||||
| Core net income available to common shareholders | 23,330 | 24,037 | 19,525 | 47,367 | 38,806 | |||||||||||||||
Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings available to common shareholders (a+b)(3) | 32,286 | 31,774 | 30,251 | 64,060 | 58,882 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment | — | (28) | — | (28) | (155) | |||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of securities | 6 | (80) | 47 | (74) | 48 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt | (545) | — | — | (545) | (630) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on branch sale | — | — | (3,360) | — | (3,360) | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related expenses (2) | 1,169 | 2,227 | 570 | 3,396 | 1,249 | |||||||||||||||
| Core conversion expenses | — | — | 1,008 | — | 1,224 | |||||||||||||||
| Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings | $ | 32,916 | $ | 33,893 | $ | 28,516 | $ | 66,809 | $ | 57,258 | ||||||||||
| Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding | 32,763,608 | 32,785,554 | 29,586,975 | 32,778,199 | 29,500,061 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per common share | $ | 0.70 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.70 | $ | 1.37 | $ | 1.35 | ||||||||||
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax | (0.01) | — | — | (0.01) | (0.02) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on branch sale, net of tax | — | — | (0.09) | — | (0.09) | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax | 0.02 | 0.05 | 0.02 | 0.09 | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||
| Core conversion expenses, net of tax | — | — | 0.03 | — | 0.03 | |||||||||||||||
| Core diluted earnings per common share | $ | 0.71 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.66 | $ | 1.45 | $ | 1.31 | ||||||||||
| Pre-tax, pre-provision profit diluted earnings per common share | $ | 0.99 | $ | 0.97 | $ | 1.02 | $ | 1.95 | $ | 2.00 | ||||||||||
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment | — | — | — | — | (0.01) | |||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of securities | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt | (0.02) | — | — | (0.02) | (0.02) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on branch sale | — | — | (0.11) | — | (0.11) | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related expenses (2) | 0.04 | 0.06 | 0.02 | 0.10 | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||
| Core conversion expenses | — | — | 0.03 | — | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||
| Core pre-tax, pre-provision diluted earnings per common share | $ | 1.01 | $ | 1.03 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 2.03 | $ | 1.94 | ||||||||||
| (1) Tax rates, exclusive of certain nondeductible merger-related expenses and goodwill, utilized were 21.129% for 2026 and 2025. These rates approximated the marginal tax rates. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (3) Before preferred dividends. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | |||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Measures | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||
| Total Shareholders' (Common) Equity: | |||||||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | $ | 1,008,577 | $ | 991,176 | $ | 848,440 | |||||
| Preferred stock | (71,930) | (71,930) | (71,930) | ||||||||
| Total common shareholders' equity | 936,647 | 919,246 | 776,510 | ||||||||
| Goodwill | (135,222) | (133,564) | (121,146) | ||||||||
| Core deposit and customer intangible | (33,267) | (29,409) | (15,775) | ||||||||
| Total tangible common equity | $ | 768,158 | $ | 756,273 | $ | 639,589 | |||||
| Total Assets: | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 8,903,506 | $ | 8,906,808 | $ | 7,948,294 | |||||
| Goodwill | (135,222) | (133,564) | (121,146) | ||||||||
| Core deposit and customer intangible | (33,267) | (29,409) | (15,775) | ||||||||
| Total tangible assets | $ | 8,735,017 | $ | 8,743,835 | $ | 7,811,373 | |||||
| Common shares outstanding | 32,535,659 | 32,624,887 | 29,602,970 | ||||||||
| Book value per common share | $ | 28.79 | $ | 28.18 | $ | 26.23 | |||||
| Tangible book value per common share | $ | 23.61 | $ | 23.18 | $ | 21.61 | |||||
| Common equity to total assets | 10.52 | % | 10.32 | % | 9.77 | % | |||||
| Tangible common equity to tangible assets | 8.79 | % | 8.65 | % | 8.19 | % | |||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Measures | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Quarterly Average Assets | $ | 8,916,954 | $ | 8,893,419 | $ | 7,791,371 | $ | 8,905,251 | $ | 7,771,288 | ||||||||||
| Total Quarterly Average Common Equity | 931,020 | 922,037 | 765,884 | 926,553 | 754,470 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income Available to Common Shareholders: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 22,825 | $ | 22,214 | $ | 20,753 | $ | 45,039 | $ | 39,946 | ||||||||||
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax | — | (22) | — | (22) | (122) | |||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax | 5 | (63) | 37 | (58) | 38 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax | (430) | — | — | (430) | (497) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on branch sale, net of tax | — | — | (2,527) | — | (2,527) | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax | 930 | 1,908 | 467 | 2,838 | 1,003 | |||||||||||||||
| Core conversion expenses, net of tax | — | — | 795 | — | 965 | |||||||||||||||
| Core net income available to common shareholders | $ | 23,330 | $ | 24,037 | $ | 19,525 | $ | 47,367 | $ | 38,806 | ||||||||||
Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) (2) | 1.03 | % | 1.01 | % | 1.07 | % | 1.02 | % | 1.04 | % | ||||||||||
Core return on average assets (annualized) (2) | 1.05 | 1.10 | 1.01 | 1.07 | % | 1.01 | % | |||||||||||||
Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) (2) | 9.83 | 9.77 | 10.87 | 9.80 | % | 10.68 | % | |||||||||||||
Core return on average common equity (annualized) (2) | 10.05 | 10.57 | 10.23 | 10.31 | % | 10.37 | % | |||||||||||||
| Interest Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 125,650 | $ | 122,494 | $ | 114,850 | 248,144 | 228,543 | ||||||||||||
| Core interest income | 125,650 | 122,494 | 114,850 | 248,144 | 228,543 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 47,806 | 47,299 | 47,808 | 95,105 | 95,518 | |||||||||||||||
| Core interest expense | 47,806 | 47,299 | 47,808 | 95,105 | 95,518 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income | 13,967 | 14,050 | 14,415 | 28,017 | 27,641 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment | — | (28) | — | (28) | (155) | |||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of securities | 6 | (80) | 47 | (74) | 48 | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt | (545) | — | — | (545) | (630) | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on branch sale | — | — | (3,360) | — | (3,360) | |||||||||||||||
| Core other income | 13,428 | 13,942 | 11,102 | 27,370 | 23,544 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | 59,525 | 57,471 | 51,206 | 116,996 | 101,784 | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisition-related expenses | (1,169) | (2,227) | (570) | (3,396) | (1,249) | |||||||||||||||
| Core conversion expenses | — | — | (1,008) | — | (1,224) | |||||||||||||||
| Core other expense | $ | 58,356 | $ | 55,244 | $ | 49,628 | $ | 113,600 | $ | 99,311 | ||||||||||
| Efficiency Ratio: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense (a) | $ | 59,525 | $ | 57,471 | $ | 51,206 | $ | 116,996 | $ | 101,784 | ||||||||||
| Core other expense (c) | 58,356 | 55,244 | 49,628 | 113,600 | 99,311 | |||||||||||||||
Net interest and other income (1) (b) | 91,817 | 89,165 | 81,504 | 180,982 | 160,714 | |||||||||||||||
Core net interest and other income (1) (d) | 91,272 | 89,137 | 78,144 | 180,409 | 156,569 | |||||||||||||||
| Efficiency ratio (a/b) | 64.83 | % | 64.45 | % | 62.83 | % | 64.65 | % | 63.33 | % | ||||||||||
| Core efficiency ratio (c/d) | 63.94 | 61.98 | 63.51 | 62.97 | 63.43 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets | $ | 8,365,827 | $ | 8,348,833 | $ | 7,299,899 | $ | 8,357,378 | $ | 7,281,750 | ||||||||||
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Measures | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Interest Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | 77,844 | $ | 75,195 | $ | 67,042 | $ | 153,039 | $ | 133,025 | ||||||||||
| Loan discount accretion | (995) | (1,138) | (767) | (2,133) | (1,560) | |||||||||||||||
| Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion | $ | 76,849 | $ | 74,057 | $ | 66,275 | $ | 150,906 | $ | 131,465 | ||||||||||
Net interest margin (2) | 3.73 | % | 3.65 | % | 3.68 | % | 3.69 | % | 3.68 | % | ||||||||||
Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion (2) | 3.68 | 3.60 | 3.64 | 3.64 | 3.64 | |||||||||||||||
Net interest spread (2) | 2.99 | 2.91 | 2.88 | 2.95 | 2.90 | |||||||||||||||
Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion (2) | 2.94 | 2.85 | 2.84 | 2.90 | 2.85 | |||||||||||||||
| (1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. | ||||||||||||||||||||