View on SEC.gov500 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: 877.614.7600
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2026
Media Contact: Misty Albrecht
b1BANK
225.286.7879
Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q2 2026 Baton Rouge, La. (July 23, 2026) – Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) (Business First), parent company of b1BANK, today announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $22.8 million or $0.70 per diluted common share, increases of $0.6 million and $0.02, respectively, compared to the linked quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $23.3 million or $0.71 per diluted common share, decreases of $0.7 million and $0.02 from the linked quarter.
"Our second-quarter results — marked by solid organic loan origination, margin expansion, growth in capital, and improving asset quality trends — are laying the foundation we expected for a strong second half of the year," said Jude Melville, Chairman, President, and CEO of Business First. "Meta's recently announced additional $40 billion investment in Northeast Louisiana, the expected full integration of our Progressive acquisition in August, and meaningful growth in our Houston-area pipeline — along with other positive developments across our markets — give our team significant opportunities to build on as we execute on our growth plans."
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, 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 $0.15 per share of common stock. The preferred and common dividends will be paid on August 31, 2026, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to the shareholders of record as of August 15, 2026.
b1BANK.com
Quarterly Highlights
- Consistent Core Performance. Return to common shareholders on average assets, on an annualized basis, was 1.03% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 1.05% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 1.01% or 1.10% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter. Return to common shareholders on average equity on an annualized basis, was 9.83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 10.05% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 9.77%, or 10.57% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter.
- American Planning Corporation Acquisition. On June 29, 2026, Business First completed the acquisition of American Planning Corporation, a financial consulting firm serving community banks since 1972. CEO T. Jefferson Fair and his team joined Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW), a b1BANK subsidiary, expanding SSW’s advisory platform to serve SSW and b1 Financial Services Group clients nationwide.
- Margin Expansion. Net interest margin expanded 8 basis points (bps) to 3.73% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 3.68% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 3.65% or 3.60%, respectively, for the linked quarter. The expansion was driven by a slight improvement in book yield on loans and continued deposit cost management.
- Improving Shareholder Value. During the second quarter, as part of a previously announced stock repurchase program, Business First repurchased 176,849 shares, with a market value of $4.8 million, at a weighted average price of $27.22 per share. Common equity to total assets increased from 10.32% to 10.52%.
- Strengthening Capital Position. Tangible common equity to tangible assets increased from 8.65% to 8.79%, an increase of 1.67% or 6.71% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. Book value per common share increased to $28.79 at June 30, 2026, compared to $28.18 at March 31, 2026. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $23.18 at the linked quarter to $23.61 at June 30, 2026, an increase of 1.85% or 7.42% annualized. Consolidated total risk based capital ratio increased to 13.77% from 13.08%, an increase of 0.69% from the prior quarter. The linked quarter capital build was driven by the successful completion of our April 2nd issuance of $85.0 million fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debt.
- Balance Sheet Repositioning. Completed the sale of $100.3 million lower-yielding acquired Progressive loans during the quarter, including $55.3 million of residential mortgages at a weighted average yield net of fees of 3.0% and $45.0 million of commercial real estate loans at a weighted average yield net of fees of 3.5%.
Statement of Financial Condition
Loans
Loans held for investment decreased $24.8 million or 0.37%, 1.49% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. During the quarter, organic loan production of approximately $96.4 million, or 5.8% annualized, was offset by the sale of $88.3 million of acquired loans and the resolution and reduction of $21.0 million on a nonperforming loan.
Credit Quality
The ratio of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment decreased 27 bps to 1.26% at June 30, 2026, while the ratio of nonperforming assets compared to total assets decreased 15 bps to 1.23% compared to the linked quarter. The decreases in the nonperforming loans and assets ratios over the linked quarter were largely attributable to previously identified commercial real estate and commercial business relationships that the Company resolved during the second quarter. Net charge-offs to average quarterly total loans increased to 4 bps for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, up from 1 bps from the linked quarter.
Securities
The securities portfolio decreased $4.7 million or 0.45%, from the linked quarter, impacted by $2.6 million in positive pre-tax fair value adjustments. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 11.69% of total assets as of June 30, 2026.
Deposits
Deposits as of June 30, 2026 decreased $229.4 million or 3.07%, 12.33% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. During the second quarter, interest-bearing deposits decreased $237.9 million or 4.04% and noninterest-bearing deposits increased $8.5 million or 0.54%. The decrease in interest-bearing deposits was largely impacted by approximately $71.8 million in commercial money market accounts and $62.6 million in brokered deposits. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $145.0 million or 2.46%, and noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $2.9 million or 0.19% from the linked quarter.
Borrowings
Borrowings increased $206.3 million or 53.66%, from the linked quarter due primarily to increases in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances.
Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholders' equity increased $17.4 million or 1.76% compared to the linked quarter. Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased from $37.9 million to $35.8 million or 5.51%, during the quarter due to after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $28.79 at June 30, 2026, compared to $28.18 at March 31, 2026. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $23.18 at the linked quarter to $23.61 at June 30, 2026, 1.85% or 7.42% annualized.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, net interest income totaled $77.8 million, compared to $75.2 million from the linked quarter. Loan yields increased 2 bps to 6.63% compared to 6.61% from the linked quarter and interest-bearing asset yields increased 7 bps to 6.02% compared to 5.95% from the linked quarter. Net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.73% and 2.99% compared to 3.65% and 2.91% for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which included noninterest-bearing deposits, decreased 1 bps from 2.45% to 2.44% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 million) totaled $76.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $74.1 million (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 million) were 3.68% and 2.94%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 3.60% and 2.85% (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) for the linked quarter.
Provision for Credit Losses
During the quarter ended June 30, 2026, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $2.0 million, compared to $2.3 million from the linked quarter. At June 30, 2026, the ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment was 1.02%, compared to 1.03% for the linked quarter.
Other Income
For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, other income decreased $0.1 million or 0.59%, compared to the linked quarter. The decrease was largely attributable to a $1.2 million decrease in swap fee income, partially offset by a $0.5 million gain on redemption of debt and a $0.2 million increase in gain on sales of loans.
Other Expenses
For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, other expenses increased $2.1 million or 3.57% compared to the linked quarter. The increase was largely attributable to increases of $1.1 million each in advertising and promotions expense and other expenses and increases of $0.6 million each in legal and other professional fees and regulatory assessments, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in merger and conversion-related expenses.
Return on Assets and Common Equity
Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.03% and 9.83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 1.01% and 9.77%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.05% and 10.05% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 1.10% and 10.57% for the linked quarter.
Conference Call and Webcast
Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Interested parties may attend the call by dialing toll-free 1-800-715-9871 (North America only), conference ID 4840024, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ow56nmrd. On the day of the presentation, the corresponding slide presentation will be available to view on the b1BANK website at https://www.b1bank.com/shareholder-info.
About Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Business First Bancshares, Inc., (Nasdaq: BFST) through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, has $8.9 billion in assets, $5.6 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (not including $1.0 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.
Investor Relations Contacts:
Gregory Robertson
337.721.2701
225.388.6116
| Other Nonperforming Assets | — | — | — |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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) | |||||
| 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. |
| Metric | Q3 '24 | Q4 '24 | Q1 '25 | Q2 '25 | Q3 '25 | Q4 '25 | Q1 '26 | Q2 '26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non Current Assets Other Assets | $19.96M | $18.15M | $20.18M | $24.72M | $24.38M | $28.49M | $24.94M | $27.18M |
| Non Current Liabilities Trust Preferred Securities 347ef6 | $5M | $5M | $5M | $5M | $5M | $5M | $9.67M | $9.68M |
| Bank Gross Loans | $5.18B | $5.93B | $5.92B | $5.99B | $5.96B | $6.14B | $6.62B | $6.66B |
| Borrowings At Fair Value | $99.82M | $99.76M | $92.7M | $92.65M | $92.59M | $92.53M | $92.47M | $114.25M |
| Non Current Assets Federal Funds Sold | $169.98M | $197.67M | $117.42M | $39.3M | $101.1M | $172.39M | $88.26M | $95.54M |
| Equity Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock | $398.24M | $500.02M | $501.61M | $502.05M | $503.33M | $502.16M | $580.64M | $578.09M |
| Equity Common Stock Value | $25.52M | $29.55M | $29.57M | $29.6M | $29.62M | $29.51M | $32.63M | $32.54M |
| Other Debt Securities Available for Sale Excluding Accru Fbe99d | $916.09M | $893.55M | $920.57M | $926.45M | $985.94M | $989.23M | $1.05B | $1.04B |
| Non Current Assets Deferred Income Tax Assets Net | $20.85M | $29.59M | $25.29M | $25.22M | $21.43M | $20.48M | $22.96M | $21.56M |
| Repurchase Agreements Gross | $21.53M | $22.62M | $19.05M | $22.56M | $29.9M | $22.62M | $21.59M | $24.44M |
| Non Current Assets Financing Receivable Excluding Accrue 11d9cc | $5.18B | $5.93B | $5.92B | $5.99B | $5.96B | $6.14B | $6.62B | $6.6B |
| Non Current Assets Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net | $10.33M | $17.25M | $16.54M | $15.78M | $15.14M | $14.5M | $29.41M | $33.27M |
| Operating Lease Liabilities Current | $19.59M | $28.32M | $29.79M | $28.56M | $28.4M | $26.73M | $25.51M | $0 |
| Deferred Tax Assets | $20.85M | $29.59M | $25.29M | $25.22M | $21.43M | $20.48M | $22.96M | $21.56M |
| Equity Preferred Stock Value | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M |
| Accrued Interest | $3.75M | $5.97M | $5.36M | $4.83M | $4.06M | $4.17M | $3.69M | $3.77M |
| Bank Fed Funds Sold Reverse Repos | $25.88M | $50.84M | $50.59M | $25.43M | $25.52M | $25.59M | $30.74M | $30.7M |
| Fin Afs Securities | $916.09M | $893.55M | $920.57M | $926.45M | $985.94M | $989.23M | $1.05B | $1.04B |
| Property Plant Equipment Net | $67.62M | $81.95M | $81.58M | $79.01M | $77.94M | $73.98M | $88.42M | $88.93M |
| Non Current Assets Bank Owned Life Insurance | $101.36M | $117.65M | $117.95M | $118.71M | $119.51M | $120.29M | $132.68M | $139.17M |
| Goodwill | $91.53M | $121.57M | $121.69M | $121.15M | $121.15M | $121.15M | $133.56M | $135.22M |
| Intangible Assets Net | $10.33M | $17.25M | $16.54M | $15.78M | $15.14M | $14.5M | $29.41M | $33.27M |
| Other Non Current Assets | $19.96M | $18.15M | $20.18M | $24.72M | $24.38M | $28.49M | $24.94M | $27.18M |
| Total Assets | $6.89B | $7.86B | $7.78B | $7.95B | $7.95B | $8.21B | $8.91B | $8.9B |
| Fin Deposits Noninterest Bearing | $1.19B | $1.36B | $1.31B | $1.41B | $1.37B | $1.32B | $1.58B | $1.58B |
| Non Current Liabilities Interest Bearing Deposit Liabilities | $4.45B | $5.15B | $5.15B | $5.01B | $5.14B | $5.38B | $5.89B | $5.65B |
| Fin Deposits | $5.64B | $6.51B | $6.46B | $6.42B | $6.51B | $6.7B | $7.46B | $7.24B |
| Bank Fed Funds Purchased Repos | $21.53M | $22.62M | $19.05M | $22.56M | $29.9M | $22.62M | $21.59M | $24.44M |
| Fhlb Borrowings | $367.2M | $355.88M | $431.2M | $492.95M | $367.41M | $431.2M | $260.79M | $442.49M |
| Other Non Current Liabilities | $50.88M | $57.07M | $60.78M | $62.23M | $69.61M | $63.75M | $62.47M | $64.74M |
| Total Liabilities | $6.19B | $7.06B | $6.96B | $7.1B | $7.08B | $7.32B | $7.92B | $7.89B |
| Common Stock | $25.52M | $29.55M | $29.57M | $29.6M | $29.62M | $29.51M | $32.63M | $32.54M |
| Additional Paid In Capital | $398.24M | $500.02M | $501.61M | $502.05M | $503.33M | $502.16M | $580.64M | $578.09M |
| Retained Earnings | $249.98M | $260.96M | $276.05M | $292.63M | $310M | $326.57M | $343.89M | $361.85M |
| Aoci | -$46.14M | -$63M | -$52.84M | -$47.77M | -$36.43M | -$33.29M | -$37.91M | -$35.82M |
| Total Stockholders Equity | $699.52M | $799.47M | $826.31M | $848.44M | $878.44M | $896.88M | $991.18M | $1.01B |
| Total Liabilities and Equity | $6.89B | $7.86B | $7.78B | $7.95B | $7.95B | $8.21B | $8.91B | $8.9B |
| Cash and Equivalents | $213.2M | $319.1M | $312.89M | $495.76M | $399.08M | $411.18M | $589.8M | $575.6M |
| Mortgage Loans Held for Sale | $0 | $717K | $0 | $677K | $433K | $1.09M | $480K | $2.84M |
| Preferred Stock | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M | $71.93M |
| Non Current Assets Other Equity Securities Fair Value Di 2ad435 | $39.56M | $41.1M | $40.95M | $48.74M | $44.31M | $49.34M | $40.05M | $51.3M |
| Metric | Q3 '24 | Q4 '24 | Q1 '25 | Q2 '25 | Q3 '25 | Q4 '25 | Q1 '26 | Q2 '26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits | $24.88M | $28.1M | $29.5M | $28.32M | $27.61M | $30.43M | $33.04M | $33.12M |
| Occupancy and Equipment | $5.83M | $7.09M | $7.36M | $7.16M | $7.28M | $6.81M | $8.12M | $8.28M |
| Other Noninterest Expense | $42.45M | $49.57M | $50.58M | $51.21M | $48.88M | $52.41M | $57.47M | $59.53M |
| Total Noninterest Expense | $42.45M | $49.57M | $50.58M | $51.21M | $48.88M | $52.41M | $57.47M | $59.53M |
| Other Noninterest Income Other Operating Income | $7.94M | $8.71M | $9.11M | $11.05M | $8.41M | $8.77M | $9.49M | $13.97M |
| Interest Income | $93.31M | $104.7M | $102.99M | $104.03M | $106.66M | $105.52M | $109.15M | $111.78M |
| Total Interest Income | $102.74M | $116.14M | $113.69M | $114.85M | $118.69M | $117.78M | $122.49M | $125.65M |
| Other Interest Expense Deposits | $41.3M | $44.86M | $42.44M | $41.55M | $43.36M | $41.58M | $42.76M | $41.25M |
| Other Interest Expense Borrowings | $5.32M | $5.55M | $5.27M | $6.26M | $6.05M | $5.34M | $4.54M | $6.56M |
| Interest Expense | $46.63M | $50.41M | $47.71M | $47.81M | $49.41M | $46.92M | $47.3M | $47.81M |
| Total Interest Expense Bank | $41.3M | $44.86M | $42.44M | $41.55M | $43.36M | $41.58M | $42.76M | $47.81M |
| Net Interest Income | $56.11M | $65.73M | $65.98M | $67.04M | $69.28M | $70.86M | $75.2M | $77.84M |
| Provision for Credit Losses | $1.67M | $6.71M | $2.81M | $2.23M | $3.18M | $3.1M | $2.28M | $1.99M |
| Net Interest Income After Provision | $54.45M | $59.02M | $63.17M | $64.82M | $66.09M | $67.76M | $72.92M | $75.85M |
| Total Noninterest Income | $10.77M | $11.86M | $13.23M | $14.42M | $11.67M | $12.23M | $14.05M | $13.97M |
| Income Before Tax | $22.77M | $21.3M | $25.82M | $28.03M | $28.88M | $27.58M | $29.5M | $30.3M |
| Income Tax Expense | $4.93M | $4.82M | $5.28M | $5.92M | $6.03M | $5.22M | $5.93M | $6.12M |
| Preferred Dividends | $1.35M | $1.35M | $1.35M | $1.35M | $1.35M | $1.35M | $1.35M | $1.35M |
| Operating Net Income Loss Available to Common Stockholde 551d72 | $16.49M | $15.14M | $19.19M | $20.75M | $21.51M | $21.01M | $22.21M | $22.83M |
| (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | |||||||||
| Consolidated Net Interest Margin | |||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||
| June 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||
| 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. |
| (Dollars in thousands) | Average Outstanding Balance | Interest Earned / Interest Paid | Average Yield / Rate | Average Outstanding Balance | Interest Earned / Interest Paid | Average Yield / Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business First Bancshares, Inc. | ||||||
| Consolidated Net Interest Margin | ||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||
| Six Months Ended | ||||||
| June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | |||||
| 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 |
| Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) 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. |
