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

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

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