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Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q1 2025

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Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) reported strong Q1 2025 financial results with net income of $19.2 million or $0.65 per diluted share, marking increases of $4.1 million and $0.14 respectively from Q4 2024. The company showed solid performance with:

- Net interest income of $66.0 million
- Net interest margin expansion to 3.68%
- Noninterest income growth driven by $1.3 million in loan sales
- Capital growth with tangible book value increasing to $20.84 per share

Notable metrics include:
- Return on average assets: 1.00%
- Common equity to total assets: 9.69%
- Quarterly common dividend declared: $0.14 per share

Credit quality showed some regression with nonperforming loans ratio increasing 27 bps to 0.69%. Deposits decreased by $53.1 million (0.82%), while the securities portfolio grew by $27.0 million (3.02%).

Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) ha riportato solidi risultati finanziari nel primo trimestre del 2025, con un utile netto di 19,2 milioni di dollari, pari a 0,65 dollari per azione diluita, segnando un incremento rispettivamente di 4,1 milioni di dollari e 0,14 dollari rispetto al quarto trimestre del 2024. L'azienda ha mostrato una performance solida con:

- Reddito netto da interessi di 66,0 milioni di dollari
- Espansione del margine di interesse netto al 3,68%
- Crescita del reddito non da interessi trainata da 1,3 milioni di dollari in vendite di prestiti
- Crescita del capitale con il valore contabile tangibile salito a 20,84 dollari per azione

Metriche rilevanti includono:
- Rendimento medio degli attivi: 1,00%
- Capitale comune su totale attivi: 9,69%
- Dividendo comune trimestrale dichiarato: 0,14 dollari per azione

La qualità del credito ha mostrato un leggero peggioramento con il rapporto di prestiti non performanti aumentato di 27 punti base a 0,69%. I depositi sono diminuiti di 53,1 milioni di dollari (0,82%), mentre il portafoglio titoli è cresciuto di 27,0 milioni di dollari (3,02%).

Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) reportó sólidos resultados financieros en el primer trimestre de 2025, con un ingreso neto de 19,2 millones de dólares o 0,65 dólares por acción diluida, lo que representa aumentos de 4,1 millones y 0,14 dólares respectivamente respecto al cuarto trimestre de 2024. La empresa mostró un desempeño sólido con:

- Ingreso neto por intereses de 66,0 millones de dólares
- Expansión del margen neto de interés al 3,68%
- Crecimiento de ingresos no relacionados con intereses impulsado por 1,3 millones de dólares en ventas de préstamos
- Crecimiento de capital con el valor contable tangible aumentando a 20,84 dólares por acción

Métricas destacadas incluyen:
- Retorno sobre activos promedio: 1,00%
- Capital común sobre activos totales: 9,69%
- Dividendo común trimestral declarado: 0,14 dólares por acción

La calidad crediticia mostró cierta regresión con el índice de préstamos en mora aumentando 27 puntos básicos hasta 0,69%. Los depósitos disminuyeron en 53,1 millones de dólares (0,82%), mientras que la cartera de valores creció en 27,0 millones de dólares (3,02%).

Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST)� 2025� 1분기 강력� 재무 실적� 보고했으�, 순이익은 1,920� 달러 또는 희석 주당 0.65달러�, 2024� 4분기 대� 각각 410� 달러와 0.14달러 증가했습니다. 회사� 다음� 같은 견고� 성과� 보였습니�:

- 순이자수� 6,600� 달러
- 순이자마� 3.68%� 확대
- 130� 달러� 대� 매각� 힘입은 비이� 수익 증가
- 주당 유형 장부가치가 20.84달러� 자본 성장

주요 지표는 다음� 같습니다:
- 평균 자산 수익�: 1.00%
- 총자� 대� 보통� 자본 비율: 9.69%
- 분기� 보통� 배당� 선언: 주당 0.14달러

신용 품질은 일부 악화되어 부� 대� 비율� 27bp 상승� 0.69%� 기록했습니다. 예금은 5,310� 달러(0.82%) 감소� 반면, 증권 포트폴리오는 2,700� 달러(3.02%) 증가했습니다.

Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ : BFST) a annoncé de solides résultats financiers pour le premier trimestre 2025, avec un bénéfice net de 19,2 millions de dollars, soit 0,65 dollar par action diluée, enregistrant des hausses respectives de 4,1 millions de dollars et de 0,14 dollar par rapport au quatrième trimestre 2024. La société a affiché de bonnes performances avec :

- Un produit net d’intérêts de 66,0 millions de dollars
- Une expansion de la marge nette d’intérêts à 3,68 %
- Une croissance des revenus hors intérêts portée par 1,3 million de dollars de ventes de prêts
- Une croissance du capital avec une valeur comptable tangible passant à 20,84 dollars par action

Les indicateurs notables incluent :
- Rendement moyen des actifs : 1,00 %
- Fonds propres ordinaires par rapport aux actifs totaux : 9,69 %
- Dividende ordinaire trimestriel déclaré : 0,14 dollar par action

La qualité du crédit a montré une légère détérioration avec un taux de prêts non performants en hausse de 27 points de base à 0,69 %. Les dépôts ont diminué de 53,1 millions de dollars (0,82 %), tandis que le portefeuille de titres a augmenté de 27,0 millions de dollars (3,02 %).

Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) meldete starke Finanzergebnisse für das erste Quartal 2025 mit einem Nettogewinn von 19,2 Millionen US-Dollar bzw. 0,65 US-Dollar je verwässerter Aktie, was eine Steigerung von 4,1 Millionen US-Dollar bzw. 0,14 US-Dollar gegenüber dem vierten Quartal 2024 bedeutet. Das Unternehmen zeigte eine solide Leistung mit:

- Nettozinsertrag von 66,0 Millionen US-Dollar
- Ausweitung der Nettozinsmarge auf 3,68 %
- Wachstum der zinsertragsfreien Einnahmen, angetrieben durch 1,3 Millionen US-Dollar aus Kreditverkäufen
- Kapitalwachstum mit einem Anstieg des materiellen Buchwerts auf 20,84 US-Dollar je Aktie

Bemerkenswerte Kennzahlen umfassen:
- Eigenkapitalrendite auf durchschnittliche Vermögenswerte: 1,00 %
- Stammkapital im Verhältnis zu den Gesamtvermögenswerten: 9,69 %
- Quartalsdividende auf Stammaktien erklärt: 0,14 US-Dollar je Aktie

Die Kreditqualität zeigte eine leichte Verschlechterung, da das Verhältnis notleidender Kredite um 27 Basispunkte auf 0,69 % anstieg. Die Einlagen sanken um 53,1 Millionen US-Dollar (0,82 %), während das Wertpapierportfolio um 27,0 Millionen US-Dollar (3,02 %) wuchs.

Positive
  • Net income increased by $4.1 million to $19.2 million
  • Net interest margin expanded to 3.68% from 3.61%
  • Tangible book value per share grew 4.62% to $20.84
  • Common equity to total assets improved to 9.69% from 9.26%
  • SBA loan sales income increased by $1.0 million
Negative
  • Deposits declined by $53.1 million (0.82%)
  • Nonperforming loans ratio increased 27 bps to 0.69%
  • Two lending relationships required $2.3 million in reserves
  • Noninterest bearing deposits decreased by $48.7 million
  • Loan yields decreased 6 basis points to 6.99%

Insights

BFST delivers solid Q1 with 27% higher earnings, expanding margins and capital, though credit quality showed isolated deterioration.

Business First Bancshares posted robust Q1 2025 earnings with net income reaching $19.2 million ($0.65 per diluted share), representing a significant 27% increase from Q4 2024. While core earnings showed a marginal $0.2 million decline, key banking metrics improved substantially.

The net interest margin expanded to 3.68% (from 3.61% in Q4), driven by an 11 bps reduction in funding costs. This margin improvement is particularly impressive given the slight 6 bps decline in loan yields to 6.99%, demonstrating effective cost management in a challenging rate environment.

Capital ratios strengthened meaningfully with tangible common equity to tangible assets rising from 7.63% to 8.06% - an impressive annualized growth rate of 22.89%. Tangible book value per share also grew at an annualized rate of 18.73%, reaching $20.84.

The bank's revenue diversification strategy is yielding results with non-interest income increasing 11.55%, particularly in SBA loan sales (up $1.0 million) and investment income. The consistent $739,000 from swap fee income demonstrates multiple income streams beyond traditional lending.

Some caution signals emerged with credit quality metrics deteriorating - nonperforming loans increased 27 bps to 0.69% of the portfolio. However, this appears concentrated in isolated relationships rather than systemic weakness, with two commercial relationships requiring $2.3 million in reserves. The modest deposit outflow of 0.82% bears watching, though mitigated by $379.9 million in new deposit accounts during the quarter.

The flat loan growth (-0.01%) suggests organic expansion, with portfolio shifts primarily representing construction loans converting to permanent financing rather than new originations. The Texas portfolio remains stable at 41% of total loans, showing consistent geographic diversification.

Overall, BFST delivered balanced results with strong capital generation and profitability metrics, achieving a 1.00% return on assets and 10.48% return on common equity while strengthening its balance sheet position.

BATON ROUGE, La., April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) (Business First), parent company of b1BANK, today announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $19.2 million or $0.65 per diluted common share, increases of $4.1 million and $0.14, respectively, compared to the linked quarter ended Dec. 31, 2024. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $19.3 million or $0.65 per diluted common share, a decrease of $0.2 million and $0.01, from the linked quarter.

“We are excited to start the year off with solid earnings,� said Jude Melville, chairman, president and CEO of Business First Bancshares. “We increased our capital, our reserves, and our per share tangible book value at healthy rates, while demonstrating diversity of our revenue streams and growth of margins in our core spread business. We are also proud of our less tangible development, continuing to integrate our latest acquisition and implementing a number of technological initiatives including preparation for our core conversion in the second quarter, investments that will enable us to provide high quality and more efficient service for our client base into the future.�

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

Quarterly Highlights

  • Solid Core Performance. Return to common shareholders on average assets, on an annualized basis, was 1.00% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, or 1.01% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 0.78% or 1.00% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter.
  • Net Interest Margin (NIM) Expansion. Net interest income totaled $66.0 million and net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.68% and 2.91%, respectively, compared to $65.7 million, 3.61% and 2.77% 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 2.86% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 3.56% and 2.72% (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 million) for the linked quarter. The increases of 8 basis points (bps) and 14 bps were driven by a reduction in Business First's overall cost of funding.
  • Noninterest Income Investments. Various noninterest income channels produced solid aggregate returns. Loan sales, mostly attributable to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, produced income of $1.3 million, an increase of $1.0 million when compared to the linked quarter, along with continued consistent performance in the swap business with revenue of $739,000. Appreciation and income from our equity investments also produced income of $751,000 for the quarter.
  • Capital Growth. Common equity to total assets increased from 9.26% to 9.69% compared to the linked quarter. Tangible common equity to tangible assets increased from 7.63% to 8.06%, 5.64% or 22.89% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. The increase was largely driven by quarterly earnings, which accounted for approximately 69.9%, or 32 bps. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $19.92 at Dec. 31, 2024, to $20.84 at March 31, 2025, 4.62% or 18.73% annualized.

Statement of Financial Condition

Loans

Loans held for investment were flat compared to the linked quarter with a decrease of $480,000 or .01%, .03% annualized. AG˹ٷ estate construction loans decreased $36.8 million from the linked quarter, compared to an increase of $49.8 million from the linked quarter in real estate residential loans, largely due to the conversion of multi- family construction to permanent financing. Based on unpaid principal balances, Texas- based loans represented approximately 41% of the overall loan portfolio as of March 31, 2025, no change from the linked quarter.

Credit Quality

Credit quality metrics regressed with isolated credit migration occurring during the quarter. The ratio of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment increased 27 bps to 0.69% at March 31, 2025, while the ratio of nonperforming assets compared to total assets increased 16 bps to 0.55% compared to the linked quarter.

The increase in loans past due 90 days and accruing is attributable to a single $4.6 million relationship. The increase in nonaccrual loans is largely attributable to two relationships with outstanding balances of $8.4 million for which Business First reserved a total of $2.3 million during the quarter.

Securities

The securities portfolio increased $27.0 million, or 3.02%, from the linked quarter, impacted by $12.9 million in positive fair value adjustments and the remainder of the increase was primarily attributed to purchases of mortgage-backed securities. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 11.83% of total assets as of March 31, 2025.

Deposits

Deposits decreased $53.1 million or 0.82%, 3.31% annualized, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to the linked quarter. Noninterest bearing deposits decreased $48.7 million, with the decline driven primarily by customer withdrawals as opposed to full account closures. New account openings continued in the quarter led by our Houston, Dallas, and Southwest Louisiana regions. Business First generated approximately $379.9 million from new deposit accounts during the quarter.

Borrowings

Borrowings decreased $49.2 million or 10.17%, from the linked quarter due primarily to a reduction in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances and a $7.0 million redemption of subordinated debt by Business First.

󲹰DZ� Equity

Shareholders' equity increased $26.8 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) increased $10.1 million or 16.12%, during the quarter due to positive after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $25.51 at March 31, 2025, compared to $24.62 at Dec. 31, 2024 due to strong earnings and positive fair value adjustments attributable to the securities portfolio. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $19.92 at Dec. 31, 2024, to $20.84 at March 31, 2025, 4.62% or 18.73% annualized.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, net interest income totaled $66.0 million, compared to $65.7 million from the linked quarter. Loan and interest-earning asset yields of 6.99% and 6.35%, decreased 6 and 3 bps, respectively, compared to 7.05% and 6.38% from the linked quarter. However, net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.68% and 2.91% compared to 3.61% and 2.77% for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which included noninterest-bearing deposits, declined 11 bps from 2.93% from the linked quarter to 2.82% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, through continued management of deposit costs.

Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) totaled $65.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $64.7 million (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 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 2.86%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 3.56% and 2.72% (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 million) for the linked quarter. Excluding loan discount accretion, loan yields decreased 4 bps to 6.94% from 6.98%, and interest earnings asset yields decreased 3 bps to 6.30% from 6.33%, compared to the linked quarter.

Provision for Credit Losses

During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $2.8 million, compared to $6.7 million from the linked quarter. The linked quarter's reserve was primarily associated with the Oakwood acquisition on October 1, 2024. The current quarter’s reserve was largely associated with $2.3 million in additional individual reserves for two commercial lending relationships, resulting in a 30.7% coverage ratio of their remaining book balances as of March 31, 2025.

Other Income

For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, other income increased $1.4 million or 11.55%, compared to the linked quarter. The net increase was largely attributable to a $1.0 million increase in gain on sales of loans, attributable to SBA sales, a $630,000 gain on extinguishment of debt related to an early redemption of $7.0 million in subordinated debt, and a $565,000 increase in pass-through income on equity investments, offset by a $549,000 reduction in swap fee income.

Other Expenses

For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, other expenses increased by $1.0 million or 2.03%, compared to the linked quarter. The increase was largely attributable to a $1.4 million increase in salaries and benefits, of which $430,000 were associated with acquisition-related expenses attributable to retention, severance, and stay payments, and the remainder largely associated with merit increases and annual reset in FICA taxes and bonus accruals.

Return on Assets and Common Equity

Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.00% and 10.48% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 0.78% and 8.23%, 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 10.53% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 1.00% and 10.58%, for the linked quarter.

Conference Call and Webcast

Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Thursday, April 24, 2025, 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 8825623, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ziae6qsd. On the day of the presentation, the corresponding slide presentation will be available to view on the b1BANK website at https://

About Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Business First Bancshares, Inc., (Nasdaq: BFST) through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, has $7.8 billion in assets, $7.1 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 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.

Media Contact:
Misty Albrecht
b1BANK
225.286.7879
[email protected]
Investor Relations Contact:
Gregory RobertsonMatt Sealy
337.721.2701225.388.6116
[email protected][email protected]



Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,December 31,March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)202520242024
Balance Sheet Ratios
Loans (HFI) to Deposits92.61%91.86%91.32%
Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio10.61%10.18%9.69%
Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI)
Commercial$1,862,176$1,868,675$1,426,957
AG˹ٷ Estate:
Commercial2,472,1212,483,2232,215,889
Construction633,698670,502662,013
Residential934,357884,533717,007
Total AG˹ٷ Estate4,040,1764,038,2583,594,909
Consumer and Other78,56774,46666,973
Total Loans (Held for Investment)$5,980,919$5,981,399$5,088,839
Allowance for Loan Losses
Balance, Beginning of Period$54,840$42,154$40,414
Oakwood - PCD ALLL-8,410-
Charge-offs � Quarterly(1,648)(2,290)(533)
Recoveries � Quarterly671654141
Provision for Loan Losses � Quarterly3,0005,9121,143
Balance, End of Period$56,863$54,840$41,165
Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI)0.95%0.92%0.81%
Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI) (1)1.01%0.98%0.88%
Net Charge-offs (Recoveries) to Average Quarterly Total Loans0.02%0.03%0.01%
Remaining Loan Purchase Discount$11,322$12,121$11,411
Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming Loans:
Nonaccrual Loans$35,915$24,147$20,778
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More5,635860855
Total Nonperforming Loans41,55025,00721,633
Other Nonperforming Assets:
Other AG˹ٷ Estate Owned1,2825,5291,339
Other Nonperforming Assets---
Total Other Nonperforming Assets1,2825,5291,339
Total Nonperforming Assets$42,832$30,536$22,972
Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI)0.69%0.42%0.43%
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets0.55%0.39%0.34%
(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
March 31,December 31,March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)202520242024
Per Share Data
Basic Earnings per Common Share$0.65$0.52$0.49
Diluted Earnings per Common Share0.650.510.48
Dividends per Common Share0.140.140.14
Book Value per Common Share25.5124.6222.64
Average Common Shares Outstanding29,329,66829,311,11125,127,187
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding29,545,92129,520,78125,429,194
End of Period Common Shares Outstanding29,572,29729,552,35825,485,383
Annualized Performance Ratios
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets (1)1.00%0.78%0.74%
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity (1)10.48%8.23%8.51%
Net Interest Margin (1)3.68%3.61%3.32%
Net Interest Spread (1)2.91%2.77%2.36%
Efficiency Ratio (2)63.85%63.91%69.80%
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets$7,750,982$7,721,338$6,667,527
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity742,930731,820577,643
Other Expenses
Salaries and Employee Benefits$29,497$28,101$25,416
Occupancy and Bank Premises3,4013,1662,514
Depreciation and Amortization2,1522,2781,676
Data Processing3,2363,8562,579
FDIC Assessment Fees1,1841,009828
Legal and Other Professional Fees1,013975866
Advertising and Promotions1,2911,7101,145
Utilities and Communications733775674
Ad Valorem Shares Tax1,1251,357900
Directors' Fees279290282
Other AG˹ٷ Estate Owned Expenses and Write-Downs2318237
Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses250168340
Other6,3945,7035,265
Total Other Expenses$50,578$49,570$42,522
Other Income
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts$2,860$2,878$2,439
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities(1)21(1)
Debit Card and ATM Fee Income1,8582,0691,776
Bank-Owned Life Insurance Income808990579
Gain on Sales of Loans1,256252139
Mortgage Origination Income1103669
Fees and Brokerage Commission2,1482,0631,937
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Other AG˹ٷ Estate Owned(268)4063
Loss on Disposal of Other Assets155--
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt630--
Swap Fee Income7391,288229
Pass-Through Income (Loss) from Other Investments751186294
Other2,1802,0341,862
Total Other Income$13,226$11,857$9,386
(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)
Three Months Ended
March 31,December 31,March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)202520242024
Assets
Cash and Due From Banks$312,887$319,098$185,906
Federal Funds Sold117,422197,669211,292
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell50,58950,835-
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values920,573893,549872,903
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale-71777
Loans and Lease Receivable5,980,9195,981,3995,088,839
Allowance for Loan Losses(56,863)(54,840)(41,165)
Net Loans and Lease Receivable5,924,0565,926,5595,047,674
Premises and Equipment, Net81,58281,95368,716
Accrued Interest Receivable33,74135,87229,326
Other Equity Securities40,94741,10034,940
Other AG˹ٷ Estate Owned1,2825,5291,339
Cash Value of Life Insurance117,950117,645100,056
Deferred Taxes, Net25,28929,59126,800
Goodwill121,691121,57291,527
Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles16,53817,25211,372
Other Assets20,18118,14913,630
Total Assets$7,784,728$7,857,090$6,695,558
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest-Bearing$1,308,312$1,357,045$1,295,050
Interest-Bearing5,149,8695,154,2864,277,700
Total Deposits6,458,1816,511,3315,572,750
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase19,04622,62117,207
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings317,352355,875308,206
Subordinated Debt92,70299,76099,933
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities5,0005,0005,000
Accrued Interest Payable5,3565,9693,930
Other Liabilities60,77957,06839,498
Total Liabilities6,958,4167,057,6246,046,524
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Stock71,93071,93071,930
Common Stock29,57229,55225,485
Additional Paid-In Capital501,609500,024398,511
Retained Earnings276,045260,958224,742
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(52,844)(62,998)(71,634)
Total Shareholders' Equity826,312799,466649,034
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$7,784,728$7,857,090$6,695,558



Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,December 31,March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)202520242024
Interest Income:
Interest and Fees on Loans$102,992$104,697$85,947
Interest and Dividends on Securities7,2657,3105,599
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks3,4364,1354,465
Total Interest Income113,693116,14296,011
Interest Expense:
Interest on Deposits42,43944,86238,029
Interest on Borrowings5,2715,5516,451
Total Interest Expense47,71050,41344,480
Net Interest Income65,98365,72951,531
Provision for Credit Losses2,8126,7121,186
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses63,17159,01750,345
Other Income:
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts2,8602,8782,439
(Loss) Gain on Sales of Securities(1)21(1)
Gain on Sales of Loans1,256252139
Other Income9,1118,7066,809
Total Other Income13,22611,8579,386
Other Expenses:
Salaries and Employee Benefits29,49728,10125,416
Occupancy and Equipment Expense7,3567,0875,357
Merger and Conversion-Related Expense250168340
Other Expenses13,47514,21411,409
Total Other Expenses50,57849,57042,522
Income Before Income Taxes25,81921,30417,209
Provision for Income Taxes5,2764,8163,639
Net Income20,54316,48813,570
Preferred Stock Dividends1,3501,3501,350
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$19,193$15,138$12,220



Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025December 31, 2024March 31, 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$5,972,120$102,9926.99%$5,911,183$104,6977.05%$5,026,937$85,9476.88%
Securities924,6936,6142.90%936,3146,7072.85%888,9335,5992.53%
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell50,8366515.19%44,2526035.42%--0.00%
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks315,7503,4364.41%346,0354,1354.75%330,2604,4655.44%
Total Interest-Earning Assets7,263,399113,6936.35%7,237,784116,1426.38%6,246,13096,0116.18%
Allowance for Loan Losses(54,711).(52,130)(40,526)
Noninterest-Earning Assets542,294535,684461,923
Total Assets$7,750,982$113,693$7,721,338$116,142$6,667,527$96,011
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest-Bearing Deposits$5,141,498$42,4393.35%$5,053,759$44,8623.53%$4,072,600$38,0293.76%
Subordinated Debt97,2511,2625.26%99,7971,3315.31%99,9721,3565.46%
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities5,000998.03%5,0001078.51%5,0001139.09%
Bank Term Funding Program--0.00%--0.00%260,4402,7884.31%
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)362,0923,7964.25%373,2363,9754.24%223,5012,0943.77%
Other Borrowings18,3211142.52%21,5691382.55%16,1161002.50%
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities5,624,16247,7103.44%5,553,36150,4133.61%4,677,62944,4803.82%
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits1,244,793$1,292,623$1,282,815
Other Liabilities67,16771,60457,510
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities1,311,9601,364,2271,340,325
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity742,930731,820577,643
Preferred Equity71,93071,93071,930
Total Shareholders' Equity814,860803,750649,573
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$7,750,982$7,721,338$6,667,527
Net Interest Spread2.91%2.77%2.36%
Net Interest Income$65,983$65,729$51,531
Net Interest Margin3.68%3.61%3.32%
Overall Cost of Funds2.82%2.93%3.00%
NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an Actual/365/366 day count convention.



Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,December 31,March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)202520242024
Interest Income:
Interest income$113,693$116,142$96,011
Core interest income113,693116,14296,011
Interest Expense:
Interest expense47,71050,41344,480
Core interest expense47,71050,41344,480
Provision for Credit Losses:
(b)
Provision for credit losses2,8126,7121,186
CECL Oakwood impact (3)-(4,824)-
Core provision expense2,8121,8881,186
Other Income:
Other income13,22611,8579,386
Gain on former bank premises and equipment(155)-(50)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities1(21)1
Gain on extinguishment of debt(630)--
Core other income12,44211,8369,337
Other Expense:
Other expense50,57849,57042,522
Acquisition-related expenses (2)(679)(168)(715)
Core conversion expenses(216)(463)-
Core other expense49,68348,93941,807
Pre-Tax Income:
(a)
Pre-tax income25,81921,30417,209
CECL Oakwood impact (3)-4,824-
Gain on former bank premises and equipment(155)-(50)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities1(21)1
Gain on extinguishment of debt(630)--
Acquisition-related expenses (2)679168715
Core conversion expenses216463-
Core pre-tax income25,93026,73817,875
Provision for Income Taxes:
(1)
Provision for income taxes5,2764,8163,639
Tax on CECL Oakwood impact (3)-1,019-
Tax on gain on former bank premises and equipment(33)-(11)
Tax on loss (gain) on sale of securities0(4)-
Tax on gain on extinguishment of debt(133)--
Tax on acquisition-related expenses (2)143689
Tax on core conversion expenses4697-
Core provision for income taxes5,2995,9343,717
Preferred Dividends:
Preferred dividends1,3501,3501,350
Core preferred dividends1,3501,3501,350
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:
Net income available to common shareholders19,19315,13812,220
CECL Oakwood impact (3), net of tax-3,805-
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax(122)-(39)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities, net of tax1(17)1
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax(497)--
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax536162626
Core conversion expenses, net of tax170366-
Core net income available to common shareholders$19,281$19,454$12,808
Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings available to common shareholders (a+b)$28,631$28,016$18,395
CECL Oakwood impact (3)-4,824-
Gain on former bank premises and equipment(155)-(50)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities1(21)1
Gain on extinguishment of debt(630)--
Acquisition-related expenses (2)679168715
Core conversion expenses216463-
Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings$28,742$33,450$19,061
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding29,545,92129,520,78125,429,194
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
Diluted earnings per common share$0.65$0.51$0.48
CECL Oakwood impact (3), net of tax-0.13-
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax--(0.00)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities, net of tax0.00(0.00)-
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax(0.02)--
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax0.020.010.02
Core conversion expenses, net of tax-0.01-
Core diluted earnings per common share$0.65$0.66$0.50
Pre-tax, pre-provision profit diluted earnings per common share$0.97$0.95$0.72
CECL Oakwood impact (3)-0.16-
Gain on former bank premises and equipment(0.01)-(0.00)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities0.00(0.00)-
Gain on extinguishment of debt(0.02)--
Acquisition-related expenses (2)0.020.010.03
Core conversion expenses0.010.02-
Core pre-tax, pre-provision diluted earnings per common share$0.97$1.14$0.75
(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)
March 31,December 31,March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)202520242023
Total Shareholders' (Common) Equity:
Total shareholders' equity$826,312$799,466$649,034
Preferred stock(71,930)(71,930)(71,930)
Total common shareholders' equity754,382727,536577,104
Goodwill(121,691)(121,572)(91,527)
Core deposit and customer intangible(16,538)(17,252)(11,372)
Total tangible common equity$616,153$588,712$474,205
Total Assets:
Total assets$7,784,728$7,857,090$6,695,558
Goodwill(121,691)(121,572)(91,527)
Core deposit and customer intangible(16,538)(17,252)(11,372)
Total tangible assets$7,646,499$7,718,266$6,592,659
Common shares outstanding29,572,29729,552,35825,485,383
Book value per common share$25.51$24.62$22.64
Tangible book value per common share$20.84$19.92$18.61
Common equity to total assets9.69%9.26%8.62%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets8.06%7.63%7.19%



Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,December 31,March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)202520242024
Total Quarterly Average Assets$7,750,982$7,721,338$6,667,527
Total Quarterly Average Common Equity$742,930$731,820$577,643
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:
Net income available to common shareholders$19,193$15,138$12,220
CECL Oakwood impact (3), net of tax-3,805-
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax(122)-(39)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities, net of tax1(17)1
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax(497)--
Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax536162626
Core conversion expenses, net of tax170366-
Core net income available to common shareholders$19,281$19,455$12,808
Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) (2)1.00%0.78%0.74%
Core return on average assets (annualized) (2)1.01%1.00%0.77%
Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) (2)10.48%8.23%8.51%
Core return on average common equity (annualized) (2)10.53%10.58%8.92%
Interest Income:
Interest income$113,693$116,142$96,011
Core interest income113,693116,14296,011
Interest Expense:
Interest expense47,71050,41344,480
Core interest expense47,71050,41344,480
Other Income:
Other income13,22611,8579,386
Gain on former bank premises and equipment(155)-(50)
Loss (gain) on sale of securities1(21)1
Gain on extinguishment of debt(630)--
Core other income12,44211,8369,337
Other Expense:
Other expense50,57849,57042,522
Acquisition-related expenses(679)(168)(715)
Core conversion expenses(216)(463)-
Core other expense$49,683$48,939$41,807
Efficiency Ratio:
Other expense (a)$50,578$49,570$42,522
Core other expense (c)$49,683$48,939$41,807
Net interest and other income (1) (b)$79,210$77,565$60,918
Core net interest and other income (1) (d)$78,425$77,565$60,868
Efficiency ratio (a/b)63.85%63.91%69.80%
Core efficiency ratio (c/d)63.35%63.09%68.68%
Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets$7,263,399$7,237,784$6,246,130
Net Interest Income:
Net interest income$65,983$65,729$51,531
Loan discount accretion(793)(997)(785)
Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion$65,190$64,732$50,746
Net interest margin (2)3.68%3.61%3.32%
Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion (2)3.64%3.56%3.27%
Net interest spread (2)2.91%2.77%2.36%
Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion (2)2.86%2.72%2.31%
(1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities.
(2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention.
(3) CECL non-PCD provision/unfunded commitment expense attributable to Oakwood.

FAQ

What was Business First Bancshares (BFST) earnings per share in Q1 2025?

BFST reported earnings of $0.65 per diluted share in Q1 2025, an increase of $0.14 compared to Q4 2024.

How much did BFST's deposits change in Q1 2025?

Deposits decreased by $53.1 million or 0.82% in Q1 2025, with noninterest bearing deposits declining by $48.7 million.

What is BFST's dividend payout for Q1 2025?

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

How did BFST's credit quality perform in Q1 2025?

Credit quality showed regression with nonperforming loans ratio increasing 27 basis points to 0.69%, largely due to two relationships requiring $2.3 million in reserves.

What was BFST's net interest margin in Q1 2025?

Net interest margin expanded to 3.68% in Q1 2025, compared to 3.61% in the previous quarter.
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NASDAQ:BFST

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BFST Stock Data

712.09M
28.24M
5.27%
47.92%
0.73%
Banks - Regional
State Commercial Banks
United States
BATON ROUGE