Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q2 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) reported strong financial results for Q2 2024. Net income available to common shareholders reached $15.9 million or $0.62 per diluted common share, up $3.6 million and $0.14 respectively from Q1 2024. Core net income was $16.3 million or $0.64 per diluted common share. The company saw improvements in earnings, net interest margin, noninterest income, loan and deposit mix, and capital accretion.

Key highlights include:

• Net interest margin expansion to 3.45%
• Noninterest income increase of 29.73%
• Loan growth of 1.45% (5.85% annualized)
• Stable credit quality
• Announced acquisition of Oakwood Bancshares, Inc.

The board declared a quarterly preferred dividend of $18.75 per share and a common dividend of $0.14 per share, payable on August 31, 2024.

Positive

• Net income increased by $3.6 million to $15.9 million compared to Q1 2024
• Core net income rose to $16.3 million, up $3.5 million from the previous quarter
• Net interest margin expanded to 3.45% from 3.32% in Q1 2024
• Noninterest income increased by 29.73% from the linked quarter
• Loans held for investment grew by 1.45% (5.85% annualized)
• Announced acquisition of Oakwood Bancshares, Inc., with $839.7 million in total assets
• Book value per common share increased to $23.24 from $22.64 in Q1 2024
• Return on average assets improved to 0.95% from 0.74% in the previous quarter

Negative

• Total deposits decreased by $9.1 million or 0.16% compared to Q1 2024
• Interest-bearing deposits decreased by $24.2 million or 0.57% from the previous quarter
• Overall cost of funds increased from 3.00% to 3.07% due to higher cost deposits
• Provision for credit losses increased slightly to $1.3 million from $1.2 million in Q1 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

Business First Bancshares' Q2 2024 results demonstrate solid performance and strategic growth. The net income available to common shareholders of $15.9 million or $0.62 per diluted common share represents significant increases of $3.6 million and $0.14 respectively from the previous quarter. This improvement in earnings is noteworthy and indicates positive momentum.

The expansion of the Net Interest Margin (NIM) to 3.45% from 3.32% in the linked quarter is particularly impressive. This 13 basis point increase suggests improved profitability on the bank's core lending activities. The non-GAAP NIM, excluding loan discount accretion, also showed improvement, rising to 3.34% from 3.27%.

Loan growth was robust at 1.45% (5.85% annualized), primarily driven by the commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio. This focus on C&I lending, coupled with a reduction in the construction and development portfolio, indicates a strategic shift towards potentially more stable revenue streams.

The bank's deposit mix improved, with noninterest-bearing deposits increasing by $15.2 million and money market accounts growing by $130.1 million. This shift towards core deposits is positive for the bank's funding costs and overall stability.

The announced acquisition of Oakwood Bancshares could be a significant growth driver, potentially adding approximately $839.7 million in total assets. This move aligns with the bank's expansion strategy and could provide synergies and increased market presence.

Overall, Business First Bancshares appears to be executing well on its strategic initiatives, showing improvements in key metrics and positioning itself for continued growth.

Market Research Analyst

The Q2 2024 results for Business First Bancshares reveal several interesting market trends and strategic moves worth noting. The bank's focus on commercial and industrial (C&I) lending, evidenced by a $93.4 million increase in this portfolio, aligns with broader market trends favoring diversified lending portfolios. This shift, coupled with a $24.6 million reduction in construction and development loans, suggests a more conservative approach in response to potential economic uncertainties.

The bank's regional performance is noteworthy, with the North Louisiana region producing 59.57% of net loan growth. This concentration could indicate strong economic activity in that area or successful market penetration strategies. Additionally, the fact that Texas-based loans represent approximately 36% of the overall loan portfolio highlights the bank's significant presence in a major economic hub.

The increase in noninterest income, particularly from loan sale activity and the newly formed customer swap business, demonstrates the bank's efforts to diversify revenue streams. The $1.9 million gain on sale from a newly originated USDA loan is particularly interesting, as it could signal a focus on government-backed lending programs as a low-risk growth strategy.

The strategic reduction of $75.1 million in brokered deposits with a high weighted average rate of 5.16% shows active management of funding costs. This move, combined with the growth in core deposits, particularly in money market accounts, indicates a shift towards a more stable and potentially less expensive funding base.

The announced acquisition of Oakwood Bancshares is a significant development that could reshape the bank's market position. With Oakwood's $839.7 million in total assets, this move could substantially increase Business First's scale and potentially provide entry into new markets or strengthen existing ones.

BATON ROUGE, La., July 25, 2024 (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, 2024, including net income available to common shareholders of $15.9 million or $0.62 per diluted common share, increases of $3.6 million and $0.14, respectively, compared to the linked quarter ended March 31, 2024. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $16.3 million or $0.64 per diluted common share, increases of $3.5 million and $0.14, respectively, from the linked quarter.

“I am encouraged by our company's performance in the second quarter,” said Jude Melville, president and CEO, “Our bankers' hard work and focus paid off in quarter-over- quarter improvement in earnings, net interest margin, noninterest income, loan and deposit mix and capital accretion. We look forward to continuing that hard work over the course of 2024.”

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, 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. The preferred and common dividends will be paid on August 31, 2024, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to the shareholders of record as of August 15, 2024.

Quarterly Highlights

• Net Interest Margin (NIM) Expansion. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, net interest income totaled $54.0 million and net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.45% and 2.47%, respectively, compared to $51.5 million, 3.32% and 2.36% from the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.7 million) were 3.34% and 2.37%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to 3.27% and 2.31% (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) for the linked quarter.
• Noninterest Income Investments. Noninterest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, increased $2.8 million or 29.73% from the linked quarter. Significant drivers for the quarter were increased loan sale activity, largely related to a $1.9 million gain on sale from a newly originated USDA loan, as well as increased origination and sale of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, due to the first quarter acquisition of Waterstone LSP. Additionally, continued progress in the newly formed customer swap business along with improved revenue in service charge fees and debit card and ATM fees improved financial results.
• Deposits. During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, noninterest-bearing deposits increased $15.2 million or 1.17% and money market accounts increased $130.1 million or 7.26%. Deposits decreased $9.1 million or 0.16%, 0.66% annualized, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the linked quarter. The decrease in interest-bearing deposits was attributable to strategic reductions of $75.1 million of brokered deposits with a weighted average rate of 5.16%.
• Loan Growth. Loans held for investment increased $74.0 million or 1.45%, 5.85% annualized, from the linked quarter. Loan growth was mostly attributable to the $93.4 million increase in the commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio. Business First continued the trend of reducing construction and development (C&D) portfolio exposure, with a decrease of $24.6 million from the linked quarter. 
• Oakwood Acquisition. On April 25, 2024, Business First announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Oakwood Bancshares, Inc. (Oakwood) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Oakwood Bank. Oakwood had approximately $839.7 million of total assets as of March 31, 2024.

Statement of Financial Condition

Loans

Loans held for investment increased $74.0 million or 1.45%, 5.85% annualized, from the linked quarter. Loan growth from the linked quarter was largely attributable to net growth in the C&I portfolio of $93.4 million, offset by a $24.6 million reduction in the C&D portfolio.

The North Louisiana region produced 59.57% of net loan growth from the linked quarter based on unpaid principal balance, while the Capital region produced 21.49% and Bayou region produced 20.93%. Based on unpaid principal balances, Texas-based loans represent approximately 36% of the overall loan portfolio as of June 30, 2024.

Credit Quality

Credit quality remained stable during the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the linked quarter. The ratio of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment remained unchanged at 0.43% at June 30, 2024, while the ratio of nonperforming assets compared to total assets slightly increased from 0.34% to 0.36% at June 30, 2024. The increase was attributable to increases of $644,000 in other real estate owned and $730,000 in nonperforming loans.

Securities

The securities portfolio increased $2.1 million or 0.25%, from the linked quarter, impacted by $4.9 million in positive fair value adjustments. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 13.05% of total assets as of June 30, 2024.

Deposits

Deposits decreased $9.1 million or 0.16%, 0.66% annualized, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the linked quarter. During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, noninterest-bearing deposits increased $15.2 million or 1.17%. The increase in noninterest bearing deposits was attributable to $39.1 million in new account originations as of June 30, 2024. The North Louisiana region produced 37.8% of the new account balances, followed by the Dallas-Fort Worth region and Southwest Louisiana region with 26.3% and 11.5%, respectively.

Interest-bearing deposits decreased $24.2 million or 0.57%, compared to the linked quarter. The decrease in interest-bearing deposits was attributable to strategic reductions of $75.1 million of brokered deposits with a weighted average rate of 5.16%.

Money market accounts increased $130.1 million or 7.26% from the linked quarter. The increase in money market balances was attributable to $138.8 million in new account originations with a weighted average rate of 4.88% as of June 30, 2024. The Southwest Louisiana region produced 44.2% of the new account balances, followed by the Texas regions and Southeast Louisiana region with 21.6% and 17.0%, respectively.

Borrowings

Borrowings decreased $1.8 million or 0.42%, from the linked quarter.

Shareholders’ Equity

Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) increased $3.9 million during the second quarter due to positive after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $23.24 at June 30, 2024, compared to $22.64 at March 31, 2024. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $18.61 at March 31, 2024, to $19.22 at June 30, 2024.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, net interest income totaled $54.0 million, compared to $51.5 million from the linked quarter. Loan and interest-earning asset yields of 7.07% and 6.38%, respectively, increased 19 and 20 basis points, respectively, compared to 6.88% and 6.18% from the linked quarter. Both ratios were impacted positively by a $900,000 increase in loan discount accretion. Net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.45% and 2.47% compared to 3.32% and 2.36%, respectively, for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which include noninterest- bearing deposits, increased from 3.00% to 3.07% or 7 basis points, from the linked quarter due to higher cost deposits.

Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.7 million) totaled $52.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $50.7 million (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) from the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.7 million) were 3.34% and 2.37%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to 3.27% and 2.31% (excluding loan discount accretion of $0.8 million) for the linked quarter. Excluding loan discount accretion, loan yields increased 13 basis points to 6.94% from 6.81%, and interest earnings asset yields increased 15 basis points to 6.28% from 6.13%, compared to the linked quarter.

Provision for Credit Losses

During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $1.3 million, compared to $1.2 million from the linked quarter. The current quarter’s reserve was largely attributable to loan growth and net charge-offs, partially offset by reductions due to changes in the portfolio mix.

Other Income

For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, other income increased $2.8 million or 29.73%, compared to the linked quarter. The net increase was largely attributable to a $2.3 million increase in gain on sales of loans attributable to increased sales of SBA loans and a $1.9 million gain from the sale of a large USDA loan during the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to the linked quarter.

Other Expenses

For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, other expenses increased by $588,000 or 1.38%, compared to the linked quarter. The increase was attributable to marginal increases in several categories.

Return on Assets and Common Equity

Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 0.95% and 10.94% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to 0.74% and 8.51%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 0.98% and 11.22% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to 0.77% and 8.92%, respectively, for the linked quarter.

Conference Call and Webcast
Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Thursday, July 25, 2024, 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 9962250, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/8tfqtsaw. 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 $6.7 billion in assets, $6.1 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 the Dallas and Houston, Texas areas, providing commercial and personal banking products and services. Commercial banking services include commercial loans and letters of credit, working capital lines and equipment financing, and treasury management services. b1BANK was awarded #1 Best-In-State Bank, Louisiana, by Forbes and Statista, and is a multiyear winner of American Banker’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 BFST and Oakwood. This material is not a solicitation of any vote or approval of the Oakwood shareholders and is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other documents that BFST and Oakwood 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 between BFST and Oakwood, BFST has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a proxy statement of Oakwood and a prospectus of BFST, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. Before making any voting or investment decisions, 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. Oakwood will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders. Shareholders are also urged to carefully review and consider BFST’s public filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, its proxy statements, its Annual Reports 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 BFST, 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 BFST 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
BFST, Oakwood 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 Oakwood’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction.
Information about BFST’s directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2024 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 10, 2024, and other documents filed by BFST 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 Oakwood’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction, and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security 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.

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Selected Financial Information (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)		June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023
Balance Sheet Ratios
Loans (HFI) to Deposits		92.80%			91.32%			97.69%
Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio		9.91%			9.69%			9.31%
Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI)
Commercial	$	1,520,392		$	1,426,957		$	1,309,222
Real Estate:
Commercial		2,198,119			2,215,889			2,132,044
Construction		637,466			662,013			719,080
Residential		743,876			717,007			675,462
Total Real Estate		3,579,461			3,594,909			3,526,586
Consumer and Other		62,999			66,973			62,929
Total Loans (Held for Investment)	$	5,162,852		$	5,088,839		$	4,898,737

Allowance for Loan Losses

Balance, Beginning of Period	$	41,165		$	40,414		$	41,830
Charge-Offs - Quarterly		(1,426	)		(533	)		(689	)
Recoveries - Quarterly		91			141			104
Provision for Loan Losses - Quarterly		1,582			1,143			768
Balance, End of Period	$	41,412		$	41,165		$	42,013
Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI)		0.80%			0.81%			0.86%
Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI)/(1)		0.86%			0.88%			0.93%
Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Quarterly Total Loans		0.03%			0.01%			0.01%
Remaining Loan Purchase Discount	$	9,690		$	11,411		$	17,171

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming
Nonaccrual Loans	$	21,008		$	20,778		$	17,006
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More		1,355			855			468
Total Nonperforming Loans		22,363			21,633			17,474
Other Nonperforming Assets:
Other Real Estate Owned		1,983			1,339			1,587
Other Nonperforming Assets		—			—			29
Total other Nonperforming Assets		1,983			1,339			1,616
Total Nonperforming Assets	$	24,346		$	22,972		$	19,090
Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI)		0.43%			0.43%		0.36%
Nonperforming Loans to Total Assets		0.36%			0.34%		0.30%
(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, 2024			March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023			June 30, 2024			June 30, 2023
Per Share Data
Basic Earnings per Common Share	$	0.63		$	0.49		$	0.73		$	1.11		$	1.28
Diluted Earnings per Common Share		0.62			0.48			0.73			1.10			1.27
Dividends per Common Share		0.14			0.14			0.12			0.28			0.24
Book Value per Common Share		23.24			22.64			20.87			23.24			20.87
Average Common Shares Outstanding		25,265,495			25,127,187			25,101,683			25,196,079			25,041,124
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding		25,395,614			25,429,194			25,333,372			25,412,142			25,278,145
End of Period Common Shares Outstanding		25,502,175			25,485,383			25,344,168			25,502,175			25,344,168
Annualized Performance Ratios
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets (1)		0.95%			0.74%			1.18%			0.84%			1.04%
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity (1)		10.94%			8.51%			13.99%			9.73%			12.39%
Net Interest Margin (1)		3.45%			3.32%			3.63%			3.39%			3.69%
Net Interest Spread (1)		2.47%			2.36%			2.75%			2.42%			2.85%
Efficiency Ratio (2)		65.14%			69.80%			60.76%			67.37%			61.97%
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets	$	6,711,173		$	6,667,527		$	6,274,656		$	6,689,350		$	6,198,860
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity		583,184			577,643			527,325			580,414			521,992

Other Expenses

Salaries and Employee Benefits	$	25,523		$	25,416		$	22,339		$	50,939		$	45,515
Occupancy and Bank Premises		2,634			2,514			2,406			5,148			4,703
Depreciation and Amortization		1,742			1,676			1,720			3,418			3,430
Data Processing		2,641			2,579			3,035			5,220			4,520
FDIC Assessment Fees		874			828			1,092			1,702			2,025
Legal and Other Professional Fees		1,042			866			961			1,908			1,574
Advertising and Promotions		966			1,145			1,226			2,111			2,374
Utilities and Communications		718			674			720			1,392			1,441
Ad Valorem Shares Tax		900			900			965			1,800			1,930
Directors' Fees		268			282			270			550			539
Other Real Estate Owned Expenses and Write- Downs		71			37			39			108			169
Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses		409			340			68			749			171
Other		5,322			5,265			4,861			10,587			9,990
Total Other Expenses	$	43,110		$	42,522		$	39,702		$	85,632		$	78,381

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Selected Financial Information (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended									Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)		June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023				June 30, 2024			June 30, 2023
Other Income
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts	$	2,537		$	2,439		$	2,413			$	4,976		$	4,694
Loss on Sales of Securities		—			(1	)		(61	)			(1	)		(62	)
Debit Card and ATM Fee Income		1,950			1,776			1,646				3,726			3,216
Bank-Owned Life Insurance Income		627			579			547				1,206			1,071
Gain on Sales of Loans		2,460			139			494				2,599			1,105
Mortgage Origination Income		35			69			56				104			130
Fees and Brokerage Commission		1,875			1,937			1,791				3,812			3,604
Gain on Sales of Other Real Estate Owned		2			63			14				65			223
Gain/(Loss) on Disposal of Other Assets		(15	)		—			14				(15	)		9
Gain on Sale of Branch		—			—			—				—			—
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt		—			—			941				—			941
Swap Fee Income		285			229			7				514			13
Pass-Through Income from Other Investments		392			294			2,812				686			2,985
Other		2,028			1,862			1,284				3,890			2,417
Total Other Income	$	12,176		$	9,386		$	11,958			$	21,562		$	20,346
(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, 2024			March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023
Assets
Cash and Due From Banks	$	208,051		$	185,906		$	180,972
Federal Funds Sold		113,587			211,292			173,850
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values		875,048			872,903			877,774
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale		680			77			435
Loans and Lease Receivable		5,162,852			5,088,839			4,898,737
Allowance for Loan Losses		(41,412	)		(41,165	)		(42,013	)
Net Loans and Lease Receivable		5,121,440			5,047,674			4,856,724
Premises and Equipment, Net		68,545			68,716			63,037
Accrued Interest Receivable		30,617			29,326			26,861
Other Equity Securities		38,805			34,940			34,824
Other Real Estate Owned		1,983			1,339			1,587
Cash Value of Life Insurance		100,684			100,056			95,302
Deferred Taxes, Net		25,888			26,800			31,553
Goodwill		91,527			91,527			88,543
Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles		10,849			11,372			12,993
Other Assets		16,185			13,630			10,194
Total Assets	$	6,703,889		$	6,695,558		$	6,454,649

Liabilities

Deposits
Noninterest-Bearing	$	1,310,204		$	1,295,050		$	1,429,376
Interest-Bearing		4,253,466			4,277,700			3,585,067
Total Deposits		5,563,670			5,572,750			5,014,443

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase	18,445				17,207			23,230
Bank Term Funding Program	—				—			300,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings	305,208				308,206			362,162
Subordinated Debt	99,875				99,933			103,822
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities	5,000				5,000			5,000
Accrued Interest Payable	4,517				3,930			7,666
Other Liabilities	42,644				39,498			37,358
Total Liabilities	6,039,359				6,046,524			839,238
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Stock		71,930			71,930			71,930
Common Stock		25,502			25,485			25,344
Additional Paid-In Capital		397,851			398,511			395,875
Retained Earnings		237,031			224,742			189,115
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		(67,784	)		(71,634	)		(81,296	)
Total Shareholders' Equity		664,530			649,034			600,968
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	6,703,889		$	6,695,558		$	6,454,649

        

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023			June 30, 2024			June 30, 2023
Interest Income:
Interest and Fees on Loans	$	90,604	$	85,947		$	79,223		$	176,551		$	152,991
Interest and Dividends on Securities		5,933		5,599			5,097			11,532			9,879
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks		3,333		4,465			1,528			7,798			2,470
Total Interest Income		99,870		96,011			85,848			195,881			165,340
Interest Expense:
Interest on Deposits		40,900		38,029			23,680			78,929			42,608
Interest on Borrowings		4,961		6,451			8,842			11,412			16,657
Total Interest Expense		45,861		44,480			32,522			90,341			59,265
Net Interest Income		54,009		51,531			53,326			105,540			106,075
Provision for Credit Losses		1,310		1,186			538			2,496			3,760
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses	52,699			50,345			52,788			103,044			102,315
	—
Other Income:
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts		2,537		2,439			2,413			4,976			4,694
Loss on Sales of Securities		—		(1	)		(61	)		(1	)		(62	)
Gain on Sales of Loans		2,460		139			494			2,599			1,105
Other Income		7,179		6,809			9,112			13,988			14,609
Total Other Income		12,176		9,386			11,958			21,562			20,346
Other Expenses:
Salaries and Employee Benefits		25,523		25,416			22,339			50,939			45,515
Occupancy and Equipment Expense		5,717		5,357			5,112			11,074			10,113
Merger and Conversion-Related Expense		409		340			68			749			171
Other Expenses		11,461		11,409			12,183			22,870			22,582
Total Other Expenses		43,110		42,522			39,702			85,632			78,381
Income Before Income Taxes		21,765		17,209			25,044			38,974			44,280
Provision for Income Taxes		4,559		3,639			5,305			8,198			9,516
Net Income		17,206		13,570			19,739			30,776			34,764
Preferred Stock Dividends		1,350		1,350			1,350			2,700			2,700
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	15,856	$	12,220		$	18,389		$	28,076		$	32,064

                

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Net Interest Margin (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024							March 31, 2024								June 30, 2023
(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	$	5,153,642		$	90,604	7.07	%		$	5,026,937		$	85,947	6.88	%		$	4,861,783		$	79,223	6.54	%
Securities        Interest-Bearing		891,384			5,933	2.68	%			888,933			5,599	2.53	%			916,421			5,097	2.23	%
Deposit in Other Banks		246,590			3,333	5.44	%			330,260			4,465	5.44	%			117,086			1,528	5.23	%
Total Interest Earning Assets		6,291,616			99,870	6.38	%			6,246,130			96,011	6.18	%			5,895,290			85,848	5.84	%
Allowance for Loan Losses		(41,450)								(40,526	)							(42,010	)
Noninterest- Earning Assets		461,007								461,923								421,376
Total Assets	$	6,711,173		$	99,870				$	6,667,527		$	96,011				$	6,274,656		$	85,848

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest-Bearing Deposits		$	4,268,207		$	40,900	3.85	%		$	4,072,600	$	38,029	3.76	%		$	3,405,221		$	23,680	2.79	%
Subordinated Debt			99,913			1,354	5.45	%			99,972		1,356	5.46	%			108,619			1,251	4.62	%
Subordinated Debt -
Trust Preferred Securities			5,000			113	9.09	%			5,000		113	9.09	%			5,000			108	8.66	%
Bank Term Funding Program			—			—	—	%			260,440		2,788	4.31	%			384,816			4,309	4.49	%
Advances from
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)			324,691			3,372	4.18	%			223,501		2,094	3.77	%			298,324			3,038	4.08	%
Other Borrowings			19,164			122	2.56	%			16,116		100	2.50	%			22,109			136	2.47	%
Total Interest- Bearing Liabilities		$	4,716,975		$	45,861	3.91	%		$	4,677,629	$	44,480	3.82	%		$	4,224,089		$	32,522	3.09	%
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits		$	1,297,085							$	1,282,815						$	1,410,983
Other Liabilities			41,999								57,510							40,329
Total Noninterest- Bearing Liabilities			1,339,084								1,340,325							1,451,312
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity			583,184								577,643							527,325
Preferred Equity			71,930								71,930							71,930
Total Shareholders' Equity			655,114								649,573							599,255
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity		$	6,711,173							$	6,667,527						$	6,274,656
Net Interest Spread							2.47	%						2.36	%							2.75	%
Net Interest Income					$	54,009						$	51,531							$	53,326
Net Interest Margin							3.45	%						3.32	%							3.63	%
Overall Cost of Funds							3.07	%						3.00	%							2.31	%
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, 2024									June 30, 2023
	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	$	5,090,289		$	176,551		6.97	%		$	4,790,843		$	152,991	6.44	%
Securities		890,158			11,532		2.61	%			921,958			9,879	2.16	%
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks		288,426			7,798		5.44	%			87,282			2,470	5.71	%
Total Interest Earning Assets		6,268,873			195,881		6.28	%			5,800,083			165,340	5.75	%
Allowance for Loan Losses		(40,988	)								(41,772	)
Noninterest- Earning Assets		461,465									440,549
Total Assets	$	6,689,350		$	195,881					$	6,198,860		$	165,340

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest-Bearing Deposits	$	4,170,406		$	78,929	3.81	%		$	3,372,358	$	42,608	2.55	%
Subordinated Debt		99,942			2,710	5.45	%			109,634		2,640	4.86	%
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities		5,000			226	9.09	%			5,000		206	8.31	%
Bank Term Funding Program		130,220			2,788	4.31	%			207,411		4,689	4.56	%
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)		274,096			5,466	4.01	%			410,348		8,880	4.36	%
Other Borrowings		17,640			222	2.53	%			21,502		242	2.27	%
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities	$	4,697,304		$	90,341	3.87	%		$	4,126,253	$	59,265	2.90	%
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits	$	1,289,948							$	1,442,084
Other Liabilities		49,754								36,601
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities		1,339,702								1,478,685
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity		580,414								521,992
Preferred Equity		71,930								71,930
Total Shareholders' Equity		652,344								593,922
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	6,689,350							$	6,198,860
Net Interest Spread						2.42	%						2.85	%
Net Interest Income				$	105,540						$	106,075
Net Interest Margin						3.39	%						3.69	%
Overall Cost of Funds						3.03	%						2.15	%
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, 2024			March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023			June 30, 2024			June 30, 2023
Interest Income:
Interest income	$	99,870		$	96,011		$	85,848		$	195,881		$	165,340
Core interest income		99,870			96,011			85,848			195,881			165,340
Interest Expense:
Interest expense		45,861			44,480			32,522			90,341			59,265
Core interest expense		45,861			44,480			32,522			90,341			59,265
Provision for Credit Losses: (b)
Provision for credit losses		1,310			1,186			538			2,496			3,760
Core provision expense		1,310			1,186			538			2,496			3,760
Other Income:
Other income		12,176			9,386			11,958			21,562			20,346
Losses on former bank premises and equipment		—			(50	)		—			(50	)		—
Losses on sale of securities		—			1			61			1			62
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—			—			(941	)		—			(941	)
Core other income		12,176			9,337			11,078			21,513			19,467
Other Expense:
Other expense		43,110			42,522			39,702			85,632			78,381
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		(419)			(715	)		(68	)		(1,134	)		(171	)
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair		—			—			—			—			—
Core other expense		42,691			41,807			39,634			84,498			78,210
Pre-Tax Income: (a)		21,765
Pre-tax income					17,209			25,044			38,974			44,280
Losses on former bank premises and equipment		—			(50	)		—			(50	)		—
Losses on sale of securities		—			1			61			1			62
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—			—			(941	)		—			(941	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		419			715			68			1,134			171
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair		—			—			—			—			—
Core pre-tax income		22,184			17,875			24,232			40,059			43,572
Provision for Income Taxes: (1)
Provision for income taxes		4,559			3,639			5,305			8,198			9,516
Tax on losses on former bank premises and equipment		—			(11	)		—			(11	)		—
Tax on losses on sale of securities		—			—			13			—			13
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—			—			(199	)		—			(199
Tax on acquisition- related expenses (2)		2			89			14			91			20
Tax on occupancy and bank premises - storm repair		—			—			—			—			—

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023			June 30, 2024			June 30, 2023
Core provision for income taxes		4,561		3,717			5,133			8,278			9,350
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		15,856		12,220			18,389			28,076			32,064
Losses on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax		—		(39	)		—			(39	)		—
Losses on sale of securities, net of tax		—		1			48			1			49
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax		—		—			(742	)		—			(742	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax		417		626			54			1,043			151
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair, net of tax		—		—			—			—			—
Core net income available to common shareholders	$	16,273	$	12,808		$	17,749		$	29,081		$	31,522
Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings available to common shareholders (a+b)	$	23,075	$	18,395		$	25,582		$	41,470		$	48,040
Losses on former bank premises and equipment		—		(50	)		—			(50	)		—
Loss on sale of securities		—		1			61			1			62
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—		—			(941	)		—			(941	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		419		715			68			1,134			171
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair		—		—			—			—			—
Core pre-tax, pre- provision earnings	$	23,494	$	19,061		$	24,770		$	42,555		$	47,332

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024		June 30, 2023			June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding		25,395,614		25,429,194		25,333,372			25,412,142		25,278,145
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.62	$	0.48	$	0.73		$	1.10	$	1.27
Losses on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax		—		—		—			—		—
Loss on sale of securities, net of tax		—		—		—			—		—
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax		—		—		(0.03	)		—		(0.03	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax		0.02		0.02		—			0.04		0.01
Occupancy and bank premises -storm repair, net of tax		—		—		—			—		—
Core diluted earnings per common share	$	0.64	$	0.50	$	0.70		$	1.14	$	1.25
Pre-tax, pre-provision profit diluted earnings per common share	$	0.91	$	0.72	$	1.01		$	1.63	$	1.90
Losses on former bank premises and equipment		—		—		—			—		—
Loss on sale of securities		—		—		—			—		—
Gain on extinguishment of debt		—		—		(0.04	)		—		(0.04	)
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		0.02		0.03		0.01			0.04		0.01
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair		—		—		—			—		—
Core pre-tax, pre- provision diluted earnings per common share	$	0.93	$	0.75	$	0.98		$	1.67	$	1.87

(1) Tax rates, exclusive of certain nondeductible merger-related expenses and goodwill, utilized were 21.129% for 2024 and 2023. These rates approximated the marginal tax rates.
(2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits.

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2024				March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023
Total Shareholders' (Common) Equity:
Total shareholders' equity	$	664,530		$	649,034		$	600,968
Preferred stock		(71,930	)		(71,930	)		(71,930	)
Total common shareholders' equity		592,600			577,104			529,038
Goodwill		(91,527	)		(91,527	)		(88,543	)
Core deposit and customer intangible		(10,849	)		(11,372	)		(12,993	)
Total tangible common equity	$	490,224		$	474,205		$	427,502
Total Assets:
Total assets	$	6,703,889		$	6,695,558		$	6,454,649
Goodwill		(91,527	)		(91,527	)		(88,543	)
Core deposit and customer intangible		(10,849	)		(11,372	)		(12,993	)
Total tangible assets	$	6,601,513		$	6,592,659		$	6,353,113
Common shares outstanding		25,502,175			25,485,383			25,344,168
Book value per common share	$	23.24		$	22.64		$	20.87
Tangible book value per common share	$	19.22		$	18.61		$	16.87
Common equity to total assets		8.84	%		8.62	%		8.20	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets		7.43	%		7.19	%		6.73	%

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended									Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30,  2024			March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023			June 30, 2024			June 30, 2023
Total Quarterly Average Assets	$	6,711,173		$	6,667,527		$	6,274,656		$	6,689,350		$	6,198,860
Total Quarterly Average Common Equity	$	583,184		$	577,643		$	527,325		$	580,414		$	521,992
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:
Net income available to common shareholders	$	15,856		$	12,220		$	18,389		$	28,076		$	32,064
Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax		—			(39	)		—			(39	)		—
Loss on sale of securities, net of tax		—			1			48			1			49
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax		—			—			(742	)		—			(742	)
Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax		417			626			54			1,043			151
Write-down on former bank premises, net of tax		—			—			—			—			—
Core net income available to common shareholders	$	16,273		$	12,808		$	17,749		$	29,081		$	31,522
Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) (2)		0.95	%		0.74	%		1.18	%		0.84	%		1.04	%
Core return on average assets (annualized) (2)		0.98	%		0.77	%		1.13	%		0.87	%		1.03	%
Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) (2)		10.94	%		8.51	%		13.99	%		9.73	%		12.39	%
Core return on average common equity (annualized) (2)		11.22	%		8.92	%		13.50	%		10.08	%		12.18	%
Interest Income:
Interest income	$	99,870		$	96,011		$	85,848		$	195,881		$	165,340
Core interest income		99,870			96,011			85,848			195,881			165,340
Interest Expense:
Interest expense		45,861			44,480			32,522			90,341			59,265
Core interest expense		45,861			44,480			32,522			90,341			59,265
Other Income:
Other income		12,176			9,386			11,958			21,562			20,346
Gain on former bank premises and equipment		—			(50	)		—			(50	)		—
Loss on sale of securities		—			1			61			1			62
Gain on sale of branch		—			—			(941	)		—			(941	)
Core other income		12,176			9,337			11,078			21,513			19,467
Other Expense:
Other expense		43,110			42,522			39,702			85,632			78,381
Acquisition-related expenses		(419	)		(715	)		(68	)		(1,134	)		(171	)
Write-down on former bank premises		—			—			—			—			—
Core other expense	$	42,691		$	41,807		$	39,634		$	84,498		$	78,210

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended									Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			June 30, 2023			June 30, 2024			June 30, 2023
Efficiency Ratio:
Other expense (a)	$	43,110		$	42,522		$	39,702		$	85,632		$	78,381
Core other expense (c)	$	42,691		$	41,807		$	39,634		$	84,498		$	78,210
Net interest and other income (1) (b)	$	66,185		$	60,918		$	65,345		$	127,103		$	126,483
Core net interest and other income (1) (d)	$	66,185		$	60,868		$	64,404		$	127,053		$	125,542
Efficiency ratio (a/b)		65.14	%		69.80	%		60.76	%		67.37	%		61.97	%
Core efficiency ratio (c/d)		64.50	%		68.68	%		61.54	%		66.51	%		62.30	%
Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets	$	6,291,616		$	6,246,130		$	5,895,290		$	6,268,873		$	5,800,083
Net Interest Income:
Net interest income	$	54,009		$	51,531		$	53,326		$	105,540		$	106,075
Loan discount accretion	$	(1,695)		$	(785	)	$	(2,059	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(4,971	)
Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion	$	52,314		$	50,746		$	51,267		$	103,060	$	$	101,104
Net interest margin (2)		3.45	%		3.32	%		3.63	%		3.39	%		3.69	%
Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion (2)		3.34	%		3.27	%		3.49	%		3.31	%		3.52	%
Net interest spread (2)		2.47	%		2.36	%		2.75	%		2.42	%		2.85	%
Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion (2)		2.37	%		2.31	%		2.61	%		2.34	%		2.68	%

(1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities.
(2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention.

Contact:

Misty Albrecht
b1BANK
225.286.7879
Misty.Albrecht@b1BANK.com

FAQ

What was Business First Bancshares' (BFST) net income for Q2 2024?

Business First Bancshares reported net income available to common shareholders of $15.9 million or $0.62 per diluted common share for Q2 2024.

How did BFST's loan portfolio perform in Q2 2024?

Loans held for investment increased by $74.0 million or 1.45% (5.85% annualized) from the previous quarter, primarily driven by growth in the commercial and industrial portfolio.

What was the net interest margin for BFST in Q2 2024?

The net interest margin for Business First Bancshares expanded to 3.45% in Q2 2024, compared to 3.32% in the previous quarter.

Did BFST declare any dividends for Q2 2024?

Yes, BFST declared a quarterly preferred dividend of $18.75 per share and a common dividend of $0.14 per share, payable on August 31, 2024.

What acquisition did Business First Bancshares (BFST) announce in Q2 2024?

BFST announced the acquisition of Oakwood Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary, Oakwood Bank, which had approximately $839.7 million in total assets as of March 31, 2024.