0001624322FALSE00016243222024-07-252024-07-25

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 25, 2024
BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Louisiana
(State of incorporation)
001-38447
(Commission
File Number)
20-5340628
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
500 Laurel Street, Suite 101
Baton Rouge,Louisiana
(Address of principal executive offices)
70801
(Zip Code)
(225) 248-7600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per shareBFSTNASDAQ Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o



Item 2.02    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On July 25, 2024, Business First Bancshares, Inc. (“Business First”), the parent company of b1BANK, issued a press release announcing financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. The release also announced that the Board of Directors of Business First declared a dividend on July 25, 2024, in the amount of $0.14 to the shareholders of record of the company on August 15, 2024. The dividend is to be paid on August 31, 2024, or as soon as practicable thereafter. Also, the board of directors declared a quarterly 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%. The dividend will be paid on August 31, 2024, or as soon therefore as practicable, to the preferred shareholders of record as of August 31, 2024. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

The information in this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference

Item 7.01    Regulation FD Disclosure

On July 25, 2024, Business First made available the supplemental information attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 prepared for use with the press release.

The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.2, is being furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference.
Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)Exhibits.



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
By:/s/ David R. Melville, III
Name:David R. Melville, III
Title:President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: July 25, 2024

image_9.jpg
500 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: 877.614.7600


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Misty Albrecht
July 25, 2024
b1BANK
225.286.7879
Misty.Albrecht@b1BANK.com

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

Baton Rouge, La. (July 25, 2024) – 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.





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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.


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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.




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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.
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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 Deposits92.80 %91.32 %97.69 %
Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio9.91 %9.69 %9.31 %
Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI)
Commercial$1,520,392 $1,426,957 $1,309,222 
Real Estate:
  Commercial2,198,119 2,215,889 2,132,044 
  Construction637,466 662,013 719,080 
  Residential743,876 717,007 675,462 
    Total Real Estate3,579,461 3,594,909 3,526,586 
Consumer and Other62,999 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 - Quarterly91 141 104 
Provision for Loan Losses - Quarterly1,582 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 Loans0.03 %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 Loans22,363 21,633 17,474 
Other Nonperforming Assets:
  Other Real Estate Owned1,983 1,339 1,587 
  Other Nonperforming Assets— — 29 
    Total other Nonperforming Assets1,983 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 Assets0.36 %0.34 %0.30 %
    
(1) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments.
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Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix 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 Share0.62 0.48 0.73 1.10 1.27 
Dividends per Common Share0.14 0.14 0.12 0.28 0.24 
Book Value per Common Share23.24 22.64 20.87 23.24 20.87 
Average Common Shares Outstanding25,265,495 25,127,187 25,101,683 25,196,079 25,041,124 
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding25,395,614 25,429,194 25,333,372 25,412,142 25,278,145 
End of Period Common Shares Outstanding25,502,175 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 Equity583,184 577,643 527,325 580,414 521,992 
Other Expenses
Salaries and Employee Benefits
$25,523 $25,416 $22,339 $50,939 $45,515 
Occupancy and Bank Premises2,634 2,514 2,406 5,148 4,703 
Depreciation and Amortization1,742 1,676 1,720 3,418 3,430 
Data Processing2,641 2,579 3,035 5,220 4,520 
FDIC Assessment Fees874 828 1,092 1,702 2,025 
Legal and Other Professional Fees1,042 866 961 1,908 1,574 
Advertising and Promotions966 1,145 1,226 2,111 2,374 
Utilities and Communications718 674 720 1,392 1,441 
Ad Valorem Shares Tax900 900 965 1,800 1,930 
Directors' Fees268 282 270 550 539 
Other Real Estate Owned Expenses and Write-Downs71 37 39 108 169 
Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses409 340 68 749 171 
Other5,322 5,265 4,861 10,587 9,990 
    Total Other Expenses$43,110 $42,522 $39,702 $85,632 $78,381 
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Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix 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 Income1,950 1,776 1,646 3,726 3,216 
Bank-Owned Life Insurance Income627 579 547 1,206 1,071 
Gain on Sales of Loans2,460 139 494 2,599 1,105 
Mortgage Origination Income35 69 56 104 130 
Fees and Brokerage Commission1,875 1,937 1,791 3,812 3,604 
Gain on Sales of Other Real Estate Owned63 14 65 223 
Gain/(Loss) on Disposal of Other Assets(15)— 14 (15)
Gain on Sale of Branch— — — — — 
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt— — 941 — 941 
Swap Fee Income285 229 514 13 
Pass-Through Income from Other Investments392 294 2,812 686 2,985 
Other2,028 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.
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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 Sold113,587 211,292 173,850 
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values875,048 872,903 877,774 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale680 77 435 
Loans and Lease Receivable5,162,852 5,088,839 4,898,737 
Allowance for Loan Losses(41,412)(41,165)(42,013)
Net Loans and Lease Receivable5,121,440 5,047,674 4,856,724 
Premises and Equipment, Net68,545 68,716 63,037 
Accrued Interest Receivable30,617 29,326 26,861 
Other Equity Securities38,805 34,940 34,824 
Other Real Estate Owned1,983 1,339 1,587 
Cash Value of Life Insurance100,684 100,056 95,302 
Deferred Taxes, Net25,888 26,800 31,553 
Goodwill91,527 91,527 88,543 
Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles10,849 11,372 12,993 
Other Assets16,185 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-Bearing4,253,466 4,277,700 3,585,067 
Total Deposits5,563,670 5,572,750 5,014,443 
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase18,445 17,207 23,230 
Bank Term Funding Program— — 300,000 
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings305,208 308,206 362,162 
Subordinated Debt99,875 99,933 103,822 
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities5,000 5,000 5,000 
Accrued Interest Payable4,517 3,930 7,666 
Other Liabilities42,644 39,498 37,358 
    Total Liabilities6,039,359 6,046,524 839,238 
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Stock71,930 71,930 71,930 
Common Stock25,502 25,485 25,344 
Additional Paid-In Capital397,851 398,511 395,875 
Retained Earnings237,031 224,742 189,115 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(67,784)(71,634)(81,296)
    Total Shareholders' Equity664,530 649,034 600,968 
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$6,703,889 $6,695,558 $6,454,649 
b1BANK.com

13
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix 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 Securities5,933 5,599 5,097 11,532 9,879 
  Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks3,333 4,465 1,528 7,798 2,470 
    Total Interest Income99,870 96,011 85,848 195,881 165,340 
Interest Expense:
  Interest on Deposits40,900 38,029 23,680 78,929 42,608 
  Interest on Borrowings4,961 6,451 8,842 11,412 16,657 
    Total Interest Expense45,861 44,480 32,522 90,341 59,265 
    Net Interest Income54,009 51,531 53,326 105,540 106,075 
Provision for Credit Losses1,310 1,186 538 2,496 3,760 
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses52,699 50,345 52,788 103,044 102,315 
— 
Other Income:
  Service Charges on Deposit Accounts2,537 2,439 2,413 4,976 4,694 
  Loss on Sales of Securities— (1)(61)(1)(62)
  Gain on Sales of Loans2,460 139 494 2,599 1,105 
  Other Income7,179 6,809 9,112 13,988 14,609 
    Total Other Income12,176 9,386 11,958 21,562 20,346 
Other Expenses:
  Salaries and Employee Benefits25,523 25,416 22,339 50,939 45,515 
  Occupancy and Equipment Expense5,717 5,357 5,112 11,074 10,113 
  Merger and Conversion-Related Expense409 340 68 749 171 
  Other Expenses11,461 11,409 12,183 22,870 22,582 
    Total Other Expenses43,110 42,522 39,702 85,632 78,381 
Income Before Income Taxes21,765 17,209 25,044 38,974 44,280 
Provision for Income Taxes4,559 3,639 5,305 8,198 9,516 
Net Income17,206 13,570 19,739 30,776 34,764 
Preferred Stock Dividends1,350 1,350 1,350 2,700 2,700 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$15,856 $12,220 $18,389 $28,076 $32,064 
b1BANK.com

14
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2024March 31, 2024June 30, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)Average Outstanding BalanceInterest Earned/Interest PaidAverage Yield/RateAverage Outstanding BalanceInterest Earned/Interest PaidAverage Yield/RateAverage Outstanding BalanceInterest Earned/Interest PaidAverage 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 %
Securities891,384 5,933 2.68 %888,933 5,599 2.53 %916,421 5,097 2.23 %
Interest-Bearing 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 Assets6,291,616 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 Assets461,007 461,923 421,376 
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 Debt99,913 1,354 5.45 %99,972 1,356 5.46 %108,619 1,251 4.62 %
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities5,000 113 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 Borrowings19,164 122 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 Liabilities41,999 57,510 40,329 
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities1,339,084 1,340,325 1,451,312 
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity583,184 577,643 527,325 
Preferred Equity71,930 71,930 71,930 
Total Shareholders' Equity655,114 649,573 599,255 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$6,711,173 $6,667,527 $6,274,656 
Net Interest Spread2.47 %2.36 %2.75 %
Net Interest Income$54,009 $51,531 $53,326 
Net Interest Margin3.45 %3.32 %3.63 %
Overall Cost of Funds3.07 %3.00 %2.31 %
Note: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention.
b1BANK.com

15

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)June 30, 2024June 30, 2023
Average Outstanding BalanceInterest Earned/Interest PaidAverage Yield/RateAverage Outstanding BalanceInterest Earned/Interest PaidAverage Yield/Rate
Assets
Interest Earning Assets:
Total Loans$5,090,289 $176,551 6.97 %$4,790,843 $152,991 6.44 %
Securities890,158 11,532 2.61 %921,958 9,879 2.16 %
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks288,426 7,798 5.44 %87,282 2,470 5.71 %
Total Interest Earning Assets6,268,873 195,881 6.28 %5,800,083 165,340 5.75 %
Allowance for Loan Losses(40,988)(41,772)
Noninterest- Earning Assets461,465 440,549 
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 Debt99,942 2,710 5.45 %109,634 2,640 4.86 %
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities5,000 226 9.09 %5,000 206 8.31 %
Bank Term Funding Program130,220 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 Borrowings17,640 222 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 Liabilities49,754 36,601 
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities1,339,702 1,478,685 
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity580,414 521,992 
Preferred Equity71,930 71,930 
Total Shareholders' Equity652,344 593,922 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$6,689,350 $6,198,860 
Net Interest Spread2.42 %2.85 %
Net Interest Income$105,540 $106,075 
Net Interest Margin3.39 %3.69 %
Overall Cost of Funds3.03 %2.15 %
Note: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention.

b1BANK.com

16
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix 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 income99,870 96,011 85,848 195,881 165,340 
Interest Expense:
   Interest expense45,861 44,480 32,522 90,341 59,265 
   Core interest expense45,861 44,480 32,522 90,341 59,265 
Provision for Credit Losses: (b)
Provision for credit losses1,310 1,186 538 2,496 3,760 
    Core provision expense1,310 1,186 538 2,496 3,760 
Other Income:
   Other income12,176 9,386 11,958 21,562 20,346 
Losses on former bank premises and equipment — (50)— (50)— 
Losses on sale of securities— 61 62 
Gain on extinguishment of debt— — (941)— (941)
    Core other income12,176 9,337 11,078 21,513 19,467 
Other Expense:
Other expense43,110 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 expense42,691 41,807 39,634 84,498 78,210 
Pre-Tax Income: (a)
Pre-tax income21,765 17,209 25,044 38,974 44,280 
Losses on former bank premises and equipment — (50)— (50)— 
Losses on sale of securities— 61 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 income22,184 17,875 24,232 40,059 43,572 
Provision for Income Taxes: (1)
Provision for income taxes4,559 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)89 14 91 20 
Tax on occupancy and bank premises - storm repair— — — — — 
b1BANK.com

17
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix 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 taxes4,561 3,717 5,133 8,278 9,350 
Preferred Dividends:
Preferred dividends1,350 1,350 1,350 2,700 2,700 
   Core preferred dividends1,350 1,350 1,350 2,700 2,700 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:
Net income available to common shareholders15,856 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— 48 49 
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax— — (742)— (742)
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax417 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— 61 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 
b1BANK.com

18
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix 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 Outstanding25,395,614 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 tax0.02 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.
b1BANK.com

19

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' equity592,600 577,104 529,038 
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 outstanding25,502,175 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 assets8.84 %8.62 %8.20 %
Tangible common equity to tangible assets7.43 %7.19 %6.73 %


b1BANK.com

20
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix 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— 48 49 
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax— — (742)— (742)
Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax417 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 income99,870 96,011 85,848 195,881 165,340 
Interest Expense:
Interest expense45,861 44,480 32,522 90,341 59,265 
Core interest expense45,861 44,480 32,522 90,341 59,265 
Other Income:
Other income12,176 9,386 11,958 21,562 20,346 
Gain on former bank premises and equipment — (50)— (50)— 
Loss on sale of securities— 61 62 
Gain on sale of branch— — (941)— (941)
Core other income12,176 9,337 11,078 21,513 19,467 
Other Expense:
Other expense43,110 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 
b1BANK.com

21
Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix 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.
b1BANK.com
Q2 2024 Results


 
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Legal Disclosures 3 – 4 Guiding Principles & Social Impact 5 – 6 Business First Bancshares, Inc. Overview 7 – 12 Liquidity and Deposits 13 Securities Portfolio 14 Branches & Smith Shellnut Wilson 15 – 16 Financial Results Q2 2024 Financial Results 18 – 19 Stable Credit Performance 20 Yield/Rate Analysis 21 – 22 Loan Portfolio Operating Loan Growth 24 Loan Composition 25 – 28 Appendix 30 – 38


 
3 LEGAL DISCLOSURES Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This investor presentation contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements in some cases through the Company’s use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “assumes,” “should,” “predicts,” “could,” “would,” “intends,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the Company’s future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the banking and mortgage industry and economy in general. Forward-looking statements are based on the information known to, and current beliefs and expectations of, the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this presentation including, without limitation, the risks set forth in “Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2024 (as may be amended in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q). Many of these factors are difficult to foresee and are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. The Company believes the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date that they are made. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as otherwise may be required by law. Non-GAAP Financial Measures This presentation includes certain financial measures that are not measures recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their analysis of the Company’s performance, financial condition and the efficiency of its operations. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a greater understanding of the ongoing operations and enhance comparability of results with prior periods. The Company’s management also believes that investors find these non-GAAP financial measures useful as they assist investors in understanding the Company’s underlying operating performance and the analysis of ongoing operating trends. However, the non-GAAP financial measures discussed herein should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which the Company calculates the non-GAAP financial measures discussed herein may differ from the reporting measures with similar names as used by other companies. You should understand how such other banking organizations calculate their non-GAAP financial measures with names similar to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed herein when comparing such information. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures are provided in the Appendix to this presentation.


 
4 LEGAL DISCLOSURES 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.


 
5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES b1BANK’s five guiding principles reflect our core beliefs and values, which drive all decisions irrespective of our goals, strategies, or external factors. These tenets are more than guides for making business decisions; they are the core of our culture, driving our day-to-day interactions between employees and with our clients to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.


 
6 SOCIAL IMPACT 2024 YTD Total Volunteerism: • 2,744 Hours • 270 hours of financial literacy education and non-profit service • Partnership through b1BANK Financial Institutions Group • Partner with Minority Deposit Institutions (MDI) by helping with correspondent banking services, specialized expertise, supplier network access and investment. Each partnership is unique based on the MDI’s needs. • Through 2024: 14 bank partners 2021 Inception Through June 2024: • Mentored 686 businesses • Conducted training classes to help 2,930 entrepreneurs start or grow their business Project REACh b1 FOUNDATION b1COMMUNITY 2,744 Volunteer Hours 686 Businesses Mentored


 
7 BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. OVERVIEW Company Overview Ticker: BFST (Nasdaq) Market Capitalization: $555 million (as of June 30, 2024) Headquarters: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Franchise Highlights: • Diversified commercial-focused bank with $6.7 billion in assets and operations in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi including; 39 legacy Louisiana full-service banking centers(5), one loan production office, 10 metro-focused Texas banking centers and one registered investment advisory in Ridgeland, MS • #1 deposit market share in Louisiana for Louisiana-headquartered banks(1) • Texas markets represents 36% of credit exposure, as of 6/30/24 • Diversified deposit base with 106,143 accounts with an average balance of $52,417 and an organic deposit growth CAGR of ~17% since 4Q15(2) • Since 2018, completed three equity capital raises including IPO totaling $151.0 million of additional capital in addition to two subordinated debt issuances totaling $77.5 million. • During Q2, strengthened the North Texas franchise by announcing the acquisition of Oakwood Bancshares, Inc. and Oakwood Bank, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $85.7 million; as of Q1’24, Oakwood had $840 million in total assets, $676 million in total loans, and $726 million in total deposits BFST operates 50 locations including 49 full-service banking centers(5) and 1 LPO across Louisiana and Texas (1) Deposit market share is as of June 30, 2023, per FDIC data. (2) Jumbo deposits reflects total deposits of $250 thousand or greater. Deposit balances exclude Business First Bancshares Holding Company deposits with the Bank subsidiary and includes brokered deposits. (3) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. (4) Preliminary consolidated capital ratios as of June 30, 2024. (5) Includes one closed full-service Banking Center in Rayville, LA that maintains an active ITM. BFST Footprint Assets $6,704 Gross Loans Held for Investments $5,163 Deposits $5,564 Loan-to-Deposit Ratio 92.8% ROAA 0.95% ROACE 10.94% Core ROAA(3) 0.98% Core ROACE(3) 11.22% NPLs/Total Loans(HFI) 0.43% Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio(4) 10.57% Tier 1 Leverage Ratio(4) 9.49% Total Risk-based Capital Ratio(4) 12.88% TCE/TA(3) 7.43% Financial Highlights of 2Q24 ($ millions)


 
8 EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Jude Melville Director, President and CEO Age: 49 Year Started at BFST: 2006 Philip Jordan EVP, Chief Banking Officer Age: 52 Year Started at BFST: 2008 Keith Mansfield EVP, Chief Operations Officer Age: 48 Year Started at BFST: 2016 Chad Carter EVP, Correspondent Banking Age: 41 Year Started at BFST: 2011 Gregory Robertson EVP, Chief Financial Officer Age: 52 Year Started at BFST: 2011 Heather Roemer SVP, Chief of Staff Age: 43 Year Started at BFST: 2009 Saundra Strong EVP, General Counsel Age: 46 Year Started at BFST: 2021 Kathryn Manning EVP, Chief Risk Officer Age: 37 Year Started at BFST: 2013 Warren McDonald EVP, Chief Credit Officer Age: 57 Year Started at BFST: 2006 Jerry Vascocu EVP, Chief Administrative Officer Age: 51 Year Started at BFST: 2022


 
9 DIVERSIFIED FOOTPRINT Note: Dollars in millions. Financial data as of June 30, 2024. Deposit balances do not tie to consolidated figures as a result of wholesale deposits, timing differences and other items recorded at the corporate level. Loan amounts based on outstanding loan balance before accounting adjustments. (1) Banking Center count includes one standalone ITM. (2) Excludes standalone ITM from Deposits / Banking Center calculation. Dallas Fort Worth Region # of Banking Centers: 5 Total Loans: $1,400.9 Total Deposits: $394.3 Deposits / Banking Center: $78.9 Houston Region # of Banking Centers: 5 Total Loans: $458.3 Total Deposits: $552.1 Deposits / Banking Center: $110.4 Southwest Louisiana Region # of Banking Centers: 13 Total Loans: $550.4 Total Deposits: $1,111.6 Deposits / Banking Center: $85.5 Bayou Region # of Banking Centers: 6 Total Loans: $321.8 Total Deposits: $659.5 Deposits / Banking Center: $109.9 Greater New Orleans Region # of Banking Centers: 2 # of LPOs: 1 Total Loans: $786.7 Total Deposits: $352.9 Deposits / Banking Center: $176.5 Capital Region # of Banking Centers: 9 Total Loans: $715.0 Total Deposits: $877.0 Deposits / Banking Center: $97.4 North Louisiana Region # of Banking Centers(1): 9 Total Loans: $914.9 Total Deposits: $870.1 Deposits / Banking Center(2): $108.8


 
10 LONG-TERM PROFITABILITY Note: Dollars in millions, except for per share data. (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) Diluted EPS Available to Common Shareholders Tangible Book Value Per Share Net Income Available to Common Shareholders Efficiency Ratio


 
11 (amount s in act uals) Non-Jumbo Deposit Accounts 15,312 15,539 15,608 41,064 37,508 90,963 89,359 97,740 101,546 101,609 102,988 Jumbo Deposit Accounts(1) 448 502 612 987 1,001 1,902 2,300 2,714 3,009 3,096 3,155 Total Deposit Accounts(1) 15,760 16,041 16,220 42,051 38,509 92,865 91,659 100,454 104,555 104,705 106,143 Avg. Total Deposit Account Bal. 57,375$ 58,151$ 65,076$ 41,234$ 46,275$ 38,946$ 44,483$ 47,986$ 50,201$ 53,223$ 52,417$ $904 $933 $1,056 $1,180 $1,782 $2,442 $4,077 $4,343 $5,249 $5,573 $5,564 $554 $1,175 $477 $904 $933 $1,056 $1,734 $1,782 $3,617 $4,077 $4,820 $5,249 $5,573 $5,564 Q4'15 Q4'16 Q4'17 Q4'18 Q4'19 Q4'20 Q4'21 Q4'22 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Organic Deposits Acquired Deposits DEPOSIT GROWTH THROUGH ORGANIC AND M&A STRATEGY • Deposit strategy reflects consistent organic growth augmented with opportunistic M&A • Total deposit CAGR of ~24% since Q4’15 • Organic deposit CAGR of ~17% since Q4’15 (excluding acquired deposits)(2) • Acquired Texas Citizens and $477M in total deposits in 2022 • $304M organic growth in total deposits in 2022(2) 2022 Note: Dollars in millions, unless otherwise noted. Above deposit information reflects b1BANK bank-level balances. Jumbo deposits reflects total deposits of $250 thousand or greater. (1) b1BANK deposit accounts excludes 5 Business First Bancshares Holding Company accounts with the Bank subsidiary. (2) Includes brokered deposits. • Acquired Pedestal and $1.2B in total deposits in 2020 • $668M organic growth in total deposits in 2020(2) 2020 • Acquired $554M deposits in 2018 (Minden & Richland) • $134M organic growth in total deposits in 2018(2) 2018


 
12 9.5-Year CAGR Total Assets 687$ 1,077$ 1,106$ 1,322$ 2,099$ 2,276$ 4,175$ 4,733$ 5,990$ 6,585$ 6,704$ 27% Core Net Income(2) 4.4$ 4.1$ 5.1$ 3.1$ 16.8$ 24.6$ 37.5$ 53.9$ 57.6$ 66.3$ 63.9$ 33% Core Diluted EPS(2) 0.72$ 0.73$ 0.70$ 0.39$ 1.45$ 1.80$ 2.05$ 2.61$ 2.52$ 2.62$ 2.51$ 14% Core ROAA(2) 0.58% 0.51% 0.45% 0.26% 1.00% 1.15% 1.09% 1.22% 1.05% 1.05% 0.94% --- Core Efficiency Ratio(2) 76.5% 77.6% 81.1% 77.7% 66.9% 63.4% 61.1% 60.6% 62.8% 61.9% 64.1% --- 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Q2'24 TTM Texas Citizens Bancorp • Closed 3/1/22 • $546MM in assets • 6 locations acquired • $54.8MM deal value • 131 days to close transaction PROVEN M&A TRACK RECORD Note: Dollars in millions, except per share data. (1) Industry average time-to-close reflects all U.S. based whole-bank transactions announced since January 1, 2000, with announced deal value of $10 million or greater. (Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence). (2) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. Core earnings measures exclude merger charges, gain/loss on sale of securities, gain/loss on sale of former bank branches, among other non- core items. (3) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. Reflects TTM results as of June 30, 2024. (4) Consolidated total assets for Oakwood Bancshares, Inc. as of March 31, 2024. Reflects transaction value at announcement. American Gateway • Closed 3/31/15 • $366MM in assets • 10 locations acquired • $47.2MM deal value • 250 days to close transaction Minden Bancorp • Closed 1/1/18 • $315MM in assets • 2 locations acquired • $56.5MM deal value • 87 days to close transaction Richland State Bancorp • Closed 11/30/18 • $307MM in assets • 8 locations acquired • $44.7MM deal value • 179 days to close transaction Pedestal Bancshares • Closed 5/1/20 • $1.26B in assets • 22 locations acquired • $128.3MM deal value • 100 days to close transaction • BFST has a proven M&A track record and has successfully closed and integrated five whole-bank acquisitions and one non-bank RIA acquisition since 2015 • Average time-to-close of 149 days (announcement to close) for BFST compares favorably to industry average of 161 days(1) • Excluding American Gateway, average time-to-close is 124 days • 27% total asset CAGR, 33% core net income CAGR, and 14% core EPS CAGR since commencing BFST’s M&A strategy • Significant improvement in profitability over the last 9.5 years, with core ROAA improving from 0.58% in 2014 to 0.94%(3) and core efficiency ratio improving from 76.5% to 64.1%(3) over the same timeframe Oakwood Bancshares • Announced 4/25/24 • $840MM in assets(4) • 6 locations • $85.7 million deal value(4)


 
13 LIQUIDITY AND DEPOSITS Deposit Composition Non-Interest Bearing NOW & Int. Bearing DDA MMDA & Savings Time Deposits • Bolstered cash reserves in 2023 in response to tighter monetary policy and continued to carry higher balances in 2Q24 at 4.80% to total assets. • Remain focused on core deposits, which represent over 82% of total deposits. • Continue to take advantage of wholesale funding alternatives to optimize interest costs and liquidity, utilizing FHLB and the brokered deposit market. Paid off $75.1 million of brokered deposits in 2Q24. • Ample contingent liquidity available of over $3 billion at 6/30/2024, to supplement core deposit growth as needed. $5.56B Note: Dollars in millions. Data as of June 30, 2024. Historical Deposit Composition Liquidity Sources FHLB Borrowings Capacity 1,245$ Unencumbered Securities 544$ Cash Reserves 208$ Fed Funds Sold 114$ Fed Funds Lines Available 145$ FRB Discount Window 851$ Total 3,107$


 
14 SECURITIES PORTFOLIO AFS Securities Portfolio• Portfolio serves as a source of on-balance sheet liquidity and provides interest income stability during times of declining rates. • With the relatively high-rate environment, the Bank is reinvesting portfolio cash flows and taking opportunities to modestly grow the portfolio as liquidity allows. • Total portfolio as of 2Q24 was $961.0 million in AFS, of which agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and A-rated municipal securities were the largest components. - 2Q24 weighted average yield of 2.42% - Weighted average life of 4.80 years - Estimated effective duration of 3.84 years $961.0M Note: Dollars in millions. Data as of June 30, 2024. Book Market Net Unrealized Value Value Gain / (Loss) Municipal Securities 316.5$ 285.7$ (30.8)$ Mortgage-Backed Securities 567.0 519.0 (48.0)$ Corporate & Other Securities 49.6 44.6 (5.0)$ U.S. Government Agencies / Treasuries 27.9 25.7 (2.2)$ Total AFS Securities 961.0$ 875.0$ (85.9)$ Deferred Tax Impact 18.2$ Other Equities Unrealized Gain/Loss -$ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/Loss (67.8)$


 
15 Data Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence. (1) Reflects b1BANK branch network, including all acquired, closed/divested, and de novo Banking Centers. (2) Includes four legacy b1BANK locations that converted from LPO to full-service Banking Centers. Includes five DFW Banking Centers. (3) Includes one closed full-service Banking Center in Rayville, LA that maintains an active ITM. (4) Excludes one location sold by Pedestal prior to closing. (5) Excludes active LPO and Rayville, LA standalone ITM from calculation. (6) Represents aggregate growth in average noninterest bearing deposits per Banking Center from December 31, 2014, to June 30, 2024. Excludes active LPO and Rayville, LA standalone ITM from calculation. OPTIMIZING BRANCH NETWORK AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS  6 full-service Banking Centers  ~$98MM avg. total deposits per Banking Center December 31, 2014  48 acquired Banking Centers  6 De Novo Banking Centers  6 De Novo LPOs (4 LPOs converted to full-service, 1 LPO consolidated into existing Banking Center)  2 legacy b1BANK Banking Centers closed  1 LPO consolidated into existing location  10 acquired Banking Centers closed  3 acquired Banking Centers sold for a gain  49 Banking Centers(3)  1 active LPOs  ~$116MM avg. total deposits per Banking Center(5)  ~50% increase in average NIB deposits per Banking Center(6) June 30, 2024 6 Locations 50 Locations 60 Added BFST Footprint(1) 16 Closed or Sold b1BANK (Organic / De Novo) (14 active(2) / 2 closed) Richland (5 active(3) / 2 sold / 1 closed) American Gateway (6 active / 4 closed) Pedestal (17 active / 1 Sold / 4 closed(4)) Minden (2 active / 0 closed) Texas Citizens (5 active / 1 closed) Closed, Sold, or Consolidated (2 legacy / 13 acquired / 1 De Novo LPO) Loan Production Office (LPO) (1 active / 1 consolidated) Banking Center Activity – 2Q24  Opened Bluebonnet Banking Center in Baton Rouge, LA  Relocated one Lake Charles Banking Center to a higher traffic location on Ryan Street


 
16 Note: AUM Dollars in millions, unless otherwise noted. (1) Includes bank and credit union AUM. Excludes b1BANK securities portfolio and TruPs/CDs included in client portfolios. (2) Calculation of quarterly average AUM based on methodology in computing fees and reflects average quarterly AUM balances for the three-months ended for non-bank clients and four-months ended for bank clients. SMITH SHELLNUT WILSON (SSW) • April 1, 2021 – Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) was acquired by b1BANK and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of b1BANK • SSW is a Mississippi limited liability company and registered investment advisor, with its principal office located in Ridgeland, Mississippi • SSW was founded in 1995 and offers investment advisory services, which includes discretionary and non- discretionary management of investment portfolios for a variety of clients including financial institutions, high-net worth individuals, trusts and business entities • As of June 30, 2024, SSW maintained ~$6.10 billion in AUM(1) (~$4.86 billion bank AUM(1), ~$1.22 billion non-bank AUM) • For 2Q24, 42% of total AUM fees were represented by banks and credit unions – Remaining 58% of AUM fees are comprised of high-net worth individuals and other relationships • As of June 30, 2024, provides portfolio management services for 49 bank clients(1) Average Quarterly AUM(2) ($ in Millions) ~17% CAGR in Average Total AUM since closing


 
17 Financial Results


 
18 (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. (2) Preliminary consolidated capital ratios as of June 30, 2024. (3) Past due and nonaccrual loan amounts exclude purchased impaired loans, even if contractually past due or if the Company does not expect to receive payment in full, as the Company is currently accreting interest income over the expected life of the loans. This was applicable to all periods 12/31/2022, and prior. The guidance and methodology were changed beginning 1/1/2023, due to CECL adoption. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS • During Q2, strengthened the North Texas franchise by announcing the acquisition of Oakwood Bancshares, Inc. and Oakwood Bank, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $85.7 million • As of Q1’24, Oakwood had $840 million in total assets, $676 million in total loans and $726 million in total deposits among six locations. • Margin improvement was led by approximately $201 million in loans that paid off during the quarter with a weighted average rate of 7.4% and $428 million new and renewed loan originations with a weighted average rate of 8.7%. • Organic deposit origination remained strong with $158 million in Money Market accounts and $33 million in Noninterest-bearing accounts allowing for the payoff of $75.1MM in brokered deposits with a weighted rate of 5.16%. • Investments in Non-interest income revenue initiatives are showing early signs of success with SBA and Swap revenue during the quarter. 6/30/2023 9/30/2023 12/31/2023 3/31/2024 6/30/2024 Diluted Earnings per Common Share $0.73 $0.76 $0.57 $0.48 $0.62 ROAA 1.18 % 1.17 % 0.88 % 0.74 % 0.95 % ROACE 13.99 14.16 10.54 8.51 10.94 Net Interest Margin 3.63 3.61 3.50 3.32 3.45 Efficiency Ratio(1) 60.76 59.23 63.36 69.80 65.14 Net Income Available to Common Shareholders in thousands $18,389 $19,104 $14,474 $12,220 $15,856 Core Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income(1) in thousands $24,770 $25,123 $23,444 $19,061 $23,494 Core Diluted Earnings Per Common Share(1) $0.70 $0.70 $0.66 $0.50 $0.64 Core ROAA(1) 1.13 % 1.10 % 1.03 % 0.77 % 0.98 % Core ROACE(1) 13.50 13.32 12.27 8.92 11.22 Net Interest Margin excluding loan discount accretion(1) 3.49 3.46 3.38 3.27 3.34 Core Efficiency Ratio(1) 61.54 60.58 62.59 68.68 64.50 Tier 1 Leverage Ratio(2) 9.35 % 9.31 % 9.52 % 9.38 % 9.49 % Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio(2) 12.49 % 12.71 % 12.85 % 12.78 % 12.88 % Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets(1) 6.73 % 6.76 % 7.28 % 7.19 % 7.43 % Tangible Book Value Per Share(1) $16.87 $17.03 $18.62 $18.61 $19.22 NPLs / Loans (Excl. TDRs)(3) 0.36 % 0.33 % 0.34 % 0.43 % 0.43 % Allowance for Credit Losses / Loans (Excl. HFS) 0.93 0.90 0.88 0.88 0.86 ACL + FV Discount on Acquired Lns/ Loans (Excl. HFS) 1.28 1.20 1.12 1.10 1.05 NCOs / Average Loans 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.03 Asset Quality Profitability Capital For the Quarter Ended,


 
19 BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS (1) Preliminary consolidated capital ratios as of June 30, 2024. (2) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. For the quarter ended, $ millions 6/30/2024 3/31/2024 6/30/2023 Gross Loans (Excl. HFS) $5,162.9 1% 5% ACL + Fair Value Discount on Acquired Loans $54.2 -3% -14% Investment Securities $875.0 0% 0% Deposits $5,563.7 0% 11% Borrowings $428.5 0% -46% Total Equity $664.5 2% 11% Balance Sheet Ratios, $ actual 6/30/2024 3/31/2024 6/30/2023 Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio(1) 12.88 % 12.78 % 12.49 % Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets(2) 7.43 % 7.19 % 6.73 % Tangible Book Value Per Share(2) $19.22 $18.61 $16.87 Gross Loans (Excl. HFS) / Deposits 92.80 % 91.32 % 97.69 % Year-over-year shift was due to focus on organic deposit growth. Borrowings decreased $1.8 million for the quarter. The year-over- year decline of $365.7 million was mostly due to the payoff of a $300.0 million BTFP advance in March as well as paydowns of FHLB advances of $57.0 million. Increase in equity for the quarter was driven by $15.9 million net income available to common shareholders as well as a $3.9 million improvement in AOCI for Q2. The annual increase was driven by $61.7 million net income available to common shareholders as well as a $13.5 million AOCI improvement. Highlights Improvement for the quarter and year are due to retention of earnings coupled with a positive AOCI changes. TBV improved from the linked quarter and is attributed to $15.9 million net income available to common shareholders and a $3.9 million improvement in AOCI. TBVPS growth excluding AOCI of 8.64% QTD and 8.97% year-over-year show franchise value. The improvement in the risk-based capital ratio was attributable to retained earnings supporting loan growth. Actual Change vs. Q2'24 Highlights Organic loan growth of 1.45% for the quarter (5.85% Annualized) led by C&I ($93.4 million) and a reduction in C&D (-$24.6 million) and CRE (-$17.8 million). Year-over-year loan growth ($264.1 million) was headlined by organic growth in DFW, SWLA and Capital regions maintaining our Texas exposure at 36%. Deposits decreased $9.1 million (0.16%, or 0.66% Annualized) during Q2 mostly attributable to $24.2 million contraction in interest-bearing deposits partially offset by $15.2 million growth in noninterest-bearing deposits. The interest-bearing contraction was mostly due to $75.1 million of strategic reductions of brokered deposits. ACL + Fair Value Discount on acquired loans as a percentage of total loans of 1.05%. Loan purchase discount decreased by approximately $1.7 million. The slight quarterly improvement in fair market value was due to positive fair value adjustments ($4.9 million).


 
20 ACL & FV Discount(3) Past Due Loans(1) Note: Dollars in millions. Peer average based on average of last five quarters ending 1Q24, Gulf South Peer Group defined as: FBMS, FGBI, HBCP, ISTR, OBK, RRBI, GNTY, VBTX, TCBX, STEL. (1) Past due loans include balances past due 30 days or more and not on a nonaccrual status. (2) Nonperforming loans include loan balances past due 90 days or more as well as loans on a nonaccrual status. (3) Total Loans includes SBA PPP loan balances. STABLE CREDIT PERFORMANCE Nonperforming Loans(2) Net Charge-offs


 
21 Note: Data is as of June 30, 2024. Chart based on GAAP data. (1) NIM excluding loan discount accretion is a non-GAAP financial measure and excludes the accretion of the loan discount on acquired loans. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. YIELD / RATE ANALYSIS (1)


 
22 Loan Portfolio HFI Note: Dollars in millions. Data is as of June 30, 2024. Loan balances are before accounting adjustments and exclude SBA PPP loan balances. (1) Includes adjustable-rate loans. • 38.3% of total loans HFI are floating rate - 98.5% of floating-rate loans would reprice immediately with another +0.25% shift in interest rates • 77.2% of floating-rate loans float on the WSJ Prime Daily Index • 65.2% of total loans HFI are fixed rate (1) - 9.7% of fixed-rate loans mature within the next 12 months(1) LOAN PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW – REPRICING OPPORTUNITY Maturities by Loan Type Outstanding Balance Weighted ($MM) (% of Total) Avg. Rate Fixed Rate Loans (mature > 1 year) 2,684.4$ 52.0% 5.53% Fixed Rate Loans (mature < 1 year) 462.3 9.0% 6.26% Floating Rate with Floors 918.2 17.8% 8.31% Floating Rate without Floors 1,057.6 20.5% 8.61% Adjustable Rate Loans 36.6 0.7% 5.24% Total 5,159.2$ 100.0% 6.72% 52.0% 9.0% 17.8% 20.5% 0.7% 48.0% of total loans HFI are floating / variable rate or fixed rate maturing within the next 12-months 98.5% of all floating- rate loans would reprice immediately with another +0.25% shift in interest rates Fixed Rate Loans Maturing Beyond 1-Year (dollars in millions) Q3'25 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 > FY 2027 C&D 12.9$ 14.9$ 12.3$ 103.7$ 44.5$ Owner-Occupied CRE 24.3 29.5 94.6 145.7 389.8 Income Producing CRE 8.4 15.2 171.9 304.2 290.9 C&I 5.2 10.5 60.5 98.2 290.8 Agricultural 2.9 3.0 0.8 0.9 2.8 Farmland 0.7 0.8 7.1 15.2 40.6 1-4 Family 8.6 18.6 71.1 83.9 204.3 Consumer & Other 3.0 5.3 13.6 85.1 54.1 Total 66.2$ 97.7$ 431.9$ 837.0$ 1,317.8$ Weighted Avg. Rate 5.50% 5.30% 5.28% 5.16% 5.88% Fixed Rate Loans Maturing within the next 12-Months NTM (dollars in millions) Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Total C&D 61.1$ 8.1$ 7.3$ 21.9$ 98.3$ Owner-Occupied CRE 19.2 7.2 11.3 8.3 46.0 Income Producing CRE 23.3 11.1 15.3 7.7 57.4 C&I 27.7 20.6 30.4 37.2 115.9 Agricultural 0.9 4.6 25.7 3.9 35.0 Farmland 7.2 2.5 0.2 5.7 15.6 1-4 Family 16.5 8.4 6.0 18.5 49.4 Consumer & Other 12.6 8.3 5.1 18.7 44.7 Total 168.5$ 70.7$ 101.2$ 121.9$ 462.3$ Weighted Avg. Rate 6.93% 6.12% 6.07% 5.58% 6.26% All Floating Rate Loans, Maturing, (dollars in millions) Q3'24 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 > FY 2026 C&D 68.7$ 160.0$ 109.3$ 62.0$ 27.8$ Owner-Occupied CRE 6.8 9.5 17.7 5.1 189.4 Income Producing CRE 18.1 41.8 17.4 34.9 153.5 C&I 171.8 221.7 221.5 69.5 200.3 Agricultural 3.8 4.8 24.4 0.0 3.1 Farmland 10.2 26.6 62.3 6.9 19.5 1-4 Family 10.6 15.7 20.1 12.1 96.9 Consumer & Other 32.8 54.1 38.4 4.1 45.3 Total 322.9$ 534.1$ 511.2$ 194.7$ 735.7$ Weighted Avg. Rate 9.04% 9.02% 8.76% 8.74% 7.81%


 
23 Loan Portfolio


 
24 Note: Data is as of June 30, 2024. Dollars in millions. Loan balances are before accounting adjustments. (1) Net operating loans are defined as loans per the general ledger, excluding PPP, deferred costs/fees, corporate and other, overdrafts and loan premium/discount. OPERATING LOAN GROWTH Loan Composition by Region Q2’24 LTM Loan Growth Waterfall 12/31/23 6/30/24


 
25 Note: Loan composition as of June 30, 2024, based on preliminary FDIC call report data. LOAN COMPOSITION $5.16 billion Total Loan Portfolio Composition Top 5 Exposure Categories Outstanding Unfunded Average NPLs % of Balance Commitment Loan Size Total Loans Commercial $1.44 billion $673 million $344 thousand 0.36% CRE - Owner-Occupied $924 million $42 million $788 thousand 0.25% CRE - Non Owner-Occupied $1.08 billion $74 million $1.75 million 0.06% Construction & Land $637 million $204 million $571 thousand 0.98% 1-4 Family $497 million $12 million $184 thousand 1.22% Total $4.58 billion $1 billion $727 thousand 0.45%


 
26 LOAN COMPOSITION: COMMERCIAL Note: Data is as of June 30, 2024. Percentages based on loan balances before accounting adjustments. • Commercial loans represent 29.4% of the total loan portfolio • Total commercial loan growth year-over-year of $211.2 million represents 80.0% of all loan growth • Weighted average maturity of the commercial portfolio is 2.32 years Commercial Loans by Collateral Commercial Loans by Region


 
27 Note: Dollars in millions. Data is as of June 30, 2024. Percentages based on loan balances before accounting adjustments. (1) Geographic composition detail reflects borrower zip code on file in loan source files. Does not necessarily reflect zip code or location of loan collateral. (2) Represents the largest loan in each portfolio net of balances sold to other institutions. (3) Represents the outstanding principal balance of all loans maturing between July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. LOAN COMPOSITION: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE C&D Highlights • $637.5 million total portfolio • $24.1 million largest relationship(2) • $573 thousand average loan size • $284.8 million maturing over the next 12-months(3) • Dallas, Baton Rouge and Covington represent top 3 geographies within C&D and comprise 37.2% of all C&D loans or $237.3 million Owner-Occupied Highlights • $924.1 million total portfolio • $23.0 million largest relationship(2) • $791 thousand average loan size • $55.4 million maturing over the next 12- months(3) • Baton Rouge, Houston and New Orleans represent top 3 geographies within owner-occupied and comprise 26.2% of all owner-occupied loans or $242.1 million Income Producing Highlights • $1.08 billion total portfolio • $28.1 million largest relationship(2) • $1.76 million average loan size • $91.2 million balance maturing over the next 12-months(3) • Dallas, Baton Rouge and Covington represent top 3 geographies within income producing and comprise 29.5% of all income producing loans or $318.3 million $637.5 million $924.1 million $1.08 billion $637.5 million $924.1 million $1.08 billion C&D Composition C&D Portfolio Raw Land 5.1% Vacant Residential Lots 9.0% Vacant Commercial Lots 15.8% Land Development - Residential 18.7% Residential Construction - OORE 4.9% Residential Construction - Non OORE 11.0% Commercial Construction - Retail 3.9% Commercial Construction - Office 8.1% Commercial Construction - Apartment/Multi-Family 13.8% Commercial Construction - Other 9.6% Total C&D 100.0% 5.1% 9.0% 15.8% 18.7% 4.9% 11.0% 3.9% 8.1% 13.8% 9.6% CRE Composition - Owner Occupied Owner Occupied CRE Portfolio Hotel/Motel 0.7% Office Building 32.6% Office/Warehouse 24.0% Retail 15.0% Commercial Building 10.3% Other 17.4% Total CRE - Owner Occupied 100.0% 0.7% 32.6% 24.0% 15.0% 10.3% 17.4% CRE Composition - Income Producing Income Producing CRE Portfolio Hotel/Motel 13.6% Office Building 22.1% Office/Warehouse 3.4% Warehouse 9.1% Retail - Single-Tenant 9.7% Retail - Multi-Tenant 26.7% Commercial Building 8.0% Other 7.5% Total CRE - Income Producing 100.0% 13.6% 22.1% 3.4% 9.1% 9.7% 26.7% 8.0% 7.5%


 
28 Office CRE – Income-Producing by Geography(1)(2) Office CRE – Owner-Occupied by Geography(1)(2) Office C&D by Geography(1)(2) Note: Dollars in millions, unless otherwise noted. Above loan balances reflect outstanding principal bank balance, net of loan participations, as of June 30, 2024. (1) Geographic composition detail reflects borrower zip code on file in loan source files. Does not necessarily reflect zip code or location of loan collateral. (2) Office C&D, Owner-Occupied CRE, and Income-Producing CRE office detail exclude office warehouse loans. LOAN COMPOSITION: OFFICE LENDING BY GEOGRAPHY 31.0% 18.8% 13.7% 13.4% 8.9% 14.1% Office C&D Friendswood, TX (HOU) 31.0% Baton Rouge, LA 18.8% Ruston, LA 13.7% San Antonio, TX 13.4% Lake Charles, LA 8.9% Other Geographies 14.1% Total Office C&D 100.0% $637.5MM Total C&D $32.1MM Office C&D 11.9% 9.9% 6.8% 6.1% 4.9% 60.4% Owner Occupied Office CRE Baton Rouge, LA 11.9% Covington, LA 9.9% Houston, TX 6.8% Grapevine, TX (DFW) 6.1% Houma, LA 4.9% Other Geographies 60.4% Total OO Office CRE 100.0% $302.4MM Owner Occupied Office CRE $924.1MM Owner Occupied CRE 20.9% 13.5% 10.4% 9.2% 8.5% 37.5% $1.08B Income Producing CRE $240.1MM Income Producing Office CRE Income Producing Office CRE Houston, TX 20.9% Dallas, TX 13.5% Baton Rouge, LA 10.4% Shreveport, LA 9.2% Metairie, LA (NOLA) 8.5% Other Geographies 37.5% Total Inc. Prod. Office CRE 100.0% 22.2% Income Producing Office CRE 77.8% All Other Income Producing CRE 67.3% All Other Owner Occupied CRE 32.7% Owner Occupied Office CRE 95.0% All Other C&D 5.0% Office C&D Office C&D Highlights • $32.1 million total office C&D portfolio comprised of 16 loans in 11 distinct geographies throughout Texas and Louisiana • Largest C&D office loan is a $10.0 million credit in Friendswood, TX (Houston MSA) • 100.0% of the office C&D portfolio is risk rated as pass watch or better Office CRE Owner-Occupied Highlights • $302.4 million total office CRE owner- occupied portfolio comprised of 370 loans in 98 distinct geographies throughout Texas and Louisiana • Largest office CRE owner-occupied loan is a $14.7 million credit in Grapevine (DFW), TX • 99.7% of the office CRE – owner-occupied portfolio is risk rated as pass watch or better Office CRE Income Producing Highlights • $240.1 million total office CRE income- producing portfolio comprised of 168 loans in 53 distinct geographies throughout Texas and Louisiana • Largest office CRE income producing loan is a $28.1 million credit in Houston, TX • 99.8% of the office CRE – income- producing portfolio is risk rated as pass watch or better (1)(2) (1)(2) (1)(2) (1)(2) (1)(2) (1)(2)


 
29 APPENDIX


 
30 Note: Dollars in thousands. As of December 31. (1) Non-GAAP Financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. (2) Preliminary consolidated capital ratios as of June 30, 2024. Total Capital Ratio not available for FY 2020 due to the bank’s use of the Community Bank Leverage Ratio. (3) Excludes SBA PPP loans. (4) Calculated at the bank level based on FDIC call report data. (5) Past due and nonaccrual loan amounts exclude purchased impaired loans, even if contractually past due or if the Company does not expect to receive payment in full, as the Company is currently accreting interest income over the expected life of the loans. This was applicable to all periods 12/31/2022, and prior. The guidance and methodology were changed beginning 1/1/2023, due to CECL adoption. HISTORICAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY YTD 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Balance Sheet & Capital Total Assets $2,273,835 $4,160,360 $4,726,378 $5,990,460 $6,584,550 $6,703,889 Gross Loans (Excl. HFS) 1,710,265 2,991,355 3,189,608 4,606,176 4,992,785 5,162,852 Deposits 1,782,010 3,616,679 4,077,283 4,820,345 5,248,790 5,563,670 Total Equity 285,097 409,963 433,368 580,481 644,259 664,530 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets(1) 10.36 % 8.45 % 7.76 % 6.89 % 7.28 % 7.43 % Tier 1 Leverage Ratio(2) 10.56 8.79 8.14 9.49 9.52 9.49 Total Risk-based Capital Ratio(2) 13.30 -- 11.94 12.75 12.85 12.88 Net Loans (Excl. HFS) / Assets 74.68 % 71.37 % 66.87 % 76.25 % 75.21 % 76.40 % Gross Loans (Excl. HFS) / Deposits 95.97 82.71 78.23 95.56 95.12 92.80 NIB Deposits / Deposits 22.38 32.19 31.66 32.14 24.75 23.55 Commercial Loans / Loans (Excl. HFS)(3) 22.83 21.60 22.62 25.05 27.22 29.45 C&D / Total Risk-Based Capital(4) 95.9 % 106.0 % 117.0 % 109.8 % 91.7 % 84.8 % CRE / Total Risk-Based Capital(4) 222.4 262.0 250.1 272.1 253.5 248.0 Asset Quality NPLs / Loans (Excl. TDRs)(5) 0.53 % 0.35 % 0.41 % 0.25 % 0.34 % 0.43 % NPAs / Assets (Excl. TDRs)(5) 0.58 0.48 0.31 0.21 0.28 0.36 Reserves / Loans (Excl. HFS) 0.71 0.74 0.91 0.83 0.81 0.80 NCOs / Average Loans 0.10 0.06 0.03 0.04 0.11 0.03 Profitability Ratios Net Income Available to Common Shareholders $23,772 $29,994 $52,136 $52,905 $65,642 $28,076 ROAA 1.11 % 0.88 % 1.18 % 0.97 % 1.04 % 0.84 % ROACE 8.70 8.42 12.25 11.59 12.36 9.73 Net Interest Margin 4.10 % 4.06 % 3.84 % 3.92 % 3.62 % 3.39 % Efficiency Ratio 64.37 67.75 61.84 65.26 61.61 67.37 Non-Interest Income / Avg. Assets 0.50 0.63 0.80 0.54 0.62 0.64 Non-Interest Expense / Avg. Assets 2.74 2.95 2.66 2.73 2.47 2.56 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31,


 
31 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE – HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE Note: Dollars in thousands. (1) Calculated at the bank level based on FDIC call report data. (2) Based on outstanding loan balances prior to accounting adjustments. Percentage based on CRE loans outstanding. (3) Past due and nonaccrual loan amounts exclude purchased impaired loans, even if contractually past due or if the Company does not expect to receive payment in full, as the Company is currently accreting interest income over the expected life of the loans. This was applicable to all periods 12/31/2022, and prior. The guidance and methodology were changed beginning 1/1/2023, due to CECL adoption. (4) All charge-offs are YTD through period noted. Q4'18 Q4'19 Q4'20 Q4'21 Q4'22 Q4'23 Q2'24 Construction - 1-4 Family Residential 55,485$ 60,780$ 68,503$ 90,861$ 109,629$ 117,128$ 101,657$ Other Const, Development, Vacant Land & Lots 155,569 183,401 334,562 457,667 612,445 552,670 535,808 Total Construction 211,054 244,181 403,065 548,528 722,074 669,798 637,465 % of Total Loans (1) 13.8% 14.3% 13.5% 17.2% 15.7% 13.4% 12.3% % of Total Bank Capital 94.1% 95.9% 106.0% 117.0% 116.7% 97.6% 90.2% Multi-Family Properties 39,273 36,454 95,707 97,508 98,637 108,432 146,120 Commercial Rental 226,723 284,795 496,198 525,977 967,915 1,072,280 1,079,915 Other Loans for Real Estate Purposes 10,286 708 736 500 409 481 259 Total Outstanding CRE Exposure 487,336$ 566,138$ 995,706$ 1,172,513$ 1,789,035$ 1,850,991$ 1,863,759$ % of Total Loans (1) 31.9% 33.1% 33.3% 36.7% 38.8% 37.1% 36.1% % of Total Bank Capital 217.2% 222.4% 262.0% 250.1% 289.1% 269.7% 263.6% Credit Ratings(2) Pass-Watch / Special Mention % 1.6% 0.5% 1.7% 2.7% 3.0% 2.4% 7.5% Classified % 0.9% 0.9% 0.7% 1.2% 0.7% 0.6% 0.5% Total Watch List % 2.5% 1.4% 2.4% 3.9% 3.6% 3.0% 8.0% Past Dues(3) Nonaccrual Loans 550$ 1,449$ 1,578$ 1,701$ 1,250$ 4,569$ 6,868$ Past Due 90 days or more - - 77 - 4 - - Total Past Due 550$ 1,449$ 1,654$ 1,701$ 1,254$ 4,569$ 6,868$ Total Past Due / Total CRE Loans 0.1% 0.3% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 0.4% Net Charge Offs YTD(4) (322)$ (2)$ 14$ 147$ (9)$ 1,982$ 62$ Net Charge Offs YTD / CRE Loans (0.07%) (0.00%) 0.00% 0.01% (0.00%) 0.11% 0.00%


 
32 Note: Dollars in thousands. Loan balances based on balances before accounting adjustments. (1) Percentage based on Energy loans outstanding. (2) Past due and nonaccrual loan amounts exclude purchased impaired loans, even if contractually past due or if the Company does not expect to receive payment in full, as the Company is currently accreting interest income over the expected life of the loans. This was applicable to all periods 12/31/2022 and prior. The guidance and methodology were changed beginning 1/1/2023 due to CECL adoption. OIL AND GAS LENDING –HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE Q4'17 Q4'18 Q4'19 Q4'20 Q4'21 Q4'22 Q4'23 Q2'24 Upstream 17,742$ 12,530$ 9,639$ 2,305$ 246$ -$ -$ -$ Midstream 25,490 18,148 6,518 1,669$ 1,048$ -$ 188$ 278$ Downstream 10,144 8,578 4,511 467$ 76$ 156$ -$ -$ Support / Services 70,765 86,802 77,221 202,710$ 182,711$ 190,244$ 157,698$ 154,408$ Total Energy Exposure 124,140$ 126,058$ 97,888$ 207,151$ 184,081$ 190,400$ 157,886$ 154,686$ % of Total Loans 12.7% 8.2% 5.7% 7.6% 5.8% 4.1% 3.2% 3.0% % of Total Bank Capital 103.0% 56.5% 38.5% 54.5% 39.3% 29.0% 20.9% 20.0% Total Committed Energy Loans 160,313$ 178,073$ 146,138$ 279,573$ 243,052$ 259,467$ 223,009$ 217,934$ Credit Ratings Pass-Watch / Special Mention % 17.5% 8.6% 12.1% 8.7% 11.1% 6.2% 4.9% 6.2% Classified % 3.1% 7.0% 3.6% 3.2% 2.9% 2.6% 1.5% 0.9% Total Watch List % (1) 20.6% 15.6% 15.7% 12.0% 14.0% 8.8% 6.4% 7.1% Past Dues(2) Nonaccrual Loans 3,882$ 2,020$ 23$ 394$ 2,008$ 875$ 377$ 747$ Past Due 90 days or more - - - 71 - 50 - - Total Past Due 3,882$ 2,020$ 23$ 465$ 2,008$ 925$ 377$ 747$ Total Past Due / Total Energy Loans 3.1% 1.6% 0.0% 0.2% 1.1% 0.5% 0.2% 0.5% Net Charge Offs YTD 2,889$ -$ 1,500$ 251$ (280)$ 870$ 5$ 1$ Net Charge Offs YTD/ Energy Loans 2.3% 0.0% 1.5% 0.1% (0.2%) 0.5% 0.0% 0.0%


 
33 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. (1) Adjustments are net of tax. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Core Net Income: Net Income 23,772$ 29,994$ 52,136$ 52,905$ 65,642$ 18,389$ 19,104$ 14,474$ 12,220$ 15,856$ Adjustments(1): (72)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (543)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 568$ 277$ 799$ 566$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (39)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 341$ -$ -$ 341$ -$ -$ (84)$ (107)$ (299)$ 38$ 2,023$ 48$ -$ 1,974$ 1$ -$ (243)$ -$ (354)$ -$ (745)$ -$ (735)$ (10)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (1,150)$ (742)$ (408)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 1,230$ 395$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (530)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 69$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 603$ 7,832$ 407$ 4,236$ 215$ 54$ 2$ 62$ 626$ 417$ Core Net Income 24,614$ 37,466$ 53,919$ 57,597$ 66,326$ 17,749$ 17,963$ 16,841$ 12,808$ 16,273$ Core Return on Average Assets: Net Income 23,772$ 29,994$ 52,136$ 52,905$ 65,642$ 18,389$ 19,104$ 14,474$ 12,220$ 15,856$ Core Net Income 24,545$ 37,466$ 53,919$ 57,597$ 66,326$ 17,749$ 17,963$ 16,841$ 12,808$ 16,273$ Average Assets 2,136,081$ 3,426,120$ 4,403,670$ 5,473,508$ 6,341,880$ 6,274,656$ 6,474,935$ 6,494,861$ 6,667,527$ 6,711,173$ ROAA 1.11% 0.88% 1.18% 0.97% 1.04% 1.18% 1.17% 0.88% 0.74% 0.95% Core ROAA 1.15% 1.09% 1.22% 1.05% 1.05% 1.13% 1.10% 1.03% 0.77% 0.98% ROACE 8.70% 8.42% 12.25% 11.59% 12.36% 13.99% 14.16% 10.54% 8.51% 10.94% Core ROACE 9.01% 10.51% 12.67% 12.62% 12.49% 13.50% 13.32% 12.27% 8.92% 11.22% Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 13,670,777 18,243,445 20,634,281 22,817,493 25,296,200 25,333,372 25,288,660 25,333,913 25,429,194 25,395,614 Diluted Earnings per Common Share 1.74$ 1.64$ 2.53$ 2.32$ 2.59$ 0.73$ 0.76$ 0.57$ 0.48$ 0.62$ Core Diluted Earnings per Common Share 1.80$ 2.05$ 2.61$ 2.52$ 2.62$ 0.70$ 0.71$ 0.66$ 0.50$ 0.64$ Net Interest Margin Excluding Loan Discount Accretion: Net Interest Income 80,198$ 127,646$ 153,884$ 199,577$ 215,129$ 53,326$ 55,294$ 53,760$ 51,531$ 54,009$ Adjustments: (2,602) (6,592) (7,750) (9,432) (9,311) (2,059) (2,419) (1,921) (785) (1,695) Adjusted Net Interest Income 77,596$ 121,054$ 146,134$ 190,145$ 205,818$ 51,267$ 52,875$ 51,839$ 50,746$ 52,314$ Average Interest-earning Assets 1,956,719$ 3,145,743$ 4,011,773$ 5,091,684$ 5,939,405$ 5,895,290$ 6,071,129$ 6,086,330$ 6,246,130$ 6,291,616$ Net Interest Margin 4.10% 4.06% 3.84% 3.92% 3.62% 3.63% 3.61% 3.50% 3.32% 3.45% 3.97% 3.85% 3.64% 3.73% 3.47% 3.49% 3.46% 3.38% 3.27% 3.34% Stock Option Exercises Early Lease Termination Penalty Acquisition-related expenses Loan purchase discount accretion Net Interest Margin excluding loan discount accretion (Gain)/Loss Former Bank Premises & Equipment Write-Down on Former Bank Premises (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Securities (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Banking Center (Gain)on extinguishment of debt Occupancy and bank premises-hurricane repair Core Net Income, ROAA, NIM excluding loan discount accretion For the Year Ended December 31, Fiscal Quarter Sale of Impaired Credit Insurance Reimbursement of storm expenditures, net of tax Employee Share Awards- NASDAQ Listing


 
34 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. (1) Adjustments are net of tax. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TTM Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q2'24 Core Net Income: Net Income 19,104$ 14,474$ 12,220$ 15,856$ 61,654$ Adjustments(1): -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (39)$ -$ (39)$ -$ 341$ -$ -$ 341$ -$ 1,974$ 1$ -$ 1,975$ (735)$ (10)$ -$ -$ (745)$ (408)$ -$ -$ -$ (408)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 2$ 62$ 626$ 417$ 1,107$ Core Net Income 17,963$ 16,841$ 12,808$ 16,273$ 63,885$ Core Return on Average Assets: Net Income 19,104$ 14,474$ 12,220$ 15,856$ 61,654$ Core Net Income 17,963$ 16,841$ 12,808$ 16,273$ 63,885$ Average Assets 6,474,935$ 6,494,861$ 6,667,527$ 6,711,173$ 6,587,124$ ROAA 1.17% 0.88% 0.74% 0.95% 0.94% Core ROAA 1.10% 1.03% 0.77% 0.98% 0.97% Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 25,288,660 25,333,913 25,429,194 25,395,614 25,361,845 Diluted Earnings per Common Share 0.76$ 0.57$ 0.48$ 0.62$ 2.43$ Core Diluted Earnings per Common Share 0.71$ 0.66$ 0.50$ 0.64$ 2.51$ Early Lease Termination Penalty Acquisition-related expenses Write-Down on Former Bank Premises (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Securities (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Banking Center (Gain)on extinguishment of debt Occupancy and bank premises-hurricane repair Stock Option Exercises Core Net Income and ROAA - Trailing Twelve Months Fiscal Quarter Sale of Impaired Credit Insurance Reimbursement of storm expenditures, net of tax Employee Share Awards- NASDAQ Listing (Gain)/Loss Former Bank Premises & Equipment


 
35 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 600,968$ 604,366$ 644,259$ 649,034$ 664,530$ Preferred Stock (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 529,038$ 532,436$ 572,329$ 577,104$ 592,600$ Adjustments: Goodwill (88,543) (88,391) (88,391) (91,527) (91,527) Core deposit and other intangibles (12,993) (12,418) (11,895) (11,372) (10,849) Total Tangible Common Equity 427,502$ 431,627$ 472,043$ 474,205$ 490,224$ Tangible Assets Total Assets 6,454,649$ 6,488,781$ 6,584,550$ 6,695,558$ 6,703,889$ Adjustments: Goodwill (88,543) (88,391) (88,391) (91,527) (91,527) Core deposit and other intangibles (12,993) (12,418) (11,895) (11,372) (10,849) Total Tangible Assets 6,353,113$ 6,387,972$ 6,484,264$ 6,592,659$ 6,601,513$ Common Equity to Total Assets 8.20% 8.21% 8.69% 8.62% 8.84% Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets 6.73% 6.76% 7.28% 7.19% 7.43% Tangible Book Value per Share: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 600,968$ 604,366$ 644,259$ 649,034$ 664,530$ Preferred Stock (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 529,038$ 532,436$ 572,329$ 577,104$ 592,600$ Adjustments: Goodwill (88,543) (88,391) (88,391) (91,527) (91,527) Core deposit and other intangibles (12,993) (12,418) (11,895) (11,372) (10,849) Total Tangible Common Equity 427,502$ 431,627$ 472,043$ 474,205$ 490,224$ Adjustments: Exclude AOCI (81,296) (94,236) (66,585) (71,634) (67,784) Total Tangible Common Equity (excl. AOCI) 508,798$ 525,863$ 538,628$ 545,839$ 558,008$ Common shares outstanding 25,344,168 25,344,168 25,351,809 25,485,383 25,502,175 Book Value per Common Share 20.87$ 21.01$ 22.58$ 22.64$ 23.24$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share 16.87$ 17.03$ 18.62$ 18.61$ 19.22$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share (excl. AOCI) 20.08$ 20.75$ 21.25$ 21.42$ 21.88$ TCE/TA, TBVPS Fiscal Quarter


 
36 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 285,097$ 409,963$ 433,368$ 580,481$ 644,259$ Preferred Stock - - - (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 285,097$ 409,963$ 433,368$ 508,551$ 572,329$ Adjustments: Goodwill (48,495) (53,862) (59,894) (88,543) (88,391) Core deposit and other intangibles (6,694) (9,734) (12,203) (14,042) (11,895) Total Tangible Common Equity 229,908$ 346,367$ 361,271$ 405,966$ 472,043$ Tangible Assets Total Assets 2,273,835$ 4,160,360$ 4,726,378$ 5,990,460$ 6,584,550$ Adjustments: Goodwill (48,495) (53,862) (59,894) (88,543) (88,391) Core deposit and other intangibles (6,694) (9,734) (12,203) (14,042) (11,895) Total Tangible Assets 2,218,646$ 4,096,764$ 4,654,281$ 5,887,875$ 6,484,264$ Common Equity to Total Assets 12.54% 9.85% 9.17% 8.49% 8.69% Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets 10.36% 8.45% 7.76% 6.89% 7.28% Tangible Book Value per Share: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 285,097$ 409,963$ 433,368$ 580,481$ 644,259$ Preferred Stock - - - (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 285,097$ 409,963$ 433,368$ 508,551$ 572,329$ Adjustments: Goodwill (48,495) (53,862) (59,894) (88,543) (88,391) Core deposit and other intangibles (6,694) (9,734) (12,203) (14,042) (11,895) Total Tangible Common Equity 229,908$ 346,367$ 361,271$ 405,966$ 472,043$ Adjustments: Exclude AOCI 2,613 10,628 (1,177) (74,204) (66,585) Total Tangible Common Equity 227,295$ 335,739$ 362,448$ 480,170$ 538,628$ Common shares outstanding 13,279,363 20,621,437 20,400,349 25,110,313 25,351,809 Book Value per Common Share 21.47$ 19.88$ 21.24$ 20.25$ 22.58$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share 17.31$ 16.80$ 17.71$ 16.17$ 18.62$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share (excl. AOCI) 17.12$ 16.28$ 17.77$ 19.12$ 21.25$ TCE/TA, TBVPS For the Year Ended December 31,


 
37 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Note: Dollars in thousands. (1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities. TTM Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 12/31/2022 12/31/2023 Q2'24 Core Efficiency Ratio: Noninterest Expense 39,702$ 38,607$ 39,714$ 42,522$ 43,110$ 149,409$ 156,702$ 163,953$ Core Adjustments (68)$ (2)$ (495)$ (715)$ (419)$ (5,679)$ (668)$ (1,631)$ Net Interest and Noninterest Income 65,345$ 65,177$ 62,676$ 60,918$ 66,185$ 228,935$ 254,336$ 254,956$ Core Adjustments (941)$ (1,449)$ (13)$ (50)$ -$ 30$ (2,403)$ (1,512)$ Efficiency Ratio(1) 60.76% 59.23% 63.36% 69.80% 65.14% 65.26% 61.61% 64.31% Core Efficiency Ratio 61.54% 60.58% 62.59% 68.68% 64.50% 62.77% 61.93% 64.05% Core Efficiency Ratio Fiscal Quarter Fiscal Year Ended


 
38 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Note: Dollars in thousands. Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings: Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings 25,582$ 26,570$ 20,459$ 18,395$ 23,075$ Adjustments: Sale of Impaired Credit -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (50)$ -$ -$ -$ 432$ -$ -$ 61$ -$ 2,503$ 1$ -$ -$ (932)$ (13)$ -$ -$ (941)$ (517)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 68$ 2$ 63$ 715$ 419$ Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings 24,770$ 25,123$ 23,444$ 19,061$ 23,494$ (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt Occupancy and bank premises- hurricane repair Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures Acquisition-related expenses Core Pre-tax, Pre-provision Earnings Fiscal Quarter (Gain)/Loss Former Bank Premises & Equipment Write-Down on Former Bank Premises (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Securities (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Banking Center


 
v3.24.2
Document And Entity Information
Jul. 25, 2024
Document Information [Line Items]  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 70801
Entity Tax Identification Number 20-5340628
Entity File Number 001-38447
Entity Central Index Key 0001624322
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code LA
Entity Registrant Name BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date Jul. 25, 2024
Entity Address, Address Line One 500 Laurel Street, Suite 101
Entity Address, City or Town Baton Rouge
Entity Address, State or Province LA
City Area Code 225
Local Phone Number 248-7600
Written Communications true
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
Trading Symbol BFST
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Amendment Flag false

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