分组1 - Business First reported quarterly earnings of $0.72 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.69 per share, and showing an increase from $0.68 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +4.35% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $80.95 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.56%, and up from $66.89 million year-over-year [2] - Business First has consistently surpassed consensus EPS and revenue estimates over the last four quarters [2] 分组2 - The stock has underperformed, losing about 9% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 gained 13.9% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.70 on revenues of $81.4 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.69 on revenues of $318.4 million [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Banks - Northeast is in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the industry [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter GAAP net income was $21.5 million, with EPS of $0.73, including non-core items [9] - Non-GAAP core net income was $21.2 million, with EPS of $0.72, marking consistent profitability [9] - Core ROAA was 1.06%, and core efficiency ratio improved to 60.45% [9][10] - Total loans held for investment decreased by $26.6 million, a 1.7% annualized decline [10] - Total deposits increased by $87.2 million, primarily due to a net increase in interest-bearing deposits [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New loan production was $452 million, while scheduled and non-scheduled paydowns totaled $479 million [10] - Residential one-to-four family and construction & development loans increased by $47.6 million and $38.6 million, respectively [10] - Non-interest income for the third quarter was $11.7 million, with expectations for growth despite potential fluctuations [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing deposits represented 21.0% of total deposits, up from 20.3% at the end of Q1 [11] - Texas-based loans remained flat at approximately 40% of the overall portfolio [10] - The cost of total deposits increased by three basis points, while total loan yields increased by five basis points [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on effective expense control and executing recent acquisitions, with a goal of maintaining a stable net interest margin [8] - The correspondent banking unit is expected to generate over $17 million in revenue this year, contributing approximately $5 million to net income [7] - Future M&A activity is not aggressively pursued, with a focus on organic growth and optimizing existing partnerships [38][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving steady profitability and tangible book value increases in 2026 [8] - The operational challenges of converting core banking systems have been successfully addressed, enhancing future performance [5] - Management noted that customer sentiment is cautiously optimistic due to the potential for lower interest rates [49] Other Important Information - The quarterly common stock dividend was increased by one penny, marking the ninth consecutive year of dividend increases [10][20] - The company has approximately $3 billion in floating rate loans at a weighted average rate of 7.33% [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations around core margin for the fourth quarter - Management expects a slight increase in margin due to deposit momentum and normalization of loan growth [24] Question: Evidence of loan growth rebound in the fourth quarter - Early success in loan originations suggests a return to low to mid-single-digit growth [26][28] Question: Non-interest income growth expectations - Momentum is building, but government shutdown may impact SBA loan sales, potentially delaying income [35][66] Question: Future M&A plans and share repurchase opportunities - Focus remains on executing current acquisitions and organic growth, with potential for share repurchases if capital levels allow [39][41] Question: Pricing for new loans as interest rates fall - Pricing models will adjust to remain competitive, with expectations of lower rates impacting loan pricing [48] Question: Customer sentiment regarding future quarters - Customers are more optimistic with the prospect of falling interest rates [49] Question: Updates on Progressive Bank acquisition - Positive trends and shareholder support noted, with expectations to close the deal in early January [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter GAAP net income was $21.5 million, with EPS of $0.73, including non-core items [9] - Non-GAAP core net income was $21.2 million, with EPS of $0.72, indicating consistent profitability [9] - Core ROAA was 1.06%, and core efficiency ratio improved to 60.45% [9][10] - Total loans held for investment decreased by $26.6 million, a 1.7% annualized decline [10] - Total deposits increased by $87.2 million, primarily due to a net increase in interest-bearing deposits [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New loan production was $452 million, while paydowns totaled $479 million, indicating a net decline in loans [10] - Residential one-to-four family and construction & development loans increased by $47.6 million and $38.6 million, respectively [10] - Non-interest income for the third quarter was $11.7 million, with expectations for growth despite potential fluctuations [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing deposits represented 21.0% of total deposits, up from 20.3% at the end of Q1 [11] - Texas-based loans remained flat at approximately 40% of the overall portfolio [10] - The cost of total deposits increased slightly, while total loan yields increased by five basis points [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on effective expense control and operational excellence, with a commitment to generating operating leverage [4][8] - Two M&A initiatives are underway, with expectations to realize economic benefits from the Oakwood transaction by Q1 2026 and Progressive Bank by Q4 2026 [6][8] - The correspondent banking unit is expected to generate over $17 million in revenue this year, contributing approximately $5 million to net income [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving steady profitability and tangible book value increases in 2026 [8] - The company anticipates a normalization of loan growth in Q4, supported by early successes in the current quarter [26][28] - Management noted that customer sentiment is cautiously optimistic due to falling interest rates [49] Other Important Information - The quarterly common stock dividend was increased by one penny, marking the ninth consecutive year of dividend increases [10][20] - Non-performing loans decreased from 0.82% to 0.67% of loans held for investment, indicating improved credit quality [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations around core margin for the fourth quarter - Management expects a slight increase in margin due to deposit momentum and normalization of loan growth [24] Question: Evidence of loan growth rebound in Q4 - Early successes in loan originations suggest a return to low to mid-single-digit loan growth [26][28] Question: Non-interest income growth expectations - Non-interest income may grow year-over-year but could be flat quarter-over-quarter due to potential government shutdown impacts [35][36] Question: Future M&A plans and share repurchase opportunities - The company is focused on executing current acquisitions and organic growth, with potential for share repurchases if capital levels allow [38][41] Question: Pricing for new loans as interest rates fall - The company will adjust pricing for risk as interest rates decline, maintaining competitiveness [48] Question: Updates on Progressive Bank acquisition - Positive trends in profitability and shareholder support for the acquisition were noted, with expectations to close in early January [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter GAAP net income was $21,500,000, with EPS of $0.73, including $1,600,000 in merger-related expenses and a $77,000 gain on the sale of securities [11][12] - Non-GAAP core net income was $21,200,000, with EPS of $0.72, marking a solid quarter of consistent profitability with a core ROAA of 106% [11][12] - Core efficiency ratio improved to 60.45% for the quarter [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans held for investment decreased by $26,600,000 or 1.7% annualized on a linked quarter basis, with new loan production at $452,000,000 [12][13] - Residential loans increased by $47,600,000, while total commercial real estate (CRE) loans decreased by $71,100,000 [12][13] - Non-interest income for the third quarter was $11,700,000, with expectations for growth despite potential government shutdown impacts on SBA loan sales [20][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $87,200,000, primarily due to a net increase in interest-bearing deposits [13] - Non-interest bearing deposits represented 21% of total deposits, up from 20.3% at the end of Q1 [14] - The cost of total deposits was 2.65%, with a weighted average rate on new accounts at 3.32% [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on effective expense control, executing recent acquisitions, and maintaining a stable net interest margin [10] - Plans to close the Progressive Bank transaction early in Q1 2026, with a focus on optimizing partnerships and opportunities [7][8] - The correspondent banking unit is expected to generate over $17,000,000 in revenue this year, contributing approximately $5,000,000 to net income [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 1.2 core ROA run rate by the end of Q4 2025, with steady profitability and tangible book value increases expected [10] - The operational challenges faced this year have been successfully managed, with a focus on long-term value creation [6][7] - Management noted that customer sentiment is cautiously optimistic due to the potential for falling interest rates [56] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly common stock dividend increase, marking the ninth consecutive year of dividend growth [23] - The ratio of non-performing loans decreased to 0.27%, while non-performing assets slightly increased to 0.83% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations around core margin for Q4 in light of recent Fed cuts - Management expects a slight increase in margin due to deposit momentum and normalization of loan growth [26][28] Question: Evidence of loan growth rebound in Q4 - Early success in loan originations suggests a return to low to mid-single digit loan growth in Q4 [30][31] Question: Non-interest income growth expectations for Q4 - Momentum is building, but potential government shutdown may impact SBA loan sales, leading to flat quarter-over-quarter performance [39][40] Question: Future M&A plans and share repurchase opportunities - Focus remains on executing current acquisitions and organic growth, with potential for share repurchases if capital ratios allow [42][46] Question: Customer sentiment regarding future quarters - Customers are more optimistic with the prospect of falling interest rates, leading to increased forward planning [56] Question: Discussion on expenses and hiring plans - The company is maintaining disciplined expense management while being open to hiring opportunities as they arise [60][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter GAAP net income was $21.5 million, with EPS of $0.73, including non-core items [10] - Non-GAAP core net income was $21.2 million, with EPS of $0.72, indicating consistent profitability [10] - Core ROAA was 1.06%, and core efficiency ratio improved to 60.45% [10][11] - Total loans held for investment decreased by $26.6 million, a 1.7% annualized decline [11] - Total deposits increased by $87.2 million, primarily due to a net increase in interest-bearing deposits [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New loan production was $452 million, while scheduled and non-scheduled paydowns totaled $479 million [11] - Residential one-to-four family and construction & development loans increased by $47.6 million and $38.6 million, respectively [11] - Total commercial real estate loans decreased by $71.1 million, and total commercial and industrial loans declined by $40.2 million [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing deposits represented 21.0% of total deposits, up from 20.3% at the end of Q1 [12] - Net growth in non-interest-bearing deposits since March 31, 2025, was $58.2 million, representing approximately 9% annualized growth [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on effective expense control and operational excellence, with a commitment to generating operating leverage [4][9] - Two current M&A initiatives are underway, with expectations to realize economic benefits from the Oakwood transaction by Q1 2026 and the Progressive Bank transaction in early Q1 2026 [6][9] - The correspondent banking unit is expected to generate over $17 million in revenue this year, contributing approximately $5 million to net income [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving steady profitability and tangible book value increases throughout 2026 [9] - The company anticipates a slight expansion in net interest margin in Q4 due to competitive deposit pricing and normalization of loan growth [24] - Management noted that customer sentiment is cautiously optimistic due to the potential for lower interest rates [42] Other Important Information - The quarterly common stock dividend was increased by one penny, marking the ninth consecutive year of dividend increases [11][21] - Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans held for investment decreased from 0.82% to 0.67% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations around core margin for Q4 - Management expects a slight increase in margin due to deposit momentum and normalization of loan growth [24] Question: Loan growth evidence in Q4 - Early success in loan originations suggests a rebound to low to mid-single-digit growth in Q4 [26] Question: Non-interest income growth in Q4 - Momentum is expected, but government shutdown may impact SBA loan sales, potentially delaying income [30] Question: Future M&A plans - The focus is on executing current acquisitions and organic growth rather than seeking new M&A opportunities [32] Question: Pricing for new loans as interest rates fall - Pricing will need to remain competitive, with expectations of a decrease in loan yields as rates decline [41]

Q3 2025 Results TABLE OF CONTENTS | l | l | i | 3 | L | D | e | g | a | s | c | o | s | u | r | e | s | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | d | l | l | G | i | i | i | i | & | S | i | P | I | 4 | 5 | t | u | n | g | r | n | c | p | e | s | o | c | a | m | p | a | c ...

BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) (Business First), parent company of b1BANK, today announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025. Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $21.5 million or $0.73 per diluted common share, increases of $0.8 million and $0.03, respectively, compared to the linked quarter ended June 30, 2025. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2 ...

Financial Performance - Business First reported net income of $21.5 million or $0.73 per diluted common share for Q3 2025, an increase of $0.8 million and $0.03 from the previous quarter[1]. - Core net income on a non-GAAP basis was $21.2 million or $0.72 per diluted common share, up $1.7 million and $0.06 from the linked quarter[1]. - Basic Earnings per Common Share increased to $0.73, up from $0.70 in the previous quarter and $0.65 a year ago[40]. - Net income available to common shareholders was $21,505 thousand for the quarter, up 30.5% from $16,492 thousand in the same quarter of 2024[48]. - Net income available to common shareholders for Q3 2025 was $21,505 thousand, a 3.6% increase from $20,753 thousand in Q2 2025 and a 30.6% increase from $16,492 thousand in Q3 2024[67]. - Core net income available to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, reached $60,021 thousand, compared to $46,305 thousand for the same period in 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 29.6%[67]. Asset and Equity Growth - Total assets increased to $7,953,862 thousand as of September 30, 2025, compared to $6,888,649 thousand a year earlier, reflecting a growth of 15.5%[46]. - Total shareholders' equity increased to $878,440,000 as of September 30, 2025, compared to $699,524,000 a year earlier, representing a 25.6% growth[66]. - Common equity to total assets increased from 9.77% to 10.14%, while tangible common equity to tangible assets rose from 8.19% to 8.57%[4]. - Common shareholders' equity increased to $764,959 thousand as of September 30, 2025, compared to $590,354 thousand in the same period of 2024, indicating a growth of 29.4%[52]. - Total assets reached $7,825,828 thousand as of September 30, 2025, compared to $6,722,716 thousand in the same period of 2024, marking an increase of 16.4%[52]. Loan and Deposit Activity - Deposits increased by $87.2 million or 1.36%, with average interest-bearing deposits rising by $92.2 million or 1.83%[9]. - Loans held for investment decreased by $26.6 million or 0.44%, with commercial and commercial real estate portfolios declining by $40.2 million and $71.1 million, respectively[6]. - Total loans increased to $6,001,647 thousand with an interest earned of $313,682 thousand, yielding an average rate of 6.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $5,131,474 thousand and 7.02% for the same period in 2024[52]. - Total loans Held for Investment (HFI) reached $6,021,055 thousand, a slight decrease from $6,047,650 thousand in the previous quarter[38]. - Total deposits rose to $6,506,862 thousand, up 15.3% from $5,640,946 thousand in the same quarter last year[46]. Income and Efficiency Metrics - Net interest income totaled $69.3 million with a net interest margin of 3.68% for the quarter, unchanged from the previous quarter[4]. - Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $69,276 thousand, an increase of 23.4% from $56,114 thousand in the same quarter of 2024[48]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 60.45%, down from 62.83% in the previous quarter[40]. - The overall cost of funds decreased to 2.81% for the quarter, down from 3.07% a year ago, indicating improved funding efficiency[50]. - The net interest margin for Q3 2025 remained stable at 3.68%, consistent with Q2 2025, and improved from 3.51% in Q3 2024[71]. Other Income and Expenses - Total Other Income for the quarter was $11,671 thousand, down from $14,415 thousand in the previous quarter[42]. - Core other income for Q3 2025 was $11,594 thousand, slightly up from $11,102 thousand in Q2 2025 and $10,787 thousand in Q3 2024[71]. - Provision for credit losses increased to $3,183 thousand for the quarter, compared to $1,665 thousand in the same quarter last year, reflecting a rise of 91.1%[48]. - Acquisition-related expenses for Q3 2025 totaled $1,157 thousand, compared to $570 thousand in Q2 2025 and $319 thousand in Q3 2024, indicating increased costs associated with acquisitions[71].

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Business First (BFST) . This company, which is in the Zacks Banks - Northeast industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.This company has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 4.05%.F ...

Company Overview - Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST) is the parent company of b1BANK, which operates in Louisiana and Texas, providing commercial and personal banking products and services [4] - As of June 30, 2025, the company had $7.9 billion in assets and $5.4 billion in assets under management through its affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) [4] - b1BANK has received accolades such as the 2024 Mastercard "Innovation Award" and is a multiyear winner of American Banker Magazine's "Best Banks to Work For" [4] Upcoming Financial Results - The company is scheduled to release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, after market close on October 23, 2025 [1] - Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on the same day at 4:00 p.m. CST [1] Conference Call Details - Interested parties can attend the call by dialing toll-free 1-800-715-9871 (North America only) with conference ID 8427939 [2] - The live webcast can be viewed at the provided link, with a corresponding slide presentation available on the b1BANK website [2]