Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2025 and Q4 2025

Core Insights - Business First Bancshares, Inc. reported a net income of $21.0 million or $0.71 per diluted common share for Q4 2025, a decrease from the previous quarter, while core net income on a non-GAAP basis increased to $23.5 million or $0.79 per diluted common share [1][2][3] - For the full year 2025, net income available to common stockholders was $82.5 million or $2.79 per diluted common share, reflecting significant year-over-year growth [2][3] Financial Performance - The company achieved a net interest income of $70.9 million for Q4 2025, up from $69.3 million in the previous quarter, with a net interest margin of 3.71% [6][15] - Loans held for investment increased by $168.4 million or 2.80% in Q4 2025, with deposits rising by $191.7 million or 2.95% [6][10] - The return on average assets was 1.04% and return on common equity was 10.18% for Q4 2025, compared to 1.08% and 10.80% in the previous quarter [21][22] Shareholder Returns - The board declared a quarterly preferred dividend of $18.75 per share and a common dividend of $0.15 per share, to be paid on February 15, 2026 [3] - The company repurchased 150,504 shares at a market value of $3.7 million during the fourth quarter, increasing the book value per common share to $27.95 [6][13] Credit Quality - The ratio of nonperforming loans increased to 1.24% as of December 31, 2025, primarily due to the deterioration of a single commercial real estate relationship [8] - The allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment ratio was 0.94%, down from 1.03% in the previous quarter [18] Growth and Strategy - Business First emphasized a focus on organic growth and efficient execution, expecting positive trends to continue into 2026 [3] - The company’s securities portfolio increased by $3.3 million, representing 12.04% of total assets as of December 31, 2025 [9]