Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) reported net income available to common shareholders of $21.0 million, $0.71 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Dec 31, 2025, according to its earnings release. Net income declined slightly from $21.5 million in the linked quarter and increased from $15.1 million in the same quarter a year earlier. For fiscal year 2025, the company reported net income available to common shareholders of $82.5 million, compared with $59.7 million in fiscal 2024.
Business Overview
Business First Bancshares is the parent company of b1BANK, providing commercial and personal banking services across Louisiana and Texas. As of Dec 31, 2025, the company reported total assets of $8.2 billion and operated banking centers and loan production offices in its core markets.
Financial Performance
Net interest income for Q4 2025 was $70.9 million, compared with $69.3 million in the linked quarter and $65.7 million in Q4 2024. Net interest margin was 3.71% for the quarter, compared with 3.68% in the linked quarter and 3.61% a year earlier.
Provision for credit losses was $3.1 million, compared with $3.2 million in the linked quarter. Total other income was $12.2 million, while total other expenses were $52.4 million.
For fiscal 2025, net income was $87.9 million, and net interest income totaled $273.2 million. Diluted earnings per share were $2.79 for the year, compared with $2.26 in fiscal 2024.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, total assets were $8.21 billion, deposits were $6.70 billion, and shareholders’ equity was $896.9 million.
Operating Metrics
Loans held for investment increased to $6.19 billion at Dec 31, 2025, from $6.02 billion in the linked quarter. Deposits increased by $191.7 million, or 2.95%, during the quarter.
The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans rose to 1.24%, compared with 0.82% in the linked quarter, while nonperforming assets to total assets increased to 1.09%.
Book value per common share was $27.95 at Dec 31, 2025, compared with $27.23 at Sep 30, 2025.
Key Developments
During the quarter, the company repurchased 150,504 shares under its stock repurchase program at an average price of $24.79 per share. The board declared a quarterly common dividend of $0.15 per share and a preferred dividend of $18.75 per share.
Risks and Constraints
The company reported an increase in nonperforming loan ratios, largely attributable to deterioration in a single commercial real estate relationship.
Outlook / Guidance
The company stated that its results reflect ongoing operational performance and investment outcomes but did not provide quantified financial guidance.