Groowe Groowe BETA / Newsroom
⏱ News is delayed by 15 minutes. Sign in for real-time access. Sign in

Form 8-K

sec.gov

8-K — Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Accession: 0001624322-26-000032

Filed: 2026-07-23

Period: 2026-07-23

CIK: 0001624322

SIC: 6022 (STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS)

Item: Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Item: Regulation FD Disclosure

Item: Financial Statements and Exhibits

Documents

8-K — bfst-20260723.htm (Primary)

EX-99.1 (exhibit991_earningsrelease.htm)

EX-99.2 (bfstq226investorpresenta.htm)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta001.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta002.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta003.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta004.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta005.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta006.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta007.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta008.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta009.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta010.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta011.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta012.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta013.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta014.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta015.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta016.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta017.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta018.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta019.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta020.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta021.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta022.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta023.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta024.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta025.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta026.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta027.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta028.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta029.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta030.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta031.jpg)

GRAPHIC (bfstq226investorpresenta032.jpg)

GRAPHIC (image.jpg)

XML — IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT (R1.htm)

8-K

8-K (Primary)

Filename: bfst-20260723.htm · Sequence: 1

bfst-20260723

0001624322FALSE00016243222026-07-232026-07-23

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 23, 2026

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 class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share BFST NASDAQ 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 23, 2026, Business First Bancshares, Inc. (“Business First”), the parent company of b1BANK, issued a press release announcing financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. The release also announced that the Board of Directors of Business First declared a common dividend on July 23, 2026, in the amount of $0.15 per share to the common shareholders of record on August 15, 2026. The dividend is to be paid on August 31, 2026, or as soon as practicable thereafter. Also, the board of directors declared a quarterly preferred dividend in the amount of $18.75 per share of preferred stock, 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, 2026, or as soon therefore as practicable, to the preferred shareholders of record as of August 15, 2026. 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 23, 2026, 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.

Number Exhibit

99.1

Press Release of Business First Bancshares, Inc., dated July 23, 2026 announcing results of operations for the second quarter 2026

99.2

Investor Presentation, dated July 23, 2026, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

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: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: July 23, 2026

EX-99.1

EX-99.1

Filename: exhibit991_earningsrelease.htm · Sequence: 2

Document

500 Laurel Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70801

Phone: 877.614.7600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2026

Media Contact: Misty Albrecht

b1BANK

225.286.7879

media@b1BANK.com

Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q2 2026

Baton Rouge, La. (July 23, 2026) – Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) (Business First), parent company of b1BANK, today announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $22.8 million or $0.70 per diluted common share, increases of $0.6 million and $0.02, respectively, compared to the linked quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $23.3 million or $0.71 per diluted common share, decreases of $0.7 million and $0.02 from the linked quarter.

"Our second-quarter results — marked by solid organic loan origination, margin expansion, growth in capital, and improving asset quality trends — are laying the foundation we expected for a strong second half of the year," said Jude Melville, Chairman, President, and CEO of Business First. "Meta's recently announced additional $40 billion investment in Northeast Louisiana, the expected full integration of our Progressive acquisition in August, and meaningful growth in our Houston-area pipeline — along with other positive developments across our markets — give our team significant opportunities to build on as we execute on our growth plans."

On Thursday, July 23, 2026, 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 $0.15 per share of common stock. The preferred and common dividends will be paid on August 31, 2026, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to the shareholders of record as of August 15, 2026.

b1BANK.com

2

Quarterly Highlights

• Consistent Core Performance. Return to common shareholders on average assets, on an annualized basis, was 1.03% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 1.05% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 1.01% or 1.10% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter. Return to common shareholders on average equity on an annualized basis, was 9.83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 10.05% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 9.77%, or 10.57% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter.

• American Planning Corporation Acquisition. On June 29, 2026, Business First completed the acquisition of American Planning Corporation, a financial consulting firm serving community banks since 1972. CEO T. Jefferson Fair and his team joined Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW), a b1BANK subsidiary, expanding SSW’s advisory platform to serve SSW and b1 Financial Services Group clients nationwide.

• Margin Expansion. Net interest margin expanded 8 basis points (bps) to 3.73% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, or 3.68% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 3.65% or 3.60%, respectively, for the linked quarter. The expansion was driven by a slight improvement in book yield on loans and continued deposit cost management.

• Improving Shareholder Value. During the second quarter, as part of a previously announced stock repurchase program, Business First repurchased 176,849 shares, with a market value of $4.8 million, at a weighted average price of $27.22 per share. Common equity to total assets increased from 10.32% to 10.52%.

• Strengthening Capital Position. Tangible common equity to tangible assets increased from 8.65% to 8.79%, an increase of 1.67% or 6.71% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. Book value per common share increased to $28.79 at June 30, 2026, compared to $28.18 at March 31, 2026. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased from $23.18 at the linked quarter to $23.61 at June 30, 2026, an increase of 1.85% or 7.42% annualized. Consolidated total risk based capital ratio increased to 13.77% from 13.08%, an increase of 0.69% from the prior quarter. The linked quarter capital build was driven by the successful completion of our April 2nd issuance of $85.0 million fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debt.

• Balance Sheet Repositioning. Completed the sale of $100.3 million lower-yielding acquired Progressive loans during the quarter, including $55.3 million of residential mortgages at a weighted average yield net of fees of 3.0% and $45.0 million of commercial real estate loans at a weighted average yield net of fees of 3.5%.

Statement of Financial Condition

Loans

Loans held for investment decreased $24.8 million or 0.37%, 1.49% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. During the quarter, organic loan production of

b1BANK.com

3

approximately $96.4 million, or 5.8% annualized, was offset by the sale of $88.3 million of acquired loans and the resolution and reduction of $21.0 million on a nonperforming loan.

Credit Quality

The ratio of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment decreased 27 bps to 1.26% at June 30, 2026, while the ratio of nonperforming assets compared to total assets decreased 15 bps to 1.23% compared to the linked quarter. The decreases in the nonperforming loans and assets ratios over the linked quarter were largely attributable to previously identified commercial real estate and commercial business relationships that the Company resolved during the second quarter. Net charge-offs to average quarterly total loans increased to 4 bps for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, up from 1 bps from the linked quarter.

Securities

The securities portfolio decreased $4.7 million or 0.45%, from the linked quarter, impacted by $2.6 million in positive pre-tax fair value adjustments. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 11.69% of total assets as of June 30, 2026.

Deposits

Deposits as of June 30, 2026 decreased $229.4 million or 3.07%, 12.33% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. During the second quarter, interest-bearing deposits decreased $237.9 million or 4.04% and noninterest-bearing deposits increased $8.5 million or 0.54%. The decrease in interest-bearing deposits was largely impacted by approximately $71.8 million in commercial money market accounts and $62.6 million in brokered deposits. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $145.0 million or 2.46%, and noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $2.9 million or 0.19% from the linked quarter.

Borrowings

Borrowings increased $206.3 million or 53.66%, from the linked quarter due primarily to increases in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders' equity increased $17.4 million or 1.76% compared to the linked quarter. Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased from $37.9 million to $35.8 million or 5.51%, during the quarter due to after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $28.79 at June 30, 2026, compared to $28.18 at March 31, 2026. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per

b1BANK.com

4

common share increased from $23.18 at the linked quarter to $23.61 at June 30, 2026, 1.85% or 7.42% annualized.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, net interest income totaled $77.8 million, compared to $75.2 million from the linked quarter. Loan yields increased 2 bps to 6.63% compared to 6.61% from the linked quarter and interest-bearing asset yields increased 7 bps to 6.02% compared to 5.95% from the linked quarter. Net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.73% and 2.99% compared to 3.65% and 2.91% for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which included noninterest-bearing deposits, decreased 1 bps from 2.45% to 2.44% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 million) totaled $76.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $74.1 million (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.0 million) were 3.68% and 2.94%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 3.60% and 2.85% (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) for the linked quarter.

Provision for Credit Losses

During the quarter ended June 30, 2026, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $2.0 million, compared to $2.3 million from the linked quarter. At June 30, 2026, the ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment was 1.02%, compared to 1.03% for the linked quarter.

Other Income

For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, other income decreased $0.1 million or 0.59%, compared to the linked quarter. The decrease was largely attributable to a $1.2 million decrease in swap fee income, partially offset by a $0.5 million gain on redemption of debt and a $0.2 million increase in gain on sales of loans.

Other Expenses

For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, other expenses increased $2.1 million or 3.57% compared to the linked quarter. The increase was largely attributable to increases of $1.1 million each in advertising and promotions expense and other expenses and increases of $0.6 million each in legal and other professional fees and regulatory assessments, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in merger and conversion-related expenses.

b1BANK.com

5

Return on Assets and Common Equity

Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.03% and 9.83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 1.01% and 9.77%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.05% and 10.05% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to 1.10% and 10.57% for the linked quarter.

b1BANK.com

6

Conference Call and Webcast

Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 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 4840024, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ow56nmrd. 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 $8.9 billion in assets, $5.6 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (not including $1.0 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW) and operates Banking Centers and Loan Production Offices in markets across Louisiana and Texas providing commercial and personal banking products and services. b1BANK is a 2024 Mastercard “Innovation Award” winner and multiyear winner of American Banker Magazine’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.

b1BANK.com

7

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.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Gregory Robertson

337.721.2701

Gregory.Robertson@b1bank.com

Matt Sealy

225.388.6116

Matt.Sealy@b1bank.com

b1BANK.com

8

b1BANK.com

9

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Selected Financial Information

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands)

Balance Sheet Ratios

Loans (HFI) to Deposits 92.04  % 89.54  % 94.21  %

Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio 11.33  11.13  10.67

Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI)

Commercial $ 1,988,696  $ 1,943,412  $ 1,960,974

Real Estate:

Commercial 2,824,015  2,841,626  2,533,761

Construction 693,477  685,817  600,292

Residential 1,079,018  1,141,220  879,891

Total Real Estate 4,596,510  4,668,663  4,013,944

Consumer and Other 74,241  72,188  72,732

Total Loans (Held for Investment) $ 6,659,447  $ 6,684,263  $ 6,047,650

Allowance for Loan Losses

Balance, Beginning of Period $ 63,655  $ 53,959  $ 56,863

Progressive - PCD ALLL —  9,264  —

Charge-offs – Quarterly (3,208) (1,104) (921)

Recoveries – Quarterly 293  181  99

Provision for Loan Losses – Quarterly 1,718  1,355  2,455

Balance, End of Period $ 62,458  $ 63,655  $ 58,496

Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI) 0.94  % 0.95  % 0.97  %

Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI) (1)

1.02  1.03  1.02

Net Charge-offs to Average Quarterly Total Loans 0.04  0.01  0.01

Remaining Loan Purchase Discount $ 7,341  $ 15,818  $ 10,099

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming Loans:

Nonaccrual Loans $ 80,124  $ 100,803  $ 56,377

Loans Past Due 90 Days or More 4,011  1,404  2,467

Total Nonperforming Loans 84,135  102,207  58,844

Other Nonperforming Assets:

Other Real Estate Owned 25,109  20,898  1,473

Other Nonperforming Assets —  —  —

Total Other Nonperforming Assets 25,109  20,898  1,473

Total Nonperforming Assets $ 109,244  $ 123,105  $ 60,317

Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI) 1.26  % 1.53  % 0.97  %

Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets 1.23  1.38  0.76

(1) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments.

b1BANK.com

10

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Selected Financial Information

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Per Share Data

Basic Earnings per Common Share $ 0.70  $ 0.68  $ 0.70  $ 1.38  $ 1.36

Diluted Earnings per Common Share 0.70  0.68  0.70  1.37  1.35

Dividends per Common Share 0.15  0.15  0.14  0.30  0.28

Book Value per Common Share 28.79  28.18  26.23  28.79  26.23

Average Common Shares Outstanding 32,589,951 32,579,934 29,517,495 32,584,970 29,354,228

Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding 32,763,608 32,785,554 29,586,975 32,778,199 29,500,061

End of Period Common Shares Outstanding 32,535,659 32,624,887 29,602,970 32,535,659 29,602,970

Annualized Performance Ratios

Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets (1)

1.03  % 1.01  % 1.07  % 1.02  % 1.04  %

Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity (1)

9.83  9.77  10.87  9.80  10.68

Net Interest Margin (1)

3.73  3.65  3.68  3.69  3.68

Net Interest Spread (1)

2.99  2.91  2.88  2.95  2.90

Efficiency Ratio (2)

64.83  64.45  62.83  64.65  63.33

Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets $ 8,916,954  $ 8,893,419  $ 7,791,371  $ 8,905,251  $ 7,771,288

Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity 931,020  922,037  765,884  926,553  754,470

Other Expenses

Salaries and Employee Benefits $ 33,120  $ 33,039  $ 28,317  $ 66,159  $ 57,814

Occupancy and Equipment Expense 8,279  8,122  7,162  16,401  14,518

Advertising and Promotions 2,606  1,508  1,088  4,114  2,379

Communications 638  652  590  1,290  1,181

Ad Valorem Shares Tax 977  978  1,125  1,955  2,250

Data Processing Fees 3,317  3,712  5,321  7,029  8,557

Directors' Fees 247  260  193  507  472

Insurance 432  411  435  424  843  839

Legal and Other Professional Fees 1,661  1,085  1,093  2,746  2,106

Office Supplies and Printing 278  313  300  591  611

Regulatory Assessments 1,534  984  933  2,518  2,190

Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses 303  1,377  210  1,680  460

Other 6,133  5,030  4,439  11,163  8,407

Total Other Expenses $ 59,525  $ 57,471  $ 51,206  $ 116,996  $ 101,784

b1BANK.com

11

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Selected Financial Information

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Other Income

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts $ 3,197  $ 3,142  $ 2,633  $ 6,339  $ 5,493

Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities (6) 80  (47) 74  (48)

Gain on Sales of Loans 1,583  1,341  781  2,924  2,037

Debit Card and ATM Fee Income 2,415  2,306  1,958  4,721  3,816

Cash Value of Life Insurance Income 902  831  758  1,733  1,566

Fees and Brokerage Commission 2,387  2,261  1,980  4,648  4,128

Pass-Through Income (Loss) from Other Investments 14  135  (246) 149  505

Gain on Extinguishment/Redemption of Debt 545  —  —  545  630

Gain on Branch Sale —  —  3,360  —  3,360

Swap Fee Income 385  1,537  808  1,922  1,547

Other 2,545  2,417  2,430  4,962  4,607

Total Other Income $ 13,967  $ 14,050  $ 14,415  $ 28,017  $ 27,641

(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 plus net interest income less gain/loss on sales of securities.

b1BANK.com

12

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets

Cash and Due From Banks $ 575,604  $ 589,804  $ 495,757

Federal Funds Sold 95,535  88,257  39,296

Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell 30,702  30,743  25,433

Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values 1,041,133  1,045,817  926,450

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 2,838  480  677

Loans and Lease Receivable 6,659,447  6,684,263  6,047,650

Allowance for Loan Losses (62,458) (63,655) (58,496)

Net Loans and Lease Receivable 6,596,989  6,620,608  5,989,154

Premises and Equipment, Net 88,925  88,421  79,007

Accrued Interest Receivable 38,969  38,176  36,738

Other Equity Securities 51,302  40,047  48,736

Other Real Estate Owned 25,109  20,898  1,473

Cash Value of Life Insurance 139,169  132,682  118,707

Deferred Taxes, Net 21,561  22,959  25,222

Goodwill 135,222  133,564  121,146

Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles 33,267  29,409  15,775

Other Assets 27,181  24,943  24,723

Total Assets $ 8,903,506  $ 8,906,808  $ 7,948,294

Liabilities

Deposits

Noninterest-Bearing $ 1,583,562  $ 1,575,086  $ 1,410,708

Interest-Bearing 5,651,994  5,889,863  5,008,943

Total Deposits 7,235,556  7,464,949  6,419,651

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase 24,442  21,594  22,557

Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings 442,494  260,792  492,946

Subordinated Debt 114,250  92,472  92,645

Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities 9,678  9,666  5,000

Accrued Interest Payable 3,774  3,692  4,829

Other Liabilities 64,735  62,467  62,226

Total Liabilities 7,894,929  7,915,632  7,099,854

Shareholders' Equity

Preferred Stock 71,930  71,930  71,930

Common Stock 32,536  32,625  29,603

Additional Paid-In Capital 578,087  580,640  502,046

Retained Earnings 361,846  343,890  292,629

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (35,822) (37,909) (47,768)

Total Shareholders' Equity 1,008,577  991,176  848,440

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 8,903,506  $ 8,906,808  $ 7,948,294

b1BANK.com

13

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Interest Income:

Interest and Fees on Loans $ 111,780  $ 109,146  $ 104,028  $ 220,926  $ 207,020

Interest and Dividends on Securities 9,104  8,462  6,906  17,566  13,520

Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks 4,766  4,886  3,916  9,652  8,003

Total Interest Income 125,650  122,494  114,850  248,144  228,543

Interest Expense:

Interest on Deposits 41,251  42,758  41,546  84,009  83,985

Interest on Borrowings 6,555  4,541  6,262  11,096  11,533

Total Interest Expense 47,806  47,299  47,808  95,105  95,518

Net Interest Income 77,844  75,195  67,042  153,039  133,025

Provision for Credit Losses 1,991  2,278  2,225  4,269  5,037

Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses 75,853  72,917  64,817  148,770  127,988

Other Income:

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts 3,197  3,142  2,633  6,339  5,493

Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities (6) 80  (47) 74  (48)

Gain on Sales of Loans 1,583  1,341  781  2,924  2,037

Other Income 9,193  9,487  11,048  18,680  20,159

Total Other Income 13,967  14,050  14,415  28,017  27,641

Other Expenses:

Salaries and Employee Benefits 33,120  33,039  28,317  66,159  57,814

Occupancy and Equipment Expense 8,279  8,122  7,162  16,401  14,518

Merger and Conversion-Related Expense 303  1,377  210  1,680  460

Other Expenses 17,823  14,933  15,517  32,756  28,992

Total Other Expenses 59,525  57,471  51,206  116,996  101,784

Income Before Income Taxes 30,295  29,496  28,026  59,791  53,845

Provision for Income Taxes 6,120  5,932  5,923  12,052  11,199

Net Income 24,175  23,564  22,103  47,739  42,646

Preferred Stock Dividends 1,350  1,350  1,350  2,700  2,700

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders $ 22,825  $ 22,214  $ 20,753  $ 45,039  $ 39,946

b1BANK.com

14

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Consolidated Net Interest Margin

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands) Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned / Interest Paid Average Yield / Rate Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned / Interest Paid Average Yield / Rate Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned / Interest Paid Average Yield / Rate

Assets

Interest-Earning Assets:

Total Loans $ 6,757,776  $ 111,780  6.63  % $ 6,698,261  $ 109,146  6.61  % $ 5,995,490  $ 104,028  6.96  %

Securities 1,068,191  9,104  3.42  1,065,447  8,462  3.22  937,099  6,906  2.96

Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell 30,683  335  4.38  26,657  302  4.59  31,172  401  5.16

Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks 509,177  4,431  3.49  558,468  4,584  3.33  336,138  3,515  4.19

Total Interest-Earning Assets $ 8,365,827  $ 125,650  6.02  % $ 8,348,833  $ 122,494  5.95  % $ 7,299,899  $ 114,850  6.31  %

Allowance for Loan Losses (63,280) (60,553) (56,934)

Noninterest-Earning Assets 614,407  605,139  548,406

Total Assets $ 8,916,954  $ 125,650  $ 8,893,419  $ 122,494  $ 7,791,371  $ 114,850

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:

Interest-Bearing Deposits $ 5,739,241  $ 41,251  2.88  % $ 5,884,257  $ 42,758  2.95  % $ 5,029,981  $ 41,546  3.31  %

Subordinated Debt 112,252  1,778  6.35  92,163  1,209  5.32  92,682  1,235  5.34

Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities 9,670  178  7.40  11,671  165  5.73  5,000  100  8.02

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) 441,012  4,457  4.05  297,588  3,038  4.14  447,271  4,793  4.30

Other Borrowings 22,206  142  2.58  20,030  129  2.61  20,514  134  2.62

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities $ 6,324,381  $ 47,806  3.03  % $ 6,305,709  $ 47,299  3.04  % $ 5,595,448  $ 47,808  3.43  %

Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:

Noninterest-Bearing Deposits $ 1,518,400  $ 1,521,252  $ 1,292,262

Other Liabilities 71,223  72,491  65,847

Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities $ 1,589,623  $ 1,593,743  $ 1,358,109

Shareholders' Equity:

Common Shareholders' Equity 931,020  922,037  765,884

Preferred Equity 71,930  71,930  71,930

Total Shareholders' Equity $ 1,002,950  $ 993,967  $ 837,814

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 8,916,954  $ 8,893,419  $ 7,791,371

Net Interest Spread 2.99  % 2.91  % 2.88  %

Net Interest Income $ 77,844  $ 75,195  $ 67,042

Net Interest Margin 3.73  % 3.65  % 3.68  %

Overall Cost of Funds 2.44  % 2.45  % 2.78  %

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

June 30, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands) Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned / Interest Paid Average Yield / Rate Average Outstanding Balance Interest Earned / Interest Paid Average Yield / Rate

Assets

Interest-Earning Assets:

Total Loans $ 6,728,183  $ 220,926  6.62  % $ 5,983,870  $ 207,020  6.98  %

Securities 1,066,827  17,566  3.32  930,930  13,520  2.93

Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell 28,681  637  4.48  40,950  1,052  5.18

Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks 533,687  9,015  3.41  326,000  6,951  4.30

Total Interest-Earning Assets 8,357,378  248,144  5.99  7,281,750  228,543  6.33

Allowance for Loan Losses (61,924) (55,829)

Noninterest-Earning Assets 609,797  545,367

Total Assets $ 8,905,251  $ 248,144  $ 7,771,288  $ 228,543

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:

Interest-Bearing Deposits $ 5,811,348  $ 84,009  2.92  $ 5,085,431  $ 83,985  3.33

Subordinated Debt 102,263  2,998  5.91  94,954  2,497  5.30

Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities 10,665  332  6.27  5,000  199  8.03

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) 369,696  7,495  4.09  404,917  8,589  4.28

Other Borrowings 21,124  271  2.59  19,424  248  2.57

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities $ 6,315,096  $ 95,105  3.04  % $ 5,609,726  $ 95,518  3.43  %

Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:

Noninterest-Bearing Deposits $ 1,519,818  $ 1,268,659

Other Liabilities 71,854  66,503

Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities 1,591,672  1,335,162

Shareholders' Equity:

Common Shareholders' Equity 926,553  754,470

Preferred Equity 71,930  71,930

Total Shareholders' Equity 998,483  826,400

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 8,905,251  $ 7,771,288

Net Interest Spread 2.95  % 2.90  %

Net Interest Income $ 153,039  $ 133,025

Net Interest Margin 3.69  % 3.68  %

Overall Cost of Funds 2.45  % 2.80  %

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 Ended Six Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Interest Income:

Interest income $ 125,650  $ 122,494  $ 114,850  $ 248,144  $ 228,543

Core interest income 125,650  122,494  114,850  248,144  228,543

Interest Expense:

Interest expense 47,806  47,299  47,808  95,105  95,518

Core interest expense 47,806  47,299  47,808  95,105  95,518

Provision for Credit Losses: (b)

Provision for credit losses 1,991  2,278  2,225  4,269  5,037

Core provision expense 1,991  2,278  2,225  4,269  5,037

Other Income:

Other income 13,967  14,050  14,415  28,017  27,641

Gain on former bank premises and equipment —  (28) —  (28) (155)

(Gain) loss on sale of securities 6  (80) 47  (74) 48

Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt (545) —  —  (545) (630)

Gain on branch sale —  —  (3,360) —  (3,360)

Core other income 13,428  13,942  11,102  27,370  23,544

Other Expense:

Other expense 59,525  57,471  51,206  116,996  101,784

Acquisition-related expenses (2)

(1,169) (2,227) (570) (3,396) (1,249)

Core conversion expenses —  —  (1,008) —  (1,224)

Core other expense 58,356  55,244  49,628  113,600  99,311

Pre-Tax Income: (a)

Pre-tax income 30,295  29,496  28,026  59,791  53,845

Gain on former bank premises and equipment —  (28) —  (28) (155)

(Gain) loss on sale of securities 6  (80) 47  (74) 48

Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt (545) —  —  (545) (630)

Gain on branch sale —  —  (3,360) —  (3,360)

Acquisition-related expenses (2)

1,169  2,227  570  3,396  1,249

Core conversion expenses —  —  1,008  —  1,224

Core pre-tax income 30,925  31,615  26,291  62,540  52,221

Provision for Income Taxes: (1)

Provision for income taxes 6,120  5,932  5,923  12,052  11,199

Tax on gain on former bank premises and equipment —  (6) —  (6) (33)

Tax on (gain) loss on sale of securities 1  (17) 10  (16) 10

Tax on gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt (115) —  —  (115) (133)

Tax on gain on branch sale —  —  (833) —  (833)

Tax on acquisition-related expenses (2)

239  319  103  558  246

Tax on core conversion expenses —  —  213  —  259

Core provision for income taxes 6,245  6,228  5,416  12,473  10,715

Preferred Dividends:

Preferred dividends 1,350  1,350  1,350  2,700  2,700

Core preferred dividends $ 1,350  $ 1,350  $ 1,350  $ 2,700  $ 2,700

b1BANK.com

17

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Non-GAAP Measures

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:

Net income available to common shareholders $ 22,825  $ 22,214  $ 20,753  $ 45,039  $ 39,946

Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax —  (22) —  (22) (122)

(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax 5  (63) 37  (58) 38

Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax (430) —  —  (430) (497)

Gain on branch sale, net of tax —  —  (2,527) —  (2,527)

Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax

930  1,908  467  2,838  1,003

Core conversion expenses, net of tax —  —  795  —  965

Core net income available to common shareholders 23,330  24,037  19,525  47,367  38,806

Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings available to common shareholders (a+b)(3)

32,286  31,774  30,251  64,060  58,882

Gain on former bank premises and equipment —  (28) —  (28) (155)

(Gain) loss on sale of securities 6  (80) 47  (74) 48

Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt (545) —  —  (545) (630)

Gain on branch sale —  —  (3,360) —  (3,360)

Acquisition-related expenses (2)

1,169  2,227  570  3,396  1,249

Core conversion expenses —  —  1,008  —  1,224

Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings $ 32,916  $ 33,893  $ 28,516  $ 66,809  $ 57,258

Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding 32,763,608 32,785,554 29,586,975 32,778,199 29,500,061

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:

Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.70  $ 0.68  $ 0.70  $ 1.37  $ 1.35

Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax —  —  —  —  —

(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax —  —  —  —  —

Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax (0.01) —  —  (0.01) (0.02)

Gain on branch sale, net of tax —  —  (0.09) —  (0.09)

Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax

0.02  0.05  0.02  0.09  0.04

Core conversion expenses, net of tax —  —  0.03  —  0.03

Core diluted earnings per common share $ 0.71  $ 0.73  $ 0.66  $ 1.45  $ 1.31

Pre-tax, pre-provision profit diluted earnings per common share $ 0.99  $ 0.97  $ 1.02  $ 1.95  $ 2.00

Gain on former bank premises and equipment —  —  —  —  (0.01)

(Gain) loss on sale of securities —  —  —  —  —

Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt (0.02) —  —  (0.02) (0.02)

Gain on branch sale —  —  (0.11) —  (0.11)

Acquisition-related expenses (2)

0.04  0.06  0.02  0.10  0.04

Core conversion expenses —  —  0.03  —  0.04

Core pre-tax, pre-provision diluted earnings per common share $ 1.01  $ 1.03  $ 0.96  $ 2.03  $ 1.94

(1) Tax rates, exclusive of certain nondeductible merger-related expenses and goodwill, utilized were 21.129% for 2026 and 2025. These rates approximated the marginal tax rates.

(2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits.

(3) Before preferred dividends.

b1BANK.com

18

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Non-GAAP Measures

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Total Shareholders' (Common) Equity:

Total shareholders' equity $ 1,008,577  $ 991,176  $ 848,440

Preferred stock (71,930) (71,930) (71,930)

Total common shareholders' equity 936,647  919,246  776,510

Goodwill (135,222) (133,564) (121,146)

Core deposit and customer intangible (33,267) (29,409) (15,775)

Total tangible common equity $ 768,158  $ 756,273  $ 639,589

Total Assets:

Total assets $ 8,903,506  $ 8,906,808  $ 7,948,294

Goodwill (135,222) (133,564) (121,146)

Core deposit and customer intangible (33,267) (29,409) (15,775)

Total tangible assets $ 8,735,017  $ 8,743,835  $ 7,811,373

Common shares outstanding 32,535,659 32,624,887 29,602,970

Book value per common share $ 28.79  $ 28.18  $ 26.23

Tangible book value per common share $ 23.61  $ 23.18  $ 21.61

Common equity to total assets 10.52  % 10.32  % 9.77  %

Tangible common equity to tangible assets 8.79  % 8.65  % 8.19  %

b1BANK.com

19

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Non-GAAP Measures

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Total Quarterly Average Assets $ 8,916,954 $ 8,893,419 $ 7,791,371 $ 8,905,251 $ 7,771,288

Total Quarterly Average Common Equity 931,020 922,037 765,884 926,553 754,470

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:

Net income available to common shareholders $ 22,825  $ 22,214  $ 20,753  $ 45,039  $ 39,946

Gain on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax —  (22) —  (22) (122)

(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax 5  (63) 37  (58) 38

Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt, net of tax (430) —  —  (430) (497)

Gain on branch sale, net of tax —  —  (2,527) —  (2,527)

Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax 930  1,908  467  2,838  1,003

Core conversion expenses, net of tax —  —  795  —  965

Core net income available to common shareholders $ 23,330  $ 24,037  $ 19,525  $ 47,367  $ 38,806

Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) (2)

1.03  % 1.01  % 1.07  % 1.02  % 1.04  %

Core return on average assets (annualized) (2)

1.05  1.10  1.01  1.07  % 1.01  %

Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) (2)

9.83  9.77  10.87  9.80  % 10.68  %

Core return on average common equity (annualized) (2)

10.05  10.57  10.23  10.31  % 10.37  %

Interest Income:

Interest income $ 125,650  $ 122,494  $ 114,850  248,144  228,543

Core interest income 125,650  122,494  114,850  248,144  228,543

Interest Expense:

Interest expense 47,806  47,299  47,808  95,105  95,518

Core interest expense 47,806  47,299  47,808  95,105  95,518

Other Income:

Other income 13,967  14,050  14,415  28,017  27,641

Gain on former bank premises and equipment —  (28) —  (28) (155)

(Gain) loss on sale of securities 6  (80) 47  (74) 48

Gain on extinguishment/redemption of debt (545) —  —  (545) (630)

Gain on branch sale —  —  (3,360) —  (3,360)

Core other income 13,428  13,942  11,102  27,370  23,544

Other Expense:

Other expense 59,525  57,471  51,206  116,996  101,784

Acquisition-related expenses (1,169) (2,227) (570) (3,396) (1,249)

Core conversion expenses —  —  (1,008) —  (1,224)

Core other expense $ 58,356  $ 55,244  $ 49,628  $ 113,600  $ 99,311

Efficiency Ratio:

Other expense (a) $ 59,525  $ 57,471  $ 51,206  $ 116,996  $ 101,784

Core other expense (c) 58,356  55,244  49,628  113,600  99,311

Net interest and other income (1) (b)

91,817  89,165  81,504  180,982  160,714

Core net interest and other income (1) (d)

91,272  89,137  78,144  180,409  156,569

Efficiency ratio (a/b) 64.83  % 64.45  % 62.83  % 64.65  % 63.33  %

Core efficiency ratio (c/d) 63.94  61.98  63.51  62.97  63.43

Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets $ 8,365,827  $ 8,348,833  $ 7,299,899  $ 8,357,378  $ 7,281,750

b1BANK.com

20

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Non-GAAP Measures

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended

June 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2026 June 30, 2025

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net Interest Income:

Net interest income $ 77,844  $ 75,195  $ 67,042  $ 153,039  $ 133,025

Loan discount accretion (995) (1,138) (767) (2,133) (1,560)

Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion $ 76,849  $ 74,057  $ 66,275  $ 150,906  $ 131,465

Net interest margin (2)

3.73  % 3.65  % 3.68  % 3.69  % 3.68  %

Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion (2)

3.68  3.60  3.64  3.64  3.64

Net interest spread (2)

2.99  2.91  2.88  2.95  2.90

Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion (2)

2.94  2.85  2.84  2.90  2.85

(1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities.

(2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention.

b1BANK.com

EX-99.2

EX-99.2

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta.htm · Sequence: 3

bfstq226investorpresenta

Q2 2026 Results

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Legal Disclosures 3 Guiding Principles & Social Impact 4 Business First Bancshares, Inc. Overview 5 – 11 Liquidity and Deposits 12 Securities Portfolio 13 Noninterest Revenue Opportunities 14 Financial Results Q2 2026 Financial Highlights 16 Credit Metrics Analysis 17 Yield/Rate Analysis 18 Loan and Deposit Portfolio Overview 19 Loan Portfolio Loan Composition 21 – 24 Appendix 26 – 32

3 LEGAL DISCLOSURES 66 85 99 90 163 210 123 175 212 220 88 42 124 129 128 220 x3 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, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2026 (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 GUIDING PRINCIPLES & SOCIAL IMPACT 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. b1BANK has received these annual awards from American Banker and Business Report consecutively since 2021 SOCIAL IMPACT 2026 Total Volunteerism: • 2,221 Hours • 192 hours of financial literacy education and non-profit service • Mentored 1,140 businesses • Conducted training classes to help 4,870 entrepreneurs start or grow their business b1 FOUNDATION b1COMMUNITY

5 BALANCE SHEET & EARNINGS SNAPSHOT (4) FRANCHISE HIGHLIGHTS SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION BUSINESS OVERVIEW & CORPORATE ACTIONS BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. OVERVIEW (1) Deposit market share is as of June 30, 2025, per FDIC data. (2) Deposit balances exclude Business First Bancshares Holding Company deposits with the Bank subsidiary and acquired deposits and includes brokered deposits. (3) Includes one closed full-service Banking Center in Rayville, LA that maintains an active ITM. (4) Balance sheet information as of June 30, 2026. Income statement and profitability figures are for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. See appendix for Core reconciliations. (5) Preliminary consolidated capital ratio as of June 30, 2026. (6) Includes $85 million subordinated debt raised on April 2, 2026. • Nasdaq Listed: BFST; April 2018 • Stock Price and Market Capitalization: $30.73 per share, and $999.8MM (as of 6/30/26) • Trailing 30 -Day Average Daily Volume: 268,791 shares • Five publishing analysts; Five “Buy” ratings and $32.50 median price target (as of 6/30/26) • $0.60 annual common stock dividend: 2.0% dividend yield • Repurchased $4.8MM common shares at $27.22 weighted average price per share during Q2’26 • Since 2018, completed three equity capital raises, totaling $151.0 million of additional common equity capital, in addition to three subordinated debt issuances totaling $162.5MM (6) • Diversified full -service commercial -focused bank headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, focused on serving clients with the sophistication and product set capacity of a large bank and the relationship -orientation of a community bank • #1 deposit market share in Louisiana for Louisiana -headquartered banks (1); Texas market represents 35% of credit exposure as of 6/30/26, DFW is largest market in footprint • Granular deposit base: 119,930 accounts with an average balance of $60,334 and an organic deposit growth CAGR of ~14% since 4Q15 (2) • Established Correspondent Banking Group with 150+ network bank relationships serving four primary functions; loan and deposit participations, registered investment advisory, interest rate swap hedging, and SBA loan processing and servicing • Five -time winner of Best Banks to Work For award • $8.9B total assets • $6.7B total gross loans, HFI • $7.2B total deposits (21.9% noninterest bearing) • $937MM total common equity and $72MM total preferred equity • 13.77% consolidated total risk -based capital ratio (5) • 8.79% TCE / TA, and $23.61 TBV per common share Q2 2026 Actual Results • $91MM total core revenue (14.7% noninterest core revenue) • $23.3MM core net income available to common, $0.71 diluted core EPS available to common, 3.73% GAAP net interest margin • 1.05% core ROAA, 10.1% core ROACE, 63.9% core efficiency ratio • Operations in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi including: 46 legacy Louisiana full -service Banking Centers (3), one LPO/DPO office, 16 metro-focused Texas Banking Centers , a registered investment advisory in Ridgeland, MS, and a SBA loan service provider in Katy, Texas. • On January 1, 2026, closed the acquisition of North Louisiana based Progressive Bank ($774MM in assets as of December 31, 2025) • On April 2, 2026, completed the private placement of $85.0 million of 6.50% fixed -to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2036 • On June 29, 2026, completed the acquisition of American Planning Corporation, a financial consulting firm serving community banks since 1972

6 EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Jude Melville Chairman, President and CEO Philip Jordan EVP, Chief Banking Officer Keith Mansfield EVP, Chief Operations Officer Chad Carter EVP, Correspondent Banking Gregory Robertson EVP, Chief Financial Officer Heather Roemer EVP, Chief Administrative Officer Saundra Strong EVP, General Counsel Kathryn Manning EVP, Chief Risk Officer Warren McDonald EVP, Chief Credit Officer Jerry Vascocu President, b1BANK

7 BALANCED FOOTPRINT Note: Dollars in millions. Financial and branch data as of June 30, 2026. 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. 66 85 99 90 163 210 123 175 212 220 88 42 124 129 128 220 x3 Dallas Fort Worth Region # of Banking Centers: 11 # of LPOs: 1 Total Loans: $1,826.0 Total Deposits: $822.9 Deposits / Banking Center: $74.8 Houston Region # of Banking Centers: 5 Total Loans: $404.6 Total Deposits: $529.8 Deposits / Banking Center: $106.0 Southwest Louisiana Region # of Banking Centers: 21 Total Loans: $1,501.4 Total Deposits: $2,263.2 Deposits / Banking Center: $107.8 Greater New Orleans Region # of Banking Centers: 7 Total Loans: $1,167.8 Total Deposits: $1,030.6 Deposits / Banking Center: $147.2 North Louisiana Region # of Banking Centers(1): 18 Total Loans: $1,629.6 Total Deposits: $1,729.0 Deposits / Banking Center(2): $101.7

8 DIVERSIFIED GROWTH Note: Dollars in millions, except per share data. Amounts may not total due to rounding. (1) Based on the closing date. (2) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. (3) Progressive Bank acquisition closed on January 1, 2026. $1,473 $1,652 $2,277 $2,843 $3,562 $4,156 $4,566 $4,924 $4,839 $621 $621 $1,883 $1,883 $2,429 $2,429 $3,291 $3,291 $4,065 $2,095 $2,274 $4,160 $4,726 $5,990 $6,585 $7,857 $8,215 $8,904 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Q2'26 BFST Standalone Assets Cumulative Assets Acquired # of Acquisitions(1) 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 Target(s) Assets Acquired(1) $621 $0 $1,262 $0 $546 $0 $862 $0 $774 TBV Per Share(2) $15.34 $17.31 $16.80 $17.71 $16.17 $18.62 $19.92 $23.36 $23.61 TBVPS ex. AOCI(2) $15.60 $17.12 $16.28 $17.77 $19.12 $21.25 $22.05 $24.49 $24.71 Core ROAA(2) 1.00% 1.15% 1.09% 1.22% 1.05% 1.05% 0.94% 1.06% 1.05% (3)

9 $ 1 9 .6 8 $ 2 1 .4 7 $ 1 9 .8 8 $ 2 1 .2 4 $ 2 0 .2 5 $ 2 2 .5 8 $ 2 4 .6 2 $ 2 7 .9 5 $15.34 $17.31 $16.80 $17.71 $16.17 $18.62 $19.92 $23.36 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 BVPS TBVPS $ 2 4 .5 9 $ 2 4 .6 2 $ 2 5 .5 1 $ 2 6 .2 3 $ 2 7 .2 3 $ 2 7 .9 5 $ 2 8 .1 8 $ 2 8 .7 9 $20.60 $19.92 $20.84 $21.61 $22.63 $23.36 $23.18 $23.61 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 BVPS TBVPS TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER SHARE (TBVPS) GROWTH (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. • Tangible book value per share increased ~15% from Q3’24 to Q2’26, reflecting solid organic capital generation and disciplined acquisition integration, despite normal quarter-to-quarter volatility • From 2018 to 2025, tangible book value per share grew ~52%, demonstrating prudent capital management across multiple cycles while generating both organic and inorganic balance sheet growth (1) (1) TBVPS – Trailing 8 Quarters TBVPS – Since Public Listing on Nasdaq

10 $ 1 .2 2 $ 1 .7 4 $ 1 .6 4 $ 2 .5 3 $ 2 .3 2 $ 2 .5 9 $ 2 .2 6 $ 2 .7 9 $1.45 $1.80 $2.05 $2.61 $2.52 $2.62 $2.49 $2.83 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 EPS Core EPS $ 0 .6 5 $ 0 .5 1 $ 0 .6 5 $ 0 .7 0 $ 0 .7 3 $ 0 .7 1 $ 0 .6 8 $ 0 .7 0 $0.68 $0.66 $0.65 $0.66 $0.72 $0.79 $0.73 $0.71 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 EPS Core EPS EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) GROWTH (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. (1) Diluted EPS – Trailing 8 Quarters (1) • Core EPS increased ~4% from Q3’24 to Q2’26, reflecting improving earnings power as recent acquisitions are integrated and cost savings are realized • Core EPS grew ~95% from 2018 to 2025, demonstrating consistent earnings growth through various economic cycles and five bank acquisitions Diluted EPS – Since Public Listing on Nasdaq

11 9.42% 9.44% 9.78% 9.88% 10.06% 9.94% 10.21% 10.38% 12.99% 12.75% 13.03% 13.07% 13.22% 12.93% 13.08% 13.77% Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 Common Equity Tier 1 Total Risk-Based Capital 11.83% 11.43% 10.63% 9.04% 8.68% 9.15% 9.44% 9.94% 13.91% 13.30% 12.28% 11.94% 12.75% 12.85% 12.75% 12.93% 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Common Equity Tier 1 Total Risk-Based Capital CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL GROWTH Note: Reflects consolidated capital ratios for Business First Bancshares, Inc. Figures for Q2 2026 are preliminary. • From Q3’24 to Q2’26, CET1 increased by 96 bps and Total Risk-Based Capital improved to 13.77%, reflecting strong internal capital generation and balance sheet optimization while continuing to support growth • From 2018 to 2025, capital ratios remained strong through multiple acquisitions and economic cycles, demonstrating disciplined capital planning and a balanced approach to growth CET1 & TRBC – Trailing 8 Quarters CET1 & TRBC – Since Public Listing on Nasdaq

12 LIQUIDITY AND DEPOSITS Deposit Composition Non-Interest Bearing NOW & Int. Bearing DDA MMDA & Savings Time Deposits • Continue to carry higher cash balances to support liquidity, with 7.18% of total assets at 6/30/2026. • Remain focused on core deposits, which represent over 88% of total deposits. • Continue to take advantage of wholesale funding alternatives to optimize interest costs and liquidity, utilizing FHLB and the brokered deposit market. • Ample contingent liquidity available of just over $3.9 billion at 6/30/2026, to supplement core deposit growth as needed. $7.24B Note: Dollars in millions. Data as of June 30, 2026. Historical Deposit Composition Liquidity Sources FHLB Borrowings Capacity 1,535$ FRB Discount Window 1,031$ Unencumbered Securities 593$ Available Excess Cash Reserves 544$ Fed Funds Lines Available 145$ Fed Funds Sold 96$ Total 3,944$

13 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 2Q26 was $1.04 billion in AFS, of which agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and A-rated municipal securities were the largest components. - 2Q26 weighted average yield of 3.40% - Weighted average life of 4.50 years - Estimated effective duration of 3.26 years $1.04B Note: Dollars in millions. Data as of June 30, 2026. Book Market Net Unrealized Value Value Gain / (Loss) Municipal Securities 268.0$ 251.9$ (16.2)$ Mortgage-Backed Securities 698.8 671.4 (27.5)$ Corporate & Other Securities 87.0 85.6 (1.5)$ U.S. Government Agencies / Treasuries 32.6 32.3 (0.3)$ Total AFS Securities 1,086.5$ 1,041.1$ (45.4)$ Deferred Tax Impact 9.6$ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/Loss (35.8)$

14 SMITH SHELLNUT WILSON (SSW) • 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, municipalities, high -net worth individuals, trusts and business entities • As of June 30, 2026, SSW maintained ~$5.63 billion in AUM (3), which includes negative impact of AOCI (~$4.31 billion bank AUM (1), ~$1.32 billion non -bank AUM) • For 2Q26, 37% of total AUM fees were represented by banks and credit unions and SSW provided portfolio management services for 52 bank clients FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS GROUP • September 2020 – b1BANK announced the formation of its Financial Institutions Group • FIG currently maintains $523 million in total loan participations sold (1) and has generated $294 million (2) in total deposits through a relationship network of ~100 bank counterparties WATERSTONE LSP February 1, 2024 – Waterstone LSP was acquired by b1BANK and operates as a wholly - owned affiliate as a comprehensive resource for streamlined SBA lending. Waterstone optimizes partner banks’ SBA lending capabilities and achieves growth objectives via Efficient Loan Management, including; Waterstone’s platform simplifies pre -qualification, underwriting, packaging, and closing, accelerating the loan cycle and minimizing workload Snapshot as of June 30, 2026: • 35 banks under LSP Agreements • 2Q26 loan closing volume of $19.2 million (includes $6.0 million of b1BANK loan closings) • 2Q26 active pipeline of ~$65 million INTEREST RATE SWAPS November 2023 – b1BANK announced the formation of its Derivative Solutions Group, providing a full suite of interest rate hedging products offered to our commercial borrowers, including, but not limited to; interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars, cancellable swaps. This capability allows the bank to compete effectively with larger regional and national banks who offer the same product line. We expect to expand into our institutional client base. FY 2026 PRODUCTION • $130.6 million in client notional generated ~$1.8 million in fee income NONINTEREST REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES – b1 FINANCIAL SERVICES (1) Does not necessarily include total production/volume since inception. (2) Reflects average total deposits for Q2 2026. (3) Includes bank and credit union AUM. Excludes b1BANK securities portfolio and TruPs/CDs included in client portfolios. $ in millions Financial Services Group Revenue Growth $0.5 $0.3 $0.2 $0.4 $0.3 $0.7 $0.9 $0.9 $0.9 $0.4 $0.8 $2.2 $1.5 $3.4 $2.2 $1.1 $1.4 $0.8 $1.0 $2.7 $4.4 $1.9 $5.4 $5.8 $6.0 $6.3 $3.3 $1.6 $1.5 $1.9 $1.8 $1.3 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 YTD Q2'26 Total Mortgage Fee Revenue Participation Fee Revenue (FIG) Gain on Sale of SBA Loans Waterstone LSP Swap Fees Smith Shellnut Wilson LPL Brokerage $9.0 $11.6 $14.4 $18.6 $10.2 Q2’26 total b1 Financial Services revenue of $4.56 million was down from prior quarter but excluded revenue from recently closed acquisition of American Planning Corporation

15 Financial Results 66 85 99 90 163 210 123 175 212 220 88 42 124 129 128 220 x3

16 2nd QUARTER 2026 – FINANCIAL RESULTS Note: Dollars in thousands, except per share data. (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. (2) Preliminary consolidated capital ratios as of June 30, 2026. Core Net Income $23.3 million +19.5% YoY Core Diluted EPS $0.71 +7.6% YoY Core ROAA 1.05% Core ROACE 10.05% Core Efficiency Ratio 63.9% Net Interest Margin 3.68% (excluding discount accretion) Loan Growth, HFI ~($25) million -1.5% (linked-quarter annualized) Total Deposit Growth ~($229) million -12.3% (linked-quarter annualized) Consolidated Capital CET1 Ratio: 10.38% TRBC Ratio: 13.77% TBVPS $23.61 +9.3% YoY Q2 2026 Results Earnings & Profitability Q2 2026 Q1 2026 Q2 2025 Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 22,825$ 22,214$ 20,753$ Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Earnings(1) 32,286 31,774 30,251 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share 0.70 0.68 0.70 ROAA 1.03% 1.01% 1.07% ROACE 9.83 9.77 10.87 Net Interest Margin 3.73 3.65 3.68 Efficiency Ratio 64.83 64.45 62.83 Core Net Income Available to Common Shareholders(1) 23,330$ 24,037$ 19,525$ Core Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Earnings(1) 32,916 33,893 28,516 Core Diluted Earnings Per Common Share(1) 0.71 0.73 0.66 Core ROAA(1) 1.05% 1.10% 1.01% Core ROACE(1) 10.05 10.57 10.23 Net Interest Margin excluding loan discount accretion(1) 3.68 3.60 3.64 Core Efficiency Ratio(1) 63.94 61.98 63.51 Balance Sheet & Capital Total Loans 6,659,447$ 6,684,263$ 6,047,650$ Total Deposits 7,235,556 7,464,949 6,419,651 Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio(2) 10.38% 10.21% 9.88% Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio(2) 13.77 13.08 13.07 Common Equity / Total Assets 10.52 10.32 9.77 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets(1) 8.79 8.65 8.19 Book Value Per Common Share 28.79$ 28.18$ 26.23$ Tangible Book Value Per Common Share(1) 23.61 23.18 21.61 Asset Quality Provision for Credit Losses 1,991$ 2,278$ 2,225$ Net Charge-Offs / Avg. Quarterly Total Loans 0.04% 0.01% 0.01% ACL / Total Loans (HFI) 1.02 1.03 1.02 NPLs / Total Loans (HFI) 1.26 1.53 0.97 NPAs / Total Assets 1.23 1.38 0.76 Q2 2026 Highlights (1) (1) (1)(1) (1) (1) (1)

17 ACL & FV Discount Past Due Loans(1) Note: Dollars in millions. (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. CREDIT METRICS ANALYSIS Nonperforming Loans(2) Net Charge-offs

18 3.73% 3.68% 2.44% 2.28% 6.63% 3.75% 0.00% 1.00% 2.00% 3.00% 4.00% 5.00% 6.00% 7.00% 8.00% Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 NIM NIM ex. Accretion Total Funding Cost Total Cost of Deposits Loan Yield Target Fed Funds Rate Note: Data is as of June 30, 2026. 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 – LONG TERM MARGIN STABILITY (1) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

19 Loan Portfolio HFI (as of 6/30/26) Note: Dollars in millions. Data is as of June 30, 2026. Loan balances are before accounting adjustments and excludes loans in process and excludes Business Manager loans. (1) Reflects weighted average stated rate for the month-end of June 30, 2026. (2) Core CDs and Core Time Deposits exclude brokered deposits and CDARs. Excludes CD balances for Progressive Bank. • 52.4% of total loans HFI are floating rate, as of June 30, 2026 • 47.6% of total loans HFI are fixed rate, with 12.9% of fixed-rate loans mature within the next 12 months • Internal modeling implies an estimated total deposit beta of 45% – 55% in a slightly up or down rate environment • Overall Core CD balance(2) retention rate was 83% during Q2’26 • $245 million remaining Core CD balances(2) will mature in Q3’26, with $127 million maturing in Q4’26 LOAN AND DEPOSIT PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW Deposit Portfolio (as of 6/30/26) Outstanding Balance Weighted ($MM) (% of Total) Avg. Rate(1) Fixed Rate (mature/reprice > 1 year) 2,294.5$ 34.7% 6.18% Fixed Rate (mature/reprice < 1 year) 856.7 12.9% 5.99% Floating Rate with Floors 1,537.8 23.2% 6.92% Floating Rate without Floors 1,931.7 29.2% 6.76% Total 6,620.8$ 100.0% 6.50% 34.7% 12.9%23.2% 29.2%65.3% of total loans HFI are floating / variable rate or fixed rate maturing/repricing within the next 12-months Deposit Balance Weighted ($MM) (% of Total) Avg. Rate(1) Noninterest Bearing Deposits 1,583.6$ 21.9% 0.00% Interest Bearing Checking 1,113.7 15.4% 1.89% Sav ings Deposits 192.3 2.7% 0.24% Money Market Deposit Accounts 2,923.3 40.4% 2.93% Certificate of Deposits 1,018.4 14.1% 3.30% Brokered Deposits 404.3 5.6% 4.05% Total 7,235.6$ 100.0% 2.17% 21.9% 15.4% 2.7% 40.4% 14.1% 5.6% $6.62 billion $7.24 billion

20 Loan Portfolio 66 85 99 90 163 210 123 175 212 220 88 42 124 129 128 220 x3

21 LOAN COMPOSITION Loan Portfolio Breakdown Q2 2026 Highlights $1,961 $1,921 $1,922 $1,943 $1,989 $1,310 $1,280 $1,357 $1,517 $1,512 $1,098 $1,076 $1,152 $1,176 $1,147 $1,078 $1,106 $1,119 $1,362 $1,319 $600 $639 $639 $686 $693 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 Construction Residential, Consumer & Other CRE - Owner Occupied CRE - Non-Owner Occupied Commercial Total Loans HFI QoQ Change Dallas Fort Worth 27.8% Houston 6.2% North Louisiana 24.8% Southwest Louisiana 23.4% Greater New Orleans 17.8% Total Loans HFI by Region ($ in millions) QoQ YoY Commercial 45$ 28$ CRE - Non-Owner Occupied (6)$ 202$ CRE - Owner Occupied (29)$ 49$ Residential, Consumer, & Other (43)$ 241$ Construction 8$ 93$ Total (25)$ 612$ Increase (Decrease) by Loan Type $6,048 $6,021 $6,189 $6,684 $6,659 +$66.7 ($26.6) +$168.4 +$494.8 ($24.8) Q2’26 Avg. Yield(1) 6.95% 6.52% 6.03% 5.92% 6.99% Total Yield 6.48% • Total Loans HFI decreased $24.8 million or 0.4% (1.5% annualized) compared to the linked quarter • Excluding the Progressive loan sale and resolution of certain nonperforming loans during Q2, Total Loans HFI increased $96.4 million or 1.4% (5.8% annualized) compared to the linked quarter • Total Loans HFI increased $611.8 million or 10.1% year-over-year Note: Data is as of June 30, 2026. Dollars in millions. Loan balances reflect amortized cost basis. (1) Weighted average loan yields exclude Business Manager loans.

22 Note: Loan composition as of June 30, 2026, based on preliminary FDIC call report data. LOAN PORTFOLIO SNAPSHOT $6.66 billion Total Loan Portfolio Composition Top 5 Exposure Categories Outstanding Unfunded Average NPLs % of Balance Commitment Loan Size Total Loans Commercial $1.94 billion $1.17 billion $444 thousand 2.18% CRE - Owner-Occupied $1.15 billion $72 million $921 thousand 0.98% CRE - Non Owner-Occupied $1.51 billion $79 million $1.95 million 0.64% Construction & Land $693 million $353 million $642 thousand 1.32% 1-4 Family $700 million $30 million $247 thousand 1.32% Total $5.99 billion $0.53 billion $841 thousand 1.36%

23 LOAN COMPOSITION: COMMERCIAL Note: Data is as of June 30, 2026. Percentages based on loan balances before accounting adjustments. • Commercial loans represent 29.9% of the total loan portfolio • Total commercial loan growth year-over-year of 1.4% • Weighted average maturity of the commercial portfolio is 2.32 years Commercial Loans by Collateral Commercial Loans by Market AR & Inventory 30.2% Equipment 11.7% All Other 29.2% Titled Collateral 10.9% Cash/Securities 8.7% Agricultural 9.3% Dallas Fort Worth 34.3% North Louisiana 26.0% Bayou 5.7% Capital 8.1% Greater New Orleans 10.8% Southwest Louisiana 9.2% Houston 5.9%

24 CRE Composition - Income Producing Income Producing CRE Portfolio Hotel/Motel 14.8% Office Building 19.8% Office/Warehouse 4.0% Warehouse 8.6% Retail - Single-Tenant 6.9% Retail - Multi-Tenant 24.6% Commercial Building 12.2% Other 9.1% Total CRE - Income Producing 100.0% 14.8% 19.8% 4.0% 8.6% 6.9% 24.6% 12.2% 9.1% CRE Composition - Owner Occupied i i I r i Owner Occupied CRE Portfolio Hotel/Motel 1.6% Office Building 23.0% Office/Warehouse 23.2% Retail 18.2% Commercial Building 17.0% Other 17.1% Total CRE - Owner Occupied 100.0% 1.6% 23.0% 23.2% 18.2% 17.0% 17.1% C&D Composition i C&D Portfolio Raw Land 7.7% Vacant Residential Lots 7.7% Vacant Commercial Lots 7.7% Land Development - Residential 16.4% Residential Construction - OORE 0.1% Residential Construction - Non OORE 19.0% Commercial Construction - Retail 3.9% Commercial Construction - Office 5.3% Commercial Construction - Apartment/Multi-Family 7.5% Commercial Construction - Other 24.6% Total C&D 100.0% 7.7% 7.7% 7.7% 16.4% 0.1% 19.0% 3.9% 5.3% 7.5% 24.6% Income Producing CRE Geography(1) Income Producing CRE Portfolio Baton Rouge, LA 12.5% Dallas, TX 11.8% Monroe, LA 9.1% Covington, LA 5.0% New Orleans, LA 4.0% Plano, TX 4.0% Houston, TX 3.6% Lafayette, LA 3.5% Shreveport, LA 3.0% Lake Charles, LA 2.5% All Other Geographies 41.1% Total CRE - Income Producing 100.0% 12.5% 11.8% 9.1% 5.0% 4.0% 4.0% 3.6% 3.5% 3.0% 2.5% 41.1% Owner Occupied CRE Geography(1) Income Producin CRE Geography(1) Owner Occupied CRE Portfolio Baton Rouge, LA 10.3% Houston, TX 6.3% New Orleans, LA 5.8% Dallas, TX 5.4% Monroe, LA 5.2% Lake Charles, LA 2.9% Shreveport, LA 2.8% Metairie, LA 2.7% Houma, LA 2.5% Bossier City, LA 2.3% All Other Geographies 54.0% Total CRE - Owner Occupied 100.0% 10.3% 6.3% 5.8% 5.4% 5.2% 2.9% 2.8% 2.7% 2.5% 2.3% 54.0% C&D by Geography(1) Owner Occupied CRE Geography(1) C&D Portfolio Dallas, TX 16.2% Baton Rouge, LA 12.1% Covington, LA 8.2% Houston, TX 4.8% Monroe, LA 3.4% Harvey, LA 3.0% Denham Springs, LA 2.7% Shreveport, LA 2.5% Plano, TX 2.3% New Orleans, LA 2.3% All Other Geographies 42.7% Total C&D 100.0% 16.2% 12.1% 8.2% 4.8% 3.4% 3.0% 2.7% 2.5% 2.3% 2.3% 42.7% Note: Dollars in millions. Data is as of June 30, 2026. 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, 2026, through June 30, 2027. LOAN COMPOSITION: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE $693.5 million $1.15 billion $1.51 billion $693.5 million $1.15 billion $1.51 billion C&D Highlights • $693.5 million total portfolio • $31.3 million largest relationship(2) • $647 thousand average loan size • $276.8 million maturing over the next 12 months(3) • Dallas, Baton Rouge and Covington represent top 3 geographies within C&D and comprise 36.4% of all C&D loans or $252.7 million Owner-Occupied Highlights • $1.15 billion total portfolio • $18.5 million largest relationship(2) • $923 thousand average loan size • $200.6 million maturing over the next 12 months(3) • Baton Rouge, Houston and New Orleans represent top 3 geographies within owner-occupied and comprise 22.3% of all owner-occupied loans or $255.9 million Income Producing Highlights • $1.51 billion total portfolio • $25.8 million largest relationship(2) • $1.96 million average loan size • $403.3 million balance maturing over the next 12 months(3) • Baton Rouge, Dallas and Monroe represent top 3 geographies within income producing and comprise 33.3% of all income producing loans or $503.8 million

25 APPENDIX

26 Note: Dollars in thousands. As of December 31, except for YTD 2026. (1) Non-GAAP Financial measure. See appendix for applicable reconciliation. (2) Preliminary consolidated capital ratios as of 6/30/2026. (3) Excludes SBA PPP loans. (4) Calculated at the bank level based on preliminary 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 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Balance Sheet & Capital Total Assets $4,726,378 $5,990,460 $6,584,550 $7,857,090 $8,214,740 $8,903,506 Gross Loans (Excl. HFS) 3,189,608 4,606,176 4,992,785 5,981,399 6,189,490 6,659,447 Deposits 4,077,283 4,820,345 5,248,790 6,511,331 6,698,590 7,235,556 Total Equity 433,368 580,481 644,259 799,466 896,883 1,008,577 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets(1) 7.76 % 6.89 % 7.28 % 7.63 % 8.53 % 8.79 % Tier 1 Leverage Ratio(2) 8.14 9.49 9.52 9.53 10.08 10.11 Total Risk-based Capital Ratio(2) 11.94 12.75 12.85 12.75 12.93 13.77 Net Loans (Excl. HFS) / Assets 66.87 % 76.25 % 75.21 % 75.43 % 74.69 % 74.09 % Gross Loans (Excl. HFS) / Deposits 78.23 95.56 95.12 91.86 92.40 92.04 NIB Deposits / Deposits 31.66 32.14 24.75 20.84 19.74 21.89 Commercial Loans / Loans (Excl. HFS)(3) 22.62 25.05 27.22 31.24 31.05 29.86 C&D / Total Risk-Based Capital(4) 117.0 % 109.8 % 91.7 % 78.2 % 68.7 % 67.6 % CRE / Total Risk-Based Capital(4) 250.1 272.1 253.5 253.6 258.0 253.4 Asset Quality NPLs / Loans (Excl. TDRs)(5) 0.41 % 0.25 % 0.34 % 0.42 % 1.24 % 1.26 % NPAs / Assets (Excl. TDRs)(5) 0.31 0.21 0.28 0.39 1.09 1.23 Reserves / Loans (Excl. HFS) 0.91 0.83 0.81 0.92 0.87 0.94 NCOs / Average Loans 0.03 0.04 0.11 0.08 0.19 0.06 Profitability Ratios Net Income Available to Common Shareholders $52,136 $52,905 $65,642 $59,706 $82,460 $45,039 ROAA 1.18 % 0.97 % 1.04 % 0.86 % 1.05 % 1.02 % ROACE 12.25 11.59 12.36 9.54 10.59 9.80 Net Interest Margin 3.84 % 3.92 % 3.62 % 3.48 % 3.69 % 3.69 % Efficiency Ratio 61.84 65.26 61.61 65.42 63.85 64.65 Non-Interest Income / Avg. Assets 0.80 0.54 0.62 0.63 0.65 0.63 Non-Interest Expense / Avg. Assets 2.66 2.73 2.47 2.55 2.58 2.63 For the Year Ended December 31,

27Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. (1) Adjustments are net of tax. RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 Core Net Income: Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 52,136$ 52,905$ 65,642$ 59,706$ 82,460$ 20,753$ 21,505$ 21,009$ 22,214$ 22,825$ Adjustments(1): -$ (543)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 799$ 566$ -$ (39)$ 663$ -$ -$ 785$ (22)$ -$ -$ -$ 341$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (299)$ 38$ 2,023$ (6)$ (51)$ 37$ (61)$ (27)$ (63)$ 5$ (354)$ -$ (745)$ -$ (2,527)$ (2,527)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (1,150)$ -$ (497)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (430)$ 1,230$ 395$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 407$ 4,236$ 215$ 1,524$ 3,128$ 467$ 1,000$ 1,125$ 1,908$ 930$ -$ -$ -$ 769$ 1,939$ 795$ 346$ 628$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 3,805$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (1,575)$ -$ (1,575)$ -$ -$ -$ Core Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 53,919$ 57,597$ 66,326$ 65,759$ 83,540$ 19,525$ 21,215$ 23,520$ 24,037$ 23,330$ Core Return on Average Assets: Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 52,136$ 52,905$ 65,642$ 59,706$ 82,460$ 20,753$ 21,505$ 21,009$ 22,214$ 22,825$ Core Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 53,919$ 57,597$ 66,326$ 65,759$ 83,540$ 19,525$ 21,215$ 23,520$ 24,037$ 23,330$ Average Assets 4,403,670$ 5,473,508$ 6,341,880$ 6,973,735$ 7,873,743$ 7,791,371$ 7,921,159$ 8,016,094$ 8,893,419$ 8,916,954$ ROAA 1.18% 0.97% 1.04% 0.86% 1.05% 1.07% 1.08% 1.04% 1.01% 1.03% Core ROAA 1.22% 1.05% 1.05% 0.94% 1.06% 1.01% 1.06% 1.16% 1.10% 1.05% ROACE 12.25% 11.59% 12.36% 9.54% 10.59% 10.87% 10.80% 10.18% 9.77% 9.83% Core ROACE 12.67% 12.62% 12.49% 10.51% 10.73% 10.23% 10.65% 11.40% 10.57% 10.05% Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 20,634,281 22,817,493 25,296,200 26,452,084 29,545,702 29,586,975 29,656,639 29,669,253 32,785,554 32,763,608 Diluted Earnings per Common Share 2.53$ 2.32$ 2.59$ 2.26$ 2.79$ 0.70$ 0.73$ 0.71$ 0.68$ 0.70$ Core Diluted Earnings per Common Share 2.61$ 2.52$ 2.62$ 2.49$ 2.83$ 0.66$ 0.72$ 0.79$ 0.73$ 0.71$ Net Interest Margin Excluding Loan Discount Accretion: Net Interest Income 153,884$ 199,577$ 215,129$ 227,383$ 273,163$ 67,042$ 69,276$ 70,862$ 75,195$ 77,844$ Adjustments: (7,750) (9,432) (9,311) (4,182) (4,089) (767) (1,111) (1,418) (1,138) (995) Adjusted Net Interest Income 146,134$ 190,145$ 205,818$ 223,201$ 269,074$ 66,275$ 68,165$ 69,444$ 74,057$ 76,849$ Average Interest-earning Assets 4,011,773$ 5,091,684$ 5,939,405$ 6,536,333$ 7,402,462$ 7,299,899$ 7,460,027$ 7,569,692$ 8,348,833$ 8,365,827$ Net Interest Margin 3.84% 3.92% 3.62% 3.48% 3.69% 3.68% 3.68% 3.71% 3.65% 3.73% 3.64% 3.73% 3.47% 3.41% 3.63% 3.64% 3.63% 3.64% 3.60% 3.68% Core conversion expenses CECL Oakwood impact Tax Credit - ERC Loan purchase discount accretion Net Interest Margin excluding loan discount accretion (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Securities (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Banking Center (Gain)/Loss on Extinguishment of Debt Occupancy and bank premises-hurricane repair Stock Option Exercises Acquisition-related expenses Core Net Income, ROAA, NIM excluding loan discount accretion For the Year Ended December 31, Fiscal Quarter Insurance Reimbursement of storm expenditures, net of tax (Gain)/Loss Former Bank Premises & Equipment Write-Down on Former Bank Premises

28 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. (1) Adjustments are net of tax. RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TTM Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 Q2'26 Core Net Income: Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 21,505$ 21,009$ 22,214$ 22,825$ 87,553$ Adjustments(1): -$ 785$ (22)$ -$ 763$ (61)$ (27)$ (63)$ 5$ (146)$ (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Banking Center -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (430)$ (430)$ 1,000$ 1,125$ 1,908$ 930$ 4,963$ 346$ 628$ -$ -$ 974$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (1,575)$ -$ -$ -$ (1,575)$ Core Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 21,215$ 23,520$ 24,037$ 23,330$ 92,102$ Core Return on Average Assets: Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 21,505$ 21,009$ 22,214$ 22,825$ 87,553$ Core Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 21,215$ 23,520$ 24,037$ 23,330$ 92,102$ Average Assets 7,921,159$ 8,016,094$ 8,893,419$ 8,916,954$ 8,436,907$ ROAA 1.08% 1.04% 1.01% 1.03% 1.04% Core ROAA 1.06% 1.16% 1.10% 1.05% 1.09% Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 29,656,639 29,669,253 32,785,554 32,763,608 31,218,764 Diluted Earnings per Common Share 0.73$ 0.71$ 0.68$ 0.70$ 2.81$ Core Diluted Earnings per Common Share 0.72$ 0.79$ 0.73$ 0.71$ 2.95$ Core conversion expenses CECL Oakwood impact Tax Credit - ERC Core Net Income and ROAA - Trailing Twelve Months Fiscal Quarter (Gain)/Loss Former Bank Premises & Equipment (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Securities (Gain)/Loss on Extinguishment of Debt Acquisition-related expenses

29 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 848,440$ 878,440$ 896,883$ 991,176$ 1,008,577$ Preferred Stock (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 776,510$ 806,510$ 824,953$ 919,246$ 936,647$ Adjustments: Goodwill (121,146) (121,146) (121,146) (133,564) (135,222) Core deposit and other intangibles (15,775) (15,136) (14,497) (29,409) (33,267) Total Tangible Common Equity 639,589$ 670,228$ 689,310$ 756,273$ 768,158$ Tangible Assets Total Assets 7,948,294$ 7,953,862$ 8,214,740$ 8,906,808$ 8,903,506$ Adjustments: Goodwill (121,146) (121,146) (121,146) (133,564) (135,222) Core deposit and other intangibles (15,775) (15,136) (14,497) (29,409) (33,267) Total Tangible Assets 7,811,373$ 7,817,580$ 8,079,097$ 8,743,835$ 8,735,017$ Common Equity to Total Assets 9.77% 10.14% 10.04% 10.32% 10.52% Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets 8.19% 8.57% 8.53% 8.65% 8.79% Tangible Book Value per Share: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 848,440$ 878,440$ 896,883$ 991,176$ 1,008,577$ Preferred Stock (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 776,510$ 806,510$ 824,953$ 919,246$ 936,647$ Adjustments: Goodwill (121,146) (121,146) (121,146) (133,564) (135,222) Core deposit and other intangibles (15,775) (15,136) (14,497) (29,409) (33,267) Total Tangible Common Equity 639,589$ 670,228$ 689,310$ 756,273$ 768,158$ Adjustments: Exclude AOCI (47,768) (36,429) (33,287) (37,909) (35,822) Total Tangible Common Equity (excl. AOCI) 687,357$ 706,657$ 722,597$ 794,182$ 803,980$ Common shares outstanding 29,602,970 29,615,370 29,510,668 32,624,887 32,535,659 Book Value per Common Share 26.23$ 27.23$ 27.95$ 28.18$ 28.79$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share 21.61$ 22.63$ 23.36$ 23.18$ 23.61$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share (excl. AOCI) 23.22$ 23.86$ 24.49$ 24.34$ 24.71$ TCE/TA, TBVPS Fiscal Quarter

30 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 433,368$ 580,481$ 644,259$ 799,466$ 896,883$ Preferred Stock - (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 433,368$ 508,551$ 572,329$ 727,536$ 824,953$ Adjustments: Goodwill (59,894) (88,543) (88,391) (121,572) (121,146) Core deposit and other intangibles (12,203) (14,042) (11,895) (17,252) (14,497) Total Tangible Common Equity 361,271$ 405,966$ 472,043$ 588,712$ 689,310$ Tangible Assets Total Assets 4,726,378$ 5,990,460$ 6,584,550$ 7,857,090$ 8,214,740$ Adjustments: Goodwill (59,894) (88,543) (88,391) (121,572) (121,146) Core deposit and other intangibles (12,203) (14,042) (11,895) (17,252) (14,497) Total Tangible Assets 4,654,281$ 5,887,875$ 6,484,264$ 7,718,266$ 8,079,097$ Common Equity to Total Assets 9.17% 8.49% 8.69% 9.26% 10.04% Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets 7.76% 6.89% 7.28% 7.63% 8.53% Tangible Book Value per Share: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 433,368$ 580,481$ 644,259$ 799,466$ 896,883$ Preferred Stock - (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 433,368$ 508,551$ 572,329$ 727,536$ 824,953$ Adjustments: Goodwill (59,894) (88,543) (88,391) (121,572) (121,146) Core deposit and other intangibles (12,203) (14,042) (11,895) (17,252) (14,497) Total Tangible Common Equity 361,271$ 405,966$ 472,043$ 588,712$ 689,310$ Adjustments: Exclude AOCI (1,177) (74,204) (66,585) (62,998) (33,287) Total Tangible Common Equity 362,448$ 480,170$ 538,628$ 651,710$ 722,597$ Common shares outstanding 20,400,349 25,110,313 25,351,809 29,552,358 29,510,668 Book Value per Common Share 21.24$ 20.25$ 22.58$ 24.62$ 27.95$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share 17.71$ 16.17$ 18.62$ 19.92$ 23.36$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share (excl. AOCI) 17.77$ 19.12$ 21.25$ 22.05$ 24.49$ TCE/TA, TBVPS For the Year Ended December 31,

31 RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Note: Dollars in thousands. (1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities. TTM Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 12/31/2024 12/31/2025 Q2'26 Core Efficiency Ratio: Noninterest Expense 51,206$ 48,882$ 52,412$ 57,471$ 59,525$ 177,652$ 203,078$ 218,290$ Core Adjustments (1,578)$ 401$ (2,202)$ (2,227)$ (1,169)$ (2,595)$ (4,274)$ (5,197)$ Net Interest and Noninterest Income 81,504$ 80,870$ 83,057$ 89,165$ 91,817$ 271,569$ 324,641$ 344,909$ Core Adjustments (3,360)$ -$ 995$ (28)$ (545)$ (50)$ (3,150)$ 422$ Efficiency Ratio(1) 62.83% 60.45% 63.10% 64.45% 64.83% 65.42% 62.55% 63.29% Core Efficiency Ratio 63.51% 60.94% 59.74% 61.98% 63.94% 64.47% 61.84% 61.71% Core Efficiency Ratio Fiscal Quarter Fiscal Year Ended

32 RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Note: Dollars in thousands. Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q2'26 Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings: Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings 30,251$ 32,065$ 30,680$ 31,774$ 32,286$ Adjustments: -$ -$ 995$ (28)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 47$ (77)$ (35)$ (80)$ 6$ (Gain)/Loss on Sale of Banking Center (3,360)$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (545)$ 570$ 1,157$ 1,406$ 2,227$ 1,169$ 1,008$ 439$ 796$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (1,997)$ -$ -$ -$ Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings 28,516$ 31,587$ 33,842$ 33,893$ 32,916$ Acquisition-related expenses Core conversion expenses CECL Oakwood impact Tax Credit - ERC 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 Extinguishment of Debt

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta001.jpg · Sequence: 8

Binary file (167809 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta001.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta002.jpg · Sequence: 9

Binary file (110167 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta002.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta003.jpg · Sequence: 10

Binary file (230018 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta003.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta004.jpg · Sequence: 11

Binary file (134247 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta004.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta005.jpg · Sequence: 12

Binary file (233371 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta005.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta006.jpg · Sequence: 13

Binary file (105476 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta006.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta007.jpg · Sequence: 14

Binary file (125843 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta007.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta008.jpg · Sequence: 15

Binary file (147448 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta008.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta009.jpg · Sequence: 16

Binary file (140585 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta009.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta010.jpg · Sequence: 17

Binary file (133008 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta010.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta011.jpg · Sequence: 18

Binary file (142990 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta011.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta012.jpg · Sequence: 19

Binary file (144899 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta012.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta013.jpg · Sequence: 20

Binary file (134470 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta013.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta014.jpg · Sequence: 21

Binary file (209337 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta014.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta015.jpg · Sequence: 22

Binary file (55673 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta015.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta016.jpg · Sequence: 23

Binary file (174184 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta016.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta017.jpg · Sequence: 24

Binary file (113482 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta017.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta018.jpg · Sequence: 25

Binary file (101140 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta018.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta019.jpg · Sequence: 26

Binary file (170529 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta019.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta020.jpg · Sequence: 27

Binary file (54939 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta020.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta021.jpg · Sequence: 28

Binary file (156229 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta021.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta022.jpg · Sequence: 29

Binary file (103992 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta022.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta023.jpg · Sequence: 30

Binary file (98318 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta023.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta024.jpg · Sequence: 31

Binary file (214560 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta024.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta025.jpg · Sequence: 32

Binary file (55055 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta025.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta026.jpg · Sequence: 33

Binary file (207806 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta026.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta027.jpg · Sequence: 34

Binary file (209327 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta027.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta028.jpg · Sequence: 35

Binary file (131476 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta028.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta029.jpg · Sequence: 36

Binary file (181489 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta029.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta030.jpg · Sequence: 37

Binary file (182834 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta030.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta031.jpg · Sequence: 38

Binary file (96383 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta031.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: bfstq226investorpresenta032.jpg · Sequence: 39

Binary file (108734 bytes)

Download bfstq226investorpresenta032.jpg

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

Filename: image.jpg · Sequence: 40

Binary file (258071 bytes)

Download image.jpg

XML — IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

XML

Filename: R1.htm · Sequence: 42

v3.26.1

Document And Entity Information

Jul. 23, 2026

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. 23, 2026

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

X

- Definition

Boolean flag that is true when the XBRL content amends previously-filed or accepted submission.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_AmendmentFlag

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:booleanItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Area code of city

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_CityAreaCode

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:normalizedStringItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_DocumentInformationLineItems

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:stringItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

For the EDGAR submission types of Form 8-K: the date of the report, the date of the earliest event reported; for the EDGAR submission types of Form N-1A: the filing date; for all other submission types: the end of the reporting or transition period. The format of the date is YYYY-MM-DD.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:dateItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word 'Other'.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_DocumentType

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:submissionTypeItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Address Line 1 such as Attn, Building Name, Street Name

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:normalizedStringItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Name of the City or Town

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:normalizedStringItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Code for the postal or zip code

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:normalizedStringItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Name of the state or province.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:stateOrProvinceItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 12

-Subsection b-2

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityCentralIndexKey

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:centralIndexKeyItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Indicate if registrant meets the emerging growth company criteria.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 12

-Subsection b-2

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:booleanItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Commission file number. The field allows up to 17 characters. The prefix may contain 1-3 digits, the sequence number may contain 1-8 digits, the optional suffix may contain 1-4 characters, and the fields are separated with a hyphen.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityFileNumber

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:fileNumberItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Two-character EDGAR code representing the state or country of incorporation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:edgarStateCountryItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 12

-Subsection b-2

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityRegistrantName

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:normalizedStringItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

The Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique 9-digit value assigned by the IRS.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 12

-Subsection b-2

+ Details

Name:

dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:employerIdItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Local phone number for entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_LocalPhoneNumber

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:normalizedStringItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 13e

-Subsection 4c

+ Details

Name:

dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:booleanItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 14d

-Subsection 2b

+ Details

Name:

dei_PreCommencementTenderOffer

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:booleanItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Title of a 12(b) registered security.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 12

-Subsection b

+ Details

Name:

dei_Security12bTitle

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:securityTitleItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Name of the Exchange on which a security is registered.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 12

-Subsection d1-1

+ Details

Name:

dei_SecurityExchangeName

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:edgarExchangeCodeItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Exchange Act

-Number 240

-Section 14a

-Subsection 12

+ Details

Name:

dei_SolicitingMaterial

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:booleanItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:

dei_TradingSymbol

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

dei:tradingSymbolItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration

X

- Definition

Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Securities Act

-Number 230

-Section 425

+ Details

Name:

dei_WrittenCommunications

Namespace Prefix:

dei_

Data Type:

xbrli:booleanItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration