Business First expands its interest margin as loans and deposits grow

Business First Bancshares ($BFST) reported third-quarter 2026 net income available to common shareholders of $23.2 million, or $0.71 per diluted share. That compared with $0.70 in the second quarter and $0.73 a year earlier. Non-GAAP core earnings were $26 million, or $0.79 per share. Net interest margin increased thirteen basis points sequentially to 3.86%, supported by higher loan yields and lower overall funding costs.

Loans rose $121.4 million and deposits increased $141.2 million from the previous quarter, while borrowings fell $107.8 million. These changes point to customer-deposit growth supporting expansion with less borrowed funding. The nonperforming-loan ratio improved slightly to 1.24%, although net charge-offs increased, mainly because of one commercial relationship that had already been fully reserved. The core earnings measure excludes selected items and should be distinguished from the smaller GAAP profit improvement.

Sources:

• GlobeNewswire