# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001624322
**File Stem:** 0001624322-26-000024
**Filing Date:** 2026-4
**Character Count:** 103321
**Document Hash:** c5c9897db8835beec8f8dba86c0c1548
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001624322-26-000024.hdr.sgml**: 20260427

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001624322-26-000024

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 47

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260427

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Results of Operations and Financial Condition

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Regulation FD Disclosure

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260427

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260427

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Business First Bancshares, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001624322
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 02 Finance
- **EIN:** 205340628
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** LA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-38447
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26896605

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 500 LAUREL STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 101
- **CITY:** BATON ROUGE
- **STATE:** LA
- **ZIP:** 70801
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 225-248-7600

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 500 LAUREL STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 101
- **CITY:** BATON ROUGE
- **STATE:** LA
- **ZIP:** 70801

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? bfst-20260427

**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): **April 27, 2026**

**BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Louisiana**<br>(State of incorporation) | **001-38447**<br>(Commission<br>File Number) | **20-5340628**<br>(IRS Employer<br>Identification No.) |  |  |
| **Louisiana**<br>(State of incorporation) | **001-38447**<br>(Commission<br>File Number) | **20-5340628**<br>(IRS Employer<br>Identification No.) | 500 Laurel Street, Suite 101<br>Baton Rouge,Louisiana<br>(Address of principal executive offices) | **70801**<br>(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. □

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**Item 2.02&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Results of Operations and Financial Condition.**

On April 27, 2026, Business First Bancshares, Inc. ("Business First"), the parent company of b1BANK, issued a press release announcing financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The release also announced that the Board of Directors of Business First declared a common dividend on April 23, 2026, in the amount of $0.15 per share to the common shareholders of record on May 15, 2026. The dividend is to be paid on May 29, 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 May 29, 2026, or as soon therefore as practicable, to the preferred shareholders of record as of May 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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulation FD Disclosure**

On April 27, 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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

(d)Exhibits.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Exhibit** |
| 99.1 | <u>[Press Release of Business First Bancshares, Inc., dated April 27, 2026 announcing results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2026](exhibit991_earningsrelease.htm)</u> |
| 99.2 | <u>[Investor Presentation, dated April 27, 2026, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026](bfstq126investorpresenta.htm)</u> |
| 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.** | **BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.** |
| | By: | /s/ David R. Melville, III |
| | Name: | David R. Melville, III |
| | Title: | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Date: April 27, 2026 |  |  |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

![imagea.jpg](imagea.jpg)

500 Laurel Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70801

Phone: 877.614.7600

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** 

April 27, 2026

Media Contact: Misty Albrecht

b1BANK

225.286.7879 media@b1BANK.com

**Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q1 2026**

Baton Rouge, La. (April 27, 2026) – Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) (Business First), parent company of b1BANK, today announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $22.2 million or $0.68 per diluted common share, an increase of $1.2 million and a decrease of $0.03, respectively, compared to the linked quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $24.0 million or $0.73 per diluted common share, an increase of $0.5 million and a decrease of $0.06 from the linked quarter. The quarter ended March 31, 2026, included the consummation of the Progressive Bancorp, Inc. (Progressive) acquisition.

"It was a busy and productive start of the year for b1BANK," said Jude Melville, chairman, president, and CEO of Business First. "Quantitatively, we continued generating consistent profitability, increased our capital ratios and strengthened our liquidity positioning. Qualitatively, we added a large number of strong teammates through consummation of the Progressive Bank acquisition, the addition of a number of seasoned, respected bankers in Houston, and our partnership with Covecta, with whom we are working on building out Agentic AI capabilities. I'm also proud of our team's self-managed subordinated-debt issuance through our network of community bank partners. All these deepening partnerships bode well for the continued building of shareholder value over the course of 2026."

On Thursday, April 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 first quarter in the amount of $0.15 per share of common stock. The preferred and common dividends will be paid on May 29, 2026, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to the shareholders of record as of May 15, 2026.

**b1BANK.com**

------

**Quarterly Highlights**

• **Consistent Core Performance**. Return to common shareholders on average assets, on an annualized basis, was 1.01% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, or 1.10% on a non-GAAP basis, compared to 1.04% or 1.16% on a non-GAAP basis for the linked quarter.

• **Progressive Acquisition**. On January 1, 2026, Business First closed its previously announced acquisition of Progressive and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Progressive Bank. Progressive had approximately $773.8 million of total assets, $589.7 million of net loans, and $684.9 million of deposits as of December 31, 2025. Business First does not anticipate material synergies to be reflected in its earnings until after conversion in the third quarter. b1BANK added nine banking centers in North Louisiana as a result of the Progressive acquisition.

• **Meaningful Production Additions**. On January 15, 2026, Business First announced the hiring of a new regional president to the Houston, Texas market and head of private banking. This individual joined b1BANK from Veritex Community Bank, where he served as senior vice president and Houston market president. Prior to his tenure at Veritex, he had been with Comerica Bank for nearly 20 years in leadership roles across private banking, middle market, and wealth management. By quarter-end, we successfully added four producers and three production support staff to the new Houston team.

• **New Technology Partnership.** On February 17, 2026, b1BANK and Covecta announced a strategic partnership to deploy agentic AI across the bank's day to day workflows. The collaboration focuses on streamlining and automating repeatable, policy-driven activities across core deposit and loan operational processes, reducing manual effort and operational friction so that teams can devote more time towards higher value-adding work including analysis, exception handling and customer engagement.

• **Improving Shareholder Value.** During the first quarter, as part of a previously announced stock repurchase program, Business First repurchased 99,105 shares, with a market value of $2.7 million, at a weighted average price of $27.75 per share. Common equity to total assets increased from 10.04% to 10.32%. Tangible common equity to tangible assets increased from 8.53% to 8.65%, 1.37% or 5.57% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. Book value per common share increased to $28.18 at March 31, 2026, compared to $27.95 at Dec. 31, 2025. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share decreased from $23.36 at the linked quarter to $23.18 at March 31, 2026, -0.76% or -3.08% annualized.

• **Notable Subsequent Events.** On April 2, 2026, Business First issued $85.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2036. The subordinated notes were issued to certain qualified institutional and accredited investors in a private placement transaction that was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This capital raise represented Business First's third fully self-managed private placement, and was executed entirely with in-house capabilities. Partial use of proceeds were allocated to redeeming Business First's $66.9 million subordinated debt outstanding as of March 31, 2026.

**b1BANK.com**

------

**Statement of Financial Condition**

***Loans***

Loans held for investment increased $494.8 million or 7.99%, 32.42% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. Excluding acquired loan balances from Progressive, loans declined $102.7 million or 1.54%, 6.15% annualized. Excluding acquired Progressive loans, organic commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios decreased $58.6 million and $23.0 million, respectively, compared to the linked quarter. Texas-based loans represented approximately 35% of the overall loan portfolio as of March 31, 2026, based on unpaid principal balance.

***Credit Quality***

The ratio of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment increased 29 basis points (bps) to 1.53% at March 31, 2026, while the ratio of nonperforming assets compared to total assets increased 29 bps to 1.38% compared to the linked quarter. Past due loans greater than 30 days declined by 22 bps to $28.1 million, or 0.42%, down from $39.5 million, or 0.64% compared to the linked quarter. The increases 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 expects to resolve during second and third quarters of this year. Net charge-offs to average quarterly total loans declined to just 1 bps for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, down from 11 bps from the linked quarter.

***Securities***

The securities portfolio increased $56.6 million or 5.72%, from the linked quarter. This increase was impacted by Progressive securities, partially offset by $5.9 million in negative pre-tax fair value adjustments. Excluding the $45.8 million acquired Progressive securities as of January 1, 2026, and excluding the negative swing in fair value adjustments, available-for-sale securities increased $16.6 million from the prior quarter on a net basis. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 11.74% of total assets as of March 31, 2026.

***Deposits***

Deposits increased $766.4 million or 11.44%, 46.40% annualized, compared to the linked quarter. Excluding acquired deposit balances from Progressive of $684.9 million, organic deposit growth was $81.5 million or 1.1%, or 4.4% annualized. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $659.0 million or 12.61%, and noninterest-bearing deposits increased $191.2 million or 14.38% from the linked quarter.

During the first quarter, interest-bearing deposits increased $513.3 million or 9.55% and noninterest bearing deposits increased $253.0 million or 19.14%. The increase in interest-bearing deposits was largely impacted by approximately $325 million in commercial money market accounts and $185 million in personal money market.

**b1BANK.com**

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***Borrowings***

Borrowings decreased $166.8 million or -30.26%, from the linked quarter due primarily to decreases in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

***Shareholders' Equity***

Shareholders' equity increased $94.3 million or 10.51% compared to the linked quarter. Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) decreased from ($33.3) million to ($37.9) million or 13.89%, during the quarter due to after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $28.18 at March 31, 2026, compared to $27.95 at December 31, 2025. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share decreased from $23.36 at the linked quarter to $23.18 at March 31, 2026, -0.76% or -3.08% annualized.

**Results of Operations**

***Net Interest Income***

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, net interest income totaled $75.2 million, compared to $70.9 million from the linked quarter. Loan yields decreased 27 bps to 6.61% compared to 6.88% from the linked quarter and interest-bearing asset yields decreased 22 bps to 5.95% compared to 6.17% from the linked quarter. Net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.65% and 2.91% compared to 3.71% and 2.92% for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which included noninterest-bearing deposits, decreased 19 bps from 2.64% to 2.45% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) totaled $74.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to $69.4 million (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.4 million) for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.1 million) were 3.60% and 2.85%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to 3.64% and 2.84% (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.4 million) for the linked quarter.

***Provision for Credit Losses***

During the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $2.3 million, compared to $3.1 million from the linked quarter. The current quarter's provision was largely impacted by an increase in outstanding lending commitments, including from Progressive, and required provision totaling $0.9 million. The remaining provision expense was related to net charge-offs and incremental provision on non-performing credits of $0.9 and $0.4 million, respectively. At March 31, 2026, the ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment ratio was 1.03%, compared to 0.94% for the linked quarter. The increase in the reserve ratio was largely attributable to the acquired Progressive loan portfolio and the Company's early adoption of ASU 2025-08, which requires the gross presentation of acquired loan loss estimates.

**b1BANK.com**

------

***Other Income***

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, other income increased $1.8 million or 14.88%, compared to the linked quarter. The increase was largely attributable to growth of $0.6 million in gain on sales of loans.

***Other Expenses***

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, other expenses increased $5.1 million or 9.65% compared to the linked quarter. The increase was largely attributable to a $2.6 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $1.3 million in occupancy and equipment, $0.8 million in other expenses and $0.5 million in data processing fees.

***Return on Assets and Common Equity***

Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.01% and 9.77% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to 1.04% and 10.18%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.10% and 10.57% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to 1.16% and 11.40%, for the linked quarter.

**b1BANK.com**

------

**Conference Call and Webcast**

Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. Interested parties may attend the call by dialing toll-free 1-800-715-9871 (North America only), conference ID 4364723, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/6n7xau4t. 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, $5.7 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.

**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

**b1BANK.com**

------

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 Relation Contact:**

Gregory Robertson

337.721.2701 Gregory.Robertson@b1bank.com

Matt Sealy

225.388.6116 Matt.Sealy@b1bank.com

**b1BANK.com**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **<u>Balance Sheet Ratios</u>** |  |  |  |
| Loans (HFI) to Deposits | 89.54% | 92.40% | 92.61% |
| Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio | 11.13 | 10.92 | 10.61 |
| **<u>Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI)</u>** |  |  |  |
| Commercial | $1943412 | $1921833 | $1862176 |
| Real Estate: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial | 2841626 | 2611279 | 2472121 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Construction | 685817 | 639069 | 633698 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 1141220 | 944065 | 934357 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Real Estate | 4668663 | 4194413 | 4040176 |
| Consumer and Other | 72188 | 73244 | 78567 |
| Total Loans (Held for Investment) | $6684263 | $6189490 | $5980919 |
| **<u>Allowance for Loan Losses</u>** |  |  |  |
| Balance, Beginning of Period | $53959 | $57062 | $54840 |
| Progressive - PCD ALLL | 9264 |  |  |
| Charge-offs – Quarterly | (1104) | (7153) | (1648) |
| Recoveries – Quarterly | 181 | 309 | 671 |
| Provision for Loan Losses – Quarterly | 1355 | 3741 | 3000 |
| Balance, End of Period | $63655 | $53959 | $56863 |
| Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI) | 0.95% | 0.87% | 0.95% |
| Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI) <sup>(1)</sup> | 1.03 | 0.94 | 1.01 |
| Net Charge-offs to Average Quarterly Total Loans | 0.01 | 0.11 | 0.02 |
| Remaining Loan Purchase Discount | $15818 | $7489 | $11322 |
| **<u>Nonperforming Assets</u>** |  |  |  |
| Nonperforming Loans: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nonaccrual Loans | $100803 | $74471 | $35915 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans Past Due 90 Days or More | 1404 | 2215 | 5635 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Nonperforming Loans | 102207 | 76686 | 41550 |
| Other Nonperforming Assets: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other Real Estate Owned | 20898 | 13013 | 1282 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other Nonperforming Assets |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Other Nonperforming Assets | 20898 | 13013 | 1282 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Nonperforming Assets | $123105 | $89699 | $42832 |
| Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI) | 1.53% | 1.24% | 0.69% |
| Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets | 1.38 | 1.09 | 0.55 |
| (1) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments. | (1) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments. | (1) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments. | (1) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments. |

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**b1BANK.com**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **<u>Per Share Data</u>** |  |  |  |
| Basic Earnings per Common Share | $0.68 | $0.71 | $0.65 |
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | 0.68 | 0.71 | 0.65 |
| Dividends per Common Share | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.14 |
| Book Value per Common Share | 28.18 | 27.95 | 25.51 |
| Average Common Shares Outstanding | 32579934 | 29493016 | 29329668 |
| Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding | 32785554 | 29669253 | 29545921 |
| End of Period Common Shares Outstanding | 32624887 | 29510668 | 29572297 |
| **<u>Annualized Performance Ratios</u>** |  |  |  |
| Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets <sup>(1)</sup> | 1.01% | 1.04% | 1.00% |
| Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity <sup>(1)</sup> | 9.77 | 10.18 | 10.48 |
| Net Interest Margin <sup>(1)</sup> | 3.65 | 3.71 | 3.68 |
| Net Interest Spread <sup>(1)</sup> | 2.91 | 2.92 | 2.91 |
| Efficiency Ratio <sup>(2)</sup> | 64.45 | 63.10 | 63.85 |
| Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets | $8893419 | $8016094 | $7750982 |
| Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity | 922037 | 818617 | 742930 |
| **<u>Other Expenses</u>** |  |  |  |
| Salaries and Employee Benefits | $33039 | $30426 | $29497 |
| Occupancy and Equipment Expense | 8122 | 6809 | 7356 |
| Advertising and Promotions | 1508 | 1595 | 1291 |
| Communications | 652 | 619 | 591 |
| Ad Valorem Shares Tax | 978 | 870 | 1125 |
| Data Processing Fees | 3712 | 3227 | 3236 |
| Directors' Fees | 260 | 224 | 279 |
| Insurance | 411 | 421 | 404 |
| Legal and Other Professional Fees | 1085 | 1436 | 1013 |
| Office Supplies and Printing | 313 | 337 | 311 |
| Regulatory Assessments | 984 | 1005 | 1257 |
| Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses | 1377 | 1257 | 250 |
| Other | 5030 | 4186 | 3968 |
| Total Other Expenses | $57471 | $52412 | $50578 |

---

**b1BANK.com**

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** | **Selected Financial Information** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **<u>Other Income</u>** |  |  |  |
| Service Charges on Deposit Accounts | $3142 | $2646 | $2860 |
| Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities | 80 | 35 | (1) |
| Gain on Sales of Loans | 1341 | 777 | 1256 |
| Debit Card and ATM Fee Income | 2306 | 1970 | 1858 |
| Cash Value of Life Insurance Income | 831 | 783 | 808 |
| Fees and Brokerage Commission | 2261 | 2172 | 2148 |
| Pass-Through Income from Other Investments | 135 | 267 | 751 |
| Gain on Extinguishment of Debt |  |  | 630 |
| Swap Fee Income | 1537 | 1805 | 739 |
| Other | 2417 | 1775 | 2177 |
| Total Other Income | $14050 | $12230 | $13226 |
| (1) Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. | (1) Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. | (1) Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. | (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. | (2) Noninterest expense (excluding provision for loan losses) divided by noninterest income plus net interest income less gain/loss on sales of securities. | (2) Noninterest expense (excluding provision for loan losses) divided by noninterest income plus net interest income less gain/loss on sales of securities. | (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**

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Consolidated Balance Sheets** | **Consolidated Balance Sheets** | **Consolidated Balance Sheets** | **Consolidated Balance Sheets** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **<u>Assets</u>** |  |  |  |
| Cash and Due From Banks | $589804 | $411175 | $312887 |
| Federal Funds Sold | 88257 | 172393 | 117422 |
| Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell | 30743 | 25587 | 50589 |
| Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values | 1045817 | 989229 | 920573 |
| Mortgage Loans Held for Sale | 480 | 1094 |  |
| Loans and Lease Receivable | 6684263 | 6189490 | 5980919 |
| Allowance for Loan Losses | (63655) | (53959) | (56863) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net Loans and Lease Receivable | 6620608 | 6135531 | 5924056 |
| Premises and Equipment, Net | 88421 | 73982 | 81582 |
| Accrued Interest Receivable | 38176 | 38494 | 33741 |
| Other Equity Securities | 40047 | 49342 | 40947 |
| Other Real Estate Owned | 20898 | 13013 | 1282 |
| Cash Value of Life Insurance | 132682 | 120292 | 117950 |
| Deferred Taxes, Net | 22959 | 20477 | 25289 |
| Goodwill | 133564 | 121146 | 121691 |
| Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles | 29409 | 14497 | 16538 |
| Other Assets | 24943 | 28488 | 20181 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Assets | $8906808 | $8214740 | $7784728 |
| **<u>Liabilities</u>** |  |  |  |
| Deposits |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest-Bearing | $1575086 | $1322074 | $1308312 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-Bearing | 5889863 | 5376516 | 5149869 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Deposits | 7464949 | 6698590 | 6458181 |
| Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase | 21594 | 22622 | 19046 |
| Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings | 260792 | 431200 | 317352 |
| Subordinated Debt | 92472 | 92530 | 92702 |
| Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities | 9666 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Accrued Interest Payable | 3692 | 4166 | 5356 |
| Other Liabilities | 62467 | 63749 | 60779 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Liabilities | 7915632 | 7317857 | 6958416 |
| **<u>Shareholders' Equity</u>** |  |  |  |
| Preferred Stock | 71930 | 71930 | 71930 |
| Common Stock | 32625 | 29511 | 29572 |
| Additional Paid-In Capital | 580640 | 502155 | 501609 |
| Retained Earnings | 343890 | 326574 | 276045 |
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (37909) | (33287) | (52844) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Shareholders' Equity | 991176 | 896883 | 826312 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | $8906808 | $8214740 | $7784728 |

---

**b1BANK.com**

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Consolidated Statements of Income** | **Consolidated Statements of Income** | **Consolidated Statements of Income** | **Consolidated Statements of Income** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **Interest Income:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest and Fees on Loans | $109146 | $105515 | $102992 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest and Dividends on Securities | 8462 | 7942 | 7265 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks | 4886 | 4323 | 3436 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Interest Income | 122494 | 117780 | 113693 |
| **Interest Expense:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest on Deposits | 42758 | 41580 | 42439 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest on Borrowings | 4541 | 5338 | 5271 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Interest Expense | 47299 | 46918 | 47710 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net Interest Income | 75195 | 70862 | 65983 |
| **Provision for Credit Losses** | 2278 | 3098 | 2812 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses | 72917 | 67764 | 63171 |
| **Other Income:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service Charges on Deposit Accounts | 3142 | 2646 | 2860 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities | 80 | 35 | (1) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on Sales of Loans | 1341 | 777 | 1256 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Income | 9487 | 8772 | 9111 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Other Income | 14050 | 12230 | 13226 |
| **Other Expenses:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and Employee Benefits | 33039 | 30426 | 29497 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Occupancy and Equipment Expense | 8122 | 6809 | 7356 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merger and Conversion-Related Expense | 1377 | 1257 | 250 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Expenses | 14933 | 13920 | 13475 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Other Expenses | 57471 | 52412 | 50578 |
| **Income Before Income Taxes** | 29496 | 27582 | 25819 |
| **Provision for Income Taxes** | 5932 | 5223 | 5276 |
| **Net Income** | 23564 | 22359 | 20543 |
| **Preferred Stock Dividends** | 1350 | 1350 | 1350 |
| **Net Income Available to Common Shareholders** | $22214 | $21009 | $19193 |

---

**b1BANK.com**

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** | **Consolidated Net Interest Margin** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | March 31, 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 |
| **<u>Assets</u>** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Interest-Earning Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Loans | $6698261 | $109146 | 6.61% | $6087213 | $105515 | 6.88% | $5972120 | $102992 | 6.99% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securities | 1065447 | 8462 | 3.22 | 1008870 | 7942 | 3.12 | 924693 | 6614 | 2.90 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell | 26657 | 302 | 4.59 | 25579 | 310 | 4.81 | 50836 | 651 | 5.19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks | 558468 | 4584 | 3.33 | 448030 | 4013 | 3.55 | 315750 | 3436 | 4.41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Interest-Earning Assets | $8348833 | $122494 | 5.95% | $7569692 | $117780 | 6.17% | $7263399 | $113693 | 6.35% |
| Allowance for Loan Losses | (60553) |  |  | (57450) |  |  | (54711) |  |  |
| Noninterest-Earning Assets | 605139 |  |  | 503852 |  |  | 542294 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Assets | $8893419 | $122494 |  | $8016094 | $117780 |  | $7750982 | $113693 |  |
| **<u>Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity</u>** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Interest-Bearing Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-Bearing Deposits | $5884257 | $42758 | 2.95% | $5225304 | $41580 | 3.16% | $5141498 | $42439 | 3.35% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subordinated Debt | 92163 | 1209 | 5.32 | 92564 | 1220 | 5.23 | 97251 | 1262 | 5.26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities | 11671 | 165 | 5.73 | 5000 | 96 | 7.58 | 5000 | 99 | 8.03 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) | 297588 | 3038 | 4.14 | 369410 | 3837 | 4.12 | 362092 | 3796 | 4.25 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Borrowings | 20030 | 129 | 2.61 | 28197 | 185 | 2.60 | 18321 | 114 | 2.52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities | $6305709 | $47299 | 3.04% | $5720475 | $46918 | 3.25% | $5624162 | $47710 | 3.44% |
| Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest-Bearing Deposits | $1521252 |  |  | $1330023 |  |  | $1244793 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Liabilities | 72491 |  |  | 75049 |  |  | 67167 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities | $1593743 |  |  | $1405072 |  |  | $1311960 |  |  |
| Shareholders' Equity: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Shareholders' Equity | 922037 |  |  | 818617 |  |  | 742930 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred Equity | 71930 |  |  | 71930 |  |  | 71930 |  |  |
| Total Shareholders' Equity | $993967 |  |  | $890547 |  |  | $814860 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | $8893419 |  |  | $8016094 |  |  | $7750982 |  |  |
| Net Interest Spread |  |  | 2.91% |  |  | 2.92% |  |  | 2.91% |
| Net Interest Income |  | $75195 |  |  | $70862 |  |  | $65983 |  |
| Net Interest Margin |  |  | 3.65% |  |  | 3.71% |  |  | 3.68% |
| Overall Cost of Funds |  |  | 2.45% |  |  | 2.64% |  |  | 2.82% |
| NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. | NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing daily averages and an actual day count convention. |

---

**b1BANK.com**

------

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **Interest Income:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | $122494 | $117780 | $113693 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core interest income | 122494 | 117780 | 113693 |
| **Interest Expense:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 47299 | 46918 | 47710 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core interest expense | 47299 | 46918 | 47710 |
| **Provision for Credit Losses: (b)** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 2278 | 3098 | 2812 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core provision expense | 2278 | 3098 | 2812 |
| **Other Income:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income | 14050 | 12230 | 13226 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment | (28) | 995 | (155) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on sale of securities | (80) | (35) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on extinguishment of debt |  |  | (630) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core other income | 13942 | 13190 | 12442 |
| **Other Expense:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other expense | 57471 | 52412 | 50578 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-related expenses <sup>(2)</sup> | (2227) | (1406) | (679) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core conversion expenses |  | (796) | (216) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Core other expense | 55244 | 50210 | 49683 |
| **Pre-Tax Income: (a)** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-tax income | 29496 | 27582 | 25819 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment | (28) | 995 | (155) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on sale of securities | (80) | (35) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on extinguishment of debt |  |  | (630) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-related expenses <sup>(2)</sup> | 2227 | 1406 | 679 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core conversion expenses |  | 796 | 216 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Core pre-tax income | 31615 | 30744 | 25930 |
| **Provision for Income Taxes:** <sup>(1)</sup> |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for income taxes | 5932 | 5223 | 5276 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax on (gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment | (6) | 210 | (33) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax on (gain) loss on sale of securities | (17) | (8) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax on gain on extinguishment of debt |  |  | (133) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax on acquisition-related expenses <sup>(2)</sup> | 319 | 281 | 143 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax on core conversion expenses |  | 168 | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core provision for income taxes | 6228 | 5874 | 5299 |

---

**b1BANK.com**

------

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **Preferred Dividends:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred dividends | 1350 | 1350 | 1350 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core preferred dividends | 1350 | 1350 | 1350 |
| **Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income available to common shareholders | 22214 | 21009 | 19193 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax | (22) | 785 | (122) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax | (63) | (27) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax |  |  | (497) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-related expenses <sup>(2)</sup>, net of tax | 1908 | 1125 | 536 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core conversion expenses, net of tax |  | 628 | 170 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core net income available to common shareholders | 24037 | 23520 | 19281 |
| **Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings available to common shareholders (a+b)**<sup>(3)</sup> | 31774 | 30680 | 28631 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment | (28) | 995 | (155) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on sale of securities | (80) | (35) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on extinguishment of debt |  |  | (630) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-related expenses <sup>(2)</sup> | 2227 | 1406 | 679 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core conversion expenses |  | 796 | 216 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings | 33893 | 33842 | 28742 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding | 32785554 | 29669253 | 29545921 |
| **Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted earnings per common share | 0.68 | 0.71 | 0.65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax |  | 0.02 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax |  |  | (0.02) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-related expenses <sup>(2)</sup>, net of tax | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.02 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core conversion expenses, net of tax |  | 0.02 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core diluted earnings per common share | 0.73 | 0.79 | 0.65 |
| **Pre-tax, pre-provision profit diluted earnings per common share** | 0.97 | 1.03 | 0.97 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment |  | 0.03 | (0.01) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on sale of securities |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on extinguishment of debt |  |  | (0.02) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-related expenses <sup>(2)</sup> | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.02 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core conversion expenses |  | 0.03 | 0.01 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core pre-tax, pre-provision diluted earnings per common share | 1.03 | 1.14 | 0.97 |
| (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. | (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. | (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. | (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. | (2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits. | (2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits. | (2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits. |
| (3) Before preferred dividends. |  |  |  |

---

**b1BANK.com**

------

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **Total Shareholders' (Common) Equity:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total shareholders' equity | $991176 | $896883 | $826312 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Preferred stock | (71930) | (71930) | (71930) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total common shareholders' equity | 919246 | 824953 | 754382 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill | (133564) | (121146) | (121691) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core deposit and customer intangible | (29409) | (14497) | (16538) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total tangible common equity | $756273 | $689310 | $616153 |
| **Total Assets:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total assets | $8906808 | $8214740 | $7784728 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill | (133564) | (121146) | (121691) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core deposit and customer intangible | (29409) | (14497) | (16538) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total tangible assets | $8743835 | $8079097 | $7646499 |
| Common shares outstanding | 32624887 | 29510668 | 29572297 |
| Book value per common share | $28.18 | $27.95 | $25.51 |
| Tangible book value per common share | $23.18 | $23.36 | $20.84 |
| Common equity to total assets | 10.32% | 10.04% | 9.69% |
| Tangible common equity to tangible assets | 8.65 | 8.53 | 8.06 |

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**b1BANK.com**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Quarterly Average Assets | $8893419 | $8016094 | $7750982 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Quarterly Average Common Equity | $922037 | $818617 | $742930 |
| **Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income available to common shareholders | $22214 | $21009 | $19193 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax | (22) | 785 | (122) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on sale of securities, net of tax | (63) | (27) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax |  |  | (497) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax | 1908 | 1125 | 536 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core conversion expenses, net of tax |  | 628 | 170 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core net income available to common shareholders | $24037 | $23520 | $19281 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) <sup>(2)</sup> | 1.01% | 1.04% | 1.00% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core return on average assets (annualized) <sup>(2)</sup> | 1.10 | 1.16 | 1.01 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) <sup>(2)</sup> | 9.77 | 10.18 | 10.48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core return on average common equity (annualized) <sup>(2)</sup> | 10.57 | 11.40 | 10.53 |
| **Interest Income:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | $122494 | $117780 | $113693 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core interest income | 122494 | 117780 | 113693 |
| **Interest Expense:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 47299 | 46918 | 47710 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core interest expense | 47299 | 46918 | 47710 |
| **Other Income:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income | 14050 | 12230 | 13226 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on former bank premises and equipment | (28) | 995 | (155) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Gain) loss on sale of securities | (80) | (35) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on extinguishment of debt |  |  | (630) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core other income | 13942 | 13190 | 12442 |
| **Other Expense:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other expense | 57471 | 52412 | 50578 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-related expenses | (2227) | (1406) | (679) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core conversion expenses |  | (796) | (216) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core other expense | 55244 | 50210 | 49683 |
| **Efficiency Ratio:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other expense (a) | $57471 | $52412 | $50578 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core other expense (c) | 55244 | 50210 | 49683 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest and other income <sup>(1)</sup> (b) | 89165 | 83057 | 79210 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core net interest and other income <sup>(1)</sup> (d) | 89137 | 84052 | 78425 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Efficiency ratio (a/b) | 64.45% | 63.10% | 63.85% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core efficiency ratio (c/d) | 61.98 | 59.74 | 63.35 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets | $8348833 | $7569692 | $7263399 |

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**b1BANK.com**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** | **Business First Bancshares, Inc.** |
| **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** | **Non-GAAP Measures** |
| **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** | **(Unaudited)** |
|  | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|  | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| *(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)* | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| **Net Interest Income:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest income | $75195 | $70862 | $65983 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loan discount accretion | (1138) | (1418) | (793) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion | $74057 | $69444 | $65190 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest margin <sup>(2)</sup> | 3.65% | 3.71% | 3.68% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion <sup>(2)</sup> | 3.60 | 3.64 | 3.64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest spread <sup>(2)</sup> | 2.91 | 2.92 | 2.91 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion <sup>(2)</sup> | 2.85 | 2.84 | 2.86 |
| (1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities. | (1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities. | (1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities. | (1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities. |
| (2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. | (2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. | (2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. | (2) Calculated utilizing an actual day count convention. |

---

**b1BANK.com**

## Exhibit 99.2

![](bfstq126investorpresenta001.jpg)

Q1 2026 Results

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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 Q1 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

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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.

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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: • 687 Hours • 165 hours of financial literacy education and non-profit service 2021 Inception Through March 2026: • Mentored 1,057 businesses • Conducted training classes to help 4,576 entrepreneurs start or grow their business b1 FOUNDATION b1COMMUNITY

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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 March 31, 2026. Income statement and profitability figures are for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. See appendix for Core reconciliations. (5) Preliminary consolidated capital ratio as of March 31, 2026. (6) Includes $85 million subordinated debt raised on April 2, 2026. • Nasdaq Listed: BFST; April 2018 • Stock Price and Market Capitalization: $27.04 per share, and $882.2MM (as of 3/31/26) • Trailing 30 -Day Average Daily Volume: 191,215 shares • Five publishing analysts; Five "Buy" ratings and $32.50 median price target (as of 3/31/26) • $0.60 annual common stock dividend: 2.2% dividend yield • Repurchased $2.7MM common shares at $27.75 weighted average price per share during Q1'26 • Since 2018, completed three equity capital raises, totaling $151.0 million of additional common equity capital, in addition to three subordinated debt issuances totaling $162.5 million (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 3/31/26, DFW is largest market in footprint • Granular deposit base: 120,856 accounts with an average balance of $61,770 and an organic deposit growth CAGR of ~15% since 4Q15(2) • Balanced organic growth and proven acquirer with ~55% organic and ~45% acquired growth since 2018; six whole bank (including Progressive Bank acquisition) and two non -bank acquisitions • 5-time winner of Best Banks to Work For award • $8.9 billion total assets • $6.7 billion total gross loans, HFI • $7.5 billion total deposits (21.1% noninterest bearing) • $919MM total common equity, and $72MM total preferred equity • 13.08% consolidated total risk -based capital ratio (5) • 8.65% TCE / TA, and $23.18 TBV per common share Q1 2026 Actual Results • $89MM total core revenue (15.6% noninterest core revenue) • $24.0MM core net income available to common, $0.73 diluted core EPS available to common, 3.65% GAAP net interest margin • 1.10% core ROAA, 10.6% core ROACE, 62.0% 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. • 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 • On January 1, 2026, closed the acquisition of North Louisiana based Progressive Bank ($774MM in assets as of December 31, 2025) • Completed b1BANK core conversion in May 2025, and acquired Oakwood Bank core conversion in September 2025

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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

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7 BALANCED FOOTPRINT Note: Dollars in millions. Financial and branch data as of March 31, 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: $1,896.3 Total Deposits: $948.1 Deposits / Banking Center: $86.2 Houston Region # of Banking Centers: 5 Total Loans: $419.6 Total Deposits: $523.1 Deposits / Banking Center: $104.6 Southwest Louisiana Region # of Banking Centers: 21 Total Loans: $1,480.5 Total Deposits: $2,239.8 Deposits / Banking Center: $106.7 Greater New Orleans Region # of Banking Centers: 7 Total Loans: $1,166.2 Total Deposits: $1,152.4 Deposits / Banking Center: $164.6 North Louisiana Region # of Banking Centers(1): 18 Total Loans: $1,676.3 Total Deposits: $1,787.8 Deposits / Banking Center(2): $105.2

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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. $1,473 $1,652 $2,277 $2,843 $3,562 $4,156 $4,566 $4,924 $4,842 $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 $8,907 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Q1'26 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 $23.18 TBVPS ex. AOCI(2) $15.60 $17.12 $16.28 $17.77 $19.12 $21.25 $22.05 $24.49 $24.34 Core ROAA(2) 1.00% 1.15% 1.09% 1.22% 1.05% 1.05% 0.94% 1.06% 1.10%

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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 3 .2 4 $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 $19.22 $20.60 $19.92 $20.84 $21.61 $22.63 $23.36 $23.18 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 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 ~21% from Q2'24 to Q1'26, 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

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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 2 $0 .6 5 $0 .5 1 $0 .6 5 $0 .7 0 $0 .7 3 $0 .7 1 $0 .6 8 $0.64 $0.68 $0.66 $0.65 $0.66 $0.72 $0.79 $0.73 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 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 ~14% from Q2'24 to Q1'26, 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 seven bank acquisitions Diluted EPS – Since Public Listing on Nasdaq

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11 9.29% 9.42% 9.44% 9.78% 9.88% 10.06% 9.94% 10.21% 12.88% 12.99% 12.75% 13.03% 13.07% 13.22% 12.93% 13.08% Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 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 Q1 2026 are preliminary. • From Q2'24 to Q1'26, CET1 increased by 92 bps and Total Risk-Based Capital improved to 13.08%, 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

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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 7.24% of total assets at 3/31/2026. • 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 $3.8 billion at 3/31/2026, to supplement core deposit growth as needed. $7.46B Note: Dollars in millions. Data as of March 31, 2026. Historical Deposit Composition Liquidity Sources FHLB Borrowings Capacity 1,495$ FRB Discount Window 923$ Unencumbered Securities 624$ Available Excess Cash Reserves 558$ Fed Funds Lines Available 145$ Fed Funds Sold 88$ Total 3,833$

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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 1Q26 was $1.05 billion in AFS, of which agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and A-rated municipal securities were the largest components. - 1Q26 weighted average yield of 3.10% - Weighted average life of 4.42 years - Estimated effective duration of 3.42 years $1.05B Note: Dollars in millions. Data as of March 31, 2026. Book Market Net Unrealized Value Value Gain / (Loss) Municipal Securities 277.7$259.6$(18.1)$ Mortgage-Backed Securities 745.1 717.4 (27.7)$ Corporate & Other Securities 36.4 34.6 (1.8)$ U.S. Government Agencies / Treasuries 34.6 34.2 (0.4)$ Total AFS Securities 1,093.9$1,045.8$(48.1)$ Deferred Tax Impact 10.2$ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/Loss (37.9)$

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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 March 31, 2026, SSW maintained ~$5.53 billion in AUM (3), which includes negative impact of AOCI (~$4.24 billion bank AUM (1), ~$1.30 billion non -bank AUM) • For 1Q26, 37% of total AUM fees were represented by banks and credit unions and SSW provided portfolio management services for 51 bank clients FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS GROUP (FIG) • September 2020 – b1BANK announced the formation of its Financial Institutions Group (FIG) • FIG currently maintains $525 million in total loan participations sold (1) and has generated $280 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 March 31, 2026: • 31 banks under LSP Agreements • 1Q26 loan closing volume of $31.1 million (includes $18.1 million of b1BANK loan closings) • 1Q26 active pipeline of ~$73 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 b1 bankers 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 • $111.3 million in client notional generated ~$1.6 million in fee income NONINTEREST REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES – b1FINANCIAL SERVICES (1) Does not necessarily include total production/volume since inception. (2) Reflects average total deposits for Q1 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 $0.7 $0.9 $0.9 $0.9 $0.8 $2.2 $1.5 $3.4 $1.1 $1.4 $1.0 $2.7 $4.4 $5.4 $5.8 $6.0 $6.3 $1.6 $1.5 $1.9 $1.8 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 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 Q1'26 total b1Financial Services revenue of $5.6 million was flat from prior Q4'25 of $5.6 million. Swap fees and gain on sale of SBA continue to exceed expectations during the first quarter

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

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16 1st 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 March 31, 2026. Core Net Income $24.0 million +24.7% YoY Core Diluted EPS $0.73 +12.3% YoY Core ROAA 1.10% Core ROACE 10.57% Core Efficiency Ratio 62.0% Net Interest Margin 3.60% (excluding discount accretion) Loan Growth, HFI ~$495 million +32.4% (linked-quarter annualized) Total Deposit Growth ~$766 million +46.4% (linked-quarter annualized) Consolidated Capital CET1 Ratio: 10.21% TRBC Ratio: 13.08% TBVPS $23.18 +11.2% YoY Q1 2026 Results Earnings & Profitability Q1 2026 Q4 2025 Q1 2025 Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 22,214$21,009$19,193$ Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Earnings(1) 31,774 30,680 28,631 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share 0.68 0.71 0.65 ROAA 1.01% 1.04% 1.00% ROACE 9.77 10.18 10.48 Net Interest Margin 3.65 3.71 3.68 Efficiency Ratio 64.45 63.10 63.85 Core Net Income Available to Common Shareholders(1) 24,037$23,520$19,281$ Core Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Earnings(1) 33,893 33,842 28,742 Core Diluted Earnings Per Common Share(1) 0.73 0.79 0.65 Core ROAA(1) 1.10% 1.16% 1.01% Core ROACE(1) 10.57 11.40 10.53 Net Interest Margin excluding loan discount accretion(1) 3.60 3.64 3.64 Core Efficiency Ratio(1) 61.98 59.74 63.35 Balance Sheet & Capital Total Loans 6,684,263$6,189,490$5,980,919$ Total Deposits 7,464,949 6,698,590 6,458,181 Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio(2) 10.21% 9.94% 9.78% Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio(2) 13.08 12.93 13.03 Common Equity / Total Assets 10.32 10.04 9.69 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets(1) 8.65 8.53 8.06 Book Value Per Common Share 28.18$27.95$25.51$ Tangible Book Value Per Common Share(1) 23.18 23.36 20.84 Asset Quality Provision for Credit Losses 2,278$3,098$2,812$ Net Charge-Offs / Avg. Quarterly Total Loans 0.01% 0.11% 0.02% ACL / Total Loans (HFI) 1.03 0.94 1.01 NPLs / Total Loans (HFI) 1.53 1.24 0.69 NPAs / Total Assets 1.38 1.09 0.55 Q1 2026 Highlights (1) (1) (1)(1) (1) (1) (1)

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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

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18 3.65% 3.60% 2.45% 2.34% 6.61% 3.75% 0.00% 1.00% 2.00% 3.00% 4.00% 5.00% 6.00% 7.00% 8.00% Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 NIM NIM ex. Accretion Total Funding Cost Total Cost of Deposits Loan Yield Target Fed Funds Rate Note: Data is as of March 31, 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

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19 Loan Portfolio HFI (as of 3/31/26) Note: Dollars in millions. Data is as of March 31, 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 March 31, 2026. (2) Core CDs and Core Time Deposits exclude brokered deposits and CDARs. Excludes CD balances for Progressive Bank. • 50.4% of total loans HFI are floating rate, as of March 31, 2026 • 49.6% of total loans HFI are fixed rate, with 11.1% 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 81% during Q1'26 • $234 million remaining Core CD balances(2) will mature in Q2'26, with $244 million maturing in Q3'26 LOAN AND DEPOSIT PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW Deposit Portfolio (as of 3/31/26) Outstanding Balance Weighted ($MM) (% of Total) Avg. Rate(1) Fixed Rate (mature/reprice > 1 year) 2,563.1$38.5% 5.97% Fixed Rate (mature/reprice < 1 year) 739.7 11.1% 6.15% Floating Rate with Floors 1,499.2 22.5% 6.95% Floating Rate without Floors 1,858.2 27.9% 6.80% Total 6,660.2$100.0% 6.44% 38.5% 11.1% 22.5% 27.9%61.5% of total loans HFI are floating / variable rate or fixed rate maturing/repricing within the next 12-months Deposit Balance Weighted ($MM) (% of Total) Avg. Rate(1) Noninterest Bearing Deposits 1,575.1$21.1% 0.00% Interest Bearing Checking 1,136.1 15.2% 1.89% Savings Deposits 196.7 2.6% 0.25% Money Market Deposit Accounts 3,059.5 41.0% 2.99% Certificate of Deposits 1,030.7 13.8% 3.42% Brokered Deposits 466.9 6.3% 4.10% Total 7,464.9$100.0% 2.25% 21.1% 15.2% 2.6% 41.0% 13.8% 6.3% $6.66 billion $7.46 billion

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

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21 LOAN COMPOSITION Loan Portfolio Breakdown Q1 2026 Highlights $1,862 $1,961 $1,921 $1,922 $1,943 $1,298 $1,310 $1,280 $1,357 $1,517 $1,045 $1,098 $1,076 $1,152 $1,176 $1,142 $1,078 $1,106 $1,119 $1,362 $634 $600 $639 $639 $686 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Construction Residential, Consumer & Other CRE - Owner Occupied CRE - Non-Owner Occupied Commercial Total Loans HFI QoQ Change Dallas Fort Worth 28.6% Houston 6.3% North Louisiana 25.2% Southwest Louisiana 22.3% Greater New Orleans 17.6% Total Loans HFI by Region ($ in millions) QoQ YoY Commercial 22$81$ CRE - Non-Owner Occupied 160$219$ CRE - Owned Occupied 24$131$ Residential, Consumer, & Other 242$220$ Construction 47$52$ Total 495$703$ Increase (Decrease) by Loan Type $5,981 $6,048 $6,021 $6,189 $6,684 ($0.5) +$66.7 ($26.6) +$168.4 +$494.8 Q1'26 Avg. Yield(1) 6.93% 6.32% 5.97% 5.88% 7.09% Total Yield 6.44% • Total Loans HFI increased $494.8 million, or 8.0% (32.4% annualized) compared to the linked quarter • Excluding acquired Progressive loans, Total Loans HFI declined $102.7 million, or 1.5% (6.2% annualized) compared to the linked quarter • Total Loans HFI increased $703.3 million, or 11.8% year-over-year Note: Data is as of March 31, 2026. Dollars in millions. Loan balances reflect amortized cost basis. (1) Weighted average loan yields exclude Business Manager loans.

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22 Note: Loan composition as of March 31, 2026, based on preliminary FDIC call report data. LOAN PORTFOLIO SNAPSHOT $6.68 billion Total Loan Portfolio Composition Top 5 Exposure Categories Outstanding Unfunded Average NPLs % of Balance Commitment Loan Size Total Loans Commercial $1.89 billion $1 billion $429 thousand 1.85% CRE - Owner-Occupied $1.18 billion $51 million $913 thousand 0.80% CRE - Non Owner-Occupied $1.52 billion $21 million $1.95 million 2.30% Construction & Land $686 million $140 million $626 thousand 1.06% 1-4 Family $772 million $58 million $245 thousand 1.63% Total $6.04 billion $0.27 billion $833 thousand 1.64%

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23 LOAN COMPOSITION: COMMERCIAL Note: Data is as of March 31, 2026. Percentages based on loan balances before accounting adjustments. • Commercial loans represent 29.1% of the total loan portfolio • Total commercial loan growth year-over-year of 4.4% • Weighted average maturity of the commercial portfolio is 2.30 years Commercial Loans by Collateral Commercial Loans by Market AR & Inventory 31.5% Equipment 11.5% All Other 30.7% Titled Collateral 11.1% Cash/Securities 8.5% Agricultural 6.6% Dallas Fort Worth 35.8% North Louisiana 23.9% Bayou 6.0% Capital 8.7% Greater New Orleans 10.6% Southwest Louisiana 9.0% Houston 6.0%

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24 Income Producing CRE Geography(1) Income Producing CRE Portfolio Dallas, TX 12.0% Baton Rouge, LA 11.2% Monroe, LA 5.7% Houston, TX 5.3% Covington, LA 5.0% New Orleans, LA 3.7% Plano, TX 3.7% Lafayette, LA 3.5% Monroe, LA 3.0% Lake Charles, LA 2.5% All Other Geographies 44.5% Total CRE - Income Producing 100.0% 12.0% 11.2% 5.7% 5.3% 5.0% 3.7% 3.7% 3.5% 3.0% 2.5% 44.5% Owner Occupied CRE Geography(1) Income Producin CRE Geography(1) Owner Occupied CRE Portfolio Baton Rouge, LA 10.2% Houston, TX 6.2% New Orleans, LA 5.8% Dallas, TX 5.1% Monroe, LA 3.2% Metairie, LA 3.0% Lake Charles, LA 2.9% Houma, LA 2.5% Monroe, LA 2.3% Lafayette, LA 2.1% All Other Geographies 56.8% Total CRE - Owner Occupied 100.0% 10.2% 6.2% 5.8% 5.1% 3.2% 3.0% 2.9% 2.5% 2.3% 2.1% 56.8% C&D by Geography(1) Owner Occupied CRE Geography(1) C&D Portfolio Dallas, TX 14.3% Baton Rouge, LA 12.4% Covington, LA 8.8% Harvey, LA 3.2% Houston, TX 3.2% New Orleans, LA 2.9% Shreveport, LA 2.5% Denham Springs, LA 2.4% Frisco, TX 2.2% Monroe, LA 2.0% All Other Geographies 45.9% Total C&D 100.0% 14.3% 12.4% 8.8% 3.2% 3.2% 2.9% 2.5% 2.4% 2.2% 2.0% 45.9% Note: Dollars in millions. Data is as of March 31, 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 April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. LOAN COMPOSITION: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE C&D Highlights • $685.8 million total portfolio • $33.4 million largest relationship(2) • $629 thousand average loan size • $275.3 million maturing over the next 12 months(3) • Dallas, Baton Rouge and Covington represent top 3 geographies within C&D and comprise 35.5% of all C&D loans or $243.7 million Owner-Occupied Highlights • $1.18 billion total portfolio • $18.7 million largest relationship(2) • $916 thousand average loan size • $151.9 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 $261.8 million Income Producing Highlights • $1.52 billion total portfolio • $25.9 million largest relationship(2) • $1.96 million average loan size • $359.0 million balance maturing over the next 12 months(3) • Dallas, Baton Rouge and Monroe represent top 3 geographies within income producing and comprise 28.9% of all income producing loans or $438.1 million $685.8 million $1.18 billion $1.52 billion $685.8 million $1.18 billion $1.52 billion CRE Composition - Owner Occupied CRE Composition - Income Producing Owner Occupied CRE Portfolio Hotel/Motel 1.8% Office Building 23.4% Office/Warehouse 23.1% Retail 17.0% Commercial Building 17.2% Other 17.4% Total CRE - Owner Occupied 100.0% 1.8% 23.4% 23.1% 17.0% 17.2% 17.4% iti - I e r ducing Income Producing CRE Portfolio Hotel/Motel 14.6% Office Building 21.2% Office/Warehouse 3.7% Warehouse 8.1% Retail - Single-Tenant 7.1% Retail - Multi-Tenant 24.6% Commercial Building 10.1% Other 10.6% Total CRE - Income Producing 100.0% 14.6% 21.2% 3.7% 8.1% 7.1% 24.6% 10.1% 10.6% C&D Composition C&D Portfolio Raw Land 8.1% Vacant Residential Lots 10.5% Vacant Commercial Lots 7.4% Land Development - Residential 17.0% Residential Construction - OORE 0.1% Residential Construction - Non OORE 17.7% Commercial Construction - Retail 4.8% Commercial Construction - Office 4.6% Commercial Construction - Apartment/Multi-Family 4.8% Commercial Construction - Other 25.0% Total C&D 100.0% 8.1% 10.5% 7.4% 17.0% 0.1% 17.7% 4.8% 4.6% 4.8% 25.0%

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25 APPENDIX

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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 3/31/2026. (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 $8,906,808 Gross Loans (Excl. HFS) 3,189,608 4,606,176 4,992,785 5,981,399 6,189,490 6,684,263 Deposits 4,077,283 4,820,345 5,248,790 6,511,331 6,698,590 7,464,949 Total Equity 433,368 580,481 644,259 799,466 896,883 991,176 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets(1) 7.76 % 6.89 % 7.28 % 7.63 % 8.53 % 8.65 % Tier 1 Leverage Ratio(2) 8.14 9.49 9.52 9.53 10.08 10.03 Total Risk-based Capital Ratio(2) 11.94 12.75 12.85 12.75 12.93 13.08 Net Loans (Excl. HFS) / Assets 66.87 % 76.25 % 75.21 % 75.43 % 74.69 % 74.33 % Gross Loans (Excl. HFS) / Deposits 78.23 95.56 95.12 91.86 92.40 89.54 NIB Deposits / Deposits 31.66 32.14 24.75 20.84 19.74 21.10 Commercial Loans / Loans (Excl. HFS)(3) 22.62 25.05 27.22 31.24 31.05 29.07 C&D / Total Risk-Based Capital(4) 117.0 % 109.8 % 91.7 % 78.2 % 68.7 % 68.7 % CRE / Total Risk-Based Capital(4) 250.1 272.1 253.5 253.6 258.0 261.4 Asset Quality NPLs / Loans (Excl. TDRs)(5) 0.41 % 0.25 % 0.34 % 0.42 % 1.24 % 1.53 % NPAs / Assets (Excl. TDRs)(5) 0.31 0.21 0.28 0.39 1.09 1.38 Reserves / Loans (Excl. HFS) 0.91 0.83 0.81 0.92 0.87 0.95 NCOs / Average Loans 0.03 0.04 0.11 0.08 0.19 0.01 Profitability Ratios Net Income Available to Common Shareholders $52,136 $52,905 $65,642 $59,706 $82,460 $22,214 ROAA 1.18 % 0.97 % 1.04 % 0.86 % 1.05 % 1.01 % ROACE 12.25 11.59 12.36 9.54 10.59 9.77 Net Interest Margin 3.84 % 3.92 % 3.62 % 3.48 % 3.69 % 3.65 % Efficiency Ratio 61.84 65.26 61.61 65.42 63.85 64.45 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 2.58 For the Year Ended December 31,

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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 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Core Net Income: Net Income 52,136$52,905$65,642$59,706$82,460$19,193$20,753$21,505$21,009$22,214$ Adjustments(1): -$(543)$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$799$566$-$(39)$663$(122)$-$-$785$(22)$-$-$341$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$(299)$38$2,023$(6)$(51)$1$37$(61)$(27)$(63)$(354)$-$(745)$-$(2,527)$-$(2,527)$-$-$-$-$-$(1,150)$-$(497)$(497)$-$-$-$-$1,230$395$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$407$4,236$215$1,524$3,128$536$467$1,000$1,125$1,908$-$-$-$769$1,939$170$795$346$628$-$-$-$-$3,805$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$(1,575)$-$-$(1,575)$-$-$ Core Net Income 53,919$57,597$66,326$65,759$83,540$19,281$19,525$21,215$23,520$24,037$ Core Return on Average Assets: Net Income 52,136$52,905$65,642$59,706$82,460$19,193$20,753$21,505$21,009$22,214$ Core Net Income 53,919$57,597$66,326$65,759$83,540$19,281$19,525$21,215$23,520$24,037$ Average Assets 4,403,670$5,473,508$6,341,880$6,973,735$7,873,743$7,750,982$7,791,371$7,921,159$8,016,094$8,893,419$ ROAA 1.18% 0.97% 1.04% 0.86% 1.05% 1.00% 1.07% 1.08% 1.04% 1.01% Core ROAA 1.22% 1.05% 1.05% 0.94% 1.06% 1.01% 1.01% 1.06% 1.16% 1.10% ROACE 12.25% 11.59% 12.36% 9.54% 10.59% 10.48% 10.87% 10.80% 10.18% 9.77% Core ROACE 12.67% 12.62% 12.49% 10.51% 10.73% 10.53% 10.23% 10.65% 11.40% 10.57% Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 20,634,281 22,817,493 25,296,200 26,452,084 29,545,702 29,545,921 29,586,975 29,656,639 29,669,253 32,785,554 Diluted Earnings per Common Share 2.53$2.32$2.59$2.26$2.79$0.65$0.70$0.73$0.71$0.68$ Core Diluted Earnings per Common Share 2.61$2.52$2.62$2.49$2.83$0.65$0.66$0.72$0.79$0.73$ Net Interest Margin Excluding Loan Discount Accretion: Net Interest Income 153,884$199,577$215,129$227,383$273,163$65,983$67,042$69,276$70,862$75,195$ Adjustments: (7,750) (9,432) (9,311) (4,182) (4,089) (793) (767) (1,111) (1,418) (1,138) Adjusted Net Interest Income 146,134$190,145$205,818$223,201$269,074$65,190$66,275$68,165$69,444$74,057$ Average Interest-earning Assets 4,011,773$5,091,684$5,939,405$6,536,333$7,402,462$7,263,399$7,299,899$7,460,027$7,569,692$8,348,833$ Net Interest Margin 3.84% 3.92% 3.62% 3.48% 3.69% 3.68% 3.68% 3.68% 3.71% 3.65% 3.64% 3.73% 3.47% 3.41% 3.63% 3.64% 3.64% 3.63% 3.64% 3.60% 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

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28 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. (1) Adjustments are net of tax. RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TTM Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Q1'26 Core Net Income: Net Income 20,753$21,505$21,009$22,214$85,481$ Adjustments(1): -$-$785$(22)$763$37$(61)$(27)$(63)$(114)$(Gain)/Loss on Sale of Banking Center (2,527)$-$-$-$(2,527)$-$-$-$-$-$467$1,000$1,125$1,908$4,500$795$346$628$-$1,769$-$-$-$-$-$-$(1,575)$-$-$(1,575)$ Core Net Income 19,525$21,215$23,520$24,037$88,297$ Core Return on Average Assets: Net Income 20,753$21,505$21,009$22,214$85,481$ Core Net Income 19,525$21,215$23,520$24,037$88,297$ Average Assets 7,791,371$7,921,159$8,016,094$8,893,419$8,155,511$ ROAA 1.07% 1.08% 1.04% 1.01% 1.05% Core ROAA 1.01% 1.06% 1.16% 1.10% 1.08% Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 29,586,975 29,656,639 29,669,253 32,785,554 30,424,605 Diluted Earnings per Common Share 0.70$0.73$0.71$0.68$2.81$ Core Diluted Earnings per Common Share 0.66$0.72$0.79$0.73$2.90$ 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

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29 Note: Dollars in thousands except per share data. RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 826,312$848,440$878,440$896,883$991,176$ Preferred Stock (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 754,382$776,510$806,510$824,953$919,246$ Adjustments: Goodwill (121,691) (121,146) (121,146) (121,146) (133,564) Core deposit and other intangibles (16,538) (15,775) (15,136) (14,497) (29,409) Total Tangible Common Equity 616,153$639,589$670,228$689,310$756,273$ Tangible Assets Total Assets 7,784,728$7,948,294$7,953,862$8,214,740$8,906,808$ Adjustments: Goodwill (121,691) (121,146) (121,146) (121,146) (133,564) Core deposit and other intangibles (16,538) (15,775) (15,136) (14,497) (29,409) Total Tangible Assets 7,646,499$7,811,373$7,817,580$8,079,097$8,743,835$ Common Equity to Total Assets 9.69% 9.77% 10.14% 10.04% 10.32% Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets 8.06% 8.19% 8.57% 8.53% 8.65% Tangible Book Value per Share: Tangible Common Equity Total Shareholders' Equity 826,312$848,440$878,440$896,883$991,176$ Preferred Stock (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) (71,930) Total Common Shareholders' Equity 754,382$776,510$806,510$824,953$919,246$ Adjustments: Goodwill (121,691) (121,146) (121,146) (121,146) (133,564) Core deposit and other intangibles (16,538) (15,775) (15,136) (14,497) (29,409) Total Tangible Common Equity 616,153$639,589$670,228$689,310$756,273$ Adjustments: Exclude AOCI (52,844) (47,768) (36,429) (33,287) (37,909) Total Tangible Common Equity (excl. AOCI) 668,997$687,357$706,657$722,597$794,182$ Common shares outstanding 29,572,297 29,602,970 29,615,370 29,510,668 32,624,887 Book Value per Common Share 25.51$26.23$27.23$27.95$28.18$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share 20.84$21.61$22.63$23.36$23.18$ Tangible Book Value per Common Share (excl. AOCI) 22.62$23.22$23.86$24.49$24.34$ TCE/TA, TBVPS Fiscal Quarter

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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,

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31 RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Note: Dollars in thousands. (1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities. TTM Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 12/31/2024 12/31/2025 Q1'26 Core Efficiency Ratio: Noninterest Expense 50,578$51,206$48,882$52,412$57,471$177,652$203,078$209,971$ Core Adjustments (895)$(1,578)$401$(2,202)$(2,227)$(2,595)$(4,274)$(5,606)$ Net Interest and Noninterest Income 79,210$81,504$80,870$83,057$89,165$271,569$324,641$334,596$ Core Adjustments (785)$(3,360)$-$995$(28)$(50)$(3,150)$(2,393)$ Efficiency Ratio(1) 63.85% 62.83% 60.45% 63.10% 64.45% 65.42% 62.55% 62.75% Core Efficiency Ratio 63.35% 63.51% 60.94% 59.74% 61.98% 64.47% 61.84% 61.52% Core Efficiency Ratio Fiscal Quarter Fiscal Year Ended

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32 RECONCILIATION OF NON -GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Note: Dollars in thousands. Q1'25 Q2'25 Q3'25 Q4'25 Q1'26 Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings: Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings 28,631$30,251$32,065$30,680$31,774$ Adjustments: (155)$-$-$995$(28)$-$-$-$-$-$1$47$(77)$(35)$(80)$(Gain)/Loss on Sale of Banking Center -$(3,360)$-$-$-$(630)$-$-$-$-$679$570$1,157$1,406$2,227$216$1,008$439$796$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$-$(1,997)$-$-$ Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings 28,742$28,516$31,587$33,842$33,893$ 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

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