Business First Bancshares Q4 core net income rises

Overview

• Banking firm's Q4 net income fell slightly, while core net income increased

• Company saw strong loan and deposit growth in Q4

• Company repurchased 150,504 shares, enhancing shareholder value

Outlook

• Company expects positive profitability trends to continue throughout 2026

Result Drivers

• LOAN AND DEPOSIT GROWTH - Strong loan and deposit growth, particularly in Southwest and Southeast Louisiana, contributed to Q4 results

• STABLE NET INTEREST MARGIN - Net interest margin remained stable at 3.71%, supporting consistent earnings

• SHAREHOLDER VALUE - Stock repurchase program and increased book value per share enhanced shareholder value

Key Details

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 5 "strong buy" or "buy", no "hold" and no "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the banks peer group is "buy"

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for Business First Bancshares Inc is $31.00, about 9.9% above its January 21 closing price of $28.21

• The stock recently traded at 9 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 8 three months ago

Press Release: ID:nGNX9jMG1N

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