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Business First Bancshares Inc (BFST)
NASDAQ:BFST
Earnings Data
Report Date
Apr 23, 2026TBA (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.69Last Year’s EPS
0.65Same Quarter Last Year
Strong Buy
Based on 3 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call conveyed solid operational and financial momentum: improved ROA and EPS, tangible book value growth (17.3%), stronger capital (TCE +90 bps, CET1 +50 bps), meaningful loan and deposit growth in Q4, improved efficiency (sub-60 in Q4) and successful strategic initiatives (core conversions, correspondent banking expansion, Progressive acquisition). Offsetting these positives were credit migration concentrated in a single $25.8M CRE relationship that lifted NPLs and past-due metrics, some near-term expense headwinds from the Progressive integration and one-time conversion items, and margin pressure from rate cuts and discount accretion volatility. Management presented clear remediation plans (reserve normalization target >1%, expected normalization of annualized losses to ~10–12 bps, cost saves post-conversion) and an outlook focused on execution, suggesting the positives materially outweigh the manageable headwinds.Company Guidance
Strong Profitability and EPS Growth
Core ROA of 1.06% for the full year and 1.16% in Q4; GAAP Q4 net income $21.0M and GAAP EPS $0.71; non-GAAP core Q4 net income $23.5M and core EPS $0.79. EPS increased 14% for the year and 20% year-over-year in Q4.
Net Interest Margin and Loan Yield Performance
GAAP net interest margin rose 3 bps linked quarter to 3.71%; core net interest margin rose 1 bp to 3.64% in Q4. Weighted-average new and renewed loan yield was 6.97% in Q4.
Loan and Deposit Growth
Total loans held for investment increased $168.4M (11.1% annualized linked-quarter). New and renewed loan production ~ $500M in Q4 versus $332M paydowns/payoffs. Total deposits increased $191.7M in Q4 driven by +$236.2M in interest-bearing deposits.
Balance Sheet and Capital Strength
Tangible common equity increased 90 bps year-over-year; consolidated CET1 increased 50 bps year-over-year; tangible book value grew 17.3% year-over-year. Management resumed buybacks (≈150k shares purchased in Q4) and increased common dividend for the seventh consecutive year.
Efficiency and Expense Discipline
Core efficiency ratio improved to 59.7% in Q4 (sub-60 efficiency ratio); non-interest expense held relatively flat while revenue grew, producing positive operating leverage. Management expects continued operating leverage and a path to mid-50s efficiency in 2027.
Non-Interest Income Momentum and Correspondent Banking
Core non-interest income of $13.2M in Q4 (GAAP $12.2M). Swap fee revenue was about $1.0M higher than expected; $312k gain on OREO. Correspondent banking expanded to over 175 community bank clients and became a meaningful contributor to non-interest income.
Strategic Operations and Technology Upgrades
Completed two major core conversions and multiple software/platform implementations during 2025, improving capabilities (fraud, loan review, audit, pricing and profitability analytics) to manage scale and enhance execution in 2026.
Targeted Market and Footprint Progress
Closed acquisition of Progressive Bank (North Louisiana) at year-end, expected to reduce Texas loan concentration from ~39% to ~36% and add deposit and revenue diversification; organic growth led by Southwest and North Louisiana during Q4.
BFST Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
BFST Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan 22, 2026 | $28.17 | $27.26 | -3.23% |
Oct 23, 2025 | $23.26 | $24.86 | +6.88% |
Jul 28, 2025 | $25.10 | $24.50 | -2.39% |
Apr 24, 2025 | $23.23 | $22.34 | -3.83% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Business First Bancshares Inc (BFST) report earnings?
Business First Bancshares Inc (BFST) is schdueled to report earning on Apr 23, 2026, TBA (Confirmed).
What is Business First Bancshares Inc (BFST) earnings time?
Business First Bancshares Inc (BFST) earnings time is at Apr 23, 2026, TBA (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is BFST EPS forecast?
BFST EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q1) is 0.69.