8-K

Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST)

8-K 2024-01-23 For: 2024-01-23
View Original
Added on April 04, 2026

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): January 23, 2024

BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Louisiana 001-38447 20-5340628
(State of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
500 Laurel Street, Suite 101<br><br> <br>Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(225) 248-7600

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 Exchange 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.   ☐


2.02         Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On January 23, 2024, Business First Bancshares, Inc. (“Business First”), the parent company of b1BANK, issued a press release announcing financial results for full year 2023 and quarter ended December 31, 2023. The release also announced that the Board of Directors of Business First declared a dividend on January 23, 2024, in the amount of $0.14 to the shareholders of record of the company on February 15, 2024. The dividend is to be paid on February 28, 2024, or as soon as practicable thereafter. Also, the board of directors declared a quarterly 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%. The dividend will be paid on February 28, 2024, or as soon therefore as practicable, to the preferred shareholders of record as of February 15, 2024. 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.

7.01          Regulation FD Disclosure

On January 23, 2024, 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.

9.01         Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)         Exhibits.

Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
99.1 Press Release of Business First Bancshares, Inc., dated January 23, 2024.
99.2 Business First Bancshares, Inc. Investor Presentation, Fiscal Year 2023 and Q4 2023 Results.
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, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: January 23, 2024
BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
By: /s/ David R. Melville, III
David R. Melville, III
President and Chief Executive Officer

ex_618039.htm

Exhibit 99.1

500 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: 877.614.7600
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Misty Albrecht
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January 23, 2024 b1BANK
225.286.7879
Misty.Albrecht@b1BANK.com

BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC., ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND Q4 2023

Baton Rouge, La. (January 23, 2024) – Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) (Business First), parent company of b1BANK, today announced its unaudited results for the year ended December 31, 2023, including net income available to common shareholders of $65.6 million or $2.59 per diluted common share, increases of $12.7 million and $0.27, respectively, from the prior year ended December 31, 2022. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the year ended December 31, 2023, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $66.3 million or $2.62 per diluted common share, increases of $8.7 million and $0.10, respectively, from prior year ended December 31, 2022.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, Business First reported net income available to common shareholders of $14.5 million, or $0.57 per diluted common share, decreases of $4.6 million and $0.19, respectively, from the quarter ended September 30, 2023. On a non-GAAP basis, core net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, which excludes certain income and expenses, was $16.8 million or $0.66 per diluted common share, decreases of $1.1 million and $0.05, respectively, compared to the linked quarter.

“There have been very few years in our company’s life of which I’ve been prouder than I am of the year 2023,” said Jude Melville, president and CEO. “As our country generally, and banking specifically, faced the challenge of navigating swiftly moving economic currents, our team was a source of stability, performing consistently and well for our clients and our investors.  We are a stronger organization and better bankers than we were at the beginning of the year, and I am excited to see that improvement continue over the course of 2024.”

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On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 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 fourth quarter in the amount of $0.14 per share. The preferred and common dividends will be paid on February 28, 2024, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to the shareholders of record as of February 15, 2024.

Quarterly Highlights

Return on Assets and Equity. Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 0.88% and 10.54% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to 1.17% and 14.16%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP core return on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.03% and 12.27% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to 1.10% and 13.32%, respectively, for the linked quarter.
Credit Quality. The ratios of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment and nonperforming assets compared to total assets remained stable at 0.34% and 0.28% at December 31, 2023, increasing slightly from 0.33% and 0.27%, respectively, at September 30, 2023, due to an increase in nonaccrual loans.
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Security/Balance Sheet Repositioning. During the fourth quarter, Business First executed a balance sheet repositioning related to its available-for-sale (AFS) security portfolio. Business First sold $71.5 million or approximately 8.13% of the December 31, 2023, portfolio, in treasury, agency and municipal securities, with a weighted average book yield of 1.98%. Business First redeployed the proceeds into agency securities with an average book yield of 5.17%, locking in higher yields while keeping duration consistent with the overall portfolio weighted average life. The repositioning resulted in a loss of $2.5 million with an estimated earn back of 1.1 years as of December 31, 2023.
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Net Interest Margin. For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, net interest income totaled $53.8 million and net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.50% and 2.53%, respectively, compared to $55.3 million, 3.61% and 2.68% for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.9 million) were 3.38% and 2.40%, respectively, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to 3.46% and 2.53% (excluding loan discount accretion of $2.4 million) for the linked quarter.
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Statement of Financial Condition

Loans

Loans held for investment increased $72.5 million or 1.47%, 5.85% annualized, from the linked quarter. Loan growth from the linked quarter was largely attributable to net growth in the commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio of $26.5 million and in the commercial real estate portfolio of $89.1 million, offset by a $39.0 million reduction in the construction and development (C&D) portfolio. Annual loan growth for fiscal year 2023, was $386.6 million or 8.39%.

The Dallas Fort Worth region produced 50.64% of net loan growth from the linked quarter based on unpaid principal balance, while the Greater New Orleans region produced 37.68%. Based on unpaid principal balances, Texas-based loans represent approximately 37% of the overall loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023.

Credit Quality

The ratios of nonperforming loans compared to loans held for investment and nonperforming assets compared to total assets remained stable at 0.34% and 0.28% at December 31, 2023, increasing slightly from 0.33% and 0.27%, respectively, at September 30, 2023, due to an increase in nonaccrual loans.

Securities

The securities portfolio increased $29.9 million or 3.51%, from the linked quarter. The increase was driven by positive fair value adjustments of $35.1 million. The securities portfolio, based on estimated fair value, represented 13.36% of total assets as of December 31, 2023.

During the fourth quarter, Business First executed a balance sheet repositioning related to its available-for-sale (“AFS”) security portfolio. Business First sold $71.5 million, or approximately 8.13% of the December 31, 2023, portfolio, in treasury, agency, and municipal securities, with a weighted average book yield of 1.98%. Business First re-deployed the proceeds into agency securities with an average book yield of 5.17%, locking in higher yields while keeping duration consistent with the overall portfolio weighted average life. The repositioning resulted in a loss of $2.5 million with an estimated earn back of 1.1 years as of December 31, 2023.

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Deposits

Deposits increased $58.1 million or 1.12%, 4.44% annualized, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Annual deposit growth for fiscal year 2023, was $428.4 million or 8.89%.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $113.3 million or 8.02% and interest-bearing deposits increased $171.4 million or 4.54%, compared to the linked quarter, with certificate of deposit (CD) accounts declining $75.3 million or 5.47%. Money market accounts increased $160.3 million or 13.55% from the linked quarter.

Borrowings

Borrowings decreased $7.4 million or 1.16%, from the linked quarter due to a decline in repurchase agreements and repayments on a Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) term loan.

ShareholdersEquity

Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) improved $27.7 million during the fourth quarter due to positive after-tax fair value adjustments in the securities portfolio. Book value per common share increased to $22.58 at December 31, 2023, compared to $21.01 at September 30, 2023, due to continued earnings growth and positive securities fair value adjustments. On a non-GAAP basis, tangible book value per common share increased to $18.62 at December 31, 2023, compared to $17.03 at September 30, 2023.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, net interest income totaled $53.8 million, compared to $55.3 million from the linked quarter. Loan and interest-earning asset yields of 6.87% and 6.17%, respectively, increased 3 basis points and 7 basis points, respectively, compared to 6.84% and 6.10% from the linked quarter. Net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.50% and 2.53% compared to 3.61% and 2.68%, respectively, for the linked quarter. The overall cost of funds, which include noninterest-bearing deposits, increased from 2.59% to 2.79% or 20 basis points, from the linked quarter due to higher cost deposits and $30.8 million less in average noninterest bearing deposits.

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Non-GAAP net interest income (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.9 million) totaled $51.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to $52.9 million (excluding loan discount accretion of $2.4 million) from the linked quarter. Non-GAAP net interest margin and net interest spread (excluding loan discount accretion of $1.9 million) were 3.38% and 2.40%, respectively, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to 3.46% and 2.53% (excluding loan discount accretion of $2.4 million) for the linked quarter. Excluding loan discount accretion, loan yields increased 8 basis points to 6.72% from 6.64%, and interest earnings asset yields increased 11 basis points to 6.05% from 5.94%, compared to the linked quarter.

Provision for Credit Losses

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, Business First recorded a provision for credit losses of $119,000, compared to $604,000 for the linked quarter. The current quarter’s reserve decreased largely due to adjustments associated with various qualitative factors.

Other Income

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, other income decreased $3.5 million or 35.11%, compared to the linked quarter. The net decrease was largely attributable to a $2.5 million loss on sale of securities due to Business First’s security repositioning initiative, a $1.0 million loss in equity investment income, and a $919,000 gain related to a branch sale which occurred during the linked quarter, partially offset by $964,000 of back-to-back customer swap fee income which occurred during the quarter.

Other Expenses

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, other expenses increased by $1.1 million or 2.87%, compared to the linked quarter. The net increase was largely attributable to $654,000 in customer fraud/operational losses within other expense, $490,000 in other real estate owned expenses ($432,000 was related to a former bank premises), and an additional $466,000 in data processing costs compared to the linked quarter, offset by a reduction of $700,000 to the ad valorem shares tax expense.

Return on Assets and Common Equity

Return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 0.88% and 10.54% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to 1.17% and 14.16%, respectively, for the linked quarter. Non-GAAP return to common shareholders on average assets and common equity, each on an annualized basis, were 1.03% and 12.27% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to 1.10% and 13.32%, respectively, for the linked quarter.

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Conference Call and Webcast

Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Central time. Interested parties may attend the call by dialing toll-free 1-800-715-9871 (North America only), conference ID 4061156, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call. The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/gctma4g8. The corresponding slide presentation can be assessed the day of the presentation on b1BANK’s 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 $6.6 billion in assets, $6.0 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (excludes $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW) and operates Banking Centers and Loan Production Offices in markets across Louisiana and the Dallas and Houston, Texas areas, providing commercial and personal banking products and services. Commercial banking services include commercial loans and letters of credit, working capital lines and equipment financing, and treasury management services. b1BANK was awarded #1 Best-In-State Bank, Louisiana, by Forbes and Statista, and is a multiyear winner of American Bankers “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.

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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by their reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “could,” or “intend.” We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, in that actual results could differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those factors specified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other public filings. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this news release.

Additional Information

For additional information about Business First, you may obtain Business First’s reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) free of charge by using the SEC’s EDGAR service on the SEC’s website at www.SEC.gov or by contacting the SEC for further information at 1-800-SEC-0330. Alternatively, these documents can be obtained free of charge from Business First by directing a request to: Business First Bancshares, Inc., 500 Laurel Street, Suite 101, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

No Offer or Solicitation

This release does not constitute or form part of any offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities of Business First. There will be no sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

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Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, September 30, December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2023 2023 2022
Balance Sheet Ratios **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loans (HFI) to Deposits 95.12 % 94.79 % 95.56 %
Shareholders' Equity to Assets Ratio 9.78 % 9.31 % 9.69 %
Loans Receivable Held for Investment (HFI) **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Commercial (1) $ 1,358,838 $ 1,332,384 $ 1,153,873
Real Estate:
Commercial 2,217,928 2,128,855 2,020,406
Construction 669,798 708,835 722,074
Residential 682,394 686,921 656,378
Total Real Estate 3,570,120 3,524,611 3,398,858
Consumer and Other 63,827 63,278 53,445
Total Loans (Held for Investment) $ 4,992,785 $ 4,920,273 $ 4,606,176
Allowance for Loan Losses **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Balance, Beginning of Period $ 41,129 $ 42,013 $ 35,201
Charge-offs – Quarterly (1,039 ) (2,423 ) (387 )
Recoveries – Quarterly 152 685 313
Provision for Loan Losses – Quarterly 172 854 3,051
Balance, End of Period $ 40,414 $ 41,129 $ 38,178
Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans (HFI) 0.81 % 0.84 % 0.83 %
Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans (HFI) (2) 0.88 % 0.90 % 0.84 %
Net Charge-offs (Recoveries) to Average Quarterly Total Loans 0.02 % 0.04 % 0.00 %
Remaining Loan Purchase Discount $ 12,286 $ 14,752 $ 27,000
Nonperforming Assets **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Nonperforming Loans:
Nonaccrual Loans (1) $ 16,943 $ 16,029 $ 11,054
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More (1) 127 247 335
Total Nonperforming Loans 17,070 16,276 11,389
Other Nonperforming Assets:
Other Real Estate Owned 1,685 1,558 1,372
Other Nonperforming Assets - - 62
Total Other Nonperforming Assets 1,685 1,558 1,434
Total Nonperforming Assets $ 18,755 $ 17,834 $ 12,823
Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans (HFI) 0.34 % 0.33 % 0.25 %
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets 0.28 % 0.27 % 0.21 %
(1) Past due and nonaccrual loan amounts exclude acquired impaired loans, even if contractually past due or if the Company does not expect to receive payment in full, as the Company was currently accreting interest income over the expected life of the loans for the period ended December 31, 2023, in accordance with ASC 310-30.
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(2) Allowance for Credit Losses includes the Allowance for Loan Loss and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments.

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Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2023 2023 2022 2023 2022
Per Share Data **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Basic Earnings per Common Share $ 0.58 $ 0.76 $ 0.68 $ 2.62 $ 2.34
Diluted Earnings per Common Share 0.57 0.76 0.67 2.59 2.32
Dividends per Common Share 0.14 0.12 0.12 0.50 0.48
Book Value per Common Share 22.58 21.01 20.25 22.58 20.25
Average Common Shares Outstanding 25,116,688 25,111,548 24,542,120 25,079,106 22,633,478
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding 25,333,913 25,288,660 24,757,143 25,296,200 22,817,493
End of Period Common Shares Outstanding 25,351,809 25,344,168 25,110,313 25,351,209 25,110,313
Annualized Performance Ratios **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Assets (1) 0.88 % 1.17 % 1.12 % 1.04 % 0.97 %
Return to Common Shareholders on Average Common Equity (1) 10.54 % 14.16 % 13.56 % 12.36 % 11.59 %
Net Interest Margin (1) 3.50 % 3.61 % 4.06 % 3.62 % 3.92 %
Net Interest Spread (1) 2.53 % 2.68 % 3.43 % 2.72 % 3.57 %
Efficiency Ratio (2) 63.36 % 59.23 % 59.60 % 61.61 % 65.26 %
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Assets $ 6,494,861 $ 6,474,935 $ 5,899,972 $ 6,341,880 $ 5,473,508
Total Quarterly/Year-to-Date Average Common Equity 544,628 535,211 486,338 530,956 456,388
Other Expenses **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Salaries and Employee Benefits $ 22,609 $ 22,487 $ 22,205 $ 90,611 $ 85,222
Occupancy and Bank Premises 2,387 2,428 2,285 9,518 9,244
Depreciation and Amortization 1,647 1,690 1,700 6,767 6,853
Data Processing 2,490 2,024 2,201 9,034 8,358
FDIC Assessment Fees 841 779 611 3,645 2,854
Legal and Other Professional Fees 833 766 462 3,173 2,359
Advertising and Promotions 1,052 1,202 1,571 4,628 3,949
Utilities and Communications 700 758 759 2,899 3,193
Ad Valorem Shares Tax 265 965 962 3,160 3,400
Directors' Fees 262 278 270 1,079 972
Other Real Estate Owned Expenses and Write-Downs 504 14 11 687 193
Merger and Conversion-Related Expenses 63 2 138 236 4,808
Other 6,061 5,214 5,171 21,265 18,004
Total Other Expenses $ 39,714 $ 38,607 $ 38,346 $ 156,702 $ 149,409
Other Income **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts $ 2,470 $ 2,540 $ 2,265 $ 9,704 $ 8,272
Loss on Sales of Securities (2,503 ) - (2 ) (2,565 ) (48 )
Debit Card and ATM Fee Income 1,793 1,581 1,582 6,590 6,407
Bank-Owned Life Insurance Income 572 604 526 2,247 1,931
Gain on Sales of Loans 546 321 59 1,972 574
Mortgage Origination Income 47 108 105 285 532
Fees and Brokerage Commission 1,710 1,933 1,760 7,247 6,964
Gain on Sales of Other Real Estate Owned 338 85 3 646 33
Loss on Disposal of Other Assets (1 ) (23 ) (1 ) (15 ) (717 )
Gain on Sale of Branch 13 932 - 945 -
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt - 517 - 1,458 -
Swap Fee Income 964 - - 964 -
Pass-Through Income (Loss) from Other Investments (1,028 ) (11 ) 608 1,946 1,347
Other 1,492 1,296 1,373 5,218 4,015
Total Other Income $ 6,413 $ 9,883 $ 8,278 $ 36,642 $ 29,310
(1) Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing monthly averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an Actual/365 day count convention.
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(2) Noninterest expense (excluding provision for loan losses) divided by noninterest income plus net interest income less gain/loss on sales of securities.

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Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
December 31, September 30, December 31,
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(Dollars in thousands) 2023 2023 2022
Assets **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Cash and Due From Banks $ 226,110 $ 191,461 $ 152,740
Federal Funds Sold 151,134 196,616 15,606
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values 879,571 849,704 890,751
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 835 652 304
Loans and Lease Receivable 4,992,785 4,920,273 4,606,176
Allowance for Loan Losses (40,414 ) (41,129 ) (38,178 )
Net Loans and Lease Receivable 4,952,371 4,879,144 4,567,998
Premises and Equipment, Net 69,480 64,674 63,177
Accrued Interest Receivable 29,916 28,060 25,666
Other Equity Securities 33,942 32,591 37,467
Other Real Estate Owned 1,685 1,558 1,372
Cash Value of Life Insurance 96,478 95,906 91,958
Deferred Taxes, Net 27,323 34,660 31,194
Goodwill 88,391 88,391 88,543
Core Deposit and Customer Intangibles 11,895 12,418 14,042
Other Assets 15,419 12,946 9,642
Total Assets $ 6,584,550 $ 6,488,781 $ 5,990,460
Liabilities **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Deposits
Noninterest-Bearing $ 1,299,090 $ 1,412,406 $ 1,549,381
Interest-Bearing 3,949,700 3,778,317 3,270,964
Total Deposits 5,248,790 5,190,723 4,820,345
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase 18,885 23,245 20,208
Federal Funds Purchased - - 14,057
Bank Term Funding Program 300,000 300,000 -
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings 211,198 214,184 410,100
Subordinated Debt 99,990 100,048 110,749
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities 5,000 5,000 5,000
Accrued Interest Payable 14,841 11,188 2,092
Other Liabilities 41,587 40,027 27,428
Total Liabilities 5,940,291 5,884,415 5,409,979
Shareholders' Equity **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Preferred Stock 71,930 71,930 71,930
Common Stock 25,352 25,344 25,110
Additional Paid-In Capital 397,447 396,121 393,690
Retained Earnings 216,115 205,207 163,955
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (66,585 ) (94,236 ) (74,204 )
Total Shareholders' Equity 644,259 604,366 580,481
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 6,584,550 $ 6,488,781 $ 5,990,460

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Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2023 2023 2022 2023 2022
Interest Income: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest and Fees on Loans $ 85,761 $ 84,575 $ 69,364 $ 323,327 $ 218,032
Interest and Dividends on Securities 5,193 5,053 4,316 20,125 16,503
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks 3,711 3,694 825 9,875 1,579
Total Interest Income 94,665 93,322 74,505 353,327 236,114
Interest Expense: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest on Deposits 34,190 30,110 13,307 106,908 24,413
Interest on Borrowings 6,715 7,918 5,138 31,290 12,124
Total Interest Expense 40,905 38,028 18,445 138,198 36,537
Net Interest Income 53,760 55,294 56,060 215,129 199,577
Provision for Credit Losses 119 604 3,051 4,483 10,886
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses 53,641 54,690 53,009 210,646 188,691
Other Income: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts 2,470 2,540 2,265 9,704 8,272
Loss on Sales of Securities (2,503 ) - (2 ) (2,565 ) (48 )
Gain on Sales of Loans 546 321 59 1,972 574
Other Income 5,900 7,022 5,956 27,531 20,512
Total Other Income 6,413 9,883 8,278 36,642 29,310
Other Expenses: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Salaries and Employee Benefits 22,609 22,487 22,205 90,611 85,222
Occupancy and Equipment Expense 5,301 5,445 4,918 20,859 19,367
Merger and Conversion-Related Expense 63 2 138 236 4,808
Other Expenses 11,741 10,673 11,085 44,996 40,012
Total Other Expenses 39,714 38,607 38,346 156,702 149,409
Income Before Income Taxes 20,340 25,966 22,941 90,586 68,592
Provision for Income Taxes 4,516 5,511 4,974 19,543 14,337
Net Income 15,824 20,455 17,967 71,043 54,255
Preferred Stock Dividends 1,350 1,351 1,350 5,401 1,350
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders $ 14,474 $ 19,104 $ 16,617 $ 65,642 $ 52,905

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12

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
Average Average Average
Outstanding Interest Earned / Average Outstanding Interest Earned / Average Outstanding Interest Earned / Average
(Dollars in thousands) Balance Interest Paid Yield / Rate Balance Interest Paid Yield / Rate Balance Interest Paid Yield / Rate
Assets **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest-Earning Assets:
Total Loans $ 4,949,954 $ 85,761 6.87 % $ 4,906,917 $ 84,575 6.84 % $ 4,519,643 $ 69,364 6.09 %
Securities 865,372 5,193 2.38 % 885,792 5,053 2.26 % 901,236 4,316 1.90 %
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks 271,004 3,711 5.43 % 278,420 3,694 5.26 % 62,013 825 5.28 %
Total Interest-Earning Assets 6,086,330 94,665 6.17 % 6,071,129 93,322 6.10 % 5,482,892 74,505 5.39 %
Allowance for Loan Losses (40,996 ) (42,120 ) (35,951 )
Noninterest-Earning Assets 449,527 445,926 453,031
Total Assets $ 6,494,861 $ 94,665 $ 6,474,935 $ 93,322 $ 5,899,972 $ 74,505
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest-Bearing Deposits $ 3,816,474 $ 34,190 3.55 % $ 3,703,682 $ 30,110 3.23 % $ 3,157,513 $ 13,307 1.67 %
Subordinated Debt 100,009 1,320 5.24 % 100,400 1,363 5.39 % 110,800 1,363 4.88 %
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities 5,000 113 8.97 % 5,000 111 8.81 % 5,000 85 6.74 %
Bank Term Funding Program 300,000 3,202 4.23 % 300,000 3,422 4.53 % - - 0.00 %
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) 213,280 1,947 3.62 % 284,930 2,875 4.00 % 436,233 3,555 3.23 %
First National Bankers Bank Line of Credit - - 0.00 % - - 0.00 % 1,667 30 7.14 %
Other Borrowings 20,772 133 2.54 % 23,542 147 2.48 % 25,815 105 1.61 %
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities 4,455,535 40,905 3.64 % 4,417,554 38,028 3.42 % 3,737,028 18,445 1.96 %
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits $ 1,368,452 $ 1,399,293 $ 1,567,507
Other Liabilities 54,316 50,947 37,138
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities 1,422,768 1,450,240 1,604,645
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity 544,628 535,211 486,338
Preferred Equity 71,930 71,930 71,961
Total Shareholders' Equity 616,558 607,141 558,299
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 6,494,861 $ 6,474,935 $ 5,899,972
Net Interest Spread 2.53 % 2.68 % 3.43 %
Net Interest Income $ 53,760 $ 55,294 $ 56,060
Net Interest Margin 3.50 % 3.61 % 4.06 %
Overall Cost of Funds 2.79 % 2.59 % 1.38 %
NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing monthly averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an Actual/365 day count convention.
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13

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Net Interest Margin
(Unaudited)
Year Ended
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Average Average
Outstanding Interest Earned / Average Outstanding Interest Earned / Average
(Dollars in thousands) Balance Interest Paid Yield / Rate Balance Interest Paid Yield / Rate
Assets **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest-Earning Assets:
Total Loans $ 4,859,637 $ 323,327 6.65 % $ 4,020,436 $ 218,032 5.42 %
Securities 898,771 20,125 2.24 % 956,232 16,503 1.73 %
Interest-Bearing Deposit in Other Banks 180,997 9,875 5.46 % 115,016 1,579 1.37 %
Total Interest-Earning Assets 5,939,405 353,327 5.95 % 5,091,684 236,114 4.64 %
Allowance for Loan Losses (41,665 ) (32,093 )
Noninterest-Earning Assets 444,140 413,917
Total Assets $ 6,341,880 $ 353,327 $ 5,473,508 $ 236,114
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest-Bearing Deposits $ 3,566,216 $ 106,908 3.00 % $ 3,007,882 $ 24,413 0.81 %
Subordinated Debt 105,369 5,323 5.05 % 106,054 5,108 4.82 %
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities 5,000 430 8.60 % 5,000 247 4.94 %
Bank Term Funding Program 253,706 11,313 4.46 % - - 0.00 %
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) 329,726 13,702 4.16 % 271,025 6,479 2.39 %
First National Bankers Bank Line of Credit - - 0.00 % 2,500 121 4.84 %
Other Borrowings 21,825 522 2.39 % 23,197 169 0.73 %
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities 4,281,842 138,198 3.23 % 3,415,658 36,537 1.07 %
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities:
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits 1,412,979 1,539,938
Other Liabilities 44,173 37,533
Total Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities 1,457,152 1,577,471
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shareholders' Equity 530,956 456,388
Preferred Equity 71,930 23,991
Total Shareholders' Equity 602,886 480,379
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 6,341,880 $ 5,473,508
Net Interest Spread 2.72 % 3.57 %
Net Interest Income $ 215,129 $ 199,577
Net Interest Margin 3.62 % 3.92 %
Overall Cost of Funds 2.43 % 0.74 %
NOTE: Average outstanding balances are determined utilizing monthly averages and average yield/rate is calculated utilizing an Actual/365 day count convention.
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14

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2023 2023 2022 2023 2022
Interest Income: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest income $ 94,665 $ 93,322 $ 74,505 $ 353,327 $ 236,114
Core interest income 94,665 93,322 74,505 353,327 236,114
Interest Expense: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest expense 40,905 38,028 18,445 138,198 36,537
Core interest expense 40,905 38,028 18,445 138,198 36,537
Provision for Credit Losses: (b) **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Provision for credit losses 119 604 3,051 4,483 10,886
Core provision expense 119 604 3,051 4,483 10,886
Other Income: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Other income 6,413 9,883 8,278 36,642 29,310
Losses on former bank premises and equipment - - - - 717
Losses on sale of securities 2,503 - 2 2,565 48
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures - - (422 ) - (687 )
Gain on sale of branch (13 ) (932 ) - (945 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt - (517 ) - (1,458 ) -
Core other income 8,903 8,434 7,858 36,804 29,388
Other Expense: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Other expense 39,714 38,607 38,346 156,702 149,409
Acquisition-related expenses (2) (63 ) (2 ) (138 ) (236 ) (5,178 )
Write-down on former bank premises (432 ) (432 )
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair - - - - (501 )
Core other expense 39,219 38,605 38,208 156,034 143,730
Pre-Tax Income: (a) **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Pre-tax income 20,340 25,966 22,941 90,586 68,592
Losses on former bank premises and equipment - - - - 717
Losses on sale of securities 2,503 - 2 2,565 48
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures - - (422 ) - (687 )
Gain on sale of branch (13 ) (932 ) - (945 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt - (517 ) - (1,458 ) -
Acquisition-related expenses (2) 63 2 138 236 5,178
Write-down on former bank premises 432 432
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair - - - - 501
Core pre-tax income 23,325 24,519 22,659 91,416 74,349
Provision for Income Taxes: (1) **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Provision for income taxes 4,516 5,511 4,974 19,543 14,337
Tax on losses on former bank premises and equipment - - - - 151
Tax on losses on sale of securities 529 - - 542 10
Tax on insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures - - (89 ) - (144 )
Tax on gain on sale of branch (3 ) (197 ) - (200 ) -
Tax on gain on extinguishment of debt - (109 ) - (308 ) -
Tax on acquisition-related expenses (2) 1 - 29 21 942
Tax on write-down on former bank premises 91 91
Tax on occupancy and bank premises - storm repair - - - - 106
Core provision for income taxes 5,134 5,205 4,914 19,689 15,402
Preferred Dividends: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Preferred dividends 1,350 1,351 1,350 5,401 1,350
Core preferred dividends 1,350 1,351 1,350 5,401 1,350
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Net income available to common shareholders 14,474 19,104 16,617 65,642 52,905
Losses on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax - - - - 566
Losses on sale of securities, net of tax 1,974 - 2 2,023 38
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures, net of tax - - (333 ) - (543 )
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax (10 ) (735 ) - (745 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax - (408 ) - (1,150 ) -
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax 62 2 109 215 4,236
Write-down on former bank premises, net of tax 341 341
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair, net of tax - - - - 395
Core net income available to common shareholders $ 16,841 $ 17,963 $ 16,395 $ 66,326 $ 57,597
Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings available to common shareholders (a+b) $ 20,459 $ 26,570 $ 25,992 $ 95,069 $ 79,478
Losses on former bank premises and equipment - - - - 717
Loss on sale of securities 2,503 - 2 2,565 48
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures - - (422 ) - (687 )
Gain on sale of branch (13 ) (932 ) - (945 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt - (517 ) - (1,458 ) -
Acquisition-related expenses (2) 63 2 138 236 5,178
Write-down on former premises 432 432
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair - - - - 501
Core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings $ 23,444 $ 25,123 $ 25,710 $ 95,899 $ 85,235
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding 25,333,913 25,288,660 24,757,143 25,296,200 22,817,493
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.57 $ 0.76 $ 0.67 $ 2.59 $ 2.32
Losses on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax - - - - 0.02
Loss on sale of securities, net of tax 0.08 - - 0.08 -
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures, net of tax - - (0.01 ) - (0.02 )
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax (0.00 ) (0.03 ) - (0.03 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax - (0.02 ) - (0.04 ) -
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax 0.00 - - 0.01 0.18
Write-down on former premises, net of tax 0.01 0.01
Occupancy and bank premises -storm repair, net of tax - - - - 0.02
Core diluted earnings per common share $ 0.66 $ 0.71 $ 0.66 $ 2.62 $ 2.52
Pre-tax, pre-provision profit diluted earnings per common share $ 0.81 $ 1.05 $ 1.05 $ 3.76 $ 3.48
Losses on former bank premises and equipment - - - - 0.03
Loss on sale of securities 0.10 - - 0.10 -
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures - - (0.02 ) - (0.03 )
Gain on sale of branch (0.00 ) (0.04 ) - (0.04 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt - (0.02 ) - (0.06 ) -
Acquisition-related expenses (2) 0.00 - 0.01 0.01 0.23
Write-down on former premises 0.02 0.02
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair - - - - 0.03
Core pre-tax, pre-provision diluted earnings per common share $ 0.93 $ 0.99 $ 1.04 $ 3.79 $ 3.74
(1) Tax rates, exclusive of certain nondeductible merger-related expenses and goodwill, utilized were 21.129% for 2023 and 2022. These rates approximated the marginal tax rates.
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(2) Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits.

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15

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
December 31, September 30, December 31,
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2023 2023 2022
Total Shareholders' (Common) Equity: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Total shareholders' equity $ 644,259 $ 604,366 $ 580,481
Preferred stock (71,930 ) (71,930 ) (71,930 )
Total common shareholders' equity 572,329 532,436 508,551
Goodwill (88,391 ) (88,391 ) (88,543 )
Core deposit and customer intangible (11,895 ) (12,418 ) (14,042 )
Total tangible common equity $ 472,043 $ 431,627 $ 405,966
Total Assets: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Total assets $ 6,584,550 $ 6,488,781 $ 5,990,460
Goodwill (88,391 ) (88,391 ) (88,543 )
Core deposit and customer intangible (11,895 ) (12,418 ) (14,042 )
Total tangible assets $ 6,484,264 $ 6,387,972 $ 5,887,875
Common shares outstanding 25,351,809 25,344,168 25,110,313
Book value per common share $ 22.58 $ 21.01 $ 20.25
Tangible book value per common share $ 18.62 $ 17.03 $ 16.17
Common equity to total assets 8.69 % 8.21 % 8.49 %
Tangible common equity to tangible assets 7.28 % 6.76 % 6.89 %

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16

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2023 2023 2022 2023 2022
Total Quarterly Average Assets $ 6,494,861 $ 6,474,935 $ 5,899,972 $ 6,341,880 $ 5,473,508
Total Quarterly Average Common Equity $ 544,628 $ 535,211 $ 486,338 $ 530,956 $ 456,388
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Net income available to common shareholders $ 14,474 $ 19,104 $ 16,617 $ 65,642 $ 52,905
Losses on former bank premises and equipment, net of tax - - - - 566
Losses on sale of securities, net of tax 1,974 - 2 2,023 38
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures, net of tax - - (333 ) - (543 )
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax (10 ) (735 ) - (745 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax - (408 ) - (1,150 ) -
Acquisition-related expenses, net of tax 62 2 109 215 4,236
Write-down on former bank premises, net of tax 341 - - 341 -
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair, net of tax - - - - 395
Core net income available to common shareholders $ 16,841 $ 17,963 $ 16,395 $ 66,326 $ 57,597
Return to common shareholders on average assets (annualized) (2) 0.88 % 1.17 % 1.12 % 1.04 % 0.97 %
Core return on average assets (annualized) (2) 1.03 % 1.10 % 1.10 % 1.05 % 1.05 %
Return to common shareholders on average common equity (annualized) (2) 10.54 % 14.16 % 13.56 % 12.36 % 11.59 %
Core return on average common equity (annualized) (2) 12.27 % 13.32 % 13.37 % 12.49 % 12.62 %
Interest Income: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest income $ 94,665 $ 93,322 $ 74,505 $ 353,327 $ 236,114
Core interest income 94,665 93,322 74,505 353,327 236,114
Interest Expense: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Interest expense 40,905 38,028 18,445 138,198 36,537
Core interest expense 40,905 38,028 18,445 138,198 36,537
Other Income: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Other income 6,413 9,883 8,278 36,642 29,310
Losses on former bank premises and equipment - - - - 717
Loss on sale of securities 2,503 - 2 2,565 48
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures - - (422 ) - (687 )
Gain on sale of branch (13 ) (932 ) - (945 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt - (517 ) - (1,458 ) -
Core other income 8,903 8,434 7,858 36,804 29,388
Other Expense: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Other expense 39,714 38,607 38,346 156,702 149,409
Acquisition-related expenses (63 ) (2 ) (138 ) (236 ) (5,178 )
Write-down on former bank premises (432 ) - - (432 ) -
Occupancy and bank premises - storm repair - - - - (501 )
Core other expense $ 39,219 $ 38,605 $ 38,208 $ 156,034 $ 143,730
Efficiency Ratio: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Other expense (a) $ 39,714 $ 38,607 $ 38,346 $ 156,702 $ 149,409
Core other expense (c) $ 39,219 $ 38,605 $ 38,208 $ 156,034 $ 143,730
Net interest and other income (1) (b) $ 62,676 $ 65,177 $ 64,340 $ 254,336 $ 228,935
Core net interest and other income (1) (d) $ 62,663 $ 63,728 $ 63,918 $ 251,933 $ 228,965
Efficiency ratio (a/b) 63.36 % 59.23 % 59.60 % 61.61 % 65.26 %
Core efficiency ratio (c/d) 62.59 % 60.58 % 59.78 % 61.93 % 62.77 %
Total Average Interest-Earnings Assets $ 6,086,330 $ 6,071,129 $ 5,482,892 $ 5,939,405 $ 5,091,684
Net Interest Income: **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Net interest income $ 53,760 $ 55,294 $ 56,060 $ 215,129 $ 199,577
Loan discount accretion (1,921 ) (2,419 ) (4,212 ) (9,311 ) (9,432 )
Net interest income excluding loan discount accretion $ 51,839 $ 52,875 $ 51,848 $ 205,818 $ 190,145
Net interest margin (2) 3.50 % 3.61 % 4.06 % 3.62 % 3.92 %
Net interest margin excluding loan discount accretion (2) 3.38 % 3.46 % 3.75 % 3.47 % 3.73 %
Net interest spread (2) 2.53 % 2.68 % 3.43 % 2.72 % 3.57 %
Net interest spread excluding loan discount accretion (2) 2.40 % 2.53 % 3.13 % 2.56 % 3.38 %
(1) Excludes gains/losses on sales of securities.
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(2) Calculated utilizing an Actual/365 day count convention.

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Image Exhibit

Exhibit 99.2

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