Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST), the parent company of b1BANK, reported its first-quarter 2026 financial results on Monday, highlighting a period of significant expansion following its recent merger activity.
The company posted net income available to common shareholders of $22.2 million, or $0.68 per diluted share.
Excluding non-core items related to integration, core net income reached $24 million, or $0.73 per diluted share.
The quarter was primarily characterized by the integration of Progressive, an acquisition that closed on January 1, 2026.
The transaction added approximately $773.8 million in assets and $684.9 million in deposits to the b1BANK franchise.
This influx of capital helped drive total deposits up 11.44% for the quarter.
Additionally, the company's book value per common share increased to $28.18, reflecting a strengthening capital position.
Management noted that the successful onboarding of Progressive's clients and systems contributed to the overall efficiency of the bank's operations during the first three months of the year.
Following the results, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per common share, as well as a quarterly dividend on preferred stock.
Both distributions are scheduled to be paid on May 29, 2026, to shareholders of record as of May 15.