Business First Bancshares, Inc. - Annual Report: 2022 (Form 10-K)

bfbi20221231_10k.htm

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

☐

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-38447

BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Louisiana		20-5340628
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

500 Laurel Street, Suite 101 Baton Rouge, Louisiana		70801
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip code)

(225) 248-7600 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered under 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

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.	Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.	Yes ☐ No ☒

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.	Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).	Yes ☒ No ☐

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☒

Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐

		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by a 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.	☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.	☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.	☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b)[].	☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).	Yes ☐ No ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $449.8 million.

Note.—If a determination as to whether a particular person or entity is an affiliate cannot be made without involving unreasonable effort and expense, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates may be calculated on the basis of assumptions reasonable under the circumstances, provided that the assumptions are set forth in this Form.

As of February 22, 2023, there were 25,110,313 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value per share.

Document Incorporated By Reference:

Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent stated herein. Such Definitive Proxy Statement, or an Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A containing such Part III information, will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

ITEM 1.	Business	5
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors	24
ITEM 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	47
ITEM 2.	Properties	47
ITEM 3.	Legal Proceedings	47
ITEM 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	47

PART II

ITEM 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	48
ITEM 6.	Selected Financial Data	51
ITEM 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	51
ITEM 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	86
ITEM 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	87
ITEM 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	139
ITEM 9A.	Controls and Procedures	139
ITEM 9B.	Other Information	140
ITEM 9C.	Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections	140

PART III

ITEM 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	141
ITEM 11.	Executive Compensation	141
ITEM 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters	141
ITEM 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	141
ITEM 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	141

PART IV

ITEM 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	142
ITEM 16.	Form 10-K Summary	144

Signatures

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Important Notice about Information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K

When we refer in this Annual Report to “we,” “our,” “us,” “Business First” and the “Company,” we are referring to Business First Bancshares, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including b1BANK, formerly known as Business First Bank, which we sometimes refer to as “the Bank”, unless the context indicates otherwise.

The information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is accurate only as of the date of this annual report and as of the dates specified herein.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, or the “Report,” contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements include statements that reflect the current views of our senior management with respect to our financial performance and future events with respect to our business and the banking industry in general, including, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated benefits of our recently completed acquisitions of Pedestal Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary, Pedestal Bank (collectively referred to as “Pedestal”), Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (“SSW”) and Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary, Texas Citizens Bank (collectively referred to as “TCBI”). These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “will continue,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “would” and “outlook,” and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature. These statements involve estimates, assumptions and risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements.

We believe these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

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risks related to the integration of any acquired businesses, including exposure to potential asset quality and credit quality risks and unknown or contingent liabilities, risks related to entering a new geographic market, the time and costs associated with integrating systems, technology platforms, procedures and personnel, the ability to retain key employees and maintain relationships with significant customers, the need for additional capital to finance such transactions, and possible failures in realizing the anticipated benefits from acquisitions;

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changes in the strength of the United States (“U.S.”) economy in general and the local economy in our local market areas adversely affecting our customers and their ability to transact profitable business with us, including the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans according to their terms or a change in the value of the related collateral;

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economic risks posed by our geographic concentration in Louisiana, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and Houston;

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the ability to sustain and continue our organic loan and deposit growth, and manage that growth effectively;

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market declines in industries to which we have exposure, such as the volatility in energy prices and downturns in the energy industry that impact certain of our borrowers and investments that operate within, or are backed by collateral associated with, the energy industry;

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volatility and direction of interest rates and market prices, which could reduce our net interest margins, asset valuations and expense expectations;

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interest rate risk associated with our business;

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changes in the levels of loan prepayments and the resulting effects on the value of our loan portfolio;

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increased competition in the financial services industry, particularly from regional and national institutions and emerging non-bank competitors;

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increased credit risk in our assets and increased operating risk caused by a material change in commercial, consumer and/or real estate loans as a percentage of our total loan portfolio;

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changes in the value of collateral securing our loans;

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deteriorating asset quality and higher loan charge-offs, and the time and effort required to resolve problem assets;

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the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of and provisions made to our allowance for loan and lease losses;

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changes in the availability of funds resulting in increased costs or reduced liquidity;

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our ability to maintain important deposit customer relationships and our reputation;

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a determination or downgrade in the credit quality and credit agency ratings of the securities in our securities portfolio;

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increased asset levels and changes in the composition of assets and the resulting impact on our capital levels and regulatory capital ratios;

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our ability to prudently manage our growth and execute our strategy;

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risks associated with our acquisition and de novo branching strategy;

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the loss of senior management or operating personnel and the potential inability to hire qualified personnel at reasonable compensation levels;

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legislative or regulatory developments, including changes in the laws, regulations, interpretations or policies relating to financial institutions, accounting, tax, trade, monetary and fiscal matters;

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government intervention in the U.S. financial system;

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changes in statutes and government regulations or their interpretations applicable to us, including changes in tax requirements and tax rates;

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natural disasters and adverse weather, acts of terrorism, an outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, epidemics and pandemics such as coronavirus, and other matters beyond our control; and

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other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in our reports and documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this Annual Report. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

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Summary of Risks Factors

Risks Relating to our Business

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Our business and operations may be adversely affected by weak economic conditions.

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Our geographic concentration imposes risk.

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We face significant competition to attract and retain customers.

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Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to successfully execute our business strategy.

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We rely heavily on our executive management team and other key employees, and our ability to attract and retain profitable bankers is critical to the success of our business strategy.

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We may not be able to adequately measure and limit our credit risk.

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Our loan portfolio is largely comprised of commercial loans, which may subject us to increased credit risk.

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Negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity could impair loan collateral.

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Large loans to certain borrowers could have a significant adverse impact on our asset quality.

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Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses on our loan portfolio.

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Our small-to-midsized business customers have fewer resources to weather adverse developments.

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Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business.

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We may not be able to maintain our historical rate of growth, or we may not be able to manage the risks associated with our anticipated growth and expansion.

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Future acquisitions could expose us to financial, execution and operational risks.

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Interest rate shifts could have an adverse effect on our business.

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The markets in which we operate are susceptible to hurricanes and other natural disasters.

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Disruptions in the secondary mortgage market could reduce our ability to resell residential mortgage loans.

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New lines of business, products, product enhancements or services may subject us to additional risks.

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A lack of liquidity could impair our ability to fund operations, and our ability to raise capital or utilize alternative sources of funding may be limited.

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We have a concentration of deposit accounts with state and local municipalities.

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The fair value of our investment securities can fluctuate due to factors outside of our control.

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We need to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.

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Our financial results depend on management’s selection of accounting methods, assumptions, and estimates.

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We have a continuing need for technological change.

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We rely on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure.

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We could be subject to losses, regulatory action or reputational harm due to fraudulent and negligent acts on the part of loan applicants, our employees and vendors.

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Unauthorized access, cyber-crime and other threats to data security.

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We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with our lending activities.

Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Industry

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We operate in a highly regulated environment, which imposes compliance costs, subjects us to stringent capital requirements and risks relating to noncompliance.

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Federal and state banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business.

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New activities and expansion require regulatory approvals.

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Potential limitations on incentive compensation may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain our highest performing employees.

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The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.

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We are subject to laws regarding the privacy, security and protection of personal information.

Risks Associated with our Common Stock

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The market price of our common stock may be subject to substantial fluctuations, and the prevailing market price of our common stock could impair our ability to raise capital.

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The rights of our common shareholders are subordinate to the rights of other interest holders.

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Our dividend policy may change without notice.

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A takeover could be difficult due to our corporate governance documents and certain laws.

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An investment in Business First’s common stock is not an insured deposit and is subject to risk of loss.

The above summary is subject in its entirety to the more complete discussion of risk factors set for forth in “ITEM 1A. Risk Factors”.

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ITEM 1. Business.

General

Business First Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the parent company of b1BANK, formerly known as Business First Bank, a Louisiana state banking association and community-based financial institution that offers a full array of banking products and services. We currently operate throughout the state of Louisiana, in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and Houston, from a network of banking centers and loan production offices.

Since our founding in 2006, our mission has not changed – we seek to be the financial institution of choice for our markets’ small-to-midsized businesses and their owners and employees. To achieve this goal, we focus on recruiting, retaining and empowering talented bankers who are intimately familiar with and well respected in the communities that they serve, and on providing market-leading products and services that add value to our customers’ businesses. We are currently one of the largest Louisiana-based financial institutions. As of December 31, 2022, on a consolidated basis, we had total assets of $6.0 billion, total loans of $4.6 billion, total deposits of $4.8 billion and shareholders’ equity of $580.5 million.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BFST”.

Our Business Strategy

We believe a bank should be measured by the value it adds to its customers’ businesses. We hold that our customers’ needs are best met through local bankers with deep market experience who are empowered with decision-making authority and supported by centralized risk management practices and advanced technology. We understand our competitive strengths and pursue disciplined growth through the careful selection of markets and our position within those markets. Our expansion strategy primarily consists of identifying and recruiting talented teams of bankers in desirable markets and providing them with a platform to better serve their clients.

We believe there is an area stretching from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex to Jackson, Mississippi, along the I-20 corridor and from Houston, Texas to Mobile, Alabama, along the I-10/12 corridors whose small-to-midsized businesses and high net worth individuals are underserved relative to other parts of the country and are well suited for our commercial and private banking products and services. We intend to leverage our competitive strengths to take advantage of what we believe are significant growth opportunities both within our existing footprint and in this larger region. Our growth strategy includes:

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Expanding Presence in Existing Markets. While we maintain a strong position in almost all of our markets, we are continually working to strengthen our presence in our existing markets. As community bankers, we know that relationships are at the heart of our business, and we are always looking to identify and recruit talented bankers within, as well as outside of, our existing markets. Additionally, we constantly stress deposit growth to our bankers as our ability to grow our loan portfolio within our markets is limited by our ability to fund those loans. In keeping with our branch-lite model, we may consider adding more banking centers or complementary offices in strategic locations in our markets.

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Opportunistic Market Expansion. We are well positioned to expand along the I-10/12 and I-20 corridors, East Texas markets to the west, and into the Jackson and Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi markets to the east, as well as growing our markets in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and Houston. We believe these markets have attractive demographics and a significant concentration of small-to-midsized businesses and high net worth individuals that are historically underserved by the banking industry. We intend to focus on growing into these markets as we identify specific opportunities to recruit talented and entrepreneurial teams of local bankers who fit our culture and banking strategy. Prior to the expansion into the Houston market from the TCBI merger, each of our expansions into new markets to date has been accomplished organically.

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Disciplined Acquisition Strategy. While we will remain focused on organic expansion, we will continue to identify and evaluate opportunities for strategic business acquisitions as they arise from time to time. We have historically maintained a disciplined and conservative approach to strategic acquisitions, with our acquisitions to date being (i) the acquisition of American Gateway Financial Corporation within our home market of Baton Rouge in 2015; (ii) the acquisition of Minden Bancorp, Inc. within our second oldest market, Northwest Louisiana, on January 1, 2018; (iii) the acquisition of Richland State Bancorp, Inc., which is in the Northeast Louisiana region, on December 1, 2018; (iv) the acquisition of Pedestal Bancshares, Inc., which operated in southern Louisiana, on May 1, 2020; (v) the acquisition of Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC, which operates out of the Jackson, Mississippi area, on April 1, 2021; and (vi) the acquisition of Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc., which operates in Houston, on March 1, 2022, the last three of which are described in further detail below. We will carefully consider acquisition opportunities that we believe are consistent with our strategic vision and provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our shareholders.

Recent Acquisition Activity

Pedestal Bancshares, Inc. On January 22, 2020, we entered into an agreement and plan of reorganization with Pedestal Bancshares, Inc., and its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Pedestal Bank, headquartered in Houma, Louisiana. The acquisition was consummated on May 1, 2020. As a result of the transaction, we acquired Pedestal Bank’s twenty-two branch locations across southern Louisiana, total assets of $1.4 billion, net loans of $935.8 million and total deposits of $1.2 billion. The acquisition expanded our presence in our South to Southwest Louisiana markets.

Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (“SSW”). On March 22, 2021, we, through b1BANK, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SSW, a registered investment advisor with approximately $3.5 billion in assets under management, specializing in managing investment portfolios for corporations, foundations and individuals. The acquisition of SSW was consummated on April 1, 2021. At March 31, 2021, SSW reported $3.6 million in total assets and $2.3 million in total liabilities.

Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. On October 20, 2021, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. (“TCBI”), the parent bank holding company for Texas Citizens Bank, National Association, headquartered in Pasadena, Texas. The acquisition was consummated on March 1, 2022. As a result of the TCBI acquisition, we added six banking locations in the Houston, Texas market, and as of February 28, 2022, reported total assets of $534.2 million, loans of $349.5 million and total deposits of $477.2 million.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe the following competitive strengths differentiate us from our peers and position us for future growth:

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Sophisticated Business Lending Capabilities. Unlike traditional community banks, we specifically target business customers with complex needs that require a degree of business lending expertise that is typically found only at larger institutions. We primarily target small-to-midsized businesses with credit needs between $1 million and $10 million, whose banking needs are typically too complex for traditional community banks but are not large enough to attract personalized attention and service from larger institutions. In addition to offering the real estate lending typically available from a community bank, we began focusing heavily on our commercial and industrial (“C&I”) products after the economic downturn in 2008 and have developed extensive C&I expertise across our markets. C&I lending requires experienced bankers with a deep understanding of our customers’ businesses and their banking needs, which we believe is well suited for our “high touch” approach to banking. We believe that we have developed an expertise in this small-to-midsized business banking niche that is historically underserved, positioning us for meaningful growth going forward. We have also built treasury and cash management programs that cater to our target customers.

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True Community Banking Model. Despite being located in Louisiana’s largest metropolitan areas and in the two largest metropolitan areas in the state of Texas, we have a true community banking mindset. That means relationship-based banking by bankers who live and work in our markets. Our market presidents and their teams are trained in credit underwriting and asset/liability management, as we view them as comprehensive bankers rather than just credit producers. The experience and talent of our market presidents and their respective banking teams allow us to decentralize significant decision-making authority while maintaining disciplined credit practices. In our experience, developing credit underwriting expertise “on the front lines” promotes quality loan generation and maximizes efficiency. Further, our emphasis on asset/liability management training allows our local banking teams to understand the importance of quality core deposit funding, which we believe is vital to our continued loan growth. In this sense, we view b1BANK as a network of true community banks, not as a typical regional financial institution that makes important credit and strategic decisions at the corporate level without input from its local bankers. In addition, our executive team is located throughout the state of Louisiana, rather than all being in Baton Rouge, providing the bank with a more informed view of our footprint and the best uses of our capital across our footprint.

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Entrepreneurial Culture. We have worked hard to build a team of self-starters who are passionate about the business of banking. We have found success recruiting bankers at much larger institutions who are frustrated by excess bureaucracy, overly centralized decision-making, and an escalated focus on the pursuit of larger business banking clients that larger banks perceive as more profitable than the small-to-midsized businesses we target. Likewise, we have successfully recruited bankers at peer or smaller institutions that do not have the available resources or operating platform to appropriately serve the more sophisticated banking needs of the small-to-midsized businesses in our markets. Our executive team is young and energetic. We believe their collaborative and cohesive approach to working relationships permeates every level of our organization, creating synergies that leave us well-positioned for future growth and helps us attract and retain other talented and entrepreneurial bankers as members of our team.

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History of Disciplined Expansion. Since our founding in 2006, we have grown rapidly across the state of Louisiana, into the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and, into Houston. Each of our expansions were initiated with careful identification and recruitment of local banking teams and thoughtful consideration of each market’s different industries and credit exposures. Our banking centers are carefully situated in locations, typically downtowns and suburban centers, optimized for small-to-midsized business customers and high net worth individuals. This disciplined approach to expansion and growth entails not only recruiting the right bankers in the right markets, but in continuing to focus on the customer base that we are optimized to serve rather than chasing larger relationships as we grow. Over the years, the magnitude of our large banking relationships has changed very little, but the number of our large relationships has grown significantly. In order to continue to serve our customers as they grow without taking undue risk, we have developed a strong participation network that we believe underscores the strength of our underwriting process and the quality of our portfolio. We believe that it is important to keep sight of where our strengths lie and not pursue growth blindly.

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Strong Platform for Growth. As a necessary complement to our style of sophisticated community banking, we have made significant investments to build a strong operational platform to empower our individual markets to thrive, to create operational efficiencies across our diverse markets, and to position us for future growth without commensurate growth in operational expenses. We have invested heavily in risk management personnel and modeling capabilities in recent years – we believe our underwriting capabilities are second to none in our markets, and our strong participation network and asset quality metrics are evidence of those capabilities. We invest in technology, which we believe will allow us to maintain staffing that is skewed towards the production side of our business and to accommodate future growth without commensurate increases in operating expenses. We believe our investments in technology will also allow us to maintain our “high tech/high touch” approach without the need for an extensive network of brick and mortar locations.

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Our Markets

Our banking operations are currently organized into five regions in Louisiana, which include the largest metropolitan areas in the state, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, and Houston, which we service through our banking centers and loan production offices. We will continue to look for talented teams of bankers in markets and potential acquisitions that fit our model going forward.

Our Products and Services

b1BANK is an independent financial institution that is engaged in substantially all of the business operations customarily conducted by financial institutions in Louisiana and Texas. We offer, among other products, checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, commercial and consumer loans, mortgage loans, real estate loans, and other installment and term loans. In addition, b1BANK offers our customers wealth management products, drive-through banking facilities, automated teller machines, night depository, personalized checks, credit cards, debit cards, internet banking, electronic funds transfers through ACH services, domestic and foreign wire transfers, traveler’s checks, cash management, vault services, loan and deposit sweep accounts, and lock box services.

Lending Activities

As a business-focused community-based financial institution, we offer a variety of business-related loans, including commercial lines of credit, working capital loans, commercial real estate-backed loans (including loans secured by owner occupied commercial properties), term loans, equipment financing, acquisition, expansion and development loans, borrowing base loans, real estate construction loans, homebuilder loans, letters of credit and other loan products to small-to-midsized businesses, real estate developers, mortgage lenders, manufacturing and industrial companies and other businesses. We also offer various consumer loans to individuals and professionals including residential real estate loans, home equity loans, installment loans, unsecured and secured personal lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Lending activities originate from the efforts of our bankers, with an emphasis on lending to small-to-midsized businesses, their owners and employees, and individuals located in our market areas. Although all lending involves a degree of risk, we work to mitigate these risks through conservative underwriting policies and consistent monitoring of credit quality indicators.

Commercial and Industrial Loans. We make C&I loans, including commercial lines of credit, working capital loans, term loans, equipment financing, asset acquisition, expansion and development loans, borrowing base loans, letters of credit and other loan products, primarily in our target markets that are underwritten on the basis of the borrower’s ability to service the debt from income. We typically take as collateral a lien on general business assets including, among other things, available real estate, accounts receivable, promissory notes, inventory and equipment and generally obtain a personal guaranty of the borrower or principal. Our C&I loans generally have variable interest rates and terms that typically range from one-to-five years depending on factors such as the type and size of the loan, the financial strength of the borrower/guarantor and the age, type and value of the collateral. Fixed rate C&I loan maturities are generally short-term, with one-to-five year maturities, or include periodic interest rate resets. Our underwriting policy does allow for exceptions in which the term and amortization of a C&I loan may be longer than five years; however, the term and amortization must be consistent with the useful life and depreciation rates of the underlying collateral and an underwriting exception will be noted. In general, C&I loans may involve increased credit risk and, therefore, typically yield a higher return than commercial real estate loans. The increased risk in C&I loans derives from the expectation that such loans generally are serviced principally from the operations of the business, and those operations may not be successful. Any interruption or discontinuance of operating cash flows from the business, which may be influenced by events not under the control of the borrower such as economic events and changes in governmental regulations, could materially affect the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. In addition, the collateral securing C&I loans generally includes moveable property such as equipment and inventory, which may decline in value more rapidly than we anticipated, exposing us to increased credit risk. As a result of these additional complexities, variables and risks, C&I loans require extensive underwriting and servicing.

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Construction and Development Loans. Our construction portfolio includes loans to small-to-midsized businesses to construct owner-user properties, loans to developers of commercial real estate investment properties and residential developments and, to a lesser extent, loans to individual clients for construction of single family homes in our market areas. Construction and development loans are generally made with a term of one-to-two years with interest paid monthly. Our underwriting policy does allow for exceptions in which the term of a construction and development loan may be longer than two years; however, the term must be realistic and consistent with the borrower’s documented ability to repay. The ratio of the loan principal to the value of the collateral, as established by independent appraisal, typically will not exceed regulatory supervisory guidelines. Loan proceeds are disbursed based on the percentage of completion and only after the project has been inspected by an experienced construction lender or third-party inspector. Risks associated with construction and development loans include fluctuations in the value of real estate, project completion risk and change in market trends. We are also exposed to risk based on the ability of the construction loan borrower to finance the loan or sell the property upon completion of the project, which may be affected by changes in secondary market terms and criteria for permanent financing since the time that we funded the loan.

Commercial Real Estate Loans. We offer real estate loans for commercial property that is owner-occupied as well as commercial property owned by real estate investors. Commercial loans that are secured by owner-occupied commercial real estate and primarily collateralized by operating cash flows are also included in this category of loan. Commercial real estate loan terms are generally five years or less and amortization is generally limited to 25 years or less, although payments may be structured on a longer amortization basis in unusual cases. The interest rates on our commercial real estate loans may be fixed or adjustable, although rates typically are not fixed for a period exceeding five years. We generally charge an origination fee for our services. We typically require personal guarantees from the principal owners of the business supported by a review of the principal owners’ personal financial statements and global debt service obligations. Risks associated with commercial real estate loans include fluctuations in the value of real estate, the overall strength of the economy, new job creation trends, tenant vacancy rates, environmental contamination and the quality of the borrower’s management. We make efforts to limit our risk by analyzing borrowers’ cash flow and collateral value. The real estate securing our existing commercial real estate loans includes a wide variety of property types, such as owner-occupied offices/warehouses/production facilities, office buildings, hotels, mixed-use residential/commercial properties, retail centers and multi-family properties. Our commercial real estate loan portfolio presents a higher risk profile than our consumer real estate and consumer loan portfolios.

Residential Real Estate Loans. We offer first and second lien 1-4 family mortgage loans, as well as home equity lines of credit, in each case primarily on owner-occupied primary residences. Our retail consumer real estate lending products are offered primarily to consumer customers within our geographic markets. We also originate for resale 1-4 family mortgage loans, and those loans are included as a part of our consumer real estate loan portfolio until sold to investors. Although our consumer real estate loan portfolio presents lower levels of risk than our commercial, commercial real estate and construction loan portfolios, we are exposed to risk based on fluctuations in the value of the real estate collateral securing the loan, as well as changes in the borrower’s financial condition, which could be affected by numerous factors, including divorce, job loss, illness or other personal hardship.

Consumer Loans. While our focus is on service to small-to-midsized businesses, we also make a variety of loans to individuals for personal, family and household purposes, including secured and unsecured installment and term loans. We offer consumer loans as an accommodation to our existing customers and do not market consumer loans to persons who do not have a pre-existing relationship with us. Our consumer loans, which are underwritten primarily based on the borrower’s financial condition and, in some cases, are unsecured credits, subject us to risk based on changes in the borrower’s financial condition, which could be affected by numerous factors, including divorce, job loss, illness or other personal hardship, and fluctuations in the value of the real estate or personal property securing the consumer loan, if any.

Credit Policies and Procedures

General. We adhere to what we believe are disciplined underwriting standards, but also remain cognizant of the need to serve the credit needs of customers in our primary market areas by offering flexible loan solutions in a responsive and timely manner. We maintain asset quality through an emphasis on local market knowledge, long-term customer relationships, consistent and thorough underwriting for all loans and a conservative credit culture. We also seek to maintain a broadly diversified loan portfolio across customer, product and industry types. Our lending policies do not provide for any loans that are highly speculative, subprime, or that have high loan-to-value ratios. These components, together with active credit management, are the foundation of our credit culture, which we believe is critical to enhancing the long-term value of our organization to our customers, employees, shareholders and communities.

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Credit Concentrations. In connection with the management of our credit portfolio, we actively manage the composition of our loan portfolio, including credit concentrations. Our loan approval policies establish concentration limits with respect to industry and loan product type to enhance portfolio diversification. In general, loan product concentration levels, our commercial real estate concentrations, and industry concentration levels are monitored monthly and reviewed by the Bank’s board of directors.

Loan Approval Process. We seek to achieve an appropriate balance between prudent, disciplined underwriting and flexibility in our decision-making and responsiveness to our customers. Our board has established an “in-house” lending limit to any single customer equal to 15% of the Bank’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital in the case of loans that are not fully secured, with an additional 10% of the Bank’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital in the case of loans that are fully secured by readily marketable collateral having a market value, as determined by reliable and continuously available price quotations at least equal to the amount of the loan. The capital calculation is calculated monthly. As of December 31, 2022, the Bank had a legal lending limit of approximately $328.8 million for loans not fully secured with readily marketable collateral, and its “in-house” lending limit was $71.0 million as of such date. Our credit underwriters are based throughout our footprint and service all of our markets from those locations.

Our credit approval policies provide for various levels of officer and senior management lending authority for new credits and renewals, which are based on position, capability and experience. We approve loans under four types of authority, Matrix (which includes Executive and Directors’ Loan Committees), Incremental, Small Business, and Consumer authority. With the exception of loans secured by cash deposited with us, all commercial loans require a minimum of two approvers (the banker and one other individual with higher authority). When using the Matrix authority, senior lenders have authority up to $500,000, market presidents have authority up to $750,000, regional market presidents have authority up to $1.5 million, the chief banking officer and regional credit managers have authority up to $2.5 million, regional chairmen have authority up to $2.0 million and the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Credit Officer each have authority up to $2.5 million. A combination of the Chief Banking Officer and Chief Credit Officer (or their assigns) may approve up to $5.0 million. All relationships exceeding $5.0 million are approved by the Executive Loan Committee. All loans exceeding $10.0 million are required to be approved by the Director’s Loan Committee, which is comprised of board members. Loans may be approved using the Incremental authority when the relationship has already been approved using the Matrix authority, with senior lenders being able to approve up to $250,000, market presidents being able to approve up to $350,000, regional market presidents and higher authorities up to $1.5 million, cumulatively. Consumer loans which present an aggregate lending exposure under $5.0 million are approved on a transactional basis by appropriate consumer lending personnel using credit underwriting software which recommends approval or decline based on Bank policy guidelines. Loans exceeding the noted amounts or loans with policy exceptions must be approved by an appropriate override authority (including Senior or Executive level management or Loan Committee authority), which we believe provides platform scalability and furthers our fair lending compliance efforts. These parameters are reviewed periodically by the Bank’s board of directors. We believe that our credit approval process provides for thorough underwriting and efficient decision making.

Credit Risk Management. Credit risk management involves a partnership between our executive team and our market presidents. Loan officers, credit administration personnel and senior management proactively support collection activities. Our evaluation and compensation program includes significant goals, such as the percentages of past due loans and charge-offs to total loans in the officer’s portfolio and at the banking center level. We believe this motivates loan officers and management to focus on the origination and maintenance of high-quality credits consistent with our strategic focus on asset quality. Our policies require rapid notification of delinquency and prompt initiation of collection actions.

We maintain a list of loans, or the Watch List that receive additional attention if we believe there may be a potential credit risk. The Watch List is presented to the board of directors monthly. Loan officers are encouraged to bring potential credit issues to the attention of credit administration personnel, and loan grades are updated as deemed appropriate. Quarterly, our internal loan review department analyzes specific segments of the loan portfolio. Additionally, we periodically have an independent, third-party review performed on our loan portfolio. This review includes analysis of the borrower’s and guarantor’s financial condition, the Bank’s collateral position, and other credit risk factors. Results of the review as well as management responses are presented to the Bank’s Risk Committee. Finally, we perform stress testing on key segments of our portfolio in which we evaluate the impact of declining economic conditions on the portfolio based on previous recessionary periods. The reporting and reviews provide management with additional information for assessing our asset quality.

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Deposits

Our deposits serve as the primary funding source for lending, investing and other general banking purposes. We offer business accounts and cash management services, including business checking and savings accounts, and treasury management services. We also provide a full range of deposit products and services, including a variety of checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, debit cards, remote deposit capture, online banking, mobile banking, e-Statements, bank-by-mail and direct deposit services. We solicit deposits through our relationship-driven team of dedicated and accessible bankers and through community-focused marketing and have recently implemented an incentive bonus program with our bankers to encourage deposit growth. We also seek to cross-sell deposit products at loan origination.

Given the diverse nature of our banking location network and our relationship-driven approach to our customers, we believe our deposit base is comparatively less sensitive to interest rate variations than our competitors. Nevertheless, we attempt to competitively price our deposit products to promote core deposit growth. As a business-focused bank offering comprehensive business banking services, we encourage our customers to bank their deposits with us and believe that the quality of our lending relationships and personalized service helps us in these efforts.

Wealth Solutions Services

We offer wealth management and other fiduciary and private banking services targeted to high net worth individuals, including professionals, business owners, families and professional service companies and other financial service companies. In addition to fiduciary and investment management fee income, we believe these services enable us to build new relationships and expand existing relationships to grow our deposits and loans. Through our wealth management line of business, we offer financial planning, retirement services and investment management by a team of seasoned advisors providing access to a wide range of certificates of deposits, mutual funds, annuities, individual retirement accounts, money market accounts and other financial products. Our private banking products and services are offered at all of our banking centers.

Other Products and Services

In addition to traditional banking activities and the other products and services specified above, we provide a broad array of financial services to our customers, including debit and credit card products, treasury and cash management services, merchant services, employee and payroll benefits solutions (including payroll cards and bank-at-work benefits) automated clearing house services, lock-box services, remote deposit capture services, receivables factoring, correspondent banking services (offered by our Financial Institutions Group) and other treasury services.

Subsidiaries

Business First Bancshares, Inc. has two direct, wholly-owned subsidiaries: b1BANK, formerly known as Business First Bank, and Coastal Commerce Statutory Trust I. In addition, b1BANK has two direct, wholly-owned subsidiaries, Business First Insurance, LLC and SSW, which are indirect subsidiaries of Business First Bancshares, Inc. Business First Insurance, LLC is currently inactive and does not engage in any material business activities.

Competition

The banking and financial services industry is highly competitive, and we compete with a wide range of financial institutions within our markets, including local, regional and national commercial banks and credit unions. We also compete with mortgage companies, brokerage firms, consumer finance companies, mutual funds, securities firms, insurance companies, third-party payment processors, fintech companies and other financial intermediaries for certain of our products and services. Some of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions and level of regulatory supervision applicable to us.

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Interest rates on loans and deposits, as well as prices on fee-based services, are typically significant competitive factors within banking and financial services industry. Many of our competitors are much larger financial institutions that have greater financial resources than we do and compete aggressively for market share. These competitors attempt to gain market share through their financial product mix, pricing strategies and banking center locations. Other important competitive factors in our industry and markets include office locations and hours, quality of customer service, community reputation, continuity of personnel and services, capacity and willingness to extend credit, and ability to offer sophisticated banking products and services. While we seek to remain competitive with respect to fees charged, interest rates and pricing, we believe that our broad and sophisticated commercial banking product suite, our high-quality customer service culture, and our positive reputation and community relationships will enable us to compete successfully within our markets and enhance our ability to attract and retain customers.

Human Capital Resources

Our mission is to be the financial institution of choice for enterprises, their owners and employees. Accordingly, we aim to attract, develop, and retain employees who can drive financial and strategic growth objectives and build long-term shareholder value while upholding our Guiding Principles: Relationship-Driven Team; Thoughtful, Disciplined Decision-Making; Meaningful Communication; Doing the Right Thing the Right Way; and Striving to Be the Best Through Continual Improvement. Key items related to our human capital resources are described below.

Structure. As of December 31, 2022, we had 727 full-time and 21 part-time employees (total of 748 employees) located in Arkansas (remote), Kentucky (remote), Louisiana, Michigan (remote), Mississippi, Nevada (remote), South Dakota (remote), Tennessee (remote), Texas, and Virginia (remote). Full-time equivalents (FTEs) were 742. All of our banking centers and loan production offices are located in Louisiana and Texas, and our subsidiary registered investment advisor (RIA), Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC, or SSW, is located in Mississippi. Our Chief Human Resources Officer reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer and manages all aspects of the employee experience, including talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, learning and development, talent management, compensation, and benefits.

The board of directors is regularly updated on our talent development and human capital management strategies.

Productivity. We carefully manage the size of our workforce and reallocate resources as needed. For 2022, we managed an average of $6.2 million in loans held for investment and $6.5 million in deposits per FTE.

Diversity. We have an organization-wide focus to improve recruitment and retention of women and ethnic minorities. In 2022, we launched our Intern Insights Program which focuses on creating a pipeline between young diverse talent and the banking industry. Specifically, recruiting efforts focused on junior year finance and accounting majors at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, a historically black university, for our Intern Insights Program. Furthermore, in 2022, we implemented online exit surveys to provide feedback and help increase retention of women and ethnic minorities. As of December 31, 2022, our colleagues had the following attributes:

	Female	Minority ⁽³⁾
Employees	505 total (67.5%)	148 total (19.8%)
Officials and Managers⁽¹⁾	98 total (55.7%)	30 total (17.0%)
Executive Officers⁽²⁾	3 total (23.1%)	1 total (7.7%)

⁽¹⁾

Based on EEO-1 job classifications.

⁽²⁾

Based on b1BANK’s Executive Team.

⁽³⁾

Includes Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

Compensation and Benefits. We strive to provide pay, benefits, and services that help meet the varying needs of our employees. Compensation and benefits include market-competitive pay, health insurance options, a health reimbursement account (HRA), a flexible spending account (FSA), dependent care, employer-paid life insurance, voluntary life insurance, dental and vision insurance, employer-paid short-term disability, employer-paid long-term disability, employee assistance programs, employee discounts on our products, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, pet insurance, identity and fraud protection, MetLife legal plan, paid time off, (including paid volunteer leave), training and professional development opportunities, and an employer-paid financial wellness program.

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We periodically review compensation and benefits by grade level and position to ensure similar positions are paid comparatively and to ensure that we have a competitive and valuable offering to meet the well-being and needs of our employees.

Attraction, Development and Retention. We measure the success of our talent acquisition strategy on speed and quality of acquisition, diversity of new colleagues, retention, and overall performance metrics. Each of these metrics is tracked for each of the key business lines. Sourcing strategies and support structures are modified to ensure that performance targets are met consistently.

In 2022, the Talent Development team increased its volume and reach by introducing the Leading b1 program for manager development, establishing programming for the Senior Leadership Group, and rolling out a new process to place b1BANKers with External Development Programs offered by banking and community associations. In addition to the new programs and initiatives, the Talent Development team consistently offered ongoing training for conversion, hosted external speakers at The Learning Table (their speaker series), supported by our new internship program – Intern Insights, and upgraded our technology by switching its digital adoption platform to Apty and saving more than $30,000 annually. Overall, the establishment of new programs and processes allowed the Talent Development team to reach all employment levels and provide comprehensive learning resources for more than 700 employees.

Our average tenure is 6.4 years of service. During 2022, we had 352 open employee positions. Of the 255 positions that were filled, 188 (73.7%) were filled by external hires and the remaining 67 (26.3%) were filled by internal hires. We received a total of 5,183 applications. Employee turnover for 2022 was 25.3%.

Available Information

The Company files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information about issuers, like the Company, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.

Documents filed by the Company with the SEC are available from the Company without charge (except for exhibits to the documents). You may obtain documents filed by the Company with the SEC by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the Company at the following address:

Business First Bancshares, Inc.
500 Laurel Street, Suite 101
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801
Attention: Saundra Strong, Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (225) 248-7600
www.b1bank.com

Documents filed by the Company with the SEC are also available on the Company’s website, www.b1bank.com. Information furnished by the Company and information on, or accessible through, the SEC’s or the Company’s website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Supervision and Regulation

General

The U.S. banking industry is highly regulated under federal and state law. Consequently, our growth and earnings performance will be affected not only by management decisions and general and local economic conditions, but also by the statutes administered by, and the regulations and policies of, various governmental regulatory authorities. These authorities include the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (“OFI”), Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and state taxing authorities. The effect of these statutes, regulations and policies, and any changes to such statutes, regulations and policies, can be significant and cannot be predicted.

The primary goals of the bank regulatory scheme are to maintain a safe and sound banking system, facilitate the conduct of sound monetary policy and promote fairness and transparency for financial products and services. The system of supervision and regulation applicable to us and our subsidiaries establishes a comprehensive framework for their respective operations and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund, the Bank’s depositors and the public, rather than our shareholders or creditors. The description below summarizes certain elements of the applicable bank regulatory framework. This description is not intended to describe all laws and regulations applicable to us and our subsidiaries, and the description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes, regulations, policies, interpretive letters and other written guidance that are described herein.

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

As a financial holding company, the Company is permitted to engage in, and be affiliated with companies engaging in, a broader range of activities than those permitted for a bank holding company that has not elected to become a financial holding company. Bank holding companies are generally restricted to engaging in the business of banking, managing or controlling banks and certain other activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be related closely to banking. Financial holding companies may also engage in activities that are considered to be financial in nature, as well as those incidental or complementary to financial activities, including certain insurance underwriting activities. The Company and the Bank must each remain well capitalized and well managed and the Bank must receive a Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) rating of at least “satisfactory” at its most recent examination in order for us to maintain our status as a financial holding company. In addition, the Federal Reserve has the power to order a financial holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity or terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary, when it has a reasonable cause to believe that continuation of such activity or such ownership or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of any bank subsidiary of that financial holding company.

As a bank holding company with respect to the Bank, the Company is also subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, or the BHC Act, and to supervision, examination and enforcement by the Federal Reserve. The BHC Act and other federal laws subject bank holding companies to particular restrictions on the types of activities in which they may engage, and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations. The Federal Reserve’s jurisdiction also extends to any company that we directly or indirectly control, such as any nonbank subsidiaries and other companies in which we own a controlling investment.

Financial Services Industry Reform. In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or Dodd-Frank Act was enacted. The Dodd-Frank Act broadly affected the financial services industry by implementing changes to the financial regulatory landscape aimed at strengthening the sound operation of the financial services sector.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act addressed many investor protection, corporate governance and executive compensation matters affecting publicly-traded companies. However, the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act of 2012, or JOBS Act, provided certain exceptions to these requirements for so long as a publicly-traded qualifies as an emerging growth company. In 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”) revised certain aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act. Among other things, EGRRCPA exempts banks with less than $10 billion in assets (and total trading assets and trading liabilities of 5% or less of total assets) from Volcker Rule requirements relating to proprietary trading and clarifies definitions pertaining to Highly Volatile Commercial Real Estate (“HVCRE”), which require higher capital allocations, so that only loans with increased risk are subject to higher risk weightings. Further changes effected by the passage of EGRRCPA are discussed below.

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Revised Rules on Regulatory Capital. Regulatory capital rules pursuant to the Basel III requirements, released in July 2013 and effective January 1, 2015, implemented higher minimum capital requirements for bank holding companies and banks. These rules include a new common equity Tier 1, or CET1, capital requirement and establish criteria that instruments must meet to be considered common equity Tier 1 capital, additional Tier 1 capital or Tier 2 capital. The revised capital rules require banks and bank holding companies to maintain a minimum CET1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-based assets, a total Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0% of risk-based assets, a total capital ratio of 8.0% of risk-based assets and a leverage ratio of 4.0% of average assets.

The capital rules also require banks to maintain a CET1 capital ratio of 6.5%, a total Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.0%, a total capital ratio of 10.0% and a leverage ratio of 5.0% to be deemed “well capitalized” for purposes of certain rules and prompt corrective action requirements. The risk-based ratios include a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above its minimum risk-based capital requirements that must be composed of common equity Tier 1 capital. This buffer helps to ensure that banking organizations conserve capital when it is most needed, allowing them to better weather periods of economic stress. The buffer is measured relative to risk-weighted assets. An institution would be subject to limitations on certain activities including payment of dividends, share repurchases and discretionary bonuses to executive officers if its capital level is below the buffered ratio. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s capital meets or exceeds these capital requirements, including the buffer.

On September 17, 2019, the FDIC and other federal bank regulatory agencies approved the community bank leverage ratio (“CBLR”) framework as part of the directive under Section 201 of the EGRRCPA. This framework became effective January 1, 2020, and is available to the Bank and Company as an alternative to the Basel III risk-based capital framework. On April 6, 2020, as mandated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted an interim final rule that temporarily reduced the minimum community bank leverage ratio requirement to 8.0% and provided a two quarter grace period for banks with a leverage ratio between 7.0% and 8.0%. A transition interim final rule also adopted by the federal bank regulatory agencies on April 6, 2020 provides a graduated transition from the temporary 8.0% community bank leverage ratio requirement, to the 9.0% community bank leverage ratio requirement as established under the 2019 final rule. Specifically, the transition interim final rule provides that the community bank leverage ratio will be 8.0% in the second quarter through fourth quarter of calendar year 2020, 8.5% in calendar year 2021, and 9.0% thereafter. The CBLR framework is an optional framework that is designed to reduce burden by removing the requirements for calculating and reporting risk-based capital ratios for qualifying community banking organizations that opt into the framework. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company and Bank elected to adopt the CBLR framework. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company and Bank elected to revert to the risk-weighted ratios.

Imposition of Liability for Undercapitalized Subsidiaries. Bank regulators are required to take prompt corrective action to resolve problems associated with insured depository institutions whose capital declines below certain levels. In the event an institution becomes undercapitalized, it must submit a capital restoration plan. The capital restoration plan will not be accepted by the regulators unless each company having control of the undercapitalized institution guarantees the subsidiary’s compliance with the capital restoration plan up to a certain specified amount. Any such guarantee from a depository institution’s holding company is entitled to a priority of payment in bankruptcy.

The aggregate liability of the holding company of an undercapitalized bank is limited to the lesser of 5.0% of the institution’s assets at the time it became undercapitalized or the amount necessary to cause the institution to be adequately capitalized. The bank regulators have greater power in situations where an institution becomes significantly or critically undercapitalized or fails to submit a capital restoration plan. For example, a bank holding company controlling such an institution can be required to obtain prior Federal Reserve approval of proposed dividends, or might be required to consent to a consolidation or to divest the troubled institution or other affiliates.

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Acquisitions by Bank Holding Companies. The BHC Act, requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before it acquires all or substantially all of the assets of any bank, or ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank or bank holding company if after such acquisition it would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5.0% of the voting shares of such bank or bank holding company. In approving bank or bank holding company acquisitions by bank holding companies, the Federal Reserve is required to consider, among other things, the effect of the acquisition on competition, the financial condition, managerial resources and future prospects of the bank holding company and the banks concerned, the convenience and needs of the communities to be served (including the record of performance under the CRA), the effectiveness of the applicant in combating money laundering activities and the extent to which the proposed acquisition would result in greater or more concentrated risks to the stability of the U.S. banking or financial system. Our ability to make future acquisitions will depend on our ability to obtain approval for such acquisitions from the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve could deny our application based on the above criteria or other considerations. For example, we could be required to sell banking centers as a condition to receiving regulatory approval, which condition may not be acceptable to us or, if acceptable to us, may reduce the benefit of a proposed acquisition.

Control Acquisitions. Federal and state laws, including the BHC Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, or CBCA, impose additional prior notice or approval requirements and ongoing regulatory requirements on any investor that seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of an FDIC-insured depository institution or bank holding company. Whether an investor “controls” a depository institution is based on all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the investment. As a general matter, an investor is deemed to control a depository institution or other company if the investor owns or controls 25.0% or more of any class of voting securities. Subject to rebuttal, an investor is presumed to control a depository institution or other company if the investor owns or controls 10.0% or more of any class of voting securities and either the depository institution or company is a public company or no other person will hold a greater percentage of that class of voting securities after the acquisition. If an investor’s ownership of our voting securities were to exceed certain thresholds, the investor could be deemed to “control” us for regulatory purposes, which could subject such investor to regulatory filings or other regulatory consequences. The requirements of the BHC Act and the CBCA could limit our access to capital and could limit parties who could acquire shares of our common stock.

Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends; Source of Strength. As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to certain restrictions on dividends under applicable banking laws and regulations. The Federal Reserve has issued a supervisory letter that provides that a bank holding company should not pay dividends unless: (1) its net income over the last four quarters (net of dividends paid) has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be consistent with the capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition of the bank holding company and its subsidiaries; and (3) the bank holding company will continue to meet minimum required capital adequacy ratios. Failure to comply with the supervisory letter could result in a supervisory finding that the bank holding company is operating in an unsafe and unsound manner. In addition, the Company’s ability to pay dividends may also be limited as a result of the capital conservation buffer under the Basel III regulatory capital framework. In the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. The Federal Reserve may further restrict the payment of dividends by engaging in supervisory action to restrict dividends or by requiring us to maintain a higher level of capital than would otherwise be required under the Basel III minimum capital requirements.

Under longstanding Federal Reserve policy which has been codified by the Dodd-Frank Act, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to, and to commit resources to support, the Bank. This support may be required at times when we may not be inclined to provide it. In addition, any capital loans that the Company makes to the Bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of the Bank. As discussed above, in certain circumstances, the Company could also be required to guarantee the capital restoration plan of the Bank, if it became undercapitalized for purposes of the Federal Reserve’s prompt corrective action regulations. In the event of our bankruptcy, any commitment by us to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of the Bank under a capital restoration plan would be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the trustee will be deemed to have assumed and will be required to cure immediately any deficit under any commitment by the debtor holding company to any of the federal banking agencies to maintain the capital of an insured depository institution, and any claim for breach of such obligation will generally have priority over most other unsecured claims.

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Scope of Permissible Activities. Under the BHC Act, the Company is prohibited from acquiring a direct or indirect interest in or control of more than 5.0% of the voting shares of any company that is not a bank or financial holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiary banks, except that the Company may engage in, directly or indirectly, and may own shares of companies engaged in certain activities found by the Federal Reserve to be so closely related to banking or managing and controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. These activities include, among others, operating a mortgage, finance, credit card or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing investment and financial advice; acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing personal property on a full-payout, nonoperating basis; and providing certain stock brokerage and investment advisory services. In approving acquisitions or the addition of activities, the Federal Reserve considers, among other things, whether the acquisition or the additional activities can reasonably be expected to produce benefits to the public, such as greater convenience, increased competition, or gains in efficiency, that outweigh such possible adverse effects as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest or unsound banking practices.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, also known as the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, effective March 11, 2000, or the GLB Act, amended the BHC Act and eliminated the barriers to affiliations among banks, securities firms, insurance companies and other financial service providers. The GLB Act permitted bank holding companies to become financial holding companies and thereby affiliate with securities firms and insurance companies and engage in other activities that are financial in nature. The GLB Act defines “financial in nature” to include, among other things, securities underwriting, dealing and market making; sponsoring mutual funds and investment companies; insurance underwriting and agency; merchant banking activities; and activities that the Federal Reserve has determined to be closely related to banking. No regulatory approval will be required for a financial holding company to acquire a company, other than a bank or savings association, engaged in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to activities that are financial in nature, as determined by the Federal Reserve. We elected to become a financial holding company in 2020.

Safe and Sound Banking Practices. Bank holding companies are not permitted to engage in unsafe and unsound banking practices. The Federal Reserve’s Regulation Y, for example, generally requires a bank holding company to provide the Federal Reserve with prior notice of any redemption or repurchase of its own equity securities, if the consideration to be paid, together with the consideration paid for any repurchases or redemptions in the preceding year, is equal to 10.0% or more of the bank holding company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve may oppose the transaction if it believes that the transaction would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice or would violate any law or regulation. In certain circumstances, the Federal Reserve could take the position that paying a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice.

The Federal Reserve has broad authority to prohibit activities of bank holding companies and their nonbanking subsidiaries which represent unsafe and unsound banking practices, result in breaches of fiduciary duty or which constitute violations of laws or regulations, and can assess civil money penalties or impose enforcement action for such activities. The penalties can be as high as $1,000,000 for each day the activity continues.

Anti-tying Restrictions. Bank holding companies and their affiliates are prohibited from tying the provision of certain services, such as extensions of credit, to other nonbanking services offered by a bank holding company or its affiliates.

b1BANK

The Bank is a commercial bank chartered under the laws of the State of Louisiana. In addition, its deposits are insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent permitted by law. As a result, the Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and the FDIC. Finally, we are also subject to secondary oversight by state banking authorities in other states in which we may maintain banking offices. The bank regulatory agencies have the power to enforce compliance with applicable banking laws and regulations. These requirements and restrictions include requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the nature and amount of loans that may be made and the interest that may be charged thereon and restrictions relating to investments and other activities of the Bank.

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Capital Adequacy Requirements. The FDIC and Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions monitor the capital adequacy of the Bank by using a combination of risk-based guidelines and leverage ratios similar to those applied at the holding company level. These agencies consider the bank’s capital levels when taking action on various types of applications and when conducting supervisory activities related to the safety and soundness of the bank and the banking system. Under the revised capital rules which became effective on January 1, 2015, the Bank is required to maintain four minimum capital standards: (1) a leverage capital ratio of at least 4.0%, (2) a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%, (3) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.0%, and (4) a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0%.

The Basel III framework also implements a requirement for all FDIC-insured banks to maintain a capital conservation buffer above the minimum capital requirements to avoid certain restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The capital conservation buffer must be composed solely of common equity Tier 1 capital and effectively requires banking organizations to maintain regulatory risk-based capital ratios at least 2.5% above the minimum risk-based capital requirements set forth above.

These capital requirements are minimum requirements. The FDIC or Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions may also set higher capital requirements if warranted by the risk profile of the Bank, economic conditions impacting its markets or other circumstances particular to the bank. For example, FDIC guidance provides that higher capital may be required to take adequate account of, among other things, interest rate risk and the risks posed by concentrations of credit, nontraditional activities or securities trading activities. In addition, the FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations discussed below, in effect, increase the minimum regulatory capital ratios for banking organizations. Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject the Bank to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital directive, restrictions on business activities and other measures under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations.

Pursuant to section 201(b) of EGRRCPA, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted a final rule in 2019 imposing a minimum community bank leverage ratio requirement of 9.0%. On April 6, 2020, as mandated under the CARES Act, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted an interim final rule that temporarily reduced the minimum community bank leverage ratio requirement to 8.0% and provided a two quarter grace period for banks with a leverage ratio between 7.0% and 8.0%. A transition interim final rule also adopted by the federal bank regulatory agencies on April 6, 2020 provides a graduated transition from the temporary 8.0% community bank leverage ratio requirement, to the 9.0% community bank leverage ratio requirement as established under the 2019 final rule. Specifically, the transition interim final rule provides that the community bank leverage ratio will be 8.0% in the second quarter through fourth quarter of calendar year 2020, 8.5% in calendar year 2021, and 9.0% thereafter.

As previously mentioned, the Company and Bank elected to adopt the CBLR framework for the year ended December 31, 2020 and elected to revert to the risk weighted ratios for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Corrective Measures for Capital Deficiencies. The federal banking regulators are required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or FDI Act, to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to capital-deficient institutions that are FDIC-insured. For this purpose, a financial institution is placed in one of the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” The institution’s capital tier depends upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation.

To be well capitalized, a financial institution must have a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0%, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.5%, and a leverage ratio of at least 5.0%, and must not be subject to any written agreement, order or directive requiring it to maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. As of December 31, 2022, the Bank met the requirements to be categorized as well capitalized under the prompt corrective action framework currently in effect.

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Banks that are adequately, but not well, capitalized may not accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits except with a waiver from the Federal Reserve and are subject to restrictions on the interest rates that can be paid on its deposits. The FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations also generally prohibit a bank from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the bank would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized institutions are also subject to growth limitations, may not accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits, and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The agencies may not accept such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the bank’s capital. Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, the FDIC must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized. The capital classification of a bank also affects the frequency of regulatory examinations, the bank’s ability to engage in certain activities and the deposit insurance premiums paid by the bank.

Branching. Under Louisiana law, the Bank is permitted to establish additional branch offices within Louisiana, subject to the approval of the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Bank may also establish additional branch offices outside of Louisiana, subject to prior regulatory approval, so long as the laws of the state where the branch is to be located would permit a state bank chartered in that state to establish a branch. Any new branch, whether located inside or outside of Louisiana, must also be approved by the FDIC, as the Bank’s primary federal regulator. The Bank may also establish offices in other states by merging with banks or by purchasing branches of other banks in other states, subject to certain restrictions.

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders. Transactions between the Bank and its nonbanking subsidiaries and/or affiliates, including the Company, are subject to Section 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W. In general, Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act imposes limits on the amount of such transactions, and also requires certain levels of collateral for loans to affiliated parties. It also limits the amount of advances to third parties which are collateralized by the securities or obligations of the Company or its subsidiaries. Covered transactions with any single affiliate may not exceed 10.0% of the capital stock and surplus of the Bank, and covered transactions with all affiliates may not exceed, in the aggregate, 20.0% of the Bank’s capital and surplus. For a bank, capital stock and surplus refers to the bank’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital, as calculated under the risk-based capital guidelines, plus the balance of the allowance for credit losses excluded from Tier 2 capital. The Bank’s transactions with all of its affiliates in the aggregate are limited to 20.0% of the foregoing capital. “Covered transactions” are defined by statute to include a loan or extension of credit to an affiliate, as well as a purchase of securities issued by an affiliate, a purchase of assets (unless otherwise exempted by the Federal Reserve) from the affiliate, the acceptance of securities issued by the affiliate as collateral for a loan, and the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate. In addition, in connection with covered transactions that are extensions of credit, the Bank may be required to hold collateral to provide added security to the Bank, and the types of permissible collateral may be limited. The Dodd-Frank Act generally enhances the restrictions on transactions with affiliates, including an expansion of what types of transactions are covered transactions to include credit exposures related to derivatives, repurchase agreement and securities lending arrangements and an increase in the amount of time for which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be satisfied.

Affiliate transactions are also subject to Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act which generally requires that certain transactions between the Bank and its affiliates be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the Bank, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with or involving other nonaffiliated persons. The Federal Reserve has also issued Regulation W which codifies prior regulations under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and interpretive guidance with respect to affiliate transactions.

The restrictions on loans to directors, executive officers, principal shareholders and their related interests (collectively referred to herein as “insiders”) contained in Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and in Regulation O promulgated by the Federal Reserve apply to all insured institutions and their subsidiaries and bank holding companies. These restrictions include limits on loans to one borrower and conditions that must be met before such a loan can be made. There is also an aggregate limitation on all loans to insiders and their related interests. Generally, the aggregate of these loans cannot exceed the institution’s total unimpaired capital and surplus, although a bank’s regulators may determine that a lesser amount is appropriate. Loans to senior executive officers of a bank are even further restricted. Insiders are subject to enforcement actions for accepting loans in violation of applicable restrictions.

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Restrictions on Distribution of Bank Dividends and Assets. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions on dividends under federal and state laws, regulations and policies. In general, the Bank may pay dividends to the Company without the approval of the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions so long as the amount of the dividend does not exceed the Bank’s net profits earned during the current year combined with its retained net profits of the immediately preceding year. The Bank is required to obtain the approval of the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions for any amount in excess of this threshold. In addition, under federal law, the Bank may not pay any dividend to the Company if it is undercapitalized or the payment of the dividend would cause it to become undercapitalized. The FDIC may further restrict the payment of dividends by engaging in supervisory action to restrict dividends or by requiring the Bank to maintain a higher level of capital than would otherwise be required to be adequately capitalized for regulatory purposes. Under the Basel III regulatory capital framework, the failure to maintain an adequate capital conservation buffer, as discussed above, may also result in dividend restrictions. Moreover, if, in the opinion of the FDIC, the Bank is engaged in an unsound practice (which could include the payment of dividends), the FDIC may require, generally after notice and hearing, the Bank to cease such practice. The FDIC has indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depository institution’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe banking practice. The FDIC has also issued policy statements providing that insured depository institutions generally should pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

Further, in the event of a liquidation or other resolution of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors and other general or subordinated creditors are entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of holders of any obligation of the institution to its shareholders, including any depository institution holding company (such as us) or any shareholder or creditor thereof.

Incentive Compensation Guidance. The federal banking agencies have issued comprehensive guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of those organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The incentive compensation guidance sets expectations for banking organizations concerning their incentive compensation arrangements and related risk-management, control and governance processes. The incentive compensation guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon three primary principles: (1) balanced risk-taking incentives, (2) compatibility with effective controls and risk management and (3) strong corporate governance. Any deficiencies in compensation practices that are identified may be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect its ability to make acquisitions or take other actions. In addition, under the incentive compensation guidance, a banking organization’s federal supervisor may initiate enforcement action if the organization’s incentive compensation arrangements pose a risk to the safety and soundness of the organization. Further, a provision of the Basel III capital standards described above would limit discretionary bonus payments to bank executives if the institution’s regulatory capital ratios fail to exceed certain thresholds. A number of federal regulatory agencies proposed rules that would require enhanced disclosure of incentive-based compensation arrangements initially in April 2011, and again in April and May 2016, but the rules have not been finalized and would mostly apply to banking organizations with over $50 billion in total assets. The scope and content of the U.S. banking regulators’ policies on executive compensation are continuing to develop and are likely to continue evolving in the future.

Audit Reports. For insured institutions with total assets of $1.0 billion or more, financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, management’s certifications signed by our and the Bank’s chief executive officer and chief accounting or financial officer concerning management’s responsibility for the financial statements, and an attestation by the auditors regarding the Bank’s internal controls must be submitted. For institutions with total assets of more than $3.0 billion, independent auditors may be required to review quarterly financial statements. FDICIA requires that the Bank have an independent audit committee, consisting of outside directors only, or that we have an audit committee that is entirely independent. The committees of such institutions must include members with experience in banking or financial management, must have access to outside counsel and must not include representatives of large customers. The Bank’s audit committee consists entirely of independent directors.

Deposit Insurance Assessments. The FDIC insures the deposits of federally insured banks up to prescribed statutory limits for each depositor through the Deposit Insurance Fund and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and thrift industries. The maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks and savings institutions is $250,000 per depositor. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each insured depository institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors and is calculated based on an institution’s average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity.

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We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. At least semiannually, the FDIC will update its loss and income projections for the Deposit Insurance Fund and, if needed, will increase or decrease assessment rates, following notice-and-comment rulemaking, if required. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures or if the FDIC otherwise determines to increase assessment rates, the Bank may be required to pay higher FDIC insurance premiums. Any future increases in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings.

Financial Modernization. Under the GLB Act, banks may establish financial subsidiaries and engage, subject to limitations on investment, in activities that are financial in nature, other than insurance underwriting as principal, insurance company portfolio investment, real estate development, real estate investment, annuity issuance and merchant banking activities. To do so, a bank must be well capitalized, well managed and have a CRA rating from its primary federal regulator of satisfactory or better. Subsidiary banks of financial holding companies or banks with financial subsidiaries must remain well capitalized and well managed in order to continue to engage in activities that are financial in nature without regulatory actions or restrictions. Such actions or restrictions could include divestiture of the “financial in nature” subsidiary or subsidiaries. In addition, a financial holding company or a bank may not acquire a company that is engaged in activities that are financial in nature unless each of the subsidiary banks of the financial holding company or the bank has a CRA rating of satisfactory or better. Neither we nor the Bank maintains a financial subsidiary.

Brokered Deposit Restrictions. Insured depository institutions that are categorized as adequately capitalized institutions under the FDI Act and corresponding federal regulations cannot accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits, without receiving a waiver from the FDIC, and are subject to restrictions on the interest rates that can be paid on any deposits. The EGRRCPA exempted reciprocal deposits from the definition of brokered deposits. Insured depository institutions that are categorized as undercapitalized capitalized institutions under the FDI Act and corresponding federal regulations may not accept, renew, or roll over brokered deposits. The Bank is not currently subject to such restrictions.

Concentrated Commercial Real Estate Lending Regulations. The federal banking regulatory agencies have promulgated guidance governing financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending. The guidance provides that a bank has a concentration in commercial real estate lending if (1) total reported loans for acquisition, construction, land development, and other land represent 100.0% or more of total risk-based capital or (2) total reported loans secured by multi-family and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for acquisition, construction, land development, and other land represent 300.0% or more of total risk-based capital and the bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months. Owner occupied loans are excluded from this second category. If a concentration is present, management must employ heightened risk management practices that address, among other things, Board and management oversight and strategic planning, portfolio management, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing, and maintenance of increased capital levels as needed to support the level of commercial real estate lending. Our acquisition, construction, land development, and other land portfolio is currently over the regulatory guidance percentage threshold due to the timing of draws on several larger construction and development projects and our portfolio secured by multi-family and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for acquisition, construction, land development, and other land is within the percentage threshold.

Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA and the regulations issued thereunder are intended to encourage banks to help meet the credit needs of their entire assessment area, including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operations of such banks. These regulations also provide for regulatory assessment of a bank’s record in meeting the needs of its assessment area when considering applications to establish branches, merger applications and applications to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of another bank. The Financial Institution Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act, or FIRREA requires federal banking agencies to make public a rating of a bank’s performance under the CRA. In the case of a bank holding company, the CRA performance record of the banks involved in the transaction are reviewed in connection with the filing of an application to acquire ownership or control of shares or assets of a bank or to merge with any other bank holding company. An unsatisfactory CRA record could substantially delay approval or result in denial of an application. The Bank received a “satisfactory” rating in its most recent CRA examination in April, 2020.

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Consumer Laws and Regulations. The Bank is subject to numerous laws and regulations intended to protect consumers in transactions with the Bank. These laws include, among others, laws regarding unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices, usury laws, and other federal consumer protection statutes. These federal laws include the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Real Estate Procedures Act of 1974, the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the Truth in Lending Act and the Truth in Savings Act, among others. Many states and local jurisdictions have consumer protection laws analogous, and in addition, to those enacted under federal law. These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans and conducting other types of transactions. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could give rise to regulatory sanctions, customer rescission and registration rights, action by state and local attorneys general and civil or criminal liability.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB. The CFPB has broad authority to regulate the offering and provision of consumer financial products. The Dodd-Frank Act gives the CFPB authority to supervise and examine depository institutions with more than $10.0 billion in assets for compliance with these federal consumer laws. The authority to supervise and examine depository institutions with $10.0 billion or less in assets for compliance with federal consumer laws remains largely with those institutions’ primary regulators. However, the CFPB may participate in examinations of these smaller institutions on a “sampling basis” and may refer potential enforcement actions against such institutions to their primary regulators. Accordingly, the CFPB may participate in examinations of the Bank, which currently has assets of less than $10.0 billion, and could supervise and examine our other direct or indirect subsidiaries that offer consumer financial products or services. The CFPB also has supervisory and examination authority over certain nonbank institutions that offer consumer financial products. The Dodd-Frank Act identifies a number of covered nonbank institutions, and also authorizes the CFPB to identify additional institutions that will be subject to its jurisdiction. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and regulations that are stricter than those regulations promulgated by the CFPB, and state attorneys general are permitted to enforce consumer protection rules adopted by the CFPB against certain institutions.

Mortgage Lending Rules. The Dodd-Frank Act authorized the CFPB to establish certain minimum standards for the origination of residential mortgages, including a determination of the borrower’s ability to repay. Under the Dodd-Frank Act and related rules, financial institutions may not make a residential mortgage loan unless they make a “reasonable and good faith determination” that the consumer has a “reasonable ability” to repay the loan. The Dodd-Frank Act allows borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure but provides a full or partial safe harbor from such defenses for loans that are “qualified mortgages.” The rules define “qualified mortgages,” imposing both underwriting standards – for example, a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio may not exceed 43.0% – and limits on the terms of their loans. Certain loans, including interest-only loans and negative amortization loans, cannot be qualified mortgages. EGRRCPA, among other matters, expanded the definition of qualified mortgages for banks with less than $10 billion in assets.

Anti-Money Laundering and OFAC. Under federal law, including the Bank Secrecy Act, or BSA, and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, certain financial institutions, such as the Bank, must maintain anti-money laundering programs that include established internal policies, procedures and controls; a designated BSA officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an independent audit function. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence and customer identification especially in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. Financial institutions must take reasonable steps to conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and to report any suspicious transactions, and law enforcement authorities have been granted increased access to financial information maintained by financial institutions. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, issued final rules under the BSA in July 2016 that clarify and strengthen the due diligence requirements for banks with regard to their customers.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, administers laws and Executive Orders that prohibit U.S. entities from engaging in transactions with certain prohibited parties. OFAC publishes lists of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts, known as Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Generally, if a bank identifies a transaction, account or wire transfer relating to a person or entity on an OFAC list, it must freeze the account or block the transaction, file a suspicious activity report and notify the appropriate authorities.

Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations and they must consider an institution’s compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications, including applications for bank mergers and acquisitions. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing and comply with OFAC sanctions, or to comply with relevant laws and regulations, could have serious legal, reputational and financial consequences for the institution.

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Privacy. The federal banking regulators have adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a non-affiliated third party. These regulations affect how consumer information is transmitted through financial services companies and conveyed to outside vendors. In addition, consumers may also prevent disclosure of certain information among affiliated companies that is assembled or used to determine eligibility for a product or service, such as that shown on consumer credit reports and asset and income information from applications. Consumers also have the option to direct banks and other financial institutions not to share information about transactions and experiences with affiliated companies for the purpose of marketing products or services. In addition to applicable federal privacy regulations, the Bank is subject to certain state privacy laws.

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System. The FHLB system, of which the Bank is a member, consists of 11 regional FHLBs governed and regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Board, or FHFB. The FHLBs serve as reserve or credit facilities for member institutions within their assigned regions. The reserves are funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. The FHLBs make loans (i.e., advances) to members in accordance with policies and procedures established by the FHLB and the Boards of directors of each regional FHLB.

As a system member, according to currently existing policies and procedures, the Bank is entitled to borrow from the Dallas FHLB provided it posts acceptable collateral. The Bank is also required to own a certain amount of capital stock in the FHLB. The Bank is in compliance with the stock ownership rules with respect to such advances, commitments and letters of credit and collateral requirements with respect to home mortgage loans and similar obligations. All loans, advances and other extensions of credit made by the FHLB to the Bank are secured by a portion of the respective mortgage loan portfolio, certain other investments and the capital stock of the FHLB held by the Bank.

Enforcement Powers. The bank regulatory agencies have broad enforcement powers, including the power to terminate deposit insurance, impose substantial fines and other civil and criminal penalties, and appoint a conservator or receiver. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and supervisory agreements, breaches of fiduciary duty or the maintenance of unsafe and unsound conditions or practices could subject us or our subsidiaries, including the Bank, as well as their respective officers, directors, and other institution-affiliated parties, to administrative sanctions and potentially substantial civil money penalties. For example, the regulatory authorities may appoint the FDIC as conservator or receiver for a banking institution (or the FDIC may appoint itself, under certain circumstances) if any one or more of a number of circumstances exist, including, without limitation, the fact that the banking institution is undercapitalized and has no reasonable prospect of becoming adequately capitalized, fails to become adequately capitalized when required to do so, fails to submit a timely and acceptable capital restoration plan or materially fails to implement an accepted capital restoration plan.

Effect of Governmental Monetary Policies

The commercial banking business is affected not only by general economic conditions but also by U.S. fiscal policy and the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve. Some of the instruments of monetary policy available to the Federal Reserve include changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings, the fluctuating availability of borrowings at the “discount window,” open market operations, the imposition of and changes in reserve requirements against member banks’ deposits and certain borrowings by banks and their affiliates and assets of foreign branches. These policies influence to a significant extent the overall growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits and the interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. We cannot predict the nature of future fiscal and monetary policies or the effect of these policies on our operations and activities, financial condition, results of operations, growth plans or future prospects.

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Impact of Current Laws and Regulations

The cumulative effect of these laws and regulations, while providing certain benefits, adds significantly to the cost of our operations and thus has a negative impact on our profitability. There has also been a notable expansion in recent years of financial service providers that are not subject to the examination, oversight, and other rules and regulations to which we are subject. Those providers, because they are not so highly regulated, may have a competitive advantage over us and may continue to draw large amounts of funds away from traditional banking institutions, with a continuing adverse effect on the banking industry in general.

Future Legislation and Regulatory Reform

From time to time, various legislative and regulatory initiatives related to financial institutions are introduced in Congress and state legislatures. New regulations and statutes are regularly proposed that contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations and competitive relationships of financial institutions operating in the United States. We cannot predict whether or in what form any proposed regulation or statute will be adopted or the extent to which our business may be affected by any new regulation or statute. Future legislation, regulation and policies, and the effects of that legislation and regulation and those policies, may have a significant influence on our operations and activities, financial condition, results of operations, growth plans or future prospects and the overall growth and distribution of loans, investments and deposits. Such legislation, regulation and policies have had a significant effect on the operations and activities, financial condition, results of operations, growth plans and future prospects of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.

In evaluating our business, you should consider carefully the factors described below. The occurrence of one or more of these events could significantly and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. You should also consider the cautionary statement regarding the use of forward-looking statements elsewhere in this Report.

Risks Relating to our Business

As a business operating in the financial services industry, our business and operations may be adversely affected in numerous and complex ways by weak economic conditions.

Our businesses and operations, which primarily consist of lending money to customers in the form of loans, borrowing money from customers in the form of deposits and investing in securities, are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the United States. Uncertainty about federal fiscal monetary and related policies, the medium and long-term fiscal outlook of the federal government, and future tax rates is a concern for businesses, consumers, and investors in the United States. Changes in any of the policies are influenced by macroeconomic conditions and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, economic conditions in foreign countries, including global political hostilities or public health outbreaks and uncertainty over the stability of foreign currencies, could affect the stability of global financial markets, which could hinder domestic economic growth.

Adverse economic conditions in the United States and in foreign countries, including adverse conditions resulting from natural disasters and adverse weather, acts of terrorism, an outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, epidemics and pandemics such as coronavirus, and other matters beyond our control, and the government policy responses to such conditions, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, results of operations and prospects.

All of these factors could be detrimental to our business, and the interplay between these factors can be complex and unpredictable.

The geographic concentration of our business in the state of Louisiana, in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and Houston, imposes risks and may magnify the consequences of any regional or local economic downturn affecting our markets, including any downturn in the real estate sector.

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We conduct our operations exclusively in the state of Louisiana, in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and Houston. As of December 31, 2022, the substantial majority of the loans in our loan portfolio were made to borrowers who live and/or conduct business in our markets and the substantial majority of our secured loans were secured by collateral located in our markets. Accordingly, we are exposed to risks associated with a lack of geographic diversification as any regional or local economic downturn that affects our markets, our existing or prospective borrowers, or property values in our markets may affect us and our profitability more significantly and more adversely than our competitors whose operations are less geographically focused.

The economic conditions in our markets are highly dependent on the real estate sector as well as the technology, financial services, insurance, transportation, manufacturing and energy sectors. Any downturn or adverse development in these sectors, particularly the real estate and energy sectors in our markets, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and future prospects. Any adverse economic developments, among other things, could negatively affect the volume of loan originations, increase the level of nonperforming assets, increase the rate of foreclosure losses on loans, and reduce the value of our loans.

We face significant competition to attract and retain customers, which could impair our growth, decrease our profitability or result in loss of market share.

We operate in the highly competitive banking industry and face significant competition for customers from bank and non-bank competitors, particularly regional and nationwide institutions, in originating loans, attracting deposits and providing other financial services. Our competitors are generally larger and may have significantly more resources, greater name recognition, and more extensive and established branch networks or geographic footprints than we do. Because of their scale, many of these competitors can be more aggressive than we can on loan and deposit pricing. Also, many of our non-bank competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. We expect competition to continue to intensify due to financial institution consolidation; legislative, regulatory and technological changes; and the emergence of alternative banking sources.

Our ability to compete successfully will depend on a number of factors, including, among other things:

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our ability to develop, maintain and build long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards and safe, sound assets;

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our scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands;

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the rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors;

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customer satisfaction with our level of service;

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our ability to expand our market position;

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industry and general economic trends; and

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our ability to keep pace with technological advances and to invest in new technology.

Increased competition could require us to increase the rates we pay on deposits or lower the rates we offer on loans, which could reduce our profitability. Our failure to compete effectively in our primary markets could cause us to lose market share and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to successfully execute our business strategy, and failure to successfully execute our business strategy could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our success, including our ability to achieve our growth and profitability goals, is dependent on the ability of our management team to execute on our long-term business strategy, which requires them to, among other things:

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attract and retain experienced and talented bankers in each of our markets;

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maintain adequate funding sources, including by continuing to attract stable, low-cost deposits;

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increase our operating efficiency and profitability;

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implement new technologies to enhance the client experience, keep pace with our competitors and improve efficiency;

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attract and maintain commercial banking relationships with well-qualified businesses, real estate developers and investors with proven track records in our market areas;

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attract sufficient loans that meet prudent credit standards, including in our commercial and industrial and owner-occupied commercial real estate loan categories;

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maintain adequate liquidity and regulatory capital and comply with applicable federal and state banking regulations;

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obtain federal and state regulatory approvals;

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manage our credit, interest rate and liquidity risk;

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develop new, and grow our existing, streams of noninterest income;

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oversee the performance of third party service providers that provide material services to our business; and

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maintain expenses in line with their current projections.

Failure to achieve these strategic goals could adversely affect our ability to successfully implement our business strategies and could negatively impact our business, growth prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, if we do not manage our growth effectively, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects could be negatively affected, and we may not be able to continue to implement our business strategy and successfully conduct our operations.

We rely heavily on our executive management team and other key employees, and an unexpected loss of their service could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our success depends in large part on the performance of our key personnel, as well as on our ability to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified senior and middle management and other skilled employees. Competition for employees is intense, and the process of locating key personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to execute our business plan may be lengthy. We may not be successful in retaining our key employees, and the unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel could have an adverse effect on our business because of their skills, knowledge of our primary markets, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel. If the services of any of our key personnel should become unavailable for any reason, we may not be able to identify and hire qualified persons on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to attract and retain profitable bankers is critical to the success of our business strategy, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to retain and grow our loans, deposits and fee income depends upon the business generation capabilities, reputation and relationship management skills of our bankers. If we were to lose the services of any of our bankers, including profitable bankers employed by banks that we may acquire, to a new or existing competitor or otherwise, we may not be able to retain valuable relationships and some of our customers could choose to use the services of a competitor instead of our services.

Our growth strategy also relies on our ability to attract and retain additional profitable bankers. We may face difficulties in recruiting and retaining bankers of our desired caliber, including as a result of competition from other financial institutions. In particular, many of our competitors are significantly larger with greater financial resources, and may be able to offer more attractive compensation packages and broader career opportunities. Additionally, we may incur significant expenses and expend significant time and resources on training, integration and business development before we are able to determine whether a new banker will be profitable or effective. If we are unable to attract and retain profitable bankers, or if our bankers fail to meet our expectations in terms of customer relationships and profitability, we may be unable to execute our business strategy, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We may not be able to adequately measure and limit our credit risk, which could lead to unexpected losses.

Our business depends on our ability to successfully measure and manage credit risk. As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that the principal of, or interest on, a loan will not be repaid timely or at all or that the value of any collateral supporting a loan will be insufficient to cover our outstanding exposure. In addition, we are exposed to risks with respect to the period of time over which the loan may be repaid, risks relating to proper loan underwriting, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, and risks inherent in dealing with individual loans and borrowers. The creditworthiness of a borrower is affected by many factors including local market conditions and general economic conditions. If the overall economic climate in the United States, generally, or our market areas, specifically, experiences material disruption, our borrowers may experience difficulties in repaying their loans, the collateral we hold may decrease in value or become illiquid, and the level of nonperforming loans, charge-offs and delinquencies could rise and require significant additional provisions for credit losses. Additional factors related to the credit quality of commercial loans include the quality of the management of the business and the borrower’s ability both to properly evaluate changes in the supply and demand characteristics affecting our market for products and services and to effectively respond to those changes. Additional factors related to the credit quality of commercial real estate loans include tenant vacancy rates and the quality of management of the property.

Our risk management practices, such as monitoring the concentration of our loans within specific industries and our credit approval, review and administrative practices, may not adequately reduce credit risk, and our credit administration personnel, policies and procedures may not adequately adapt to changes in economic or any other conditions affecting customers and the quality of the loan portfolio. In addition, many of our loans are made to small and midsized businesses that may be less able to withstand competitive, economic and financial pressures than larger borrowers. A failure to effectively measure and limit the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio may result in loan defaults, foreclosures and additional charge-offs, and may necessitate that we significantly increase our allowance for credit losses, each of which could adversely affect our net income. As a result, our inability to successfully manage credit risk could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our commercial real estate loan portfolio exposes us to risks that may be greater than the risks related to our other mortgage loans.

Our loan portfolio includes owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans for individuals and businesses for various purposes, which are secured by commercial properties, as well as real estate acquisition, construction and development loans. As of December 31, 2022, approximately $2.8 billion, or 61.7% of our loan portfolio is secured by commercial real estate. These loans typically involve repayment dependent upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service, which may be adversely affected by changes in the economy or local market conditions. These loans expose us to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans typically cannot be liquidated as easily as residential real estate because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Additionally, non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans generally involve relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Accordingly, charge-offs on non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial real estate loan portfolio would require us to increase our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

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Because a significant portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of real estate loans, negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity could impair the value of collateral securing our real estate loans and result in loan and other losses.

The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. As of December 31, 2022, approximately $3.4 billion, or 73.8%, of our total loans were comprised of loans with real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. Adverse changes affecting real estate values and the liquidity of real estate in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio, and could result in losses that adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity in our market areas could significantly impair the value of property pledged as collateral on loans and affect our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure without a loss or additional losses. Collateral may have to be sold for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, which could result in losses on such loans. Such declines and losses could have adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If real estate values decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for credit losses, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We engage in lending secured by real estate and may be forced to foreclose on the collateral and own the underlying real estate, subjecting us to the costs and potential risks associated with the ownership of the real property.

Since we originate loans secured by real estate, we may have to foreclose on the collateral property to protect our investment and may thereafter, own and operate such property, in which case, we would be exposed to the risks inherent in the ownership of real estate. As of December 31, 2022, we held approximately $1.4 million in other real estate owned (“OREO”) of which $711,000 is related to former bank facilities. The amount that we, as a mortgagee, may realize after a default is dependent upon factors outside of our control, including, but not limited to general or local economic conditions, environmental cleanup liability, assessments, interest rates, real estate tax rates, operating expenses of the mortgaged properties, ability to obtain and maintain adequate occupancy of the properties, zoning laws, governmental and regulatory rules, and natural disasters. Our inability to manage the amount of costs or size of the risks associated with the ownership of real estate, or write-downs in the value of OREO, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A large portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial loans secured by receivables, inventory, equipment or other commercial collateral, the deterioration in value of which could expose us to credit losses and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As of December 31, 2022, approximately $1.1 billion, or 23.7%, of our total loans were commercial loans to businesses. In general, these loans are collateralized by general business assets, including, among other things, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment and most are backed by a personal guaranty of the borrower or principal. These commercial loans are typically larger in amount than loans to individuals and, therefore, have the potential for larger losses on a single loan basis. Additionally, the repayment of commercial loans is subject to the ongoing business operations of the borrower. The collateral securing such loans generally includes movable property, such as equipment and inventory, which may decline in value more rapidly than we anticipate exposing us to increased credit risk. In addition, a portion of our customer base, including customers in the energy and real estate business, may be exposed to volatile businesses or industries which are sensitive to commodity prices or market fluctuations, such as energy prices. Accordingly, negative changes in commodity prices and real estate values and liquidity could impair the value of the collateral securing these loans. Significant adverse changes in the economy or local market conditions in which our commercial lending customers operate could cause rapid declines in loan collectability and the values associated with general business assets resulting in inadequate collateral coverage that may expose us to credit losses and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our portfolio contains a number of large loans to certain borrowers, and deterioration in the financial condition of these large loans could have a significant adverse impact on our asset quality.

Our growth over the past several years has been partially attributable to our ability to originate and retain relatively large loans given our asset size. As of December 31, 2022, our average loan size (including unfunded commitments) was approximately $367,000. Further, as of December 31, 2022, our 10 largest borrowing relationships ranged from approximately $31.2 million to $73.7 million (including unfunded commitments) and averaged approximately $4.7 million in total commitments and $3.0 million in principal balance, respectively. Along with other risks inherent in our loans, such as the deterioration of the underlying businesses or property securing these loans, the higher average size of our loans presents a risk to our lending operations. Because we have a large average loan size, if only a few of our largest borrowers become unable to repay their loan obligations as a result of economic or market conditions or personal circumstances, our nonperforming loans and our provision for loan losses could increase significantly, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We maintain an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s judgment of probable losses and risks inherent in our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2022, our allowance for loan losses totaled $38.2 million, which represents approximately 0.83% of our total loans held for investment. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of general economic conditions, diversification and seasoning of the loan portfolio, historic loss experience, identified credit problems, delinquency levels and adequacy of collateral. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is inherently highly subjective and requires us to make significant estimates of and assumptions regarding current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Inaccurate management assumptions, deterioration of economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification or deterioration of additional problem loans, acquisition of problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. In addition, our regulators, as an integral part of their periodic examination, review our methodology for calculating, and the adequacy of, our allowance for loan losses and may direct us to make additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Further, if actual charge-offs in future periods exceed the amounts allocated to the allowance for loan losses, we may need additional provisions for loan losses to restore the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. Finally, the measure of our allowance for loan losses is dependent on the adoption and interpretation of accounting standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) recently issued a new credit impairment model, the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model, which became applicable to us on January 1, 2023. CECL requires financial institutions to estimate and develop a provision for credit losses at origination for the lifetime of the loan, as opposed to reserving for incurred or probable losses up to the balance sheet date. Upon adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2023, we recognized an $827,000 reduction to retained earnings, after recording the relating deferred tax asset adjustment at our adjusted tax rate. Under the CECL model, credit deterioration would be reflected in the income statement in the period of origination or acquisition of the loan, with changes in expected credit losses due to further credit deterioration or improvement reflected in the periods in which the expectation changes. Accordingly, the CECL model could require financial institutions like the Bank to increase their allowances for credit losses. Moreover, the CECL model likely would create more volatility in our level of allowance for credit losses. If we are required to materially increase our level of allowance for credit losses for any reason, such increase could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and capital.

The small-to-midsized businesses that we lend to may have fewer resources to weather adverse business developments, which may impair a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, and such impairment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We focus our business development and marketing strategy primarily on small-to-midsized businesses who frequently have smaller market shares than their competition, may be more vulnerable to economic downturns, often need substantial additional capital to expand or compete and may experience substantial volatility in operating results, any of which may impair a borrower’s ability to repay a loan. In addition, the success of a small-to-midsized business often depends on the management skills, talents and efforts of one or two people or a small group of people, and the death, disability or resignation of one or more of these people could have an adverse impact on the business and its ability to repay its loan. If general economic conditions negatively impact the markets in which we operate and small-to-midsized businesses are adversely affected or our borrowers are otherwise harmed by adverse business developments, this, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The borrowing needs of our customers may increase, especially during a challenging economic environment, which could result in increased borrowing against our contractual obligations to extend credit.

A commitment to extend credit is a formal agreement to lend funds to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established under the agreement. The actual borrowing needs of our customers under these credit commitments have historically been lower than the contractual amount of the commitments. A significant portion of these commitments expire without being drawn upon. Because of the credit profile of our customers, we typically have a substantial amount of total unfunded credit commitments, which is not reflected on our balance sheet. As of December 31, 2022, we had $1.3 billion in unfunded credit commitments to our customers. Actual borrowing needs of our customers may exceed our expectations, especially during a challenging economic environment when our customers’ companies may be more dependent on our credit commitments due to the lack of available credit elsewhere, the increasing costs of credit, or the limited availability of financings from venture firms. This could adversely affect our liquidity, which could impair our ability to fund operations and meet obligations as they become due and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business.

Our business plan emphasizes relationship banking. We have benefited from strong relationships with and among our customers. As a result, our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. Our growth over the past several years has depended on attracting new customers from competing financial institutions and increasing our market share, primarily by the involvement in our primary markets and word-of-mouth advertising, rather than on growth in the market for banking services in our primary markets. As such, we strive to enhance our reputation by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve and delivering superior service to our customers. If our reputation is negatively affected by the actions of our employees or otherwise, our existing relationships may be damaged. We could lose some of our existing customers, including groups of large customers who have relationships with each other, and we may not be successful in attracting new customers. Any of these developments could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business has grown rapidly, and we may not be able to maintain our historical rate of growth, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to successfully implement our business strategy.

Our business has grown rapidly. Financial institutions that grow rapidly can experience significant difficulties as a result of rapid growth. Furthermore, our primary strategy focuses on organic growth, supplemented by acquisitions of banking teams or other financial institutions. We may be unable to execute on aspects of our growth strategy to sustain our historical rate of growth or we may be unable to grow at all. More specifically, we may be unable to generate sufficient new loans and deposits within acceptable risk and expense tolerances, obtain the personnel or funding necessary for additional growth or find suitable banking teams or acquisition candidates. Various factors, such as economic conditions and competition, may impede or prohibit the growth of our operations, the opening of new branches, and the consummation of acquisitions. Further, we may be unable to attract and retain experienced bankers, which could adversely affect our growth. The success of our strategy also depends on our ability to effectively manage growth, which is dependent upon a number of factors, including our ability to adapt existing credit, operational, technology and governance infrastructure to accommodate expanded operations. If we fail to build infrastructure sufficient to support rapid growth or fail to implement one or more aspects of our strategy, we may be unable to maintain historical earnings trends, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to manage the risks associated with our anticipated growth and expansion through de novo branching.

Our business strategy includes evaluating strategic opportunities to grow through de novo branching, and we believe that banking location expansion has been meaningful to our growth since inception. De novo branching carries with it certain potential risks, including significant startup costs and anticipated initial operating losses; an inability to gain regulatory approval; an inability to secure the services of qualified senior management to operate the de novo banking location and successfully integrate and promote our corporate culture; poor market reception for de novo banking locations established in markets where we do not have a preexisting reputation; challenges posed by local economic conditions; challenges associated with securing attractive locations at a reasonable cost; and the additional strain on management resources and internal systems and controls. Failure to adequately manage the risks associated with our anticipated growth through de novo branching could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We may pursue acquisitions in the future, which could expose us to financial, execution and operational risks that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Although we generally plan to continue to grow our business organically, we may from time to time consider acquisition opportunities that we believe complement our activities and have the ability to enhance our profitability. Our acquisition activities could be material to our business and involve a number of risks, including those associated with:

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the identification of suitable candidates for acquisition;

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the diversion of management attention from the operation of our existing business to identify, evaluate and negotiate potential transactions;

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the ability to attract funding to support additional growth within acceptable risk tolerances;

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the use of inaccurate estimates and judgments to evaluate credit, operations, management and market risks with respect to the target institution or assets;

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the ability to maintain asset quality;

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the adequacy of due diligence and the potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities related to the acquisition

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the retention of customers and key personnel, including bankers;

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the timing and uncertainty associated with obtaining necessary regulatory approvals;

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the incurrence of an impairment of goodwill associated with an acquisition and adverse effects on our results of operations

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the ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses; and

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the maintenance of adequate regulatory capital.

The market for acquisition targets is highly competitive, which may adversely affect our ability to find acquisition candidates that fit our strategy and standards at acceptable prices. We face significant competition in pursuing acquisition targets from other banks and financial institutions, many of which possess greater financial, human, technical and other resources than we do. Our ability to compete in acquiring target institutions will depend on our available financial resources to fund the acquisitions, including the amount of cash and cash equivalents we have and the liquidity and value of our common stock. In addition, increased competition may also drive up the acquisition consideration that we will be required to pay in order to successfully capitalize on attractive acquisition opportunities. To the extent that we are unable to find suitable acquisition targets, an important component of our growth strategy may not be realized.

Acquisitions of financial institutions also involve operational risks and uncertainties, such as unknown or contingent liabilities with no available manner of recourse, exposure to unexpected problems such as asset quality, the retention of key employees and customers, and other issues that could negatively affect our business. We may not be able to complete future acquisitions or, if completed, we may not be able to successfully integrate the operations, technology platforms, management, products and services of the entities that we acquire or to realize our attempts to eliminate redundancies. The integration process may also require significant time and attention from our management that would otherwise be directed toward servicing existing business and developing new business. Failure to successfully integrate the entities we acquire into our existing operations in a timely manner may increase our operating costs significantly and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values and, therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future acquisition, and the carrying amount of any goodwill that we currently maintain or may acquire may be subject to impairment in future periods.

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Interest rate shifts could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

The majority of our banking assets are monetary in nature and subject to risk from changes in interest rates. Like most financial institutions, our earnings and cash flows depend to a great extent upon the level of our net interest income, or the difference between the interest income we earn on loans, investments and other interest-earning assets, and the interest we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Changes in interest rates can increase or decrease our net interest income, because different types of assets and liabilities may react differently, and at different times, to market interest rate changes. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-earning assets in a period, an increase in interest rates could reduce net interest income. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could reduce net interest income. As of December 31, 2022, 31.1% of our earning assets and 68.7% of our interest-bearing liabilities were variable rate. Our interest sensitivity profile was asset sensitive as of December 31, 2022, meaning that we estimate our net interest income would increase more from rising interest rates than from falling interest rates; however, customer and market responses to a changing interest rate environment are highly uncertain and there is no guarantee that our net interest income would increase if interest rates rise.

Interest rates increased rapidly during 2022 to levels that we have not experienced in recent history. Interest rates may increase further, or they may remain at current levels for some time. This new interest rate environment could have a number of effects on our business, which may include reduced loan demand, increased delinquencies and increased loan paydowns and payoffs. Conversely, a decrease in the general level of interest rates may affect us through, among other things, increased prepayments on our loan portfolio and increased competition for deposits. Accordingly, changes in the level of market interest rates affect our net yield on interest-earning assets, loan origination volume, loan portfolio and our overall results. Although our asset-liability management strategy is designed to control and mitigate exposure to the risks related to changes in market interest rates, those rates are affected by many factors outside of our control, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, deflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money supply, international disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets.

The markets in which we operate are susceptible to hurricanes and other natural disasters and adverse weather, which could result in a disruption of our operations and increases in loan losses.

A significant portion of our business is generated from markets that have been, and may continue to be, damaged by major hurricanes, floods, tropical storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters and adverse weather. Natural disasters can disrupt our operations, cause widespread property damage, and severely depress the local economies in which we operate. If the economies in our primary markets experience an overall decline as a result of a natural disaster, adverse weather, or other disaster, demand for loans and our other products and services could be reduced. In addition, the rates of delinquencies, foreclosures, bankruptcies and losses on loan portfolios may increase substantially, as uninsured property losses or sustained job interruption or loss may materially impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. Moreover, the value of real estate or other collateral that secures the loans could be materially and adversely affected by a disaster. A disaster could, therefore, result in decreased revenue and loan losses that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We earn income by originating residential mortgage loans for resale in the secondary mortgage market, and disruptions in that market could reduce our operating income.

Historically, we have earned income by originating mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market. A historical focus of our loan origination and sales activities has been to enter into formal commitments and informal agreements with larger banking companies and mortgage investors. Under these arrangements, we originate single family mortgages that are priced and underwritten to conform to previously agreed criteria before loan funding and are delivered to the investor shortly after funding. However, in the recent past, disruptions in the secondary market for residential mortgage loans have limited the market for, and liquidity of, most mortgage loans other than conforming Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Freddie Mac, loans. The effects of these disruptions in the secondary market for residential mortgage loans may reappear.

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In addition, because government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who account for a substantial portion of the secondary market, are governed by federal law, any future changes in laws that significantly affect the activity of these entities could, in turn, adversely affect our operations. In September 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship by the federal government. The federal government has for many years considered proposals to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but the results of any such reform and their impact on us are difficult to predict. To date, no reform proposal has been enacted.

These disruptions may not only affect us but also the ability and desire of mortgage investors and other banks to purchase residential mortgage loans that we originate. As a result, we may not be able to maintain or grow the income we receive from originating and reselling residential mortgage loans, which would reduce our operating income. Additionally, we may be required to hold mortgage loans that we originated for sale, increasing our exposure to interest rate risk and the value of the residential real estate that serves as collateral for the mortgage loan.

New lines of business, products, product enhancements or services may subject us to additional risks.

From time to time, we implement new lines of business, or offer new products and product enhancements as well as new services within our existing lines of business and we will continue to do so in the future. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In implementing, developing or marketing new lines of business, products, product enhancements or services, we may invest significant time and resources, although we may not assign the appropriate level of resources or expertise necessary to make these new lines of business, products, product enhancements or services successful or to realize their expected benefits. Further, initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business, products, product enhancements or services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives and shifting market preferences, may also impact the ultimate implementation of a new line of business or offerings of new products, product enhancements or services. Furthermore, any new line of business, product, product enhancement or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or offerings of new products, product enhancements or services could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

A lack of liquidity could impair our ability to fund operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Liquidity is essential to our business, and we monitor our liquidity and manage our liquidity risk at the holding company and bank levels. We rely on our ability to generate deposits and effectively manage the repayment and maturity schedules of our loans and investment securities, respectively, to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to fund our operations. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of our investment securities, the sale of loans, and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our most important source of funds is deposits. Deposit balances can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments such as money market funds, we would lose a relatively low-cost source of funds, increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income.

Other primary sources of funds consist of cash flows from operations, maturities and sales of investment securities, and proceeds from the issuance and sale of our equity and debt securities to investors. Additional liquidity is provided by the ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) of Atlanta and the FHLB of Dallas. We also borrow funds from third-party lenders, such as other financial institutions. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities, or on terms that are acceptable to us, could be impaired by factors that affect us directly or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry. Our access to funding sources could also be affected by a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in our primary market area or by one or more adverse regulatory actions against us.

Recent increases in interest rates have resulted in large unrealized losses in our investment securities portfolio. Selling securities with an unrealized loss would result in the realization of such losses, which would negatively impact regulatory capital, among other effects. Accordingly, investment securities with unrealized losses may have diminished utility as a source of liquidity prior to maturity.

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Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses, or to fulfill obligations such as repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity and could, in turn, have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, because our primary asset at the holding company level is the Bank, our liquidity at the holding company level depends primarily on our receipt of dividends from the Bank. If the Bank is unable to pay dividends to us for any reason, we may be unable to satisfy our holding company level obligations, which include funding operating expenses and debt service.

We have a concentration of deposit accounts with state and local municipalities that is a material source of our funding, and the loss of these deposits or significant fluctuations in balances held by these public bodies could force us to fund our business through more expensive and less stable sources.

As of December 31, 2022, $636.0 million, or approximately 13.2%, of our total deposits consisted of deposit accounts of public bodies, such as state or local municipalities, or public funds. These types of deposits are often secured and typically fluctuate on a seasonal basis due to timing differences between tax collection and expenditures. Municipal deposits are also generally more sensitive to interest rates and may require competitive rates at placement and subsequent rollover dates, which may make it more difficult for the Bank to attract and retain public and municipal deposits. Withdrawals of deposits or significant fluctuation in a material portion of our largest public fund depositors could force us to rely more heavily on borrowings and other sources of funding for our business and withdrawal demands, adversely affecting our net interest margin and results of operations. We may also be forced, as a result of any withdrawal of deposits, to rely more heavily on other, potentially more expensive and less stable funding sources. Consequently, the occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, and if we fail to maintain sufficient capital, we may not be able to maintain regulatory compliance, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We face significant capital and other regulatory requirements as a financial institution. We may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs, which could include the possibility of financing acquisitions. In addition, we, on a consolidated basis, and b1BANK, on a stand-alone basis, must meet certain regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity in such amounts as the regulators may require from time to time. Importantly, regulatory capital requirements could increase from current levels, which could require us to raise additional capital or reduce our operations. Even if we satisfy all applicable regulatory capital minimums, our regulators could ask us to maintain capital levels which are significantly in excess of those minimums. Our ability to raise additional capital depends on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry, market conditions and governmental activities, and on our financial condition and performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we fail to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, we could be subject to enforcement actions, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We utilize alternative sources of funding, which may become more expensive or may not be available in the future, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Along with its core deposits, the Bank utilizes alternative funding methods, including brokered and wholesale time deposits, short- and long-term borrowings through a correspondent bank, FHLB advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and Federal Funds Purchased borrowings. As of December 31, 2022, brokered and wholesale deposits, including reciprocal deposits, comprised 13.1% of our total deposits, and our borrowings comprised 96.5% of our total shareholders’ equity. As a result of the rise in interest rates during 2022, these funding sources have become significantly more expensive than in past years. If we continue to use these alternative funding methods, our interest expense will decline. If these funding sources become more expensive or difficult to access, our net interest income may decline, our liquidity and ability to make new loans may be impaired, or we may fail to meet regulatory capital requirements, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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The fair value of our investment securities can fluctuate due to factors outside of our control.

As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of our investment securities portfolio was approximately $890.8 million, which included a net unrealized loss of approximately $94.8 million. Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. For example, fixed-rate securities are generally subject to decreases in market value when interest rates rise. The Federal Open Market Committee raised the target federal funds rate several times in 2022 and is expected to continue raising the rates in 2023. In addition to market interest rates, other factors that could cause adverse changes to the fair value of our securities include, but are not limited to, rating agency actions with respect to the securities, defaults by the issuer or with respect to the underlying securities, and continued instability in the capital markets. Any of these factors, among others, could cause other-than-temporary impairments and realized or unrealized losses in future periods and declines in other comprehensive income, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects. The process for determining whether impairment of a security is other-than-temporary often requires complex, subjective judgments about whether there has been a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, whether management has the intent or ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value, the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security, and other relevant factors.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

Ensuring that we have adequate disclosure controls and procedures, including internal controls over financial reporting, in place so we can produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis is costly and time-consuming and needs to be reevaluated frequently. As a public company, we are subject to the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures are based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met, due to certain inherent limitations. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures; failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our financial results depend on management’s selection of accounting methods and certain assumptions and estimates.

Our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, and with general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amount of related revenues and expenses. Certain accounting policies inherently are based to a greater extent on estimates, assumptions and judgments of management and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. They require management to make subjective or complex judgments, estimates or assumptions, and changes in those estimates or assumptions could have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. These critical accounting policies and estimates include acquired loans and allowance for loan losses and purchase accounting adjustments (other than loans). Because of the uncertainty of estimates involved in these matters, we may be required to significantly increase our allowance for credit losses or sustain loan losses that are significantly higher than the reserve provided, or otherwise incur charges that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

From time to time, the FASB and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards or the interpretation of such standards that govern the preparation of our consolidated financial statements which could affect our critical accounting policies and critical accounting estimates and assumptions made by management. These changes are beyond our control, can be difficult to predict, and could materially impact how we report our financial condition and results of operations.

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We have a continuing need for technological change, and we may not have the resources to effectively implement new technology, or we may experience operational challenges when implementing new technology.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, at least in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our products and service offerings. We may experience operational challenges as we implement these new technology enhancements or products, which could result in us not fully realizing the anticipated benefits from such new technology or require us to incur significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner.

Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products compared to those that we will be able to provide, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. Accordingly, we may lose customers seeking new technology-driven products and services to the extent we are unable to provide such products and services.

We rely on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure, and a failure of these parties to perform for any reason could disrupt our operations.

Third parties provide key components of our business infrastructure such as data processing, internet connections, network access, core application processing, statement production and account analysis. Our business depends on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party servicers. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. Replacing vendors or addressing other issues with our third-party service providers could entail significant delay and expense. If we are unable to efficiently replace ineffective service providers, or if we experience a significant, sustained or repeated, system failure or service denial, it could compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, and subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We could be subject to losses, regulatory action or reputational harm due to fraudulent and negligent acts on the part of loan applicants, our employees and vendors.

In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties, and the terms of any such transaction, we may rely on information furnished by or on behalf of clients and counterparties, including financial statements, property appraisals, title information, employment and income documentation, account information and other financial information. We may also rely on representations of clients and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. Any such misrepresentation or incorrect or incomplete information, whether fraudulent or inadvertent, may not be detected prior to funding. In addition, one or more of our employees or vendors could cause a significant operational breakdown or failure, either as a result of human error or where an individual purposefully sabotages or fraudulently manipulates our loan documentation, operations or systems. Whether a misrepresentation is made by the applicant or another third party, we generally bear the risk of loss associated with the misrepresentation. A loan subject to a material misrepresentation is typically unsellable or subject to repurchase if it is sold prior to detection of the misrepresentation. The sources of the misrepresentations may also be difficult to locate, and we may be unable to recover any of the monetary losses we may suffer as a result of the misrepresentations. Any of these developments could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Unauthorized access, cyber-crime and other threats to data security may require significant resources, harm our reputation, and otherwise have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We necessarily collect, use and hold personal and financial information concerning individuals and businesses with which we have a banking relationship. Threats to data security, including unauthorized access, and cyber-attacks, rapidly emerge and change, exposing us to additional costs for protection or remediation and competing time constraints to secure our data in accordance with customer expectations and statutory and regulatory privacy and other requirements. It is difficult or impossible to defend against every risk being posed by changing technologies, as well as criminals intent on committing cyber-crime. Increasing sophistication of cyber-criminals and terrorists make keeping up with new threats difficult and could result in a breach. Controls employed by our information technology department and our other employees and vendors could prove inadequate. We could also experience a breach due to intentional or negligent conduct on the part of employees or other internal sources, software bugs or other technical malfunctions, or other causes. As a result of any of these threats, our customer accounts may become vulnerable to account takeover schemes or cyber-fraud. Our systems and those of our third party vendors may also become vulnerable to damage or disruption due to circumstances beyond our or their control, such as from catastrophic events, power anomalies or outages, natural disasters, network failures, and viruses and malware.

A breach of our security that results in unauthorized access to our data could expose us to a disruption or challenges relating to our daily operations as well as to data loss, litigation, damages, fines and penalties, significant increases in compliance costs, and reputational damage, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with our lending activities.

In the course of our business, we may purchase real estate, or we may foreclose on and take title to real estate. As a result, we could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, if we are the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. Any significant environmental liabilities could cause an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to claims and litigation pertaining to intellectual property.

Banking and other financial services companies, such as ours, rely on technology companies to provide information technology products and services necessary to support their day-to-day operations. Technology companies frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of patent infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. In addition, patent holding companies seek to monetize patents they have purchased or otherwise obtained. Competitors of our vendors, or other individuals or companies, may from time to time claim to hold intellectual property sold to us by our vendors. Such claims may increase in the future as the financial services sector becomes more reliant on information technology vendors. The plaintiffs in these actions frequently seek injunctions and substantial damages.

Regardless of the scope or validity of such patents or other intellectual property rights, or the merits of any claims by potential or actual litigants, we may have to engage in protracted litigation. Such litigation is often expensive, time-consuming, disruptive to our operations and distracting to management. If we are found to infringe one or more patents or other intellectual property rights, we may be required to pay substantial damages or royalties to a third party. In certain cases, we may consider entering into licensing agreements for disputed intellectual property, although no assurance can be given that such licenses can be obtained on acceptable terms or that litigation will not occur. These licenses may also significantly increase our operating expenses. If legal matters related to intellectual property claims were resolved against us or settled, we could be required to make payments in amounts that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If the goodwill that we have recorded or may record in connection with a business acquisition becomes impaired, it could require charges to earnings.

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Goodwill represents the amount by which the cost of an acquisition exceeded the fair value of net assets we acquired in connection with the purchase of another financial institution. We review goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if a triggering event occurs which indicates that the carrying value of the asset might be impaired.

Our goodwill impairment test is performed annually and was completed as of October 1, 2022. The annual test did not indicate any impairment as of the testing date. We estimate the fair value of the reporting unit compared to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Any such adjustments are reflected in our results of operations in the periods in which they become known. Following the testing date, management determined no triggering event had occurred through December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, our goodwill totaled $88.5 million. While we have not recorded any impairment charges since we initially recorded the goodwill, there can be no assurance that our future evaluations of our existing goodwill or goodwill we may acquire in the future will not result in findings of impairment and related write-downs, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Industry

We operate in a highly regulated environment and the laws and regulations that govern our operations, corporate governance, executive compensation and accounting principles, or changes in them, or our failure to comply with them, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and legal requirements that govern almost all aspects of our operations. These laws and regulations are not intended to protect our shareholders. Rather, these laws and regulations are intended to protect customers, depositors, the Deposit Insurance Fund and the overall financial stability of the United States, and not shareholders or counterparties. These laws and regulations, among other matters, prescribe minimum capital requirements, impose limitations on the business activities in which we can engage, limit the dividend or distributions that the Bank can pay to us, restrict the ability of institutions to guarantee our debt, and impose certain specific accounting requirements on us that may be more restrictive and may result in greater or earlier charges to earnings or reductions in our capital than GAAP would require. Compliance with laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and changes to laws and regulations often impose additional compliance costs. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations, even if the failure follows good faith effort or reflects a difference in interpretation, could subject us to restrictions on our business activities, fines and other penalties, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations, capital base and the price of our securities. Further, any new laws, rules and regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive. All of these laws and regulations, and the supervisory framework applicable to our industry, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If we do not meet minimum capital requirements, we will be subject to prompt corrective action by federal bank regulatory agencies. Prompt corrective action can include progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions. Failure to meet the capital conservation buffer will result in certain limitations on dividends, capital repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. We have submitted a comprehensive capital plan to our regulators for review. Even if we satisfy the objectives of our capital plan and meet minimum capital requirements, it is possible that our regulators may ask us to raise additional capital. For additional discussion regarding our capital requirements, please see “PART I – ITEM 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – b1BANK – Capital Adequacy Requirements.”

Federal and state banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including compliance with laws and regulations, and our failure to comply with any supervisory actions to which we are or become subject as a result of such examinations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

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The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the FDIC, and the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, or the Louisiana OFI, periodically conduct examinations of various aspects of our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a federal or state banking agency were to determine that our financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we or the Bank were in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital, to restrict our growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against us or the Bank or our respective officers or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate the Bank’s deposit insurance and place it into receivership or conservatorship. Any such regulatory action could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

We are subject to stringent capital requirements, which may result in lower returns on equity, require us to raise additional capital, limit growth opportunities or result in regulatory restrictions.

The Dodd-Frank Act required the federal banking agencies to establish stricter risk-based capital requirements and leverage limits to apply to banks and bank holding companies. See “PART I – ITEM 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – Business First Bancshares, Inc. – Revised Rules on Regulatory Capital.” If we do not meet minimum capital requirements, we will be subject to prompt corrective action by federal bank regulatory agencies. Prompt corrective action can include progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions.

Failure to meet the capital conservation buffer will result in certain limitations on dividends, capital repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. We have submitted a comprehensive capital plan to our regulators for review. Even if we satisfy the objectives of our capital plan and meet minimum capital requirements, it is possible that our regulators may ask us to raise additional capital. For additional discussion regarding our capital requirements, please see “PART I – ITEM 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – b1BANK – Capital Adequacy Requirements.”

New activities and expansion require regulatory approvals, and failure to obtain them may restrict our growth.

From time to time, we may complement and expand our business by pursuing strategic acquisitions of financial institutions and other complementary businesses. Generally, we must receive state and federal regulatory approval before we can acquire an FDIC-insured depository institution or related business. In determining whether to approve a proposed acquisition, federal banking regulators will consider, among other factors, the effect of the acquisition on competition, our financial condition, our future prospects, and the impact of the proposal on U.S. financial stability. The regulators also review current and projected capital ratios and levels, the competence, experience and integrity of management and its record of compliance with laws and regulations, the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, including the acquiring institution’s record of compliance under the CRA and the effectiveness of the acquiring institution in combating money laundering activities. Such regulatory approvals may not be granted on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. We may also be required to sell branches as a condition to receiving regulatory approval, which condition may not be acceptable to us or, if acceptable to us, may reduce the benefit of any acquisition.

In addition to the acquisition of existing financial institutions, as opportunities arise, we plan to continue de novo branching as a part of our organic growth strategy. De novo branching and any acquisitions carry with them numerous risks, including the inability to obtain all required regulatory approvals. The failure to obtain these regulatory approvals for potential future strategic acquisitions and de novo branches could impact our business plans and restrict our growth.

We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.

The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. To comply with regulations, guidelines and examination procedures in this area, we have dedicated significant resources to our anti-money laundering program. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we could be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including acquisitions and de novo branching. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us.

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We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the CRA and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.

The CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Department of Justice and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution’s performance under the CRA or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, restrictions on expansion, and restrictions on entering new business lines. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

The performance of a financial institution under the CRA in meeting the credit needs of its community is a factor that must be taken into consideration when the federal banking agencies evaluate applications related to mergers and acquisitions, as well as branch opening and relocations. If we are unable to maintain at least a “satisfactory” CRA rating, our ability to complete the acquisition of another financial institution or open a new branch will be adversely impacted. If we receive an overall CRA rating of less than “satisfactory”, our regulators would not re-evaluate our rating until our next CRA examination, which may not occur for one or more years, and it is possible that a low CRA rating would not improve in the future.

Federal, state and local consumer lending laws may restrict our ability to originate certain mortgage loans, increase our risk of liability with respect to such loans, or increase the time and expense associated with the foreclosure process or prevent us from foreclosing at all.

Federal, state and local laws have been adopted that are intended to eliminate certain lending practices considered “predatory.” These laws prohibit practices such as steering borrowers away from more affordable products, selling unnecessary insurance to borrowers, repeatedly refinancing loans and making loans without a reasonable expectation that the borrowers will be able to repay the loans irrespective of the value of the underlying property. It is our policy not to make predatory loans, but these laws create the potential for liability with respect to our lending and loan investment activities. They increase our cost of doing business and, ultimately, may prevent us from making certain loans and cause us to reduce the average percentage rate or the points and fees on loans that we do make.

Additionally, consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or federal law may substantially increase the time and expense associated with the foreclosure process or prevent us from foreclosing at all. While historically the states in which we operate have had foreclosure laws that are favorable to lenders, a number of states in recent years have either considered or adopted foreclosure reform laws that make it substantially more difficult and expensive for lenders to foreclose on properties in default, and we cannot be certain that the states in which we operate will not adopt similar legislation in the future. If new state or federal laws or regulations are ultimately enacted that significantly raise the cost of foreclosure or raise outright barriers, such could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The expanding body of federal, state and local regulations and/or the licensing of loan collections or other aspects of our business and our sales of loans to third parties may increase the cost of compliance and the risks of noncompliance and subject us to litigation.

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Loan collection is subject to extensive regulation by federal, state and local governmental authorities as well as to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions on those activities. The volume of new or modified laws and regulations has increased in recent years and, in addition, some individual municipalities have begun to enact laws that restrict loan collection activities including delaying or temporarily preventing foreclosures or forcing the modification of certain mortgages. If regulators impose new or more restrictive requirements, we may incur additional significant costs to comply with such requirements which may further adversely affect us. In addition, were we to be subject to regulatory investigation or regulatory action regarding our loan modification and foreclosure practices, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, we have sold loans to third parties. In connection with these sales, we or certain of our subsidiaries or legacy companies make or have made various representations and warranties, breaches of which may result in a requirement that we repurchase the loans, or otherwise make whole or provide other remedies to counterparties. These aspects of our business or our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could possibly lead to: civil and criminal liability; loss of licensure; damage to our reputation in the industry; fines and penalties and litigation, including class action lawsuits; and administrative enforcement actions. Any of these outcomes could materially and adversely affect us.

Potential limitations on incentive compensation contained in proposed federal agency rulemaking may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain our highest performing employees.

In April 2011 and May 2016, the FDIC, other federal banking agencies and the SEC jointly published proposed rules designed to implement provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act prohibiting incentive compensation arrangements that would encourage inappropriate risk taking at covered financial institutions, which includes a bank or bank holding company with $1 billion or more in assets, such as the Bank and the Company. It cannot be determined at this time whether or when a final rule will be adopted and whether compliance with such a final rule will substantially affect the manner in which we structure compensation for our executives and other employees. Depending on the nature and application of the final rules, we may not be able to successfully compete with certain financial institutions and other companies that are not subject to some or all of the rules to retain and attract executives and other high performing employees. If this were to occur, relationships that we have established with our customers may be impaired, which could in turn adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Increases in FDIC insurance premiums could adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.

The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to legal limits and, accordingly, subject it to the payment of FDIC deposit insurance assessments. The Bank’s regular assessments are determined by the level of its assessment base and its risk classification, which is based on its regulatory capital levels and the level of supervisory concern that it poses. Moreover, the FDIC has the unilateral power to change deposit insurance assessment rates and the manner in which deposit insurance is calculated and also to charge special assessments to FDIC-insured institutions. The FDIC utilized all of these powers during the financial crisis for the purpose of restoring the reserve ratios of the Deposit Insurance Fund. Any future special assessments, increases in assessment rates or premiums, or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We are expecting an increase in FDIC insurance premiums in 2023 due to increased regulatory rates.

The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.

Under longstanding Federal Reserve policy which has been codified by the Dodd-Frank Act, we are expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank. Under the “source of strength” doctrine, the Federal Reserve may require us to make capital injections into the Bank at times when we may not be inclined to do so and may charge us with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit such resources. Accordingly, we could be required to provide financial assistance to the Bank if it experiences financial distress.

Such a capital injection may be required at a time when our resources are limited and we may be required to borrow the funds or to raise additional equity capital to make the required capital injection. In the event of our bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by us to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of our general unsecured creditors, including the holders of any note obligations.

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We are subject to commercial real estate lending guidance issued by the federal banking regulators that impacts our operations and capital requirements.

The federal banking regulators have issued guidance regarding concentrations in commercial real estate lending directed at institutions that have particularly high concentrations of commercial real estate loans within their lending portfolios. This guidance suggests that institutions whose commercial real estate loans exceed certain percentages of capital should implement heightened risk management practices appropriate to their concentration risk and may be required to maintain higher capital ratios than institutions with lower concentrations in commercial real estate lending. As of December 31, 2022, we were outside the 300.0% regulatory guideline for commercial real estate, and the 100.0% regulatory guideline for construction, land development, and other land loans due to the timing of draws on several larger construction and development projects. We have documented procedures and systems in place to manage and monitor our commercial real estate exposures in excess of regulatory guidelines. It should be noted, however, that increases in our commercial real estate lending, particularly as we expand into metropolitan markets and make more of these loans, could subject us to additional supervisory analysis. We cannot guarantee that any risk management practices we implement will be effective to prevent losses relating to our commercial real estate portfolio. Management has implemented controls to monitor our commercial real estate lending concentrations, but we cannot predict the extent to which this guidance will impact our operations or capital requirements. Management has implemented controls to monitor our commercial real estate lending concentrations, but we cannot predict the extent to which this guidance will impact our operations or capital requirements.

We are subject to laws regarding the privacy, information security and protection of personal information and any violation of these laws or another incident involving personal, confidential or proprietary information of individuals could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

Our business requires the collection and retention of large volumes of customer data, including personally identifiable information in various information systems that we maintain and in those maintained by third parties with whom we contract to provide data services. We also maintain important internal company data such as personally identifiable information about our employees and information relating to our operations. We are subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations governing the privacy and protection of personal information of individuals (including customers, employees, suppliers and other third parties). For example, our business is subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which, among other things: (i) imposes certain limitations on our ability to share nonpublic personal information about our customers with nonaffiliated third parties; (ii) requires that we provide certain disclosures to customers about our information collection, sharing and security practices and afford customers the right to “opt out” of any information sharing by us with nonaffiliated third parties (with certain exceptions); and (iii) requires that we develop, implement and maintain a written comprehensive information security program containing appropriate safeguards based on our size and complexity, the nature and scope of our activities, and the sensitivity of customer information we process, as well as plans for responding to data security breaches. Various state and federal banking regulators and states have also enacted data security breach notification requirements with varying levels of individual, consumer, regulatory or law enforcement notification in certain circumstances in the event of a security breach. Ensuring that our collection, use, transfer and storage of personal information complies with all applicable laws and regulations can increase our costs. Furthermore, we may not be able to ensure that all of our clients, suppliers, counterparties and other third parties have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of the information that they exchange with us, particularly where such information is transmitted by electronic means. If personal, confidential or proprietary information of customers or others were to be mishandled or misused (in situations where, for example, such information was erroneously provided to parties who are not permitted to have the information, or where such information was intercepted or otherwise compromised by third parties), we could be exposed to litigation or regulatory sanctions under personal information laws and regulations. Concerns regarding the effectiveness of our measures to safeguard personal information, or even the perception that such measures are inadequate, could cause us to lose customers or potential customers for our products and services and thereby reduce our revenues. Accordingly, any failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws and regulations may subject us to inquiries, examinations and investigations that could result in requirements to modify or cease certain operations or practices or in significant liabilities, fines or penalties, and could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

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Risks Associated with our Common Stock

The market price of our common stock may be subject to substantial fluctuations, which may make it difficult for you to sell your common shares at the volume, prices and times desired.

Assuming the presence of a public market for our common stock, the market price of our common stock may be highly volatile, which may make it difficult for you to resell your common shares at the volume, prices and times desired. There are many factors that may impact the market price and trading volume of our common stock, including, without limitation:

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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results, financial condition or asset quality;

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changes in economic or business conditions;

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the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve, or in laws or regulations affecting us;

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the public reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;

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changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;

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the number of securities analysts covering us;

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publication of research reports about us, our competitors, or the financial services industry generally, or changes in, or failure to meet, securities analysts’ estimates of our financial and operating performance, or lack of research reports by industry analysts or ceasing of coverage;

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changes in market valuations or earnings of companies that investors deem comparable to us;

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the trading volume of our common stock;

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future issuances of our common stock or other securities;

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future sales of our common stock by us or our directors, executive officers or significant shareholders;

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additions or departures of key personnel;

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perceptions in the marketplace regarding our competitors and us;

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significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving our competitors or us;

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other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services; and

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other news, announcements or disclosures (whether by us or others) related to us, our competitors, our core market or the financial services industry.

In particular, the realization of any of the risks described in this “Risk Factors” section could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and cause the value of your investment to decline. The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks have experienced substantial fluctuations in recent years, which in many cases have been unrelated to the operating performance and prospects of particular companies. In addition, significant fluctuations in the trading volume in our common stock may cause significant price variations to occur. Increased market volatility could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock, which could make it difficult to sell your common shares at the volume, prices and times desired.

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Future sales or the availability for sale of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through future sales of equity securities.

Our articles of incorporation authorize us to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of common stock. As of February 22, 2023, there are 25,110,313 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. We may issue shares of our common stock or other securities from time to time for any number of reasons, including as consideration for future acquisitions and investments and under compensation and incentive plans. If any such acquisition or investment is significant, the number of shares of our common stock, or the number or aggregate principal amount, as the case may be, of other securities that we may issue may in turn be substantial. We may also grant registration rights covering those securities in connection with any such acquisitions and investments.

We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock (including shares of our common stock issued in connection with an acquisition or under a compensation or incentive plan), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through future sales of our securities.

The rights of our common shareholders are subordinate to the rights of our outstanding subordinated notes and our outstanding preferred stock and may be subordinate to the rights of the holders of any senior indebtedness or preferred stock that we may issue in the future.

Shares of our common stock are equity interests and do not constitute indebtedness. As such, shares of our common stock rank junior to all of our outstanding indebtedness, including our outstanding subordinated notes in the amount of $110.7 million, our trust preferred securities of $5.0 million, and to other non-equity claims against us and our assets available to satisfy claims against us, including in our liquidation. Our common stock also ranks junior to the $72.0 million of Series A preferred stock that we issued during 2022.

Our board of directors also has the authority to issue in the aggregate up to 4,928,000 shares of additional preferred stock, and to determine the terms of each issue of preferred stock and any indebtedness, without shareholder approval. Accordingly, you should assume that any shares of preferred stock and any indebtedness that we may issue in the future will also be senior to our common stock. As a result, holders of our common stock bear the risk that our future issuances of debt or equity securities or our incurrence of other borrowings may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

Our dividend policy may change without notice, and our future ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions.

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive only such cash dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Although we have declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock since the second quarter of 2016, we have no obligation to continue paying dividends, and we may change our dividend policy at any time without notice to our shareholders. We may not pay any dividends on our common stock if we have not paid the full dividends on our outstanding Series A preferred stock for the most recent quarterly dividend period. Our ability to pay dividends may also be limited on account of any outstanding indebtedness or preferred stock we may issue in the future, as we generally are required to make payments on any outstanding indebtedness and outstanding preferred stock before any dividends can be paid on our common stock. Finally, because our primary asset is our investment in the stock of the Bank, we are dependent upon dividends from the Bank to pay our operating expenses, satisfy our obligations and to pay dividends on our common stock, and the Bank’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock will substantially depend upon its earnings and financial condition, liquidity and capital requirements, the general economic and regulatory climate and other factors deemed relevant by its board of directors. There are numerous laws and banking regulations that limit our and the Bank’s ability to pay dividends. See “Dividend Policy” and “PART I – ITEM 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – Business First Bancshares, Inc. – Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends.”

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Our corporate governance documents, and certain corporate and banking laws applicable to us, could make a takeover more difficult.

Certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended and restated, and corporate and federal banking laws, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of our organization or conduct a proxy contest, even if those events were perceived by many of our shareholders as beneficial to their interests. These provisions, and the corporate and banking laws and regulations applicable to us:

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enable our board of directors to issue additional shares of authorized, but unissued capital stock;

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enable our board of directors, without shareholder approval, to issue “blank check” preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the board;

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enable our board of directors to increase the size of the board and fill the vacancies created by the increase;

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do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors;

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enable our board of directors to amend our bylaws without shareholder approval;

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require the vote of holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock to modify the sections of our articles of incorporation addressing limitation of liability and indemnification of our officers and directors;

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require the request of holders of at least 25% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote at a meeting to call a special shareholders’ meeting;

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establish an advance notice procedure for director nominations and other shareholder proposals; and

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require prior regulatory application and approval of any transaction involving control of our organization.

These provisions may discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control, including under circumstances in which our shareholders might otherwise receive a premium over the market price of our shares. See “Description of our Capital Stock” and “Supervision and Regulation.”

An investment in Business First’s common stock is not an insured deposit and is subject to risk of loss.

Your investment in our common stock is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Your investment is subject to investment risk, and you must be capable of affording the loss of your entire investment.

As a participating lender in the SBA PPP and Federal Reserve MSLP, we are subject to additional risks of litigation from our customers or other parties and regulatory enforcement regarding our processing of these loans, as well as risks that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties.

The CARES Act included a significant loan program administered through the SBA, the Paycheck Protection Program, referred to as the PPP. Under the PPP, small businesses and other entities and individuals can apply for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders that enroll in the program, subject to numerous limitations and eligibility criteria. We participated as a lender in the PPP during 2020 and continued to participate in 2021. Under current law, no loans may be originated under PPP after March 31, 2021. Because of the short timeframe between the passing of the CARES Act and the opening of the PPP, there was and continues to be a significant amount of ambiguity in the laws, rules and guidance regarding requirements for eligibility, underwriting, origination, funding, and the terms for PPP loans. This ambiguity and the speed with which we were required to implement the program expose us to regulatory and legal risks relating to noncompliance with the PPP.

Since the opening of the PPP, several other banks have been subject to litigation regarding the process and procedures that those banks used in processing applications for the PPP. Further litigation is likely with respect to the forgiveness process and as a defense to suits by banks or the SBA seeking to enforce remedies upon defaults by PPP borrowers. We may be exposed to the risk of similar litigation, from both customers and non-customers that approached us regarding PPP loans, and regarding our procedures for processing applications and funding PPP loans. Litigation can be costly, regardless of the outcome. If any such litigation is initiated against us, it may result in significant financial liability, significant litigation costs, or adversely affect our reputation.

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PPP loans are also subject to the regulatory requirements that require forbearance of loan payments for a specified time and that limit our ability to pursue all available remedies in the event of a loan default. If and to the extent that PPP borrowers fail to be approved for loan forgiveness, we will hold the remaining portion of the PPP loans at unfavorable interest rates.

We also have credit risk on PPP loans if a determination is made by the SBA that there is a deficiency in the manner in which the loan was originated, funded, or serviced by us, such as an issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan. Such deficiencies may or may not be related to the ambiguity in the laws, rules, and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which the PPP loan was originated, funded, or serviced, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if it has forgiven a portion of the loan or paid under the guaranty, seek recovery from us of any loss related to the deficiency. Any the above-described legal, regulatory and credit risks related to our participation in the PPP could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We were also a participating lender in the Federal Reserve’s MSLP. The Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and midsized for profit businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was terminated on January 8, 2021. We were able to transfer/sell 95% of the originated principal loan balances to a special purpose vehicle created by the Federal Reserve; however, we retained 5% of the originated principal balance, including the associated credit risk on such amounts. In addition, we are subject to potential litigation risk with respect to the entire loans, including the transferred/sold portions of the loan balances.

We may experience an increase in nonperforming loans in the portion of our loan portfolio subject to modification under our COVID-19 Deferral Assistance Program.

As of December 31, 2022, loans with aggregate outstanding principal of approximately $425.2 million, or approximately 9.2% of our loans held for investment, have been modified under the terms of our COVID-19 Deferral Assistance Program, but are no longer in their deferral periods. These modifications primarily included 90-day deferrals of principal payments or 90-day deferrals of principal and interest payments. In certain limited circumstances, we granted a 90-day deferral using a hybrid approach in which payments of principal and interest were deferred during the first part of the deferral period followed by a period in which only principal payments were deferred. In addition, we have granted a limited number of borrowers with additional deferral of principal and/or interest payments on a case-by-case basis. As these deferral periods end and borrowers are required to resume normal payments of principal and interest, we expect that some of these modified loans may become nonperforming loans. We expect that borrowers in the industries most affected by COVID-19 and the related suspension of certain business activity, including hospitality, energy, non-essential retail, and healthcare, among others, may experience the most difficulty in resuming normal payments of principal and interest. Except for those borrowers of modified loans who have failed to fulfill their obligations under the modifications, these modified loans are reported as performing loans as of December 31, 2022. We will continue to monitor the performance of the portfolio as borrowers resume normal payments. In the event borrowers are unable to continue regular payments following the expiration of their deferral periods, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

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ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. Properties.

Our current principal offices are located at 500 Laurel Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We currently operate out of our network of banking centers and loan production offices located throughout the State of Louisiana, in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and Houston. Our office locations are either owned or leased. We believe that our facilities are adequately covered by insurance and that these facilities are adequate to meet our needs.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings.

We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings. We are from time to time subject to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. These claims and litigation may include, among other things, allegations of violation of banking and other applicable regulations, competition law, labor laws and consumer protection laws, as well as claims or litigation relating to intellectual property, securities, breach of contract and tort. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against any pending or future claims and litigation.

At this time, in the opinion of management, the likelihood is remote that the impact of such proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our combined results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, one or more unfavorable outcomes in any claim or litigation against us could have a material adverse effect for the period in which they are resolved. In addition, regardless of their merits or their ultimate outcomes, such matters are costly, divert management’s attention and may materially adversely affect our reputation, even if resolved in our favor.

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

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PART I

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BFST”. Our common shares have been traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market since April 11, 2018. Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for our common stock. As of February 22, 2023, there were 25,110,313 issued and outstanding shares of our common stock held of record by approximately 997 shareholders. We also had outstanding 130,924 options to purchase shares of our common stock issued under our equity compensation plans, as described below.

Dividends

In 2016, our board of directors made the determination to begin paying regular quarterly dividends on our common stock; however, we are not obligated to pay dividends on either our common or preferred stock. Dividends on our common stock are not payable if we have not paid the full dividends on our Series A preferred stock for the most recently completed quarterly dividend period. The payment of future dividends and our dividend policy will depend on our earnings, capital requirements and financial condition, as well as other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. For additional discussion of legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends, see “PART I - ITEM 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – Business First Bancshares, Inc. – Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends.”

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

In 2006, our board of directors adopted the 2006 Stock Option Plan pursuant to which we were permitted to issue stock options to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of our common stock, all of which could be issued as either incentive stock options under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or non-qualified stock options. Although our 2006 Stock Option Plan expired on December 22, 2016 and we are no longer permitted to issue additional stock options under this plan, as of December 31, 2022, we had 130,924 outstanding and unexercised stock options that have been issued to our executive officers and key personnel and remain subject to the terms and conditions of the 2006 Stock Option Plan until they are exercised or forfeited.

On June 29, 2017, our shareholders approved the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Plan and the shareholders approved additional shares under the Plan during 2022. The Plan provides for the grant of various types of equity grants and awards, including incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, performance shares and other stock-based awards to eligible participants, which includes our employees, directors and consultants. The Plan has reserved 1,043,908 shares of common stock for grant, award or issuance to eligible participants, all of which may be subject to incentive stock option treatment. As of December 31, 2022, there were 572,588 common shares issued under this Plan to our employees, directors or consultants.

The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2022 relating to the number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of the outstanding options and warrants and their weighted-average exercise price.

	Number of Securities to Be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options		Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options		Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity compensations plans approved by security holders		130,924	$	18.59		471,320
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		—		—		—
Total equity compensation plans		130,924	$	18.59		471,320

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Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Preferred Stock

On September 1, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors pursuant to which we offered and sold shares of its 7.50% fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, with no par value, for an aggregate purchase price of $72.0 million. Holders of the preferred stock will be entitled to receive, if, when, and as declared by our board of directors, non-cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7.50% per share for the first five years following issuance and thereafter at a variable rate equal to the then current 3-month secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”), reset quarterly, plus 470 basis points. The preferred stock has a perpetual term and may not be redeemed, except under certain circumstances, under the first five years of issuance. The preferred stock is non-convertible and dividends equivalent to $18.75 per share were paid during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

On October 22, 2020, the Company’s board of directors approved a resolution authorizing management to repurchase shares of its common stock with an aggregate purchase price of up to $30.0 million from time to time, subject to certain limitations and conditions. This 2020 stock repurchase program was effective until December 31, 2021. The 2020 stock repurchase program did not obligate the Company to repurchase any shares of its common stock. The Company repurchased 520,845 shares for $11.7 million under the 2020 stock repurchase program between October 22, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

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Stock Performance Graph

The following table and graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock to the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the KBW Nasdaq Regional Bank Index (“KRX”) for the period beginning on April 11, 2018, the first day of trading of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, through December 31, 2022. The following assumes $100 invested on April 11, 2018 in our common stock at the closing price of $25.02 per common share, otherwise reflects our stock and the S&P 500 and KRX values as of close of trading, and assumes the reinvestment of dividends, if any. The historical stock price performance for our common stock shown on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.

Date	BFST		S&P 500		KRX
4/11/2018	$	100.00	$	100.00	$	100.00
6/30/2018		104.65		102.88		102.39
9/30/2018		105.78		107.20		97.20
12/31/2018		96.83		86.03		80.78
3/31/2019		98.39		113.07		108.63
6/30/2019		102.45		103.79		103.18
9/30/2019		98.65		101.19		98.60
12/31/2019		101.20		108.53		108.91
3/31/2020		55.01		80.00		59.12
6/30/2020		63.11		119.95		113.42
9/30/2020		62.10		108.47		88.85
12/31/2020		84.74		111.69		147.55
3/31/2021		100.05		105.77		128.87
6/30/2021		96.60		108.17		97.98
9/30/2021		99.75		100.23		102.54
12/31/2021		120.06		110.65		102.87
3/31/2022		103.66		95.05		97.25
6/30/2022		91.29		83.55		87.37
9/30/2022		92.69		94.72		103.22
12/31/2022		95.79		107.08		103.24

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ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data.

[RESERVED]

ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

This discussion presents management’s analysis of our results of operations and financial condition over each of the last two most recent fiscal years. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes related thereto which appear elsewhere in this Report.

The following discussion and analysis is to focus on significant changes in the financial condition of Business First and its subsidiaries from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 and its results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. This discussion and analysis is intended to highlight and supplement information presented elsewhere in this Report, particularly the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in Item 8. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and are based on certain assumptions that Business First believes are reasonable but may prove to be inaccurate. Certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those set forth under “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this statement, may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected results discussed in the forward-looking statements appearing in this discussion and analysis. Business First assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. A discussion regarding significant changes in the financial condition of Business First and its subsidiaries from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021 and its results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 can be found under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website, www.b1bank.com.

Overview

We are a registered financial holding company headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, b1BANK, a Louisiana state chartered bank, we provide a broad range of financial services tailored to meet the needs of small-to-midsized businesses and professionals. Since our inception in 2006, our priority has been and continues to be creating shareholder value through the establishment of an attractive commercial banking franchise in Louisiana and across our region. We consider our primary market to include the State of Louisiana, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and Houston. We currently operate out of banking centers and loan production offices in markets across Louisiana and Texas. As of December 31, 2022, we had total assets of $6.0 billion, total loans of $4.6 billion, total deposits of $4.8 billion, and total shareholders’ equity of $580.5 million.

As a financial holding company operating through one reportable operating segment, community banking, we generate most of our revenues from interest income on loans, customer service and loan fees, and interest income from securities. We incur interest expense on deposits and other borrowed funds and noninterest expense, such as salaries and employee benefits and occupancy expenses. We analyze our ability to maximize income generated from interest-earning assets and expense of our liabilities through our net interest margin. Net interest margin is a ratio calculated as net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, which are used to fund those assets.

Changes in the market interest rates and the interest rates we earn on interest-earning assets or pay on interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the volume and types of interest-earning assets, interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing liabilities and shareholders’ equity, are usually the largest drivers of periodic changes in net interest spread, net interest margin and net interest income. Fluctuations in market interest rates are driven by many factors, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, deflation, macroeconomic developments, changes in unemployment, the money supply, political and international conditions, and conditions in domestic and foreign financial markets. Periodic changes in the volume and types of loans in our loan portfolio are affected by, among other factors, economic and competitive conditions in our markets and across our region, as well as developments affecting the real estate, technology, financial services, insurance, transportation, manufacturing and energy sectors within our markets.

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While we continue to prioritize organic growth, we also seek to capitalize upon other opportunities as they arise. Below is a summary of recent transactions that have contributed to our growth. For additional information about these transactions, See “Note 3 – Mergers and Acquisitions” in our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

Acquisition of Pedestal Bancshares, Inc.

On January 22, 2020, we entered into an agreement and plan of reorganization to acquire Pedestal Bancshares, Inc., and its banking subsidiary Pedestal Bank. The acquisition of Pedestal was consummated on May 1, 2020. At April 30, 2020, Pedestal had reported $1.4 billion in total assets, $935.8 million in loans, $1.2 billion in total deposits.

Acquisition of Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC

On March 22, 2021, we, through b1BANK, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SSW, a registered investment advisor with approximately $3.5 billion in assets under managements, specializing in managing investment portfolios for corporations, foundations and individuals. The acquisition of SSW was consummated on April 1, 2021. At March 31, 2021, SSW reported $3.6 million in total assets and $2.3 million in total liabilities.

Issuance of Subordinated Debt

On March 26, 2021, we issued $52.5 million in subordinated debt. This subordinated debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% through March 31, 2026 and a floating rate, based on a benchmark rate plus 354 basis points, thereafter through maturity in 2031. The subordinated notes are redeemable by us at our option beginning in 2026.

Sale of Oak Grove Banking Center

On October 1, 2021, we sold the Oak Grove banking center, located in Oak Grove, Louisiana, to Caldwell Bank & Trust Company headquartered in Columbia, Louisiana, in accordance with the Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement dated June 29, 2021. The sale included $3.7 million in loans, $18.7 million in deposits and an estimated pre-tax gain on sale of $492,000.

Acquisition of Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc.

On October 20, 2021, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Texas Citizens Bancshares, Inc. (“TCBI”), the parent bank holding company for Texas Citizens Bank, National Association, headquartered in Pasadena, Texas. The acquisition was consummated on March 1, 2022. At February 28, 2022, TCBI reported $534.2 million in total assets, $349.5 million in loans and $477.2 million in total deposits.

Preferred Stock Issuance

On September 1, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors pursuant to which we offered and sold shares of our 7.50% fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, with no par value, for an aggregate purchase price of $72.0 million. The preferred stock was structured to qualify as additional Tier 1 capital under applicable regulatory capital guidelines. Holders of the preferred stock will be entitled to receive, if, when, and as declared by our board of directors (the “Board”), non-cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7.50% for the first five years following issuance and thereafter at a variable rate equal to the then current 3-month secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”), reset quarterly, plus 470 basis points. The preferred stock has a perpetual term and may not be redeemed, except under certain circumstances, under the first five years of issuance. We intend to use the net proceeds from the preferred stock issuance to provide additional capital support to the Bank, to support growth, to better position us to take advantage of strategic opportunities that may arise from time to time, repayment of existing debt, and for general corporate purposes.

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Public Offering

On October 12, 2022, we entered into an underwriting agreement with Stephens, Inc., a representative of several underwriters, to issue and sell 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, $1.00 par value per share, in an underwritten public offering and a public offering price of $20.00 per share. After deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, the net proceeds of the offering was $47.2 million.

Loan Deferrals

Beginning on March 25, 2020, we have taken proactive measures to help customers impacted by COVID-19 by deferring principal and/or interest payments. As of December 31, 2022, we had deferrals remaining on 1,164 loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $425.2 million, although all loans were outside their deferral periods.

In accordance with FASB and interagency regulatory guidance issued in March 2020, loans that are modified under the terms of our COVID-19 Deferral Assistance Program will not be considered as troubled debt restructurings to the extent that they meet the terms of such guidance under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

COVID-19 Programs

SBA PPP Participation

As of December 31, 2022, we held 16 PPP loans (including both round 1 and round 2 PPP loans) with an aggregate balance of $2.8 million and an average loan balance of $175,000. In June 2021, we sold approximately 2,000 PPP loans with an aggregate balance of $243.6 million at a gain of $9.2 million.

MSLP Participation

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we funded approximately 45 loans with an aggregate originated loan principal balance of $327.8 million. As of December 31, 2020, we had transferred/sold 95%, or $311.4 million, of the principal balance of the MSLP loans to a MSLP special purpose vehicle entity and retained $16.4 million of the outstanding principal balance. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we retained the outstanding principal balance of $14.9 million and $15.5 million, respectively.

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 include:

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Total assets of $6.0 billion, a $1.3 billion, or 26.7%, increase from December 31, 2021.

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Total loans held for investment of $4.6 billion, a $1.4 billion, or 44.4%, increase from December 31, 2021.

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Total deposits of $4.8 billion, a $743.1 million, or 18.2%, increase from December 31, 2021.

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Net income available to common shareholders of $52.9 million, a $769,000, or 1.5%, increase from the year ended December 31, 2021.

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Net interest income of $199.6 million, a $45.7 million, or 29.7%, increase from the year ended December 31, 2021.

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An allowance for loan and lease losses of 0.83% of total loans held for investment, compared to 0.91% as of December 31, 2021, and a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans held for investment of 0.25%, compared to 0.41% as of December 31, 2021.

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Earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2022 of $2.34 per basic common share and $2.32 per diluted common share, compared to $2.54 per basic common share and $2.53 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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Return to common shareholders on average assets of 0.97% compared to 1.18% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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Return to common shareholders on average common equity of 11.59% compared to 12.25% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

•

Capital Ratios included Tier 1 Leverage, Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 Risk-based and Total Risk-based Capital of 9.49%, 8.68%, 10.07% and 12.75%, respectively, compared to Tier 1 Leverage, Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 Risk-based and Total Risk-based Capital of 8.14%, 9.04%, 9.17% and 11.94% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

•

Book value per common share of $20.25, a decrease of 4.7% from $21.24 at December 31, 2021.

Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

Performance Summary

For the year ended December 31, 2022, net income available to common shareholders was $52.9 million, or $2.34 per basic common share and $2.32 per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $52.1 million, or $2.54 per basic common share and $2.53 per diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2021. Return to common shareholders on average assets decreased to 0.97% for the year ended December 31, 2022 from 1.18% for the year ended December 31, 2021. Return to common shareholders on average common equity decreased to 11.59% for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to 12.25% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Net Interest Income

Our operating results depend primarily on our net interest income, calculated as the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Fluctuations in market interest rates impact the yield and rates paid on interest sensitive assets and liabilities. Changes in the amount and type of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities also impact net interest income. The variance driven by the changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is referred to as a “volume change.” Changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowed funds are referred to as a “rate change.”

To evaluate net interest income, we measure and monitor (1) yields on our loans and other interest-earning assets, (2) the costs of our deposits and other funding sources, (3) our net interest spread and (4) our net interest margin. Net interest spread is the difference between rates earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is calculated as net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. Because noninterest-bearing sources of funds, such as noninterest-bearing deposits and shareholders’ equity also fund interest-earning assets, net interest margin includes the benefit of these noninterest-bearing sources. We calculate average assets, liabilities, and equity using a monthly average, and average yield/rate utilizing an actual 365 day count convention.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, net interest income totaled $199.6 million, and net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.92% and 3.57%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2021 net interest income totaled $153.9 million and net interest margin and net interest spread were 3.84% and 3.65%, respectively. The average yield on the loan portfolio was 5.43%, excluding SBA PPP loans, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 5.16% for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the average yield on total interest-earning assets was 4.64% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 4.25% for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2022, overall cost of funds (which includes noninterest-bearing deposits) increased 32 basis points compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to the federal reserve increasing rates during 2022.

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The following table presents, for the periods indicated, an analysis of net interest income by each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the average amounts outstanding and the interest earned or paid on such amounts. The table also sets forth the average rate earned on interest-earning assets, the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and the net interest margin on average total interest-earning assets for the same periods. Interest earned on loans that are classified as nonaccrual is not recognized in income; however, the balances are reflected in average outstanding balances for the period. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, interest income not recognized on nonaccrual loans was not material. Any nonaccrual loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The average total loans reflected below is net of deferred loan fees and discounts. Acquired loans were recorded at fair value at acquisition and accrete interest income over the remaining lives of the respective loans or expected cash flows. Averages presented in the table below, and throughout this report, are month-end averages.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022								2021								2020
	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
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Total loans (excluding SBA PPP loans)	$	4,016,947		$	217,997		5.43	%	$	2,878,306		$	148,638		5.16	%	$	2,342,034		$	131,208		5.60	%
SBA PPP loans		3,489			35		1.00			158,714			8,153		5.14			271,388			9,251		3.41
Securities		956,232			16,503		1.73			870,282			13,520		1.55			483,976			9,121		1.88
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		115,016			1,579		1.37			104,471			127		0.12			48,345			175		0.36
Total interest-earning assets		5,091,684			236,114		4.64			4,011,773			170,438		4.25			3,145,743			149,755		4.76
Allowance for loan losses		(32,093	)							(26,132	)							(16,540	)
Noninterest-earning assets		413,917								418,029								296,917
Total assets	$	5,473,508		$	236,114				$	4,403,670		$	170,438				$	3,426,120		$	149,755
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits	$	3,007,882		$	24,413		0.81	%	$	2,604,825		$	12,183		0.47	%	$	1,978,295		$	17,562		0.89	%
Subordinated debt		106,054			5,109		4.82			68,183			3,526		5.17			25,000			1,688		6.75
Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities		5,000			248		4.96			5,000			168		3.36			3,341			121		3.62
Advances from FHLB		271,025			6,478		2.39			47,325			554		1.17			113,999			1,945		1.71
First National Banker's Bank ("FNBB") Line of Credit		2,500			120		4.80			-			-		-			-			-		-
Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility ("PPPLF")		-			-		-			-			-		-			65,857			237		0.36
Other borrowings		23,197			169		0.73			27,182			123		0.45			43,286			556		1.28
Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,415,658			36,537		1.07			2,752,515			16,554		0.60			2,229,778			22,109		0.99
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits		1,539,938								1,196,970								812,332
Other liabilities		37,533								28,493								27,671
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities		1,577,471								1,225,463								840,003
Shareholders' equity:
Common shareholders' equity		456,388								425,692								356,339
Preferred equity		23,991								-								-
Total shareholders' equity		480,379								425,692								356,339
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	5,473,508							$	4,403,670							$	3,426,120
Net interest rate spread (1)							3.57	%							3.65	%							3.77	%
Net interest income				$	199,577							$	153,884							$	127,646
Net interest margin (2)							3.92	%							3.84	%							4.06	%
Overall cost of funds							0.74	%							0.42	%							0.73	%

(1) Net interest spread is the average yield on interest-earning assets minus the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
(2) Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

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The following table presents information regarding the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated for each major component of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and distinguishes between the changes attributable to changes in volume and changes attributable to changes in interest rates. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated to rate.

	For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2021
	Increase (Decrease) due to change in
	Volume			Rate			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Total loans (excluding SBA PPP loans)	$	61,793		$	7,566		$	69,359
SBA PPP loans		(1,557	)		(6,561	)		(8,118	)
Securities		1,483			1,500			2,983
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		145			1,307			1,452
Total increase in interest income	$	61,864		$	3,812		$	65,676
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits	$	3,271		$	8,959		$	12,230
Subordinated debt		1,824			(241	)		1,583
Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities		-			80			80
Advances from FHLB		5,347			577			5,924
FNBB Line of Credit		120			-			120
Other borrowings		(29	)		75			46
Total increase in interest expense		10,533			9,450			19,983
Increase (decrease) in net interest income	$	51,331		$	(5,638	)	$	45,693

	For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2020
	Increase (Decrease) due to change in
	Volume			Rate			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Total loans (excluding SBA PPP loans)	$	27,694		$	(10,264	)	$	17,430
SBA PPP loans		(5,788	)		4,690			(1,098	)
Securities		6,001			(1,602	)		4,399
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		68			(116	)		(48	)
Total increase (decrease) in interest income	$	27,975		$	(7,292	)	$	20,683
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits	$	2,930		$	(8,309	)	$	(5,379	)
Subordinated debt		2,233			(395	)		1,838
Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities		56			(9	)		47
Advances from FHLB		(781	)		(610	)		(1,391	)
PPPLF		-			(237	)		(237	)
Other borrowings		(73	)		(360	)		(433	)
Total increase (decrease) in interest expense		4,365			(9,920	)		(5,555	)
Increase (decrease) in net interest income	$	23,610		$	2,628		$	26,238

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Provision for Loan Losses

Our provision for loan losses is a charge to income in order to bring our allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management. For a description of the factors taken into account by management in determining the allowance for loan losses see “—Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses.” The provision for loan losses was $10.9 million and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The higher provision during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 2021 relates primarily to the overall growth of the loan portfolio.

Noninterest Income (“Other Income”)

Our primary sources of noninterest income are service charges on deposit accounts, debit card and automated teller machine (“ATM”) fee income, income from bank-owned life insurance, fees and brokerage commissions, and pass-through income from other investments (small business investment company (“SBIC”) partnerships and fintech technology (“Fintech”) funds). The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest income:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022			2021			Increase (Decrease)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	8,272		$	6,813		$	1,459
Debit card and ATM fee income		6,407			6,199			208
Bank-owned life insurance income		1,931			1,396			535
Gain on sales of loans		574			10,117			(9,543	)
Gain (loss) on sales of investment securities		(48	)		378			(426	)
Fees and brokerage commissions		6,964			5,015			1,949
Mortgage origination income		532			866			(334	)
Correspondent bank income		113			277			(164	)
Gain (loss) on sales of other real estate owned		33			(1,122	)		1,155
Gain on sale of banking center		-			492			(492	)
Gain (loss) on sales / disposals of other assets		(717	)		112			(829	)
Pass-through income from other investments		1,347			2,615			(1,268	)
Other		3,902			2,624			1,278
Total noninterest income	$	29,310		$	35,782		$	(6,472	)

Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $6.5 million, or 18.1%, to $29.3 million compared to noninterest income of $35.8 million for the same period in 2021. The components of noninterest income with significant fluctuations compared to the prior year period were as follows:

Service charges on deposit accounts. We earn fees from our customers for deposit-related services, and these fees constitute a significant and predictable component of our noninterest income. Service charges on deposit accounts were $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to $6.8 million for the same time period in 2021, an increase of $1.5 million, or 21.4%. The increase was primarily due to increases in deposit balances and accounts from the acquisition of TCBI and organic growth.

Debit card and ATM fee income. We earn fees from our customers based upon card activity, and these fees constitute a significant recurring component of our noninterest income. Fee income was $6.4 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, representing an increase of $208,000, or 3.4%.

Gain on sales of loans. We had gains on sales of loans of $574,000 in 2022 compared to $10.1 million in 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold approximately 2,000 PPP loans with an aggregate balance of $243.6 million realizing a gain of $9.2 million.

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Fees and brokerage commissions. We earn commissions from brokerage services provided by our Wealth Solutions Group and SSW. Fees and brokerage commissions totaled $7.0 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same time period in 2021, was primarily due to the continued increase in SSW productivity and an additional quarter of income for 2022.

Gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned. The majority of the loss on sale of other real estate in 2021 resulted from the sale of seven properties that were originally held for future expansion at a total loss of $1.1 million.

Gain on sale of banking center. We sold a banking center located in Oak Grove, Louisiana that resulted in a gain of $492,000 during the fourth quarter of 2021.

Gain (loss) on sales / disposals of other assets. We had disposals of former bank premises during 2022 which resulted in a loss of $717,000.

Other. This category includes a variety of other income producing activities, including wire transfer fees, mortgage-related income, insurance commissions and credit card income. Other income increased $1.3 million, or 48.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021.

Noninterest Expense (“Other Expense”)

Generally, noninterest expense is composed of all employee expenses and costs associated with operating our facilities, obtaining and retaining customer relationships and providing bank services. The largest component of noninterest expense is salaries and employee benefits. Noninterest expense also includes operational expenses, such as occupancy expenses, depreciation and amortization, professional and regulatory fees, including Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assessments, data processing expenses, and advertising and promotion expenses, among others.

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest expense:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022		2021		Increase (Decrease)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits	$	85,222	$	65,825	$	19,397
Non-staff expenses:
Occupancy of bank premises		9,244		7,238		2,006
Depreciation and amortization		6,853		5,792		1,061
Data processing		8,358		8,137		221
FDIC assessment fees		2,854		2,194		660
Legal and professional fees		2,359		2,679		(320	)
Advertising and promotions		3,949		2,712		1,237
Utilities and communications		3,193		2,475		718
Ad valorem shares tax		3,400		2,499		901
Directors' fees		972		790		182
Other real estate owned expenses and write-downs		193		736		(543	)
Merger and conversion related expenses		4,808		515		4,293
Other		18,004		15,469		2,535
Total noninterest expense	$	149,409	$	117,061	$	32,348

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Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $32.3 million, or 27.6%, to $149.4 million compared to noninterest expense of $117.1 million for the same period in 2021. The components of noninterest expense with significant fluctuations compared to the prior year period were as follows:

Salaries and employee benefits. Salaries and employee benefits are the largest component of noninterest expense and include payroll expense, the cost of incentive compensation, benefit plans, health insurance and payroll taxes. Salaries and employee benefits were $85.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $19.4 million, or 29.5%, compared to the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to additional hires for new positions, our merit increase cycle, the acquisition of TCBI (including severance and retention payments related to the acquisition) and its legacy operations and employees. As of December 31, 2022, we had 742 full-time equivalent employees, compared to 659 full-time equivalents as of December 31, 2021. Salaries and employee benefits included stock-based compensation expense of $4.0 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Occupancy of bank premises. Expense associated with occupancy of premises was $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $7.2 million for the same period in 2021. The increase of $2.0 million, or 27.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, may be attributed primarily to the acquisition of TCBI.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization costs were $6.9 million and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This category includes leasehold, furniture, fixtures and equipment depreciation totaling $4.8 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The amortization of intangible assets was $2.0 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in depreciation and amortization primarily resulted from the acquisition of TCBI’s assets and the core deposit intangible recorded in connection with the TCBI acquisition.

Data processing. Data processing fees were $8.4 million and $8.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase of $221,000, or 2.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, is primarily due to increased costs in connection with the TCBI acquisition.

Advertising and promotions. Advertising and promotions cost were $3.9 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, an increase of $1.2 million, or 45.6%. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, is due primarily to additional advertising we engaged in during 2022.

Merger and conversion related expenses. Merger and conversion related expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were related primarily to the acquisitions of SSW in 2021, and TCBI in 2021 and 2022.

Other. This category includes various operating and administrative expenses including business development expenses (i.e. travel and entertainment, donations and club dues), insurance, supplies and printing, equipment rent, and software support and maintenance. Other noninterest expense increased $2.5 million, or 16.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.

Income Tax Expense

The amount of income tax expense is influenced by the amounts of our pre-tax income, tax-exempt income and other nondeductible expenses. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates in effect for the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, income tax expense totaled $14.3 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 15.4%, compared to $12.4 million for the same period in 2021. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, our effective tax rates were 20.9% and 19.2%, respectively. Our income tax rate expense for both years was affected primarily by tax-exempt income generated by municipal securities, bank-owned life insurance and by other nondeductible expenses (including acquisition-related expenses). Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021, was also impacted by nondeductible goodwill write-offs associated with a branch sale.

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Financial Condition

Our total assets increased $1.3 billion, or 26.7%, from $4.7 billion as of December 31, 2021 to $6.0 billion as of December 31, 2022, due primarily from the increases in our loan portfolio, offset with decreases in cash and cash equivalents.

Loan Portfolio

Our primary source of income is interest on loans to individuals, professionals and small-to-midsized businesses in our markets. Our loan portfolio consists primarily of commercial loans and real estate loans secured by commercial real estate properties located in our primary market areas. Our loan portfolio represents the highest yielding component of our earning asset base.

As of December 31, 2022, total loans, excluding mortgage loans held for sale, were $4.6 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion or 44.4%, compared to $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of TCBI and growth in our Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, North Louisiana and New Orleans regions. Additionally, $304,000 and $1.2 million in mortgage loans were classified as loans held for sale as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Total loans held for investment as a percentage of deposits were 95.6% and 78.2% as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total loans held for investment as a percentage of assets were 76.9% and 67.5% as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio by type of loan as of the dates indicated:

	As of December 31, 2022					As of December 31, 2021
	Amount		Percent			Amount		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial	$	1,090,343		23.7	%	$	721,385		22.6	%
Real estate:
Construction and land		722,074		15.7			548,528		17.2
Farmland		193,587		4.2			87,463		2.7
1-4 family residential		557,741		12.1			467,699		14.7
Multi-family residential		98,637		2.1			97,508		3.1
Nonfarm nonresidential		1,826,819		39.7			1,144,426		35.9
Consumer and other		116,975		2.5			122,599		3.8
Total loans held for investment	$	4,606,176		100.0	%	$	3,189,608		100.0	%

SBA PPP loans accounted for $2.8 million and $5.4 million of the commercial portfolio as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Commercial loans. Commercial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and effectively. These loans are made based primarily on the identified cash flows of the borrower and, secondarily, on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory, and generally include personal guarantees.

Commercial loans increased $369.0 million, or 51.1%, to $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2022 from $721.4 million as of December 31, 2021.

Construction and land. Construction and land development loans are comprised of loans to fund construction, land acquisition and land development construction. The properties securing the portfolio are located primarily throughout Louisiana and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and Houston, and are generally diverse in terms of type.

Construction and land loans increased $173.5 million, or 31.6%, to $722.1 million as of December 31, 2022 from $548.5 million as of December 31, 2021.

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Farmland. Farmland loans are loans that can be, or are, used for agricultural purposes.

Farmland loans increased $106.1 million, or 121.3%, to $193.6 million as of December 31, 2022 from $87.5 million as of December 31, 2021.

1-4 family residential. Our 1-4 family residential loan portfolio is comprised of loans secured by single family homes, which are both owner-occupied and investor owned. Our 1-4 family residential loans have a relatively small average balance spread between many individual borrowers and are generally offered as accommodations to existing customers.

1-4 family residential loans increased $90.0 million, or 19.3%, to $557.7 million as of December 31, 2022 from $467.7 million as of December 31, 2021.

Nonfarm nonresidential. Nonfarm nonresidential loans are underwritten primarily based on projected cash flows and, secondarily, as loans secured by real estate. These loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the portfolio are located throughout Louisiana and Texas and are generally diverse in terms of type. This diversity helps reduce the exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single industry.

Nonfarm nonresidential loans increased $682.4 million, or 59.6%, to $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2022 from $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2021.

Other loan categories. Other categories of loans included in our loan portfolio include farmland and agricultural loans made to farmers and ranchers relating to their operations, multi-family residential loans, and consumer and other loans. None of these categories of loans represent a significant portion of our total loan portfolio.

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The contractual maturity ranges of loans in our loan portfolio and the amount of such loans with fixed and floating interest rates in each maturity range as of date indicated are summarized in the following tables:

	As of December 31, 2022
	One Year or Less		One Through Five Years		Five Through Fifteen Years		After Fifteen Years		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial	$	417,970	$	444,198	$	227,880	$	295	$	1,090,343
Real estate:
Construction and land		274,027		381,218		59,813		7,016		722,074
Farmland		39,664		110,965		42,958		-		193,587
1-4 family residential		61,435		303,539		140,050		52,717		557,741
Multi-family residential		8,009		66,944		17,799		5,885		98,637
Nonfarm nonresidential		190,015		913,308		602,299		121,197		1,826,819
Consumer and other		61,230		43,039		12,496		210		116,975
Total loans held for investment	$	1,052,350	$	2,263,211	$	1,103,295	$	187,320	$	4,606,176

Fixed rate loans:
Commercial	$	126,091	$	276,346	$	156,908	$	-	$	559,345
Real estate:
Construction and land		95,358		242,554		35,137		3,674		376,723
Farmland		18,762		55,541		32,328		-		106,631
1-4 family residential		35,990		255,471		81,137		12,327		384,925
Multi-family residential		5,522		66,325		15,511		14		87,372
Nonfarm nonresidential		105,499		829,991		476,127		9,339		1,420,956
Consumer and other		35,343		29,709		11,359		164		76,575
Total fixed rate loans	$	422,565	$	1,755,937	$	808,507	$	25,518	$	3,012,527

Floating rate loans:
Commercial	$	291,879	$	167,852	$	70,972	$	295	$	530,998
Real estate:
Construction and land		178,669		138,664		24,676		3,342		345,351
Farmland		20,902		55,424		10,630		-		86,956
1-4 family residential		25,445		48,068		58,913		40,390		172,816
Multi-family residential		2,487		619		2,288		5,871		11,265
Nonfarm nonresidential		84,516		83,317		126,172		111,858		405,863
Consumer and other		25,887		13,330		1,137		46		40,400
Total floating rate loans	$	629,785	$	507,274	$	294,788	$	161,802	$	1,593,649

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	As of December 31, 2021
	One Year or Less		One Through Five Years		Five Through Fifteen Years		After Fifteen Years		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial	$	258,279	$	300,346	$	162,760	$	-	$	721,385
Real estate:
Construction and land		228,988		265,097		53,254		1,189		548,528
Farmland		8,972		43,786		34,705		-		87,463
1-4 family residential		70,851		249,231		106,035		41,582		467,699
Multi-family residential		5,382		28,041		58,757		5,328		97,508
Nonfarm nonresidential		137,207		506,219		446,646		54,354		1,144,426
Consumer and other		49,774		57,543		14,997		285		122,599
Total loans held for investment	$	759,453	$	1,450,263	$	877,154	$	102,738	$	3,189,608

Fixed rate loans:
Commercial	$	116,784	$	178,649	$	119,198	$	-	$	414,631
Real estate:
Construction and land		87,082		121,398		27,927		-		236,407
Farmland		5,091		32,370		30,072		-		67,533
1-4 family residential		39,375		201,921		44,721		5,032		291,049
Multi-family residential		3,516		15,478		57,938		-		76,932
Nonfarm nonresidential		88,677		451,885		356,772		6,850		904,184
Consumer and other		25,609		43,038		13,049		167		81,863
Total fixed rate loans	$	366,134	$	1,044,739	$	649,677	$	12,049	$	2,072,599

Floating rate loans:
Commercial	$	141,495	$	121,697	$	43,562	$	-	$	306,754
Real estate:
Construction and land		141,906		143,699		25,327		1,189		312,121
Farmland		3,881		11,416		4,633		-		19,930
1-4 family residential		31,476		47,310		61,314		36,550		176,650
Multi-family residential		1,866		12,563		819		5,328		20,576
Nonfarm nonresidential		48,530		54,334		89,874		47,504		240,242
Consumer and other		24,165		14,505		1,948		118		40,736
Total floating rate loans	$	393,319	$	405,524	$	227,477	$	90,689	$	1,117,009

Nonperforming Assets

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is generally reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due, or interest may be recognized on a cash basis as long as the remaining book balance of the loan is deemed collectible. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

We have several procedures in place to assist in maintaining the overall quality of our loan portfolio. We have established underwriting guidelines to be followed by our bankers, and we also monitor our delinquency levels for any negative or adverse trends. There can be no assurance, however, that our loan portfolio will not become subject to increasing pressures from deteriorating borrower credit due to general economic conditions.

We believe our conservative lending approach and focused management of nonperforming assets has resulted in sound asset quality and the timely resolution of problem assets. We had $12.8 million and $14.5 million in nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We had $11.4 million in nonperforming loans as of December 31, 2022 compared to $13.1 million as of December 31, 2021. The decrease in nonperforming assets from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 is primarily attributable to chargeoffs. Past due and nonaccrual loans exclude acquired impaired loans, even if contractually past due and we do not expect to receive payment in full, as we are currently accreting interest income over the expected life of the loans.

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The following tables present information regarding nonperforming loans at the dates indicated:

	As of December 31,
	2022			2021			2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans	$	11,054		$	12,868		$	9,063
Accruing loans 90 or more days past due		335			222			1,523
Total nonperforming loans		11,389			13,090			10,586
Other nonperforming assets		62			-			402
Other real estate owned:
Commercial real estate, construction, land and land development		1,199			1,348			8,567
Residential real estate		173			79			484
Total other real estate owned		1,372			1,427			9,051
Total nonperforming assets	$	12,823		$	14,517		$	20,039
Restructured loans-nonaccrual	$	944		$	3,275		$	4,206
Restructured loans-accruing		3,494			315			4,315
Ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans held for investment		0.25	%		0.41	%		0.35	%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets		0.21			0.31			0.48
Ratio of nonaccrual loans to total loans held for investment		0.24			0.40			0.30

	As of December 31,
	2022		2021		2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans by category:
Real estate:
Construction and land	$	992	$	1,341	$	924
Farmland		16		76		367
1-4 family residential		4,080		3,601		2,603
Multi-family residential		-		-		-
Nonfarm nonresidential		2,628		2,614		3,119
Commercial		3,033		4,947		1,753
Consumer and other		305		289		297
Total	$	11,054	$	12,868	$	9,063

As of December 31, 2022, our loan portfolio included 1,164 loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $425.2 million that has previously been granted temporary payment deferrals of principal and/or interest due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 31, 2021, our loan portfolio included 1,574 loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $522.0 million that had previously been granted temporary payment deferrals. In accordance with FASB and interagency regulatory guidance issued in March 2020, loans that were modified under the terms of our COVID-19 Deferral Assistance Program are not to be considered as troubled debt restructurings to the extent that they meet the terms of such guidance under Section 4013 of the CARES Act. Loans under these deferrals remain in their current risk rating and/or past due status through the deferral period. None of these loans are currently in their deferral period at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

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Potential Problem Loans

From a credit risk standpoint, we classify loans in one of four categories: pass, special mention, substandard or doubtful. Loans classified as loss are charged-off. The classifications of loans reflect a judgment about the risks of default and loss associated with the loan. Ratings are adjusted to reflect the degree of risk and loss that is believed to be inherent in each credit. Our methodology is structured so that specific allocations are increased in accordance with deterioration in credit quality (and a corresponding increase in risk of loss) or decreased in accordance with improvement in credit quality (and a corresponding decrease in risk of loss).

Credits rated special mention show clear signs of financial weaknesses or deterioration in credit worthiness; however, such concerns are not so pronounced that we generally expect to experience significant loss within the short-term. Such credits typically maintain the ability to perform within standard credit terms and credit exposure is not as prominent as credits with a lower rating.

Credits rated substandard are those in which the normal repayment of principal and interest may be, or has been, jeopardized by reason of adverse trends or developments of a financial, managerial, economic or political nature, or important weaknesses which exist in collateral. A protracted workout on these credits is a distinct possibility. Prompt corrective action is therefore required to reduce exposure and to assure that adequate remedial measures are taken by the borrower. Credit exposure becomes more likely in such credits and a serious evaluation of the secondary support to the credit is performed.

Credits rated doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those rated substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

The following tables summarize our internal ratings of our loans held for investment as of the dates indicated.

	As of December 31, 2022
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate:
Construction and land	$	716,071	$	3,496	$	2,157	$	350	$	722,074
Farmland		191,475		2,082		16		14		193,587
1-4 family residential		545,142		3,780		7,909		910		557,741
Multi-family residential		98,621		-		16		-		98,637
Nonfarm nonresidential		1,781,136		32,972		10,462		2,249		1,826,819
Commercial		1,074,417		6,520		6,761		2,645		1,090,343
Consumer and other		116,179		126		603		67		116,975
Total	$	4,523,041	$	48,976	$	27,924	$	6,235	$	4,606,176

	As of December 31, 2021
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate:
Construction and land	$	545,071	$	266	$	1,850	$	1,341	$	548,528
Farmland		86,063		1,324		-		76		87,463
1-4 family residential		456,150		3,109		2,801		5,639		467,699
Multi-family residential		97,485		-		23		-		97,508
Nonfarm nonresidential		1,094,782		34,495		9,735		5,414		1,144,426
Commercial		704,755		7,886		3,137		5,607		721,385
Consumer and other		121,566		350		257		426		122,599
Total	$	3,105,872	$	47,430	$	17,803	$	18,503	$	3,189,608

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Allowance for Loan Losses

We maintain an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s best estimate of the loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we estimate losses on specific loans, or groups of loans, where the probable loss can be identified and reasonably determined. The balance of the allowance for loan losses is based on internally assigned risk classifications of loans, historical loan loss rates, changes in the nature of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends, current economic factors and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on certain historical loan loss rates. For additional discussion of our methodology, please refer to “—Critical Accounting Estimates—Allowance for Loan Losses.”

In connection with our review of the loan portfolio, we consider risk elements attributable to particular loan types or categories in assessing the quality of individual loans. Some of the risk elements we consider include:

•

for commercial and industrial loans, the operating results of the commercial, industrial or professional enterprise, the borrower’s business, professional and financial ability and expertise, the specific risks and volatility of income and operating results typical for businesses in that category, and the value, nature and marketability of collateral;

•

for commercial mortgage loans and multi-family residential loans, the debt service coverage ratio (income from the property in excess of operating expenses compared to loan payment requirements), operating results of the owner in the case of owner occupied properties, the loan to value ratio, the age and condition of the collateral, and the volatility of income, property value and future operating results typical for properties of that type;

•

for 1-4 family residential mortgage loans, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, including a consideration of the debt to income ratio and employment and income stability, the loan to value ratio, and the age, condition and marketability of the collateral; and

•

for construction, land development and other land loans, the perceived feasibility of the project including the ability to sell developed lots or improvements constructed for resale or the ability to lease property constructed for lease, the quality and nature of contracts for presale or prelease, if any, the experience and ability of the developer, and the loan to value ratio.

As of December 31, 2022, the allowance for loan losses totaled $38.2 million, or 0.83%, of total loans held for investment. As of December 31, 2021, the allowance for loan losses totaled $29.1 million, or 0.91%, of total loans held for investment. As of December 31, 2020, the allowance for loan losses totaled $22.0 million, or 0.74%, of total loans held for investment.

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The following tables present, as of and for the periods indicated, an analysis of the allowance for loan losses and other related data:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022			2021			2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Average loans outstanding (1)	$	4,020,436		$	3,037,020		$	2,613,422
Gross loans held for investment outstanding end of period	$	4,606,176		$	3,189,608		$	2,991,355
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period	$	29,112		$	22,024		$	12,124
Provision for loan losses		10,886			8,047			11,435
Charge-offs:
Real Estate:
Construction, land and farmland		16			29			28
Residential		191			169			387
Nonfarm nonresidential		51			139			232
Commercial		2,091			830			849
Consumer and other		472			469			467
Total charge-offs		2,821			1,636			1,963
Recoveries:
Real Estate:
Construction, land and farmland		25			3			10
Residential		20			39			53
Nonfarm nonresidential		50			99			12
Commercial		697			417			203
Consumer and other		209			119			150
Total recoveries		1,001			677			428
Net charge-offs		1,820			959			1,535
Allowance for loan losses at end of period	$	38,178		$	29,112		$	22,024
Ratio of allowance to end of period loans held for investment		0.83	%		0.91	%		0.74	%
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans		0.05			0.03			0.06
Ratio of allowance to nonaccrual loans		345.38			226.24			243.01

(1) Excluding loans held for sale

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	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022						2021						2020
	Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)			Percent of Average Loans			Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)			Percent of Average Loans			Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)		Percent of Average Loans
	(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial	$	1,394			0.04	%	$	413			0.01	%	$	646		0.02	%
Real estate:
Construction and land		(9	)		0.00	%		27			0.00	%		16		0.00	%
Farmland		-			0.00	%		(1	)		0.00	%		2		0.00	%
1-4 family residential		171			0.00	%		130			0.00	%		334		0.01	%
Multi-family residential		-			0.00	%		-			0.00	%		-		0.00	%
Nonfarm nonresidential		1			0.00	%		40			0.00	%		220		0.01	%
Consumer and other		263			0.01	%		350			0.01	%		317		0.01	%
Total net charge-offs (recoveries)	$	1,820			0.05	%	$	959			0.03	%	$	1,535		0.06	%

Although we believe that we have established our allowance for loan losses in accordance with GAAP and that the allowance for loan losses was adequate to provide for known and inherent losses in the portfolio at all times shown above, future provisions will be subject to ongoing evaluations of the risks in our loan portfolio. If we experience economic declines, or if asset quality deteriorates, material additional provisions could be required.

The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among loan categories and certain other information as of the dates indicated. The allocation of the allowance for loan losses as shown in the table should neither be interpreted as an indication of future charge-offs, nor as an indication that charge-offs in future periods will necessarily occur in these amounts or in the indicated proportions. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any loan category.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022					2021					2020
	Amount		Percent to Total			Amount		Percent to Total			Amount		Percent to Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate:
Construction and land	$	5,768		15.1	%	$	4,498		15.5	%	$	3,584		16.3	%
Farmland		1,554		4.1			721		2.5			600		2.7
1-4 family residential		4,623		12.1			3,791		13.0			3,453		15.7
Multi-family residential		731		1.9			774		2.7			818		3.7
Nonfarm nonresidential		13,148		34.5			9,794		33.6			7,369		33.5
Total real estate		25,824		67.7			19,578		67.3			15,824		71.9
Commercial		11,197		29.3			8,358		28.7			5,018		22.8
Consumer and other		1,157		3.0			1,176		4.0			1,182		5.3
Total allowance for loan losses	$	38,178		100.0	%	$	29,112		100.0	%	$	22,024		100.0	%

Securities

We use our securities portfolio to provide a source of liquidity, an appropriate return on funds invested, manage interest rate risk, meet collateral requirements, and meet regulatory capital requirements. As of December 31, 2022, the carrying amount of investment securities totaled $890.8 million, a decrease of $130.3 million, or 12.8%, compared to $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to increase in unrealized losses in the securities portfolio. Securities represented 14.9% and 21.6% of total assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

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Our investment portfolio consists entirely of securities classified as available for sale. As a result, the carrying values of our investment securities are adjusted for unrealized gain or loss, and any gain or loss is reported on an after-tax basis as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The following tables summarize the amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities as of the dates shown:

	As of December 31, 2022
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. treasury securities	$	32,783	$	-	$	2,668	$	30,115
U.S. government agencies		50,288		-		2,916		47,372
Corporate bonds		48,475		25		2,496		46,004
Mortgage-backed securities		506,671		267		55,213		451,725
Municipal securities		347,382		11		31,858		315,535
Total	$	985,599	$	303	$	95,151	$	890,751

	As of December 31, 2021
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. treasury securities	$	22,751	$	-	$	437	$	22,314
U.S. government agencies		27,867		2		376		27,493
Corporate bonds		45,876		812		106		46,582
Mortgage-backed securities		555,528		3,246		6,435		552,339
Municipal securities		370,421		4,100		2,188		372,333
Total	$	1,022,443	$	8,160	$	9,542	$	1,021,061

All of our mortgage-backed securities are agency securities. We do not hold any Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac preferred stock, corporate equity, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, structured investment vehicles, private label collateralized mortgage obligations, subprime, Alt-A, or second lien elements in our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2022.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment, at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.

The following tables set forth the fair value, maturities and approximated weighted average yield based on estimated annual income divided by the average amortized cost of the securities portfolio as of the dates indicated. The contractual maturity of a mortgage-backed security is the date at which the last underlying mortgage matures.

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	As of December 31, 2022
	Within One Year					After One Year but Within Five Years					After Five Years but Within Ten Years					After Ten Years					Total
	Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Total		Yield
	(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. treasury securities	$	-		-	%	$	30,115		1.00	%	$	-		-	%	$	-		-	%	$	30,115		1.00	%
U.S. government agencies		-		-	%		47,372		1.63	%		-		-	%		-		-	%		47,372		1.63	%
Corporate bonds		151		-	%		2,500		4.08	%		43,353		4.49	%		-		-	%		46,004		4.45	%
Mortgage-backed securities		2,458		0.97	%		41,738		1.65	%		172,301		1.69	%		235,228		1.94	%		451,725		1.81	%
Municipal securities		15,299		1.76	%		97,064		1.44	%		120,905		1.79	%		82,267		2.13	%		315,535		1.77	%
Total	$	17,908		1.64	%	$	218,789		1.49	%	$	336,559		2.08	%	$	317,495		1.99	%	$	890,751		1.90	%

	As of December 31, 2021
	Within One Year					After One Year but Within Five Years					After Five Years but Within Ten Years					After Ten Years					Total
	Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Total		Yield
	(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. treasury securities	$	-		-	%	$	22,314		0.77	%	$	-		-	%	$	-		-	%	$	22,314		0.77	%
U.S. government agencies		2,513		0.23	%		24,980		0.76	%		-		-	%		-		-	%		27,493		0.21	%
Corporate bonds		-		-	%		-		-	%		46,582		4.37	%		-		-	%		46,582		4.37	%
Mortgage-backed securities		10,701		1.19	%		37,870		1.42	%		221,494		1.34	%		282,274		1.20	%		552,339		1.27	%
Municipal securities		16,720		2.09	%		97,129		1.41	%		149,951		1.76	%		108,533		1.94	%		372,333		1.74	%
Total	$	29,934		1.61	%	$	182,293		1.24	%	$	418,027		1.83	%	$	390,807		1.41	%	$	1,021,061		1.56	%

The contractual maturity of mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities is not a reliable indicator of their expected life because borrowers have the right to prepay their obligations at any time. Mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities are typically issued with stated principal amounts and are backed by pools of mortgage loans and other loans with varying maturities. The term of the underlying mortgages and loans may vary significantly due to the ability of a borrower to prepay. Monthly paydowns on mortgage-backed securities tend to cause the average life of the securities to be much different than the stated contractual maturity. During a period of increasing interest rates, fixed rate mortgage-backed securities do not tend to experience heavy prepayments of principal and, consequently, the average life of this security will be lengthened. If interest rates begin to fall, prepayments may increase, thereby shortening the estimated life of this security. The weighted average life of our investment portfolio was 5.92 years with an estimated effective duration of 54.07 months as of December 31, 2022.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we did not own securities of any one issuer for which aggregate adjusted cost exceeded 10% of the consolidated shareholders’ equity as of such respective dates.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company held other equity securities of $37.5 million and $16.6 million, respectively, comprised mainly of FHLB stock, SBIC’s and financial technology (“Fintech”) fund investments.

Deposits

We offer a variety of deposit accounts having a wide range of interest rates and terms including demand, savings, money market and time accounts. We rely primarily on competitive pricing policies, convenient locations and personalized service to attract and retain these deposits.

Total deposits as of December 31, 2022 were $4.8 billion, an increase of $743.1 million, or 18.2%, compared to $4.1 billion as of December 31, 2021.

Noninterest-bearing deposits as of December 31, 2022 were $1.5 billion compared to $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $258.3 million, or 20.0%.

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Average deposits for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $4.5 billion, an increase of $746.0 million, or 19.6%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 of $3.8 billion. The average rate paid on total interest-bearing deposits increased over this period from 0.47% for the year ended December 31, 2021 to 0.81% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in average rates was driven by the federal reserve raising interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2022. In addition, the stability and the continued growth of noninterest-bearing demand accounts served to reduce the cost of deposits to 0.54% for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 0.32% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

The following table presents the monthly average balances and weighted average rates paid on deposits for the periods indicated:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022					2021
	Average Balance		Average Rate			Average Balance		Average Rate
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-bearing demand accounts	$	298,845		1.31	%	$	177,196		0.49	%
Negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW") accounts		536,742		0.30	%		511,231		0.13	%
Limited access money market accounts and savings		1,483,763		0.81	%		1,176,858		0.29	%
Certificates and other time deposits > $250k		208,661		1.03	%		204,892		1.12	%
Certificates and other time deposits < $250k		479,871		0.98	%		534,648		0.93	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,007,882		0.81	%		2,604,825		0.47	%
Noninterest-bearing demand accounts		1,539,938		-	%		1,196,970		-	%
Total deposits	$	4,547,820		0.54	%	$	3,801,795		0.32	%

The ratio of average noninterest-bearing deposits to average total deposits for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was 33.9% and 31.5%, respectively.

The following table sets forth the contractual maturities of certain certificates of deposit at December 31, 2022:

	Certificates of Deposit More Than $250,000		Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 Through $250,000
	(Dollars in thousands)
3 months or less	$	64,940	$	100,942
More than 3 months but less than 6 months		62,217		45,095
More than 6 months but less than 12 months		94,943		124,424
12 months or more		57,681		72,354
Total	$	279,781	$	342,815

At December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2021, we had approximately $1.6 billion, $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, in uninsured deposits including related interest accrued and unpaid. Since it is not reasonably practicable to provide a precise measure of uninsured deposits, the amounts are estimated and are based on the same methodologies and assumptions that are used for regulatory reporting requirements for the call report.

Borrowings

We utilize short-term and long-term borrowings to supplement deposits to fund our lending and investment activities. In addition, we use short-term borrowings to periodically repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock and for general corporate purposes. Each of these relationships are discussed below.

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FHLB advances. The FHLB allows us to borrow on a blanket floating lien status collateralized by certain securities and loans. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, total borrowing capacity of $1.8 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, was available under this arrangement and $410.1 million and $82.0 million, respectively, was outstanding with a weighted average stated interest rate of 3.88% as of December 31, 2022 and 1.08% as of December 31, 2021. Our current FHLB advances mature within five years. We utilize these borrowings to meet liquidity needs and to fund certain fixed rate loans in our portfolio.

The following table presents our FHLB borrowings at the dates indicated.

	FHLB Advances
	(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2022
Amount outstanding at year-end	$	410,100
Weighted average stated interest rate at year-end		3.88	%
Maximum month-end balance during the year	$	534,059
Average balance outstanding during the year	$	271,025
Weighted average interest rate during the year		2.39	%

December 31, 2021
Amount outstanding at year-end	$	82,022
Weighted average stated interest rate at year-end		1.08	%
Maximum month-end balance during the year	$	83,000
Average balance outstanding during the year	$	47,279
Weighted average interest rate during the year		1.17	%

Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement (“Subordinated Debt”). In December 2018 we issued subordinated notes in the amount of $25.0 million. The subordinated notes bear a fixed rate of interest at 6.75% until December 31, 2028 and a floating rate thereafter through maturity in 2033. The balance outstanding at both December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $25.0 million. These subordinated notes were issued for the purpose of paying off our long term advance and line of credit with FNBB, for general corporate purposes and to provide Tier 2 capital. The subordinated notes are redeemable by the Company at its option beginning in 2028.

On March 26, 2021, we issued $52.5 million in subordinated notes. These subordinated notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% through March 31, 2026 and a floating rate, based on a benchmark rate plus 354 basis points, thereafter through maturity in 2031. The balance outstanding at both December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $52.5 million.

On April 1, 2021, we consummated the acquisition of SSW. Under the terms of the acquisition, we issued $3.9 million in subordinated debt to the former owners of SSW. This subordinated debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.75% through April 1, 2026 and a floating rate, based on a benchmark rate plus 442 basis points, thereafter through maturity in 2031. The balance outstanding at both December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $3.9 million.

On March 1, 2022, we consummated the acquisition of TCBI. As part of the acquisition, we assumed $26.4 million in subordinated debt. Of these notes, $10.0 million bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.25% until April 11, 2023, then will reset to a floating interest rate based on a benchmark plus 350 basis points, adjusting quarterly until maturity on April 11, 2028, $7.5 million bears a fixed rate of 6.38% until December 13, 2023, then will reset to a floating interest rate based on a benchmark rate plus 350 basis points, adjusting quarterly, until maturity on December 13, 2028, $8.9 million bears an adjustable interest rate plus 595 basis points, based on a benchmark rate, until maturity on March 24, 2027. The balance outstanding at December 31, 2022 was $26.4 million. As part of this debt, we recorded a fair value adjustment premium in the amount of $3.4 million, to accrete over five-to-seven years, with a remaining adjustment of $2.9 million as of December 31, 2022.

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The following table presents the Subordinated Debt at the dates indicated.

	Subordinated Debt
	(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2022
Amount outstanding at year-end	$	110,749
Weighted average stated interest rate at year-end		5.57	%
Maximum month-end balance during the year	$	111,209
Average balance outstanding during the year	$	106,054
Weighted average interest rate during the year		4.82	%

December 31, 2021
Amount outstanding at year-end	$	81,427
Weighted average stated interest rate at year-end		5.04	%
Maximum month-end balance during the year	$	81,427
Average balance outstanding during the year	$	68,183
Weighted average interest rate during the year		5.17	%

FNBB revolving advances. FNBB allowed us to borrow on a revolving basis up to $5.0 million. This line of credit, established on September 12, 2016, was secured by a pledge of and security interest in the common stock of our wholly-owned subsidiary, b1BANK. This line of credit carried a variable interest rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime rate. This FNBB line was established for the purpose of repurchasing shares of our common stock from certain of our shareholders and for general corporate purposes. This line of credit was paid in full in March 2021. This line of credit was re-established on November 3, 2021. This line of credit did not have a balance at December 31, 2021. In May 2022, we utilized the full amount of this line of $5.0 million. This line of credit carried a variable interest rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime rate not to be less than 3.50%. This line of credit was paid in full, and not renewed, in November 2022.

FNBB note payable. We acquired a $7.0 million note payable with FNBB from Pedestal of which $6.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2020. The note was payable in annual installments of $1.0 million with a maturity date in August 2026. The note carried a variable interest rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime rate, with a minimum rate of 4.00%, and adjusted quarterly. Interest payments were due quarterly. This note was paid in full in March 2021.

Trust preferred securities. In the Pedestal acquisition, we assumed their obligations of $5.2 million in junior subordinated debentures, which are associated with $5.0 million in trust preferred securities issued by a trust. Interest on the junior subordinated debentures is accrued at an annual rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR, as determined in the agreement, plus 3.05%. Interest is payable quarterly. The agreement indenture governing the debentures allows us to defer interest payments for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods. The trust preferred securities do not have a stated maturity date, however, they are subject to mandatory redemption on September 17, 2033, or upon earlier redemption. We have guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities subject to the guarantee agreement and the indenture. Principal and interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures are in a superior position to the liquidation rights of holders of common stock.

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Federal Funds Purchased Lines of Credit Relationships

We maintain Federal Funds Purchased Lines of Credit Relationships with the following correspondent banks and limits as of December 31, 2022:

	Fed Funds Purchase Limits
	(Dollars in thousands)
TIB National Association	$	45,000
PNC Bank		38,000
FNBB		35,000
First Horizon Bank		17,000
ServisFirst Bank		10,000
South State Bank		9,000
Total	$	154,000

The following table represents combined Federal Funds Purchased Lines of Credit for all relationships at the dates indicated.

	Fed Funds Purchased
	(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2022
Amount outstanding at year-end	$	14,057
Weighted average stated interest rate at year-end		4.50
Maximum month-end balance during the year	$	14,057
Average balance outstanding during the year	$	1,970
Weighted average interest rate during the year		1.06	%

December 31, 2021
Amount outstanding at year-end	$	-
Weighted average stated interest rate at year-end		-	%
Maximum month-end balance during the year	$	16,087
Average balance outstanding during the year	$	94
Weighted average interest rate during the year		0.89	%

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Liquidity involves our ability to utilize funds to support asset growth and acquisitions or reduce assets to meet deposit withdrawals and other payment obligations, to maintain reserve requirements and otherwise to operate on an ongoing basis and manage unexpected events. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, liquidity needs were primarily met by core deposits, security and loan maturities, and amortizing investment and loan portfolios. Although access to brokered deposits, purchased funds from correspondent banks and overnight advances from the FHLB have been utilized on occasion to take advantage of investment opportunities, we do not generally rely on these external funding sources. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we maintained six lines of credit with correspondent banks which provided for extensions of credit with an availability to borrow up to an aggregate of $154.0 million and $154.0 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At December 31, 2022, we had $14.1 million outstanding under these lines of credit. There were no funds under these lines of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2021.

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The following table illustrates, during the periods presented, the mix of our funding sources and the average assets in which those funds are invested as a percentage of average total assets for the period indicated. Average assets totaled $5.5 billion and $4.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022			2021
Source of Funds:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing		28.1	%		27.2	%
Interest-bearing		55.0			59.2
Subordinated debt (excluding trust preferred securities)		1.9			1.5
Advances from FHLB		4.9			1.1
Other borrowings		0.6			0.7
Other liabilities		0.7			0.6
Shareholders' equity		8.8			9.7
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%
Uses of Funds:
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses		72.9	%		68.4	%
Securities available for sale		17.5			19.7
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		2.1			2.4
Other noninterest-earning assets		7.5			9.5
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%
Average noninterest-bearing deposits to average deposits		33.9	%		31.5	%
Average loans to average deposits		88.4			79.9

Our primary source of funds is deposits, and our primary use of funds is loans. We do not expect a change in the primary source or use of our funds in the foreseeable future. Our average loans increased 32.4% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to organic growth and the acquisition of TCBI. We predominantly invest excess funds in overnight deposits with the Federal Reserve, securities, interest-bearing deposits at other banks or other short-term liquid investments until needed to fund loan growth. Our securities portfolio had a weighted average life of 5.92 years and an effective duration of 54.07 months as of December 31, 2022 and a weighted average life of 5.87 years and an effective duration of 53.46 months as of December 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2022, we had outstanding $1.3 billion in commitments to extend credit and $45.6 million in commitments associated with outstanding standby and commercial letters of credit. As of December 31, 2021, we had outstanding $1.0 billion in commitments to extend credit and $35.3 million in commitments associated with outstanding standby and commercial letters of credit. Because commitments associated with letters of credit and commitments to extend credit may expire unused, the total outstanding may not necessarily reflect the actual future cash funding requirements. See “-Off Balance Sheet Items” below for additional information.

As of December 31, 2022, we had no exposure to future cash requirements associated with known uncertainties or capital expenditures of a material nature. We had cash and cash equivalents, including federal funds sold, of $168.3 million and $295.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

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Capital Resources

Total shareholders’ equity increased to $580.5 million as of December 31, 2022, compared to $433.4 million as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $147.1 million, or 33.9%. This increase was primarily due to the issuance of $72.0 million in preferred stock, $55.0 million in common stock and equity awards in the acquisition of TCBI, $47.2 in net proceeds from the public offering of common stock, and net income available to common shareholders of $52.9 million, offset with other comprehensive losses of $73.0 million resulting from the after tax effect of unrealized losses in our investment securities portfolio and dividends paid on common shares of $10.8 million. The preferred stock was structured to qualify as additional Tier 1 capital.

On January 25, 2023, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend based upon our financial performance for the three months ended December 31, 2022 in the amount of $0.12 per common share to the common shareholders of record as of February 15, 2023. The dividend was paid on February 28, 2023.

On January 25, 2023, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $18.75 per preferred share to the preferred shareholders of record as of February 15, 2023. The dividend was paid on February 28, 2023.

The declaration and payment of dividends to our shareholders, as well as the amounts thereof, are subject to the discretion of the Board and depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, capital levels, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board. As a holding company, our ability to pay dividends is largely dependent upon the receipt of dividends from our subsidiary, b1BANK. There can be no assurance that we will declare and pay any dividends to our shareholders.

Capital management consists of providing equity to support current and future operations. Banking regulators view capital levels as important indicators of an institution’s financial soundness. As a general matter, FDIC-insured depository institutions and their holding companies are required to maintain minimum capital relative to the amount and types of assets they hold. We are subject to regulatory capital requirements at the holding company and bank levels. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we and b1BANK were in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements, and b1BANK was classified as “well-capitalized,” for purposes of prompt corrective action regulations. As we employ our capital and continue to grow our operations, our regulatory capital levels may decrease depending on our level of earnings. However, we expect to monitor and control our growth in order to remain in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital standards applicable to us. The increase in capital was primarily due to the issuance of preferred stock (accounted for as additional Tier 1 capital for us).

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The following table presents the actual capital amounts and regulatory capital ratios for us and b1BANK as of the dates indicated.

	As of December 31,
	2022					2021
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
	(Dollars in thousands)
Business First
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	704,840		12.75	%	$	478,794		11.94	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)		557,088		10.07	%		367,431		9.17	%
Common Equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)		480,158		8.68	%		362,431		9.04	%
Tier 1 Leverage capital (to average assets)		557,088		9.49	%		367,431		8.14	%

b1BANK
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	657,588		11.91	%	$	468,834		11.71	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)		618,805		11.20	%		438,898		10.96	%
Common Equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)		618,805		11.20	%		438,898		10.96	%
Tier 1 Leverage capital (to average assets)		618,805		10.55	%		438,898		9.73	%

Preferred Stock

On September 1, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors pursuant to which we offered and sold shares of our 7.50% fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, with no par value, for an aggregate purchase price of $72.0 million. The preferred stock was structured to qualify as additional Tier 1 capital under applicable regulatory capital guidelines. Holders of the preferred stock will be entitled to receive, if, when, and as declared by our board of directors, non-cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7.50% for the first five years following issuance and thereafter at a variable rate equal to the then current 3-month secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”), reset quarterly, plus 470 basis points. The preferred stock has a perpetual term and may not be redeemed, except under certain circumstances, under the first five years of issuance. We intend to use the net proceeds from the preferred stock issuance to provide additional capital support to the Bank, to support growth, to better position us to take advantage of strategic opportunities that may arise from time to time, repayment of existing debt, and for general corporate purposes.

Long Term Debt

For information on our subordinated debt, please refer to “Borrowings”.

Contractual Obligations

The following tables summarize contractual obligations and other commitments to make future payments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 (other than non-maturity deposit obligations), which consist of future cash payments associated with our contractual obligations pursuant to our FHLB advances, subordinated debt, revolving line of credit, and non-cancelable future operating leases. Payments related to leases are based on actual payments specified in underlying contracts. Advances from the FHLB totaled approximately $410.1 million and $82.0 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the FHLB advances were collateralized by a blanket floating lien on certain securities and loans, had a weighted average stated rate of 3.88% and 1.08%, respectively, and maturing within five years. The subordinated debt totaled $110.7 million and $81.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. Of this subordinated debt, $25.0 million bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.75% through December 31, 2028 and a floating rate, based on a benchmark rate plus 369 basis points, thereafter through maturity in 2033, $52.5 million of this subordinated debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% through March 31, 2026 and a floating rate, based on a benchmark rate plus 354 basis points, thereafter through maturity in 2031, $3.9 million of this subordinated debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.75% through April 1, 2026 and a floating rate, based on a benchmark rate plus 442 basis points, thereafter through maturity in 2031. We acquired three separate notes as part of the TCBI acquisition totaling $26.4 million. Of those notes, $10.0 million bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.25% until April 11, 2023, then will reset to a floating interest rate based on a benchmark plus 350 basis points, adjusting quarterly until maturity on April 11, 2028, $7.5 million bears a fixed rate of 6.38% until December 13, 2023, then will reset to a floating interest rate based on a benchmark rate plus 350 basis points, adjusting quarterly, until maturity on December 13, 2028, $8.9 million bears an adjustable interest rate plus 595 basis points, based on a benchmark rate, until maturity on March 24, 2027. As part of valuing these three subordinated notes from TCBI, we incurred a fair value adjustment premium of $3.4 million that will accrete over five-to-seven years, with $2.9 million remaining at December 31, 2022. In November 2021, we entered into a revolving line of credit with FNBB in the amount of $5.0 million with a variable interest rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime and not to be less than 3.5%. This revolving line of credit with FNBB had no balance outstanding at December 31, 2021, was fully utilized in May 2022 and fully paid off at maturity in November 2022.

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	As of December 31, 2022
	1 year or less		More than 1 year but less than 3 years		3 years or more but less than 5 years		5 years or more		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Non-cancelable future operating leases	$	3,725	$	5,915	$	3,908	$	4,112	$	17,660
Time deposits		601,980		145,606		38,971		20		786,577
Subordinated debt (including premium)		613		1,227		9,839		99,070		110,749
Advances from FHLB		262,000		875		147,225		-		410,100
Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities		-		-		-		5,000		5,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		20,208		-		-		-		20,208
Standby and commercial letters of credit		18,706		26,468		377		-		45,551
Commitments to extend credit		654,067		342,844		200,971		147,288		1,345,170
Total	$	1,561,299	$	522,935	$	401,291	$	255,490	$	2,741,015

	As of December 31, 2021
	1 year or less		More than 1 year but less than 3 years		3 years or more but less than 5 years		5 years or more		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Non-cancelable future operating leases	$	2,243	$	3,994	$	3,502	$	4,565	$	14,304
Time deposits		548,593		121,037		23,026		-		692,656
Subordinated debt		-		-		-		81,427		81,427
Advances from FHLB		-		23,000		59,022		-		82,022
Subordinated debt - trust preferred securities		-		-		-		5,000		5,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		19,121		-		-		-		19,121
Standby and commercial letters of credit		10,460		24,733		98		-		35,291
Commitments to extend credit		428,839		351,623		138,674		87,702		1,006,838
Total	$	1,009,256	$	524,387	$	224,322	$	178,694	$	1,936,659

Off-Balance Sheet Items

In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions which, in accordance with GAAP, are not included in our consolidated balance sheets. We enter into these transactions to meet the financing needs of our customers. These transactions include commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

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Our commitments associated with outstanding standby and commercial letters of credit and commitments to extend credit expiring by period as of the date indicated are summarized in the tables above. Because commitments associated with letters of credit and commitments to extend credit may expire unused, the amounts shown do not necessarily reflect the actual future cash funding requirements.

Standby and commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. In the event of nonperformance by the customer, we have rights to the underlying collateral, which can include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and/or marketable securities. The credit risk to us in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to our customers.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being fully drawn upon, the total commitment amounts disclosed above do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if considered necessary by us, upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Market Risk

As a financial institution, our primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Our asset liability and funds management policy provides management with the guidelines for effective funds management, and we have established a measurement system for monitoring our net interest rate sensitivity position. We manage our sensitivity position within our established guidelines.

Fluctuations in interest rates will ultimately impact both the level of income and expense recorded on most of our assets and liabilities, and the market value of all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, other than those which have a short term to maturity. Interest rate risk is the potential of economic losses due to future interest rate changes. These economic losses can be reflected as a loss of future net interest income and/or a loss of current fair market values. The objective is to measure the effect on net interest income and to adjust the balance sheet to minimize the inherent risk while at the same time maximizing income.

We manage our exposure to interest rates by structuring our balance sheet in the ordinary course of business. We do not enter into instruments such as leveraged derivatives, interest rate swaps, financial options, financial futures contracts or forward delivery contracts for the purpose of reducing interest rate risk, excluded back-to-back customer interest rate swaps. Based upon the nature of our operations, we are not subject to foreign exchange or commodity price risk. We do not own any trading assets.

Our exposure to interest rate risk is managed by the asset-liability committee of b1BANK, in accordance with policies approved by our board of directors. In determining the appropriate level of interest rate risk, the committee considers the impact on earnings and capital of the current outlook on interest rates, potential changes in interest rates, regional economies, liquidity, business strategies and other factors. The committee meets regularly to review, among other things, the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses, purchase and sale activities, commitments to originate loans and the maturities of investments and borrowings. Additionally, the committee reviews liquidity, cash flow flexibility, maturities of deposits and consumer and commercial deposit activity. Management employs methodologies to manage interest rate risk which include an analysis of relationships between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and an interest rate shock simulation model.

We use interest rate risk simulation models and shock analysis to test the interest rate sensitivity of net interest income and fair value of equity, and the impact of changes in interest rates on other financial metrics. Contractual maturities and re-pricing opportunities of loans are incorporated in the model as are prepayment assumptions, maturity data and call options within the investment portfolio. Average lives of non-maturity deposit accounts are based on standard regulatory decay assumptions and are also incorporated into the model. Model assumptions are revised and updated as more accurate information becomes available. The assumptions used are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely measure future net interest income or precisely predict the impact of fluctuations in market interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from the model’s simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes, as well as changes in market conditions and the application and timing of various management strategies.

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On at least a quarterly basis, we run two simulation models including a static balance sheet and dynamic growth balance sheet. These models test the impact on net interest income and fair value of equity from changes in market interest rates under various scenarios. Under the static and dynamic growth models, rates are shocked instantaneously based upon parallel and non-parallel yield curve shifts. Parallel shock scenarios assume instantaneous parallel movements in the yield curve compared to a flat yield curve scenario. Non-parallel simulation involves analysis of interest income and expense under various changes in the shape of the yield curve. Internal policy regarding internal rate risk simulations currently specifies that for instantaneous parallel shifts of the yield curve, estimated net interest income at risk for the subsequent one-year period should not decline by more than 5% for a 100 basis point shift, 10% for a 200 basis point shift, and 12.5% for a 300 basis point shift. Internal policy regarding interest rate simulations currently specifies that for instantaneous parallel shifts of the yield curve, estimated fair value of equity at risk for the subsequent one-year period should not decline by more than 10% for a 100 basis point shift, 15% for a 200 basis point shift, and 25% for a 300 basis point shift.

The following table summarizes the simulated change in net interest income and fair value of equity over a 12-month horizon as of the dates indicated:

	As of December 31,
	2022						2021
Change in Interest Rates (Basis Points)	Percent Change in Net Interest Income			Percent Change in Fair Value of Equity			Percent Change in Net Interest Income			Percent Change in Fair Value of Equity
+300		(8.60%	)		(5.55%	)		(1.00%	)		(4.45%	)
+200		(5.90%	)		(3.65%	)		0.10	%		(3.99%	)
+100		(3.50%	)		(1.94%	)		0.50	%		(1.57%	)
Base		-	%		-	%		-	%		-	%
-100		(0.70%	)		1.76	%		(3.30%	)		2.83	%
-200		(2.30%	)		3.38	%		(7.00%	)		18.80	%

The results are primarily due to the balance sheet mix and behavior of demand, money market and savings deposits during such rate fluctuations. The model also assumes no management intervention. We have found that, historically, interest rates on these deposits change more slowly than changes in the discount and federal funds rates. This assumption is incorporated into the simulation model and is generally not fully reflected in a gap analysis. The assumptions incorporated into the model are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely measure future net interest income or precisely predict the impact of fluctuations in market interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from the model’s simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes, as well as changes in market conditions and the application and timing of various strategies.

Impact of Inflation

Our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this statement have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. These require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative value of money over time due to inflation or recession.

Unlike many industrial companies, substantially all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on our performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates may not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. However, other operating expenses do reflect general levels of inflation.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our accounting and reporting policies conform to GAAP, and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, we also evaluate our performance based on certain additional non-GAAP financial measures. We classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time in the United States in our statements of income, balance sheets or statements of cash flows. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and other statistical measures or ratios or statistical measures calculated using exclusively either financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, operating measures or other measures that are not non-GAAP financial measures or both.

This discussion and analysis section includes certain non-GAAP financial measures (e.g., referenced as “core” or “tangible”) intended to supplement, not substitute for, comparable GAAP measures. These 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 measures include realized and unrealized gains/losses on former bank premises and equipment, gain/losses on sales of securities, and acquisition-related expenses (including, but not limited to, legal costs, system conversion costs, severance and retention payments, etc.). The measures also typically adjust goodwill and certain intangible assets from book value and shareholders’ equity.

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 the Company’s core business. These non-GAAP disclosures are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures that may be presented by other companies. You should understand how such other banking organizations calculate their financial metrics or with names similar to the non-GAAP financial measures we have discussed in this statement when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures.

Core Net Income. Core net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $57.6 million, or $2.52 per diluted common share, compared to core net income available to common shareholders of $53.9 million, or $2.61 per diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2021. Core net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2022 included adjustment for $48,000 in losses on sales of securities, $687,000 in insurance reimbursements from storm expenditures, the incurrence of $717,000 in losses attributed to former bank premises and equipment, $5.2 million in acquisition-related expenses and $501,000 million in hurricane repair expenses compared to $378,000 in gains on the sales of securities, a $492,000 gain on the sale of the Oak Grove Banking Center, the incurrence of $1.0 million in losses attributed to former bank premises and equipment, $515,000 in acquisition-related expenses, and $1.6 million in hurricane repair expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2022			2021			2020
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Interest Income:
Interest income	$	236,114		$	170,438		$	149,755
Core interest income		236,114			170,438			149,755
Interest Expense:
Interest expense		36,537			16,554			22,109
Core interest expense		36,537			16,554			22,109
Provision for Loan Losses:
Provision for loan losses		10,886			8,047			11,435
Core provision expense		10,886			8,047			11,435
Other Income:
Other income		29,310			35,782			21,564
Losses on former bank premises and equipment		717			1,010			351
(Gains) losses on sale of securities		48			(378	)		(135	)
Gain on sale of branch		-			(492	)		-
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures		(687	)		-			-
Core other income		29,388			35,922			21,780
Other Expense:
Other expense		149,409			117,061			100,993
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		(5,178	)		(515	)		(9,559	)
Stock option exercises - excess taxes (founder's grants)		-			-			(71	)
Occupancy and bank premises - hurricane repair		(501	)		(1,556	)		-
Core other expense		143,730			114,990			91,363
Pre-Tax Income:
Pre-tax income		68,592			64,558			36,782
Losses on former bank premises and equipment		717			1,010			351
(Gains) losses on sale of securities		48			(378	)		(135	)
Gain on sale of branch		-			(492	)		-
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures		(687	)		-			-
Acquisition-related expenses (2)		5,178			515			9,559
Stock option exercises - excess taxes (founder's grants)		-			-			71
Occupancy and bank premises - hurricane repair		501			1,556			-
Core pre-tax income		74,349			66,769			46,628
Provision for Income Taxes: (1)
Provision for income taxes		14,337			12,422			6,788
Tax on losses on former bank premises and equipment		151			211			74
Tax on (gains) losses on sale of securities		10			(79	)		(28	)
Tax on gain on sale of branch		-			(138	)		-
Tax on insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures		(144	)		-			-
Tax on acquisition-related expenses (2)		942			108			1,727
Tax on stock option exercises - excess taxes (founder's grants)		-			-			601
Tax on occupancy and bank premises - hurricane repair		106			326
Core provision for income taxes		15,402			12,850			9,162
Preferred Dividends
Preferred dividends		1,350			-			-
Core preferred dividends		1,350			-			-
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders:
Net income available to common shareholders		52,905			52,136			29,994
Losses on former bank premises and equipment , net of tax		566			799			277
(Gains) losses on sale of securities, net of tax		38			(299	)		(107	)
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax		-			(354	)		-
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures, net of tax		(543	)		-			-
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax		4,236			407			7,832
Stock option exercises - excess taxes (founder's grants), net of tax		-			-			(530	)
Occupancy and bank premises - hurricane repair, net of tax		395			1,230			-
Core net income available to common shareholders	$	57,597		$	53,919		$	37,466
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
Diluted earnings per common share	$	2.32		$	2.53		$	1.64
Losses on former bank premises and equipment , net of tax		0.02			0.04			0.02
(Gains) losses on sale of securities, net of tax		-			(0.02	)		(0.01	)
Gain on sale of branch, net of tax		-			(0.02	)		-
Insurance reimbursement of storm expenditures, net of tax		(0.02	)		-			-
Acquisition-related expenses (2), net of tax		0.18			0.02			0.43
Stock option exercises - excess taxes (founder's grants), net of tax		-			-			(0.03	)
Occupancy and bank premises - hurricane repair, net of tax		0.02			0.06			-
Core diluted earnings per common share	$	2.52		$	2.61		$	2.05

(1)	Tax rates, exclusive of certain nondeductible acquisition-related expenses and goodwill, utilized were 21% for both 2022 and 2021. These rates approximate the marginal tax rates for the applicable periods.

(2)	Includes merger and conversion-related expenses and salary and employee benefits.

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Tangible Book Value Per Common Share. Tangible book value per common share is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate (1) tangible common equity as shareholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill, and core deposit and customer intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, and (2) tangible book value per common share as tangible common equity divided by shares of common stock outstanding. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for tangible book value per common share is book value per common share.

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total shareholders’ equity to tangible common equity and presents tangible book value per common share compared to book value per common share:

	As of December 31,
	2022			2021
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Tangible Common Equity
Total shareholders' equity	$	580,481		$	433,368
Preferred stock		(71,930	)		-
Total common shareholders' equity		508,551			433,368
Adjustments:
Goodwill		(88,543	)		(59,894	)
Core deposit and customer intangibles		(14,042	)		(12,203	)
Total tangible common equity	$	405,966		$	361,271
Common shares outstanding (1)		25,110,313			20,400,349
Book value per common shares (1)	$	20.25		$	21.24
Tangible book value per common shares (1)		16.17			17.71

(1)	Excludes the dilutive effect, if any, of 184,015 and 132,032 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets. Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate tangible common equity, as described above, and tangible assets as total assets less goodwill, core deposit and customer intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for tangible common equity to tangible assets is total common shareholders’ equity to total assets.

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total shareholders’ equity to tangible common equity and total assets to tangible assets:

	As of December 31,
	2022			2021
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Tangible Common Equity
Total shareholders' equity	$	580,481		$	433,368
Preferred stock		(71,930	)		-
Total common shareholders' equity		508,551			433,368
Adjustments:
Goodwill		(88,543	)		(59,894	)
Core deposit and customer intangibles		(14,042	)		(12,203	)
Total tangible common equity	$	405,966		$	361,271
Tangible Assets
Total Assets	$	5,990,460		$	4,726,378
Adjustments:
Goodwill		(88,543	)		(59,894	)
Core deposit and customer intangibles		(14,042	)		(12,203	)
Total tangible assets	$	5,887,875		$	4,654,281
Common Equity to Total Assets		8.5	%		9.2	%
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets		6.9			7.8

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Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with general practices within the financial services industry. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under current circumstances. These assumptions form the basis for our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from independent, objective sources. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Use of alternative assumptions may have resulted in significantly different estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We have identified the following critical accounting policies and estimates that, due to the difficult, subjective or complex judgments and assumptions inherent in those policies and estimates and the potential sensitivity of our financial statements to those judgments and assumptions, are critical to an understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. We believe that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements are appropriate.

Acquired Loans

Loans acquired in business combinations are initially recorded at fair value which includes an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans and, therefore, no corresponding allowance for loan losses is recorded for these loans at acquisition. Methods utilized to estimate any subsequently required allowance for loan losses for acquired loans not deemed credit impaired at acquisition are similar to originated loans; however, the estimate of losses is based on the unpaid principal balance and then compared to any remaining unaccreted purchase discount. To the extent the calculated loss is greater than the remaining unaccreted discount, an allowance is recorded for such amount. These loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by any purchase discount or allowance for loan loss, and increased by any purchase premium.

Certain acquired impaired loans, where there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable we will be unable to collect all contractually required payments, are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 310-30 Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. The expected cash flows for each loan meeting this criteria are estimated to determine the excess of the contractually required principal and interest at acquisition as an amount that should not be accreted (nonaccretable difference). The expected cash flows for the purchased impaired credits approximated fair value as of the merger date. A discount was recorded on these loans at acquisition to record them at their estimated fair values. As a result, the purchased impaired credits are excluded from the calculation of the allowance for loan losses as of the acquisition date. Under current accounting principles, if we determine that losses arose after the acquisition date, the additional losses will be reflected as a provision to the allowance for loan losses.

Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date and there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for loan losses.

The Company accounts for acquired impaired loans in accordance with ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”). An acquired loan is considered impaired when there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. Purchased impaired credits (i.e., loans) are accounted for individually or aggregated into loan pools with similar risk characteristics, which include: the loan type by regulatory guidelines, nature of the collateral/loan, relative amount of fair value discount to credit, amongst other factors.. The Company estimates the amount and timing of undiscounted expected cash flows for each loan, and the expected cash flows in excess of fair value is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s contractual principal and interest over the expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference). Over the life of the loan, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the expected cash flows decrease, a provision for loan losses and the establishment of an allowance for loan losses with respect to the acquired impaired loan is recorded. If the expected cash flows increase, it is recognized as part of future interest income.

The performing loans are accounted for under ASC 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (“ASC 310-20”), with the related discount or premium being recognized as an adjustment to yield over the life of the loan.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is an estimated amount management believes is adequate to absorb inherent losses on existing loans that may be uncollectible based upon review and evaluation of the loan portfolio. Management’s periodic evaluation of the allowance is based on general economic conditions, the financial condition of borrowers, the value and liquidity of collateral, delinquency, prior loan loss experience, and the results of periodic reviews of the portfolio.

The allowance for loan losses is comprised of two components. The first component, the general reserve, is determined in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance that considers historical loss rates and is adjusted for qualitative factors based upon general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to us to estimate probable incurred losses. Such qualitative factors include current local economic conditions and trends including unemployment, changes in lending staff, policies and procedures, changes in credit concentrations, changes in the trends and severity of problem loans, and changes in trends in volume and terms of loans. These qualitative factors serve to compensate for additional areas of uncertainty inherent in the portfolio that are not reflected in our historical loss factors. For purposes of determining the general reserve, the loan portfolio, less cash secured loans, government guaranteed loans and impaired loans, is multiplied by our adjusted historical loss rate. The second component of the allowance for loan losses, the specific reserve, is determined in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance based on probable losses on specific impaired loans.

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Due to our growth over the past several years, a portion of the loans in our portfolio and our lending relationships are of relatively recent origin. The new loan portfolios have limited delinquency and credit loss history and have not yet exhibited an observable loss trend. The credit quality of loans in these loan portfolios are impacted by delinquency status and debt service coverage generated by the borrowers’ business, and fluctuations in the value of real estate collateral. Management considers delinquency status to be the most meaningful indicator of the credit quality of 1-4 family residential, home equity loans and lines of credit and other consumer loans. In general, loans do not begin to show signs of credit deterioration or default until they have been outstanding for some period of time, a process we refer to as “seasoning.” As a result, a portfolio of older loans will usually behave more predictably than a portfolio of newer loans. Because the majority of our portfolio is relatively new, the current level of delinquencies and defaults may not be representative of the level that will prevail when the portfolio becomes more seasoned, which may be higher than current levels. If delinquencies and defaults increase, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Delinquency statistics are updated at least monthly. Internal risk ratings are considered the most meaningful indicator of credit quality for new commercial, construction, and commercial real estate loans. Internal risk ratings are a key factor in identifying loans that are individually evaluated for impairment and impact management’s estimates of loss factors used in determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses. Internal risk ratings are updated on a continuous basis.

Our policy requires measurement of the allowance for an impaired collateral dependent loan based on the fair value of the collateral. Other loan impairments are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows or the loan’s observable market price.

From time to time, we modify our loan agreement with a borrower. A modified loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring when two conditions are met: (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and (ii) concessions are made by us that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower with similar credit risk characteristics. Modifications to loan terms may include a lower interest rate, a reduction of principal, or a longer term to maturity. We review each troubled debt restructured loan and determine on a case by case basis if the loan is subject to impairment and the need for a specific allowance for loan loss allocation. An allowance for loan loss allocation is based on either the present value of estimated future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.

We have certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income with an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis and makes changes as appropriate. Management receives frequent reports related to loan originations, quality, concentrations, delinquencies, nonperforming and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions, both by type of loan and geography.

Commercial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and effectively. Underwriting standards are designed to determine whether the borrower possesses sound business ethics and practices and to evaluate current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay their obligations as agreed. Commercial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and, secondarily, on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory, and include personal guarantees.

Real estate loans are also subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial loans. These loans are underwritten primarily based on projected cash flows and, secondarily, as loans secured by real estate. The repayment of real estate loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loans or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing our real estate portfolio are generally diverse in terms of type and geographic location, throughout the state of Louisiana and Texas. This diversity helps reduce the exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry.

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We utilize methodical credit standards and analysis to supplement our policies and procedures in underwriting consumer loans. Our loan policy addresses types of consumer loans that may be originated and the collateral, if secured, which must be perfected. The relatively smaller individual dollar amounts of consumer loans that are spread over numerous individual borrowers also minimize risk.

Purchase Accounting Adjustments (other than loans)

The Company accounts for acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records the assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, at their respective fair values, which generally involves estimates based on third party valuations, such as appraisals, discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques, as well as internal valuations for certain instruments. Core deposit intangibles, deposit premiums, securities, properties, and borrowings are some of the more subjective instruments which are generally fair valued by the Company during acquisitions. Further, the determination of the useful lives as well as the appropriate amortization method of other intangible assets is also subjective.

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Reference is made to the subheading entitled “Interest Rate Sensitivity and Market Risk” of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of this report.

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ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

CONTENTS


Annual Audited Financial Statements:

	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	88

	Consolidated Balance Sheets	93

	Consolidated Statements of Income	94

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	95

	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity	96

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	97

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	99

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Business First Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits.

We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

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Allowance for Loan Losses

As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s loan portfolio was $4.6 billion and the associated allowance for loan losses was $38.2 million. As described in Note 1 and Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio The allowance for loan losses is based upon management’s review and evaluation of the loan portfolio including relevant historical loss experience. Each period the Company considers qualitative factors that are relevant and necessary to adjust the model. Qualitative factors considered in the establishment of the allowance for loan losses include changes in international, national, regional and local conditions; oil and gas trends; nature and volume of the portfolio; volume and severity of past due loans; quality of the loan review system; existence and effect of any concentrations of credit or changes in the levels of such concentrations; effect of other external factors; changes to lending policies and procedures, including experience, depth and ability of staff, and changes in the value of the underlying collateral.

We identified the allowance for loan losses as a critical audit matter. The principal considerations for that determination included the high degree of judgment and subjectivity relating to management’s identification and measurement of the qualitative factors. This required a high degree of auditor effort and significant auditor judgment in evaluating the estimated allowance for loan losses.

Our primary audit procedures performed to address this critical audit matter included:

●	We obtained an understanding of the Company’s process for establishing the ALL, including the identification, basis for development and related adjustments of the qualitative factor components of the ALL.

●	We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls relating to management’s determination of the ALL, including controls over:

Management’s process for identification, basis for development and related adjustments; including reasonableness, of the qualitative factor components of the ALL.

Management’s review of reliability and accuracy of data used to calculate and estimate the various components of the ALL, including accuracy of the calculation.

●	We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s application of qualitative factors to the ALL, including the comparison of factors considered by management to third party or internal sources as well as evaluated the appropriateness and level of the qualitative factor adjustments.

●	We evaluated the mathematical accuracy of the ALL, including the mathematical application of the qualitative adjustments on the loan segments.

●	We assessed the reasonableness of the qualitative portion of the ALL by comparing the components of the ALL (i.e., qualitative, specific and total reserves) to those recorded by the Company’s peer institutions.

Acquisition of Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. - Fair Value of Acquired Loans

As described further in Note 1 and Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company completed the acquisition of Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. (“TCBI”) on March 1, 2022. The Company accounted for this acquisition under the purchase method of accounting. Purchased assets and assumed liabilities are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value. Determination of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed required management to make significant estimates and assumptions. Specifically, the fair value of a loan portfolio acquired in a business combination requires greater levels of management estimates and judgment than the remainder of purchased assets or assumed liabilities. The fair value of the acquired loans was $338 million and required management to make estimates about discount rates, prepayment rates, expected future cash flows, and other future events that are subjective and subject to change.

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We identified the determination of the acquisition date fair value of acquired loans as a critical audit matter. The principal considerations for our determination are the extent of audit effort and level of judgment involved in evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assumptions, including the need for specialized skill to assess the development and application of the discount rates, prepayment rates and credit loss assumptions used to estimate cash flows.

Our primary audit procedures performed to address this critical audit matter included:

●	We obtained an understanding of the Company’s process for determining the fair value of the acquired loan portfolio.

●	We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls relating to the valuation of acquired loans, including controls addressing:

Management's credit diligence performed on the acquired loan portfolio, which impacts the credit loss assumptions used in the cash flow calculations.

Management’s review of the reasonableness of the discount rates, prepayment rates and credit loss assumptions used in the estimate of the fair value of acquired loans.

Management’s review of the results of the third-party valuation of the acquired loan portfolio, including the review of the completeness and accuracy of the data inputs used as a basis for the valuation.

●	We evaluated the completeness and accuracy of data inputs used as a basis for the valuation of the loan portfolio.

●

We evaluated, with the assistance of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge, the reasonableness of management’s discount rates, prepayment rates and credit loss assumptions used in the estimate of the fair value of the acquired loans, including, for a selected sample of loans, developing an independent expectation for comparison to management’s fair value.

●	We tested the mathematical accuracy of the estimated fair value, including the application of the assumptions used in the calculation.

/s/ FORVIS, LLP

(Formerly Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP)

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.

Fort Worth, Texas

March 2, 2023

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

Opinion on the Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Business First Bancshares Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31 2022, and our report dated March 2, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definitions and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of reliable financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ FORVIS, LLP

(Formerly Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP)

Fort Worth, Texas

March 2, 2023

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)


	December 31,
	2022			2021
*ASSETS*
Cash and Due from Banks	$	152,740		$	68,375
Federal Funds Sold		15,606			227,044
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values		890,751			1,021,061
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale		304			1,200
Loans and Lease Receivable, Net of Allowance for Loan Losses of $38,178 and $29,112 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively		4,567,998			3,160,496
Premises and Equipment, Net		63,177			58,155
Accrued Interest Receivable		25,666			19,597
Other Equity Securities		37,467			16,619
Other Real Estate Owned		1,372			1,427
Cash Value of Life Insurance		91,958			60,380
Deferred Taxes		31,194			8,822
Goodwill		88,543			59,894
Core Deposit and Customer Intangible		14,042			12,203
Other Assets		9,642			11,105

Total Assets	$	5,990,460		$	4,726,378

*LIABILITIES*

Deposits:
Noninterest Bearing	$	1,549,381		$	1,291,036
Interest Bearing		3,270,964			2,786,247

Total Deposits		4,820,345			4,077,283

Federal Funds Purchased		14,057			-
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase		20,208			19,121
Short Term Borrowings		9			20
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings		410,100			82,022
Subordinated Debt		110,749			81,427
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities		5,000			5,000
Accrued Interest Payable		2,092			1,354
Other Liabilities		27,419			26,783

Total Liabilities		5,409,979			4,293,010

Commitments and Contingencies (See Notes 19, 21 and 22)

*SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY*

Preferred Stock, No Par Value; 5,000,000 Shares Authorized; 72,010 and No Shares ($1,000 Liquidation Preference) Issued and Outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively		71,930			-
Common Stock, $1 Par Value; 50,000,000 Shares Authorized; 25,110,313 and 20,400,349 Shares Issued and Outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively		25,110			20,400
Additional Paid-in Capital		393,690			292,271
Retained Earnings		163,955			121,874
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(74,204	)		(1,177	)

Total Shareholders' Equity		580,481			433,368

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	5,990,460		$	4,726,378

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Years Ended December 31,
	2022			2021		2020
Interest Income:
Interest and Fees on Loans	$	218,032		$	156,791	$	140,459
Interest and Dividends on Non-taxable Securities		4,131			4,274		3,183
Interest and Dividends on Taxable Securities		12,372			9,246		5,938
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks		1,579			127		175
Total Interest Income		236,114			170,438		149,755

Interest Expense:
Interest on Deposits		24,413			12,183		17,562
Interest on Borrowings		12,124			4,371		4,547
Total Interest Expense		36,537			16,554		22,109

Net Interest Income		199,577			153,884		127,646

Provision for Loan Losses		10,886			8,047		11,435

Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses		188,691			145,837		116,211

Other Income:
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts		8,272			6,813		5,358
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Securities		(48	)		378		135
Gain on Sales of Loans		574			10,117		4,597
Other Income		20,512			18,474		11,474
Total Other Income		29,310			35,782		21,564

Other Expenses:
Salaries and Employee Benefits		85,222			65,825		57,394
Occupancy and Equipment Expense		19,367			15,750		11,380
Other Expenses		44,820			35,486		32,219
Total Other Expenses		149,409			117,061		100,993

Income Before Income Taxes		68,592			64,558		36,782

Provision for Income Taxes		14,337			12,422		6,788

Net Income		54,255			52,136		29,994

Preferred Stock Dividends		1,350			-		-

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	52,905		$	52,136	$	29,994

Earnings Per Common Share:

Basic	$	2.34		$	2.54	$	1.65
Diluted	$	2.32		$	2.53	$	1.64

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)

	Years Ended December 31,
	2022			2021			2020

Consolidated Net Income	$	54,255		$	52,136		$	29,994

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Investment Securities		(93,418	)		(14,985	)		9,783
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Share of Equity Method Investments		874			(336	)		228
Reclassification Adjustment for Gain (Loss) on Sale of AFS
Investment Securities Included in Net Income		(48	)		378			135
Income Tax Effect		19,565			3,138			(2,131	)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(73,027	)		(11,805	)		8,015

Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(18,772	)	$	40,331		$	38,009

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

												Accumulated
						Additional						Other			Total
	Preferred		Common			Paid-In			Retained			Comprehensive			Shareholders'
	Stock		Stock			Capital			Earnings			Income (Loss)			Equity

Balances at December 31, 2019	$	-	$	13,279		$	212,505		$	56,700		$	2,613		$	285,097
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income		-		-			-			29,994			-			29,994
Other Comprehensive Income		-		-			-			-			8,015			8,015
Cash Dividends Declared, $0.40 Per Share		-		-			-			(7,520	)		-			(7,520	)
Stock Issuance		-		7,947			94,097			-			-			102,044
Stock Based Compensation Cost		-		49			2,404			-			-			2,453
Surrendered Shares of Stock Based Compensation		-		(173	)		(4,148	)		-			-			(4,321	)
Stock Repurchase		-		(481	)		(5,318	)		-			-			(5,799	)
Balances at December 31, 2020		-		20,621			299,540			79,174			10,628			409,963
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income		-		-			-			52,136			-			52,136
Other Comprehensive Loss		-		-			-			-			(11,805	)		(11,805	)
Cash Dividends Declared, $0.46 Per Share		-		-			-			(9,436	)		-			(9,436	)
Stock Issuance		-		262			3,302			-			-			3,564
Stock Based Compensation Cost		-		97			2,764			-			-			2,861
Surrendered Shares of Options Exercised		-		(105	)		(2,887	)		-			-			(2,992	)
Stock Repurchase		-		(475	)		(10,448	)		-			-			(10,923	)
Balances at December 31, 2021		-		20,400			292,271			121,874			(1,177	)		433,368
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income		-		-			-			54,255			-			54,255
Other Comprehensive Loss		-		-			-			-			(73,027	)		(73,027	)
Cash Dividends Declared on Preferred Stock, $18.75 Per Share		-		-			-			(1,350	)		-			(1,350	)
Cash Dividends Declared on Common Stock, $0.48 Per Share		-		-			-			(10,824	)		-			(10,824	)
Preferred Stock Issuance, Net of Issuance Costs		71,930		-			-			-			-			71,930
Stock Issuance, Net of Issuance Costs		-		4,636			98,899			-			-			103,535
Stock Based Compensation Cost		-		119			3,577			-			-			3,696
Surrendered Shares of Options Exercised		-		(45	)		(1,057	)		-			-			(1,102	)
Balances at December 31, 2022	$	71,930	$	25,110		$	393,690		$	163,955		$	(74,204	)	$	580,481

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

	Years Ended December 31,
	2022			2021			2020
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Consolidated Net Income	$	54,255		$	52,136		$	29,994
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Provision for Loan Losses		10,886			8,047			11,435
Depreciation and Amortization		4,818			4,163			3,164
Net Accretion of Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(7,949	)		(7,122	)		(7,283	)
Stock Based Compensation Cost		3,696			2,861			2,453
Net Amortization of Securities		6,005			7,021			5,136
(Gain) Loss on Sales of Securities		48			(378	)		(135	)
Gain on Sale Loans		(398	)		(9,179	)		-
Income on Other Equity Securities		(1,554	)		(2,399	)		(2,658	)
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Other Real Estate Owned, Net of Writedowns		92			1,404			(30	)
Increase in Cash Value of Life Insurance		(1,931	)		(1,396	)		(940	)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(1,368	)		586			(58	)
Gain on Sale of Branch		-			(492	)		-
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
(Increase) Decrease in Accrued Interest Receivable		(3,466	)		4,298			(10,648	)
(Increase) Decrease in Other Assets		6,075			(3,500	)		(2,655	)
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Payable		519			(1,145	)		(1,694	)
Increase (Decrease) in Other Liabilities		(151	)		1,538			3,258
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		69,577			56,443			29,339


Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of Securities Available for Sale		(102,809	)		(528,059	)		(233,566	)
Proceeds from Maturities / Sales of Securities Available for Sale		38,951			29,945			66,779
Proceeds from Paydowns of Securities Available for Sale		95,019			96,408			73,890
Net Cash Received (Paid) in Acquisition		163,460			(7,256	)		106,000
Net Cash Paid in Sale of Branch		-			(13,727	)		-
Purchases of Other Equity Securities		(22,670	)		(4,438	)		(681	)
Redemption of Other Equity Securities		10,327			2,575			8,577
Purchase of Life Insurance		(18,000	)		(15,928	)		-
Proceeds from Death Benefit of Cash Value of Life Insurance		499			1,974			-
Proceeds from Sale of SBA PPP Loans		-			243,607			-
Net Increase in Loans		(1,070,354	)		(431,236	)		(384,962	)
Net Purchases of Premises and Equipment		(7,781	)		(3,971	)		(2,970	)
Loss on Disposal of Premises and Equipment		717			4			576
Proceeds from Sales of Other Real Estate		682			7,640			3,842
Net (Increase) Decrease in Federal Funds Sold		211,438			(52,892	)		(112,780	)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(700,521	)		(675,354	)		(475,295	)

(CONTINUED)

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	Years Ended December 31,
	2022			2021			2020
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net Increase in Deposits		265,827			480,124			658,388
Net Increase (Decrease) in Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase		1,087			(2,704	)		(48,767	)
Net Increase in Federal Funds Purchased		14,057			-			-
Net Advances (Repayments) on Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings		327,203			39,022			(89,198	)
Net Proceeds (Repayments) from Short Term Borrowings		(11	)		(5,000	)		1,369
Net Repayments from Long Term Borrowings		-			(6,000	)		(1,797	)
Proceeds from Issuance of Subordinated Debt		-			52,500			-
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock, Net of Issuance Costs		71,930			-			-
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net of Issuance Costs		48,492			3,564			3,361
Surrendered Shares of Options Exercised		(1,102	)		(2,992	)		(4,321	)
Repurchase of Common Stock		-			(10,923	)		(5,799	)
Payment of Dividends on Preferred Stock		(1,350	)		-			-
Payment of Dividends on Common Stock		(10,824	)		(9,436	)		(7,520	)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities		715,309			538,155			505,716

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents		84,365			(80,756	)		59,760

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period		68,375			149,131			89,371

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	152,740		$	68,375		$	149,131


Supplemental Disclosures for Cash Flow Information:
Cash Payments for:
Interest on Deposits	$	23,846		$	13,249		$	16,589
Interest on Borrowings	$	11,953		$	4,450		$	4,554
Income Tax Payments	$	13,550		$	15,711		$	5,470


Supplemental Schedule for Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Change in the Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale	$	(93,466	)	$	(14,607	)	$	9,918
Change in the Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Equity Securities	$	874		$	(336	)	$	228
Change in Deferred Tax Effect on the Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Securities Available for Sale and Equity Securities	$	19,565		$	3,138		$	(2,131	)
Transfer of Loans to Other Real Estate	$	719		$	1,420		$	1,506
Transfer of Other Real Estate to Premises and Equipment	$	-		$	-		$	5,900
Acquisitions:
Fair Value of Tangible Assets Acquired	$	531,510		$	1,343		$	1,330,940
Other Intangible Assets Acquired		3,875			4,300			4,211
Liabilities Assumed		508,991			6			1,241,834
Net Identifiable Assets Acquired Over Liabilities Assumed	$	26,394		$	5,637		$	93,317

Subordinated Debt Issued as Part of Consideration of Smith Shellnut Wilson	$	-		$	3,927		$	-

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Nature of Operations – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies –

The accounting principles followed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, b1BANK (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Business First Insurance, LLC and Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (“SSW”) are those which are generally practiced within the banking industry. The methods of applying those principles conform with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and have been applied on a consistent basis. The principles which significantly affect the determination of financial position, results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows are summarized below.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Business First Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, b1BANK, and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Business First Insurance, LLC and SSW (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Nature of Operations

The Bank operates out of full-service banking centers and loan production offices in markets across Louisiana, the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas metroplex, and Houston, Texas. As a state bank, it is subject to regulation by the Office of Financial Institutions (“OFI”), State of Louisiana, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), and undergoes periodic examinations by these agencies. The Company is also regulated by the Federal Reserve and is subject to periodic examinations.

On May 1, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of Pedestal Bancshares, Inc. (“Pedestal”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pedestal Bank, located in Houma, Louisiana. The Company issued 7,614,506 shares of its common stock to the former shareholders of Pedestal. At April 30, 2020, Pedestal reported $1.4 billion in total assets, $935.8 million in loans, and $1.2 billion in total deposits.

On March 22, 2021, the Company, through b1BANK, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SSW, a registered investment advisor with approximately $3.5 billion in assets under management, specializing in managing investment portfolios for corporations, foundations and individuals. The acquisition of SSW was consummated on April 1, 2021. At March 31, 2021, SSW reported $3.6 million in total assets and $2.3 million in total liabilities.

On March 1, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. (“TCBI”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Texas Citizens Bank, National Association, located in Pasadena, Texas. The company issued 2,069,532 shares of its common stock to the former shareholders of TCBI. At February 28, 2022, TCBI reported $534.2 million in total assets, $349.5 million in loans and $477.2 million in deposits.

COVID-19, a global pandemic, has adversely impacted the broad economy, including most industries and sectors. The length and depth of the pandemic will ultimately determine the overall financial impact to the Company, but it could impair the ability of the Company’s customers to meet their financial obligations to the Company. Furthermore, while there has been no material impact to the Company’s employees to date, COVID-19 could potentially create business continuity issues for the Company.

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and interagency regulatory guidance issued in March 2020, loans that were modified under the terms of the Company’s COVID-19 Deferral Assistance Program are not required to be designated as troubled debt restructurings to the extent that they meet the terms of such guidance under Section 4013 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The Company also elected to participate in the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Estimates

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future. Critical accounting estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change for the Company include the determination of the fair value and subsequent accounting for acquired loans and allowance for loan losses and purchase accounting adjustments (other than loans). Other estimates include goodwill, fair value of financial instruments, investment securities and the assessment of income taxes. Management does not anticipate any material changes to estimates in the near term. Factors that may cause sensitivity to the aforementioned estimates include but are not limited to: external market factors such as market interest rates and employment rates, changes to operating policies and procedures, economic conditions in the Company’s markets, and changes in applicable banking regulations. Actual results may ultimately differ from estimates.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Bank’s loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral including real property, business assets, and consumer assets. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on local economic conditions in the Bank’s market area.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the estimated losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additional losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimated losses on loans may change materially in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

Acquisition Accounting

Acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Purchased assets and assumed liabilities are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value. If the consideration given exceeds the fair value of the net assets received, goodwill is recognized. The Company generally records provisional amounts of fair value at the time of acquisition based on the information available. The provisional fair values are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.

Securities

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities (held to maturity, available for sale or trading) at the time of purchase and re-evaluates this classification quarterly. Securities classified as available for sale are those debt securities the Bank intends to hold for an indefinite period of time but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would be based on various factors, including significant movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Bank’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations, and other similar factors. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses are reported as a component of comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses, determined on the basis of the cost of specific securities sold, are included in earnings.

Securities classified as held to maturity are those debt securities the Bank has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general economic conditions. These securities are recorded at cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by various methods approximating the interest method over their contractual lives. The Bank has no securities classified as held to maturity at December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Securities classified as trading are those securities held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movements. These securities are recorded at market value with any market adjustments included in earnings. The Bank has no securities classified as trading at December 31, 2022 and 2021.

The Company evaluates its investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis for indicators of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”). Declines in the fair value of individual available for sale or held to maturity securities below their amortized cost basis are reviewed to determine whether the declines are other than temporary. For securities that the Company does not expect to sell, or it is not more likely than not it will be required to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the credit component of an OTTI is recognized in earnings and the non-credit component is recognized in other comprehensive income. For securities that the Company does expect to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, both the credit and non-credit component of an OTTI are recognized in earnings. There was no OTTI taken for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other Equity Securities

The Bank has invested in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, and other similar correspondent banks, which is reflected at cost in these financial statements. As a member of the FHLB System, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in an amount determined by the FHLB. The FHLB stock is redeemable at par value at the discretion of the FHLB. The Bank has invested in certain equity investments which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, which are considered to be variable interest entities (“VIE”).

Loans

Loans are stated at principal amounts outstanding, adjusted for net deferred fees or costs, less the allowance for loan losses. Interest on commercial and consumer loans is accrued daily based on the principal outstanding. Net deferred fees or costs are recognized as an adjustment to yield over the life of the loan.

Generally, the Bank discontinues the accrual of interest income when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously recognized but uncollected interest is generally reversed to income. Subsequent cash receipts on nonaccrual loans are generally accounted for on the cost recovery method until the loans qualify for return to accrual status. Interest income may be recognized on a cash basis as long as the remaining book balance of the loan is deemed to be collectible. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

The Bank classifies loans as impaired when it is probable the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The measurement of impaired loans is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the loan’s observable market price, or based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Acquired Loans

Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date and there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for loan losses.

The Company accounts for acquired impaired loans in accordance with ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”). An acquired loan is considered impaired when there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. Purchased impaired credits (i.e., loans) are accounted for individually or aggregated into loan pools with similar risk characteristics, which include: the loan type by regulatory guidelines, nature of the collateral/loan, relative amount of fair value discount to credit, amongst other factors.. The Company estimates the amount and timing of undiscounted expected cash flows for each loan, and the expected cash flows in excess of fair value is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s contractual principal and interest over the expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference). Over the life of the loan, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the expected cash flows decrease, a provision for loan losses and the establishment of an allowance for loan losses with respect to the acquired impaired loan is recorded. If the expected cash flows increase, it is recognized as part of future interest income.

The performing loans are accounted for under ASC 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (“ASC 310-20”), with the related discount or premium being recognized as an adjustment to yield over the life of the loan.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is based upon management’s review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, including relevant historical loss experience. Specific allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Management obtains independent appraisals for significant collateral in determining collateral values. Although management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, because of uncertainties associated with local economic conditions, collateral values, and future cash flows on impaired loans, it is reasonably possible that a material change could occur in the allowance for loan losses in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated. Each period the Company considers qualitative factors that are relevant and necessary to adjust the model. Qualitative factors considered in the establishment of the allowance for loan losses include changes in international, national, regional and local conditions; oil and gas trends; nature and volume of the portfolio; volume and severity of past due loans; quality of the loan review system; existence and effect of any concentrations of credit or changes in the levels of such concentrations; effect of other external factors; changes to lending policies and procedures, including experience, depth and ability of staff, and changes in the value of the underlying collateral.

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The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates of probable future losses, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and as adjustments become necessary, the effect of the change in estimate is charged to operating expenses in the period incurred. All losses are charged to the allowance for loan losses when the loss actually occurs or when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Recoveries are credited to the allowance at the time of recovery.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates based upon estimated useful service lives using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes.

The costs of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts in the year of disposal and the resulting gains or losses are included in current operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized and expensed over their estimated depreciable lives.

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosure or negotiated settlement are initially recorded at the fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of acquisition. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a property exceeds its fair value. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed. Valuations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of its cost or fair value less cost to sell.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but instead are subject to review for impairment annually, or more frequently if deemed necessary.

Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment. If impaired, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Our other intangibles include core deposit intangibles (“CDI”) representing the value of the acquired core deposit base are generally recorded in connection with business combinations involving banks and branch locations; and customer-related intangibles representing the value of a customer list consisting of customer contact information acquired through business combination. The Company’s policy is to amortize these intangibles on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life. Core deposit and customer intangibles are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows.

The Company recognizes the rights to service mortgage and other loans as separate assets, which are recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, when purchased or when servicing is contractually separated from the underlying loans by sale with servicing rights retained. For loan sales with servicing retained, a servicing right, generally an asset, is recorded at fair value at the time of sale for the right to service the loans sold. All servicing rights are identified by class and amortized over the remaining service life of the loan.

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Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on amounts reported in the statement of income after exclusion of nontaxable income such as interest on state and municipal securities. Also, certain items of income and expense are recognized in different time periods for financial statement purposes than for income tax purposes. Thus, provisions for deferred taxes are recorded in recognition of such temporary differences.

Deferred taxes are provided utilizing a liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the reported amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Consolidated income tax expense is allocated on the basis of each entity’s income adjusted for permanent differences.

The Company evaluates all significant tax positions as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company does not believe it has taken any positions that would require the recording of any additional tax liability, nor does it believe there are any unrealized tax benefits that would either increase or decrease within the next year.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and applicable states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019. Any interest and penalties assessed by income taxing authorities are not significant, and are included in other expenses in these financial statements, as applicable.

Stock Based Compensation

As described in Note 16, the Company has issued stock options, stock grants and restricted stock awards which incorporate stock based compensation. The Company has adopted a fair value based method of accounting for these awards. The compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the requisite service period, which is usually the vesting period. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and due from banks.

Comprehensive Income

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities or other equity investments, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. The components of comprehensive income are disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for all periods presented.

Advertising

The Company expenses all costs of advertising and promotion the first time the advertising or promotion takes place. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company expensed costs of $3.9 million, $2.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Recognition of Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Service charges on deposit accounts, fee and broker commissions, ATM/debit card fee income (including interchange), and transactional income from traditional banking services, are the significant noninterest income sources of revenue from contracts with customers. The Company generally acts in a principal capacity in the performance of these services. The Company’s performance obligations are generally satisfied as the services are rendered and typically do not extend beyond a reporting period. Fees, which are typically billed and collected after services are rendered, are readily determinable and allocated individually to each service. In the normal course of business, the Company does not generally grant refunds for services provided. As such, the Company does not establish provisions for estimated returns.

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Accounting Standards Adopted in 2022

None

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments introduce an impairment model that is based on current expected credit losses (“CECL”), rather than incurred losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments (ex. loans and held to maturity securities), including certain off-balance sheet financial instruments (ex. commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit that are not unconditionally cancellable). The CECL should consider historical information, current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments, over the contractual term. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. Financial instruments with similar risk characteristics may be grouped together when estimating the CECL. The allowance for credit losses for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination that are measured at amortized cost basis is determined in a similar manner to other financial assets measured at amortized cost basis; however, the initial estimate of expected credit loss would be recognized through an allowance for credit losses with an offset (i.e. increase) to the purchase price at acquisition. Only subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a credit loss expense for these assets. The ASU also amends the current impairment model for debt securities whereby estimated credit losses relating to debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. The amendments will be applied through a modified retrospective approach, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. On October 18, 2019, FASB approved an effective date delay until January 2023 applicable to public companies that met the definition of “smaller reporting company” based on the most recent determination prior to October 18, 2019. The Company met the requirements for this effective date delay and elected to delay implementation of the standard. The Company has established an implementation team and engaged third-party consultants who have jointly developed a project plan to provide implementation oversight.

Effective January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instrument – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments related to the impairment of financial instruments. This guidance, commonly referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”), changes impairment recognition to a model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. CECL requires the Company to consider all available relevant information when calculating expected credit losses including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Additionally, the Accounting Standard Update requires the recognition of an allowance for credit losses for certain debt securities as well as additional disclosures. The ASU requires adoption on a modified retrospective basis.

The Company has completed its parallel runs comparing the historical incurred loss model to the CECL model. Additionally, third-party model validation of the CECL model is complete. The Company is in process of finalizing its new CECL internal control and governance processes.

The Company expects that the allowance for credit losses will increase by $2.7 million and the liability for unfunded commitments increase by $3.2 million. This estimate of expected credit losses is based on loan balances and commitments to lend at January 1, 2023 using a one-year reasonable a supportable forecast period. After the forecast period, the Company reverts to long-term historical loss experience to estimate losses over the remaining life. The Company uses both internal and external credit data in estimating the expected credit losses. The estimated increase in the allowance for credit losses and liability for unfunded commitments at adoption is primarily due to requirement that CECL estimate losses over the remaining life of the loan.

Additionally, and as discussed further in Note 3, the Company, through previous acquisitions, has acquired loans which were recorded at their fair value on the date of acquisition. Certain loans, which were determined to have evidence of deterioration at acquisition, were accounted for under ASC 310-30 (i.e. classified as Purchase Credit Impaired or “PCI” assets). The ASU introduces a new term called Purchase Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) which replaces the PCI accounting under ASC 310-30. Although the definition of PCD asset differs from that of a PCI asset under ASC 310- 30, the ASU requires that an entity not reassess whether any existing assets meeting the definition of PCD assets at adoption on January 1, 2023. Instead, an entity applies the new PCD asset gross-up approach at transition to all loans that were accounted for as PCI under ASC 310-30 prior to the January 1, 2023 adoption date. Any change in the allowance for credit losses for these assets as a result of adopting the CECL standard is accounted for as an adjustment to the asset’s amortized cost basis and not as a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The Company’s January 1, 2023 gross-up to allowance for credit losses and amortized cost related to PCD loans from previous acquisitions is estimated to be $4.8 million. After the transition to CECL, the Company will assess purchases of assets to determine if the PCD initial recognition and measurement accounting applies.

Upon adoption of the updated guidance on January 1, 2023, the Company’s impact will be recognized as a $1.0 million reduction to retained earnings and a $221,000 increase to deferred tax assets. As discussed in Footnote 15, the Company and b1Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements. Although the federal banking regulatory agencies have provided relief for an initial capital decrease at adoption of the CECL standard, the Company does not intend to opt into the relief as the impact of adoption will not be significant to the Company’s regulatory capital.

The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s available-for-sale securities as most of this portfolio consists of U.S. Treasuries and agency securities as well as highly rated residential agency mortgage-backed, corporate and municipal securities. CECL may impact future earnings, perhaps materially, due to future credit loss expectations for loans and certain commitments to lend related to factors which may include the Company’s macroeconomic forecast.

Note 2 – Reclassifications –

Certain reclassifications may have been made to the prior years’ financial statements in order to conform to the classifications adopted for reporting in 2022. These reclassifications have no material effect on previously reported shareholders’ equity or net income.

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Note 3 – Mergers and Acquisitions –

Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc.

On March 1, 2022, the Company consummated the merger of Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. (“TCBI”), headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, with and into the Company, pursuant to the terms of that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Reorganization Agreement”), dated as of October 20, 2021, by and between the Company and TCBI (the “Merger”). Also on March 1, 2022, TCBI’s wholly owned banking subsidiary, Texas Citizens Bank, National Association, was merged with and into b1BANK. Pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, the Company issued 2,069,532 shares of its common stock to the former shareholders of TCBI. At February 28, 2022, TCBI reported $534.2 million in total assets, $349.5 million in loans and $477.2 million in deposits.

The following table reflects the consideration paid for TCBI’s net assets and the identifiable assets purchased and liabilities assumed at their fair values as of March 1, 2022. The fair values are provisional estimates and may be adjusted for a period of up to one year from the date of acquisition if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date.

Cost and Allocation of Purchase Price for Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. (TCBI):
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Purchase Price:
Shares Issued to TCBI's Shareholders on March 1, 2022		2,069,532
Closing Stock Price on February 28, 2022	$	26.19
Total Stock Issued	$	54,201
Other Consideration, Including Equity Awards		842
Total Purchase Price	$	55,043
Net Assets Acquired:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	163,460
Securities Available for Sale		370
Loans and Leases Receivable		338,027
Premises and Equipment, Net		2,776
Cash Value of Life Insurance		12,146
Core Deposit Intangible		3,875
Other Assets		14,731
Total Assets		535,385

Deposits		477,277
Borrowings		30,708
Other Liabilities		1,006
Total Liabilities		508,991
Net Assets Acquired		26,394
Goodwill Resulting from Merger	$	28,649

The Company has recorded approximately $5.2 million and $515,000 of acquisition-related costs within merger and conversion-related expenses and salaries and benefits for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The following is a description of the methods used to determine the fair values of significant assets acquired and liabilities assumed presented above.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The carrying amount of these assets was a reasonable estimate of fair value based on the short-term nature of these assets.

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Securities Available for Sale: Fair values for securities were based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices were not available, fair value estimates were based on observable inputs including quoted market prices for similar instruments, quoted market prices that were not in an active market or other inputs that were observable in the market. In the absence of observable inputs, fair value was estimated based on pricing models/estimations.

Loans and Leases Receivable: Fair values for loans were based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considered factors including, but not limited to, loan type, classification status, remaining term, prepayment speed, and current discount rates. The discount rates used for loans were based on current market rates for new originations of comparable loans and included adjustments for any liquidity concerns. The discount rate did not include an explicit factor for credit losses, as that was included within the estimated cash flows.

Core Deposit Intangible (“CDI”): The fair value for core deposit intangible assets was estimated based on a discounted cash flow methodology that gave appropriate consideration to expected customer attrition rates, net maintenance cost of the deposit base, including interest cost, and alternative cost of funds. The CDI is being amortized over 10 years based upon the period over which estimated economic benefits are estimated to be received.

Deposits: The fair values used for the demand and savings deposits, by definition, equal the amount payable on demand at the acquisition date. Fair values for time deposits were estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, that applied interest rates currently being offered to the contractual interest rates on such time deposits.

Borrowings: Fair values for borrowings were based on estimated market rates over the remaining terms of the subordinated debt issuances.

Pro forma tables for TCBI were impractical to include due to the cost versus benefit of including such disclosures.

Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC

On April 1, 2021, the Company consummated the acquisition, through b1BANK, of SSW, headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi, pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement dated as of March 22, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, upon consummation of the acquisition, the Company paid $7.3 million in cash and issued $3.9 million in subordinated debt, which is further described in Note 11, to the former owners of SSW. At March 31, 2021, SSW reported $3.6 million in total assets and $2.3 million in total liabilities. As part of the acquisition, the Company recorded $6.5 million in goodwill and $4.3 million in customer intangibles to be amortized over a 10 year period.

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Note 4 – Earnings per Common Share –

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding; no dilution for any potentially convertible shares is included in the calculation. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company. The potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), excluding any that were antidilutive. In addition, nonvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method.

	Years Ended December 31,
	2022		2021		2020
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net Income	$	54,255	$	52,136	$	29,994
Less: Preferred Stock Dividends		1,350		-		-
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	52,905	$	52,136	$	29,994

Denominator:
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding		22,633,478		20,502,249		18,169,599
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards		184,015		132,032		73,846
Weighted Average Dilutive Common Shares		22,817,493		20,634,281		18,243,445

Basic Earnings Per Common Share From Net Income Available to Common Shares	$	2.34	$	2.54	$	1.65

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share From Net Income Available to Common Shares	$	2.32	$	2.53	$	1.64

Note 5 – Cash and Due From Bank –

The Bank is required to maintain funds in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank had no required reserves as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

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Note 6 – Securities –

The amortized cost and fair values of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are summarized as follows:

	December 31, 2022
	(Dollars in thousands)
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
U.S. Treasury Securities	$	32,783	$	-	$	2,668	$	30,115
U.S. Government Agencies		50,288		-		2,916		47,372
Corporate Securities		48,475		25		2,496		46,004
Mortgage-Backed Securities		506,671		267		55,213		451,725
Municipal Securities		347,382		11		31,858		315,535

Total Securities Available for Sale	$	985,599	$	303	$	95,151	$	890,751

	December 31, 2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
U.S. Treasury Securities	$	22,751	$	-	$	437	$	22,314
U.S. Government Agencies		27,867		2		376		27,493
Corporate Securities		45,876		812		106		46,582
Mortgage-Backed Securities		555,528		3,246		6,435		552,339
Municipal Securities		370,421		4,100		2,188		372,333

Total Securities Available for Sale	$	1,022,443	$	8,160	$	9,542	$	1,021,061

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The following tables present a summary of securities with gross unrealized losses and fair values at December 31, 2022 and 2021, aggregated by investment category and length of time in a continued unrealized loss position. Due to the nature of these investments and current prevailing market prices, these unrealized losses are considered a temporary impairment of the securities.

	December 31, 2022
	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or Greater				Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
			Gross				Gross				Gross
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
U.S. Treasury Securities	$	9,702	$	374	$	20,413	$	2,294	$	30,115	$	2,668
U.S. Government Agencies		24,405		595		22,967		2,321		47,372		2,916
Corporate Securities		19,564		1,359		6,385		1,137		25,949		2,496
Mortgage-Backed Securities		115,692		7,473		324,043		47,740		439,735		55,213
Municipal Securities		143,035		10,206		131,944		21,652		274,979		31,858

Total Securities Available for Sale	$	312,398	$	20,007	$	505,752	$	75,144	$	818,150	$	95,151

	December 31, 2021
	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or Greater				Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
			Gross				Gross				Gross
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
U.S. Treasury Securities	$	22,314	$	437	$	-	$	-	$	22,314	$	437
U.S. Government Agencies		24,980		376		-		-		24,980		376
Corporate Securities		7,350		106		-		-		7,350		106
Mortgage-Backed Securities		407,986		6,108		18,985		327		426,971		6,435
Municipal Securities		145,649		1,872		10,161		316		155,810		2,188

Total Securities Available for Sale	$	608,279	$	8,899	$	29,146	$	643	$	637,425	$	9,542

Management evaluates securities for other than temporary impairment when economic and market conditions warrant such evaluations. Consideration is given to the extent and length of time the fair value has been below cost, the reasons for the decline in value, and the Company’s intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost. The Company developed a process to identify securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other than temporary. This process involves evaluating each security for impairment by monitoring credit performance, collateral type, collateral geography, loan-to-value ratios, credit scores, loss severity levels, pricing levels, downgrades by rating agencies, cash flow projections and other factors as indicators of potential credit issues. When the Company determines that a security is deemed to be other than temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized.

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The amortized cost and fair values of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2022 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities in mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or repaid without any penalties.

	Amortized		Fair
	Cost		Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Less Than One Year	$	18,071	$	17,908
One to Five Years		232,550		218,789
Over Five to Ten Years		373,007		336,559
Over Ten Years		361,971		317,495

Total Securities Available for Sale	$	985,599	$	890,751

Securities available for sale with a fair value of $482.7 million and $373.4 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral on public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

There were $9,000, $593,000 and $293,000 realized gross gains from sales or redemptions of securities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were $57,000, $215,000 and $158,000 realized gross losses from sales or redemptions of securities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Other Equity Securities and VIEs

The Company has invested in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas which is included in other equity securities and reflected at cost in these financial statements. The cost of these securities was $19.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Federal Home Loan Bank stock is pledged to secure advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas at both December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company also has investments of $302,000 in TIB National Association, $562,000 in Bankers Insurance, LLC at both December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company also has investments in First National Banker's Bank of $2.2 million and $2.0 million and Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation stock of $501,000 and $502,000 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These investments are carried at cost, less any impairment, due to the lack of a quoted market price and a ready market for these types of investments.

VIEs are legal entities that either do not have sufficient equity to finance their activities without the support from other parties or whose equity investors lack a controlling financial interest. The Company has investments in certain partnerships and limited liability entities that have been evaluated and determined to be VIEs. Consolidation of a VIE is appropriate if a reporting entity holds a controlling financial interest in the VIE and is the primary beneficiary. The Company is not the primary beneficiary and does not hold a controlling interest in the VIEs as it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance.

Small Business Investment Companies (“SBIC”) and financial technology (“Fintech”) funds at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are summarized below.

	December 31,
	2022		2021
	(Dollars in thousands)

McLarty Capital Partners SBIC, L.P.	$	878	$	1,432
McLarty Capital Partners SBIC II, L.P.		2,437		2,246
Firmament Capital Partners SBIC III, L.P.		1,787		1,033
Bluehenge Capital Secured Debt SBIC, L.P.		3,934		1,682
Bluehenge Capital Secured Debt SBIC II, L.P.		296		-
New Louisiana Agnel Fund 2, LLC		49		37
Pharos Capital Partners IV-A, L.P.		356		211
Valesco Fund II, LP		1,147		-
GP Capital Partners, LP		277		-
BankTech Ventures, LP		77		60
Jam Fintop BankTech, LP		340		161
Ledyard Capital Managers, LLC		928		989
Mendon Ventures Banktech Fund I, LP		896		154
Castle Creek Launchpad Fund I, LP		211		-
Work America Capital Fund I, LP		629		-

	$	14,242	$	8,005

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Note 7 – Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses –

Loans receivable at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are summarized as follows:

	December 31,
	2022			2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Construction and land	$	722,074		$	548,528
Farmland		193,587			87,463
1-4 family residential		557,741			467,699
Multi-family residential		98,637			97,508
Nonfarm nonresidential		1,826,819			1,144,426
Commercial		1,090,343			721,385
Consumer and other		116,975			122,599

Total loans held for investment		4,606,176			3,189,608

Less:
Allowance for loan losses		(38,178	)		(29,112	)

Net loans	$	4,567,998		$	3,160,496

SBA PPP loans accounted for $2.8 million and $5.4 million of the commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The performing 1-4 family residential, multi-family residential, commercial real estate, and commercial loans, are pledged, under a blanket lien, as collateral securing advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Net deferred loan origination fees were $13.1 million and $7.7 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are netted in their respective loan categories above. In addition to loans issued in the normal course of business, the Company considers overdrafts on customer deposit accounts to be loans, and reclassifies overdrafts as loans in its consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, overdrafts of $2.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively, have been reclassified to loans.

The Bank is the lead lender on participations sold, without recourse, to other financial institutions which amounts are not included in the consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of mortgages and other loans serviced for others were approximately $683.3 million and $461.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company has servicing rights of $1.7 million and $1.4 million recorded at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which are recorded within other assets.

The Bank grants loans and extensions of credit to individuals and a variety of businesses and corporations located in its general market areas throughout Louisiana and Texas. Management segregates the loan portfolio into portfolio segments which is defined as the level at which the Bank develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for loan losses. The portfolio segments are segregated based on loan types and the underlying risk factors present in each loan type. Such risk factors are periodically reviewed by management and revised as deemed appropriate.

Loans acquired in business combinations are initially recorded at fair value, which includes an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans and, therefore, no corresponding allowance for loan losses is recorded for these loans at acquisition. Methods utilized to estimate any subsequently required allowance for loan losses for acquired loans not deemed credit-impaired at acquisition are similar to originated loans; however, the estimate of loss is based on the unpaid principal balance and then compared to any remaining net unaccreted purchase discount. To the extent the calculated loss is greater than the remaining net unaccreted discount, an allowance is recorded for such difference. For purchased impaired credits, cash flow re-estimations are performed at least quarterly for each acquired impaired loan or loan pool. Increases in estimated cash flows above those expected at the time of acquisition are recognized on a prospective basis as interest income over the remaining life of the loan and/or pool. Decreases in expected cash flows subsequent to acquisition generally result in recognition of a provision for credit loss.

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Total loans held for investment at December 31, 2022 includes $498.1 million of loans acquired in acquisitions that were recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. Included in the acquired balances at December 31, 2022 were acquired impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 with a net carrying amount of $49.8 million and acquired performing loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30 totaling $450.0 million with a remaining purchase discount of $3.3 million.

Total loans held for investment at December 31, 2021 includes $379.0 million of loans acquired in acquisitions that were recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. Included in the acquired balances at December 31, 2021 were acquired impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 with a net carrying amount of $51.2 million and acquired performing loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30 totaling $331.3 million with a remaining purchase discount of $3.5 million.

The following tables set forth, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the balance of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment, disaggregated by impairment methodology, which is then further segregated by amounts evaluated for impairment collectively and individually. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each portfolio segment is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular portfolio segment and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other portfolio segments.

Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable

	December 31, 2022
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Real Estate:					Real Estate:			Real Estate:			Real Estate:
	Construction			Real Estate:		1-4 Family			Multi-family			Nonfarm						Consumer
	and Land			Farmland		Residential			Residential			Nonresidential			Commercial			and Other			Total
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning Balance	$	4,498		$	721	$	3,791		$	774		$	9,794		$	8,358		$	1,176		$	29,112
Charge-offs		(16	)		-		(191	)		-			(51	)		(2,091	)		(472	)		(2,821	)
Recoveries		25			-		20			-			50			697			209			1,001
Provision		1,261			833		1,003			(43	)		3,355			4,233			244			10,886
Ending Balance	$	5,768		$	1,554	$	4,623		$	731		$	13,148		$	11,197		$	1,157		$	38,178

Ending Balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	21		$	-	$	99		$	-		$	59		$	2,002		$	33		$	2,214

Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	5,747		$	1,554	$	4,524		$	731		$	13,089		$	9,195		$	1,124		$	35,964

Purchased Credit Impaired	$	-		$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-

Loans receivable:
Ending Balance	$	722,074		$	193,587	$	557,741		$	98,637		$	1,826,819		$	1,090,343		$	116,975		$	4,606,176

Ending Balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	992		$	16	$	4,028		$	-		$	3,037		$	6,325		$	309		$	14,707

Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	720,129		$	193,557	$	538,558		$	98,637		$	1,796,274		$	1,078,544		$	115,983		$	4,541,682

Purchased Credit Impaired	$	953		$	14	$	15,155		$	-		$	27,508		$	5,474		$	683		$	49,787

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	December 31, 2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Real Estate:						Real Estate:			Real Estate:			Real Estate:
	Construction			Real Estate:			1-4 Family			Multi-family			Nonfarm						Consumer
	and Land			Farmland			Residential			Residential			Nonresidential			Commercial			and Other			Total
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance	$	3,584		$	600		$	3,453		$	818		$	7,369		$	5,018		$	1,182		$	22,024
Charge-offs		(28	)		(1	)		(169	)		-			(139	)		(830	)		(469	)		(1,636	)
Recoveries		1			2			39			-			99			417			119			677
Provision		941			120			468			(44	)		2,465			3,753			344			8,047
Ending Balance	$	4,498		$	721		$	3,791		$	774		$	9,794		$	8,358		$	1,176		$	29,112

Ending Balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	26		$	-		$	110		$	-		$	83		$	438		$	37		$	694

Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	4,472		$	721		$	3,681		$	774		$	9,711		$	7,920		$	1,139		$	28,418

Purchased Credit Impaired	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-

Loans receivable:
Ending Balance	$	548,528		$	87,463		$	467,699		$	97,508		$	1,144,426		$	721,385		$	122,599		$	3,189,608

Ending Balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,358		$	74		$	3,627		$	-		$	2,959		$	5,514		$	289		$	13,821

Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	546,164		$	87,387		$	444,934		$	97,508		$	1,118,836		$	708,346		$	121,392		$	3,124,567

Purchased Credit Impaired	$	1,006		$	2		$	19,138		$	-		$	22,631		$	7,525		$	918		$	51,220

Portfolio Segment Risk Factors

Construction and land include loans to small-to-midsized businesses to construct owner-user properties, loans to developers of commercial real estate investment properties and residential developments and, to a lesser extent, loans to individual clients for construction of single-family homes in the Company’s market areas. Risks associated with these loans include fluctuations in the value of real estate, project completion risk and change in market trends. The Company is also exposed to risk based on the ability of the construction loan borrower to finance the loan or sell the property upon completion of the project, which may be affected by changes in secondary market terms and criteria for permanent financing since the time that the Company funded the loan.

Farmland loans are loans that can be, or are, used for agricultural purposes. These loans are usually repaid through permanent financing, cash flow from the borrower’s ongoing operations, development of the property, or sale of the property.

One-to-four family residential loans include first and second lien 1-4 family mortgage loans, as well as home equity lines of credit, in each case primarily on owner-occupied primary residences. The Company is exposed to risk based on fluctuations in the value of the real estate collateral securing the loan, as well as changes in the borrower’s financial condition, which could be affected by numerous factors, including divorce, job loss, illness or other personal hardship.

Multi-family residential loans are generally originated to provide permanent financing for multi-family residential income producing properties. Repayment of these loans primarily relies on successful rental and management of the property.

Nonfarm nonresidential loans are extensions of credit secured by owner-occupied and non-owner occupied collateral. Repayment is generally relied upon from the successful operations of the property. General economic conditions may impact the performance of these types of loans, including fluctuations in the value of real estate, vacancy rates, and unemployment trends.

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Commercial loans include general commercial and industrial, or C&I, loans, including commercial lines of credit, working capital loans, term loans, equipment financing, asset acquisition, expansion and development loans, borrowing base loans, letters of credit and other loan products, primarily in the Company’s target markets that are underwritten on the basis of the borrower’s ability to service the debt from income. Commercial loan risk is derived from the expectation that such loans generally are serviced principally from the operations of the business, and those operations may not be successful. Any interruption or discontinuance of operating cash flows from the business, which may be influenced by events not under the control of the borrower such as economic events and changes in governmental regulations, could materially affect the ability of the borrower to repay the loan.

Consumer and other loans include a variety of loans to individuals for personal, family and household purposes, including secured and unsecured installment and term loans. The risk is based on changes in the borrower’s financial condition, which could be affected by numerous factors, including divorce, job loss, illness or other personal hardship, and fluctuations in the value of the real estate or personal property securing the consumer loan, if any.

Management further disaggregates the loan portfolio segments into classes of loans, which are based on the initial measurement of the loan, risk characteristics of the loan and the method for monitoring and assessing the credit risk of the loan.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the credit quality indicators, disaggregated by class of loan, are as follows:

Credit Quality Indicators

	December 31, 2022
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	716,071	$	3,496	$	2,157	$	350	$	722,074
Farmland		191,475		2,082		16		14		193,587
1-4 family residential		545,142		3,780		7,909		910		557,741
Multi-family residential		98,621		-		16		-		98,637
Nonfarm nonresidential		1,781,136		32,972		10,462		2,249		1,826,819
Commercial		1,074,417		6,520		6,761		2,645		1,090,343
Consumer and other		116,179		126		603		67		116,975
Total	$	4,523,041	$	48,976	$	27,924	$	6,235	$	4,606,176

	December 31, 2021
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	545,071	$	266	$	1,850	$	1,341	$	548,528
Farmland		86,063		1,324		-		76		87,463
1-4 family residential		456,150		3,109		2,801		5,639		467,699
Multi-family residential		97,485		-		23		-		97,508
Nonfarm nonresidential		1,094,782		34,495		9,735		5,414		1,144,426
Commercial		704,755		7,886		3,137		5,607		721,385
Consumer and other		121,566		350		257		426		122,599
Total	$	3,105,872	$	47,430	$	17,803	$	18,503	$	3,189,608

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The above classifications follow regulatory guidelines and can generally be described as follows:

●

Pass loans are of satisfactory quality.

●

Special mention loans have an existing weakness that could cause future impairment, including the deterioration of financial ratios, past due status, questionable management capabilities and possible reduction in the collateral values.

●

Substandard loans have an existing specific and well-defined weakness that may include poor liquidity and deterioration of financial ratios. The loan may be past due and related deposit accounts experiencing overdrafts. Immediate corrective action is necessary.

●

Doubtful loans have specific weaknesses that are severe enough to make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, loan balances outstanding more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest amounted to $335,000 and $222,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, loan balances outstanding on nonaccrual status amounted to $11.1 million and $12.9 million, respectively. The Bank considers all loans more than 90 days past due as nonperforming loans.

The following tables provide an analysis of the aging of loans and leases as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. 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 is currently accreting interest income over the expected life of the loans. All loans greater than 90 days past due are generally placed on nonaccrual status.

Aged Analysis of Past Due Loans Receivable

	December 31, 2022
	(Dollars in thousands)
													Recorded
					Greater								Investment Over
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		Than 90 Days		Total				Total Loans		90 Days Past Due
	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Current		Receivable		and Still Accruing
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	320	$	41	$	638	$	999	$	721,075	$	722,074	$	-
Farmland		49		-		50		99		193,488		193,587		50
1-4 family residential		1,590		423		1,781		3,794		553,947		557,741		-
Multi-family residential		-		-		-		-		98,637		98,637		-
Nonfarm nonresidential		1,442		210		1,631		3,283		1,823,536		1,826,819		48
Commercial		1,035		1,919		2,069		5,023		1,085,320		1,090,343		222
Consumer and other		443		43		299		785		116,190		116,975		15
Total	$	4,879	$	2,636	$	6,468	$	13,983	$	4,592,193	$	4,606,176	$	335

	December 31, 2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
													Recorded
					Greater								Investment Over
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		Than 90 Days		Total				Total Loans		90 Days Past Due
	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Current		Receivable		and Still Accruing
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	632	$	16	$	488	$	1,136	$	547,392	$	548,528	$	-
Farmland		83		-		-		83		87,380		87,463		-
1-4 family residential		917		534		1,496		2,947		464,752		467,699		107
Multi-family residential		-		-		-		-		97,508		97,508		-
Nonfarm nonresidential		222		627		1,767		2,616		1,141,810		1,144,426		-
Commercial		106		55		4,257		4,418		716,967		721,385		97
Consumer and other		392		144		271		807		121,792		122,599		18
Total	$	2,352	$	1,376	$	8,279	$	12,007	$	3,177,601	$	3,189,608	$	222

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Loan Receivables on Nonaccrual Status

	December 31,
	2022		2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	992	$	1,341
Farmland		16		76
1-4 family residential		4,080		3,601
Multi-family residential		-		-
Nonfarm nonresidential		2,628		2,614
Commercial		3,033		4,947
Consumer and other		305		289
Total	$	11,054	$	12,868

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The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Purchased performing loans are placed on nonaccrual status and reported as impaired using the same criteria applied to the originated portfolio. Purchased impaired credits are excluded from this table. The interest income recognized for impaired loans was $378,000 and $334,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

	December 31, 2022
	(Dollars in thousands)
			Unpaid				Average
	Recorded		Principal		Related		Recorded
	Investment		Balance		Allowance		Investment
With an allowance recorded:
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	21	$	25	$	21	$	131
Farmland		-		-		-		-
1-4 family residential		663		700		99		402
Multi-family residential		-		-		-		-
Nonfarm nonresidential		729		778		59		707
Other Loans:
Commercial		5,507		5,656		2,002		2,246
Consumer and other		74		75		33		67
Total	$	6,994	$	7,234	$	2,214	$	3,553

With no allowance recorded:
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	971	$	1,000	$	-	$	828
Farmland		16		19		-		71
1-4 family residential		3,365		4,295		-		3,341
Multi-family residential		-		-		-		-
Nonfarm nonresidential		2,309		2,832		-		4,031
Other Loans:
Commercial		817		2,896		-		3,662
Consumer and other		235		435		-		167
Total	$	7,713	$	11,477	$	-	$	12,100

Total Impaired Loans:
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	992	$	1,025	$	21	$	959
Farmland		16		19		-		71
1-4 family residential		4,028		4,995		99		3,743
Multi-family residential		-		-		-		-
Nonfarm nonresidential		3,038		3,610		59		4,738
Other Loans:
Commercial		6,324		8,552		2,002		5,908
Consumer and other		309		510		33		234
Total	$	14,707	$	18,711	$	2,214	$	15,653

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	December 31, 2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
			Unpaid				Average
	Recorded		Principal		Related		Recorded
	Investment		Balance		Allowance		Investment
With an allowance recorded:
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	68	$	70	$	26	$	27
Farmland		-		-		-		12
1-4 family residential		314		371		110		325
Multi-family residential		-		-		-		-
Nonfarm nonresidential		784		801		83		623
Other Loans:
Commercial		695		836		438		1,217
Consumer and other		91		92		37		80
Total	$	1,952	$	2,170	$	694	$	2,284

With no allowance recorded:
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	1,290	$	1,356	$	-	$	1,050
Farmland		74		82		-		150
1-4 family residential		3,313		4,171		-		2,835
Multi-family residential		-		-		-		48
Nonfarm nonresidential		2,175		2,691		-		2,889
Other Loans:
Commercial		4,819		5,211		-		3,882
Consumer and other		198		467		-		184
Total	$	11,869	$	13,978	$	-	$	11,038

Total Impaired Loans:
Real Estate Loans:
Construction and land	$	1,358	$	1,426	$	26	$	1,077
Farmland		74		82		-		162
1-4 family residential		3,627		4,542		110		3,160
Multi-family residential		-		-		-		48
Nonfarm nonresidential		2,959		3,492		83		3,512
Other Loans:
Commercial		5,514		6,047		438		5,099
Consumer and other		289		559		37		264
Total	$	13,821	$	16,148	$	694	$	13,322

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As discussed in Note 3, the Company acquired loans with fair values of $338.0 million from TCBI on March 1, 2022. Of the total $338.0 million of loans acquired, $316.5 million were determined to have no evidence of deteriorated credit quality and are accounted for under ASC Topics 310-10 and 310-20. The unamortized discount related to the acquired performing loans totaled $1.7 million at March 1, 2022. The remaining $21.5 million were determined to exhibit deteriorated credit quality since origination under ASC 310-30.

The following table presents the balances acquired on March 1, 2022 which were accounted for under ASC 310-30.

	Purchased
	Impaired Credits
	(Dollars in thousands)

Contractually required payments	$	52,899
Non-accretable difference (expected losses)		(26,803	)
Cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition		26,096
Accretable yield		(4,622	)
Basis in acquired loans at acquisition	$	21,474

The following is a summary of changes in the accretable difference for loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 during the year ended December 31, 2022:

Balance at December 31, 2021	$	20,659
Additions		4,622
Transfers from non-accretable difference to accretable yield		8,400
Accretion		(7,739	)
Changes in expected cash flows not affecting non-accretable differences		(3,658	)
Balance at December 31, 2022	$	22,284

The Bank seeks to assist customers that are experiencing financial difficulty by renegotiating loans within lending regulations and guidelines. The Bank makes loan modifications, primarily utilizing internal renegotiation programs via direct customer contact, that manage customers’ debt exposures held only by the Bank. Additionally, the Bank makes loan modifications with customers who have elected to work with external renegotiation agencies and these modifications provide solutions to customers’ entire unsecured debt structures. During the periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the concessions granted to certain borrowers included extending the payment due dates and offering below market contractual interest rates.

Once modified in a troubled debt restructuring, a loan is generally considered impaired until its contractual maturity. At the time of the restructuring, the loan is evaluated for an allowance for credit losses. The Bank continues to specifically reevaluate the loan in subsequent periods, regardless of the borrower’s performance under the modified terms. If a borrower subsequently defaults on the loan after it is restructured, the Bank provides an allowance for credit losses for the amount of the loan that exceeds the value of the related collateral.

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The Company had one troubled debt restructuring that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2022 in amount of $1.5 million and three during the year ended December 31, 2021 in the amount of $154,000. The Company modified one loan that was categorized as a trouble debt restructuring during the year ended December 31, 2022, with a pre-modification balance of $3.5 million and a post-modification balance of $3.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company did not modify any loans that were categorized as trouble debt restructurings.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our loan portfolio included loans with outstanding principal balances of $425.2 million and $522.0 million, respectively, that had previously been granted payment deferrals due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no loans with outstanding principal balances still in their pandemic-related deferral periods. Under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, and based on the interpretive guidance released by the FASB and the applicable banking regulators, the Company determined that none of the modifications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic were troubled debt restructurings at both December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Accrued interest receivable of $5.4 million and $6.0 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, for all loan deferrals.

Note 8 – Premises and Equipment –

Bank premises and equipment at December 31, 2022 and 2021 consist of the following:

	2022			2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
Land	$	7,831		$	6,938
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements		52,167			46,131
Furniture and Equipment		33,913			29,601
Right of Use Asset		17,477			14,304

Total Bank Premises and Equipment		111,388			96,974

Less: Accumulated Depreciation		(48,211	)		(38,819	)

Total Bank Premises and Equipment, net	$	63,177		$	58,155

The provision for depreciation and amortization attributable to bank premises and equipment charged to operating expenses was $4.8 million, $4.2 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets –

Goodwill was recorded as a result of acquisitions. The carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $88.5 million and $59.9 million, respectively. The increase of $28.6 in goodwill was the result of the acquisition of TCBI in 2022. In 2021, the increase of $6.0 million in goodwill was the result of the acquisition of SSW in 2021 which added $6.5 million, offset with $271,000 in adjustments from the Pedestal acquisition and the sale of the Oak Grove branch which also reduced goodwill in the amount of $168,000. The Company performed the required annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2022. The Company’s annual test did not indicate any impairment as of the testing date. Following the testing date, management determined no triggering event had occurred though December 31, 2022.

Core deposit and customer intangible assets were acquired in conjunction with the business combinations. A summary of the core deposit and customer intangible assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:

	2022			2021
	(Dollars in thousands)

Gross Carrying Amount	$	17,225		$	13,128
Acquired in SSW Acquisition		-			4,300
Adjustment for Sale of Branch		-			(203	)
Acquired in TCBI Acquisition		3,875			-
Less: Accumulated Amortization		(7,058	)		(5,022	)

Net Carrying Amount	$	14,042		$	12,203

Amortization expense on the core deposit and customer intangible assets totaled approximately $2.0 million, $1.6 million and $1.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The following table presents the estimated aggregate amortization expense for the periods indicated:

December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)

2023	$	2,100
2024		2,100
2025		1,893
2026		1,824
2027		1,824
Thereafter		4,301

Total Core Deposit and Customer Intangible	$	14,042

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Note 10 – Deposits –

Deposit accounts at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are summarized as follows:

	2022		2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest Bearing - DDA	$	1,549,381	$	1,291,036
Noninterest Bearing Deposits		1,549,381		1,291,036

Interest Bearing - DDA		455,117		198,622
NOW and Super NOW Accounts		579,789		581,449
Money Market Accounts		1,136,597		995,699
Savings Accounts		312,884		317,821
Certificates of Deposit Over $250,000		279,781		197,273
Other Certificates of Deposit		506,796		495,383
Interest Bearing Deposits		3,270,964		2,786,247

Total Deposits	$	4,820,345	$	4,077,283

Approximately 76.5% of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2022 have stated maturity dates during 2023 and the remaining 23.5% have stated maturity dates during 2024 and beyond.

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, total deposits for the top three customer relationships was approximately $168.9 million and $162.0 million, respectively, which represented 3.5% and 4.0% of total deposits, respectively. Brokered and reciprocal deposits were approximately $550.2 million and $282.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Included in these brokered and reciprocal deposits are public fund deposits of approximately $131.9 million and $92.6 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Other public fund deposits were approximately $504.1 million and $493.2 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

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Note 11 – Borrowings –

The Bank had outstanding advances from the FHLB of $410.1 million and $82.0 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, consisting of:

One short term, seven-day, fixed rate loan of $262.0 million at December 31, 2022, with interest at 4.55%. Principal was due, paid and renewed, at maturity in January 2023.

One fixed rate loan of $875,000 at December 31, 2022, that was acquired during the TCBI acquisition, with interest at 4.88% paid monthly. Principal is due at maturity in April 2025.

One fixed rate loan of $100.0 million at December 31, 2022, with interest at 3.53% paid monthly. Principal is due at maturity in October 2027. This advance has put options beginning in October 2023.

One fixed rate loan with an original principal balance of $60.0 million. The loan was made in 2021 and the balance at December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $47.2 million and $59.0 million, respectively, with interest at 0.89%. Monthly principal and interest payments are due monthly and the loan matures in November 2026.

One fixed rate loan of $23.0 million at December 31, 2021, with interest at 1.59% paid monthly. Principal was due at maturity in June 2024 but was paid in full in June 2022.

These advances are collateralized by the Company’s investment in FHLB stock and a blanket lien on qualifying loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio. The blanket lien totaled approximately $1.8 billion at December 31, 2022 with unused availability for advances and letters of credit of approximately $1.3 billion.

The Company has outstanding lines of credit with several of its correspondent banks available to assist in the management of short-term liquidity. These agreements provide for interest based upon the federal funds rate on the outstanding balance. Total available lines of credit as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were $154.0 million and $154.0 million, respectively. The Company purchased $14.1 million on these lines at December 31, 2022 and was not in a purchased position on these lines at December 31, 2021.

The Company had a line of credit with First National Banker’s Bank (“FNBB”) and was allowed to borrow on a revolving basis up to $5.0 million. This line of credit, established on November 3, 2021, was secured by a pledge of and security interest in the common stock of the Bank and established for general corporate purposes. The Company drew down the full amount in 2022 and did not have a balance on the line of credit at December 31, 2021. The line of credit carried a variable interest rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate with a minimum rate of 3.50%, and matured in November 2022. This FNBB line was paid in full at maturity, and was not renewed, in November, 2022.

In December 2018, the Company issued subordinated notes in the amount of $25.0 million. The subordinated notes bear a fixed rate of interest at 6.75% until December 31, 2028 and a floating rate thereafter through maturity in 2033. The balance outstanding at both December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $25.0 million. The subordinated notes were issued for the purpose of paying off the long term advance and line of credit with FNBB, for general corporate purposes and to provide Tier 2 capital. The subordinated notes are redeemable by the Company at its option beginning in 2028.

In the Pedestal acquisition, the Company assumed Pedestal’s junior subordinated debentures, which are associated with $5.0 million in trust preferred securities acquired from Pedestal. Interest on the junior subordinated debentures is accrued at an annual rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR, as determined in the indenture governing the debentures, plus 3.05%. Interest is payable quarterly. The indenture allows the Company to defer interest payments for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods without resulting in a default. The trust preferred securities do not have a stated maturity date, however, they are subject to mandatory redemption on September 17, 2033, or upon earlier redemption. The Company has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities subject to the guarantee agreement and the indenture. Principal and interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures are in a superior position to the liquidation rights of holders of common stock.

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On March 26, 2021, the Company issued $52.5 million in subordinated debt. This subordinated debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% through March 31, 2026 and a floating rate, based on a benchmark rate plus 354 basis points, thereafter through maturity in 2031. The subordinated notes were issued to provide additional capital support to the Bank, to support growth, to better position the Company to take advantage of strategic opportunities that may arise from time to time, repayment of existing Company borrowings, and for other general corporate purposes. The subordinated notes are redeemable by the Company at its option beginning in 2026.

On April 1, 2021, the Company, through b1BANK, consummated the acquisition of SSW as discussed in Note 3. Under the terms of the acquisition, the Company issued $3.9 million in subordinated debt to the former owners of SSW. This subordinated debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.75% through April 1, 2026 and a floating rate, based on a benchmark rate plus 442 basis points, thereafter through maturity in 2031. The subordinated notes are redeemable by the Company at its option beginning in 2026.

On March 1, 2022, the Company assumed, in connection with the TCBI acquisition, three tranches of subordinated debt with an aggregate principal balance outstanding of $26.4 million. One tranche in the amount of $10.0 million bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.25% until April 11, 2023, at which point the notes become redeemable at the Company’s option, then will reset to a floating interest rate based on a benchmark rate plus 350 basis points, adjusting quarterly, until maturity on April 11, 2028. Another tranche in the amount of $7.5 million bears a fixed rate of 6.38% until December 13, 2023, at which point the notes become redeemable at the Company’s option, then will reset to a floating rate based on a benchmark rate plus 350 basis points, adjusting quarterly, until maturity on December 13, 2028. The third tranche in the amount of $8.9 million bears an adjustable interest rate plus 595 basis points, based on a benchmark rate, until maturity on March 24, 2027. The $8.9 million tranche is currently redeemable at the Company’s option. These notes carry an aggregate $2.9 million fair value adjustment as of December 31, 2022.

Note 12 – Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase –

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank had sold various investment securities with an agreement to repurchase these securities at various times within one year. These securities generally remain under the Bank’s control and are included in securities available for sale. These pledged securities have coupon rates ranging from 0.7% to 8.0% and maturity dates ranging from 2024 to 2041. The related liability to repurchase these securities was $20.2 million and $19.1 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Note 13 – Income Taxes –

The consolidated provision (credit) for income taxes consists of the following at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:

	2022		2021			2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Provision for Current Taxes - Federal	$	12,969	$	13,008		$	6,730
Provision (Credit) for Deferred Taxes		1,368		(586	)		58

Total Provision for Income Taxes	$	14,337	$	12,422		$	6,788

The provision (credit) for federal income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying federal statutory rates to income from operations as indicated in the following analysis at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:

	2022			2021			2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal Statutory Income Tax	$	14,404		$	13,557		$	7,720
Tax Exempt Income		(690	)		(815	)		(608	)
Stock Based Compensation		16			(220	)		(730	)
Goodwill Write-off for Branch Sale		-			35			-
Other - Net		607			(135	)		406

Total Provision for Income Taxes	$	14,337		$	12,422		$	6,788

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Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	2022			2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
State NOL	$	2,285		$	1,642
State NOL Valuation Allowance		(2,285	)		(1,642	)
Net Operating Loss Carryforward		1,700			18
Unrealized Loss on Securities		20,040			290
Acquired Loans Fair Market Value Adjustment		5,705			5,790
Allowance for Loan Losses		8,067			6,114
Lease Liability		3,731			3,004
Deferred Compensation		1,589			1,346
Stock Awards		1,135			791
Other		940			817

Deferred Tax Assets		42,907			18,170


Right of Use Asset		3,693			3,004
Core Deposit Intangible		2,967			2,562
Depreciation		2,512			1,802
Acquired Securities Difference in Basis		1,477			1,716
Other		1,064			264

Deferred Tax Liabilities		11,713			9,348

Net Deferred Tax Asset	$	31,194		$	8,822

The Company acquired certain deferred tax attributes and liabilities as a result of a merger during 2015, including a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of $287,000 and alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforwards of $984,000. The Company is limited in the amount it may deduct against current taxable income each year. As of December 31, 2022 the NOL carryforward was $57,475 and expires in 2033. The AMT credit carryforward was exhausted in 2019. Additionally, the Company acquired certain deferred tax attributes and liabilities as a result of the 2022 TCBI acquisition, including a federal NOL carryforward of $8.8 million and a federal charitable contribution carryforward of $229,000. The amount of the NOL carryforward the Company is allowed to deduct against current taxable income each year is limited, and the Company may not offset more than 80% of taxable income in any year. As of December 31, 2022, the NOL and charitable contribution carryforward was $8.3 million to be carried forward indefinitely until utilized.

Note 14 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) –

The following is a summary of the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

	2022			2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on AFS Investment Securities and Equity Method Investments:

Balance at Beginning of Year	$	(1,177	)	$	10,628

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on AFS Investment Securities
Before Reclassifications - Net of Tax		(73,679	)		(11,838	)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Equity Method Investments		690			(266	)
Reclassification Adjustment for Gains (Losses) on Sale of AFS Investment Securities
Realized - Net of Tax		(38	)		299

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(73,027	)		(11,805	)

Balance at End of Year	$	(74,204	)	$	(1,177	)

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Note 15 – Shareholders’ Equity and Regulatory Matters –

Shareholders’ Equity of the Company includes the undistributed earnings of the Bank. The Company pays dividends from its assets, which are provided primarily by dividends from the Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to pay cash distributions. Louisiana statutes require approval to pay distributions in excess of a bank’s earnings in the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding year. The Company paid quarterly common stock dividends totaling $0.48 per share and $0.46 per share for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, based upon quarterly financial performance. The Company paid a dividend in the fourth quarter on preferred stock of $18.75 per share.

Common Stock Repurchase Plan

On October 22, 2020, the Company’s board of directors approved a resolution authorizing management to repurchase shares of its common stock with an aggregate purchase price of up to $30.0 million from time to time, subject to certain limitations and conditions. The stock repurchase program expired on December 31, 2021. The stock repurchase program did not obligate the Company to repurchase any shares of its common stock. The Company repurchased $10.9 million and $798,000 of shares for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Preferred Stock

On September 1, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors pursuant to which the Company offered and sold shares of its 7.50% fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, with no par value, for an aggregate purchase price of $72.0 million. Holders of the preferred stock are entitled to receive, if, when, and as declared by the Company’s board of directors, non-cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7.50% per share for the first five years following issuance and thereafter at a variable rate equal to the then current 3-month secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”), reset quarterly, plus 470 basis points. The preferred stock has a perpetual term and may not be redeemed, except under certain circumstances, under the first five years of issuance. The preferred stock is non-convertible and dividends equivalent to $18.75 per share were paid during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Regulatory Matters

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum regulatory capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s financial statements.

Under the regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification under the prompt corrective action guidelines are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios. As detailed below, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank met all of the capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, each of the Company and the Bank was categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, each of the Company and the Bank was required to maintain minimum total capital, Tier 1 capital, risk-based common equity Tier 1, and Tier 1 leverage ratios at the levels disclosed in the table below to be categorized as well capitalized. There are no conditions or events since the most recent notification that management believes have changed the prompt corrective action category.

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The following is a summary of the Company’s (consolidated) and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2022 and 2021.

											To Be Well
											Capitalized Under
						For Capital					Prompt Corrective
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Consolidated)	Actual					Adequacy Purposes					Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
December 31, 2022:	(Dollars in thousands)

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	$	704,840		12.75	%	$	442,391		8.00	%	$	552,988		10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)		557,088		10.07	%		331,793		6.00	%		442,391		8.00	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)		480,158		8.68	%		248,845		4.50	%		359,442		N/A
Tier 1 Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets)		557,088		9.49	%		234,859		4.00	%		293,574		N/A

December 31, 2021:

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	$	478,794		11.94	%	$	320,715		8.00	%	$	400,894		10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)		367,431		9.17	%		240,537		6.00	%		320,715		8.00	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)		362,431		9.04	%		180,402		4.50	%		260,581		N/A
Tier 1 Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets)		367,431		8.14	%		180,604		4.00	%		225,755		N/A

											To Be Well
											Capitalized Under
						For Capital					Prompt Corrective
b1BANK	Actual					Adequacy Purposes					Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
December 31, 2022:	(Dollars in thousands)

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	$	657,588		11.91	%	$	441,833		8.00	%	$	552,292		10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)		618,805		11.20	%		331,375		6.00	%		441,833		8.00	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)		618,805		11.20	%		248,531		4.50	%		358,989		6.50	%
Tier 1 Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets)		618,805		10.55	%		234,679		4.00	%		293,348		5.00	%

December 31, 2021:

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	$	468,834		11.71	%	$	320,411		8.00	%	$	400,514		10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)		438,898		10.96	%		240,308		6.00	%		320,411		8.00	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)		438,898		10.96	%		180,231		4.50	%		260,334		6.50	%
Tier 1 Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets)		438,898		9.73	%		180,453		4.00	%		225,566		5.00	%

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Note 16 – Stock Based Compensation –

Equity Incentive Plan

The Company previously granted options to its employees under its 2006 Stock Option Plan which expired on December 22, 2016. On June 29, 2017, the Company’s shareholders approved its 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for the grant of various types of equity grants and awards, including incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, performance shares and other stock-based awards to eligible participants, which includes the Company’s employees, directors and consultants. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Company shareholders approved an additional 400,000 shares to be reserved for future awards under the Plan. In addition, the number of shares issuable under the Plan were increased by 143,908 shares as a result of the assumption of options to purchase shares of TCBI common stock that were converted into options to purchase shares of Company common stock upon the TCBI acquisition on March 1, 2022. In total, the Plan has reserved 1,043,908 shares of common stock for grant, award or issuance to eligible participants, all of which may be subject to incentive stock option treatment. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s board of directors, which determines, within the provisions of the Plan, those eligible participants to whom, and the times at which, grants and awards will be made. As of December 31, 2022, 572,588 awards have been granted under the Plan, and 471,320 shares of common stock remain available for grant.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company issues restricted stock under various plans for certain officers and other key employees. The restricted stock awards may not be sold or otherwise transferred until certain restrictions have lapsed. The holders of the restricted stock receive dividends and have full voting rights with respect to those shares as of the date of grant. The compensation expense for these awards is determined based upon the market value of the Company’s common stock at the grant date applied to the total number of shares awarded and is recognized over the requisite service period.

During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company issued shares of restricted stock which vest in three equal installments over the requisite service period. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, the Company recognized $4.3 million, $2.6 million and $2.4 million in compensation costs related to restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, unrecognized share-based compensation associated with these awards totaled $3.7 million, $2.4 million and $1.6 million. The $3.7 million of unrecognized share-based compensation at December 31, 2022 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

The table below summarizes the restricted stock award activity for the period presented.

	Year Ended December 31, 2022					Year Ended December 31, 2021					Year Ended December 31, 2020
				Weighted Average					Weighted Average					Weighted Average
	Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, at Beginning of Period		94,245		$	21.60		53,756		$	24.49		39,971		$	22.64
Granted		141,646			26.34		111,687			20.73		60,635			24.79
Forfeited		(6,709	)		27.13		(989	)		24.11		-			-
Earned and Issued		(97,558	)		24.20		(70,209	)		22.43		(46,850	)		23.09

Balance, at End of Period		131,624		$	24.45		94,245		$	21.60		53,756		$	24.49

Stock Grants

During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company issued a total of 11,700 shares, 7,301 and 4,500 shares of common stock, respectively, to non-employee directors as compensation for their board service. The shares were issued with weighted average grant date fair values of $23.08 per share for the year ended December 31, 2022, $23.35 per share for the year ended December 31, 2021, and $14.87 per share for the year ended December 31, 2020. The total stock-based compensation expense was determined based upon the market value of the Company’s common stock at the grant date applied to the total number of shares granted. These grants resulted in accrued director fees expense of $120,000, $276,000 and $57,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Stock Options

In 2006, the Company established a stock option plan with 1,500,000 shares available to be granted as options under the plan. Under the provisions of the plan, the option price cannot be less than the fair value of the underlying common stock as of the option grant date, and the maximum option term cannot exceed ten years. The 2006 Stock Option Plan expired on December 22, 2016 and the Company is no longer permitted to issue additional stock options under this plan. However, the Company did grant 143,908 stock option awards under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan to former TCBI employees in conjunction with the acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the calculated value of the various share-based awards for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The following is an analysis of the activity related to the stock options:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2022					2021					2020
	Number of			Weighted Average		Number of			Weighted Average		Number of			Weighted Average
	Options			Exercise Price		Options			Exercise Price		Options			Exercise Price
Outstanding Options, at Beginning of Period		113,547		$	17.06		385,300		$	14.67		725,300		$	12.55
Granted		143,908			22.01		-			-		-			-
Exercised		(67,060	)		19.93		(261,753	)		13.62		(330,000	)		10.00
Forfeited or Expired		(59,471	)		22.45		(10,000	)		15.00		(10,000	)		15.00

Outstanding Options, at End of Period		130,924		$	18.59		113,547		$	17.06		385,300		$	14.67

Exercisable, at End of Period		118,958		$	18.18		113,547		$	17.06		385,300		$	14.67

At December 31, 2022, options for 118,958 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $18.18 were vested and exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value of both exercisable and outstanding awards at December 31, 2022 and 2021 is $472,000 and $1.3 million with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.9 years and 3.3 years, respectively.

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Note 17 – Employee Benefit Plans –

Defined Contribution Plan

The Bank has a defined contribution plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code 401(K) for those employees who meet the eligibility requirements. Contributions may be made by eligible employees subject to Internal Revenue Service limits. The Bank contributes a matching contribution up to 4% of wages which totaled $2.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.4 million and is included in salaries and employee benefits for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Deferred Compensation

The Company has established certain unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation agreements for the purpose of providing deferred compensation as retirement benefits for a select group of management. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had recorded accrued liabilities of $3.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The expense related to the deferred compensation agreements was $507,000, $408,000 and $285,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Note 18 – Other Income and Expenses –

An analysis of Other Income is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:

	2022		2021		2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Debit Card and ATM Fee Income	$	6,407	$	6,199	$	4,320
Cash Value of Life Insurance Income		1,931		1,396		940
Fees and Brokerage Commissions		6,964		5,015		970
Pass-Through Income from SBIC Partnerships		1,347		2,615		2,538
Other		3,863		3,249		2,706

Total Other Income	$	20,512	$	18,474	$	11,474

An analysis of Other Expenses is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:

	2022		2021		2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Advertising and Promotions	$	3,949	$	2,712	$	1,605
Communications		2,561		1,976		1,969
Ad Valorem Shares Tax		3,400		2,499		2,348
Data Processing Fees		8,358		8,137		5,506
Directors' Fees		972		790		464
Insurance		1,655		1,091		718
Legal and Professional Fees		2,359		2,679		2,118
Office Supplies and Printing		1,159		1,131		884
Regulatory Assessments		3,124		2,440		1,785
Taxes and Licenses		61		120		84
Merger and Conversion Costs		4,808		515		3,978
Other		12,414		11,396		10,760

Total Other Expenses	$	44,820	$	35,486	$	32,219

Note 19 – Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk –

In the normal course of business, the Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit which are not included in the accompanying financial statements. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank’s policy for obtaining collateral, and the nature of such collateral, is essentially the same as that involved in making commitments to extend credit. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making such commitments and conditional obligations as it does for instruments that are included in the balance sheet. In the normal course of business, the Bank has made commitments to extend credit of approximately $1.3 billion and standby and commercial letters of credit of approximately $45.5 million at December 31, 2022.

Note 20 – Concentrations of Credit –

The majority of the Bank’s business activities are with customers in the Bank’s market area, which consists primarily of East and West Baton Rouge, Bossier, Caddo, St. Tammany, Lafayette, Calcasieu, Terrebonne, Jefferson, Webster, Richland and adjacent parishes, the Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas metroplex, and Houston, Texas. The majority of such customers are depositors of the Bank. The concentrations of credit by type of loan are shown in Note 7. The Bank, as a matter of policy, does not extend credit to any single borrower or group of related borrowers in excess of the Bank’s legal lending limits. Most of the Bank’s credits are to individuals and businesses secured by real estate. A substantial portion of their ability to pay on their debt is dependent on the local economy and industries in the areas.

Within the loan portfolio, the Bank has a concentration of credits secured by real estate. The Bank had extended credit secured by non-farm non-residential real estate totaling approximately $1.8 billion and $1.1 billion, which accounted for 39.7% and 35.9% of total loans held for investment at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Additionally, the Bank had extended credit secured by construction and land development totaling approximately $722.1 million and $548.5 million, respectively; these loans represented 15.7% and 17.2% of total loans held for investment at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Bank maintains amounts on deposit and federal funds sold with correspondent banks which may periodically exceed the federally insured amount.

Note 21 – Leases –

The Bank leases certain branch offices through non-cancelable operating leases with terms that range from one to ten years and contain various renewal options for certain of the leases. Certain leases provide for increases in minimum monthly rental payments as defined by the lease agreement. Rental expense under these agreements was $4.9 million, $2.8 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company had a weighted average lease term of 6.0 years and 7.2 years and a weighted average discount rate of 2.63% and 2.64% as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under these leases are as follows:

December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)
2023	$	4,135
2024		3,761
2025		2,735
2026		2,182
2027		2,065
2028 and Thereafter		4,298

Total Future Minimum Lease Payments		19,176

Less Imputed Interest		(1,516	)

Present Value of Lease Liabilities	$	17,660

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 22 – Commitments –

SBIC Capital Commitment

The SBIC is a program initiated by the SBA in 1958 to assist in the funding of small business loans. The program is a joint venture between investors with venture capital, the SBA, and small business borrowers. Investors are responsible for funding the first portion of the capital requirements, with the remaining requirement being funded by the SBA. The funds are then lent to small business borrowers.

The Bank has agreed to participate as an investor with McLarty Capital Partners SBIC, L.P. (“McLarty”), McLarty Capital Partners SBIC II, L.P. (“McLarty II”), Firmament Capital Partners SBIC III, L.P. (“Firmament”), Bluehenge Capital Secured Debt SBIC, L.P. (“Bluehenge”), Bluehenge Capital Secured Debt SBIC II, L.P. (“Bluehenge, II”), New Louisiana Angel Fund 2, LLC (“New Louisiana”) and Pharos Capital Partners IV-A, L.P. (“Pharos”). As part of the TCBI acquisition, the Bank acquired investments in and committed to invest further in Bluehenge Capital Secured Debt SBIC, L.P. (included with prior Bluehenge investments), Valesco Fund II, LP (“Valesco”) and GP Capital Partners, LP (“GP Capital”). Details of these commitments at December 31, 2022 are below.

	Total Capital				Remaining Unfunded
	Commitment		Capital Called		Capital Commitment
McLarty	$	2,000	$	1,802	$	198
McLarty II		2,500		2,222		278
Firmament		2,500		1,707		793
Bluehenge		2,500		2,312		188
Bluehenge, II		2,500		359		2,141
New Louisiana		50		50		-
Pharos		1,000		395		605
Valesco		1,000		737		263
GP Capital		1,000		316		684
	$	15,050	$	9,900	$	5,150

Fintech Fund Commitment

The Company has agreed to invest in certain Fintech funds. As part of the TCBI acquisition, the Company acquired investments in and committed to invest further in any remaining unfunded capital commitments in Work America Capital Fund I, LP and SBRE I, LLC. During the year ended December 31, 2022, SBRE I, LLC was fully redeemed. Details of these commitments at December 31, 2022 are below.

	Total Capital				Remaining Unfunded
	Commitment		Capital Called		Capital Commitment
BankTech Ventures, LP	$	500	$	110	$	390
Jam Fintop BankTech, LP		1,000		348		652
Ledyard Capital Managers, LLC		1,000		1,000		-
Mendon Ventures Banktech Fund I, LP		1,500		904		596
Castle Creek Launchpad Fund I, LP		1,500		236		1,264
Work America Capital Fund I, LP		700		700		-
	$	6,200	$	3,298	$	2,902

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Federal Home Loan Bank Letters of Credit

The Bank had outstanding letters of credit on behalf of others from the FHLB of $173.7 million and $223.9 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The outstanding letters of credit as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:

Seven letters of credit totaling $146.5 million expire in January 2023.

One letter of credit of $403,000 expires in March 2023.

One letter of credit of $87,000 expires in May 2023.

One letter of credit of $197,000 expires in November 2023.

One letter of credit of $329,000 expires in December 2023.

One letter of credit of $22.8 million expires in April 2024.

One letter of credit totaling $3.3 million expires in August 2024.

Note 23 – Related Party Transactions –

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has granted loans to directors, officers and their affiliates. Such loans were made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers. Such loans amounted to $66.8 million and $27.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Related party deposits totaled $58.0 million and $43.8 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Note 24 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments –

Fair Value Disclosures

The Company groups its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three levels. Fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to develop those assumptions and measure fair value. The hierarchy requires companies to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

●

Level 1 – Includes the most reliable sources and includes quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

●

Level 2 – Includes observable inputs. Observable inputs include inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates and yield curves at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates) as well as inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market-corroborated inputs).

●

Level 3 – Includes unobservable inputs and should be used only when observable inputs are unavailable.

Recurring Basis

Fair values of investment securities available for sale were primarily measured using information from a third-party pricing service. This pricing service provides information by utilizing evaluated pricing models supported with market data information. Standard inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data from market research publications.

The fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors within the secondary market for loans with similar characteristics.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables present the balance of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company did not record any liabilities at fair value for which measurement of the fair value was made on a recurring basis.

	Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2022
Available for Sale:
U.S. Treasury Securities	$	30,115	$	-	$	30,115	$	-
U.S. Government Agency Securities		47,372		-		47,372		-
Corporate Securities		46,004		-		27,004		19,000
Mortgage-Backed Securities		451,725		-		451,725		-
Municipal Securities		315,535		-		280,767		34,768
Loans Held for Sale		304		-		304		-

Total	$	891,055	$	-	$	837,287	$	53,768


December 31, 2021
Available for Sale:
U.S. Treasury Securities	$	22,314	$	-	$	22,314	$	-
U.S. Government Agency Securities		27,493		-		27,493		-
Corporate Securities		46,582		-		26,582		20,000
Mortgage-Backed Securities		552,339		-		552,339		-
Municipal Securities		372,333		-		348,243		24,090
Loans Held for Sale		1,200		-		1,200		-

Total	$	1,022,261	$	-	$	978,171	$	44,090

Nonrecurring Basis

The Company has segregated all financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date in the table below. The Company did not record any liabilities at fair value for which measurement of the fair value was made on a nonrecurring basis.

The fair value of the impaired loans is measured at the fair value of the collateral for collateral-dependent loans. Impaired loans are Level 3 assets measured using appraisals from external parties of the collateral less any prior liens and adjusted for estimated selling costs. Adjustments may be made by management based on a customized internally developed discounting matrix. Repossessed assets are initially recorded at fair value less estimated cost to sell, which is generally 10%. The fair value of repossessed assets is based on property appraisals and an analysis of similar properties available. As such, the Bank records repossessed assets as Level 3.

	Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2022
Assets:
Impaired Loans	$	16,816	$	-	$	-	$	16,816
Servicing Rights		2,327		-		2,327		-
Other Nonperforming Assets		1,434		-		-		1,434

Total	$	20,577	$	-	$	2,327	$	18,250

December 31, 2021
Assets:
Impaired Loans	$	18,749	$	-	$	-	$	18,749
Servicing Rights		1,775		-		1,775		-
Other Nonperforming Assets		1,427		-		-		1,427

Total	$	21,951	$	-	$	1,775	$	20,176

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table provides quantitative information for impaired loans measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as of the dates indicated.

	Valuation	Unobservable	Discounted Range (Weighted Average)
	Technique	Input	December 31, 2022				December 31, 2021
Impaired Loans	Discounted Appraisals	Appraisal Adjustments	10%	to	100%	(18%)	10%	to	100%	(20%)

Fair Value Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. In accordance with GAAP, certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments are excluded from these disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Short-Term Investments – For those short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities – Fair value of securities is based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

Loans – The fair value for loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, with interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit rates. Loans with similar classifications are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. The allowance for loan losses, which was used to measure the credit risk, is subtracted from loans.

Cash Value of Bank-Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI") – The carrying amount approximates its fair value.

Other Equity Securities – The carrying amount approximates its fair value.

Deposits – The fair value of demand deposits and certain money market deposits is the amount payable at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, with interest rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Borrowings – The fair value of FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings is estimated using the rates currently offered for advances of similar maturities. The carrying amount of short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximates the fair value.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby and Commercial Letters of Credit – The fair values of commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit do not differ significantly from the commitment amount and are therefore omitted from this disclosure.

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BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The estimated approximate fair values of the Bank’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:

	Carrying		Total
	Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2022
Financial Assets:
Cash and Short-Term Investments	$	168,346	$	168,346	$	168,346	$	-	$	-
Securities		890,751		890,751		-		836,983		53,768
Loans Held for Sale		304		304		-		304		-
Loans - Net		4,567,998		4,443,577		-		-		4,443,577
Servicing Rights		1,712		2,327		-		2,327		-
Cash Value of BOLI		91,958		91,958		-		91,958		-
Other Equity Securities		37,467		37,467		-		-		37,467

Total	$	5,758,536	$	5,634,730	$	168,346	$	931,572	$	4,534,812

Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	$	4,820,345	$	4,810,263	$	-	$	-	$	4,810,263
Borrowings		560,123		544,564		-		544,564		-

Total	$	5,380,468	$	5,354,827	$	-	$	544,564	$	4,810,263


December 31, 2021
Financial Assets:
Cash and Short-Term Investments	$	295,419	$	295,419	$	295,419	$	-	$	-
Securities		1,021,061		1,021,061		-		976,971		44,090
Loans Held for Sale		1,200		1,200		-		1,200		-
Loans - Net		3,160,496		3,121,433		-		-		3,121,433
Servicing Rights		1,403		1,775		-		1,775		-
Cash Value of BOLI		60,380		60,380		-		60,380		-
Other Equity Securities		16,619		16,619		-		-		16,619

Total	$	4,556,578	$	4,517,887	$	295,419	$	1,040,326	$	3,182,142

Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	$	4,077,283	$	4,078,558	$	-	$	-	$	4,078,558
Borrowings		187,590		195,998		-		195,998		-

Total	$	4,264,873	$	4,274,556	$	-	$	195,998	$	4,078,558

Note 25 – Litigation and Contingencies –

In the normal course of business, the Bank is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management and counsel, the disposition or ultimate resolution of such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 26 – Financial Statements – Parent Company Only –

The balance sheets and statements of income for Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company) are as follows:

BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021

(Dollars in thousands)

	2022			2021
Assets:
Cash	$	35,684		$	1,322
Investment in Subsidiaries		641,491			509,835
Fintech Funds		3,080			1,364
Goodwill		5,704			-
Income Taxes Receivable		8,739			6,464
Other Assets		1,794			1,003

Total Assets	$	696,492		$	519,988

Liabilities:
Accrued Interest Payable	$	80		$	-
Short Term Borrowings		9			20
Subordinated Debt		110,749			81,427
Subordinated Debt - Trust Preferred Securities		5,155			5,155
Other Liabilities		18			18

Total Liabilities		116,011			86,620

Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock		71,930			-
Common Stock		25,110			20,400
Additional Paid-in Capital		393,690			292,271
Retained Earnings		163,955			121,874
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(74,204	)		(1,177	)

Total Shareholders' Equity		580,481			433,368

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	696,492		$	519,988

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022, 2021 AND 2020

(Dollars in thousands)

	2022			2021			2020
Income:
Dividend Income From Subsidiaries	$	10,000		$	13,000		$	24,295
Interest Income		13			5			5
Other Income		43			-			-
Expenses:
Interest Expense		5,477			3,793			2,135
Other Operating Expenses		6,097			4,374			5,943

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity in Undistributed
Net Income of Subsidiaries		(1,518	)		4,838			16,222

Income Tax Benefit		(2,400	)		(1,916	)		(1,905	)

Income Before Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries		882			6,754			18,127

Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries		53,373			45,382			11,867

Net Income		54,255			52,136			29,994

Preferred Stock Dividends		1,350			-			-

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	52,905		$	52,136		$	29,994

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ITEM 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2022. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2022. The effectiveness of our or any system of disclosure controls and procedures is subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing and evaluating the controls and procedures, the assumptions used in identifying the likelihood of future events, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. As a result, we cannot assure you that our disclosure controls and procedures will detect all errors or fraud.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the financial reporting and preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

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The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 based on the criteria for effective internal control established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on the assessment, management determined that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, has been audited by FORVIS, LLP (formerly Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP), an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2022, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. Other Information.

Not applicable.

ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.

Not applicable.

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PART III

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders tentatively being held on July 27, 2023, or an Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A containing such information, a copy of which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation.

The information called for by this item relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders tentatively being held on July 27, 2023, or an Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A containing such information, a copy of which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters.

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

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PART IV

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)	List of documents filed as part of this Report

(1)

Financial Statements

The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of this Report:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)

Financial Statement Schedules

Financial statement schedules are omitted either because they are not required or are not applicable, or because the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

(3)

Exhibits

Number	Description

2.1	Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated January 22, 2020, by and between Business First Bancshares, Inc., and Pedestal Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on January 24, 2020).

2.2	Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated October 20, 2021, by and between Business First Bancshares, Inc., and Texas Citizens Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on October 21, 2021).

3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation of Business First Bancshares, Inc., adopted October 27, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 3, 2022).

3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Business First Bancshares, Inc., adopted April 23, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on April 28, 2020).

4.1	Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 12, 2014).

4.2	Form of Series A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on Setpember 1, 2022).

4.3	Description of Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.* Instruments defining the rights of the long-term debt securities of Business First Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to section (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K. Business First Bancshares, Inc. hereby agrees to furnish copies of these instruments to the SEC upon request.

10.1 +	Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement by and between Business First Bank and David R. Melville, III, dated November 6, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 7, 2019).

10.3 +	Change in Control Agreement, dated November 6, 2019, between Business First Bank and Gregory Robertson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 7, 2019).

10.4 +	Change in Control Agreement, dated November 6, 2019, between Business First Bank and Philip Jordan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 7, 2019).

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10.7 +	Business First Bancshares 2006 Stock Option Plan (“2006 Stock Option Plan”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 12, 2014).

10.8 +	Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under 2006 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 12, 2014).

10.9 +	Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement (As Amended), under 2006 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 12, 2014).

10.10 +	Form of Warrant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on November 12, 2014).

10.11 +	Amendment No. 1 to the 2006 Stock Option Plan, dated December 17, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Amendment No. 2 to Form S-4 Registration Statement filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on February 5, 2015).

10.12 +	Business First, Amendment No. 2 to Warrant Agreement, dated February 1, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated as of December 31, 2015 and filed March 21, 2016).

10.13 +	Business First Bancshares, Inc., 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc., dated as of December 31, 2017 and filed March 21, 2018).

10.14 +	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, adopted as of August 1, 2009, by Business First Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on January 13, 2021).

10.15 +	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Participation Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2021, between b1BANK and Gregory Robertson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on January 13, 2021).

10.16 +	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Participation Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2009, between b1BANK and David R. Melville, III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on March 5, 2021).

10.17 +	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Participation Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2009, between b1BANK and Philip Jordan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on March 5, 2021).

10.18	Form of Securities Purchase Agreement by and among Business First Bancshares, Inc. and the serveral purchasers of Series A Preferred Stock named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc., on September 1, 2022).

10.19+	Change in Control Agreement, dated October 29, 2019, between Business First Bank and Keith Mansfield (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on August 4, 2022).

10.20+	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Participation Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2021, between b1BANK and Keith Mansfield (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, filed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. on August 4, 2022).

21.1	List of subsidiaries of Business First Bancshares, Inc.*

23.1	Consent of FORVIS, LLP (formerly Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP)*

24.1	Power of Attorney (containted on the signature page hereto)*

31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

32.1	Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance Document*

101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*

101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*

101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*

101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*

101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*

104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
*	Filed herewith.
**	Furnished herewith, and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
+	Represents a management contract or a compensatory plan or arrangement.

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ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary.

None.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.


March 2, 2023	By:	/s/ David R. Melville, III
		David R. Melville, III
		President and Chief Executive Officer

The undersigned directors and officers do hereby constitute and appoint David R. Melville, III and Gregory Robertson and either of them, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things in our name and behalf in our capacities as directors and officers, and to execute any and all instruments for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below, that such person may deem necessary or advisable to enable Business First Bancshares, Inc. to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for us, or any of us, in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments hereto; and we do hereby ratify and confirm all that such person or persons shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 2nd day of March, 2023.

Signature		Title	Date

By:	/s/ David R. Melville, III	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director	March 2, 2023
	David R. Melville, III	(Principal Executive Officer)


By:	/s/ Gregory Robertson	Chief Financial Officer	March 2, 2023
	Gregory Robertson	(Principal Financial Officer)


By	/s/ Drew C. Brees	Director	March 2, 2023
	Drew C. Brees


By	/s/ James J. Buquet, III	Director	March 2, 2023
	James J. Buquet, III


By:	/s/ Carol M. Calkins	Director	March 2, 2023
	Carol M. Calkins


By:	/s/ Ricky D. Day	Director	March 2, 2023
	Ricky D. Day

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By:	/s/ John Ducrest	Director	March 2, 2023
	John Ducrest


By:	/s/ Mark P. Folse	Director	March 2, 2023
	Mark P. Folse


By:	/s/ Robert S. Greer, Jr.	Chairman of the Board and Director	March 2, 2023
	Robert S. Greer, Jr.


By:	/s/ J. Vernon Johnson	Director	March 2, 2023
	J. Vernon Johnson


By:	/s/ Rolfe H. McCollister, Jr.	Director	March 2, 2023
	Rolfe H. McCollister, Jr.


By:	/s/ Andrew D. McLindon	Director	March 2, 2023
	Andrew D. McLindon


By:	/s/ Patrick E. Mockler	Director	March 2, 2023
	Patrick E. Mockler


By:	/s/ David A. Montgomery, Jr.	Director	March 2, 2023
	David A. Montgomery, Jr.


By:	/s/ Arthur J. Price	Director	March 2, 2023
	Arthur J. Price


By:	/s/ Kenneth Smith	Director	March 2, 2023
	Kenneth Smith


By:	/s/ Keith A. Tillage	Director	March 2, 2023
	Keith A. Tillage


By:	/s/ Steven G. White	Director	March 2, 2023
	Steven G. White

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