Business First Bancshares reports Q3 EPS 71c, consensus 61c

Reports Q3 tangible book value per share $17.03. Reports Q3 CET1 capital ratio 14.16%. “In the third quarter we again delivered solid fundamental shareholder-oriented operating performance,” said b1BANK President & CEO Jude Melville. “We increased per share tangible book value and per share core earnings by exercising cost discipline, protected our margin while strengthening our core deposit base, and continued maintaining excellent asset quality. We are pleased to be in position to increase our dividend for the fifth consecutive year, rewarding shareholders for sticking with us through uncertain times.”