Business First Bancshares reports Q3 core EPS 68c, consensus 57c

Reports Q3 net charge-offs 0.02%. Reports Q3 book value per share $24.59. “In the third quarter our team again demonstrated consistent improvement in fundamental performance,” said Jude Melville, chairman, president and CEO of Business First Bancshares (BFST). “Measured and productive growth, strengthened capital ratios, improved margins and increased income from newer non-spread-based lines of business, in addition to expense discipline of which I am especially proud, which positions us solidly to continue meeting our stakeholders’ expectations in coming quarters.”