Business First Bancshares Inc

In addition to the other information set forth in this Report, we refer you to Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC. Other than the risk factors set forth below, there have been no material changes in the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for December 31, 2023.

Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry.

Recent bank failures involving Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank have resulted in negative market volatility, especially in the financial services sector, which could continue to negatively impact the market price of our stock in the foreseeable future. The failures have also adversely impacted customer confidence in the soundness of smaller community and regional banks. In response, customers may choose to maintain deposits with larger financial institutions or invest their excess cash elsewhere. Significant withdrawals of deposits could stress our liquidity, funding capacity, earnings, and capital. These factors could also limit our access to capital markets and/or significantly increase the pricing of such sources. In addition, these events may result in adverse changes in laws or regulations that govern our operations.