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.

We may not achieve the interest benefits of the Oakwood Merger, and the Oakwood Merger may disrupt our existing plans or operations.

There can be no guarantee that we will be able to successfully integrate Oakwood and Oakwood Bank or otherwise realize the expected benefits of the Oakwood Merger and the Oakwood Bank Merger. Difficulties in integrating Oakwood and/or Oakwood Bank may result in operational and other challenges, including an inability to realize the full extent of the intended benefits of the Oakwood Merger and the Oakwood Bank Merger and any delays encountered in the integration process, could have an adverse effect on our revenues, expenses (including as a result of additional or unforeseen expenses) and results of operations, which may adversely affect the value of our common stock. Although we expect the strategic benefits to offset incremental transaction-related costs over time, if we are not able to adequately and effectively address integration challenges, we may be unable to successfully integrate the operations of, or realize the anticipated benefits of the integration of, Oakwood and Oakwood Bank.