Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) trades at $31.05 with AI Score 81/100 (Grade A+). Business First Bancshares, Inc. Market cap: $1.01B, Sector: Financial services.
Price as of Aug 20, 2026 · Last analyzed: May 10, 2026BFST stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $32.88 for Business First Bancshares, Inc., suggesting 5.9% upside from the current price of $31.05. The AI MoonshotScore is 81/100, indicating a strong bullish outlook. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
BFST: 3/3 scored disciplines lean bullish. Dominant signal: Ray Dalio bullish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) Financial Services Profile
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) is a regional bank holding company operating primarily in Louisiana and Texas, offering commercial and retail banking services. With a focus on relationship-based banking and a diversified loan portfolio, BFST serves small to medium-sized businesses and individual customers, leveraging its local market expertise.
What Is the Investment Thesis for BFST?
Business First Bancshares presents a compelling investment case based on its strategic positioning in the Louisiana and Texas markets. With a P/E ratio of 9.6 and a profit margin of 17.5%, the company demonstrates solid profitability. A dividend yield of 2.10% provides an additional incentive for investors. Growth catalysts include expansion in the Dallas and Houston markets and increased adoption of digital banking services. However, potential risks include interest rate sensitivity and competition from larger national banks. The company's focus on commercial lending and wealth management offers diversification and potential for long-term growth.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
BFST Key Highlights
Market Cap of $1.01B reflecting investor confidence in BFST's growth potential.
- P/E Ratio of 9.6 indicates BFST is potentially undervalued compared to its peers.
- Profit Margin of 17.5% showcases strong operational efficiency.
- Gross Margin of 61.7% highlights effective cost management and revenue generation.
- Dividend Yield of 2.10% provides a steady income stream for investors.
Who Are BFST's Competitors?
BFST is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFBC First Financial Bancorp. | $32.91 | -2.60% | $3.45B | 79 |
| HBAN Huntington Bancshares Incorporated | $17.16 | -0.03% | $34.7B | 70 |
| CMA Comerica Incorporated | $88.67 | -4.51% | $11.4B | 48 |
| CFFN Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. | $8.54 | +0.53% | $1.05B | 93 |
| CAC Camden National Corporation | $56.65 | -2.73% | $958M | 93 |
| THFF First Financial Corporation | $78.82 | -3.55% | $937M | 95 |
| HAFC Hanmi Financial Corporation | $31.14 | -0.05% | $927M | 94 |
| AMTB Amerant Bancorp Inc. | $28.44 | -0.28% | $1.11B | 95 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are BFST's Key Strengths?
Strong local market knowledge.
- Diversified loan portfolio.
- Experienced management team.
- Solid profitability metrics.
What Are BFST's Weaknesses?
Limited geographic footprint compared to larger banks.
- Reliance on traditional banking services.
- Potential interest rate sensitivity.
- Higher expense ratio than larger peers.
What Could Drive BFST Stock Higher?
Expansion of digital banking services to attract younger customers.
- Continued growth in the Dallas and Houston markets.
- Strategic acquisitions of smaller banks to expand market share.
- Increase in commercial lending activity due to economic growth.
What Are the Key Risks for BFST?
Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.25 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Economic downturn in Louisiana and Texas impacting loan quality.
- Increased competition from larger national banks.
- Interest rate sensitivity affecting net interest margin.
- Regulatory compliance costs impacting profitability.
- Cybersecurity threats and data breaches.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for BFST?
- Expansion in Texas Markets: BFST has the opportunity to further expand its presence in the Dallas and Houston markets. These metropolitan areas offer significant growth potential due to their strong economies and diverse populations. By increasing its branch network and loan production offices in Texas, BFST can tap into a larger customer base and increase its market share. The Texas banking market is estimated to be worth over $50 billion, providing ample room for growth. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Digital Banking Adoption: BFST can drive growth by increasing the adoption of its digital banking services. By investing in technology and enhancing its online and mobile banking platforms, BFST can attract younger customers and improve customer satisfaction. Digital banking also offers cost savings through reduced branch traffic and increased efficiency. The digital banking market is expected to grow by 15% annually, reaching $10 billion by 2028. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Wealth Management Services: BFST can expand its wealth management services to cater to high-net-worth individuals and families. By offering personalized financial planning, investment management, and trust services, BFST can generate fee income and build long-term relationships with its clients. The wealth management market is estimated to be worth over $20 billion in Louisiana and Texas. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Commercial Lending Growth: BFST can focus on growing its commercial lending portfolio by targeting small and medium-sized businesses in its markets. By providing tailored financing solutions and relationship-based service, BFST can attract businesses seeking capital for expansion and working capital needs. The commercial lending market is expected to grow by 8% annually, driven by economic growth and business investment. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Strategic Acquisitions: BFST can pursue strategic acquisitions of smaller banks or financial institutions to expand its geographic footprint and product offerings. Acquisitions can provide access to new markets, customers, and talent, accelerating BFST's growth and increasing its market share. The regional banking sector is consolidating, creating opportunities for strategic acquisitions. Timeline: Ongoing.
What Are BFST's Competitive Advantages?
- Strong local market presence in Louisiana and Texas.
- Relationship-based banking approach.
- Diversified loan portfolio.
- Experienced management team.
What Does BFST Do?
Business First Bancshares, Inc. was incorporated in 2006 and serves as the holding company for b1BANK. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, b1BANK provides a comprehensive suite of banking products and services tailored to businesses and individuals. The bank's offerings include a variety of deposit accounts such as checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. On the lending side, b1BANK specializes in commercial and industrial loans, including lines of credit, equipment financing, and real estate loans. The bank also provides residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Beyond traditional banking services, b1BANK offers wealth management products, including mutual funds and annuities, along with fiduciary services and private banking. The company supports its customers with services like treasury management, merchant services, and online and mobile banking. As of March 1, 2022, Business First Bancshares operates approximately 48 full-service banking centers and three loan production offices across Louisiana, and in the Dallas and Houston markets, emphasizing its commitment to local markets and personalized service.
What Products and Services Does BFST Offer?
- Offers checking, savings, and money market accounts.
- Provides commercial and industrial loans.
- Offers commercial and real estate loans.
- Provides residential real estate loans.
- Offers wealth management products including mutual funds and annuities.
- Provides private banking services.
- Offers treasury and cash management services.
- Provides online and mobile banking services.
How Does BFST Make Money?
- Generates revenue through interest income from loans.
- Earns fees from deposit accounts and wealth management services.
- Profits from treasury and cash management services.
- Gains revenue from merchant services and other financial services.
What Industry Does BFST Operate In?
Business First Bancshares operates in the regional banking sector, which is characterized by intense competition and regulatory scrutiny. The industry is undergoing digital transformation, with increasing adoption of online and mobile banking services. BFST competes with both large national banks and smaller community banks. The regional banking market is influenced by local economic conditions and demographic trends. As of 2026, the industry is expected to see moderate growth, driven by increased lending activity and fee income. BFST's focus on relationship-based banking and local market expertise positions it favorably in this competitive landscape.
Who Are BFST's Key Customers?
- Small to medium-sized businesses.
- Individuals and families.
- High-net-worth individuals.
- Commercial real estate developers.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Financial Trajectory
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) reported $61.2M in revenue for Q2 2026, a decline of 54.2% compared to the prior quarter. The company recorded net income of $24.2M, with diluted EPS of $0.70. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a small-cap company operating in Financial Services. Across the four most recent quarters, BFST averaged $0.70 in diluted EPS.
Company Profile
Business First Bancshares, Inc. operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Baton Rouge, US. The company is led by CEO David R. Melville. BFST has traded publicly since 2018.
How Business First Bancshares, Inc. Is Valued
Business First Bancshares, Inc. carries a market capitalization of $1.01B, placing it in the small-cap category. Relative to its peer group, BFST's quantitative score of 81/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 77/100.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Business First Bancshares, Inc. stands at 10.1%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 1.0%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. BFST trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 9.57, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 9.3%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.17 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 9.7%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Financial Health
Business First Bancshares, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 6/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 0.25 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
Forward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Business First Bancshares, Inc. revenue of about $368.6M for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $3.01. The estimate reflects 3 contributing analysts.
BFST Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying indicates confidence in the company's future performance, suggesting that leadership sees value at current levels.
- Community sentiment has turned positive as discussions around the bank's strategic initiatives gain traction, highlighting a potential growth phase.
- The recent focus on expanding loan offerings has attracted interest from investors looking for growth in a competitive market.
- Market perception is shifting positively as the company enhances its digital banking services, appealing to a younger customer base.
Bear Case
- Concerns about the overall economic environment have led to skepticism among some investors, particularly regarding potential interest rate hikes.
- Recent discussions in the community reflect worries about the bank's ability to manage non-performing loans effectively, which could impact profitability.
- Some bearish views stem from comparisons to larger competitors, suggesting that Business First may struggle to maintain market share.
- Investor sentiment has been tempered by broader market volatility, causing caution around banking stocks in general.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2026 | $61M | $24M | $0.70 |
| Q1 2026 | $134M | $24M | $0.68 |
| Q4 2025 | $130M | $22M | $0.71 |
| Q3 2025 | $130M | $23M | $0.73 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
BFST Latest News
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Earnings Scheduled For July 23, 2026
benzinga · Jul 23, 2026
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Earnings Scheduled For April 27, 2026
benzinga · Apr 27, 2026
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Earnings Scheduled For April 24, 2025
benzinga · Apr 24, 2025
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Earnings Scheduled For October 26, 2022
benzinga · Oct 26, 2022
BFST Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for BFST.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $32.88
BFST MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates BFST 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: David R. Melville
CEO
David R. Melville serves as the CEO of Business First Bancshares, Inc. His career spans several decades in the banking industry, with a focus on community banking and financial services. He has held leadership positions in various financial institutions, bringing a wealth of experience in strategic planning, risk management, and customer relationship management. Melville's expertise lies in driving growth and profitability while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance and community engagement. He is actively involved in industry associations and community organizations.
Track Record: Under David Melville's leadership, Business First Bancshares has expanded its presence in key markets, including Dallas and Houston. He has overseen the implementation of digital banking initiatives and the growth of wealth management services. Melville has also guided the company through economic challenges, maintaining a strong balance sheet and delivering consistent returns to shareholders. His strategic decisions have positioned Business First Bancshares for long-term success.
What Investors Ask About Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) — Financial Services
What does the AI Score mean for BFST?
BFST holds an AI Score of 81/100 (Grade: A+). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. Business First Bancshares, Inc., operating as b1BANK, provides a range of banking products and services across Louisiana and in the Dallas and Houston markets. The company focuses on commercial …
What does Business First Bancshares, Inc. do?
Business First Bancshares, Inc., through its subsidiary b1BANK, operates as a regional bank providing a range of financial services to businesses and individuals. Its core business revolves around accepting deposits and originating loans, including commercial and industrial loans, real estate loans, and consumer loans. The bank also offers wealth management services, treasury management, and digital banking solutions.
What do analysts say about BFST stock?
Analyst coverage of Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) generally reflects a positive outlook, citing the company's strong regional presence and solid financial performance. Key valuation metrics, such as the P/E ratio of 9.6, suggest that the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers. Growth considerations include the company's expansion in Texas and its focus on digital banking initiatives.
What are the main risks for BFST?
Business First Bancshares faces several key risks inherent to the banking industry and its specific market focus. One significant risk is credit risk, particularly in its commercial and industrial loan portfolio, which could be impacted by economic downturns in Louisiana and Texas. Interest rate risk is another concern, as changes in interest rates can affect the bank's net interest margin.
How sensitive is BFST to interest rate changes?
Business First Bancshares, like most banks, is sensitive to changes in interest rates. Its net interest margin, the difference between the interest income it earns on loans and the interest it pays on deposits, can be significantly affected by rate movements. If interest rates rise, BFST's borrowing costs may increase, potentially squeezing its profit margins.
What regulatory challenges does Business First Bancshares, Inc. face?
Business First Bancshares, Inc. operates in a highly regulated environment, subject to oversight by federal and state banking authorities. The company must comply with regulations related to capital requirements, lending practices, and consumer protection. Compliance costs can be significant, impacting profitability.
What are the key factors to evaluate for BFST?
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) holds an AI score of 81/100 (high). P/E: 9.6x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $32.88 (+6%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does BFST data refresh on this page?
BFST's price was last updated on Aug 20, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven BFST's recent stock price performance?
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong local market knowledge. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available data as of 2026-05-10.
- Financial metrics are based on the most recent available data.
- Analyst opinions may vary.