AI agents take on loan and deposit routine work in new b1BANK deal
b1BANK has partnered with Covecta in a multi-year deal to deploy agentic AI across its deposit and loan operational workflows. The integration aims to automate policy-driven tasks without requiring platform migration, with an expected go-live in eight weeks. Covecta anticipates a 50% productivity uplift, similar to results seen with its U.K. clients, focusing initially on controls like post-close review and end-to-end assessment consistency.
Don't Ignore The Insider Selling In Business First Bancshares
An independent director at Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) recently sold US$296k worth of shares, representing 16% of their holding. While there was some insider buying in the past year, overall insider selling has outweighed buying, raising caution despite the company's growing earnings and reasonable insider ownership.
Don't Ignore The Insider Selling In Business First Bancshares
An independent director at Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) recently sold US$296k worth of shares, representing 16% of their holdings. While insiders have bought some shares, the overall trend for the last year shows more selling than buying. Despite earnings growth and reasonable insider ownership, the history of insider sales suggests caution for potential investors.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Director Mark Folse Sells 4,854 Shares of Stock
Business First Bancshares Director Mark Folse sold 4,854 shares of company stock for over $143,000, reducing his position by 8.35%. This transaction follows the company's recent earnings report, where it beat EPS estimates but missed revenue expectations. Business First Bancshares also announced a quarterly dividend and a $30 million share buyback program, with analysts maintaining a "Moderate Buy" rating.
Insider Selling: Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Director Sells 5,146 Shares of Stock
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Director Mark Folse sold 5,146 shares of company stock for approximately $153,094, reducing his ownership by 8.13%. The sale occurred on February 9th at an average price of $29.75 per share, leaving him with 58,140 shares. This insider transaction comes as the company recently announced a quarterly dividend and a $30 million stock repurchase program, while analysts have a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average target price of $33.00.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:BFST) Looks Interesting, And It's About To Pay A Dividend
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:BFST) is set to pay a dividend of US$0.15 per share on February 28th, with an ex-dividend date around February 13th. The company exhibits a conservative payout ratio of 21% and has shown steady earnings per share growth of 8.8% over the past five years, alongside an 8.2% annual dividend growth over eight years. This combination of growth and prudent dividend management makes BFST an attractive prospect for dividend investors.
Carter Donald Chad sells Business First Bancshares (BFST) stock for $103,026
Donald Chad Carter, EVP of Correspondent Banking at Business First Bancshares (BFST), sold 3,778 shares of company stock for a total of $103,026. This transaction occurred on January 29, 2026, with shares sold between $27.27 and $27.28. Following the sale, Carter still directly owns 13,863 shares and holds additional unvested shares and Restricted Stock Units, while recent news indicates strong financial performance and a raised price target for BFST.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Is Due To Pay A Dividend Of $0.15
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) is set to pay a dividend of $0.15 per share on February 15th, resulting in a 2.2% yield. The company has a consistent dividend payment history of 8 years with a low payout ratio of 21%, indicating good coverage of its distributions. Although its dividend history is relatively short, its EPS growth of 8.8% per annum over the last five years and projected future growth suggest potential for continued dividend increases.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) EVP Donald Chad Carter Sells 3,778 Shares
Donald Chad Carter, EVP of Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST), sold 3,778 shares of the company's stock on January 29th at an average price of $27.27, totaling $103,026.06. This transaction reduced his stake by 21.42%, leaving him with 13,863 shares. The company recently reported Q4 EPS of $0.79 (beating estimates) but missed revenue forecasts at $69.44 million, authorized a $30 million share buyback, and declared a $0.15 quarterly dividend.
Carter Donald Chad sells Business First Bancshares (BFST) stock for $103,026
Donald Chad Carter, EVP of Correspondent Banking at Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST), sold 3,778 shares of common stock for $103,026. Following the transaction, Carter directly owns 13,863 shares of the company. Business First Bancshares has a market capitalization of $921.71 million, boasts 9 consecutive years of dividend payments, and analysts anticipate upward revisions in earnings estimates.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Is Due To Pay A Dividend Of $0.15
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) is set to pay a dividend of $0.15 per share on February 15th, resulting in a 2.2% yield. The company has a history of dividend payments for eight years with a low payout ratio of 21%, indicating comfortable coverage. Analysts forecast a 26.8% EPS rise over the next three years, suggesting continued dividend growth potential, although the short payment history and recent share issuance warrant caution.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Will Pay A Dividend Of $0.15
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) announced it will pay a dividend of $0.15 on February 15th, resulting in a 2.2% dividend yield. The company has an 8-year history of paying dividends, with a low payout ratio of 21% which is projected to decrease to 19% as EPS is expected to grow by 26.8% over the next three years. Although the dividend history is relatively short, its consistent growth and strong earnings coverage suggest a positive outlook for income investors.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Director Rick Day Acquires 1,500 Shares
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Director Rick Day recently acquired 1,500 shares of the company's stock for a total of $41,325, increasing his direct ownership to 267,385 shares. This insider transaction occurred on January 27th, the same day the company's stock traded down by 0.7%. Business First Bancshares also reported mixed quarterly results, beating EPS estimates but missing revenue expectations, and announced a $30 million share buyback program and a $0.15 quarterly dividend.
Business First Bancshares (BFST) EPS Surge Tests Bullish Narratives On Earnings Power
Business First Bancshares (BFST) reported strong financial results for FY 2025, with a significant 38.1% EPS growth over the past year. Despite this surge, the long-term annual EPS compound of 12.2% and a lower projected growth rate compared to the broader US market raise questions about sustained acceleration and position the bank more as a value investment than a pure growth stock. The company's lower P/E ratio and a DCF fair value significantly above the current price suggest a potential bargain for bullish investors.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:BFST) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Business First Bancshares, Inc. reported strong Q4 2025 earnings, exceeding expectations with an EPS of $0.79 against an anticipated $0.72. The company highlighted significant non-financial achievements in 2025, including two major core conversions and developing its correspondent banking initiative, alongside robust balance sheet growth with tangible common equity increasing by 90 basis points and a 17.3% rise in tangible book value. Looking ahead, BFST plans to focus on optimizing existing systems, deepening market relationships, and enhancing daily execution rather than pursuing new major projects or M&A to drive sustainable profitability and increased shareholder value.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Plans Quarterly Dividend of $0.15 (NASDAQ:BFST)
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on February 28th to shareholders of record on February 15th, representing a 2.1% yield. The company also announced a $30 million share repurchase program, indicating management's belief that the stock is undervalued. With a low payout ratio and analysts expecting higher EPS next year, the dividend appears sustainable.
Business First Bancshares (BFST) Reports 14% EPS Growth in Q4 2025 and Initiates Stock Buyback
Business First Bancshares (BFST) reported a strong financial performance in Q4 2025 with a 20% year-over-year increase in net income to $21 million and an EPS of $0.71. The company also initiated its first stock buyback in nearly six years, repurchasing approximately 150,000 shares, signaling management's confidence in future growth. BFST's outlook for 2026 includes optimizing existing systems, targeting mid-single-digit loan growth, and maintaining non-interest income between $13 million and $14 million.
Business First Bancshares outlines 2026 focus on execution, expects mid-single-digit loan growth
Business First Bancshares (BFST) is focusing on execution in 2026, targeting mid-single-digit loan growth and improved profitability. Key strategies include enhancing credit culture, growing net interest income, increasing non-interest income, and managing expenses. The company also plans to optimize its branch network and manage capital effectively.
Earnings call transcript: Business First Bancshares beats Q4 2025 forecasts
Business First Bancshares (BFST) reported Q4 2025 earnings, exceeding EPS and revenue forecasts with an EPS of $0.79 and revenue of $83.09 million. The company's stock saw a slight increase in aftermarket trading, reflecting strong performance and positive investor sentiment. The CEO emphasized a focus on daily execution and optimizing existing systems rather than new major projects in 2026, aiming for sustained profitability and tangible book value accretion.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Q4 Profit Increases, Beats Estimates
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) reported a significant increase in its Q4 profit, surpassing analyst estimates. The company's earnings rose to $21.01 million ($0.71 per share) from $15.14 million ($0.51 per share) last year, with adjusted earnings of $0.79 per share against an estimated $0.68. Revenue also saw a 7.1% increase, reaching $83.09 million.
Business First: Q4 Earnings Snapshot
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) reported a fourth-quarter profit of $22.4 million, translating to adjusted earnings of 79 cents per share, which surpassed Wall Street expectations of 72 cents per share. The company's revenue net of interest expense reached $83.1 million, also exceeding forecasts. For the full year, Business First posted a profit of $87.9 million on $324.7 million in revenue.
Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2025 and Q4 2025
Business First Bancshares, Inc. reported net income available to common shareholders of $21.0 million ($0.71 per diluted common share) for Q4 2025 and $82.5 million ($2.79 per diluted common share) for fiscal year 2025. The company also declared quarterly preferred and common dividends. Key highlights included robust core performance, strong loan and deposit growth, stable net interest margin, and improving shareholder value.
Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2025 and Q4 2025
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) reported strong financial results for fiscal year 2025 and Q4 2025, with significant increases in net income and core net income. The company highlighted robust core performance, strong loan and deposit growth, stable net interest margin, and improving shareholder value. Jude Melville, chairman, president, and CEO, emphasized the successful performance of their investments and anticipates continued positive trends through 2026.
Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2025 and Q4 2025
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST) reported its financial results for Q4 2025 and the full fiscal year 2025, showing increased core profitability and tangible book value. Net income available to common shareholders reached $21.0 million for Q4 2025 and $82.5 million for the full year 2025. The company also announced quarterly dividends of $18.75 per share for preferred stock and $0.15 per share for common stock.
Business First Bancshares' (NASDAQ:BFST) 9.1% CAGR outpaced the company's earnings growth over the same five-year period
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) experienced a 38% share price increase over five years, falling short of the broader market return. While the company's EPS grew at 12% annually, its share price gain was only 7% over the same period, indicating a more cautious market sentiment. However, the Total Shareholder Return (TSR), which includes dividends, was 54% over five years, significantly outperforming the share price return.
Business First Bancshares' (NASDAQ:BFST) 9.1% CAGR outpaced the company's earnings growth over the same five-year period
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ: BFST) has seen its share price increase by 38% over the last five years, which is below the broader market return, despite a respectable 11% gain in the last year. The company's earnings per share grew at 12% annually over the same period, outpacing the 7% yearly share price gain, suggesting that the market has become more cautious. However, the total shareholder return (TSR), which includes dividends, was 54% over five years, exceeding the share price return, and insider buying indicates confidence in the company.
Business First Bancshares (BFST) Expected to Announce Earnings on Thursday
Business First Bancshares (BFST) is scheduled to release its Q4 2025 earnings after market close on Thursday, January 22nd, with analysts anticipating $0.72 EPS and $81.41 million in revenue. The company recently increased its quarterly dividend to $0.15 and authorized a $30 million share repurchase plan, indicating management's belief that shares are undervalued. BFST's stock currently trades around $26.60, holding a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating from analysts with an average price target of $31.50.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) announced its fourth quarter 2025 earnings will be released after market close on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Executive management will host a conference call and webcast on the same day at 4:00 p.m. CDT to discuss the results. As of September 30, 2025, the company had $8.0 billion in assets through its banking subsidiary b1BANK.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST) is set to release its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings after market close on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Executive management will host a conference call and webcast on the same day at 4:00 p.m. CDT to discuss the results. The company, through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, had $8.0 billion in assets and $5.7 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST) announced it will release its fourth quarter 2025 earnings after market close on January 22, 2026. Executive management will host a conference call and webcast on the same day at 4:00 p.m. CDT to discuss the results. Interested parties can access the call via a toll-free number or a live webcast.
Business First Bancshares completes acquisition of Progressive Bancorp By Investing.com
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:BFST) has completed its acquisition of Progressive Bancorp, Inc., increasing its total assets to approximately $8.7 billion. This strategic move adds nine locations in North Louisiana to b1BANK’s network and aligns with Business First’s recent strong revenue growth. The acquisition involved Progressive shareholders receiving Business First common stock and cash, with key Progressive executives joining Business First's boards and leadership team.
b1Bank closes its acquisition of Progressive Bank
Business First Bancshares, the holding company for b1Bank, has completed its acquisition of Progressive Bancorp Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Progressive Bank. This deal expands b1Bank's footprint across north Louisiana, increasing its total assets to approximately $8.7 billion. The acquisition adds nine Progressive locations and integrates key personnel from Progressive Bank into b1Bank's leadership.
Business First Bancshares Completes Acquisition of Progressive Bancorp, Expanding North Louisiana Presence
Business First Bancshares, Inc. has successfully acquired Progressive Bancorp, Inc. and its bank subsidiary, increasing its total assets to approximately $8.7 billion. This strategic acquisition expands b1BANK's presence in North Louisiana with nine new branches and brings key Progressive executives, George Cummings III and David Hampton, into Business First's leadership. The merger is expected to strengthen Business First's market position and align with its long-term investment strategy in Louisiana.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Progressive Bank
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) has successfully completed its acquisition of Progressive Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary, Progressive Bank, expanding its presence in North Louisiana. This acquisition increases Business First’s total assets to approximately $8.7 billion and adds nine new locations. George Cummings III and David Hampton from Progressive will join Business First's leadership, and the transaction involved Progressive shareholders receiving Business First common stock.
North Louisiana gains 9 new bank branches in Business First takeover
Business First Bancshares (BFST) has completed its acquisition of Progressive Bancorp and Progressive Bank, expanding b1BANK's presence in Louisiana by adding nine North Louisiana branch locations. This transaction increases Business First's pro forma totals to approximately $8.7 billion in assets, $6.6 billion in total loans, and $7.2 billion in deposits. George Cummings III and David Hampton from Progressive Bank have joined Business First/b1BANK leadership.
Business First Bancshares completes acquisition of Progressive Bancorp
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:BFST) has completed its acquisition of Progressive Bancorp, Inc., increasing its total assets to approximately $8.7 billion. This strategic move adds nine locations in North Louisiana to b1BANK's footprint and follows a period of strong financial performance for Business First Bancshares. Progressive’s chairman and president have joined the acquiring company's boards and leadership team.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Progressive Bank
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (b1BANK) has successfully acquired Progressive Bancorp, Inc., increasing its total assets to approximately $8.7 billion. This acquisition expands b1BANK's presence, particularly in North Louisiana, and adds new leadership from Progressive to its boards. The transaction involved Progressive shareholders receiving Business First common stock and cash.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Progressive Bank
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) has successfully completed its acquisition of Progressive Bancorp, Inc., increasing Business First's total assets to approximately $8.7 billion. This strategic move expands b1BANK's presence across Louisiana, adding nine new locations in North Louisiana. The acquisition also integrates key Progressive leadership into Business First's and b1BANK's boards and management, emphasizing a shared cultural approach.
(BFST) Risk Channels and Responsive Allocation
This article provides an analysis of Business First Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST), highlighting weak near-term sentiment and a potential bearish positioning. It details three AI-generated trading strategies—Position Trading, Momentum Breakout, and Risk Hedging—tailored for different risk profiles and holding periods, alongside multi-timeframe signal analysis. The report identifies an exceptional 25.2:1 risk-reward short setup, targeting a 7.4% downside with minimal risk.
Business First Bancshares (BFST) Receives a Buy from Stephens
Stephens has maintained a Buy rating on Business First Bancshares (BFST) with a price target of $34.00, following the company's strong Q3 earnings report. The company reported increased revenue and net profit year-over-year, leading to an analyst consensus of "Strong Buy." Insider sentiment is neutral, despite a recent sale of shares by an EVP & CFO.
Business First Bancshares (BFST) Receives a Buy from Stephens
Stephens has reiterated a Buy rating on Business First Bancshares (BFST) with a price target of $34.00, aligning with the analyst consensus of Strong Buy and a $32.00 target. The company recently reported strong financial results for the quarter ending September 30, with a revenue of $130.23 million and a net profit of $22.86 million, showing significant growth from the previous year. Corporate insider sentiment remains neutral despite some recent share sales.
(BFST) and the Role of Price-Sensitive Allocations
This article provides an in-depth analysis of Business First Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST), highlighting its current market sentiment, potential price positioning signals, and downside risks. It presents three distinct AI-generated trading strategies—Position Trading, Momentum Breakout, and Risk Hedging—tailored for different risk profiles and holding periods, along with a multi-timeframe signal analysis. The report also details key support and resistance levels for near, mid, and long-term horizons, advising on current positive sentiment for BFST.
[Form 4] Business First Bancshares, Inc. Insider Trading Activity
Business First Bancshares, Inc.'s EVP and CFO, Gregory Robertson, reported equity transactions on December 12, 2025. These involved the acquisition of 1,833 shares of common stock and the disposition of 502 shares at $27.71 each, leaving him with a direct holding of 69,166 shares. The filing also details his holdings in unvested restricted stock and time-based restricted stock units with future vesting schedules.
[Form 4] Business First Bancshares, Inc. Insider Trading Activity
Norman Jerome Vascocu Jr., President of b1Bank at Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST), recently reported insider trading activity. On December 12, 2025, he acquired 2,526 shares of common stock through restricted stock unit vesting and then disposed of the same number of shares at $27.71 each, opting for future cash payments under the b1BANK Deferred Compensation Plan. Following these transactions, Vascocu Jr. directly owns 23,195 shares and 13,178 time-based restricted stock units with vesting schedules through March 31, 2028.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. $BFST Shares Purchased by Geode Capital Management LLC
Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Business First Bancshares, Inc. by 13.4% in the second quarter, now owning 697,274 shares valued at approximately $17.19 million. Institutional investors collectively own about 47.35% of the company's stock. Business First Bancshares recently reported strong quarterly earnings, increased its dividend, and authorized a stock buyback program, while analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average price target of $30.75.
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) CFO Sells 1,400 Shares
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) CFO Greg Robertson sold 1,400 shares of the company's stock on December 1st at an average price of $26.41. This transaction reduced his holding by 2.02%, leaving him with 67,835 shares valued at approximately $1.79 million. The company's board has also authorized a $30.00 million share buyback and increased the quarterly dividend to $0.15, signaling confidence in the stock's valuation.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. $BFST Shares Acquired by American Century Companies Inc.
American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) by 6.3% to 649,100 shares, valued at approximately $16 million. The company reported strong quarterly earnings, beating estimates, and approved a $30 million share buyback plan while increasing its quarterly dividend. Business First Bancshares holds an average analyst rating of "Moderate Buy" with a target price of $30.75.
Business First Bancshares, Inc. $BFST Shares Sold by Franklin Resources Inc.
Franklin Resources Inc. reduced its stake in Business First Bancshares, Inc. by 19.3%, selling 41,701 shares and retaining 174,331 shares totaling approximately $4.30 million. Despite institutional investors owning 47.35% of the company, the board approved a $30 million share repurchase and increased the quarterly dividend to $0.15, indicating management's confidence. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with a $30.75 price target as the company beat its recent earnings estimate with EPS of $0.72.
Business First (BFST) Now Trades Above Golden Cross: Time to Buy?
Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) has experienced a "golden cross" event, where its 50-day simple moving average surpassed its 200-day simple moving average, signaling a potential bullish breakout. This technical indicator, combined with positive earnings outlooks and recent stock gains, suggests BFST could be a good investment opportunity. The company currently holds a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, further reinforcing the bullish case.
Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd Invests $346,000 in Business First Bancshares, Inc. $BFST
Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd initiated a new position in Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) by purchasing 14,056 shares worth approximately $346,000 in the second quarter. Several other hedge funds also adjusted their holdings in BFST, leading to institutional ownership of about 47.35%. Business First Bancshares reported strong quarterly earnings, beating estimates, announced a $30 million share repurchase program, and increased its quarterly dividend to $0.15 per share.
