BFST
Financial ServicesBusiness First Bancshares, Inc. · Banks - Regional · $910M
What is Business First Bancshares, Inc.?
Business First Bancshares is the holding company for b1BANK, a Louisiana-based community bank headquartered in Baton Rouge. It serves businesses and individuals across the Gulf South region with a broad suite of banking and financial services.
b1BANK generates revenue primarily through interest income on loans and fees from deposit accounts. The bank focuses on commercial lending — including real estate, industrial, and construction loans — while also offering wealth management, treasury services, and consumer banking. Its business model targets small and mid-sized businesses seeking a relationship-driven alternative to larger national banks.
The holding company was established in 2018 and is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Commercial and industrial loans
- Commercial and residential real estate lending
- Wealth management and private banking
- Treasury, cash management, and merchant services
Is BFST a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates BFST as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed profile across its five quality pillars.
The Quality pillar stands out as the strongest element of BFST's profile, suggesting the bank maintains reasonable earnings consistency relative to its size. Valuation is rated Attractive, meaning the stock may not carry a premium price tag compared to peers.
Both the Moat and Risk pillars are rated Weak, pointing to limited competitive differentiation and above-average risk exposure — factors worth weighing carefully. Growth is rated Neutral, indicating no strong near-term expansion signal.
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Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does BFST pay dividends?
Yes — Business First Bancshares, Inc. pays a dividend.
BFST pays a regular dividend, which is relatively uncommon among smaller community banks still in growth mode. The dividend reflects management's willingness to return capital to shareholders. Investors seeking income alongside community-bank exposure may find this feature relevant, though dividend sustainability should be evaluated alongside the bank's Risk pillar rating.
When does BFST report earnings?
Business First Bancshares reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard practice for US-listed bank holding companies.
The bank's Quality pillar rating of Good suggests earnings have been reasonably stable, though the Weak Risk pillar indicates the results may carry more variability than sector peers. Growth has been rated Neutral, pointing to a measured rather than accelerating trajectory.
For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit Business First Bancshares' investor relations page directly.
BFST Price History
+29.4% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in Business First Bancshares, Inc.?
Based on Business First Bancshares, Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
BFST Long-term Outlook
BFST's fundamental outlook is shaped by a Neutral Growth pillar and a Weak Risk pillar. This combination suggests the bank is unlikely to deliver outsized expansion in the near term, while credit and macro risks remain elevated relative to peers. The Attractive Valuation label indicates the market may already be pricing in these concerns, which could limit downside — but also cap upside until risk factors improve.
Growth drivers
- Continued commercial loan origination in the Gulf South market
- Potential expansion of wealth management and fee-based services
- Regional economic activity supporting small and mid-sized business lending
Key risks
- Weak Moat rating signals limited pricing power and competitive differentiation
- Weak Risk pillar points to elevated credit or operational risk exposure
- Interest rate sensitivity inherent to community bank balance sheets
BFST vs Peers
BFST competes with other community and regional bank holding companies across similar market segments.
Equity Bancshares operates primarily in the Midwest and has pursued an active acquisition strategy to expand its footprint across multiple states.
MetroCity Bankshares focuses on serving ethnic minority communities and international business clients, giving it a distinct niche compared to BFST's Gulf South commercial focus.
CNB Financial is a Pennsylvania-based community bank with a longer operating history and a diversified loan portfolio spanning multiple mid-Atlantic markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Business First Bancshares do?
Business First Bancshares is the holding company for b1BANK, a community bank based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It provides commercial loans, real estate lending, deposit accounts, wealth management, and treasury services primarily to businesses and individuals across the Gulf South region.
Does BFST pay dividends?
Yes, BFST pays a regular dividend. This is notable for a smaller community bank and may appeal to income-oriented investors. However, dividend sustainability should be considered alongside the bank's overall risk profile, which UQS rates as Weak.
When does BFST report earnings?
Business First Bancshares reports earnings quarterly, in line with standard US-listed company practice. For exact release dates and the most recent results, check the investor relations section of the company's official website.
Is BFST a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates BFST as Below Average overall. The Quality pillar is rated Good and Valuation is Attractive, but Moat and Risk are both rated Weak. Whether that profile fits your investment criteria depends on your risk tolerance and time horizon. The full pillar breakdown is available to Pro members.
Is BFST overvalued?
UQS rates BFST's Valuation pillar as Attractive, suggesting the stock is not trading at a significant premium relative to its fundamentals. For community banks with weaker moat and risk profiles, an attractive valuation may reflect the market pricing in those concerns rather than a hidden opportunity.
How does BFST compare to its competitors?
BFST competes with community and regional banks such as Equity Bancshares, MetroCity Bankshares, and CNB Financial. Each operates in different geographies and niches. BFST's Gulf South focus and commercial lending emphasis set it apart, though its Weak Moat rating suggests limited structural advantages over peers.
What is BFST's market cap bracket?
BFST is classified as a small-cap stock. This means it carries characteristics typical of smaller publicly traded companies, including potentially lower trading liquidity and greater sensitivity to local economic conditions compared to large or mega-cap financial institutions.
Who founded Business First Bancshares?
Business First Bancshares was incorporated as a holding company in 2018. For detailed founding history and executive background, the company's official investor relations materials and SEC filings provide the most accurate and complete information.
Is BFST a long-term quality investment?
As a long-term quality indicator, BFST's UQS profile is mixed. The Good Quality pillar provides some foundation, but the Weak Moat and Weak Risk ratings suggest the bank lacks durable competitive advantages and carries above-average risk — factors that matter significantly over a long holding period.
What is the main competitive advantage of Business First Bancshares?
BFST's primary positioning is as a relationship-driven community bank serving small and mid-sized businesses in the Gulf South. However, UQS rates its Moat as Weak, indicating that this positioning has not yet translated into a strong, measurable competitive advantage relative to peers.
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Pro Analysis
BFST — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2026 | 50.1 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 34.4 | 98.9 | 0.0 |
| May 21, 2026 | 50.1 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 34.4 | 98.8 | -0.1 |
| May 20, 2026 | 50.2 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 34.4 | 99.2 | +0.1 |
| May 17, 2026 | 50.1 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 34.4 | 99.0 | -0.1 |
| May 16, 2026 | 50.2 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 34.4 | 99.3 | +0.1 |
| May 14, 2026 | 50.1 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 34.4 | 99.0 | 0.0 |
| May 11, 2026 | 50.1 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 34.4 | 98.7 | -5.2 |
| May 10, 2026 | 55.3 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 70.4 | 97.6 | -0.1 |
| May 8, 2026 | 55.4 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 70.4 | 98.4 | -0.1 |
| May 6, 2026 | 55.5 | 69.1 | 19.0 | 40.4 | 70.8 | 98.7 | -0.1 |
BFST — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 69.1/100 (25%)Business First Bancshares, Inc. shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 40.4/100 (20%)Business First Bancshares, Inc. shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 34.4/100 (15%)Business First Bancshares, Inc. presents elevated risk with concerns around leverage or financial stability.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 99.8/100 (15%)Business First Bancshares, Inc. appears attractively valued relative to its earnings, cash flows, and sector peers.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 19/100 (25%)Business First Bancshares, Inc. operates in a highly competitive environment with limited sustainable advantages. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for BFST.
Score Composition
Financial Data
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How is the BFST UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Business First Bancshares, Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses Business First Bancshares, Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether Business First Bancshares, Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.