Business First Bancshares adds finance expert to board

BATON ROUGE, La. - Business First Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:BFST), the parent company of b1BANK, has announced the addition of Alejandro M. Sanchez to its Board of Directors for both the holding company and the bank, as of March 27, 2025. The $688 million market cap bank, which maintains a healthy P/E ratio of 9.49 and offers a 2.43% dividend yield, continues to strengthen its governance structure. Sanchez brings a wealth of experience in financial consulting, regulatory compliance, and crisis management as the current president and CEO of Salva Financial Group of Florida.According to InvestingPro analysis, Business First Bancshares currently appears undervalued, making it an interesting prospect for value investors. For detailed insights and more exclusive financial metrics, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available to InvestingPro subscribers.

Sanchez’s extensive background includes serving as an executive advisor to Nasdaq and holding board positions with Popular, Inc. (NASDAQ:BPOP) and Republic Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:RBCAA). His leadership roles have provided him with significant expertise in governance, risk management, and audit oversight.

Previously, Sanchez led the Florida Bankers Association from 1998 to 2023, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for the banking industry within the state. His contribution to the financial sector was recognized at the national level when he was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, a position he held from 2002 to 2010, and was later extended by President Obama for two more years.

Jude Melville, chairman and CEO of b1BANK, expressed confidence that Sanchez’s "deep experience guiding financial institutions" and his seasoned perspective will be invaluable as the company seeks to navigate its growth strategy and governance objectives. Melville highlighted the importance of Sanchez’s expertise in enhancing the bank’s ability to serve its clients and communities.

Sanchez himself expressed honor at the appointment, looking forward to contributing to the strategic vision and success of Business First Bancshares.

With a Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Troy University, along with his military service in the U.S. Air Force, Sanchez’s diverse background and experience are expected to bolster the board’s capabilities.

Business First Bancshares, as of March 31, 2025, reported $7.8 billion in assets and operates in Louisiana and Texas, offering a range of commercial and personal banking products and services. The company has been recognized for its innovation and as a great place to work. InvestingPro data reveals the bank has maintained a consistent dividend growth streak for seven consecutive years, with revenue growing by 11.75% in the last twelve months. The company’s overall financial health is rated as GOOD by InvestingPro’s comprehensive scoring system.Discover more exclusive insights and financial metrics with an InvestingPro subscription, including access to detailed analysis of over 1,400 US stocks.

The information in this article is based on a press release statement from b1BANK.

In other recent news, Business First Bancshares reported impressive first-quarter 2025 financial results, exceeding analysts’ expectations. The company achieved earnings per share (EPS) of $0.65, surpassing the forecasted $0.61, and revenue reached $79.21 million, beating the anticipated $77.54 million. This performance marks a continuation of the company’s trend in surpassing market forecasts, driven by strategic investments and operational efficiencies. Stephens analyst Matt Olney adjusted the price target for Business First Bancshares to $32.00 from $34.00, maintaining an Overweight rating, following the company’s strong quarterly performance. The adjustment considers the company’s consistent non-interest income growth and improved net interest income. Business First Bancshares has also been noted for its disciplined loan pricing and strategic focus on diversifying revenue sources. Despite flat loan growth, the company’s non-interest income has consistently beaten consensus forecasts, attributed to recent investments. Looking ahead, the company anticipates continued low single-digit margin expansion and loan growth on a quarterly basis, with a focus on enhancing banking capabilities and expanding market presence.

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