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Rick D. Day, a director at Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:BFST), recently acquired 1,500 shares of the company’s common stock. The transaction, which took place on March 5, 2025, involved a purchase price of $25.4636 per share, amounting to a total investment of approximately $38,195. The purchase price sits near InvestingPro’s Fair Value estimate, with analysts setting price targets between $30 and $36. Following this transaction, Day holds 264,285 shares directly, including 1,149 shares of restricted stock that are set to vest in April 2025. The director’s confidence aligns with positive analyst sentiment, as two analysts have recently revised their earnings estimates upward. InvestingPro analysis reveals the company has maintained seven consecutive years of dividend increases, with additional insights available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report.
In other recent news, Business First Bancshares Inc. reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings that exceeded analyst expectations. The company achieved earnings per share (EPS) of $0.51, surpassing the forecasted $0.47, and reported revenue of $77.59 million, which was above the expected $74.76 million. Additionally, significant growth in total loans and deposits was noted, with loans increasing by $761.3 million and deposits by $870.4 million. Business First Bancshares also completed strategic acquisitions in Dallas and Houston, aligning with its growth initiatives.
In other developments, b1BANK, a subsidiary of Business First Bancshares, appointed Senna Bayasgalan as its new chief marketing officer. Bayasgalan brings extensive experience in marketing leadership and brand building, which is anticipated to support the bank’s growth and client relationship efforts. Jude Melville, the CEO of Business First Bancshares, expressed confidence in Bayasgalan’s potential to enhance the bank’s narrative and reach.
Furthermore, Business First Bancshares is preparing for a potential $10 billion asset milestone, reflecting its strategic growth trajectory. The company has also received accolades, being named the #1 Best-In-State Bank in Louisiana by Forbes and Statista. These recent developments underscore the company’s robust financial health and strategic focus on growth and innovation.
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