Business First Bancshares Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
Business First Bancshares' CEO is Jude Melville, appointed in Mar 2011, has a tenure of 15.25 years. total yearly compensation is $2.58M, comprised of 31% salary and 69% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.64% of the company’s shares, worth $6.00M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 4.3 years and 6.1 years respectively.
Key information
Jude Melville
Chief executive officer
US$2.6m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 31.03% |
| CEO tenure | 15.3yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.6% |
| Management average tenure | 4.3yrs |
| Board average tenure | 6.1yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jun 16
BFST: Future Re Rating Will Hinge On Subordinated Notes And Buybacks
Analysts have trimmed their 12 month price target on Business First Bancshares by $1, reflecting updated views on the stock that were outlined in recent research commentary. What's in the News From January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026, Business First Bancshares repurchased 99,105 shares, representing 0.34% of shares, for a total of US$2.7 million under its ongoing buyback program.Narrative Update • Jun 02
BFST: Future Re Rating Will Depend On Subordinated Notes Deployment
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Business First Bancshares by $1, citing updated assumptions around fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E that slightly lower their valuation framework. What's in the News From January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026, Business First Bancshares repurchased 99,105 shares, representing 0.34% of shares, for $2.7 million under its existing buyback program.Narrative Update • Apr 24
BFST: Future Re Rating Will Rely On Subordinated Notes Capital Execution
Analysts have raised their price target on Business First Bancshares by $1 to $32.60, citing updated assumptions around the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E as support for the revised view. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts see the updated $32.60 target as a reasonable reflection of refreshed assumptions, with the revised discount rate, revenue outlook, profit margin expectations, and future P/E estimate now better aligned with their current view of Business First Bancshares.Narrative Update • Apr 09
BFST: Future Re Rating Hinges On Oakwood Progressive Deals Execution
Analysts have nudged their price target on Business First Bancshares up by $1, reflecting updated views on fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the higher price target as better aligning the stock with their updated fair value work, based on refreshed assumptions around revenue, margins, and P/E.Narrative Update • Mar 25
BFST: Oakwood And Progressive Deals Will Drive Future Re Rating Potential
Analysts raised their price targets on Business First Bancshares by about $1 to $31, citing expectations for relatively solid balance sheet growth, benefits from the Oakwood and Progressive deals, and solid profitability, along with what they view as a discounted valuation versus peers. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates cluster around a similar message, with bullish analysts lifting price targets to $31 and pointing to what they see as a favorable balance between growth opportunities and current valuation.Narrative Update • Mar 11
BFST: Oakwood And Progressive Deals Will Support Future Re Rating Potential
Analysts have raised their price targets on Business First Bancshares by about $1 to $31, citing expectations for relatively solid balance sheet growth, benefits from the Oakwood and Progressive deals, and solid profitability, along with what they view as a discounted valuation versus peers. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Business First Bancshares have centered on how the bank can turn its balance sheet growth and recent acquisitions into shareholder value, and whether the current share price already reflects that potential.Narrative Update • Feb 24
BFST: Oakwood And Progressive Integrations Will Support Future Re Rating Potential
Analysts have inched their price targets on Business First Bancshares higher, with recent moves such as Raymond James shifting its view to $31 from $30. The firm cited expectations for solid balance sheet growth, benefits from the Oakwood/Progressive deals, and profitability, alongside what is viewed as a discounted P/E multiple relative to peers.Narrative Update • Feb 10
BFST: Oakwood And Progressive Deals Will Shape Balanced Risk Reward Outlook
Narrative Update on Business First Bancshares The analyst price target for Business First Bancshares has edged higher by about $0.18 to $32.88, with analysts citing expectations for relatively solid balance sheet growth, benefits from the Oakwood and Progressive deals, and solid profitability alongside what they view as a discounted valuation compared with peers. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates cluster around higher price targets and a generally constructive view on Business First Bancshares, with the Oakwood and Progressive deals and balance sheet profile at the center of the debate.Analysis Article • Jan 30
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Is Due To Pay A Dividend Of $0.15
Business First Bancshares, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:BFST ) investors are due to receive a payment of $0.15 per share on 15th of...Narrative Update • Jan 26
BFST: Oakwood And Progressive Integrations Will Drive Future Upside Potential
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Business First Bancshares higher to $32.70 from $30.75, reflecting updated views around balance sheet growth, expected benefits from recent Oakwood and Progressive transactions, and the current P/E framework applied to what they see as solid profitability. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research has centered on how Business First Bancshares is priced relative to its earnings power, balance sheet profile, and the impact of the Oakwood and Progressive deals on future execution.Analysis Article • Oct 28
Business First Bancshares' (NASDAQ:BFST) Upcoming Dividend Will Be Larger Than Last Year's
Business First Bancshares, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:BFST ) dividend will be increasing from last year's payment of the same...Analysis Article • Jul 31
Results: Business First Bancshares, Inc. Exceeded Expectations And The Consensus Has Updated Its Estimates
Business First Bancshares, Inc. ( NASDAQ:BFST ) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its...Analysis Article • Apr 28
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Has Announced A Dividend Of $0.14
The board of Business First Bancshares, Inc. ( NASDAQ:BFST ) has announced that it will pay a dividend on the 31st of...Seeking Alpha • Apr 27
Business First Bancshares: A Small, Solid, And Undervalued Bank
Summary Business First Bancshares has shown strong growth through acquisitions, with Oakwood adding $714 million in deposits, and expanding its branch network in Texas and Louisiana. Despite a slight decline in non-interest-bearing deposits and increased non-performing loans, BFST's NIM is improving, and deposit costs are declining. The bank's loan portfolio is well-positioned with high rates on maturing loans and favorable conditions if the Fed maintains current rates. Trading below its 5-year average TBV, BFST offers potential capital gains and a stable dividend yield, making it an attractive buy. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jan 27
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Is Paying Out A Dividend Of $0.14
Business First Bancshares, Inc. ( NASDAQ:BFST ) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.14 per share on the...Analysis Article • Oct 29
Business First Bancshares' (NASDAQ:BFST) Dividend Will Be $0.14
Business First Bancshares, Inc. ( NASDAQ:BFST ) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.14 per share on the...
New Narrative • Sep 24
From Wholesale Funding To Noninterest Revenue Streams
Strategic shift towards increasing noninterest-bearing deposit accounts and reducing reliance on wholesale funding aims to stabilize funding costs and improve net interest margins.Seeking Alpha • Jan 29
Business First Bancshares: TBV Per Share Has Stalled Since 2019
Summary Business First Bancshares reports an encouraging outlook for NIM, but doubts remain due to the evolving macroeconomic scenario. Gross loans grew 8.47% from last year, driven by growth in Texas. Repricing opportunities could drive BFST's growth in 2024, but NIM improvement depends on Fed interest rate cuts. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$85m |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$3m | US$802k | US$82m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$77m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$72m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$67m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$3m | US$740k | US$60m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$59m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$62m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$64m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$3m | US$690k | US$66m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$68m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$62m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$58m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$2m | US$663k | US$53m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$48m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$45m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$49m |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$2m | US$613k | US$52m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$54m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$53m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$38m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$2m | US$538k | US$30m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$22m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$18m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$23m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$1m | US$490k | US$24m |
Compensation vs Market: Jude's total compensation ($USD2.58M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD3.69M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Jude's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Jude Melville (51 yo)
15.3yrs
Tenure
US$2,582,764
Compensation
Mr. David R. Melville, III, also known as Jude, has been the Chief Executive Officer since March 2011 and Chairman since July 2024 at b1Bank. He serves as their Chairman since July 2024 and serves as CEO a...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | 15.3yrs | US$2.58m | 0.64% $ 6.0m | |
| Executive VP | 9.4yrs | US$1.05m | 0.21% $ 2.0m | |
| Executive VP & COO | 9.4yrs | US$1.03m | 0.25% $ 2.3m | |
| Executive VP & Chief Banking Officer | no data | US$1.04m | 0.25% $ 2.3m | |
| President of b1BANK | 1.7yrs | US$1.46m | 0.066% $ 620.4k | |
| Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer | less than a year | no data | 0.11% $ 1.0m | |
| Executive VP | 4.5yrs | US$720.35k | 0.018% $ 168.9k | |
| Chief Marketing Officer | 1.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Executive VP & Chief Risk Officer | 4.1yrs | no data | 0.048% $ 453.6k | |
| Executive VP & Chief Credit Officer | 5.3yrs | no data | 0.043% $ 407.8k | |
| Executive VP & Correspondent Banking | 2.1yrs | no data | 0.044% $ 417.0k | |
| Assistant Secretary | no data | no data | no data |
4.3yrs
Average Tenure
50yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: BFST's management team is considered experienced (4.3 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | 15.3yrs | US$2.58m | 0.64% $ 6.0m | |
| Independent Director | 5.8yrs | US$58.02k | 0.018% $ 172.4k | |
| Independent Director | 5.3yrs | US$63.19k | 0.060% $ 567.4k | |
| Independent Director | 6.1yrs | US$90.55k | 0.16% $ 1.5m | |
| Independent Vice Chairman | less than a year | US$88.85k | 0.30% $ 2.8m | |
| Independent Director | 14.1yrs | US$66.18k | 0.19% $ 1.8m | |
| Independent Director | 14.1yrs | US$68.79k | 0.041% $ 380.7k | |
| Independent Director | 14.1yrs | US$66.69k | 0.066% $ 622.4k | |
| Independent Director | 16.2yrs | US$65.82k | 0.043% $ 399.8k | |
| Independent Director | 6.1yrs | US$60.85k | 0.56% $ 5.3m | |
| Independent Director | 6.1yrs | US$60.19k | 0.82% $ 7.7m | |
| Independent Director | 5.9yrs | US$56.19k | 0.017% $ 154.9k |
6.1yrs
Average Tenure
62.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: BFST's board of directors are considered experienced (6.1 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/17 13:28 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/17 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Business First Bancshares, Inc. is covered by 7 analysts. 5 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Gary Tenner | D.A. Davidson & Co. |
| null null | D.A. Davidson & Co. |
| Feddie Strickland | Hovde Group, LLC |