BFST Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
BFST - Business First Bancshares, Inc. Common Stock
$31.15
-0.07 (-0.22%)
âŧ
5d:
-3.02%
30d:
+2.23%
90d:
+11.21%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Aug 21, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Oct 22, 2026
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: BFST is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At 2.5% expected growth, valuation appears fair. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: BFST is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At 2.5% expected growth, valuation appears fair. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$39.82
Based on 6.7% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$24.72
Trading above historical range
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 8.8x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: BFST is currently trading at $31.15, which is considered slightly low relative to its 30-day fair value range of $30.95 to $32.09. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 9.5) is in line with its historical norms (8.8). At these levels, the market is pricing in 2.5% annual earnings growth. This growth rate appears achievable given the company's track record, suggesting the valuation is rational.
Technical Outlook: Technically, BFST is in a strong uptrend. The price is currently testing key support at $30.77. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 41/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $34.70 (+11.4%). Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Technical Outlook: Technically, BFST is in a strong uptrend. The price is currently testing key support at $30.77. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 41/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $34.70 (+11.4%). Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
SLIGHTLY LOW
Historical Trading Range
$30.95 -
$32.09
Company Quality Score
40/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
78.1%
All Signals
- BULLISH: Price oversold vs 30-day range
- NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (41/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading below Wall St target ($34.70)
- NEUTRAL: Market pricing in 2.5% annual earnings growth - fairly valued
- WARNING: Composite score 40/100 in the bottom quintile â this cohort historically lags the market
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$30.95 -
$32.09
Current vs Trading Range
SLIGHTLY LOW
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$30.77
Resistance Level
$32.53
Current Trend
Strong Uptrend
Technical data as of
Aug 21, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
9.49
Wall Street Target
$34.70
(+11.4%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
12.7%
Profit Margin
27.8%
Valuation Premium vs History
+2.5% premium
PE vs Historical
9.5 vs 8.8
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
+2.5%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$31.93
(+3%)
2-Year Target
$32.73
(+5%)
3-Year Target
$33.55
(+8%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 9â9)
PE COMPRESSION
$31.10
(0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 20.1, Growth: 9.3%)
$86.03
(+176%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 9.5, Growth: 9.3%)
$40.68
(+31%)
Bear:
(PE: 8.1, Growth: 9.3%)
$34.58
(+11%)
đ
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (11x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (9x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 11.11 | Current EPS (TTM): $2.81
Bull Case
$40.11
(+29%)
Analyst growth 16.8%, PE expands to 12.2
Base Case
$36.46
(+17%)
Market implied 16.8%, PE stable at 11.1
Bear Case
$21.23
(-32%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 9.4
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: August 23, 2026 1:28 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 2:28 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 2:28 AM
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Technical Signals Check
Is BFST showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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