Business First Bancshares Inc

BFST remains in a Stage 2 advancing regime underpinned by higher highs and higher lows, but the recent Bullish Exhaustion pattern at peak signals waning upside momentum. Price has pulled back into rising 9/21 EMA support and is holding above those EMAs, creating a neutral short-term timing environment. Execution should be deferred—seeking pullbacks into the EMAs around the recent breakout zone for optimal entry. A decisive break below the 21 EMA and consolidation support would invalidate the medium-term bullish bias.

• ↑Q1 2026 net income $22.2M ($0.68/share) with 1.10% ROAA.
• ↑Progressive Bank deal expected to drive high single-digit loan growth in 2026.
• ↓Organic loan portfolio declined by $102.7M (6.2% annualized) due to payoffs.