Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces Stock Repurchase Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Business First Bancshares (Nasdaq: BFST) announced a Board-approved stock repurchase program authorizing repurchases of up to $30 million of common stock over a 24-month period beginning Oct. 28, 2025 and ending Oct. 28, 2027. Repurchases may occur in the open market under Rule 10b-18 or via privately negotiated transactions at prices management deems attractive.

The program is discretionary, may be modified, suspended or terminated, and depends on market, financial, regulatory, liquidity and other factors; there is no obligation or assurance that repurchases will occur.

Positive

• $30 million repurchase authorization
• 24-month program window: Oct 28, 2025–Oct 28, 2027
• Permitted purchases under SEC Rule 10b-18

Negative

• Program is discretionary; no assurance repurchases will occur
• Repurchases depend on financial and regulatory condition
• Board may modify, suspend or terminate the program

News Market Reaction

+1.06%

1 alert

+1.06% News Effect

On the day this news was published, BFST gained 1.06%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST) (Business First), the holding company for b1BANK, announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the company to repurchase shares of its common stock with an aggregate purchase price of up to $30 million during the 24-month period beginning Oct. 28, 2025, and ending Oct. 28, 2027.

Repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Commission or through privately negotiated transactions at prices management considers to be attractive and in the best interests of Business First and its shareholders.

Any repurchases will be conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and will depend on general market and economic conditions, the financial and regulatory condition of Business First and b1BANK, liquidity requirements and other factors management considers relevant. The program does not obligate Business First to repurchase shares of its common stock, and there is no assurance that it will do so. The program may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time at the discretion of the Board.

About Business First Bancshares, Inc.

As of September 30, 2025, Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST), through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, has $8.0 billion in assets and $5.7 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson LLC (SSW), excluding $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW. b1BANK operates banking centers and loan production offices in markets across Louisiana and Texas, providing commercial and personal banking products and services. b1BANK is a 2024 Mastercard “Innovation Award” winner and multiyear winner of American Banker Magazine’s “Best Banks to Work For.” Visit b1BANK.com for more information.

Misty Albrecht
b1BANK
225.286.7879
Misty.Albrecht@b1BANK.com

FAQ

What did Business First Bancshares (BFST) authorize on Oct. 28, 2025?

The Board authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $30 million running from Oct. 28, 2025 to Oct. 28, 2027.

How will BFST repurchase shares under the program?

Repurchases may be made in the open market under Rule 10b-18 or through privately negotiated transactions at management-selected prices.

Is BFST obligated to repurchase shares under the $30 million program?

No. The program is discretionary and does not obligate Business First to repurchase any shares.

When does the BFST repurchase program expire?

The authorization covers a 24-month period ending on Oct. 28, 2027.

What factors could prevent BFST from buying back shares under the program?

Repurchases depend on market and economic conditions, the company’s financial and regulatory condition, liquidity needs and other management considerations.