Question 1

Do analysts rate ABCB or BFST?

Accepted Answer

Ameris Bancorp currently has a consensus price target of $90.17, suggesting a potential upside of 1.21%. Business First Bancshares has a consensus price target of $32.33, suggesting a potential upside of 10.58%. Given Business First Bancshares' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Business First Bancshares is more favorable than Ameris Bancorp. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ameris Bancorp 0 Sell rating(s) 2 Hold rating(s) 4 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.67 Business First Bancshares 0 Sell rating(s) 0 Hold rating(s) 4 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 3.00

Question 2

Is ABCB or BFST a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Ameris Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $0.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. Business First Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. Ameris Bancorp pays out 12.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Business First Bancshares pays out 21.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Business First Bancshares has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Business First Bancshares is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Question 3

Which has preferable earnings and valuation, ABCB or BFST?

Accepted Answer

Ameris Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than Business First Bancshares. Business First Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ameris Bancorp, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ameris Bancorp $1.20B 4.98 $358.68M $6.36 14.01 Business First Bancshares $516.55M 1.85 $87.86M $2.82 10.37

Question 4

Do insiders and institutionals hold more shares of ABCB or BFST?

Accepted Answer

91.6% of Ameris Bancorp shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.4% of Business First Bancshares shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.7% of Ameris Bancorp shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.7% of Business First Bancshares shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Question 5

Is ABCB or BFST more profitable?

Accepted Answer

Ameris Bancorp has a net margin of 21.46% compared to Business First Bancshares' net margin of 17.02%. Business First Bancshares' return on equity of 11.10% beat Ameris Bancorp's return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ameris Bancorp 21.46% 9.57% 1.32% Business First Bancshares 17.02% 11.10% 1.12%

Question 6

Which has more risk & volatility, ABCB or BFST?

Accepted Answer

Ameris Bancorp has a beta of 0.91, meaning that its share price is 9% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Business First Bancshares has a beta of 0.79, meaning that its share price is 21% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 7

Does the media refer more to ABCB or BFST?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Business First Bancshares had 2 more articles in the media than Ameris Bancorp. MarketBeat recorded 3 mentions for Business First Bancshares and 1 mentions for Ameris Bancorp. Business First Bancshares' average media sentiment score of 0.57 beat Ameris Bancorp's score of 0.39 indicating that Business First Bancshares is being referred to more favorably in the news media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment Ameris Bancorp 0 Very Positive mention(s) 1 Positive mention(s) 0 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Neutral Business First Bancshares 1 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 0 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive

Question 8

Do analysts rate BUSE or BFST?

Accepted Answer

First Busey currently has a consensus target price of $27.50, indicating a potential downside of 4.45%. Business First Bancshares has a consensus target price of $32.33, indicating a potential upside of 10.58%. Given Business First Bancshares' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Business First Bancshares is more favorable than First Busey. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score First Busey 0 Sell rating(s) 3 Hold rating(s) 4 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.57 Business First Bancshares 0 Sell rating(s) 0 Hold rating(s) 4 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 3.00

Question 9

Is BUSE or BFST a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

First Busey pays an annual dividend of $1.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Business First Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. First Busey pays out 46.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Business First Bancshares pays out 21.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. First Busey has increased its dividend for 10 consecutive years and Business First Bancshares has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. First Busey is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Question 10

Which has preferable earnings and valuation, BUSE or BFST?

Accepted Answer

First Busey has higher revenue and earnings than Business First Bancshares. Business First Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Busey, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio First Busey $1.04B 2.33 $135.26M $2.25 12.79 Business First Bancshares $516.55M 1.85 $87.86M $2.82 10.37

Question 11

Do insiders & institutionals have more ownership in BUSE or BFST?

Accepted Answer

56.5% of First Busey shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.4% of Business First Bancshares shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.8% of First Busey shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 5.7% of Business First Bancshares shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Question 12

Is BUSE or BFST more profitable?

Accepted Answer

First Busey has a net margin of 19.16% compared to Business First Bancshares' net margin of 17.02%. Business First Bancshares' return on equity of 11.10% beat First Busey's return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets First Busey 19.16% 10.19% 1.36% Business First Bancshares 17.02% 11.10% 1.12%

Question 13

Which has more volatility & risk, BUSE or BFST?

Accepted Answer

First Busey has a beta of 0.72, suggesting that its share price is 28% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Business First Bancshares has a beta of 0.79, suggesting that its share price is 21% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 14

Does the media prefer BUSE or BFST?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Business First Bancshares had 1 more articles in the media than First Busey. MarketBeat recorded 3 mentions for Business First Bancshares and 2 mentions for First Busey. First Busey's average media sentiment score of 0.62 beat Business First Bancshares' score of 0.57 indicating that First Busey is being referred to more favorably in the media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment First Busey 0 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 1 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive Business First Bancshares 1 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 0 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive

Question 15

Do analysts prefer BFST or FMBH?

Accepted Answer

Business First Bancshares currently has a consensus target price of $32.33, suggesting a potential upside of 10.58%. First Mid Bancshares has a consensus target price of $49.50, suggesting a potential upside of 6.06%. Given Business First Bancshares' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Business First Bancshares is more favorable than First Mid Bancshares. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Business First Bancshares 0 Sell rating(s) 0 Hold rating(s) 4 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 3.00 First Mid Bancshares 0 Sell rating(s) 3 Hold rating(s) 3 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.50

Question 16

Is BFST or FMBH a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Business First Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. First Mid Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. Business First Bancshares pays out 21.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. First Mid Bancshares pays out 25.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Business First Bancshares has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and First Mid Bancshares has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years. First Mid Bancshares is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Question 17

Which has higher earnings and valuation, BFST or FMBH?

Accepted Answer

First Mid Bancshares has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Business First Bancshares. Business First Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Mid Bancshares, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Business First Bancshares $516.55M 1.85 $87.86M $2.82 10.37 First Mid Bancshares $466.04M 2.67 $91.75M $3.97 11.76

Question 18

Do insiders & institutionals believe in BFST or FMBH?

Accepted Answer

47.4% of Business First Bancshares shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.6% of First Mid Bancshares shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.7% of Business First Bancshares shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 6.0% of First Mid Bancshares shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Question 19

Is BFST or FMBH more profitable?

Accepted Answer

First Mid Bancshares has a net margin of 19.95% compared to Business First Bancshares' net margin of 17.02%. Business First Bancshares' return on equity of 11.10% beat First Mid Bancshares' return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Business First Bancshares 17.02% 11.10% 1.12% First Mid Bancshares 19.95% 10.44% 1.23%

Question 20

Which has more volatility and risk, BFST or FMBH?

Accepted Answer

Business First Bancshares has a beta of 0.79, suggesting that its stock price is 21% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, First Mid Bancshares has a beta of 0.8, suggesting that its stock price is 20% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 21

Does the media refer more to BFST or FMBH?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Business First Bancshares and Business First Bancshares both had 3 articles in the media. First Mid Bancshares' average media sentiment score of 0.86 beat Business First Bancshares' score of 0.57 indicating that First Mid Bancshares is being referred to more favorably in the news media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment Business First Bancshares 1 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 0 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive First Mid Bancshares 1 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 1 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive

Question 22

Do analysts prefer BFST or FRME?

Accepted Answer

Business First Bancshares presently has a consensus price target of $32.33, indicating a potential upside of 10.58%. First Merchants has a consensus price target of $48.33, indicating a potential upside of 14.83%. Given First Merchants' higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe First Merchants is more favorable than Business First Bancshares. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Business First Bancshares 0 Sell rating(s) 0 Hold rating(s) 4 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 3.00 First Merchants 0 Sell rating(s) 4 Hold rating(s) 2 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.33

Question 23

Is BFST or FRME a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Business First Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. First Merchants pays an annual dividend of $1.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. Business First Bancshares pays out 21.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. First Merchants pays out 43.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Business First Bancshares has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years and First Merchants has increased its dividend for 13 consecutive years. First Merchants is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Question 24

Which has higher valuation & earnings, BFST or FRME?

Accepted Answer

First Merchants has higher revenue and earnings than Business First Bancshares. Business First Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Merchants, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Business First Bancshares $516.55M 1.85 $87.86M $2.82 10.37 First Merchants $1.05B 2.52 $226M $3.40 12.38

Question 25

Do insiders and institutionals hold more shares of BFST or FRME?

Accepted Answer

47.4% of Business First Bancshares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 73.9% of First Merchants shares are held by institutional investors. 5.7% of Business First Bancshares shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.8% of First Merchants shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Question 26

Is BFST or FRME more profitable?

Accepted Answer

First Merchants has a net margin of 18.87% compared to Business First Bancshares' net margin of 17.02%. Business First Bancshares' return on equity of 11.10% beat First Merchants' return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Business First Bancshares 17.02% 11.10% 1.12% First Merchants 18.87% 9.58% 1.21%

Question 27

Which has more volatility and risk, BFST or FRME?

Accepted Answer

Business First Bancshares has a beta of 0.79, indicating that its share price is 21% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, First Merchants has a beta of 0.85, indicating that its share price is 15% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 28

Does the media favor BFST or FRME?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Business First Bancshares had 2 more articles in the media than First Merchants. MarketBeat recorded 3 mentions for Business First Bancshares and 1 mentions for First Merchants. First Merchants' average media sentiment score of 1.43 beat Business First Bancshares' score of 0.57 indicating that First Merchants is being referred to more favorably in the news media. Company Overall Sentiment Business First Bancshares Positive First Merchants Positive

Question 29

Do analysts recommend IBCP or BFST?

Accepted Answer

Independent Bank presently has a consensus target price of $37.00, indicating a potential upside of 4.28%. Business First Bancshares has a consensus target price of $32.33, indicating a potential upside of 10.58%. Given Business First Bancshares' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Business First Bancshares is more favorable than Independent Bank. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Independent Bank 0 Sell rating(s) 2 Hold rating(s) 1 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.33 Business First Bancshares 0 Sell rating(s) 0 Hold rating(s) 4 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 3.00

Question 30

Is IBCP or BFST a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Independent Bank pays an annual dividend of $1.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. Business First Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. Independent Bank pays out 33.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Business First Bancshares pays out 21.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Independent Bank has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years and Business First Bancshares has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Independent Bank is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Question 31

Which has stronger valuation & earnings, IBCP or BFST?

Accepted Answer

Business First Bancshares has higher revenue and earnings than Independent Bank. Business First Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Independent Bank, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Independent Bank $315.38M 2.32 $68.54M $3.35 10.59 Business First Bancshares $516.55M 1.85 $87.86M $2.82 10.37

Question 32

Do insiders & institutionals have more ownership in IBCP or BFST?

Accepted Answer

79.4% of Independent Bank shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.4% of Business First Bancshares shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.9% of Independent Bank shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 5.7% of Business First Bancshares shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Question 33

Is IBCP or BFST more profitable?

Accepted Answer

Independent Bank has a net margin of 22.02% compared to Business First Bancshares' net margin of 17.02%. Independent Bank's return on equity of 14.15% beat Business First Bancshares' return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Independent Bank 22.02% 14.15% 1.27% Business First Bancshares 17.02% 11.10% 1.12%

Question 34

Which has more volatility and risk, IBCP or BFST?

Accepted Answer

Independent Bank has a beta of 0.71, suggesting that its stock price is 29% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Business First Bancshares has a beta of 0.79, suggesting that its stock price is 21% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 35

Does the media refer more to IBCP or BFST?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Independent Bank had 1 more articles in the media than Business First Bancshares. MarketBeat recorded 4 mentions for Independent Bank and 3 mentions for Business First Bancshares. Independent Bank's average media sentiment score of 1.15 beat Business First Bancshares' score of 0.57 indicating that Independent Bank is being referred to more favorably in the media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment Independent Bank 2 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 1 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive Business First Bancshares 1 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 0 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive

Metric	Business First Bancshares	BANKS Industry	Finance Sector	NASDAQ Exchange
Market Cap	$955.50M	$1.17B	$13.86B	$12.06B
Dividend Yield	2.05%	2.58%	5.76%	5.67%
P/E Ratio	10.08	19.11	20.17	24.42
Price / Sales	1.85	2.95	136.31	86.13
Price / Cash	9.30	25.23	19.52	55.64
Price / Book	1.05	1.25	2.24	6.80
Net Income	$87.86M	$75.93M	$1.14B	$338.00M
7 Day Performance	2.78%	2.35%	1.32%	2.68%
1 Month Performance	7.74%	5.31%	1.35%	1.56%
1 Year Performance	25.28%	32.32%	12.62%	30.59%

Company	MarketRank	Share Price	Analysts' Price Target	1Y Price Performance	Market Cap	Revenue	P/E Ratio	Employee Count	Indicator(s)
BFST Business First Bancshares	4.1913 of 5 stars	$29.24 +0.6%	$32.33 +10.6%	+25.3%	$955.50M	$516.55M	10.08	750	Positive News Insider Trade
ABCB Ameris Bancorp	2.8969 of 5 stars	$86.53 +0.5%	$90.17 +4.2%	+46.9%	$5.82B	$1.20B	16.61	2,850	News Coverage
BUSE First Busey	4.0894 of 5 stars	$28.33 +0.4%	$27.50 -2.9%	+29.1%	$2.40B	$1.04B	12.59	1,948
FMBH First Mid Bancshares	3.8271 of 5 stars	$46.14 +1.0%	$49.50 +7.3%	+31.6%	$1.23B	$466.04M	11.62	1,170	News Coverage
FRME First Merchants	4.208 of 5 stars	$41.16 +1.3%	$48.33 +17.4%	+17.0%	$2.59B	$1.05B	12.11	2,086

Business First Bancshares (BFST) Competitors

BFST vs. ABCB, BUSE, FMBH, FRME, and IBCP

How does Business First Bancshares compare to Ameris Bancorp?

Summary

How does Business First Bancshares compare to First Busey?

Summary

How does Business First Bancshares compare to First Mid Bancshares?

Summary

How does Business First Bancshares compare to First Merchants?

Summary

How does Business First Bancshares compare to Independent Bank?

Summary

New MarketBeat Followers Over Time

Media Sentiment Over Time

BFST vs. The Competition

Business First Bancshares Competitors List

Related Companies and Tools

Best-in-Class Portfolio Monitoring

Stock Ideas and Recommendations

Advanced Stock Screeners and Research Tools

About MarketBeat

MarketBeat Products

Popular Tools

Financial Calendars

Terms & Info

Business First Bancshares (BFST) Competitors

BFST vs. ABCB, BUSE, FMBH, FRME, and IBCP

How does Business First Bancshares compare to Ameris Bancorp?

Is ABCB or BFST a better dividend stock?

Do insiders and institutionals hold more shares of ABCB or BFST?

Which has preferable earnings and valuation, ABCB or BFST?

Does the media refer more to ABCB or BFST?

Which has more risk & volatility, ABCB or BFST?

Is ABCB or BFST more profitable?

Do analysts rate ABCB or BFST?

Summary

How does Business First Bancshares compare to First Busey?

Which has preferable earnings and valuation, BUSE or BFST?

Which has more volatility & risk, BUSE or BFST?

Is BUSE or BFST a better dividend stock?

Does the media prefer BUSE or BFST?

Do insiders & institutionals have more ownership in BUSE or BFST?

Do analysts rate BUSE or BFST?

Is BUSE or BFST more profitable?

Summary

How does Business First Bancshares compare to First Mid Bancshares?

Do insiders & institutionals believe in BFST or FMBH?

Is BFST or FMBH more profitable?

Which has higher earnings and valuation, BFST or FMBH?

Which has more volatility and risk, BFST or FMBH?

Does the media refer more to BFST or FMBH?

Is BFST or FMBH a better dividend stock?

Do analysts prefer BFST or FMBH?

Summary

How does Business First Bancshares compare to First Merchants?

Which has higher valuation & earnings, BFST or FRME?

Is BFST or FRME more profitable?

Is BFST or FRME a better dividend stock?

Does the media favor BFST or FRME?

Which has more volatility and risk, BFST or FRME?

Do insiders and institutionals hold more shares of BFST or FRME?

Do analysts prefer BFST or FRME?

Summary

How does Business First Bancshares compare to Independent Bank?

Which has more volatility and risk, IBCP or BFST?

Which has stronger valuation & earnings, IBCP or BFST?

Is IBCP or BFST more profitable?

Is IBCP or BFST a better dividend stock?

Does the media refer more to IBCP or BFST?

Do insiders & institutionals have more ownership in IBCP or BFST?

Do analysts recommend IBCP or BFST?

Summary

New MarketBeat Followers Over Time

Media Sentiment Over Time

BFST vs. The Competition

Business First Bancshares Competitors List

Related Companies and Tools

MarketBeat All Access Features

Best-in-Class Portfolio Monitoring

Stock Ideas and Recommendations

Advanced Stock Screeners and Research Tools