Core Points - Business First Bancshares, Inc. has announced a stock repurchase program with an aggregate purchase price of up to $30 million over a 24-month period starting from October 28, 2025, to October 28, 2027 [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Repurchase Program - The repurchases may occur in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, depending on management's assessment of attractive prices and the best interests of the company and its shareholders [2]. - The program is not obligatory, and there is no assurance that shares will be repurchased; it can be modified, suspended, or terminated at the Board's discretion [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - As of September 30, 2025, Business First Bancshares, Inc. has $8.0 billion in assets and $5.7 billion in assets under management through its affiliate, Smith Shellnut Wilson LLC, excluding $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW [5]. - b1BANK operates banking centers and loan production offices in Louisiana and Texas, offering commercial and personal banking products and services [5]. - b1BANK has received accolades such as the 2024 Mastercard "Innovation Award" and has been recognized multiple times by American Banker Magazine as one of the "Best Banks to Work For" [5].

Core Insights - b1BANK has promoted Heather Roemer to executive vice president and chief administrative officer, reflecting the bank's commitment to leadership continuity and strategic growth [1][2][3] Group 1: Leadership and Organizational Changes - Heather Roemer will oversee business transformation programs, product management, marketing, communications, and human resources, while continuing her role as president of b1 FOUNDATION [2] - Jude Melville, chairman and CEO of b1BANK, emphasized Roemer's institutional knowledge and operational excellence, highlighting her role in shaping the bank's culture and infrastructure [3] - Roemer has been instrumental in the bank's growth and community engagement over the past 16 years, focusing on financial literacy and community empowerment initiatives [3][4] Group 2: Company Overview - As of March 31, 2025, Business First Bancshares Inc. has $7.8 billion in assets and $7.1 billion in assets under management through its affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson LLC, excluding $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW [5] - b1BANK operates banking centers and loan production offices across Louisiana and Texas, offering a range of commercial and personal banking products and services [5] - The bank has received accolades such as the 2024 Mastercard "Innovation Award" and has been recognized multiple times by American Banker magazine as one of the "Best Banks to Work For" [5]

Core Viewpoint - Business First Bancshares, Inc. is set to release its first quarter 2025 earnings on April 24, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for the same day to discuss the results [1]. Company Overview - Business First Bancshares, Inc. operates through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, which has total assets of $7.9 billion and manages $6.9 billion in assets through its affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW), excluding $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW [4]. - The company provides commercial and personal banking products and services through Banking Centers and Loan Production Offices located in Louisiana and Texas [4]. - b1BANK has received recognition as a 2024 Mastercard "Innovation Award" winner and has been a multiyear winner of American Banker Magazine's "Best Banks to Work For" [4].