Business First Bancshares Inc

BFST remains in a structural Stage 2 uptrend with clear higher highs and higher lows. Price is currently pulling back into its rising 9-day and 20-day EMAs and the 50-day SMA, offering a low-risk entry zone. The medium-term bias stays bullish with intact SMA50 support, while short-term timing is neutral until acceptance near these key moving averages is confirmed. Deferred entry via pullback interaction into the EMA/SMA support area is recommended.

• ↑Progressive Bank deal adds $774M assets and nine Louisiana branches.
• ↑Q2 net interest margin up 8bps to 3.73%, aided by lower deposit costs.
• ↓Total deposits fell $229.4M, including $72M in broker deposit exits.