WallStSmart

Business First Bancshares Inc (BFST)vsItau Unibanco Banco Holding SA (ITUB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Itau Unibanco Banco Holding SA generates 44327% more annual revenue ($138.95B vs $312.76M). ITUB leads profitability with a 32.3% profit margin vs 28.1%. BFST trades at a lower P/E of 9.3x. ITUB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

BFST

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 8.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.15

ITUB

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BFSTUndervalued (+77.6%)

Margin of Safety

+77.6%

Fair Value

$130.57

Current Price

$26.78

$103.79 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.57Overvalued
ITUBOvervalued (-10.1%)

Margin of Safety

-10.1%

Fair Value

$8.69

Current Price

$8.21

$0.48 premium

UndervaluedFair: $8.69Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BFST5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.2%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.1%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
37.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 37.6% YoY

ITUB6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
32.3%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$45.01B10/10

Generating 45.0B in free cash flow

Market CapQuality
$86.41B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Areas to Watch

BFST2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$846.89M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.152/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

ITUB1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
2.8%4/10

2.8% earnings growth

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BFST

The strongest argument for BFST centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.1% and operating margin at 36.2%. Revenue growth of 12.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ITUB

The strongest argument for ITUB centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.3% and operating margin at 37.3%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BFST

The primary concerns for BFST are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : ITUB

The primary concerns for ITUB are EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BFST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.84 — expect wider price swings.

BFST is growing revenue faster at 12.9% — sustainability is the question.

ITUB generates stronger free cash flow (45.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ITUB scores higher overall (76/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 32.3% margins and 11.0% revenue growth. BFST offers better value entry with a 77.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Business First Bancshares Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Business First Bancshares, Inc. is the banking holding company for b1BANK offering various banking products and services. The company is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Itau Unibanco Banco Holding SA

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Ita Unibanco Holding SA offers a range of financial products and services in Brazil and internationally. The company is headquartered in So Paulo, Brazil.

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