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BayFirst Financial Corp (BAFN)
NASDAQ:BAFN
US Market

BayFirst Financial Corp (BAFN) AI Stock Analysis

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BAFN

BayFirst Financial Corp

(NASDAQ:BAFN)

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Neutral 58 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:58Neutral
Price Target:
$7.00
▼(-7.53% Downside)
The score is primarily supported by improving core operating trends in the financial statements (strong TTM revenue growth and better net margin) and restructuring progress, but it is held back by a clear technical downtrend and elevated risk signals from losses, higher leverage, and credit/liquidity concerns highlighted in recent communications.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth Trajectory
A 50.9% TTM revenue gain signals durable top-line expansion across lending and mortgage activities, supporting scale and diversification of interest and fee income. Sustained revenue growth improves capacity to absorb restructuring costs and funds reinvestment in core community-banking initiatives over the next 2-6 months.
Operating Cash Flow Strength
Consistently strong operating cash flow and nearly 1x FCF-to-net income indicate efficient cash conversion from earnings. This durable cash generation supports liquidity, funds core lending and deposit growth, and provides flexibility to execute the strategic pivot away from SBA exposure without immediate capital raises.
Balance-sheet De-risking via SBA Sale
The $94.6M SBA 7(a) loan sale materially reduces concentration and unguaranteed SBA exposure, raising capital ratios. Improved regulatory capital and lower portfolio risk strengthen the franchise's ability to pursue community banking growth and reduce earnings volatility over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Higher Leverage
Rising leverage (D/E 0.57) with falling ROE signals higher financial risk and reduced shareholder returns. Elevated debt levels constrain capital flexibility, increase interest burden, and limit capacity for organic growth or acquisitions, making balance-sheet repair and deleveraging a multi-quarter priority.
Large Net Loss and Restructuring
A sizable net loss driven by a $7.3M restructuring charge reflects a costly business transition away from SBA lending. Such losses erode capital and require several quarters to reverse, delaying return to normalized profitability and pressuring credit metrics and management bandwidth during the strategic reset.
Negative Free Cash Flow Growth
Negative free cash flow growth, even with solid operating cash flow, indicates higher investing or financing outflows and weaker cash available for debt reduction or shareholder returns. Persisting FCF declines can necessitate external financing or covenant concessions, limiting strategic options over ensuing quarters.

BayFirst Financial Corp (BAFN) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

BayFirst Financial Corp Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBayFirst Financial Corp. operates as the bank holding company for First Home Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking services for businesses and individuals. The company offers checking and savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. It also provides home loans, including residential mortgages, home equity loans, and home equity lines of credit; and business lending services comprising minority lending programs, PPP loan forgiveness services, SBA loans, and commercial lending services. In addition, the company offers treasury management, merchant, online, and investment services; and credit cards. As of January 26, 2022, it operated seven full-service office locations in St. Petersburg, Seminole, Pinellas Park, Clearwater, Sarasota, Tampa, and Belleair Bluffs, Florida; and 23 mortgage loan production offices. The company was formerly known as First Home Bancorp, Inc. and changed its name to BayFirst Financial Corp. in May 2021. BayFirst Financial Corp. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
How the Company Makes MoneyBayFirst Financial Corp generates revenue through multiple key streams. The primary source of income is interest income from loans, which includes personal loans, commercial loans, and mortgages. The company earns interest on the loans it issues to borrowers, which is a critical aspect of its banking operations. Additionally, BayFirst generates non-interest income through fees associated with banking services, such as account maintenance fees, transaction fees, and service charges. The mortgage division contributes further revenue through origination and servicing fees, as well as secondary market sales of mortgages. Strategic partnerships with other financial institutions and service providers enhance its product offerings and can lead to additional revenue opportunities. Overall, the combination of interest and non-interest income streams forms the backbone of BayFirst's revenue model.

BayFirst Financial Corp Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 29, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call conveyed a mixed picture: operational and strategic progress (organic deposit growth, strong liquidity, treasury revenue expansion, and meaningful expense reductions) support the turnaround toward a core community banking model, but material legacy credit issues tied to unguaranteed SBA 7(a) loans, elevated net charge-offs, a Q4 net loss, and a year-over-year equity decline present significant near-term headwinds. Management expects further charge-offs but anticipates improvement over time as the SBA portfolio winds down and asset quality initiatives take effect.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Deposit Growth and Composition
Organic deposit growth of $12.5 million in Q4; total deposits of $1.18 billion at year-end, up $40.7 million or 3.6% year-over-year. 85% of deposits were FDIC-insured as of December 31, 2025.
Strong Liquidity and Capital Positioning
Liquidity ratio above 18% at year-end, providing capacity to reduce high-cost deposits and support improved cost of funds and competitive loan pricing.
Stable Net Interest Margin and NII Trends
Net interest margin stable at 3.58% (down 3 basis points sequentially). Net interest income of $11.2 million in Q4, up $0.5 million year-over-year.
Significant Treasury Management Revenue Growth
Treasury management and merchant services revenue grew 69% compared to 2024, indicating traction in fee income from core commercial customers.
Operating Expense Reductions and Restructuring
Q4 non-interest expense of $11.9 million, down $13.3 million from Q3 driven by a $7.3 million restructuring charge and lower compensation and servicing costs. On a full-year basis, excluding the Q3 restructuring charge, non-interest expense was $3.7 million lower year-over-year with notable reductions: compensation down $2.6 million, bonuses and commissions down $3.6 million, and marketing down $0.5 million.
Strategic Milestones Completed
Completed a number of strategic initiatives in 2025 including exiting the SBA 7(a) lending business, selling a substantial amount of 7(a) loan balances, and headcount and expense reductions to focus the franchise on community banking in Tampa Bay.
Asset Resolution Progress
Unguaranteed SBA 7(a) balances decreased to $171.6 million at year-end, down $50.4 million from September 30, 2025 and down $51.4 million from year-end 2024, reflecting active runoff and sales.
Negative Updates
Net Loss and Equity Decline
Reported a net loss of $2.5 million in Q4 (improved from a $18.9 million loss in Q3). Shareholders' equity declined $23.4 million versus the end of 2024.
Elevated Net Charge-Offs
Net charge-offs of $4.6 million in Q4, up $1.3 million sequentially. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans were 1.95% for Q4, up from 1.24% in Q3 and 1.34% in 2024.
Significant Legacy SBA 7(a) Credit Risk
On-balance-sheet unguaranteed SBA 7(a) balances of $171.6 million remain and management expects additional charge-offs to continue into 2026, though with a lessening impact over time.
Rising Allowance for Credit Losses and Asset Quality Metrics
Allowance for credit losses to total loans was 2.43% at December 31, 2025 versus 1.54% a year earlier (2.61% at 9/30/2025). Nonperforming loans excluding government-guaranteed balances were $16.9 million, up slightly from $16.5 million, representing 1.8% of loans (up 11 bps QoQ and 45 bps YoY).
Loan Portfolio Contraction
Loans held for investment decreased $34.8 million or 3.5% during 2025 to $963.9 million; total loans held for investment decreased $102.7 million or 9.6% year-over-year, reflecting runoff and SBA wind-down.
Non-Interest Income Pressure from SBA Exit
Non-interest income for 2025 was negative $104,000; year-over-year decrease driven primarily by the elimination of gains from sales of government-guaranteed 7(a) loans that had previously boosted non-interest income. 2024 benefitted from an $11 million gain from a sale-leaseback.
Tangible Book Value Decline
Tangible book value per share decreased to $17.22 from $17.90 at the end of Q3, reflecting earnings losses and other equity impacts.
Company Guidance
The company guided that it expects continued but diminishing legacy SBA 7(a) headwinds this year — additional charge-offs are likely though the unguaranteed SBA balance has already declined to $171.6M (down $50.4M QoQ and $51.4M YoY) — while emphasizing actions to fortify the balance sheet and tighten risk management that should improve asset quality and profitability without significant additional provision; year-end liquidity remained strong at >18%, deposits grew $12.5M in Q4 and $40.7M YoY to $1.18B (85% insured) with time deposits up $26.4M and interest‑bearing transaction deposits up $20.9M, net interest margin was 3.58%, treasury management revenue rose 69% YoY, Q4 provision was $2.0M and net charge-offs were $4.6M (annualized NCOs/avg loans 1.95% in Q4 vs. 1.24% Q3 and 1.34% in 2024), allowance for credit losses was 2.43% of loans (2.59% excluding government‑guaranteed loans), nonperforming loans excluding government guarantees were $16.9M (1.8%, up 11 bps QoQ and 45 bps YoY), shareholders’ equity was $87.6M and tangible book value was $17.22 per share — management expects ongoing SBA loan sales, continued deposit repricing to reduce high‑cost funding toward peer levels, and resulting improvements in net interest margin and competitive loan pricing.

BayFirst Financial Corp Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement trends are improving (TTM revenue up 50.9% and net margin up to 7.62%), but profitability quality and risk remain pressured by weaker EBIT/EBITDA margins, higher leverage (debt-to-equity 0.57), and declining free cash flow growth.
Income Statement
72
Positive
BayFirst Financial Corp has shown a strong revenue growth trajectory, particularly in the TTM period with a 50.9% increase. The gross profit margin remains robust at 49.18%, although it has decreased from previous years. Net profit margin has improved to 7.62% in the TTM, indicating better profitability. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins have declined compared to the previous year, suggesting potential operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio has increased to 0.57 in the TTM, indicating higher leverage compared to previous years. Return on equity has decreased to 8.66%, reflecting reduced profitability on shareholder investments. The equity ratio remains stable, suggesting a balanced asset structure, but the increased debt level poses a risk.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Operating cash flow remains strong, although it has decreased in the TTM. Free cash flow growth has turned negative, indicating potential cash management issues. The free cash flow to net income ratio is nearly 1, showing efficient cash conversion, but the decline in free cash flow growth is a concern.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue108.10M125.24M110.85M66.41M63.35M134.09M
Gross Profit39.66M65.73M68.32M58.54M59.55M106.92M
EBITDA-5.46M25.71M14.79M12.01M16.05M20.84M
Net Income-10.70M12.60M5.70M-349.00K24.62M12.70M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.35B1.29B1.12B938.89M917.10M1.54B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments35.05M88.94M102.61M113.28M143.00M57.76M
Total Debt71.11M22.40M20.96M37.37M12.71M13.63M
Total Liabilities1.26B1.18B1.02B847.01M820.80M1.47B
Stockholders Equity89.73M110.92M100.71M91.88M96.29M71.07M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow281.97M388.84M447.21M432.19M482.27M-110.87M
Operating Cash Flow282.23M390.53M454.80M440.25M495.39M-107.82M
Investing Cash Flow-324.87M-515.93M-641.28M-510.61M207.62M-933.38M
Financing Cash Flow96.81M144.80M178.82M26.67M-648.66M985.98M

BayFirst Financial Corp Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price7.57
Price Trends
50DMA
7.50
Negative
100DMA
8.30
Negative
200DMA
10.92
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.28
Negative
RSI
45.03
Neutral
STOCH
80.05
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BAFN, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 7.57 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 6.86, above the 50-day MA of 7.50, and below the 200-day MA of 10.92, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.28 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 45.03 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 80.05 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for BAFN.

BayFirst Financial Corp Risk Analysis

BayFirst Financial Corp disclosed 59 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. BayFirst Financial Corp reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

BayFirst Financial Corp Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$56.30M10.678.21%3.21%0.32%37.93%
73
Outperform
$54.32M4.1015.03%14.91%0.81%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
66
Neutral
$54.52M9.724.54%3.87%6.89%
58
Neutral
$27.99M-1.15-11.14%4.10%1.63%-508.72%
55
Neutral
$48.50M19.884.74%1.10%12.12%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BAFN
BayFirst Financial Corp
6.81
-8.42
-55.29%
ASRV
Ameriserv Financial
3.30
0.71
27.41%
HFBL
Home Federal Bancorp Of Louisiana
18.23
5.47
42.87%
OPHC
Optimumbank Holdings
4.71
0.15
3.29%
TCBS
Texas Community
16.64
1.12
7.22%

BayFirst Financial Corp Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
BayFirst Posts Smaller Q4 Loss Amid Ongoing Restructuring
Negative
Jan 29, 2026

On January 29, 2026, BayFirst Financial Corp. reported a net loss of $2.5 million, or $0.69 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2025, sharply reduced from a $18.9 million loss in the prior quarter and reversing net income of $9.8 million a year earlier, as the company advanced a restructuring plan that improved capital ratios and refocused its business. During the quarter, BayFirst closed the sale of $96.6 million in loans to Banesco USA as part of its September 2025 decision to exit the SBA 7(a) lending business, reduced loans held for investment, achieved organic deposit growth of $12.5 million with 85% of deposits insured, maintained a stable net interest margin of 3.58%, and cut headcount from 299 at the end of 2024 to 144 by December 31, 2025, contributing to a steep decline in noninterest expense and showing progress in derisking its balance sheet and strengthening credit quality, despite a full-year 2025 net loss of $22.9 million driven by lower noninterest income and higher credit loss provisions.

The most recent analyst rating on (BAFN) stock is a Hold with a $7.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on BayFirst Financial Corp stock, see the BAFN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
BayFirst Financial amends debt terms to preserve liquidity
Negative
Jan 6, 2026

On December 29, 2025, BayFirst Financial Corp. amended the terms of its $6.0 million 4.5% subordinated notes due June 30, 2031, effective December 26, 2025, so that instead of making cash interest payments, the company will capitalize interest by adding it to the principal balance through June 30, 2026, and, if amounts remain unpaid at that date, may either pay holders an additional 3% of outstanding principal or increase the principal by 3%. As of December 31, 2025, the notes carried a principal of $6.0 million at 4.5% interest and the company also obtained agreement from First National Bankers Bank on December 30, 2025, to defer a quarterly interest payment on a $1.6 million term loan at 6.75% from December 10, 2025, to March 10, 2026, signaling a strategy to preserve liquidity and manage near-term cash outflows by restructuring and deferring interest obligations to creditors.

The most recent analyst rating on (BAFN) stock is a Hold with a $8.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on BayFirst Financial Corp stock, see the BAFN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
BayFirst Financial Schedules Q4 2025 Results Release
Neutral
Dec 31, 2025

On December 31, 2025, BayFirst Financial Corp. announced plans to release its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results after the market close on January 29, 2026, followed by a management-hosted conference call and simultaneous webcast on January 30, 2026, to discuss the results. The scheduled disclosure and investor call underscore the company’s efforts to maintain transparency with shareholders and the broader market, providing stakeholders with a formal opportunity to assess BayFirst’s year-end performance and outlook in the context of its regional banking operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (BAFN) stock is a Hold with a $8.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on BayFirst Financial Corp stock, see the BAFN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
BayFirst Financial Exits SBA 7(a) Lending Business
Positive
Dec 15, 2025

On December 15, 2025, BayFirst Financial Corp. announced the completion of a $94.6 million loan sale to Banesco USA, marking its exit from the SBA 7(a) lending business. This strategic move is part of BayFirst’s efforts to derisk its balance sheet and enhance long-term growth and shareholder value. The sale improves the Bank’s total capital ratio to 10.1% and tier 1 leverage ratio to 6.8%. BayFirst continues to focus on its community bank mission, aiming to expand its presence in the Tampa Bay region through stable banking products and services.

The most recent analyst rating on (BAFN) stock is a Hold with a $8.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on BayFirst Financial Corp stock, see the BAFN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
BayFirst Financial Reports Q3 2025 Loss Amid Restructuring
Negative
Nov 6, 2025

On October 31, 2025, BayFirst Financial Corp. held a conference call to discuss its financial results for the third quarter of 2025. The company reported an $18.9 million net loss, largely due to restructuring charges and the sale of its SBA 7(a) loan portfolio to Banesco USA. This strategic shift aims to derisk the balance sheet and focus on sustainable growth through community banking. Despite the losses, BayFirst is optimistic about returning to profitability in 2026 and enhancing shareholder value by strengthening its community banking operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (BAFN) stock is a Hold with a $9.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on BayFirst Financial Corp stock, see the BAFN Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 30, 2026