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Southern First Bancshares (SFST)
NASDAQ:SFST
US Market

Southern First Bancshares (SFST) AI Stock Analysis

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Southern First Bancshares

(NASDAQ:SFST)

69Neutral
Southern First Bancshares exhibits strong financial performance with robust revenue growth and zero debt, providing a solid foundation for growth. The technical indicators show mixed momentum, which warrants close monitoring. The stock is fairly valued, enhancing its attractiveness. Recent positive corporate events further boost the outlook, reflecting effective management and strategic growth positioning. Overall, SFST presents a balanced investment opportunity with strengths in financial stability and growth potential, offset by neutral technical signals.

Southern First Bancshares (SFST) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Southern First Bancshares Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSouthern First Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Southern First Bank that provides various banking products and services to general public in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. It operates through three segments: Commercial and Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, and Corporate Operations. The company accepts various deposit products that include checking accounts, commercial checking accounts, and savings accounts, as well as other time deposits, including daily money market accounts and long-term certificates of deposit. Its loan portfolio comprises commercial real estate loans; construction real estate loans; commercial business loans for various lines of businesses, such as the manufacturing, service industry, and professional service areas; consumer real estate and home equity loans; and other consumer loans, including secured and unsecured installment loans and revolving lines of credit. In addition, the company provides other bank services, such as internet banking, cash management, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit, automatic drafts, bill payment, and mobile banking services. It operates through eight retail offices located in Greenville, Charleston, and Columbia; three retail offices located in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte markets; and one retail office located in Atlanta. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.
How the Company Makes MoneySouthern First Bancshares generates revenue primarily through the traditional banking model, which involves earning interest income from loans and other interest-earning assets. The company earns a significant portion of its revenue by charging interest on loans provided to individuals and businesses, including commercial loans, consumer loans, and residential mortgages. Additionally, Southern First earns money from non-interest income sources such as fees for banking services, transaction fees, and charges related to account maintenance and management. The company's earnings are also influenced by the interest rate environment, as well as its ability to manage credit risk and operational efficiency. Partnerships with other financial institutions and service providers may also contribute to its revenue, though specific details on such partnerships are not available.

Southern First Bancshares Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Southern First Bancshares demonstrates robust revenue growth and operational efficiency improvements. The balance sheet is strong, with zero debt and a solid equity foundation, but there's room for enhancing returns on equity. Cash flow management is positive, with strong operating cash flows and strategic investments. The company displays financial stability and growth potential, though it should focus on improving net profitability and optimizing returns on equity.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Southern First Bancshares exhibited solid revenue growth from 2023 to 2024, with total revenue more than doubling. The Gross Profit Margin remained strong at 100%, indicative of efficient cost management. However, the Net Profit Margin declined compared to 2023, reflecting higher expenses or other factors affecting net income. EBIT Margin improved significantly year-over-year, suggesting enhanced operational efficiency. The absence of EBITDA in 2024 limits full profitability analysis.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company maintains a strong equity position with a high Equity Ratio, reflecting financial stability. The Debt-to-Equity Ratio improved to zero, indicating no outstanding debt, which is favorable for financial health. Return on Equity decreased slightly compared to previous years, possibly due to lower net income growth relative to equity. Overall, the balance sheet reflects a stable financial foundation with potential for further improvement in ROE.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Southern First Bancshares demonstrated positive Free Cash Flow growth, driven by increased operating cash flow. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio indicates strong cash generation relative to net income, though Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio suggests potential variability in cash flow management. The cash flow from investing activities was negative, signaling significant investments or asset purchases, while financing cash flow remained positive, reflecting effective capital management.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
201.21M86.25M101.05M117.23M77.56M
Gross Profit
93.33M86.25M101.05M117.23M77.56M
EBIT
197.40M17.43M39.80M62.34M26.42M
EBITDA
0.0022.24M41.81M63.12M26.01M
Net Income Common Stockholders
15.53M13.43M29.11M46.71M18.33M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
154.68M162.72M165.07M162.01M88.09M
Total Assets
4.09B4.06B3.69B2.93B2.48B
Total Debt
264.90M311.32M211.21M36.11M61.00M
Net Debt
230.49M274.50M46.14M-125.90M-27.09M
Total Liabilities
3.76B3.74B211.21M36.11M36.00M
Stockholders Equity
330.44M312.47M294.51M277.90M228.29M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
24.77M16.41M36.35M51.56M13.34M
Operating Cash Flow
25.56M17.65M50.30M78.07M20.62M
Investing Cash Flow
-28.86M-378.57M-792.58M-410.63M-230.77M
Financing Cash Flow
9.99M346.22M745.94M399.08M183.02M

Southern First Bancshares Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price36.55
Price Trends
50DMA
33.27
Positive
100DMA
35.31
Positive
200DMA
35.78
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.98
Negative
RSI
63.44
Neutral
STOCH
69.66
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SFST, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 36.55 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 33.76, above the 50-day MA of 33.27, and above the 200-day MA of 35.78, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.98 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 63.44 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 69.66 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SFST.

Southern First Bancshares Risk Analysis

Southern First Bancshares disclosed 46 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Southern First Bancshares 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

Southern First Bancshares Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$274.52M9.7611.19%5.87%13.25%1.46%
77
Outperform
$272.89M10.979.20%2.93%6.61%14.29%
OBOBT
76
Outperform
$301.44M10.7914.76%1.83%6.08%-23.52%
75
Outperform
$274.86M9.539.62%3.40%9.53%63.45%
PCPCB
75
Outperform
$283.14M10.148.00%3.76%14.10%11.76%
69
Neutral
$291.87M15.855.60%8.57%37.95%
64
Neutral
$12.54B9.797.92%16985.69%12.58%-6.07%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SFST
Southern First Bancshares
36.55
8.95
32.43%
CBAN
Colony Bankcorp
15.85
4.79
43.31%
FNLC
First Bancorp
24.87
2.37
10.53%
CZFS
Citizens Financial Services
57.33
12.07
26.67%
PCB
PCB Bancorp
20.17
5.08
33.66%
OBT
Orange County Bancorp
25.48
1.16
4.77%

Southern First Bancshares Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Southern First Bancshares Reports Strong Q1 2025 Results
Positive
Apr 22, 2025

Southern First Bancshares reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with significant growth in loans and deposits, and a notable increase in net income by 109% compared to the same period in 2024. The company is well-positioned for future growth, maintaining excellent asset quality and strong capital ratios, despite potential economic uncertainties due to recent trade and tariff events.

Spark’s Take on SFST Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, SFST is a Neutral.

Southern First Bancshares demonstrates solid financial performance with strong revenue growth and zero debt, though room remains for enhancing profitability. The stock’s technical indicators suggest a neutral trend, and it is fairly valued with a reasonable P/E ratio. Positive corporate events, including strong Q4 results, enhance the overall outlook. The overall score reflects a balanced view of strengths in financial stability and growth potential against neutral technical signals and valuation.

To see Spark’s full report on SFST stock, click here.

Executive/Board Changes
Southern First Bancshares Announces CRO Resignation
Neutral
Mar 13, 2025

On March 10, 2025, Southern First Bancshares announced the resignation of William M. Aiken, III, its Chief Risk Officer, effective March 31, 2025. Mr. Aiken, who has been with the company since 2020, expressed mixed emotions about leaving but is optimistic about his future opportunities. His departure marks a significant change in the company’s leadership, with CEO Art Seaver acknowledging Aiken’s contributions and expressing gratitude for his partnership over the years.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.