Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST) trades at $62.51 with AI Score 78/100 (Grade A). Southern First Bancshares, Inc. Market cap: $591M, Sector: Financial services.
Price as of Aug 20, 2026 · Last analyzed: May 9, 2026SFST stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $64.00 for Southern First Bancshares, Inc., suggesting 2.4% upside from the current price of $62.51. The AI MoonshotScore is 78/100, indicating a strong bullish outlook. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
SFST: 1/3 scored disciplines lean bullish. Dominant signal: Izzy Englander bullish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST) Financial Services Profile
Southern First Bancshares, Inc., through Southern First Bank, delivers banking solutions across the Southeast, emphasizing commercial and retail sectors. With a $591M market cap and a P/E ratio of 14.8, the company focuses on regional growth and diverse financial services in a competitive banking landscape.
What Is the Investment Thesis for SFST?
Southern First Bancshares presents an investment opportunity within the regional banking sector, supported by its focus on the Southeastern United States. The company's profit margin of 17.0% indicates solid profitability. Growth catalysts include expansion within its existing markets and potential entry into new markets within the Southeast. The company's beta of 0.74 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market. Key risks include interest rate sensitivity and competition from larger banks and credit unions. Investors should monitor loan portfolio quality and deposit growth to assess the company's long-term performance.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
SFST Key Highlights
Market Cap of $591M indicates a mid-sized regional bank.
- P/E Ratio of 14.8 suggests a potentially reasonable valuation compared to earnings.
- Profit Margin of 17.0% demonstrates strong profitability within the banking sector.
- Gross Margin of 59.3% reflects efficient management of interest income and expenses.
- Beta of 0.74 indicates lower volatility compared to the broader market, potentially offering stability to investors.
Who Are SFST's Competitors?
SFST is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBT Beacon Financial Corp. | $31.94 | -1.72% | $2.68B | 46 |
| PNC The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | $246.46 | -3.08% | $98.3B | 67 |
| USB U.S. Bancorp | $62.61 | -0.33% | $97.5B | 96 |
| GCBC Greene County Bancorp, Inc. | $34.37 | +0.20% | $585M | 92 |
| NRIM Northrim BanCorp, Inc. | $25.72 | -0.07% | $572M | 95 |
| HBCP Home Bancorp, Inc. | $69.47 | -2.77% | $547M | 94 |
| ACNB ACNB Corporation | $63.65 | +0.66% | $650M | 93 |
| RRBI Red River Bancshares, Inc. | $100.62 | +0.71% | $663M | 92 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are SFST's Key Strengths?
Strong presence in the Southeast.
- Experienced management team.
- Solid profit margin.
- Personalized customer service.
What Are SFST's Weaknesses?
Smaller size compared to national banks.
- Limited geographic diversification.
- Dependence on the Southeast economy.
- Lack of dividend may deter some investors.
What Could Drive SFST Stock Higher?
Potential interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve could increase net interest margin.
- Expansion into new markets within the Southeast region.
- Continued growth in commercial lending portfolio.
What Are the Key Risks for SFST?
Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.26 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Economic downturn in the Southeast could negatively impact loan quality.
- Increased competition from larger banks and credit unions.
- Interest rate fluctuations could impact profitability.
- Regulatory changes could increase compliance costs.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for SFST?
- Expansion within Existing Markets: Southern First can grow by increasing its market share in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. This involves opening new branches, hiring experienced bankers, and developing targeted marketing campaigns. The Southeast region is experiencing population and economic growth, creating opportunities for loan and deposit growth. This expansion could increase revenue by an estimated 10-15% over the next three years.
- Entry into New Markets: Southern First can expand its geographic footprint by entering new markets within the Southeast. Potential markets include cities with strong economic growth and a need for community banking services. Thorough market research and due diligence are essential to ensure successful entry. This expansion could add 5-10% to revenue growth within five years.
- Increased Commercial Lending: Southern First can focus on growing its commercial lending portfolio by targeting small and medium-sized businesses in its existing markets. This involves developing specialized lending products, building relationships with business owners, and providing excellent customer service. The commercial lending market in the Southeast is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, offering significant growth potential.
- Digital Banking Initiatives: Southern First can enhance its digital banking capabilities to attract and retain customers. This includes improving its online and mobile banking platforms, offering digital payment solutions, and providing personalized financial advice. Investing in technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. The digital banking market is growing rapidly, driven by changing customer preferences.
- Mortgage Banking Expansion: Southern First can expand its mortgage banking operations by increasing its loan origination volume and offering a wider range of mortgage products. This involves hiring experienced mortgage lenders, developing relationships with real estate agents, and providing competitive interest rates. The mortgage market is influenced by interest rates and housing market conditions, but there is still significant demand for home loans in the Southeast.
What Are SFST's Competitive Advantages?
- Strong local market knowledge in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
- Personalized customer service.
- Established relationships with local businesses and communities.
- Experienced management team.
What Does SFST Do?
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. It operates as the bank holding company for Southern First Bank, providing a range of banking products and services to individuals and businesses in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The bank operates through three segments: Commercial and Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, and Corporate Operations. Its deposit products include checking, commercial checking, savings, money market, and certificates of deposit. The loan portfolio consists of commercial real estate, construction real estate, commercial business, consumer real estate, home equity, and other consumer loans. Southern First also offers internet banking, cash management, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit, automatic drafts, bill payment, and mobile banking services. The company has a physical presence with eight retail offices in South Carolina (Greenville, Charleston, and Columbia), three in North Carolina (Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte), and one in Atlanta, Georgia. Southern First aims to provide personalized service and local expertise, differentiating itself from larger national banks.
What Products and Services Does SFST Offer?
- Provides commercial and retail banking services.
- Offers mortgage banking services.
- Manages deposit accounts, including checking, savings, and money market accounts.
- Provides commercial real estate loans.
- Offers construction real estate loans.
- Provides commercial business loans.
- Offers consumer real estate and home equity loans.
- Provides internet and mobile banking services.
How Does SFST Make Money?
- Generates revenue through interest income from loans.
- Earns fees from banking services, such as cash management and safe deposit boxes.
- Profits from mortgage banking activities.
- Manages deposits and invests them to generate income.
What Industry Does SFST Operate In?
Southern First Bancshares operates in the regional banking sector, which is characterized by intense competition from larger national banks, credit unions, and fintech companies. The industry is influenced by interest rate fluctuations, regulatory changes, and economic conditions. Regional banks like Southern First differentiate themselves through personalized service, local market knowledge, and community involvement. The Southeast region, where Southern First operates, has experienced population and economic growth, creating opportunities for loan and deposit growth. The banking sector is also undergoing digital transformation, requiring banks to invest in technology to meet customer expectations.
Who Are SFST's Key Customers?
- Small and medium-sized businesses.
- Commercial real estate developers.
- Individual consumers.
- Mortgage borrowers.
Company Profile
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Greenville, US. The company is led by CEO R. Arthur Seaver Jr.. SFST has traded publicly since 1999.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Southern First Bancshares, Inc. stands at 10.2%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 0.8%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. SFST trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 14.82, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 6.5%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 27.12 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 6.7%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
SFST Valuation & Market Position
With a $591M market cap, Southern First Bancshares, Inc. sits in the small-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, SFST's quantitative score of 78/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 79/100.
Quarterly Financial Performance: Southern First Bancshares, Inc.
Revenue for Southern First Bancshares, Inc. came in at $61.6M during Q2 2026, a 82.4% improvement versus the preceding quarter. The company recorded net income of $11.2M, with diluted EPS of $1.20. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a small-cap company operating in Financial Services. Across the four most recent quarters, SFST averaged $1.17 in diluted EPS.
Financial Health
Southern First Bancshares, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 0.26 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
Earnings Track Record
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 6 of its last 8 reported quarters — a consistent record of delivering on expectations. Reported results have landed about 21.7% above estimates on average.
Forward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Southern First Bancshares, Inc. revenue of about $146.4M for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $5.00.
SFST Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Strong presence in the Southeast.
- Experienced management team.
- Solid profit margin.
- Personalized customer service.
Bear Case
- Smaller size compared to national banks.
- Limited geographic diversification.
- Dependence on the Southeast economy.
- Lack of dividend may deter some investors.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · August 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2026 | $62M | $11M | $1.20 |
| Q1 2026 | $34M | $10M | $1.20 |
| Q4 2025 | $58M | $10M | $1.21 |
| Q3 2025 | $59M | $9M | $1.07 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
SFST Latest News
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· Mar 12, 2021
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· Dec 16, 2019
SFST Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for SFST.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $64.00
SFST MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates SFST 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: R. Arthur Seaver Jr.
CEO
R. Arthur Seaver Jr. serves as the CEO of Southern First Bancshares, Inc. His career encompasses extensive experience in the banking and financial services sector. Seaver has held various leadership positions within the industry, focusing on strategic growth, risk management, and customer relationship management. His expertise includes commercial lending, retail banking, and wealth management. Seaver's background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the banking landscape and the ability to navigate its complexities.
Track Record: Under R. Arthur Seaver Jr.'s leadership, Southern First Bancshares has focused on expanding its presence in the Southeast, emphasizing organic growth and strategic initiatives. He has overseen the company's digital transformation efforts and has maintained a focus on profitability and efficiency. Seaver has also emphasized community involvement and customer satisfaction.
Common Questions About SFST (Financial Services)
What does the AI Score mean for SFST?
SFST holds an AI Score of 78/100 (Grade: A). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. Southern First Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Southern First Bank, providing banking products and services across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The company …
What does Southern First Bancshares, Inc. do?
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Southern First Bank, providing a range of banking products and services to individuals and businesses in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The company focuses on commercial and retail banking, mortgage banking, and corporate operations.
What do analysts say about SFST stock?
Analyst coverage of Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST) is limited, but generally focuses on the company's growth potential within the Southeast region. Key valuation metrics include the P/E ratio of 14.8 and the market capitalization of $591M. Growth considerations include the company's expansion into new markets, its commercial lending activities, and its digital banking initiatives.
What are the main risks for SFST?
The main risks for Southern First Bancshares, Inc. include economic downturns in the Southeast, which could negatively impact loan quality and profitability. Increased competition from larger banks and credit unions poses a threat to market share. Interest rate fluctuations can impact net interest margin and overall profitability. Regulatory changes could increase compliance costs and impact the company's operations.
What are the key factors to evaluate for SFST?
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST) holds an AI score of 78/100 (high). P/E: 14.8x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $64.00 (+2%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does SFST data refresh on this page?
SFST's price was last updated on Aug 20, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven SFST's recent stock price performance?
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong presence in the Southeast. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider SFST overvalued or undervalued right now?
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST) trades at 14.8x earnings. Analysts target $64.00 (+2%) — near fair value. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
How do I research SFST before investing?
Before investing in Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) analyst consensus ratings and price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Financial metrics are as of the latest available reporting period.