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Upturn AI SWOT - About
SFST 
Southern First Bancshares Inc (SFST)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
03/25/2025: SFST (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
AI Based Fundamental Rating
Above Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, frequently surpass the market, reflecting reliable and trustworthy advice.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 25.23% | Avg. Invested days 38 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  4.0 | Stock Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 03/25/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 269.94M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 17.28 | 1Y Target Price 37 |
Price to earnings Ratio 17.28 | 1Y Target Price 37 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 17042 | Beta 0.88 | 52 Weeks Range 24.98 - 45.91 | Updated Date 04/1/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 24.98 - 45.91 | Updated Date 04/1/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 1.91 |
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 16.66% | Operating Margin (TTM) 31.33% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 0.38% | Return on Equity (TTM) 4.83% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 17.28 | Forward PE 18.62 | Enterprise Value 396675040 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.9 |
Enterprise Value 396675040 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.9 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 5.76 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA - | Shares Outstanding 8177370 | Shares Floating 6291016 |
Shares Outstanding 8177370 | Shares Floating 6291016 | ||
Percent Insiders 6.42 | Percent Institutions 82.81 |
Analyst Ratings
Rating 3 | Target Price 30.5 | Buy - | Strong Buy - |
Buy - | Strong Buy - | ||
Hold 1 | Sell - | Strong Sell - | |
Strong Sell - |
Upturn AI SWOT
Southern First Bancshares Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. It has grown organically and through strategic acquisitions, focusing on providing relationship banking services to businesses and individuals in the Southeast.
Core Business Areas
- Commercial Banking: Offers a range of commercial banking products and services, including commercial loans, lines of credit, and treasury management services.
- Retail Banking: Provides retail banking services, including checking and savings accounts, mortgages, and consumer loans.
- Wealth Management: Offers wealth management and trust services to individuals and families.
Leadership and Structure
The leadership team is headed by Art Seaver, the Chief Executive Officer. The company has a traditional corporate structure with various departments led by experienced executives.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Commercial Loans: Commercial loans are a significant revenue driver. Competitors include larger national and regional banks like Truist Financial (TFC) and Bank of America (BAC).
- Mortgage Lending: Mortgage lending contributes substantially to revenue. Competitors are numerous, including national lenders and regional banks such as United Community Banks, Inc. (UCBI).
- Treasury Management Services: Services help business clients with cash flow and competitor includes Bank of America.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The banking industry is currently facing challenges related to interest rate volatility, increased competition, and regulatory changes. Consolidation within the industry is ongoing.
Positioning
Southern First Bancshares Inc. positions itself as a relationship-focused community bank with a strong presence in the Southeast. Its competitive advantages include local market knowledge and personalized service.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for banking services in the Southeast is substantial, estimated in the billions of dollars. Southern First is well positioned to capture a segment of this market through its community-focused approach.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong presence in the Southeast
- Relationship-focused banking approach
- Experienced management team
- Solid asset quality
Weaknesses
- Smaller size compared to national banks
- Limited geographic diversification
- Dependence on regional economy
Opportunities
- Expansion into new markets in the Southeast
- Increased demand for commercial loans
- Growth in wealth management services
- Technological innovations
Threats
- Increased competition from larger banks
- Economic downturn
- Regulatory changes
- Rising interest rates
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- UCBI
- CASH
- BANF
- FCNCA
Competitive Landscape
Southern First Bancshares Inc. competes with larger national and regional banks, as well as smaller community banks. Its advantages include local market knowledge and personalized service.
Major Acquisitions
Integrity Bancshares, Inc.
- Year: 2016
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 37.5
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded market presence into Atlanta, GA
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Southern First Bancshares Inc. has experienced steady growth over the past years, driven by organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.
Future Projections: Future growth projections are based on analyst estimates and depend on factors such as economic conditions and the company's ability to execute its growth strategy.
Recent Initiatives: Recent strategic initiatives include expansion into new markets and investments in technology to enhance customer experience.
Summary
Southern First Bancshares Inc. is a regional bank with a strong presence in the Southeast, demonstrating steady growth through organic expansion and acquisitions. It focuses on relationship banking, which provides a competitive edge against larger national banks. However, its smaller size and dependence on the regional economy present challenges. Continued strategic initiatives are essential to maintain its growth trajectory in an evolving market.
Similar Companies
BANF
BancFirst Corporation
BANF
BancFirst Corporation
CASH
Meta Financial Group Inc
CASH
Meta Financial Group Inc
FCNCA
First Citizens BancShares Inc
FCNCA
First Citizens BancShares Inc
UCBI
United Community Banks Inc
UCBI
United Community Banks Inc
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company filings (SEC)
- Analyst reports
- Industry publications
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market conditions and company performance can change rapidly. Consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Southern First Bancshares Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Greenville, SC, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1999-10-28 | CEO & Director Mr. R. Arthur Seaver Jr. | ||
Sector Financial Services | Industry Banks - Regional | Full time employees 297 | Website https://www.southernfirst.com |
Full time employees 297 | Website https://www.southernfirst.com | ||
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Southern First Bank that provides commercial, consumer, and mortgage loans to the general public in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. 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. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.
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