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Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (SFES) Stock Fundamental Analysis & AI Rating 2026

SFES OTC Investors, NEC PA CIK: 0000086115
Recently Updated • Analysis: Apr 15, 2026 • SEC Data: 2023-12-31
STRONG SELL
85% Conf
Pending
Analysis scheduled

📊 SFES Key Takeaways

Revenue: $34.8M
Net Margin: -28.2%
Free Cash Flow: $-3.3M
Current Ratio: 4.84x
Debt/Equity: 3.43x
EPS: $-0.61
AI Rating: STRONG SELL with 85% confidence
Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (SFES) receives a STRONG SELL rating with 85% confidence from our AI fundamental analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $34.8M, net profit margin of -28.2%, and return on equity (ROE) of -49.2%, Safeguard Scientifics Inc. demonstrates mixed fundamentals in the Market sector. Below is our complete SFES stock analysis for 2026.

Is Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (SFES) a Good Investment?

Claude

SFES is a financially distressed investment company with persistent operating losses (28.2% net margin), negative cash flow generation, and critically elevated leverage where long-term debt ($68.6M) exceeds total assets ($22.8M). Despite minor YoY loss improvements, the structural balance sheet imbalance and inability to generate positive operating cash flow pose severe viability risks.

Why Buy Safeguard Scientifics Inc. Stock? SFES Key Strengths

Claude
  • + Strong current liquidity ratio (4.84x) provides near-term operational runway
  • + Net loss improved 31.1% YoY suggesting potential stabilization trajectory
  • + Positive stockholders' equity of $20.0M maintains some residual equity cushion

SFES Stock Risks: Safeguard Scientifics Inc. Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Long-term debt ($68.6M) exceeds total assets ($22.8M) indicating severe balance sheet insolvency risk
  • ! Negative operating cash flow (-$3.3M) demonstrates unsustainable cash burn and operational distress
  • ! Persistent unprofitability with -28.2% net margin and negative ROE (-49.2%) destroying shareholder value

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Operating cash flow trajectory - must turn positive for sustainability
  • * Debt reduction progress - critical to improve debt-to-asset ratio
  • * Underlying portfolio investment performance - primary revenue driver for investment company

Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (SFES) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$34.8M
Net Income
$-9.8M
EPS (Diluted)
$-0.61
Free Cash Flow
$-3.3M
Total Assets
$22.8M
Cash Position
$9.5M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

Strong liquidity with a 4.84x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.

SFES Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin N/A
Operating Margin -16.3%
Net Margin -28.2%
ROE -49.2%
ROA -43.0%
FCF Margin -9.5%

SFES vs Market Sector: How Safeguard Scientifics Inc. Compares

How Safeguard Scientifics Inc. compares to Market sector averages

Net Margin
SFES -28.2%
vs
Sector Avg 12.0%
SFES Sector
ROE
SFES -49.2%
vs
Sector Avg 15.0%
SFES Sector
Current Ratio
SFES 4.8x
vs
Sector Avg 1.8x
SFES Sector
Debt/Equity
SFES 3.4x
vs
Sector Avg 0.7x
SFES Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is Safeguard Scientifics Inc. Stock Overvalued? SFES Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, Safeguard Scientifics Inc. shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Market sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
-49.2%
Sector avg: 15%
Net Profit Margin
-28.2%
Sector avg: 12%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
3.43x
Sector avg: 0.7x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

Safeguard Scientifics Inc. Balance Sheet: SFES Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
4.84x
Quick Ratio
4.84x
Debt/Equity
3.43x
Debt/Assets
12.5%
Interest Coverage
N/A
Long-term Debt
$68.6M

SFES Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

SFES 5-year financial data: Year 2011: Revenue $34.8M, Net Income N/A, EPS N/A.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Safeguard Scientifics Inc.'s revenue has remained relatively flat over the 5-year period, with a 0% decline. The most recent EPS of $-0.40 indicates the company is currently unprofitable.

SFES Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
-9.5%
Free cash flow / Revenue

Safeguard Scientifics Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
-$3.3M
Cash generated from operations
Stock Buybacks
$75.0K
Shares repurchased (TTM)
Dividends Paid
$5.8M
Returned to shareholders

SFES SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (CIK: 0000086115)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
Mar 26, 2024 10-K sfe20231231_10k.htm View →
Feb 12, 2024 8-K sfe20240212_8k.htm View →
Feb 2, 2024 8-K tm245024d1_8k.htm View →
Feb 1, 2024 4 xslF345X05/form411238003_02012024.xml View →
Jan 31, 2024 4 xslF345X05/rdgdoc.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about SFES

What is the AI rating for SFES?

Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (SFES) has an AI rating of STRONG SELL with 85% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are SFES's key strengths?

Claude: Strong current liquidity ratio (4.84x) provides near-term operational runway. Net loss improved 31.1% YoY suggesting potential stabilization trajectory.

What are the risks of investing in SFES?

Claude: Long-term debt ($68.6M) exceeds total assets ($22.8M) indicating severe balance sheet insolvency risk. Negative operating cash flow (-$3.3M) demonstrates unsustainable cash burn and operational distress.

What is SFES's revenue and growth?

Safeguard Scientifics Inc. reported revenue of $34.8M.

Does SFES pay dividends?

Safeguard Scientifics Inc. pays dividends, with $5.8M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find SFES SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (CIK: 0000086115) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is SFES's EPS?

Safeguard Scientifics Inc. has a diluted EPS of $-0.61.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

Is SFES a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Safeguard Scientifics Inc. has a STRONG SELL rating with 85% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.

Is SFES stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for SFES: ROE of -49.2% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of -28.2% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

Should I buy SFES stock in 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Safeguard Scientifics Inc. a combined STRONG SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is SFES's free cash flow?

Safeguard Scientifics Inc.'s operating cash flow is $-3.3M, with capital expenditures of $0.0. FCF margin is -9.5%.

How does SFES compare to other Market stocks?

Vs Default sector averages: Net margin -28.2% (avg: 12%), ROE -49.2% (avg: 15%), current ratio 4.84 (avg: 1.8).

Is Safeguard Scientifics Inc. carrying too much debt?

SFES has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.43x, which is above the Market sector average of 0.7x. However, the current ratio of 4.84 suggests adequate short-term liquidity.

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Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: Apr 15, 2026 | Data as of: 2023-12-31 | Powered by Claude AI