📊 SFST Key Takeaways
Is Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) a Good Investment?
Southern First Bancshares shows alarming financial stress indicators despite reported net income growth. Interest coverage ratio of 0.7x indicates inability to cover interest obligations, compounded by a catastrophic -97% revenue collapse. While positive earnings growth and free cash flow generation suggest some operational resilience, the structural metrics signal deteriorating financial health that outweighs near-term profitability gains.
Why Buy Southern First Bancshares Inc. Stock? SFST Key Strengths
- Net income growth of 95.5% YoY demonstrates significant earnings improvement
- Strong free cash flow generation of $29.9M with minimal capital requirements
- Moderate ROE of 8.2% and ROA of 0.7% are acceptable for regional banking
- Zero long-term debt provides financial flexibility
SFST Stock Risks: Southern First Bancshares Inc. Investment Risks
- Interest coverage ratio of 0.7x indicates company cannot adequately cover interest expenses (critical concern for financial institution)
- Revenue collapse of -97% YoY suggests structural operating deterioration or accounting restatement
- Data quality concerns with impossibly high margins (630% operating margin) indicate potential reporting issues or miscategorization
- Asset base of $4.4B with declining revenue creates pressure on profitability sustainability
Key Metrics to Watch
- Interest coverage ratio trend and ability to meet debt obligations
- Net interest margin and core operating revenue sustainability
- Capital adequacy and regulatory compliance ratios for banking standards
Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The 475.6% free cash flow margin provides substantial flexibility for dividends, buybacks, and strategic investments. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
SFST Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
SFST vs Finance Sector: How Southern First Bancshares Inc. Compares
How Southern First Bancshares Inc. compares to Finance sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Southern First Bancshares Inc. Stock Overvalued? SFST Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Southern First Bancshares Inc. appears fundamentally strong relative to the Finance sector in 2026.
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.
Southern First Bancshares Inc. Balance Sheet: SFST Debt, Cash & Liquidity
SFST Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Southern First Bancshares Inc.'s revenue has declined by 68% over the 5-year period, indicating business contraction. The most recent EPS of $1.66 reflects profitable operations.
SFST Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
SFST Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $1.4M | $4.4M | $0.54 |
| Q2 2025 | $1.6M | $3.0M | $0.37 |
| Q1 2025 | $1.2M | $2.5M | $0.31 |
| Q3 2024 | $1.2M | $4.1M | $0.51 |
| Q2 2024 | $1.3M | $2.5M | $0.31 |
| Q1 2024 | $622.0K | $2.5M | $0.31 |
| Q3 2023 | $1.2M | $4.1M | $0.51 |
| Q2 2023 | $1.2M | $2.5M | $0.31 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Southern First Bancshares Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
SFST SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Southern First Bancshares Inc. (CIK: 0001090009)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about SFST
What is the AI rating for SFST?
Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) has an AI rating of SELL with 62% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are SFST's key strengths?
Claude: Net income growth of 95.5% YoY demonstrates significant earnings improvement. Strong free cash flow generation of $29.9M with minimal capital requirements.
What are the risks of investing in SFST?
Claude: Interest coverage ratio of 0.7x indicates company cannot adequately cover interest expenses (critical concern for financial institution). Revenue collapse of -97% YoY suggests structural operating deterioration or accounting restatement.
What is SFST's revenue and growth?
Southern First Bancshares Inc. reported revenue of $6.3M.
Does SFST pay dividends?
Southern First Bancshares Inc. pays dividends, with $0.1M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find SFST SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Southern First Bancshares Inc. (CIK: 0001090009) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is SFST's EPS?
Southern First Bancshares Inc. has a diluted EPS of $3.72.
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 SFST a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Southern First Bancshares Inc. has a SELL rating with 62% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is SFST stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for SFST: ROE of 8.2% (sector avg: 12%), net margin of 483.4% (sector avg: 25%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy SFST stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Southern First Bancshares Inc. a combined SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is SFST's free cash flow?
Southern First Bancshares Inc.'s operating cash flow is $30.5M, with capital expenditures of $581.0K. FCF margin is 475.6%.
How does SFST compare to other Finance stocks?
Vs Finance sector averages: Net margin 483.4% (avg: 25%), ROE 8.2% (avg: 12%), current ratio N/A (avg: 1.2).