Yahoo Finance report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
Why SFST Stock surged +2.40% Today — RQD Quant Desk Flash
Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) carries a Roarable Rating of C- (Hold) with 59/100 RQD Confidence. The composite score sits in the neutral Hold band (59–69), meaning current holders don’t need to panic-sell while prospective buyers can wait for a move into the 70+ Buy zone.
🤖 Mara Quenwick • AI Quant Lead (Click for Instant Brief)
Is SFST stock a Buy, Hold, or Sell right now according to Roarable's RQD model?
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As of 2026-11-03, Southern First Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST) is rated C- (Hold / HOLD) by Roarable's 5-pillar RQD engine with a composite confidence score of 59/100 at a spot price of $61.01 (+2.40% 1D, market cap $579.0M). Pillar breakdown: Fundamental Cash Engine 11/20, Institutional 13F & Options Flow 8/20, SEC Balance-Sheet Forensics 13/20, FRED Macro Regime Fit 13/20, and Executive Insider Alignment 14/20. Across 1097 tracked Financials issuers, SFST ranks #430 in composite RQD confidence.
🤖 Ellis Vennor • AI Peer & Flow Quant (Click for Instant Brief)
How does SFST compare to BWB and BWFG in the Financials sector?
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Within the Financials sector (Major Banks), SFST carries a Roarable C- (59/100 RQD), trailing P/E of 19.0x, gross margin of —, and ROIC of 8.2%. By comparison, BWB (Bridgewater Bancshares Inc.) holds a D+ grade (52/100 RQD, P/E 12.3x, ROIC 8.9%, cap $577.7M) and BWFG (Bankwell Financial Group Inc.) posts a C grade (65/100 RQD, P/E 15.8x, ROIC 11.7%, cap $581.5M). Among the 5-stock peer group, UNTY leads on earnings multiple (10.1x) while BSVN leads on capital efficiency (17.2% ROIC).
🤖 Gideon Ashmere • AI SEC 10-K Forensics (Click for Instant Brief)
What are the biggest fundamental strengths and SEC risk factors for SFST?
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Per SFST's SEC EDGAR XBRL 10-K filing (FY2025, filed 2025-12-31, CIK 0001090009), Southern First Bancshares Inc. generated $1.85B in revenue (+7.7% YoY), $30.4M in net income, and $29.9M in free cash flow against $4.40B in total assets and $0 in total debt. Key quantitative strengths: Company leadership has skin in the game with net positive insider conviction. Primary risk factors monitored: Broader market pullbacks can still drag down strong stocks in the short run. Institutional options positioning shows a 50% call / 50% put premium split.
Impersonal quantitative research (0–100 RQD rubric) — not individualized investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Full Disclaimer
SEC Form 4 / 13F Thermometer: 70% Net Buy • Cannibal Buyback (-1.80% YoY Shares)
Altman Z-Score 3.80 (FORTRESS SAFE (>3.0)) • Piotroski F-Score 5/9
Put hedging (50% put share) caps near-term gamma upside (-12 pts vs max)
⚔️ Adversarial Opposing Case: Why the SFST Bull Thesis Could Fail
Even with a 59/100 (C-) score, SFST faces multiple-compression risk if 19.0x trailing P/E re-rate toward historical sector medians or if hyperscaler/enterprise customer concentration slows in upcoming 10-Q filings.
Broader market pullbacks can still drag down strong stocks in the short run.
Dilution & Margin Drag: Cannibal Buyback (-1.80% YoY Shares) — any gross margin slip below 49.5% triggers an automatic RQD downgrade.
Technical & Forensic Kill-Switch: A daily close below the 50D SMA ($61.01) or 200D SMA ($58.94) invalidates the momentum regime and cuts Target Base ($61.28) toward Bear Floor ($47.80).
Why SFST Stock surged +2.40% Today — RQD Quant Desk Flash
Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) surged +2.40% to $61.01, trading at 81% of its 52-week range ($43.7 – $65.09). Solid steady margins (8% return on capital), mixed timing at 19x P/E—hold if owned, no rush to chase.
- ▸Technical Tape: Trading at 81% of its 52-week range ($43.7 – $65.09) with RSI-14 at 52.2 (NEUTRAL RANGE).
- ▸Volatility Profile: Historical 20-day realized swing band of ±4.9% around $61.01 (no active unusual options sweep snapshot on file).
- ▸Fundamental Anchor: Roarable C- (Hold) backed by 52% gross margin and $29.9M annual free cash flow.
KTVB report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
Yahoo Finance report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
marketscreener.com report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
Simply Wall St report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
MarketBeat report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
TradingView report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
Yahoo Finance report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
Southern First Bancshares (NASDAQ:SFST) reported quarterly earnings of $1.30 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.25 by 4 percent. This is a 21.5 percent increase over earnings of $1.07 per share
Scheduled RQD Strong Buys & Whale Accumulation Briefing (SFST Tape Review)
- ✓Breakdown of the highest-scoring RQD Green-Light breakouts across our 5,200+ rated universe
- ✓Forensic Red-Light accounting & dilution traps to review on your watchlist
- ✓Includes downloadable .ics calendar invite & nightly RQD rating-change email alerts
SFST Dilution Monitor, Expectations Hurdle, Butterfly Connections & Policy Exposure
Multi-year comparable XBRL diluted share count not disclosed (ETF or recent listing).
vs. +7.7% actual YoY revenue growth (assuming 9.25% cost of equity & 16.5x terminal multiple).
No active Ellis Vennor swing setup published on SFST today. View full Setup Ledger →
No direct multi-tier Butterfly edges indexed yet for SFST. Explore sector supply chains on /butterfly.
📊 Quantitative Sector Peer Comparison, SEC Filing Delta & Investment FAQ (SFST)
1. Head-to-Head Financials Peer Comparison (SFST vs. BWB, BWFG, UNTY, BSVN)
Industry: Major Banks (248 Tracked Issuers)Across 1097 tracked Financials securities in the Roarable RQD universe, Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) ranks #430 by composite RQD confidence (59/100, grade C-) and #671 by equity capitalization ($579.0M). Within this direct 5-issuer industry benchmark cohort, UNTY leads on earnings valuation at 10.1x trailing P/E, while BSVN leads on capital efficiency and profitability with 17.2% ROIC and — gross margin. BSVN currently holds the highest overall quantitative score in the immediate peer group at 71/100 (B-) compared with SFST at 59/100 (C-).
| Ticker / Company | Roarable Grade | RQD Score | Trailing P/E | Gross Margin | ROIC | 1D Change | Market Cap | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFST
ACTIVE
Southern First Bancshares Inc. | C- | 59/100 | 19.0x | — | 8.2% | +2.40% | $579.0M | Benchmark Subject |
| BWB Bridgewater Bancshares Inc. | D+ | 52/100 | 12.3x | — | 8.9% | +2.03% | $577.7M | /bwb-vs-sfst → |
| BWFG Bankwell Financial Group Inc. | C | 65/100 | 15.8x | — | 11.7% | +2.40% | $581.5M | /bwfg-vs-sfst → |
| UNTY Unity Bancorp Inc. | C | 63/100 | 10.1x | — | 16.8% | +2.77% | $591.5M | /unty-vs-sfst → |
| BSVN Bank7 Corp. | B- | 71/100 | 13.1x | — | 17.2% | +0.02% | $558.6M | /bsvn-vs-sfst → |
2. Multi-Year SEC XBRL Revenue, Cash Flow & Balance-Sheet Trajectory (FY2023–FY2025)
SEC EDGAR 10-K • FILED 2025-12-31 • CIK 0001090009 ↗In its most recent audited fiscal period (FY2025, filed 2025-12-31), Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) reported GAAP revenue of $1.85B (+7.7% vs. FY2024 revenue of $1.72B , and +1720.7% cumulative change since FY2023) , GAAP net income of $30.4M, operating cash flow of $30.5M, and free cash flow of $29.9M (+20.6% YoY). On the balance sheet, SFST closed FY2025 with $4.40B in total assets against $0 in total debt (Altman Z-Score: N/A, Piotroski F-Score: 5/9).
| Fiscal Period | Filing Date | Revenue | Net Income | Operating Cash Flow | Free Cash Flow | Total Assets | Total Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 (FY) | 2025-12-31 | $1.85B | $30.4M | $30.5M | $29.9M | $4.40B | — |
| FY2024 (FY) | 2024-12-31 | $1.72B | $15.5M | $25.6M | $24.8M | $4.09B | — |
| FY2023 (FY) | 2023-12-31 | $101.6M | $13.4M | $17.7M | $17.7M | — | — |
3. SFST Data-Verified Investor FAQ (RQD Rating, Sector Peers, SEC Forensics & Technicals)
✓ SCHEMA.ORG FAQPAGE JSON-LD ENABLEDIs SFST stock a Buy, Hold, or Sell right now according to Roarable's RQD model?
As of 2026-11-03, Southern First Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST) is rated C- (Hold / HOLD) by Roarable's 5-pillar RQD engine with a composite confidence score of 59/100 at a spot price of $61.01 (+2.40% 1D, market cap $579.0M). Pillar breakdown: Fundamental Cash Engine 11/20, Institutional 13F & Options Flow 8/20, SEC Balance-Sheet Forensics 13/20, FRED Macro Regime Fit 13/20, and Executive Insider Alignment 14/20. Across 1097 tracked Financials issuers, SFST ranks #430 in composite RQD confidence.
How does SFST compare to BWB and BWFG in the Financials sector?
Within the Financials sector (Major Banks), SFST carries a Roarable C- (59/100 RQD), trailing P/E of 19.0x, gross margin of —, and ROIC of 8.2%. By comparison, BWB (Bridgewater Bancshares Inc.) holds a D+ grade (52/100 RQD, P/E 12.3x, ROIC 8.9%, cap $577.7M) and BWFG (Bankwell Financial Group Inc.) posts a C grade (65/100 RQD, P/E 15.8x, ROIC 11.7%, cap $581.5M). Among the 5-stock peer group, UNTY leads on earnings multiple (10.1x) while BSVN leads on capital efficiency (17.2% ROIC).
What are the biggest fundamental strengths and SEC risk factors for SFST?
Per SFST's SEC EDGAR XBRL 10-K filing (FY2025, filed 2025-12-31, CIK 0001090009), Southern First Bancshares Inc. generated $1.85B in revenue (+7.7% YoY), $30.4M in net income, and $29.9M in free cash flow against $4.40B in total assets and $0 in total debt. Key quantitative strengths: Company leadership has skin in the game with net positive insider conviction. Primary risk factors monitored: Broader market pullbacks can still drag down strong stocks in the short run. Institutional options positioning shows a 50% call / 50% put premium split.
Where is SFST trading relative to its 50-day, 200-day, and 52-week technical levels?
SFST last traded at $61.01 (+2.40% on volume of 89,620 shares), positioning the stock 0.00% above its 50-day simple moving average ($61.01) and +3.51% above its 200-day simple moving average ($58.94). Across its 52-week range of $43.70 to $65.09, SFST sits at the 80.9% percentile with a 14-day RSI of 52.2 (NEUTRAL RANGE) and an implied next-earnings move of ±4.9% ($58.02 to $64.00).
SFST — Southern First Bancshares Inc.: What the Facts Mean to a Prospective Investor
1. Roarable Rating Brief: What This Means to a Prospective Investor
Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) earns a live Roarable RQD composite score of 59/100, corresponding to a C- letter grade (Roarable Hold) at a spot price of $61.01 (+2.40% 1D, market capitalization $579.0M).
- Fundamental Cash Engine (11/20): Anchored by return on invested capital (ROIC) of 8.2%, gross margin of —, operating margin of —, and free cash flow yield of 5.18%.
- Whale 13F & Options Flow (8/20) + Insider Conviction (14/20): Tracks institutional 13F accumulation, CBOE options call/put positioning, and SEC Form 4 / Congressional PTR filings.
- Macro Regime Fit (13/20) + Forensic Balance Sheet (13/20): Incorporates a 1.00x equity beta, Altman Z-Score of N/A, Piotroski F-Score of 5/9, and Debt/Equity of N/A.
2. Business Model, Unit Margins & SEC Financial Trajectory
Southern First Bancshares Inc. Is a NASDAQ-listed issuer in the Financials sector, operating in the Major Banks industry..6B.
In its latest audited SEC EDGAR 10-K filing for FY2025 (filed 2025-12-31), Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) reported $1.85B in annual revenue (up from $1.72B in FY2024, +7.7% YoY) and $30.4M in GAAP net income. Over the multi-year SEC filing window from FY2023 ($101.6M revenue, $13.4M net income) through FY2025, SFST scaled operating cash flow to $30.5M and free cash flow to $29.9M, backed by $4.40B in total assets against $0 in total debt.
3. Institutional Bull vs. Bear Thesis & Valuation Tradeoff
- 🐂 Primary Bull Case (C- • RQD 59/100): Company leadership has skin in the game with net positive insider conviction. Free cash flow yield of 5.18% and institutional whale pillar of 8/20. With Fundamental Cash Engine at 11/20 and Institutional Whale Flow at 8/20, sustained execution supports upside toward the upper end of the $43.70 – $65.09 52-week range.
- 🐻 Primary Bear Case & Valuation Risk: Broader market pullbacks can still drag down strong stocks in the short run. Investors must weigh 19.0x trailing P/E against — operating margins and a 1.00x macro beta.
4. 2nd-Order Butterfly Ripples & Key Questions to Watch
Operating in Major Banks (Financials), SFST carries a macro regime beta of 1.00 and gross margin of —.
- Key Question #1: Can SFST sustain or expand its — operating margin and 8.2% ROIC against Major Banks peers over the next 4 quarters?
- Key Question #2: Following FY2025 revenue of $1.85B and free cash flow of $29.9M, how will capital allocation balance growth reinvestment against $0 in total debt?
- Key Question #3: How sensitive is SFST's 17.7x forward P/E multiple to Financials capital spending cycles and macro interest-rate shifts (Beta 1.00x)?
SFST Live News Feed, Press Releases & Catalyst Wire
Real-time company headlines, analyst actions, and sector developments for Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) • Click "Debate This Headline" to argue it in the Roar Pit below
Yahoo Finance report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
KTVB report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
Yahoo Finance report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
marketscreener.com report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
Simply Wall St report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
MarketBeat report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
TradingView report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
Yahoo Finance report covering Southern First Bancshares Inc. (SFST) market action, institutional positioning, and fundamental catalysts.
SFST Bull vs. Bear Conversation Board — What's Your Call at $61.01?
Net income more than doubled from $15.5M in FY 2024 to $30.4M in FY 2025 while the stock trades at a 17.7 forward P/E.
Here is why I am bullish on SFST here at $59.58: Net income more than doubled from $15.5M in FY 2024 to $30.4M in FY 2025 while the stock trades at a 17.7 forward P/E.. Compare SFST's 0.0% operating margin and 8.2% ROIC against the rest of Major Banks. As long as cash conversion holds up, dips toward $56.60 are getting bought.
@ShortSeller_Dan Shorting a 8/20 institutional whale-flow stock at $59.58 is dangerous when funds are rotating into Financials.
The RQD rating is only a C- with the whale-flow pillar at 10 of 20 and no dividend yield, and the Simply Wall St item carries a RED RIS
Sitting on the sidelines or leaning short SFST above $59.58. The RQD rating is only a C- with the whale-flow pillar at 10 of 20 and no dividend yield, and the Simply Wall St item carries a RED RISK WATCH flag.. Until Fundamental Cash Engine (11/20) and FCF yield (5.18%) inflect higher, upside is capped near $65.09.