WallStSmart

Itau Unibanco Banco Holding SA (ITUB)vsSouthern First Bancshares Inc (SFST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Itau Unibanco Banco Holding SA generates 113268% more annual revenue ($138.19B vs $121.89M). ITUB leads profitability with a 33.3% profit margin vs 28.7%. ITUB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. ITUB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

ITUB

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9

SFST

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.77

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ITUB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
33.3%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.1%

Market CapQuality
$86.63B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SFST6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
41.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
83.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 83.1% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
26.2%8/10

Revenue surging 26.2% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

ITUB4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.1%2/10

Revenue declined 2.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-5.87B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Debt/EquityHealth
4.991/10

Elevated debt levels

SFST3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.314/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$557.57M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.772/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ITUB

The strongest argument for ITUB centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.3% and operating margin at 33.1%. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : SFST

The strongest argument for SFST centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 41.2%. Revenue growth of 26.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ITUB

The primary concerns for ITUB are Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 4.99 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SFST

The primary concerns for SFST are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ITUB profiles as a declining stock while SFST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

SFST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.69 — expect wider price swings.

SFST is growing revenue faster at 26.2% — sustainability is the question.

SFST generates stronger free cash flow (10M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ITUB scores higher overall (74/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 33.3% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Itau Unibanco Banco Holding SA

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Ita Unibanco Holding SA offers a range of financial products and services in Brazil and internationally. The company is headquartered in So Paulo, Brazil.

Southern First Bancshares Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. is the banking holding company for Southern First Bank offering various banking products and services to the general public in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. The company is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.

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