WallStSmart

Southern First Bancshares Inc (SFST)vsSun Life Financial Inc. (SLF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Sun Life Financial Inc. generates 27481% more annual revenue ($35.53B vs $128.81M). SFST leads profitability with a 30.7% profit margin vs 9.5%. SLF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.61. SFST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

SFST

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.77

SLF

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

SFST6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.7%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
44.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 44.0%

P/E RatioValuation
13.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.8%8/10

Revenue surging 24.8% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
48.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 48.1% YoY

SLF2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$597.86M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.772/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SLF1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.614/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : SFST

The strongest argument for SFST centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.7% and operating margin at 44.0%. Revenue growth of 24.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SLF

The strongest argument for SLF centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : SFST

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

Bear Case : SLF

The primary concerns for SLF are PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SFST profiles as a growth stock while SLF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

SLF carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.

SFST is growing revenue faster at 24.8% — sustainability is the question.

SLF generates stronger free cash flow (90M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SFST scores higher overall (71/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 30.7% margins and 24.8% revenue growth. 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.

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.

Sun Life Financial Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Sun Life Financial Inc., a financial services company, provides insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate clients around the world. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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