Southern First Bancshares Inc (SFST)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
SFST
Southern First Bancshares Inc
$63.12
-0.47%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $597.86M
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$62.84
+0.69%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $97.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 21109% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $128.81M). SFST leads profitability with a 30.7% profit margin vs 29.9%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.88. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
SFST
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
USB
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.0%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 24.8% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 48.1% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 39.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 21.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.9% and operating margin at 39.7%. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : SFST
The primary concerns for SFST are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SFST profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.
SFST is growing revenue faster at 24.8% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (77/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 29.9% margins and 10.4% 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.
U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
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