Southern First Bancshares Inc (SFST)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
SFST
Southern First Bancshares Inc
$53.30
-0.30%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $427.53M
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$51.89
-0.48%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $81.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 22789% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $115.14M). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% profit margin vs 26.4%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.80. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).
SFST
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
USB
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+66.4%
Fair Value
$174.10
Current Price
$53.30
$120.80 discount
Margin of Safety
+75.8%
Fair Value
$214.00
Current Price
$51.89
$162.11 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 44.1%
Earnings expanding 75.2% YoY
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 22.6% year-over-year
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SFST
The strongest argument for SFST centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.4% and operating margin at 44.1%. Revenue growth of 22.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.
Bear Case : SFST
The primary concerns for SFST are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, 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 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
SFST is growing revenue faster at 22.6% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 28.7% margins. SFST offers better value entry with a 66.4% margin of safety. 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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