BlackRock Science and Technology Trust vs Lakeland Financial

This page compares BlackRock Science and Technology Trust and Lakeland Financial Corp, examining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way for readers seeking context. Educational content, not financial advice.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

BST

Metric

LKFN

$1.39B

Market Cap

$1.50B

N/A

Potential Profit

9.01%

N/A

Analyst Rating

Hold

Investment Analysis

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust

BST

Pros

Strong historical performance with NAV total return exceeding 16% year-to-date as of late 2025.
Attractive dividend yield around 7.0%, supported by monthly tax-efficient distributions.
Managed by BlackRock with a diversified portfolio concentrated in leading technology companies like NVIDIA and Microsoft.

Considerations

Relatively high gross expense ratio above 1%, which could impact net returns over time.
Exposure concentrated in the volatile science and technology sector, increasing sensitivity to market fluctuations.
Lack of ESG investment focus may deter investors prioritising sustainability criteria.

Lakeland Financial

LKFN

Pros

Steady regional bank with consistent community banking focus and stable deposit base.
Favourable asset quality metrics reflecting conservative lending practices and low non-performing assets.
Strong capital ratios supporting resilience against economic and regulatory pressures.

Considerations

Growth prospects may be constrained by regional market saturation and competition.
Interest rate fluctuations can impact net interest margins and profitability.
Subject to regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs inherent in the banking sector.

About The Companies

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST)

The BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) is a closed-end investment fund that offers investors a way to gain exposure to the global science and technology sectors. Its main goal is to deliver both income and long-term growth. To do this, the trust typically invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of science and technology companies, from large household names to smaller, emerging firms across the US and other countries. A distinctive part of its strategy involves selling 'call' and 'put' options to generate additional income for the portfolio. Managed by BlackRock Advisors, the trust holds a diversified portfolio across industries like software, semiconductors, and IT services. As with any investment, the value can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. It’s a vehicle for those looking for broad exposure to a dynamic sector.

Lakeland Financial (LKFN)

Lakeland Financial Corp (LKFN) is a regional bank holding company with a market capitalisation of about $1.56bn. It operates through a community banking subsidiary offering commercial and consumer loans, deposit accounts and related treasury services. Investors often focus on net interest margin, loan growth, asset quality and efficiency as key drivers of profitability; results can be sensitive to interest-rate movements and the health of local economies. Strengths can include customer deposit stability and relationship lending, while risks include credit losses, competition from larger banks and non-bank lenders, and regulatory oversight. For valuation and comparative purposes, look at price-to-book, return on assets and tangible common equity versus peers. This summary is educational and not personalised investment advice — consider reading the company’s filings, recent results and speak to a qualified adviser to assess suitability for your situation.

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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6% Interest on Cash

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Comparison Snapshot