Southern First vs Citizens & Northern

Southern First and Citizens & Northern are compared on this page to examine business models, financial performance, and market context in a clear, neutral manner. The analysis covers strategy, operations, and market positioning to provide accessible, factual insight for readers seeking understanding. Educational content, not financial advice.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

SFST

Metric

CZNC

$445.61M

Market Cap

$381.32M

56.95%

Potential Profit

18.72%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Investment Analysis

Southern First

SFST

Pros

Southern First Bancshares reported strong Q3 2025 results with significant earnings per share growth and expanding net interest margins.
The company maintains a high return on equity of 17.1%, reflecting efficient management and strong profitability.
Southern First Bancshares has demonstrated robust revenue growth and asset quality, positioning it well for potential industry consolidation.

Considerations

The stock trades with above-average volatility, which may increase risk for short-term investors.
Sentiment remains neutral with a Fear & Greed Index indicating caution, suggesting limited upside momentum in the near term.
Analyst price targets are modest, reflecting expectations of only moderate share price appreciation over the next year.

Citizens & Northern

CZNC

Pros

Citizens & Northern Corp operates as a stable community bank with a diversified portfolio of banking and mortgage services.
The company benefits from a long-standing reputation and established customer relationships in its regional markets.
Community banks like Citizens & Northern often enjoy lower exposure to large-scale financial market disruptions compared to larger peers.

Considerations

Growth prospects may be limited due to the company's regional focus and smaller scale relative to national competitors.
Profitability metrics for regional banks have faced pressure from rising funding costs and competitive lending environments.
The sector is sensitive to interest rate changes, which could impact net interest margins and overall earnings stability.

About The Companies

Southern First (SFST)

Southern First Bancshares (SFST) is a small‑capitalisation banking group (market cap US$345.64m) that operates in the regional banking sector. Investors should know its performance is typically driven by net interest margin, loan growth, deposit trends and credit quality rather than broad-market momentum. As a smaller bank, it can be more sensitive to local economic conditions, funding costs and regulatory changes. Key metrics to track include loan loss provisions, non-performing assets, capital ratios and deposit stability. Market capitalisation in this range often means lower liquidity and higher share-price volatility compared with larger banks. Income from interest and fee-based services can support earnings, but dividends — if paid — are subject to board discretion and regulatory limits. This summary aims to inform general research and is not personal investment advice; values can rise and fall and past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

Citizens & Northern (CZNC)

Citizens & Northern Corp is the bank holding company for Citizens & Northern Bank, a regional financial institution with deep roots in Pennsylvania and New York. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial services catering to both personal and commercial customers. These services include traditional deposit and loan products, alongside more specialised wealth management and insurance solutions. Its wealth management division provides services like retirement planning, asset management, and estate settlement. With a network of branches across numerous counties, it has established a strong local presence. For investors, Citizens & Northern presents a profile of a community-focused bank that has diversified its offerings. As with any financial institution, its performance can be influenced by regional economic trends and interest rate changes. It's important to remember that past performance is not an indicator of future results and all investments carry risk.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Riding The Southeast Consolidation Wave

The merger of Pinnacle Financial and Synovus Financial creates a dominant regional bank in the Southeastern U.S. This major deal could trigger a wave of consolidation, creating opportunities among other regional banks poised for similar strategic moves.

Published: July 26, 2025

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Riding The Southeast Consolidation Wave

Published: July 26, 2025

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Buy SFST or CZNC in Nemo

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Trusted & Regulated

Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.

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6% Interest on Cash

Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.

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Southern First vs Citizens & Northern

Comparison Snapshot