Southern First vs FTAC Parnassus Acquisition

Southern First (SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES) and FTAC Parnassus Acquisition (FTAC PARNASSUS ACQUISITION-A) are presented to compare relevant aspects of their approaches. This page compares business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. Readers can examine how each company positions itself, its revenue structure, and its market environment, without presupposing outcomes. Educational content, not financial advice.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

SFST

Metric

FTPA

$445.61M

Market Cap

$347.33M

56.95%

Potential Profit

N/A

Buy

Analyst Rating

N/A

Investment Analysis

Southern First

SFST

Pros

Southern First Bancshares has shown revenue growth of over 8% and earnings growth of more than 15% in 2024, indicating improving financial performance.
The company operates in multiple Southeastern U.S. states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, diversifying its regional exposure within its commercial and retail banking focus.
Recent insider buying by a company director signals confidence in the company’s near-term earnings potential and stability.

Considerations

Southern First Bancshares’ market capitalization is modest at around $360 million, which may limit liquidity and appeal to larger institutional investors.
The stock trades slightly above its estimated intrinsic value, suggesting it may be modestly overvalued based on current valuation metrics.
With no dividend currently paid, investors seeking income may find the stock less attractive compared to dividend-paying peers.

FTAC Parnassus Acquisition

FTPA

Pros

FTAC Parnassus Acquisition Corp is a blank-check special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) focused on technology and financial services sectors, benefiting from targeted acquisition opportunities.
The SPAC structure allows investors to participate in potential high-growth mergers or acquisitions before deal completion.
Separate trading of stocks and warrants for FTAC Parnassus provides flexible investment options for shareholders.

Considerations

As a SPAC, FTAC Parnassus carries the uncertainty and execution risk associated with finding and completing a suitable acquisition.
Valuation and future performance depend heavily on the success of an acquisition and integration, which remains speculative until announced.
The absence of operating revenue or earnings means investment depends on external factors and market sentiment around the acquisition target.

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.

FTAC Parnassus Acquisition (FTPA)

The Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF (FTPA) is an exchange-traded fund designed for investors seeking a stream of income with potential tax advantages. Its primary objective is to deliver income that is exempt from both federal income tax and Pennsylvania's personal income tax. The fund achieves this by investing primarily in a portfolio of 'investment-grade' municipal bonds issued by entities within the state of Pennsylvania. These bonds are essentially loans made to local governments and agencies to fund public projects. By focusing on investment-grade quality, the fund aims to manage credit risk, although like any bond investment, its value can be affected by changes in interest rates and market conditions. An ETF structure offers investors a way to gain diversified exposure to this specific market segment through a single, tradable security. As with any investment, capital is at risk, and the value of the ETF can go down as well as up.

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

Explore Basket

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Riding The Southeast Consolidation Wave

Published: July 26, 2025

Explore Basket

Buy SFST or FTPA in Nemo

🆓

Zero Commission

Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.

🔒

Trusted & Regulated

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

💰

6% Interest on Cash

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

Discover More Comparisons

Southern First vs Runway Growth Finance

Southern First vs Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Debt Fund

Southern First vs Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Southern First vs FTAC Parnassus Acquisition

Comparison Snapshot