Southern First Bancshares Hits New 52-Week High

Analysts Weigh In on Whether It's Time to Buy the Stock

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Shares of Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFST) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday, trading as high as $62.00. The stock closed at $61.44, with a trading volume of 4,096 shares. The company, which is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, provides a full spectrum of commercial and consumer banking services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern First Bank.

Why it matters

The new 52-week high for Southern First Bancshares' stock price suggests that investors are bullish on the company's performance and growth prospects. As a community-oriented financial institution, Southern First Bank's ability to navigate the changing banking landscape and deliver strong financial results is closely watched by analysts and investors.

The details

Several research firms have recently weighed in on SFST. Weiss Ratings reiterated a "hold (c+)" rating on the stock, while Piper Sandler raised its price target from $54.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating. Wall Street Zen upgraded the stock from "hold" to "buy". However, Zacks Research downgraded Southern First Bancshares from a "strong-buy" to a "hold" rating.

  • On Thursday, Southern First Bancshares' stock reached a new 52-week high of $62.00.

The players

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.

A community-oriented financial institution headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, that provides a full spectrum of commercial and consumer banking services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern First Bank.

Weiss Ratings

A research firm that reiterated a "hold (c+)" rating on Southern First Bancshares' stock.

Piper Sandler

A research firm that raised its price target for Southern First Bancshares' stock from $54.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating.

Wall Street Zen

A research firm that upgraded Southern First Bancshares' stock from "hold" to "buy".

Zacks Research

A research firm that downgraded Southern First Bancshares' stock from a "strong-buy" to a "hold" rating.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.