Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (BWB) vs Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (SFST)
A side-by-side comparison of Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. and Southern First Bancshares, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Total return — BWB vs SFST
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 9yBWB vs SFST: by the numbers
- •SFST is the larger company ($571M vs $568M market cap).
- •BWB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.07 vs 12.91 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •BWB converts more revenue to profit (22.07% vs 18.71% net margin).
- •SFST grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.98% vs 15.26% CAGR).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | BWB | SFST |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 11.07 | 12.91 |
| Forward P/E | 11.09 | 12.09 |
| PEG ratio | 1.10 | 1.31 |
| P/S ratio | 2.22 | 2.70 |
| P/B ratio | 1.18 | 1.26 |
Profitability
| Metric | BWB | SFST |
|---|---|---|
| Operating margin | 13.20% | 24.12% |
| Net margin | 22.07% | 18.71% |
| ROE | 10.28% | 8.76% |
Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc.: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.
Southern First Bancshares, Inc.: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | BWB | SFST |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 15.26% | 15.98% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 10.00% | 9.73% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.57% | 2.17% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, BWB or SFST?
- BWB has the lower trailing P/E: BWB trades at 11.07 and SFST at 12.91. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, BWB or SFST?
- Over the past five years, SFST grew revenue faster — BWB at a 15.26% CAGR versus SFST at 15.98%.
- Is BWB or SFST more profitable?
- BWB runs the higher net margin — BWB at 22.07% versus SFST at 18.71%.
- How have BWB and SFST total returns compared?
- Over the past 5 years, BWB delivered 2.57% and SFST delivered 2.17% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Bridgewater Bancshares & Southern First Bancshares appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.