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.

Compare

Total return — BWB vs SFST

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 9y
BWB +61.9% (+5.5%/yr)SFST +31.6% (+3.1%/yr)BWB compounded faster over this window
50100150Start $1002020202220242026$162$132
BWB SFST

BWB 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

MetricBWBSFST
P/E ratio11.0712.91
Forward P/E11.0912.09
PEG ratio1.101.31
P/S ratio2.222.70
P/B ratio1.181.26

Profitability

MetricBWBSFST
Operating margin13.20%24.12%
Net margin22.07%18.71%
ROE10.28%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)

MetricBWBSFST
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.

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.