KS Bancorp, Inc. (KSBI) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
KS Bancorp, Inc. (KSBI) trades at $80.89 with AI Score 51/100 (Grade B). KS Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for KS Bank, providing community banking services in North Carolina. Market cap: $89.6M, Sector: Financial services.
Price as of Aug 20, 2026 · Last analyzed: Mar 17, 2026Analyst Coverage for KSBI: KSBI does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates KSBI against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
KSBI: the 3 scored disciplines are evenly split. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bearish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A 9-signal quantitative MoonshotScore built from filings, insider activity, and market data — computed from the numbers, not from opinion.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
KS Bancorp, Inc. (KSBI) Financial Services Profile
KS Bancorp, Inc., through KS Bank, delivers community banking services in North Carolina, offering diverse deposit and loan products to consumers and businesses; its focus on local markets and wealth management positions it within the regional banking sector, underscored by a modest dividend yield of 1.40% and a P/E ratio of 9.59.
What Is the Investment Thesis for KSBI?
KS Bancorp, Inc. presents a focused investment opportunity within the regional banking sector, marked by a market capitalization of $89.6M and a profit margin of 19.8%. The company's strength lies in its community-centric banking model, offering diverse financial services across nine branches in North Carolina. Growth catalysts include expanding wealth management services and strategic loan offerings tailored to local businesses. However, the company faces potential risks from interest rate fluctuations and competition from larger regional banks. The current dividend yield of 1.40% provides a modest return, while a beta of 0.42 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market. Investors should monitor KSBI's ability to maintain its net interest margin and manage credit risk in its loan portfolio.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
KSBI Key Highlights
Market capitalization of $89.6M, reflecting its position as a smaller community bank.
- P/E ratio of 9.59, suggesting a potentially undervalued stock compared to industry peers.
- Profit margin of 19.8%, indicating efficient operations and profitability.
- Gross margin of 49.9%, highlighting the bank's ability to manage costs effectively.
- Dividend yield of 1.40%, providing a modest income stream for investors.
Who Are KSBI's Competitors?
KSBI is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSFO Bank of San Francisco | $43.80 | +0.00% | $95.8M | 52 |
| CIWV Citizens Financial Corp. | $48.00 | +0.00% | $81.6M | 51 |
| CMHF Community Heritage Financial, Inc. | $41.25 | +0.00% | $92.9M | 49 |
| FBTT First Bankers Trustshares, Inc. | $29.50 | +3.51% | $88.7M | 47 |
| KEFI Keweenaw Financial Corporation | $48.00 | +0.00% | $55.1M | 49 |
| HWBK Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. | $39.44 | +0.19% | $272M | 92 |
| FRAF Franklin Financial Services Corporation | $62.10 | +0.40% | $279M | 92 |
| FUNC First United Corporation | $43.35 | -0.55% | $280M | 92 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are KSBI's Key Strengths?
Strong local presence and community relationships.
- Diversified range of banking and wealth management services.
- Experienced management team with local market expertise.
- Solid financial performance with consistent profitability.
What Are KSBI's Weaknesses?
Limited geographic reach compared to larger regional banks.
- Dependence on local economy and market conditions.
- Smaller asset base and capital resources.
- OTC market listing may limit investor access.
What Could Drive KSBI Stock Higher?
Expansion of wealth management services to attract high-net-worth clients.
- Strategic partnerships with local businesses to increase loan volume.
- Implementation of new digital banking platforms to enhance customer experience.
- Branch network optimization to improve efficiency and market reach.
What Are the Key Risks for KSBI?
Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of -0.74 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Rising interest rates could negatively impact net interest margin.
- Economic downturn in North Carolina could increase loan defaults.
- Increased competition from larger regional and national banks.
- Cybersecurity threats and data breaches could damage reputation and incur costs.
- Limited liquidity due to OTC market listing.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for KSBI?
- Expansion of Wealth Management Services: KS Bancorp can capitalize on the growing demand for wealth management services in its operating region. By expanding its investment management, financial planning, and trust services, KSBI can attract high-net-worth individuals and families, increasing fee-based income. The market for wealth management services is projected to grow at 6% annually, reaching $40 trillion by 2028, offering a substantial opportunity for KSBI to increase its market share.
- Strategic Loan Offerings to Local Businesses: KS Bancorp can focus on providing tailored loan products to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in its operating area. By offering specialized financing solutions for equipment, real estate, and working capital, KSBI can support local economic growth and build long-term relationships with business clients. The SMB lending market is estimated at $800 billion annually, providing a significant opportunity for KSBI to expand its loan portfolio.
- Digital Banking and Mobile Payments: Investing in digital banking platforms and mobile payment solutions can enhance customer convenience and attract younger demographics. By offering user-friendly online and mobile banking services, KSBI can improve customer retention and expand its reach beyond its physical branch network. The digital banking market is projected to grow at 10% annually, reaching $9 trillion by 2027, making it a crucial area for investment.
- Community Engagement and Local Partnerships: Strengthening its ties with local communities through sponsorships, charitable donations, and financial literacy programs can enhance KS Bancorp's reputation and attract new customers. By actively participating in community events and supporting local initiatives, KSBI can build goodwill and differentiate itself from larger national banks. Community banks that actively engage with their local communities tend to experience higher customer loyalty and growth rates.
- Branch Network Optimization: KS Bancorp can optimize its branch network by strategically locating new branches in underserved areas and consolidating existing branches in overserved areas. By analyzing demographic trends and market conditions, KSBI can ensure that its branch network is aligned with customer needs and maximizes efficiency. The optimal branch network can improve customer access to banking services and reduce operating costs, contributing to increased profitability.
What Are KSBI's Competitive Advantages?
- Strong local presence and community relationships in North Carolina.
- Established reputation and brand recognition in its operating area.
- Personalized customer service and local market expertise.
- Diversified range of banking and wealth management services.
What Does KSBI Do?
KS Bancorp, Inc., incorporated in 1924 and headquartered in Smithfield, North Carolina, functions as the bank holding company for KS Bank, Inc. The bank provides a comprehensive suite of community banking services tailored to both consumers and businesses. Its offerings include a variety of personal deposit accounts, such as checking, savings, money market, and individual retirement accounts, alongside certificates of deposit. Loan products encompass vehicle, boat and marine, recreational, deposit/investment secured, student, debt consolidation, and home equity loans, as well as home equity lines of credit and credit cards. For businesses, KS Bank provides business checking and savings accounts, payroll card accounts, construction loans (including builders' speculative and pre-sale and commercial builder loans), commercial loans (covering equipment, facilities purchase, debt refinancing, and real estate), and lines of credit for seasonal cash needs, inventory financing, and receivables financing. The bank also offers merchant, payroll, cash management, and remote deposit services, along with mortgage services, including home purchase, home refinance, and construction/permanent loans. KS Bank further extends its services to wealth management, encompassing investment management, financial and retirement planning, trust and estate services, and private banking. The bank operates through nine full-service branch offices located in Kenly, Goldsboro, Wilson, Garner, Selma, Clayton, Wendell, Four Oaks, and Smithfield, North Carolina, focusing on serving the banking needs of its local communities.
What Products and Services Does KSBI Offer?
- Provides personal deposit accounts including checking, savings, and money market accounts.
- Offers a range of loan products such as vehicle, home equity, and student loans.
- Provides business banking services including checking, savings, and payroll card accounts.
- Offers commercial loans for equipment, real estate, and debt refinancing.
- Provides merchant, payroll, and cash management services.
- Offers mortgage services for home purchase and refinance.
- Provides wealth management services including investment management and retirement planning.
How Does KSBI Make Money?
- Generates revenue through interest income from loans.
- Earns fees from deposit accounts and other banking services.
- Provides wealth management services for a fee.
- Manages risk through careful loan underwriting and diversification.
What Industry Does KSBI Operate In?
KS Bancorp, Inc. operates within the competitive regional banking sector, characterized by increasing consolidation and technological disruption. The industry is influenced by interest rate environments, regulatory changes, and economic conditions. Regional banks like KSBI face competition from larger national banks and credit unions, requiring them to differentiate through personalized service and local market expertise. The trend towards digital banking and mobile payments necessitates ongoing investment in technology to remain competitive. The regional banking sector is expected to see moderate growth, driven by increasing demand for loans and financial services from small businesses and consumers.
Who Are KSBI's Key Customers?
- Individual consumers seeking personal banking services.
- Small and medium-sized businesses requiring commercial loans and banking solutions.
- High-net-worth individuals seeking wealth management services.
- Local communities served by its branch network in North Carolina.
KS Bancorp, Inc. Financial Trajectory
KS Bancorp, Inc. (KSBI) reported $13.9M in revenue for Q2 2026, reflecting 4.1% growth compared to the prior quarter. The company recorded net income of $2.9M, with diluted EPS of $2.57. Revenue has increased across the last three reported quarters, suggesting sustained momentum for this micro-cap Financial Services company. Across the four most recent quarters, KSBI averaged $2.37 in diluted EPS.
Company Profile
KS Bancorp, Inc. operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Smithfield, US. The company is led by CEO Earl W. Worley Jr.. KSBI has traded publicly since 2003.
How KS Bancorp, Inc. Is Valued
KS Bancorp, Inc. carries a market capitalization of $89.6M, placing it in the micro-cap category. Relative to its peer group, KSBI's quantitative score of 51/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 50/100.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for KS Bancorp, Inc. stands at 18.4%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 1.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. KSBI trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 8.72, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 0.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.00 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 11.5%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Financial Health
KS Bancorp, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 5/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of -0.74 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
KSBI Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Strong local presence and community relationships.
- Diversified range of banking and wealth management services.
- Experienced management team with local market expertise.
- Solid financial performance with consistent profitability.
Bear Case
- Limited geographic reach compared to larger regional banks.
- Dependence on local economy and market conditions.
- Smaller asset base and capital resources.
- OTC market listing may limit investor access.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · August 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2026 | $14M | $3M | $2.57 |
| Q1 2026 | $13M | $3M | $2.34 |
| Q4 2025 | $13M | $3M | $2.31 |
| Q3 2025 | $12M | $2M | $2.24 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
KSBI Latest News
No recent news available for KSBI.
KSBI Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for KSBI.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for KSBI.
KSBI MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates KSBI 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Earl W. Worley Jr.
CEO
Earl W. Worley Jr. serves as the CEO of KS Bancorp, Inc. His career spans several decades in the banking industry, with a focus on community banking and financial services. He has held various leadership positions within KS Bank, gaining extensive experience in lending, operations, and strategic planning. Worley is actively involved in local community organizations and has a deep understanding of the North Carolina banking market. His educational background includes a degree in Business Administration.
Track Record: Under Earl W. Worley Jr.'s leadership, KS Bancorp has maintained consistent profitability and expanded its range of services. He has overseen the strategic growth of the bank's branch network and the implementation of new technologies to enhance customer service. Worley has also focused on strengthening the bank's relationships with local businesses and communities, contributing to its reputation as a trusted financial partner. He has successfully navigated the bank through various economic cycles, maintaining a strong balance sheet and managing credit risk effectively.
KSBI OTC Market Information
The OTC Other tier represents the lowest tier of the OTC market, indicating that KSBI may not meet the minimum financial standards or reporting requirements of higher tiers like OTCQX or OTCQB. Companies in this tier may have limited financial disclosure, potentially increasing investment risk. Trading on the OTC Other market typically involves less regulatory oversight compared to exchanges like the NYSE or NASDAQ, requiring investors to exercise greater caution and conduct thorough due diligence.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Limited financial disclosure and transparency.
- Lower trading volume and liquidity.
- Wider bid-ask spreads and price volatility.
- Less regulatory oversight compared to listed exchanges.
- Potential for fraud or manipulation.
- Verify the company's financial statements and SEC filings (if any).
- Research the company's management team and their track record.
- Assess the company's business model and competitive landscape.
- Evaluate the company's risk factors and potential liabilities.
- Check for any regulatory actions or legal disputes.
- Review the company's OTC Markets profile and disclosure status.
- Consult with a financial advisor before investing.
- Long operating history since 1924.
- Established branch network in North Carolina.
- Provision of audited financial statements (if available).
- Active engagement with local communities.
- Membership in industry associations.
KS Bancorp, Inc. Financial Services Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does the AI Score mean for KSBI?
KSBI holds an AI Score of 51/100 (Grade: B). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. KS Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for KS Bank, providing community banking services in North Carolina. With a focus on personal and business banking, the company operates nine full-service …
What does KS Bancorp, Inc. do?
KS Bancorp, Inc., through its subsidiary KS Bank, provides a range of community banking services to consumers and businesses in North Carolina. These services include personal and business deposit accounts, various loan products, mortgage services, and wealth management. The company operates nine full-service branch offices and focuses on building strong relationships with local communities. KS Bancorp aims to provide personalized financial solutions to meet the needs of its customers.
What do analysts say about KSBI stock?
As of March 17, 2026, formal analyst ratings for KSBI are limited due to its OTC market listing and smaller market capitalization. However, fundamental analysis suggests that KSBI's P/E ratio of 9.59 may indicate undervaluation compared to its peers.
What are the main risks for KSBI?
KSBI faces several risks inherent to the banking industry, including interest rate risk, credit risk, and regulatory risk. Rising interest rates could compress the bank's net interest margin, while an economic downturn could lead to increased loan defaults. The company also faces competition from larger regional and national banks, as well as cybersecurity threats and data breaches.
What are the key factors to evaluate for KSBI?
KS Bancorp, Inc. (KSBI) holds an AI score of 51/100 (moderate). presents a focused investment opportunity within the regional banking sector, marked by a market capitalization of $89.6M and a profit margin of 19.8%. Not financial advice.
How frequently does KSBI data refresh on this page?
KSBI's price was last updated on Aug 20, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven KSBI's recent stock price performance?
KS Bancorp, Inc. (KSBI) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong local presence and community relationships. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider KSBI overvalued or undervalued right now?
KS Bancorp, Inc. (KSBI) has no trailing P/E available here, so lean on price-to-sales and cash flow in the Financials tab. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
How do I research KSBI before investing?
Before investing in KS Bancorp, Inc. (KSBI), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) analyst consensus ratings and price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- OTC market data may be less reliable than exchange-listed data.
- Analyst coverage may be limited due to small market capitalization.