Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) 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.
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) trades at $14.00 with AI Score 45/100 (Grade C). Sugar Creek Financial Corp. Market cap: $11.0M, Sector: Financial services.
Price as of Aug 21, 2026 · Last analyzed: Jun 15, 2026Analyst Coverage for SUGR: SUGR 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 SUGR against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
SUGR: 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.
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) Financial Services Profile
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. serves as the holding company for Tempo Bank, a long-established regional bank in Trenton, Illinois, providing diverse deposit and lending solutions. With a history dating back to 1889, it combines traditional community banking with modern digital services, operating within the financial services sector on the OTC Other market.
What Is the Investment Thesis for SUGR?
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) presents a profile as a regional banking entity with a long operational history, offering stability within its local market. The company, through Tempo Bank, provides essential financial services, including diverse deposit products and a comprehensive lending portfolio, catering to both consumer and business needs in Trenton, Illinois. Key financial metrics indicate a profitable operation with a profit margin of 66.6% and a gross margin of 100.0%, suggesting efficient revenue generation relative to its size. The P/E ratio of 7.2 may indicate a potentially undervalued asset compared to broader market averages, though this must be considered within the context of its OTC listing and regional banking sector. Growth catalysts are likely tied to continued local market penetration, enhancing digital banking adoption among its customer base, and prudent expansion of its loan portfolio. The company's established presence since 1889 fosters community trust, a significant competitive advantage for regional banks. However, risks include the inherent challenges of operating on the OTC market, such as lower liquidity and less stringent disclosure requirements, alongside broader economic factors affecting loan demand and credit quality in its specific geographic region.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
SUGR Key Highlights
Market capitalization stands at $0.01 billion, reflecting its status as a smaller, regional financial institution.
- The company reports a P/E ratio of 7.2, which may suggest a valuation point for investors considering its earnings.
- Sugar Creek Financial Corp. achieved a robust profit margin of 66.6%, indicating strong profitability from its operations.
- A gross margin of 100.0% highlights the efficiency in its core banking services before operating expenses.
- The company operates with a lean structure, employing 18 individuals, underscoring its focused regional banking model.
Who Are SUGR's Competitors?
SUGR is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| ATLO Ames National Corporation | $31.73 | +1.44% | $281M | 92 |
| FDBC Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. | $54.33 | +0.15% | $315M | 91 |
| NWFL Norwood Financial Corp. | $33.60 | -2.24% | $366M | 92 |
| FNLC The First Bancorp, Inc. | $34.53 | -3.01% | $389M | 91 |
| PKBK Parke Bancorp, Inc. | $34.15 | +0.83% | $404M | 92 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are SUGR's Key Strengths?
Long-standing operational history since 1889, fostering strong community trust and brand recognition.
- Comprehensive suite of banking products and services catering to diverse customer needs.
- Robust profit margin of 66.6% and gross margin of 100.0%, indicating efficient operations.
- Integration of modern digital banking services alongside traditional offerings.
What Are SUGR's Weaknesses?
Small employee base (18 employees) may limit scalability and capacity for rapid expansion.
- Limited geographic reach, primarily focused on Trenton, Illinois, making it susceptible to local economic downturns.
- Reliance on a regional market may restrict growth opportunities compared to larger banks.
- Operating on the OTC market may result in lower visibility and investor interest.
What Could Drive SUGR Stock Higher?
SUGR catalyst: **Digital Banking Adoption:** Continued enhancement and customer adoption of online bill payment, mobile deposit, and internet banking can streamline operations and attract a broader customer base, improving efficiency and reach.
- **Local Economic Growth:** Positive economic developments in Trenton, Illinois, and surrounding areas could stimulate loan demand and deposit growth, directly benefiting Tempo Bank's core business.
- **Community Engagement Initiatives:** Sustained efforts to deepen community ties and offer tailored local financial products can strengthen customer loyalty and attract new business within its operating region.
What Are the Key Risks for SUGR?
Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.12 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Weak fundamentals — a Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags soft profitability, leverage or efficiency.
- **Regional Economic Downturn:** A significant economic contraction in Trenton, Illinois, could lead to reduced loan demand, increased loan defaults, and lower deposit growth, impacting profitability.
- **Competitive Pressure:** Intense competition from larger banks and agile fintech companies offering advanced digital services could erode market share and pressure margins.
- **Interest Rate Volatility:** Fluctuations in interest rates can negatively affect the bank's net interest margin, impacting its primary source of revenue.
- **Regulatory Compliance Burden:** As a regulated financial institution, SUGR faces ongoing costs and complexities associated with complying with banking regulations, which can be particularly burdensome for smaller entities.
- **OTC Market Risks:** The 'OTC Other' listing means lower liquidity, less transparency, and potential difficulty in valuation, posing inherent risks for investors.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for SUGR?
- Growth opportunity 1: **Expanding Digital Banking Services and Reach** - Sugar Creek Financial Corp. can significantly enhance its market position by further investing in and promoting its digital banking capabilities, including online bill payment, mobile deposit, and internet banking. While already offered, continuous improvement and expansion of these services can attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic and improve convenience for existing customers, potentially extending its reach within and slightly beyond its immediate geographic footprint without requiring costly physical branch expansion. The global digital banking market is projected to grow substantially, offering regional banks an avenue to remain competitive and efficient. By optimizing the user experience and adding new features, Tempo Bank can capture a larger share of the local market seeking modern financial solutions.
- Growth opportunity 2: **Deepening Local Market Penetration and Community Engagement** - Leveraging its founding year of 1889, Sugar Creek Financial Corp. has a distinct advantage in its local Trenton, Illinois market through Tempo Bank's long-standing community presence. A growth strategy focused on deepening relationships with local businesses, agricultural enterprises (if applicable to the region), and individual residents through tailored financial products and community initiatives can yield significant returns. This involves actively participating in local events, sponsoring community programs, and offering specialized lending or deposit products that directly address the unique needs of the Trenton community. This approach fosters strong customer loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals, which are invaluable for regional banks in a competitive landscape.
- Growth opportunity 3: **Targeted Loan Portfolio Expansion** - Sugar Creek Financial Corp. can identify specific, underserved lending niches within its operational area to strategically expand its loan portfolio. This might involve focusing on particular types of consumer loans, such as specialized auto financing or home improvement loans, or expanding its commercial lending to small and medium-sized businesses that may struggle to secure financing from larger institutions. By developing expertise and efficient underwriting processes for these targeted segments, Tempo Bank can achieve higher yields and diversify its revenue streams. This focused approach allows the bank to grow its asset base prudently while mitigating broader market risks, contributing to sustainable profitability.
- Growth opportunity 4: **Optimizing Deposit Acquisition and Retention Strategies** - A stable and diversified deposit base is crucial for any bank, providing a low-cost source of funding for lending activities. Sugar Creek Financial Corp. can implement enhanced strategies to attract and retain a broader range of deposit accounts, including competitive rates for savings and CDs, attractive checking account features for both individuals and businesses, and specialized offerings like high-yield money market accounts. By focusing on customer service excellence and offering convenient digital tools, Tempo Bank can strengthen its deposit franchise. A robust deposit base not only supports loan growth but also enhances the bank's liquidity and overall financial stability, reducing reliance on more volatile funding sources.
- Growth opportunity 5: **Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through Technology Adoption** - Investing in and adopting advanced banking technologies beyond customer-facing digital services can significantly improve Sugar Creek Financial Corp.'s operational efficiency. This includes streamlining back-office processes, automating routine tasks, improving data analytics for better decision-making in lending and risk management, and enhancing cybersecurity measures. By reducing manual processes and optimizing resource allocation, Tempo Bank can lower its operating costs, improve service delivery speed, and free up staff to focus on higher-value customer interactions. These efficiency gains directly contribute to improved profitability and allow the bank to allocate more resources towards growth initiatives and customer satisfaction.
What Are SUGR's Competitive Advantages?
- **Established Local Presence:** Founded in 1889, Tempo Bank has a long history and deep roots in Trenton, Illinois, fostering strong community trust and loyalty.
- **Personalized Customer Service:** As a regional bank, it can offer more personalized and relationship-based banking services compared to larger national institutions.
- **Local Market Expertise:** Intimate knowledge of the local economy, community needs, and specific lending opportunities in its operating region.
- **Comprehensive Local Offerings:** Provides a full range of deposit and lending products tailored to the specific demands of its local customer base.
What Does SUGR Do?
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. functions as the parent company for Tempo Bank, a regional financial institution deeply rooted in its community. Established in 1889, the corporation boasts a long-standing history of serving the financial needs of individuals and businesses in Trenton, Illinois, where its headquarters remain. Over its more than a century of operation, Tempo Bank has evolved from a traditional brick-and-mortar institution to one that embraces modern banking conveniences while maintaining its community-focused ethos. The bank provides a comprehensive suite of banking products and services designed to meet diverse customer requirements. On the deposit side, offerings include various checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), providing secure and accessible options for managing personal and business finances. Its lending portfolio is equally robust, encompassing consumer loans for personal needs, automotive loans for vehicle purchases, mortgage loans for homeownership, and home equity loans, allowing clients to leverage their property's value. In addition to these core services, Tempo Bank issues debit cards, facilitating convenient transactions, and supports a range of digital banking solutions. These include online bill payment, mobile deposit capabilities, and comprehensive internet banking, ensuring customers can manage their finances securely and efficiently from anywhere. This blend of historical presence and contemporary service positions Sugar Creek Financial Corp. as a key financial partner in its operating region.
What Products and Services Does SUGR Offer?
- Operates as the parent company for Tempo Bank, a regional financial institution.
- Provides a comprehensive suite of deposit accounts, including checking, savings, CDs, and IRAs.
- Offers various lending products such as consumer, automotive, mortgage, and home equity loans.
- Issues debit cards for convenient transactions and access to funds.
- Supports modern digital banking services like online bill payment, mobile deposit, and internet banking.
- Serves individuals and businesses primarily within its local community of Trenton, Illinois.
How Does SUGR Make Money?
- Generates interest income from its diverse portfolio of consumer, automotive, mortgage, and home equity loans.
- Earns non-interest income through various banking fees, including service charges on deposit accounts and debit card transaction fees.
- Attracts and retains customer deposits (checking, savings, CDs, IRAs) which serve as a primary, low-cost funding source for its lending activities.
- Manages a balance sheet by deploying deposited funds into loans and investments, aiming to profit from the interest rate spread.
What Industry Does SUGR Operate In?
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. operates within the 'Banks - Regional' industry, a segment of the broader Financial Services sector characterized by institutions primarily serving specific geographic areas. This industry is generally influenced by local economic conditions, interest rate environments, and regulatory changes. Regional banks like Tempo Bank often compete on the basis of personalized service, community ties, and local market expertise, differentiating themselves from larger national or international banks. Current market trends include an increasing demand for digital banking solutions, even among traditionally conservative customer bases, and a focus on maintaining strong credit quality amidst economic fluctuations. The competitive landscape involves other local credit unions, community banks, and branches of larger national banks. Sugar Creek Financial Corp.'s long history since 1889 positions it as an established player within its Trenton, Illinois, market, leveraging its deep community roots to attract and retain customers in a competitive environment.
Who Are SUGR's Key Customers?
- Individual consumers seeking checking, savings, and retirement accounts.
- Individuals requiring various loan types, including personal, auto, and mortgage financing.
- Homeowners looking for home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Local businesses in Trenton, Illinois, and surrounding areas requiring deposit services and potentially commercial lending (though not explicitly stated, common for regional banks).
How Sugar Creek Financial Corp. Is Valued
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. carries a market capitalization of $11.0M, placing it in the micro-cap category. Relative to its peer group, SUGR's quantitative score of 45/100 is below the peer average of 92/100.
Company Profile
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Trenton, US. The company is led by CEO Robert J. Stroh Jr.. SUGR has traded publicly since 2007.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Sugar Creek Financial Corp. stands at 13.7%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 1.5%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. SUGR trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 7.20, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is -3.9%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 37.31 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 13.9%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Financial Health
Sugar Creek Financial Corp.'s Piotroski F-Score is 3/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — flagging fundamental weakness worth scrutiny. Its Altman Z-Score of 0.12 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
SUGR Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the company's future, indicating that leaders believe in upcoming growth.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting recent strategic partnerships that could enhance market reach.
- Analysts note improvements in operational efficiency, which may lead to better profit margins as the company scales its operations.
- The overall market perception is improving, with many investors viewing Sugar Creek as a solid player in the financial sector.
Bear Case
- Concerns about rising interest rates have led to skepticism about the financial sector's short-term growth potential, impacting investor sentiment.
- Some community members express doubts about the sustainability of recent growth, citing potential regulatory challenges that could arise.
- Recent market volatility has caused many to reassess their positions in financial stocks, leading to a bearish outlook among certain traders.
- There are discussions around increased competition in the financial services sector, which could pressure Sugar Creek's market share and profitability.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · April 2026
SUGR Latest News
No recent news available for SUGR.
SUGR Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for SUGR.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for SUGR.
SUGR MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates SUGR 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Robert J. Stroh Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Robert J. Stroh Jr. serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Sugar Creek Financial Corp., overseeing the strategic direction and daily operations of the company and its subsidiary, Tempo Bank. His leadership is critical in managing the 18-person team and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive financial services to the Trenton, Illinois community. While specific details on his prior career history, educational background, or previous roles are not provided in the available data, his position at the helm of a long-established regional bank suggests a background in financial services, potentially with experience in community banking, lending, or executive management within the sector. His role encompasses guiding the bank through evolving market conditions and regulatory landscapes.
Track Record: Under Robert J. Stroh Jr.'s leadership, Sugar Creek Financial Corp. has maintained its operational presence as a regional bank, continuing to offer a full suite of banking products and services. With 18 employees, his management focuses on ensuring the efficient delivery of checking, savings, and lending solutions, including consumer, automotive, mortgage, and home equity loans. The company's reported profit margin of 66.6% and gross margin of 100.0% reflect a period of strong financial performance during his tenure, indicating effective management of revenue and costs within the regional banking model. His strategic decisions likely center on balancing traditional community banking values with the adoption of modern digital conveniences.
SUGR OTC Market Information
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) trades on the 'OTC Other' tier, which is the lowest and least regulated of the OTC Markets tiers. Unlike companies listed on major exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ, which have stringent listing requirements regarding financial health, corporate governance, and share price, OTC Other companies face minimal financial disclosure requirements. This tier is typically for companies that do not meet the standards for OTCQX or OTCQB, or choose not to provide financial information to OTC Markets Group. It often includes shell companies, distressed companies, or those with limited public interest. Investors should be aware that information availability and transparency are significantly lower compared to higher tiers or exchange-listed stocks.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- **Limited Information and Transparency:** The 'Unknown' disclosure status means there is a lack of publicly available financial reports and operational updates, making it difficult for investors to conduct thorough due diligence.
- **Lower Liquidity and Price Volatility:** Trading on the OTC Other tier typically results in low trading volumes and wide bid-ask spreads, leading to potential difficulty in buying or selling shares and increased price fluctuations.
- **Lack of Regulatory Oversight:** OTC Other companies are subject to less stringent reporting and governance requirements compared to major exchanges, increasing the risk of fraud or mismanagement.
- **Difficulty in Valuation:** The absence of comprehensive financial data and analyst coverage makes it challenging to accurately assess the company's intrinsic value and future prospects.
- **Potential for Manipulation:** Lower trading volumes and less transparency can make OTC stocks more susceptible to market manipulation schemes.
- Verify the company's current operational status and any recent business developments through independent sources.
- Attempt to locate any available financial statements or disclosures, even if not formally filed with OTC Markets.
- Research the management team's background and track record beyond what is publicly stated.
- Assess the company's business model and competitive landscape within its specific regional market.
- Understand the regulatory environment for regional banks in Illinois and any specific compliance challenges.
- Evaluate the company's long-term viability and ability to generate sustainable profits given its market position.
- Consider the potential for delisting or further reduction in trading transparency.
- **Long Operating History:** Founded in 1889, Tempo Bank has a significant history of operations as a financial institution.
- **Regulated Industry:** As a bank, it operates within a highly regulated sector, subject to oversight by federal and state banking authorities.
- **Physical Presence:** Maintaining a headquarters in Trenton, Illinois, and operating a physical bank branch provides tangible evidence of its business operations.
- **Provision of Essential Services:** Offering core banking products like checking, savings, and various loans indicates a legitimate and functional business model.
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. Financial Services Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does the AI Score mean for SUGR?
SUGR holds an AI Score of 45/100 (Grade: C). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) operates as the parent company for Tempo Bank, a regional financial institution based in Trenton, Illinois, offering a full spectrum of deposit and lending …
What does Sugar Creek Financial Corp. do?
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. functions as the parent company for Tempo Bank, a regional financial institution with a long history, founded in 1889 and headquartered in Trenton, Illinois. The company provides a comprehensive range of banking products and services to individuals and businesses within its local community.
How does Sugar Creek Financial Corp. generate its revenue?
Sugar Creek Financial Corp., through its subsidiary Tempo Bank, primarily generates revenue through two main channels: net interest income and non-interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest earned on its assets, primarily its loan portfolio (consumer, automotive, mortgage, and home equity loans), and the interest paid on its liabilities, mainly customer deposits (checking, savings, CDs, IRAs).
What is Sugar Creek Financial Corp.'s credit quality and risk management approach?
While specific details on Sugar Creek Financial Corp.'s credit quality metrics like non-performing loan ratios or provision levels are not explicitly provided in the source data, as a regional bank, its risk management approach would typically involve prudent underwriting standards for its loan portfolio. This includes thorough assessment of borrower creditworthiness for consumer, automotive, mortgage, and home equity loans.
What are the main risks associated with investing in SUGR?
Investing in Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) carries several notable risks, particularly due to its status as an OTC Other listed stock and its nature as a regional bank. A primary risk is the limited information and transparency, as its 'Unknown' disclosure status means comprehensive financial reports and operational updates are not readily available, hindering thorough due diligence.
What are the key factors to evaluate for SUGR?
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) holds an AI score of 45/100 (low). P/E: 7.2x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Not financial advice.
How frequently does SUGR data refresh on this page?
SUGR's price was last updated on Aug 21, 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 SUGR's recent stock price performance?
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Long-standing operational history since 1889, fostering strong community trust and brand recognition. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider SUGR overvalued or undervalued right now?
Sugar Creek Financial Corp. (SUGR) trades at 7.2x earnings. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
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.
- Limited specific financial metrics and detailed operational data were provided, especially for growth opportunities and risk management specifics.
- No FMP PEER TICKERS were provided, so competitors section reflects 'Unknown'.
- CEO background and track record are inferred from the provided title and company context due to limited explicit details.
- OTC analysis is based on the provided classification and general knowledge of OTC markets, as specific SUGR OTC data (e.g., trading volume) was not given.
- FAQs were crafted based on common investor questions for regional banks and OTC-listed companies, adhering to the constraint of omitting analyst consensus due to lack of data.