NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NSTS)
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.
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NSTS) trades at $13.78 with AI Score 58/100 (Grade B). NSTS Bancorp, Inc. is a savings and loan holding company operating through North Shore Trust and Savings in Illinois. Market cap: $72.48M, Sector: Financial services.
Price live · AI analysis from May 9, 2026Analyst Coverage for NSTS: NSTS 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 NSTS against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
NSTS: 1/4 perspectives are bullish. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bullish.
How is this calculated? →NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NSTS) Financial Services Profile
NSTS Bancorp, Inc., founded in 1921, operates as a savings and loan holding company for North Shore Trust and Savings, providing banking products and services in Illinois. With a focus on residential and commercial real estate lending, NSTS serves its market through a network of branches and a loan production office.
What Is the Investment Thesis for NSTS?
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. presents a focused investment opportunity within the Illinois regional banking sector. With a market capitalization of $72.48M, the company's valuation reflects its current operational scale. Key value drivers include strategic expansion of its loan portfolio, particularly in the multi-family and commercial real estate sectors, and optimization of its deposit base to improve net interest margin. Ongoing catalysts include potential regulatory changes that could benefit smaller community banks and increased demand for local banking services. However, the company's negative profit margin of -3.0% poses a significant risk, requiring careful monitoring of operational efficiency and expense management. Investors should also consider the impact of interest rate fluctuations on NSTS Bancorp's lending activities and overall profitability.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
NSTS Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $72.48M indicates a small-cap regional bank.
- Gross margin of 74.4% reflects efficient management of interest income and expenses.
- Beta of 0.14 suggests low volatility compared to the overall market.
- Operates three full-service branch offices and one loan production office in Illinois.
- Offers a diverse range of deposit and loan products tailored to local market needs.
Who Are NSTS's Competitors?
NSTS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCHB Mechanics Bank | $16.24 | +0.50% | $3.58B | 71 |
| STLE Steele Bancorp Inc. | $43.05 | -0.67% | $80.01M | 69 |
| NASB NASB Financial, Inc. | $40.30 | +0.00% | $289.22M | 68 |
| ASBA Associated Banc-Corp | $24.53 | +0.25% | $4.05B | 67 |
| CBTN Citizens Bancorp Investment, Inc. | $35.01 | +0.00% | $207.30M | 63 |
| BUSE First Busey Corporation | $29.58 | -0.25% | $2.50B | 63 |
| PNBI Pioneer Bankshares, Inc. | $44.50 | +0.00% | $44.61M | 63 |
| FBVI FCN Banc Corp. | $35.87 | +0.17% | $61.78M | 63 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are NSTS's Key Strengths?
- Long-standing presence in the Illinois banking market.
- Strong local customer relationships.
- Diverse range of deposit and loan products.
- Experienced management team.
What Are NSTS's Weaknesses?
- Small market capitalization.
- Negative profit margin.
- Limited geographic reach.
- Dependence on interest income.
What Could Drive NSTS Stock Higher?
- Potential regulatory changes benefiting smaller community banks.
- Increased demand for local banking services in Illinois.
- Expansion of commercial real estate lending opportunities.
What Are the Key Risks for NSTS?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.00 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Negative return on equity (-0.1%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- Negative profit margin requiring operational improvements.
- Interest rate fluctuations impacting lending activities.
- Competition from larger national and regional banks.
- Economic downturn in Illinois affecting loan performance.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for NSTS?
- Expansion of Commercial Real Estate Lending: NSTS Bancorp can capitalize on the growing demand for commercial real estate financing in the Chicago metropolitan area. By expanding its commercial real estate loan portfolio, the company can increase its interest income and diversify its revenue streams. The commercial real estate market in Chicago is projected to reach $20 billion by 2028, offering significant growth potential for NSTS Bancorp. Success hinges on effective risk management and competitive pricing strategies.
- Digital Banking Initiatives: Investing in digital banking platforms and mobile applications can enhance customer convenience and attract a younger demographic. By offering online account opening, mobile check deposit, and other digital services, NSTS Bancorp can improve customer engagement and reduce operational costs. The digital banking market is expected to grow to $10 billion by 2027, driven by increasing adoption of mobile banking and online financial services. NSTS Bancorp needs to prioritize cybersecurity and data privacy to maintain customer trust.
- Strategic Branch Expansion: Expanding its branch network in underserved areas of Illinois can increase NSTS Bancorp's market presence and customer base. By opening new branches in strategic locations, the company can attract new deposits and generate additional loan volume. The branch banking market in Illinois is estimated at $5 billion, with opportunities for growth in suburban and rural areas. NSTS Bancorp should conduct thorough market research to identify optimal branch locations and tailor its services to local needs.
- Partnerships with Fintech Companies: Collaborating with fintech companies can provide NSTS Bancorp with access to innovative technologies and new customer segments. By partnering with fintech lenders, payment processors, and wealth management platforms, the company can expand its product offerings and enhance its competitive position. The fintech market is projected to reach $30 billion by 2029, driven by increasing demand for digital financial services. NSTS Bancorp needs to carefully evaluate potential partners and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Focus on Small Business Lending: NSTS Bancorp can capitalize on the growing demand for small business loans in Illinois. By offering tailored loan products and personalized service to small business owners, the company can build strong customer relationships and generate sustainable revenue growth. The small business lending market in Illinois is estimated at $8 billion, with opportunities for growth in various sectors. NSTS Bancorp should streamline its loan application process and provide financial education resources to support small business success.
What Opportunities Does NSTS Have?
- Expansion of commercial real estate lending.
- Investment in digital banking initiatives.
- Strategic branch expansion in underserved areas.
- Partnerships with fintech companies.
What Threats Does NSTS Face?
- Competition from larger national and regional banks.
- Interest rate fluctuations.
- Regulatory changes.
- Economic downturn in Illinois.
What Are NSTS's Competitive Advantages?
- Established presence in the Illinois banking market since 1921.
- Strong local customer relationships built over decades of service.
- Focus on community banking and personalized financial solutions.
- Network of branches and a loan production office providing convenient access to customers.
What Does NSTS Do?
NSTS Bancorp, Inc., established in 1921, functions as the savings and loan holding company for North Shore Trust and Savings. Headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, the company provides a range of banking products and services tailored to individuals and businesses within its operational footprint. NSTS Bancorp offers a variety of deposit accounts, including checking, money market, savings, and time deposit accounts, catering to diverse customer needs. Its lending activities encompass one- to four-family residential mortgages, multi-family and commercial real estate loans, construction loans, home equity loans, and consumer loans. The company operates through a main banking office in Waukegan, Illinois, complemented by two full-service branch offices located in Waukegan and Lindenhurst, Illinois. Additionally, NSTS Bancorp maintains a loan production office in Chicago, Illinois, expanding its reach and facilitating loan origination activities. NSTS Bancorp's strategic focus on community banking enables it to build strong customer relationships and provide personalized financial solutions. The company's long-standing presence in the Illinois banking market underscores its commitment to serving the financial needs of its local communities.
What Products and Services Does NSTS Offer?
- Operates as a savings and loan holding company.
- Provides banking products and services through North Shore Trust and Savings.
- Offers checking, money market, savings, and time deposit accounts.
- Originates one- to four-family residential mortgages.
- Provides multi-family and commercial real estate loans.
- Offers construction, home equity, and consumer loans.
- Operates branch offices in Waukegan and Lindenhurst, Illinois.
- Maintains a loan production office in Chicago, Illinois.
How Does NSTS Make Money?
- Generates revenue primarily through interest income from loans.
- Collects interest on various types of loans, including residential mortgages and commercial real estate loans.
- Offers deposit accounts and earns fees from banking services.
- Manages a network of branches and a loan production office to serve customers.
What Industry Does NSTS Operate In?
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. operates within the competitive regional banking sector, characterized by both established players and emerging fintech companies. The industry is influenced by factors such as interest rate movements, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. NSTS Bancorp competes with larger national banks and other regional institutions for deposit market share and loan origination volume. The company's focus on community banking and personalized service aims to differentiate it from larger competitors. The regional banking sector is expected to experience moderate growth, driven by increasing demand for local banking services and small business lending.
Who Are NSTS's Key Customers?
- Individuals seeking deposit accounts and personal loans.
- Families looking for residential mortgages.
- Small businesses requiring commercial loans.
- Real estate investors seeking financing for multi-family properties.
Company Profile
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Waukegan, US. The company is led by CEO Stephen G. Lear. NSTS has traded publicly since 2022.
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NSTS) Valuation Context
Valued at $72.48M, NSTS is classified as a micro-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, NSTS's quantitative score of 58/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 68/100.
ROE -0%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for NSTS Bancorp, Inc. stands at -0.1%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -0.0%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. Its free cash flow yield is 16.7%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.32 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is -0.1%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
F-Score 5/9Financial Health
NSTS 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 0.00 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
NSTS Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in NSTS's future performance, indicating management believes the stock is undervalued.
- Community sentiment has turned positive recently, with discussions highlighting the company's growth potential and strategic initiatives.
- The banking sector's overall stability has improved, benefiting NSTS as it positions itself within a more favorable market environment.
- Investors are increasingly optimistic about NSTS's ability to capitalize on local economic growth, particularly in its core markets.
Bear Case
- Concerns over potential regulatory changes in the banking sector have led to some bearish sentiment among traders.
- Recent discussions in the community reflect apprehension about NSTS's competitive positioning against larger banks with more resources.
- Some analysts express skepticism regarding the sustainability of recent growth trends, citing potential economic headwinds.
- Market perception remains cautious, with a segment of investors worried about the impact of rising interest rates on bank profitability.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · January 2026
NSTS Latest News
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NSTS Bancorp Q1 EPS $(0.01) Up From $(0.07) YoY, Sales $2.512M Up From $2.165M YoY
benzinga · May 14, 2026
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$HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Announces An Investigation of NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSTS)
globenewswire.com · May 13, 2026
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Shareholder Alert: Ademi LLP investigates whether NSTS Bancorp Inc. is obtaining a Fair Price for Public Shareholders
prnewswire.com · May 12, 2026
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Brookfield Bancshares to Acquire NSTS Bancorp in $73.7 Million Deal
MT Newswires · May 12, 2026
NSTS Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for NSTS.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for NSTS.
NSTS MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates NSTS's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Latest News
NSTS Bancorp Q1 EPS $(0.01) Up From $(0.07) YoY, Sales $2.512M Up From $2.165M YoY
$HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Announces An Investigation of NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSTS)
Shareholder Alert: Ademi LLP investigates whether NSTS Bancorp Inc. is obtaining a Fair Price for Public Shareholders
Brookfield Bancshares to Acquire NSTS Bancorp in $73.7 Million Deal
Leadership: Stephen G. Lear
Unknown
Information on Stephen G. Lear's background is not available in the provided data. Without further information, it is not possible to provide details on his career history, education, or previous roles.
Track Record: Information on Stephen G. Lear's track record is not available in the provided data. Without further information, it is not possible to provide details on key achievements, strategic decisions, or company milestones under his leadership.
Common Questions About NSTS (Financial Services)
What does NSTS Bancorp, Inc. do?
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. functions as the holding company for North Shore Trust and Savings, a community bank operating in Illinois. It offers a range of financial products and services, including deposit accounts like checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as lending solutions such as residential mortgages, commercial real estate loans, and consumer loans. NSTS Bancorp serves individuals, families, and businesses through its branch network and loan production office, focusing on building local relationships and providing personalized financial services.
What do analysts say about NSTS stock?
Analyst coverage of NSTS Bancorp, Inc. is limited due to its small market capitalization. Key valuation metrics, such as price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, may be difficult to compare due to the company's negative profit margin. Growth considerations include the company's ability to expand its loan portfolio, improve operational efficiency, and capitalize on opportunities in the Illinois banking market. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider the risks and uncertainties associated with investing in a small-cap regional bank.
What are the main risks for NSTS?
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. faces several risks inherent to the regional banking sector. These include interest rate risk, credit risk, and regulatory risk. The company's negative profit margin highlights the need for improved operational efficiency and expense management. Competition from larger national and regional banks poses a threat to NSTS Bancorp's market share and profitability. An economic downturn in Illinois could negatively impact loan performance and asset quality. Additionally, compliance with evolving banking regulations requires ongoing investment and resources.
What are the key factors to evaluate for NSTS?
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NSTS) holds an AI score of 58/100 (moderate). Not financial advice.
How frequently does NSTS data refresh on this page?
NSTS prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven NSTS's recent stock price performance?
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NSTS) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Long-standing presence in the Illinois banking market. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider NSTS overvalued or undervalued right now?
Valuing NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NSTS) requires multiple metrics. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying NSTS?
Before investing in NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NSTS), 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) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their 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.
- Limited information available on CEO Stephen G. Lear's background and track record.
- Analyst coverage of NSTS Bancorp, Inc. is limited due to its small market capitalization.