Director Kirk E. Kleiser of Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLST) executed a series of transactions in the company's common stock on June 10, 2026, highlighting a balanced approach to insider trading activity. The director sold shares valued at approximately $96,210 and simultaneously acquired shares worth about $99,893 through multiple channels. This trading activity occurs as CLST shares are currently trading at $16.02, reflecting a year-over-year gain of over 30%.
Market analysis from InvestingPro suggests that the stock may be trading above its Fair Value estimate. The company's price-to-earnings ratio stands at 29.02, which InvestingPro Tips categorize as a high earnings multiple for the sector. Catalyst Bancorp, a small-cap bank with a market capitalization of $64.91 million, demonstrates low volatility, evidenced by a beta of 0.12. InvestingPro provides two additional exclusive tips for CLST investors.
Key Transactions and Holdings
The sales involved a total of 6,000 shares of common stock at a price of $16.035 per share. These shares were indirectly held, with 5,000 shares sold through K Kleiser LLC and 1,000 shares sold through K & G On the Geaux LLC.
On the same day, Kleiser purchased a total of 6,200 shares of common stock. These acquisitions occurred at prices ranging from $16.0851 to $16.1345 per share. The purchases included 2,850 shares acquired directly, 2,350 shares acquired indirectly through an IRA, and 1,000 shares acquired indirectly by a spouse in an IRA.
Additionally, Kleiser received a grant of 1,058 shares of common stock at no cost. These shares are part of the Issuer’s 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement, with vesting scheduled at 20% per year starting June 10, 2027. Following these transactions, Kleiser’s direct holdings include 28,430 common shares, which comprise unvested portions from previous grants. Indirect holdings include 20,099 shares in an IRA, 4,100 shares by a spouse in an IRA, and 900 shares held by a spouse.
Derivative Holdings and Vesting Schedules
The report also disclosed Kleiser’s derivative holdings, consisting of stock options to buy common stock. These include 21,160 options with an exercise price of $13.30, expiring in 2032, which began vesting at 20% per year on September 1, 2023. Another 2,645 options have an exercise price of $12.08, expiring in 2035, with vesting commencing at 20% per year on June 10, 2026. A further 2,645 options, with an exercise price of $15.96, expire in 2036 and will begin vesting at 20% per year on June 10, 2027.
Corporate Developments and Governance
In other recent news, Catalyst Bancorp has announced its decision to acquire Lakeside Bancshares for $41.1 million. This all-cash transaction will result in Lakeside Bank merging into Catalyst Bank, with Lakeside shareholders set to receive $19.58 per share, pending certain adjustments. This merger marks a significant development for Catalyst Bancorp as it expands its operations. Additionally, Catalyst Bancorp held its annual meeting of shareholders, where key decisions were made. Shareholders elected Frederick R. Lafleur and Matthew L. Scruggins as directors to serve three-year terms. Lafleur received 1,473,154 votes in favor, while Scruggins garnered 1,578,557 votes. These recent developments reflect Catalyst Bancorp’s strategic moves and governance activities.