ECBK - ECB Bancorp, Inc. Stock Analysis | Stock Taper
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ECB Bancorp, Inc.

ECBK

ECB Bancorp, Inc. NASDAQ
$17.19 -3.54% (-0.63)

Market Cap $151.22 M
52w High $20.05
52w Low $14.55
P/E 18.29
Volume 15.39K
Outstanding Shares 8.80M

Income Statement

Period Revenue Operating Expense Net Income Net Profit Margin Earnings Per Share EBITDA
Q4-2025 $21.4M $5.78M $2.6M 12.14% $0.32 $3.49M
Q3-2025 $20.76M $5.36M $2.44M 11.75% $0.3 $3.33M
Q2-2025 $19.46M $4.98M $1.44M 7.4% $0.18 $1.99M
Q1-2025 $17.89M $5.21M $1.3M 7.25% $0.16 $1.8M
Q4-2024 $18.14M $5.48M $1.45M 7.97% $0.18 $2.01M

What's going well?

Revenue and profits are both up, with operating margins improving nicely. The company is controlling product costs and delivering steady, predictable results.

What's concerning?

Interest expenses are very high and eat up a large chunk of profits. Operating expenses are rising faster than revenue, which could pressure margins if not controlled.

Balance Statement

Period Cash & Short-term Total Assets Total Liabilities Total Equity
Q4-2025 $86.92M $1.61B $1.43B $171.93M
Q3-2025 $120.88M $1.55B $1.38B $169.31M
Q2-2025 $112.98M $1.52B $1.35B $168.28M
Q1-2025 $164.51M $1.45B $1.28B $168.58M
Q4-2024 $172.28M $1.42B $1.25B $168.27M

What's financially strong about this company?

Shareholder equity is positive and growing slightly. There is no goodwill or intangible asset risk, and no hidden liabilities or lease obligations.

What are the financial risks or weaknesses?

Cash and investments are falling fast, debt is high compared to equity, and liquidity is tight. Most assets are not in cash or easily sold, which could be risky if cash needs spike.

Cash Flow Statement

Period Net Income Cash From Operations Cash From Investing Cash From Financing Net Change Free Cash Flow
Q4-2025 $2.6M $0 $0 $0 $-102.62M $0
Q3-2025 $2.44M $4.03M $-34.27M $34.2M $3.96M $3.95M
Q2-2025 $1.44M $1.9M $-111.52M $60.17M $-49.45M $1.84M
Q1-2025 $1.3M $-631K $-46.29M $37.41M $-9.51M $-649K
Q4-2024 $1.45M $4.48M $-19.77M $53.28M $37.99M $4.48M

What's strong about this company's cash flow?

Last quarter showed the company could generate some operating cash flow and free cash flow, suggesting the business model can work if conditions improve.

What are the cash flow concerns?

This quarter, the company burned through all its cash, generated no operating cash flow, and now has no cash left—survival depends on raising new money fast.

5-Year Trend Analysis

A comprehensive look at ECB Bancorp, Inc.'s financial evolution and strategic trajectory over the past five years.

+ Strengths

ECBK shows a combination of strong revenue and earnings growth, solid and consistent free cash flow, and a steadily expanding asset and equity base. Operating efficiency has improved as the bank has scaled, with overhead growing more slowly than revenue. Its competitive position is anchored in a well‑established community banking model, strong local relationships, and a cost‑efficient footprint complemented by adequate digital offerings. Profits are being retained to support growth, and the franchise appears to generate reliable cash from its core operations.

! Risks

Key concerns center on balance sheet structure and data anomalies. Leverage and net debt have risen sharply, driving a higher interest burden and increasing sensitivity to funding costs and regulatory capital requirements. Reported liquidity in the most recent year looks strained, with cash effectively disappearing and current assets falling sharply, even as current liabilities drop—suggesting either classification changes or a genuine tightening of the liquidity cushion. The anomalous income statement presentation in the latest year, where gross profit is reported as zero despite meaningful revenue, further clouds transparency. On the strategic side, the bank faces competitive and technological pressures as larger and digital players invest heavily in capabilities that may gradually reshape customer expectations.

Outlook

Looking ahead, the trajectory of ECBK will likely depend on how well it can balance growth with prudence. The core franchise appears capable of generating steady earnings and cash, and the bank has successfully grown its assets and equity base. If asset quality remains sound and funding stays stable, the business could continue to expand at a measured pace, supported by its community relationships and improving efficiency. At the same time, the higher leverage, the apparent weakening or reclassification of liquidity, and the reporting anomalies in the most recent year introduce uncertainty and elevate the importance of detailed financial review. The interest rate environment, competitive dynamics in its local markets, and the bank’s willingness and ability to keep improving its digital and operational capabilities will be critical drivers of its future performance and risk profile.