ECB Bancorp, Inc. (ECBK) vs Finward Bancorp (FNWD)

A side-by-side comparison of ECB Bancorp, Inc. and Finward Bancorp across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ECBK vs FNWD

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 4y
ECBK +48.7% (+10.4%/yr)FNWD +22.6% (+5.2%/yr)ECBK compounded faster over this window
6080100120140Start $1002023202420252026$149$123
ECBK FNWD

ECBK vs FNWD: by the numbers

  • •ECBK is the larger company ($184M vs $183M market cap).
  • •ECBK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (15.31 vs 18.50 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •ECBK converts more revenue to profit (13.19% vs 9.65% net margin).
  • •ECBK grew revenue faster over the past five years (28.42% vs 8.22% CAGR).
  • •FNWD pays a dividend (1.15% yield), while ECBK has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricECBKFNWD
P/E ratio15.3118.50
Forward P/EN/A15.97
PEG ratio0.82N/A
P/S ratio2.121.80
P/B ratio1.021.02

Profitability

MetricECBKFNWD
Operating margin17.88%10.32%
Net margin13.19%9.65%
ROE6.35%5.51%

ECB Bancorp, Inc.: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Finward Bancorp: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Dividends

MetricECBKFNWD
Dividend yieldN/A1.15%
Payout ratioN/A21.05%

Growth (annualized)

MetricECBKFNWD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)28.42%8.22%
EPS CAGR (5Y)19.14%-16.97%
Total return CAGR (5Y)N/A2.19%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ECBK or FNWD?
ECBK has the lower trailing P/E: ECBK trades at 15.31 and FNWD at 18.50. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ECBK or FNWD?
Over the past five years, ECBK grew revenue faster — ECBK at a 28.42% CAGR versus FNWD at 8.22%.
Does ECBK or FNWD pay a bigger dividend?
FNWD pays a dividend (1.15% yield), while ECBK has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is ECBK or FNWD more profitable?
ECBK runs the higher net margin — ECBK at 13.19% versus FNWD at 9.65%.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.