Purchases portfolios of defaulted consumer receivables at deep discounts to face value. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
No real growth (2% a year). Red columns mark years that ended in a loss.
The market pays 8.2× for every dollar of annual profit — cheap, which is either an opportunity or a warning.
Against companies in its own sector, it looks cheaper than 60% of them.
Analysts' average target sits 1% above today's price.
Executives buying with their own money is usually read as confidence in the company’s future.
We compared this company with its own sector across five subjects.
A score of 50 means class average.
Profit power and business quality lead the class.
For a bank, strength is measured by capital buffers and reserves — not cash minus debt.
The price isn’t cheap next to earnings — that’s why this grade sits in the middle.
This grade is a blend: the profit side is strong, the sales tempo slow.
The stock has been running stronger than the market lately.
Financial Strength: The capital buffer looks thin next to its class; less room to absorb a rough stretch.
The stock trades near its peak today. For long-term holders the ride has paid off so far — though past performance guarantees nothing about the future.
Over the last 12 months, company executives reported 26 buys and 21 sells. Management buying with its own money is usually read as a good sign.
Over the last 4 years, sales grew only 2% a year on average — the report card’s higher growth grade leans on profit power instead.
The balance sheet offers little cushion against a rough stretch. Report-card grade: 20/100.
On our five-subject report card, ECPG sits near the top of the class. A high grade doesn’t mean “guaranteed win” — it means “the evidence looks strong for now.”
The takeaway: ECPG is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate isn’t the quality of the business — it’s what that quality should cost.
The total grade weighs these five subjects against the sector — it isn’t a simple average of the five.
Not covered, because the filings we hold do not carry it: the revenue breakdown.