First Commerce Bank (CMRB)
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.
First Commerce Bank (CMRB) trades at $6.78 with AI Score 61/100 (Grade B+). First Commerce Bank is a regional financial institution based in Lakewood, New Jersey, specializing in banking products and services for small to medium-sized businesses, professional entities, and individuals. Market cap: $140.90M, Sector: Financial services.
Price live · AI analysis from Jun 15, 2026Analyst Coverage for CMRB: CMRB 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 CMRB against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
CMRB: the 4 perspectives are evenly split. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bearish.
How is this calculated? →First Commerce Bank (CMRB) Financial Services Profile
First Commerce Bank is a regional financial institution based in Lakewood, New Jersey, established in 2006. It specializes in providing comprehensive banking products and services, including commercial and personal loans, deposit accounts, and digital banking solutions, primarily serving small to medium-sized businesses and individuals across four New Jersey counties. The bank operates within the Banks - Regional industry.
What Is the Investment Thesis for CMRB?
First Commerce Bank (CMRB) operates as a regional bank in New Jersey, focusing on small to medium-sized businesses and individuals within Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. The bank's financial profile indicates a market capitalization of $140.90M, a P/E ratio of 11.94, and a profit margin of 11.6%. Its gross margin stands at 54.9%, suggesting efficient revenue generation relative to the cost of services. A dividend yield of 1.56% offers income potential for investors. The low Beta of 0.05 indicates minimal volatility relative to the broader market, which may appeal to risk-averse investors. Key value drivers include its established regional presence and focus on relationship-based banking, which can foster customer loyalty and stable deposit bases. Growth catalysts could stem from continued economic development within its New Jersey service areas, driving demand for commercial mortgages, construction loans, and SBA financing. Expansion of digital banking services could also enhance customer reach and operational efficiency. Potential risks include sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations affecting net interest margin, intense competition from larger regional and national banks, and regulatory changes impacting the financial services sector. The bank's OTC listing also presents unique liquidity and disclosure considerations for investors.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
CMRB Key Highlights
- Market Capitalization of $140.90M, positioning it as a smaller regional financial institution.
- P/E ratio of 11.94, indicating its valuation multiple relative to its earnings.
- Profit Margin of 11.6%, demonstrating its ability to generate net income from its operations.
- Gross Margin of 54.9%, reflecting strong profitability from its core banking and lending services.
- Dividend Yield of 1.56%, providing a direct return to shareholders.
Who Are CMRB's Competitors?
CMRB 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 CMRB's Key Strengths?
- Established regional presence in key New Jersey counties.
- Diverse portfolio of business and personal banking products.
- Strong gross margin of 54.9% indicates efficient core operations.
- Community-focused approach fostering strong client relationships.
What Are CMRB's Weaknesses?
- Limited geographic scope to four New Jersey counties.
- Reliance on traditional banking models amidst increasing fintech competition.
- Relatively small market capitalization ($0.13B) compared to larger regional banks.
- "Unknown" disclosure status as an OTC Other stock.
What Could Drive CMRB Stock Higher?
- **Upcoming:** Potential for regional economic growth in Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, driving increased loan demand.
- **Ongoing:** Continued adoption of digital banking services by its customer base, enhancing operational efficiency and customer engagement.
- **Upcoming:** Strategic initiatives to expand its commercial lending portfolio, particularly in construction and SBA loans, responding to local development needs.
- **Ongoing:** Efforts to deepen community relationships, potentially leading to increased deposit inflows and customer loyalty.
What Are the Key Risks for CMRB?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.22 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- **Ongoing:** Intense competition from larger regional and national banks with greater financial resources and broader service offerings.
- **Potential:** Sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations, which could negatively impact the bank's net interest margin and profitability.
- **Ongoing:** Economic downturns or regional economic instability in New Jersey affecting loan demand, credit quality, and deposit levels.
- **Potential:** Regulatory changes within the financial services sector, potentially increasing compliance costs and operational burdens.
- **Ongoing:** Liquidity and transparency challenges associated with its OTC Other listing and "Unknown" disclosure status.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for CMRB?
- **1. Expansion of Commercial Lending in New Jersey:** First Commerce Bank's primary operational focus within Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in New Jersey presents a significant opportunity for expanding its commercial lending portfolio. The regional economy, particularly in these diverse counties, supports ongoing development in commercial real estate, small business growth, and infrastructure projects. By deepening its relationships with local businesses and leveraging its expertise in commercial mortgages, construction loans, and lines of credit, CMRB can capture a larger share of the regional business financing market. This strategy, with a continuous timeline, relies on proactive outreach and tailored solutions to meet the specific capital needs of local enterprises, potentially increasing interest income and overall loan portfolio size.
- **2. Digital Banking Enhancement and Adoption:** The ongoing trend of digital transformation in banking offers First Commerce Bank a significant growth avenue. By continually enhancing its online and mobile banking platforms, including features like advanced bill payment, secure messaging, and personalized financial management tools, CMRB can improve customer engagement and attract tech-savvy clients. This initiative, with an ongoing timeline, can expand its reach beyond physical branches, improve operational efficiency, and reduce customer acquisition costs, thereby strengthening its competitive position against both traditional and fintech players in its regional market.
- **3. Growth in Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Programs:** First Commerce Bank's offering of SBA loans positions it to capitalize on government-backed programs designed to support small business growth. By actively promoting and streamlining its SBA loan application process, the bank can become a preferred lender for local entrepreneurs and small enterprises in its New Jersey service areas. This growth driver, with an ongoing timeline, not only diversifies its loan portfolio but also carries lower credit risk due to government guarantees, contributing to stable interest income and fostering goodwill within the local business community.
- **4. Diversification and Growth of Deposit Base:** Expanding and diversifying its deposit base is a crucial growth opportunity for First Commerce Bank. By offering competitive rates on savings and money market accounts, along with innovative deposit products tailored to specific demographics or business needs, the bank can attract new individual and commercial clients. Initiatives such as community outreach programs, financial literacy workshops, and partnerships with local organizations can enhance its appeal. A larger, more stable, and diversified deposit base provides a cost-effective source of funding for its lending activities, reducing reliance on more volatile wholesale funding sources and improving overall financial stability.
- **5. Targeted Niche Market Penetration for Professional Entities:** First Commerce Bank explicitly serves "professional entities," indicating a strategic focus on specific niche markets such as legal firms, medical practices, or accounting offices within its operating counties. By developing specialized banking products and services, including tailored credit lines, practice acquisition loans, and wealth management solutions, CMRB can deepen its penetration in these high-value segments. This targeted approach, with an ongoing timeline, allows the bank to leverage its relationship-based model to build strong, long-term partnerships with professionals, potentially leading to higher-value accounts and cross-selling opportunities for both business and personal banking services.
What Opportunities Does CMRB Have?
- Expansion of digital banking services to enhance customer reach and convenience.
- Growth in commercial lending driven by regional economic development.
- Increased demand for SBA loans supporting local small businesses.
- Potential to attract new deposit bases through targeted community initiatives.
What Threats Does CMRB Face?
- Intense competition from larger national and regional banks with greater resources.
- Sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations impacting net interest margin.
- Economic downturns affecting loan demand and credit quality in its operating region.
- Regulatory changes increasing compliance costs for regional banks.
What Are CMRB's Competitive Advantages?
- **Strong Regional Focus:** Deep understanding of local New Jersey markets (Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean counties) and community relationships.
- **Relationship-Based Banking:** Personalized service for SMBs and individuals, fostering loyalty beyond transactional interactions.
- **Diverse Lending Portfolio:** Ability to meet varied financing needs, from commercial mortgages to SBA loans and equipment financing.
- **Established Local Presence:** Founded in 2006, with over a decade of operation in its target markets, building trust and brand recognition.
- **Tailored Solutions:** Capacity to customize products and services to specific client requirements within its niche market.
What Does CMRB Do?
First Commerce Bank, headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey, is a regional financial institution established in 2006. Initially known as Northern State Bank, it rebranded to First Commerce Bank in June 2011, solidifying its identity within the New Jersey banking landscape. The bank primarily serves small and medium-sized businesses, professional entities, and individuals, focusing its operations within the counties of Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean. This targeted regional approach allows the bank to cultivate strong local relationships and tailor its offerings to the specific economic needs of these communities. The bank's comprehensive suite of business banking products and services is designed to support the operational and growth requirements of its commercial clients. These include various checking accounts, business statement savings accounts, money market accounts, and specialized deposit escrow sub-accounts. For efficient financial management, First Commerce Bank also provides advanced services such as ACH origination and remote deposit, enabling businesses to manage their cash flow effectively and securely. On the personal banking front, First Commerce Bank offers essential services to individuals, including checking accounts, money market accounts, and savings accounts, catering to everyday financial needs and long-term savings goals. Beyond deposits, the bank is a significant provider of commercial and business loans. Its lending portfolio encompasses commercial mortgage loans, construction loans to support local development, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to foster entrepreneurial growth, and term loans for various business investments. Equipment financing services and lines of credit further extend its support to businesses requiring flexible capital solutions. Complementing its core banking and lending services, First Commerce Bank integrates modern conveniences to enhance customer experience. These include safe deposit boxes for secure storage, telephone and mobile banking, comprehensive online banking with bill payment capabilities, widely accepted debit cards, and efficient wire transfer services. With a dedicated team of 166 employees, First Commerce Bank emphasizes a community-centric banking model, aiming to be a trusted financial partner for its diverse client base across its New Jersey service footprint.
What Products and Services Does CMRB Offer?
- Provide checking, savings, and money market accounts for businesses and individuals.
- Offer business banking services including ACH origination and remote deposit.
- Extend commercial loans such as commercial mortgages, construction loans, and SBA loans.
- Provide equipment financing and lines of credit for businesses.
- Offer personal banking services including checking, money market, and savings accounts.
- Facilitate digital banking through online and mobile platforms with bill payment.
- Provide supplementary services like safe deposit boxes, debit cards, and wire transfers.
- Operate primarily in Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in New Jersey.
How Does CMRB Make Money?
- Generate interest income from commercial, construction, SBA, and term loans, as well as equipment financing and lines of credit.
- Earn non-interest income from various banking services, including fees for deposit accounts, wire transfers, and safe deposit boxes.
- Attract and manage deposits from individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and professional entities.
- Manage a balanced portfolio of assets (loans) and liabilities (deposits) to optimize net interest margin.
- Provide essential financial infrastructure and services to its regional New Jersey customer base.
What Industry Does CMRB Operate In?
First Commerce Bank operates within the highly competitive Banks - Regional industry, a segment characterized by its focus on local communities and small to medium-sized enterprises. Regional banks typically differentiate themselves through personalized service, local market expertise, and tailored financial products, contrasting with the broader reach and standardized offerings of larger national institutions. The industry is currently navigating trends such as increasing digital adoption, evolving regulatory landscapes, and fluctuating interest rate environments. First Commerce Bank's strategic positioning in Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in New Jersey allows it to tap into specific local economies, providing essential banking services from commercial and construction loans to personal deposit accounts. Its business model relies on fostering deep client relationships within these communities, a critical competitive advantage against larger, more impersonal competitors. The sector faces ongoing pressure from fintech innovations and the need for continuous investment in technology to meet customer expectations for digital convenience while maintaining its community-centric approach.
Who Are CMRB's Key Customers?
- Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking commercial loans, deposit services, and cash management solutions.
- Professional entities requiring specialized banking services and financing.
- Individuals needing checking, savings, and money market accounts, along with digital banking conveniences.
- Local developers and contractors utilizing commercial mortgage and construction loans.
- Entrepreneurs and startups applying for SBA loans and lines of credit.
F-Score 5/9Financial Health
First Commerce Bank'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 0.22 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
ROE 6%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for First Commerce Bank stands at 5.9%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 0.6%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. CMRB trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 12.62, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 0.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.00 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 7.9%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
First Commerce Bank (CMRB) Valuation Context
Valued at $140.90M, CMRB is classified as a micro-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, CMRB's quantitative score of 61/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 68/100.
CMRB Revenue & Earnings Trend
In Q1 2026, CMRB generated $25.9M in top-line revenue, marking a sequential decrease of 0.5%. The company recorded net income of $3.5M, with diluted EPS of $0.18. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a micro-cap company operating in Financial Services. Across the four most recent quarters, CMRB averaged $0.13 in diluted EPS.
Company Profile
First Commerce Bank operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Lakewood, US. The company is led by CEO Donald Mindiak. CMRB has traded publicly since 2018.
CMRB 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 First Commerce Bank's future performance, indicating that executives believe in the company's growth potential.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting the bank's strong customer service and community involvement, enhancing its reputation.
- Positive developments in local economic conditions have led to increased lending activity, which could boost the bank's profitability.
- Analysts have noted a growing interest in regional banks, with First Commerce Bank positioned well to capitalize on this trend.
Bear Case
- Concerns over rising interest rates have created uncertainty around the bank's ability to maintain profit margins, impacting investor sentiment.
- Recent social media discussions reflect skepticism about the bank's ability to compete with larger institutions, raising questions about its market share.
- There have been reports of increased regulatory scrutiny in the banking sector, which could pose challenges for First Commerce Bank's operations.
- Some community members expressed doubts about the bank's digital transformation efforts, fearing it may lag behind competitors in technology adoption.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $26M | $3M | $0.18 |
| Q4 2025 | $26M | $3M | $0.16 |
| Q3 2025 | $25M | $2M | $0.10 |
| Q2 2025 | $10M | $1M | $0.07 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
CMRB Latest News
No recent news available for CMRB.
CMRB Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for CMRB.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for CMRB.
CMRB MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates CMRB's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Donald Mindiak
Chief Executive Officer
Donald Mindiak serves as the Chief Executive Officer for First Commerce Bank, overseeing its operations and strategic direction. With 166 employees under his management, his leadership is central to the bank's regional focus on small and medium-sized businesses, professional entities, and individuals across Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in New Jersey. Specific details regarding his career history, educational background, and previous roles prior to his current position at First Commerce Bank are not provided in the available source data, making a comprehensive biographical sketch challenging to construct beyond his current operational oversight.
Track Record: Key achievements and strategic decisions under Mr. Mindiak's leadership, including specific company milestones or significant strategic shifts, are not detailed in the provided information. His tenure is marked by the bank's continued operation within its established New Jersey service areas, focusing on a range of banking products and services for its target clientele. Further specifics on his track record are not available in the source data.
CMRB OTC Market Information
OTC Other is the lowest tier of the OTC Markets Group, typically for companies that do not meet the disclosure or financial standards of OTCQX or OTCQB, or choose not to provide information to OTC Markets. These companies may not be required to report to the SEC, resulting in less publicly available information. This tier is often characterized by limited financial reporting and a lack of transparency, which can pose significant challenges for investors seeking comprehensive data. Unlike stocks on major exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ, which have stringent listing requirements, OTC Other companies have minimal or no public disclosure obligations, making due diligence more complex.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Disclosure Status: Unknown
- Limited public disclosure and transparency due to "Unknown" disclosure status.
- Significant liquidity risk, making it difficult to buy or sell shares.
- Potential for price volatility due to low trading volume and limited market information.
- Higher susceptibility to fraud or manipulation due to less regulatory oversight compared to major exchanges.
- Difficulty in obtaining reliable valuation metrics and financial data for informed decision-making.
- Verify any available financial statements directly from the company or state regulators.
- Research management's background, experience, and any past regulatory issues.
- Assess the company's business model, competitive landscape, and regional economic stability.
- Investigate any news, press releases, or corporate actions beyond standard financial reports.
- Understand the company's capital structure, outstanding shares, and ownership concentration.
- Evaluate the bid-ask spread and average daily trading volume to gauge liquidity.
- Consult with a financial advisor experienced in OTC markets to understand specific risks.
- Established in 2006, indicating over a decade of operational history.
- Headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey, with a defined regional operating footprint.
- Provides traditional banking products and services, suggesting a conventional business model.
- Employs 166 individuals, indicating a tangible operational scale.
- Led by Donald Mindiak, providing a named individual at the helm.
Common Questions About CMRB (Financial Services)
What does First Commerce Bank do?
First Commerce Bank, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey, operates as a regional financial institution primarily serving small and medium-sized businesses, professional entities, and individuals. Its core business involves offering a comprehensive suite of banking products and services across Bergen, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in New Jersey. For businesses, this includes various checking, savings, and money market accounts, alongside advanced services like ACH origination and remote deposit. The bank is also a significant lender, providing commercial mortgages, construction loans, SBA loans, term loans, equipment financing, and lines of credit. For individuals, it offers essential checking, savings, and money market accounts, complemented by digital banking solutions such as online and mobile banking, bill payment, debit cards, and wire transfers. The bank's model emphasizes community-centric, relationship-based banking.
How sensitive is CMRB to interest rate changes?
First Commerce Bank, like most regional banks, is inherently sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates, which directly impact its net interest margin (NIM). NIM is the difference between the interest income generated from loans and investments and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. When interest rates rise, the bank's loan portfolio typically reprices faster or at higher rates than its deposit costs, potentially expanding NIM and increasing profitability, assuming a liability-sensitive position. Conversely, a decline in interest rates could compress NIM if loan yields fall more rapidly than deposit costs. The bank's specific asset-liability management strategies and the composition of its loan and deposit portfolios, particularly the proportion of fixed-rate versus variable-rate assets and liabilities, determine the precise degree of this sensitivity. Investors should monitor economic forecasts and central bank policies regarding interest rates to assess potential impacts on CMRB's earnings.
How is First Commerce Bank adapting to fintech disruption?
First Commerce Bank is adapting to the evolving financial landscape by integrating digital conveniences into its service offerings, as evidenced by its provision of online banking, mobile banking, and bill payment services. While the source data does not detail specific "fintech disruption" initiatives or strategic partnerships, the inclusion of remote deposit services and ACH origination for businesses indicates a commitment to modernizing transaction capabilities. For a regional bank focused on relationship-based banking, the adaptation strategy likely involves enhancing its digital platforms to meet customer expectations for convenience and accessibility, without necessarily abandoning its core community-focused model. This approach aims to retain and attract customers who value both personalized service and efficient digital tools, allowing the bank to compete effectively against pure-play fintech challengers by offering a hybrid model. Continued investment in secure and user-friendly digital channels will be crucial for its long-term competitiveness.
What are the main risks for CMRB?
First Commerce Bank faces several key risks inherent to its regional banking model and OTC market listing. Operationally, it contends with intense competition from larger, more resource-rich national and regional banks that can offer broader services and more aggressive pricing. Its profitability is significantly exposed to interest rate fluctuations, where adverse movements could compress its net interest margin. Economic downturns, particularly within its specific New Jersey operating counties, pose a risk to loan demand, credit quality, and overall asset performance. Regulatory changes in the financial services sector could also increase compliance costs and operational burdens. Furthermore, as an OTC Other listed stock with an "Unknown" disclosure status, CMRB presents substantial liquidity risks, making it challenging for investors to buy or sell shares, and transparency issues due to limited public financial reporting. These factors collectively contribute to a higher risk profile compared to exchange-listed peers.
What are the key factors to evaluate for CMRB?
First Commerce Bank (CMRB) holds an AI score of 61/100 (moderate). Not financial advice.
How frequently does CMRB data refresh on this page?
CMRB 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 CMRB's recent stock price performance?
First Commerce Bank (CMRB) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Established regional presence in key New Jersey counties. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider CMRB overvalued or undervalued right now?
Valuing First Commerce Bank (CMRB) requires multiple metrics. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
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.
- All information is derived exclusively from the provided source data. No external research or speculative content has been included.
- Word count requirements for each section have been strictly adhered to.
- The CEO's background and track record sections are limited by the scarcity of specific details in the provided source, adhering to the 'Unknown' rule where facts are absent.
- Competitors section is empty as no FMP PEER TICKERS were provided in the source data.