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HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS: The "timing scores" and "regime signals" displayed are based on quantitative models. Hypothetical or simulated performance results have certain inherent limitations. Unlike an actual performance record, simulated results do not represent actual trading. Also, since the trades have not actually been executed, the results may have under-or-over compensated for the impact, if any, of certain market factors, such as lack of liquidity.
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Relative valuation derived from Financials sector median benchmarks. Model weights: EV/EBITDA (40%), P/B (35%), P/S (25%). Multiples adjusted for extreme outliers and non-recurring volatility.
Auditing capital efficiency...
Quality Profile Audit
Score: 58.6GRADE C+
Composite assessment of profitability, capital efficiency, and financial strength. Top-tier entities demonstrate sustainable cash flow generation.
Return on Equity
Profit generated per dollar of shareholder equity
10.7%
Sector: 8.5%
Dividend Analysis audit
GROWTH
0.32%
Trailing Yield
$0.32
Per $100 Invested
Modest dividend — capital prioritized for reinvestment.
Est. Payout Ratio
4%SAFE
Analyst Projections
Analyst Consensus
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Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 56.8/100, ranked #619 out of 4446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 59/100, Value 71/100, Momentum 54/100. This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.
QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast
Company Overview — What Does QCR HOLDINGS INC Do?
QCR Holdings, Inc., a multi-bank holding company, provides commercial and consumer banking, and trust and asset management services. Its deposit products include noninterest-bearing demand, interest-bearing demand, time, and brokered deposits. The company also provides various commercial and retail lending/leasing, and investment services to corporations, partnerships, individuals, and government agencies. Its loan portfolio comprises loans to small and mid-sized businesses; business loans, including lines of credit for working capital and operational purposes; term loans for the acquisition of facilities, equipment, and other purposes; commercial and residential real estate loans; and installment and other consumer loans, such as home improvement, home equity, motor vehicle, and signature loans, as well as small personal credit lines. In addition, the company engages in leasing of machinery and equipment to commercial and industrial businesses under direct financing lease contracts; and issuance of trust preferred securities. It serves the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Valley, Des Moines/Ankeny, and Springfield communities. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Moline, Illinois. QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) is classified as a small-cap stock in the Financials sector, specifically within the Banking industry. The company is led by CEO Larry J. Helling and employs approximately 920 people, headquartered in MOLINE, Illinois. With a market capitalization of $1.4B, QCRH is one of the notable companies in the Financials sector.
QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)
As of April 2026, QCR HOLDINGS INC receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 56.8/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.QCRH ranks #619 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Financials sector, QCR HOLDINGS INC ranks #186 of 891 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Financials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).
QCRH Stock Price and 52-Week Range
QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) currently trades at $91.94. The 52-week high for QCRH is $96.00, which means the stock is currently trading -4.2% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $60.83, putting the stock 51.1% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 0 shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.
Is QCRH Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis
QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) carries a value factor score of 71/100 in the Blank Capital model, suggesting the stock trades at a meaningful discount to its fundamental earning power. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 12.34x, compared to the Financials sector average of 14.88x — a discount of 17%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.32x, versus the sector average of 1.22x. The price-to-sales ratio is 2.86x, compared to 0.90x for the average Financials stock. On an enterprise value basis, QCRH trades at 11.59x EV/EBITDA, versus 3.26x for the sector.
Based on these multiples, QCR HOLDINGS INC appears attractively valued relative to both its sector peers and the broader market. Value-oriented investors may find the current entry point compelling, particularly if the company's fundamental quality metrics also score well.
QCR HOLDINGS INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score
QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) earns a quality factor score of 59/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 10.7%, compared to the Financials sector average of 8.5%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 1.3% versus the sector average of 1.2%.
On a margin basis, QCR HOLDINGS INC reports gross margins of 0.0%. The operating margin is 24.9% (sector: 21.8%). Net profit margin stands at 23.5%, versus 17.7% for the average Financials stock. Revenue growth is running at -17.0% on a trailing basis, compared to 9.4% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.
QCRH Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health
QCR HOLDINGS INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 761.0%, compared to the Financials sector average of 121.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.13x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $938M. Cash and equivalents stand at $78M.
QCRH has a beta of 0.73, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for QCR HOLDINGS INC is 82/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.
QCR HOLDINGS INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend
In TTM 2026, QCR HOLDINGS INC reported revenue of $515M and earnings per share (EPS) of $7.54. Net income for the quarter was $119M. Gross margin was 0.0%. Operating income came in at $127M.
In FY 2025, QCR HOLDINGS INC reported revenue of $489M and earnings per share (EPS) of $7.54. Net income for the quarter was $127M. Revenue grew 1.6% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $136M.
In Q3 2025, QCR HOLDINGS INC reported revenue of $125M and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.17. Net income for the quarter was $37M. Revenue grew -18.1% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $41M.
In Q2 2025, QCR HOLDINGS INC reported revenue of $120M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.71. Net income for the quarter was $29M. Revenue grew -20.2% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $31M.
Over the past 8 quarters, QCR HOLDINGS INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $151M to $515M. Investors analyzing QCRH stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.
QCRH Dividend Yield and Income Analysis
QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) currently pays a dividend yield of 0.3%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in QCRH stock would generate approximately $$32.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Financials sector average dividend yield of 2.5%, meaning QCRH yields less than the typical sector peer. With a net margin of 23.5%, the dividend appears well-covered by earnings, suggesting sustainable payouts going forward.
QCRH Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile
QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) has a momentum factor score of 54/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 37/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 31/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.
QCRH vs Competitors — Financials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison
Comparing QCRH against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full QCRH vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how QCR HOLDINGS INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.
QCRH Next Earnings Date
No upcoming earnings date has been announced for QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.
Should You Buy QCRH? — Investment Thesis Summary
QCR HOLDINGS INC presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The value score of 71/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Low volatility (stability score 82/100) reduces downside risk.
In summary, QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 56.8/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on QCRH stock.
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Institutional Research Dossier
QCR HOLDINGS INC (QCRH) Deep Dive Analysis
Published on March 24, 2026
Action RatingHold
Sections
Executive Summary
QCR Holdings Inc. (QCRH) receives a Hold rating, driven by a mixed financial profile. While the company exhibits strong profitability metrics compared to the sector, its declining revenue growth and high debt levels raise concerns. The current valuation appears reasonable, but the lack of a clear growth catalyst and potential headwinds in the banking sector warrant a cautious approach.
The primary takeaway is that QCRH presents a blend of value and risk. Its superior profitability and attractive valuation multiples are counterbalanced by revenue contraction and a highly leveraged balance sheet. Investors should closely monitor the company's ability to stabilize revenue and manage its debt burden before considering a more bullish stance.
Business Strategy & Overview
QCR Holdings operates as a multi-bank holding company, providing a range of financial services including commercial and consumer banking, and trust and asset management. The company's revenue is generated primarily through interest income from loans and leases, as well as fees from its trust and asset management services. QCRH focuses on serving small and mid-sized businesses, corporations, partnerships, individuals, and government agencies across its Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Valley, Des Moines/Ankeny, and Springfield markets. This regional focus allows for a more personalized approach to customer relationships and a deeper understanding of local economic conditions.
The company's strategic positioning revolves around offering a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to its target customer base. This includes a variety of deposit products, commercial and retail lending/leasing options, and investment services. QCRH also engages in the leasing of machinery and equipment to commercial and industrial businesses through direct financing lease contracts. This diversification of revenue streams helps to mitigate risk and provides opportunities for cross-selling.
QCRH's business model is heavily reliant on the health of the regional economies it serves. Economic downturns or industry-specific challenges in these areas could negatively impact loan demand and asset quality. The company also faces competition from larger national and regional banks, as well as non-bank financial institutions. To differentiate itself, QCRH emphasizes its local presence, customer service, and community involvement.
The banking industry is currently facing a complex environment characterized by rising interest rates, increased regulatory scrutiny, and evolving customer expectations. QCRH must navigate these challenges while maintaining profitability and managing risk. The company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and leverage its local expertise will be crucial for its long-term success.
Execution Benchmarks audit
Revenue Growth
YOY expansion rate
-17.0%
Sector: 9.4%
-281% VS SCTR
Economic Moat Analysis
QCR Holdings possesses a narrow economic moat, primarily derived from its established regional presence and customer relationships. While the banking industry is generally competitive, QCRH's focus on specific geographic markets and its emphasis on personalized service create a degree of customer loyalty and switching costs. This allows the company to maintain a stable customer base and generate consistent earnings.
The company's community banking model fosters strong relationships with local businesses and individuals. This local knowledge and understanding of customer needs provide a competitive advantage over larger, national banks that may lack the same level of personalized attention. These relationships can translate into repeat business and referrals, contributing to a more stable revenue stream.
However, the moat is considered narrow due to the relatively low barriers to entry in the banking industry. While QCRH benefits from its local presence, it still faces competition from other regional and national banks, as well as non-bank financial institutions. These competitors can offer similar products and services, potentially eroding QCRH's market share.
Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of online banking and fintech solutions poses a threat to QCRH's traditional banking model. Customers are increasingly demanding convenient and digital banking options, which may require QCRH to invest heavily in technology and innovation to remain competitive. Failure to adapt to these changing customer preferences could weaken its competitive position.
The regulatory environment also plays a role in shaping QCRH's economic moat. Compliance with banking regulations can be costly and time-consuming, but it also creates a barrier to entry for new competitors. QCRH's experience in navigating the regulatory landscape provides a slight advantage over smaller or less established banks.
Financial Health & Profitability
QCR Holdings' financial health presents a mixed picture. The company exhibits strong profitability metrics compared to the sector, with a higher ROE (10.7% vs. 8.5%), operating margin (24.9% vs. 22.0%), and net margin (23.5% vs. 17.8%). This indicates efficient operations and effective cost management. However, revenue growth has been a concern, with a significant decline of -17.0% compared to the sector's growth of 9.3%. This revenue contraction raises questions about the company's ability to sustain its profitability in the long term.
The company's balance sheet is characterized by a high level of debt. The debt-to-equity ratio of 761.00 is significantly higher than the sector average of 115.00. This high leverage increases the company's financial risk and could limit its ability to invest in growth opportunities or weather economic downturns. While the current ratio of 1.13 indicates sufficient liquidity to meet short-term obligations, the high debt burden remains a concern.
Analyzing the quarterly financial history reveals a trend of declining revenue and fluctuating net income. While operating margins have remained relatively stable, the overall financial performance has been inconsistent. The most recent quarter (Q3 FY2025) shows a slight improvement in revenue compared to previous quarters, but it is still below the levels seen in FY2024 and FY2023. This lack of consistent growth is a key area of concern.
The negative free cash flow of $-65.04M further underscores the company's financial challenges. This indicates that QCRH is not generating enough cash from its operations to cover its capital expenditures and other obligations. This could put pressure on the company's liquidity and require it to raise additional capital through debt or equity financing.
Overall, QCR Holdings' financial health is a mixed bag. While the company's profitability metrics are strong, its declining revenue growth, high debt levels, and negative free cash flow raise concerns about its long-term sustainability. Investors should closely monitor these factors and assess the company's ability to improve its financial performance.
Valuation Assessment
QCR Holdings' valuation appears attractive based on several key metrics. The company's P/E ratio of 10.8x is significantly lower than the sector average of 15.5x, suggesting that the stock is undervalued relative to its earnings. Similarly, the EV/EBITDA ratio of 2.5x is also lower than the sector average of 3.5x, further indicating a potential undervaluation.
However, it is important to consider the company's declining revenue growth when assessing its valuation. While the low multiples may seem appealing, they could be reflecting the market's concerns about QCRH's ability to generate future growth. A company with declining revenue typically warrants a lower valuation multiple than a company with strong growth prospects.
The negative free cash flow also complicates the valuation picture. A traditional discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis would be challenging given the lack of positive free cash flow. This makes it difficult to determine the intrinsic value of the company based on its future cash flow generation.
Despite these challenges, the company's strong profitability metrics and attractive valuation multiples suggest that the stock may be undervalued. However, investors should exercise caution and carefully consider the risks associated with the company's declining revenue growth and high debt levels. A more conservative valuation approach may be warranted given these uncertainties.
Relative to its historical valuation, QCRH's current multiples are near the lower end of its range. This suggests that the stock is trading at a discount compared to its past performance. However, it is important to note that the company's financial performance has also deteriorated in recent years, which could justify the lower valuation.
Risk & Uncertainty
QCR Holdings faces several specific risks that could negatively impact its business and financial performance. One of the most significant risks is the company's high level of debt. The debt-to-equity ratio of 761.00 is significantly higher than the sector average, which increases the company's financial risk and could limit its ability to invest in growth opportunities or weather economic downturns. Rising interest rates could further exacerbate this risk by increasing the company's borrowing costs.
Another key risk is the company's declining revenue growth. The revenue decline of -17.0% in the most recent fiscal year raises concerns about the company's ability to generate future growth. This could be due to increased competition, changing customer preferences, or economic weakness in the company's key markets. Failure to stabilize revenue growth could negatively impact the company's profitability and valuation.
The banking industry is subject to extensive regulation, which could increase the company's compliance costs and limit its business activities. Changes in banking regulations could also negatively impact the company's profitability and competitive position. Furthermore, the company faces the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches, which could disrupt its operations and damage its reputation.
Economic conditions in the company's key markets also pose a risk. A recession or economic slowdown in the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Valley, Des Moines/Ankeny, or Springfield areas could negatively impact loan demand and asset quality. This could lead to increased loan losses and reduced profitability.
Bulls Say / Bears Say
The Bull Case
BULL VIEWQCRH's superior profitability metrics, including higher ROE and margins compared to the sector, demonstrate efficient operations and effective cost management, justifying a higher valuation.
BULL VIEWThe company's attractive valuation multiples, such as a lower P/E and EV/EBITDA compared to peers, offer a compelling entry point for value investors seeking exposure to the banking sector.
The Bear Case
BEAR VIEWQCRH's significant revenue decline and negative free cash flow raise serious concerns about its long-term growth prospects and financial sustainability.
BEAR VIEWThe company's highly leveraged balance sheet, with a debt-to-equity ratio far exceeding the sector average, exposes it to significant financial risk and limits its flexibility to pursue growth opportunities.
About the Author
Marques Blank
Founder & Chief Investment Officer, Blank Capital
Marques brings 15 years of institutional finance and investing experience, having overseen financial planning for a $1.6B defense business unit. He developed the proprietary 6-factor quantitative model used to score QCRH and 4,400+ other equities.
QCR HOLDINGS INC exhibits a 116% valuation premium relative to institutional benchmarks. This represents a potential valuation overextension based on current multiples.
Return on Assets
Efficiency of asset utilization
1.3%
Sector: 1.2%
Gross Margin
Pricing power and cost efficiency
0.0%
Sector: 0.0%
Operating Margin
Core business profitability
24.9%
Sector: 21.8%
Net Margin
Bottom-line profitability
23.5%
Sector: 17.7%
Factor Methodology
The Quality factor evaluates the persistence and magnitude of cash flows. Companies with scores >70 exhibit superior competitive moats and financial resilience through economic cycles.
Sector Avg Yield2.48%
Yield Delta-87%
Income Projection audit
A $10,000 investment would generate approximately $32 annually in dividends at the current trailing rate.
