Industry · NC
ECU Health Reports Higher Operating Margin, Net Income in FY2026
ECU Health, based in Greenville, N.C., reported operating income of $151.2 million (4.5% operating margin) for fiscal 2026, up from $125.4 million (4.1% margin) a year earlier, per its Nov. 11 financial report covering the 12 months ended Sept. 30. Total operating revenue rose to $3.4 billion from $3.1 billion, while total operating expenses rose to $3.2 billion from $3 billion, including higher salaries, wages and benefits and higher supply costs. Bad debt expense rose to $56 million from $31.3 million and charity care rose to $263.4 million from $223 million. Net income was $152.2 million, up from $130.6 million the prior year.
Why it mattersState Medicaid agencies and health plans contracting with ECU Health may note the system's rising charity care and bad debt alongside improved margins when assessing its financial stability as a network provider.