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Bread Financial Holdings (BFH)
NYSE:BFH

Bread Financial Holdings (BFH) AI Stock Analysis

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BFH

Bread Financial Holdings

(NYSE:BFH)

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Outperform 72 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$81.00
▲(10.88% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by strong cash-flow generation and improving profitability, supported by a low valuation multiple. Earnings-call guidance is constructive but tempered by rate sensitivity, fee pressure, and credit metrics that are improving yet still elevated. Technical signals are mixed-to-weak, limiting the overall score.
Positive Factors
Cash Generation
Consistently strong operating cash flow (~$2.0B TTM) and free cash flow that closely tracks operations provide durable financial flexibility. This supports investments, capital returns, debt paydowns and reserves, reducing reliance on external funding and strengthening long-term resilience.
Funding Mix & Liquidity
Sustained deposit growth (direct-to-consumer +11% YoY; 48% of funding) and substantial liquid assets reduce reliance on wholesale markets. A stickier, lower-cost funding base improves funding stability and margin durability, aiding capital planning and reducing refinancing risk over time.
Partner Signings & Product Diversification
New partner signings and product launches expand distribution and diversify revenue sources. Greater co-brand exposure and integrations (BreadPay, crypto.com) increase customer acquisition channels and cross-sell opportunities, strengthening the core private-label credit franchise over multiple years.
Negative Factors
Revenue & Fee Pressure
Declining revenue and structural pressure on billed fees (lower late fees as delinquencies improve) reduce noninterest income durability. With fee income under pressure, the company must rely more on interest income and efficiency gains to sustain long-term revenue growth and profitability.
NIM and Rate Sensitivity
The business is asset-sensitive and exposed to Fed rate moves; expected cuts could compress net interest margin if assets reprice faster than liabilities. Uncertain deposit beta (60%–80%) creates funding-cost risk that can materially affect sustainable net interest income and returns.
Elevated Losses & Sluggish Loan Growth
Although improving, net loss and reserve rates remain meaningfully above long-term targets while average loans are flat-to-down. Elevated credit costs and limited loan growth constrain capital generation and return-on-capital recovery, slowing progress toward mid‑20% ROTC targets.

Bread Financial Holdings (BFH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Bread Financial Holdings Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBread Financial Holdings, Inc. provides tech-forward payment and lending solutions to customers and consumer-based industries in North America. It offers credit card and other loans financing services, including risk management solutions, account origination, and funding services for approximately 130 private label and co-brand credit card programs, as well as through Bread partnerships to approximately 500 small-and medium-sized businesses merchants; and Comenity-branded general purpose cash-back credit. The company also manages and services the loans it originates for private label, co-brand, and general-purpose credit card programs and Bread BNPL (installment loans, split-pay) products; and provides marketing, and data and analytics services. In addition, it offers an enhanced digital suite that includes a unified software development kit, which provides access to its suite of products, as well as promotes credit payment options earlier in the shopping experience. Further, the company through Bread, a digital payments platform and robust suite of application programming interfaces allows merchants and partners to integrate online point-of-sale financing and other digital payment products, including installment and split-pay solutions. The company was formerly known as Alliance Data Systems Corporation and changed its name to Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. in March 2022. Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyBread Financial generates revenue primarily through interest income from its credit products, including installment loans and private label credit cards. The company earns interest from customers who carry balances on their accounts, as well as from various fees associated with credit services, such as late payment fees and transaction fees. Additionally, BFH collaborates with numerous retail partners to offer branded credit solutions, which not only drive customer loyalty but also contribute to the company's revenue through merchant fees. Strategic partnerships with retailers and e-commerce platforms enhance their market reach and enable cross-selling opportunities, further solidifying their revenue streams.

Bread Financial Holdings Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 29, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlighted multiple tangible operational and financial improvements—new partner signings, deposit growth, capital returns, rating upgrades, improving credit metrics, rising tangible book value, and positive operating leverage—while acknowledging short-term headwinds from debt repurchase costs, flat-to-slow loan growth due to high payment rates, and revenue pressure from lower billed fees and macro/rate sensitivity. Management provided a constructive 2026 outlook with low-single-digit growth targets and continued focus on efficiency and credit discipline.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
New Brand Signings and Product Launches
Signed seven major new brand partners in 2025 (including Bed Bath & Beyond, Furniture First, Raymour & Flanigan) and launched relationships such as crypto.com and BreadPay integrations with Cricket Wireless and Vivint, expanding vertical and product reach.
Co-Brand Mix Expansion
Co-brand comprised 52% of credit sales in Q4 2025, up from 48% in 2024, reflecting increased partner-driven sales and product diversification.
Direct-to-Consumer Deposit Growth and Funding Mix
Direct-to-consumer deposit balances increased 11% year over year, grew for the 20th consecutive quarter, and comprised 48% of Q4 average total funding (up from 43% a year ago), lowering funding costs and increasing funding stability.
Capital Returned and Capital Optimization
Returned $350 million of capital to shareholders in 2025, including $310 million of share repurchases (repurchasing 12% of year-end 2024 shares) and a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend; issued $75 million of preferred shares to strengthen Tier 1 capital.
Debt Refinancing and Rating Upgrades
Issued a $500 million senior note at 6.75% and fully paid down a $900 million 9.75% note, reducing the rate by ~300 basis points and shrinking the note size by $400 million; received credit rating upgrades from Moody's and Fitch and positive outlooks from Moody's and S&P.
Improved Credit Metrics
Full-year net loss rate improved to 7.7% (better than outlook); Q4 net loss rate 7.4%, down 60 basis points year over year; Q4 delinquency rate 5.8%, down 10 basis points year over year and 20 basis points sequentially; reserve rate improved 70 basis points year over year to 11.2%.
Earnings and EPS (Adjusted)
Q4 adjusted net income was $95 million with adjusted diluted EPS of $2.07; net income available to common stockholders was $53 million excluding a $42 million post-tax charge related to debt repurchases.
Tangible Book Value and Returns
Tangible book value per common share grew 23% year over year to $57.57; return on average tangible common equity was 8% for the quarter and 20% for the full year.
Revenue, NII and NIM Momentum
Full-year credit sales grew 3% to $27.8 billion; Q4 credit sales increased 2% year over year; Q4 total net interest income increased 6% year over year and net interest margin improved to 18.9% versus prior year.
Operational Efficiency and Technology Progress
Delivered positive operating leverage with adjusted noninterest expenses down (adjusted total noninterest expenses decreased $29 million or 1% for the year; Q4 adjusted noninterest expense down 5% excluding debt repurchase impacts) and continued progress on cloud migration, automation and AI adoption.
Strong Liquidity and Capital Ratios
Total liquid assets and undrawn credit facilities of $66 billion (26.4% of assets); deposits comprised 78% of funding; CET1 ratio of 13% (up 60 basis points year over year) and total loss absorption capacity at 24.7% of total loans.
2026 Growth and Profitability Outlook
Management expects 2026 average loans and total revenue to be up low single digits, full-year net loss rate in the 7.2%–7.4% range, NIM near to slightly above 2025 on baseline assumptions, and a path toward mid-20% ROTC in coming years.
Negative Updates
Debt Repurchase Costs and One-Time Charges
Q4 included a $42 million post-tax impact from debt repurchases; other expenses increased by $46 million in Q4 primarily due to debt repurchase impacts, creating volatility in reported results and increasing near-term expense comparisons.
Average Loans Pressured
Average loans declined 1% year over year (full-year average loans $17.9 billion) and end-of-period loans of $18.8 billion were nearly flat, attributed to elevated payment rates which constrained balance growth.
Revenue Headwinds from Lower Billed Fees
Full-year revenue rose only $7 million as pricing changes and paper statement fees were largely offset by lower billed late fees due to improved delinquencies; management expects lower billed fees to continue as credit improves, pressuring revenue.
Noninterest Income Pressure
Q4 noninterest income was $10 million lower year over year, driven by higher retailer share arrangements (RSAs), partially offset by paper statement fee benefits.
NIM and Rate Sensitivity Risks
Business is slightly asset-sensitive; anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate decreases could pressure net interest margin as variable-rate assets reprice faster than liabilities, and deposit beta uncertainty (management cited a 60%–80% beta range) may affect funding costs.
Reserve and Loss Levels Still Above Long-Term Targets
Although improving, reserve rate (11.2%) and net loss rate (7.7% full-year; 7.4% Q4) remain above the company’s historical 6% loss-rate target, indicating continued work required to fully normalize credit metrics.
Macro Uncertainty and Seasonal Impacts
Management cited macro uncertainties (timing/size of Fed cuts, tariffs, potential government shutdown) and seasonal first-quarter reserve increases as risks that could limit the sustainability of near-term momentum and make results quarter-to-quarter variable.
Expense Volatility from Strategic Actions
Reported total noninterest expenses were impacted by the timing and accounting of strategic debt actions; while adjusted expenses declined, headline expense volatility from these actions complicates comparability and short-term operating leverage visibility.
Company Guidance
Management guided 2026 for average credit card and other loans growth of up low single digits and total revenue to be up low single digits (largely in line with loan growth), with baseline net interest margin near to slightly above the full‑year 2025 rate (Q4 NIM was 18.9%) but exposed to pressure from expected Fed cuts, lower billed fees and product/risk‑mix shifts; they expect a full‑year net loss rate of 7.2%–7.4%, a normalized effective tax rate of 25%–27%, and adjusted total expenses (excluding debt‑repurchase costs) to be slightly down sequentially from the Q4 adjusted expense run‑rate of $500 million, delivering positive operating leverage (excluding pretax debt repurchase impacts). Management said loan growth will be supported by a stable partner base and new launches, and that these assumptions, plus ongoing capital optimization (including possible preferred issuance), position the company to progress toward its longer‑term mid‑20% ROTC target.

Bread Financial Holdings Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong cash generation (TTM operating cash flow ~$2.0B with free cash flow closely tracking) and improved TTM profitability support the score. Offsetting this, revenue is down in TTM and 2024 with historically volatile margins, and the sharp swing to a no-debt TTM position versus prior leveraged years raises durability questions.
Income Statement
58
Neutral
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) profitability improved versus 2024, with net income rising to $472M (from $277M) and stronger operating profitability. However, revenue is down in both TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) and 2024, and margins have been volatile over the last several years (strong 2021/2023, weaker 2024/TTM), suggesting a less consistent earnings profile.
Balance Sheet
63
Positive
Leverage looks materially better in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), showing no debt and a clean debt-to-equity reading, alongside a solid return on equity. That said, prior years carried meaningful leverage (debt-to-equity ~1.9x in 2023–2024 and higher in 2020–2022), so the year-to-year shift is large and balance-sheet risk depends on whether the TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) deleveraging is durable.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength: operating cash flow is very strong in both TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) ($2.0B) and 2024 ($1.86B), with free cash flow closely tracking operating cash flow. Free cash flow has accelerated sharply in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) after a modest decline in 2024, supporting financial flexibility, although some coverage metrics are inconsistent across periods.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.68B4.80B5.17B4.37B3.27B3.30B
Gross Profit2.51B2.44B3.07B2.28B2.06B1.95B
EBITDA623.00M471.00M1.08B413.00M1.17B549.00M
Net Income472.00M277.00M718.00M223.00M801.00M214.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets21.71B22.89B23.14B25.41B21.75B22.55B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.05B3.85B3.76B3.99B3.11B3.02B
Total Debt3.79B5.68B5.44B8.13B7.57B8.70B
Total Liabilities18.40B19.84B20.22B23.14B19.66B21.03B
Stockholders Equity3.32B3.05B2.92B2.27B2.09B1.52B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow2.00B1.86B1.99B1.78B1.46B1.83B
Operating Cash Flow2.00B1.86B1.99B1.85B1.54B1.88B
Investing Cash Flow-1.22B-1.17B788.00M-5.11B-1.69B1.77B
Financing Cash Flow-476.00M-592.00M-3.09B3.27B608.00M-4.17B

Bread Financial Holdings Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price73.05
Price Trends
50DMA
72.52
Positive
100DMA
66.58
Positive
200DMA
61.33
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.58
Positive
RSI
51.86
Neutral
STOCH
77.91
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BFH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 73.05 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 72.99, above the 50-day MA of 72.52, and above the 200-day MA of 61.33, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of -0.58 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 51.86 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 77.91 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for BFH.

Bread Financial Holdings Risk Analysis

Bread Financial Holdings disclosed 63 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Bread Financial Holdings reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Bread Financial Holdings Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
$4.08B14.8824.34%21.10%76.12%
72
Outperform
$3.31B6.6616.37%1.12%-4.32%58.34%
72
Outperform
$2.16B19.77107.03%88.74%106.14%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
67
Neutral
$2.98B4.0797.70%10.18%-2.51%17.47%
63
Neutral
$1.95B14.609.55%9.68%94.85%
52
Neutral
$2.34B-3.41
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BFH
Bread Financial Holdings
75.40
16.09
27.12%
WU
Western Union
9.40
0.04
0.43%
LC
LendingClub
16.10
2.92
22.15%
ENVA
Enova International
159.07
46.13
40.84%
LU
Lufax Holding
2.55
0.12
4.94%
SEZL
Sezzle Inc.
63.01
22.85
56.90%

Bread Financial Holdings Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackDividendsFinancial DisclosuresPrivate Placements and Financing
Bread Financial Posts Strong 2025 Results, Raises Shareholder Returns
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

On January 29, 2026, Bread Financial reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results showing solid profitability and capital return alongside a stronger balance sheet. For 2025, the company generated $518 million in net income available to common stockholders, nearly doubled earnings per diluted share year over year, and lifted tangible book value per common share by 23% to $57.57, supported by higher net interest income, improved credit performance and lower credit-loss provisions. Management highlighted a resilient consumer backdrop, modest 3% growth in credit sales and stable partner relationships, with all top 10 programs renewed into at least 2028, while direct-to-consumer deposits rose 11% to $8.5 billion, now nearly half of total funding. The company also optimized its capital structure by retiring high-cost debt, issuing subordinated debt and preferred equity, and repurchasing $350 million of common stock in 2025, actions that contributed to credit rating upgrades and an improved outlook from major agencies. In conjunction with the earnings release, the board declared quarterly cash dividends payable on March 16, 2026 of $26.35 per share on its Series A preferred stock and $0.23 per share on common stock to shareholders of record on February 27, 2026, signaling continued commitment to shareholder returns while maintaining a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 13.0%.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Sell with a $62.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Bread Financial Reports Slightly Improved Credit Quality Metrics
Neutral
Jan 29, 2026

On January 29, 2026, Bread Financial reported key credit performance metrics for the period ended December 31, 2025, showing end-of-period credit card and other loans of $18.8 billion and average loans of $18.5 billion for December, both down 1% year over year. For the month and the fourth quarter, the company posted a net loss rate of 7.4%, with $116 million in net principal losses in December and $336 million for the quarter, while 30-plus-day delinquencies declined to $971 million and the delinquency rate edged down to 5.8% from 5.9% a year earlier, signaling slightly improved asset quality despite modestly lower loan balances.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Sell with a $62.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Bread Financial Reports Improved November 2025 Performance
Positive
Dec 10, 2025

On December 10, 2025, Bread Financial Holdings reported a performance update for November 2025, highlighting a decrease in both net loss and delinquency rates compared to the previous year. The net loss rate decreased from 8.0% in November 2024 to 7.4% in November 2025, while the delinquency rate dropped from 6.2% to 6.0%, reflecting improved financial stability and operational resilience.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Buy with a $80.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

DividendsPrivate Placements and Financing
Bread Financial Holdings Issues New Preferred Stock Series
Neutral
Nov 25, 2025

On November 25, 2025, Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. issued 3,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in its newly established 8.625% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A. This move, following an underwriting agreement with major financial institutions, aims to enhance the company’s financial structure by setting specific terms for dividends and stock transactions, potentially impacting its market position and shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Buy with a $98.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

Delistings and Listing ChangesPrivate Placements and Financing
Bread Financial Announces Public Offering of Depositary Shares
Neutral
Nov 21, 2025

On November 20, 2025, Bread Financial Holdings announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 3,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 8.625% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A. The company expects to generate approximately $72.6 million in net proceeds from the offering, which will be used for general corporate purposes, potentially including contributions to its subsidiary, Comenity Capital Bank, and share repurchases. The offering is expected to close on November 25, 2025, subject to customary conditions, and the company plans to list the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Sell with a $52.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackPrivate Placements and Financing
Bread Financial Launches Preferred Stock Offering
Neutral
Nov 20, 2025

On November 20, 2025, Bread Financial Holdings announced the launch of a public offering of depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in its Series A Preferred Stock. The company plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including potential contributions to its subsidiary, Comenity Capital Bank, and share repurchases. The offering is subject to market conditions, and the shares are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with major financial institutions acting as joint bookrunners.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Sell with a $52.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Bread Financial Reports Improved Financial Metrics Update
Positive
Nov 13, 2025

On November 13, 2025, Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. released a performance update for the period ending October 31, 2025. The update highlighted a slight decrease in the net loss rate and delinquency rate compared to the previous year, with the net principal losses and average credit card loans also showing a year-over-year decline. The company attributed the lower net loss rate in the fourth quarter of 2024 to a temporary freeze on delinquency progression due to hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Buy with a $72.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Bread Financial Holdings Completes $500 Million Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Nov 6, 2025

On November 6, 2025, Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. completed its offering of $500 million in 6.750% Senior Notes due 2031, which are senior unsecured obligations. This financial move is significant as it strengthens the company’s capital structure and provides flexibility for future operations, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Buy with a $72.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 30, 2026