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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 73 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$81.00
▲(13.19% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/14/26
The score is driven primarily by improving financial performance and strong cash generation, reinforced by a constructive earnings-call outlook and operational progress. Valuation is a notable positive due to the low P/E, while the main constraint is mixed near-term technical momentum and ongoing credit/leverage sensitivity.
Positive Factors
Strong cash generation
Operating cash flow rose to roughly $2.09B in 2025 and free cash flow tracked net income, indicating high earnings quality. Durable free cash flow supports share repurchases, dividends, capital investment and reserve funding, improving financial flexibility across business cycles.
Improved leverage and ratings
A meaningful reduction in total debt and a lower debt-to-equity ratio, combined with refinancing that cut funding costs and credit rating upgrades, materially reduces refinancing and interest-rate risk. This stronger capital structure supports longer-term risk tolerance and shareholder returns.
Partner expansion and diversification
New brand signings, rising co-brand share and sustained deposit growth expand origination channels and diversify merchant concentration. Strong partner relationships and product launches drive repeat volume, improve customer acquisition economics and make revenue sources more resilient over time.
Negative Factors
Volatile loan and revenue growth
Revenue and loan balances have shown wide year-to-year swings and management projects only low-single-digit growth. Elevated payment rates and uneven origination suggest future top-line growth may remain cyclical, constraining predictable earnings expansion and planning over the medium term.
Credit losses and reserves above targets
Although improving, net loss and reserve rates remain well above long-term targets. Persistent elevated credit costs require continued provisioning and capital support, limiting margin recovery and potentially reducing capital available for growth or returns until credit normalizes.
Net interest margin rate sensitivity
The firm’s asset-sensitive profile means NIM and NII can compress if the Fed eases and deposit betas are material. Because net interest margin is a primary earnings driver, structural rate-sensitivity introduces ongoing margin risk and uncertainty around sustainable profitability in a shifting rate environment.

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
Improving 2025 fundamentals with a strong revenue rebound and meaningfully better profitability, supported by robust operating and free cash flow. Key offsets are cyclicality/volatility across years and still-meaningful leverage for a credit-services model despite recent debt reduction.
Income Statement
74
Positive
Revenue has been volatile, with a decline in 2024 followed by a strong rebound in 2025 (annual revenue growth of ~38.5%). Profitability improved meaningfully in 2025 versus 2024 (net margin ~11.0% vs. ~5.8%), but remains below stronger years like 2021 and 2023, indicating earnings power is not yet consistently durable. Overall, the income profile is solid but cyclical, with margins and profits swinging year-to-year.
Balance Sheet
67
Positive
Leverage has improved: total debt fell from ~$5.7B (2024) to ~$4.3B (2025), and debt relative to equity decreased to ~1.29x from ~1.86x. Returns to shareholders strengthened in 2025 (return on equity ~15.6%), but balance-sheet risk remains meaningful for a credit-services business given the still-elevated debt load and historically higher leverage (above ~3.5x debt-to-equity in 2021–2022). Net: trending better, but not low-risk.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength: operating cash flow increased to ~$2.09B in 2025 from ~$1.86B in 2024, and free cash flow also rose sharply (free cash flow growth ~4.86 in 2025). Free cash flow matches net income in the provided data (free cash flow to net income of 1.0), supporting earnings quality. The main weakness is volatility across years (e.g., free cash flow declined in 2024), which suggests cash flows can swing with credit conditions.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.70B4.80B5.17B4.37B3.27B
Gross Profit2.98B2.44B3.07B2.28B2.06B
EBITDA694.00M471.00M1.08B413.00M1.17B
Net Income518.00M277.00M718.00M223.00M801.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets22.66B22.89B23.14B25.41B21.75B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.77B3.85B3.76B3.99B3.22B
Total Debt4.39B5.68B5.44B8.13B7.58B
Total Liabilities19.34B19.84B20.22B23.14B19.66B
Stockholders Equity3.33B3.05B2.92B2.27B2.09B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow2.09B1.86B1.99B1.78B1.46B
Operating Cash Flow2.09B1.86B1.99B1.85B1.54B
Investing Cash Flow-1.37B-1.17B788.00M-5.11B-1.69B
Financing Cash Flow-807.00M-592.00M-3.09B3.27B608.00M

Bread Financial Holdings Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price71.56
Price Trends
50DMA
74.50
Negative
100DMA
68.45
Positive
200DMA
63.29
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.13
Positive
RSI
42.74
Neutral
STOCH
34.13
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BFH, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 71.56 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 74.00, below the 50-day MA of 74.50, and above the 200-day MA of 63.29, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.13 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 42.74 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 34.13 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for BFH.

Bread Financial Holdings Risk Analysis

Bread Financial Holdings disclosed 60 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
$3.21B6.8416.37%1.12%-4.32%58.34%
72
Outperform
$2.07B18.80107.03%88.74%106.14%
71
Outperform
$3.45B11.9224.34%21.10%76.12%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
64
Neutral
$2.93B6.0451.86%10.18%-2.51%17.47%
61
Neutral
$1.73B13.019.55%9.68%94.85%
52
Neutral
$2.34B-3.52
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BFH
Bread Financial Holdings
71.56
17.69
32.84%
WU
Western Union
9.36
-0.48
-4.88%
LC
LendingClub
15.02
2.79
22.81%
ENVA
Enova International
138.00
36.28
35.67%
LU
Lufax Holding
2.74
-0.28
-9.27%
SEZL
Sezzle Inc.
60.65
12.08
24.87%

Bread Financial Holdings Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Bread Financial Reports Stable Loans, Slightly Improved Credit Quality
Positive
Feb 10, 2026

On February 10, 2026, Bread Financial reported January 2026 portfolio metrics showing essentially flat average credit card and other loan balances year over year at about $18.5 billion. End‑of‑period credit card and other loans were $18.4 billion, while period‑end principal loans used for delinquency calculations were $16.4 billion, reflecting the structure of the portfolio and measurement approach.

Credit quality indicators showed modest improvement versus January 2025, with net principal losses declining to $111 million from $123 million and the net principal loss rate easing to 7.1% from 7.8%. Delinquency trends also improved, as 30‑days‑plus principal delinquencies fell to $960 million from $1.03 billion and the delinquency rate edged down to 5.9% from 6.1%, signaling slightly better credit performance for stakeholders monitoring asset quality in U.S. consumer credit.

The most recent analyst rating on (BFH) stock is a Buy with a $90.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bread Financial Holdings stock, see the BFH Stock Forecast page.

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.

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: Feb 14, 2026