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Berkshire Hills Bancorp (BHLB)
NYSE:BHLB
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Berkshire Hills (BHLB) AI Stock Analysis

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BHLB

Berkshire Hills

(NYSE:BHLB)

Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$27.00
â–²(10.61% Upside)
Berkshire Hills Bancorp shows strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment, which are the most significant factors driving the score. The stock's low P/E ratio and attractive dividend yield add to its appeal. However, bearish technical indicators and legal challenges related to the merger pose risks. Overall, the company is well-positioned for future growth, but investors should be cautious of the current market momentum.

Berkshire Hills (BHLB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Berkshire Hills Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBerkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (BHLB) is a bank holding company based in Massachusetts that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Berkshire Bank. The company primarily serves the banking needs of individuals, businesses, and municipalities across the New England and New York regions. Berkshire Hills offers a wide range of financial products and services including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, and mortgage lending, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and customer service.
How the Company Makes MoneyBerkshire Hills generates revenue primarily through net interest income and non-interest income. Net interest income is derived from the difference between the interest earned on loans and securities and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. The bank provides various loan products such as residential mortgages, commercial real estate loans, and consumer loans, which contribute significantly to its interest income. Non-interest income comes from fees for services, wealth management products, insurance services, and transaction-based income. Additionally, Berkshire Hills has established partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, enhancing its market presence and driving deposits and loan growth, which are crucial for its overall earnings.

Berkshire Hills Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 24, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -6.94%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 16, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted a strong financial performance with significant increases in net income and earnings per share, effective expense management, and successful strategic initiatives such as the digital deposit program. However, challenges in SBA loan gains and an increase in C&I nonperformers were noted. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment is positive due to the outweighing highlights and strategic positioning for future growth.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
Operating net income of $31.6 million, up 14% linked quarter and up 36% year-over-year. Operating earnings per share of $0.69, up 15% from first quarter and up 25% year-over-year.
Expense Management
Operating expenses of $67 million, down 2% linked quarter and down 7% year-over-year, leading to positive operating leverage of 5% linked quarter and 11% year-over-year.
Asset Quality and Balance Sheet Strength
Net charge-offs and nonperforming loans remained low at 14 basis points and 27 basis points of loans, respectively.
Digital Deposit Program Success
New digital deposit program delivered over $100 million of new deposits since inception earlier this year.
Merger of Equals with Brookline Bancorp
The transaction is expected to improve scale and profitability with estimated 40% and 23% accretion to Berkshire's 2026 consensus estimate on GAAP and cash basis, respectively.
Recognition and Awards
Berkshire Hills Bancorp was recognized by Time Magazine among the top-performing midsized U.S. companies in 2025.
Negative Updates
Challenges in SBA Loan Gains
There was a drop in the gain on sale of SBA loans, moving back to the mean after strong Q4 and Q1 performances.
C&I Nonperformers Increase
Jump in C&I nonperformers to $11.5 million from $9 million due to a handful of smaller credits with individual problems.
Tax Rate Elevation
Tax rate is elevated due to timing and merger-related aspects but is expected to normalize going forward.
Company Guidance
During the Berkshire Hills Bancorp Second Quarter Earnings Call, the leadership team shared a robust financial performance for the quarter. Operating net income reached $31.6 million, marking a 14% increase from the previous quarter and a 36% rise year-over-year. The operating earnings per share climbed to $0.69, reflecting a 15% quarterly increase and a 25% year-over-year growth. Operating expenses were reduced to $67 million, down 2% quarterly and 7% year-over-year, contributing to a positive operating leverage of 5% quarter-over-quarter and 11% year-over-year. The bank maintained strong asset quality, with net charge-offs and nonperforming loans at 14 basis points and 27 basis points, respectively. The net interest margin improved by 3 basis points to 3.27%, while average loans grew by $95 million or 1% quarter-over-quarter and $327 million or 4% year-over-year. Additionally, the merger with Brookline Bancorp is expected to enhance scale and profitability, with anticipated accretion of 40% on a GAAP basis and 23% on a cash basis for 2026. The team is working towards a cost-savings goal of 12.6% for the combined entity, awaiting regulatory approval with a target closing by the end of September.

Berkshire Hills Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Berkshire Hills has strong financial performance with consistent revenue growth, solid profitability margins, and efficient cash flow management. Minor concerns include asset fluctuations and investing cash outflows.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Berkshire Hills has demonstrated a solid financial performance with consistent revenue growth, despite some fluctuations. The company's TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) gross profit margin is healthy at 59.66%, and its net profit margin stands at 15.36%. The revenue growth rate of 7.68% from 2024 to TTM indicates a positive upward trajectory. Both EBIT and EBITDA margins improved significantly in TTM, showcasing operational efficiency. However, the company experienced a dip in EBIT margin in 2024, which needs monitoring.
Balance Sheet
74
Positive
The balance sheet of Berkshire Hills reveals a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57 in TTM, indicating a balanced leverage position. The return on equity is strong at 8.93%, reflecting effective utilization of equity capital. The equity ratio is robust at 9.96%, suggesting a stable capital structure. However, the total assets have shown a slight decrease over the years, which may warrant attention.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
The cash flow position of Berkshire Hills is commendable, with a free cash flow growth rate of 10.99% from 2024 to TTM, highlighting strong cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.32 in TTM suggests efficient conversion of profits into cash. Additionally, the free cash flow to net income ratio of 1.25 indicates healthy cash flow management. A slight concern is the high investing cash outflows, which may affect future liquidity.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue695.76M646.11M619.08M456.19M419.37M474.85M
Gross Profit415.02M359.76M379.83M402.53M381.47M305.97M
EBITDA151.47M91.10M91.59M128.53M165.26M-514.93M
Net Income106.91M61.00M69.60M92.53M118.66M-533.02M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets12.01B12.27B12.43B11.66B11.55B12.84B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.40B1.69B2.23B2.11B3.51B3.25B
Total Debt684.60M494.97M568.29M188.55M176.38M645.91M
Total Liabilities10.82B11.11B11.42B10.71B10.37B11.65B
Stockholders Equity1.20B1.17B1.01B954.06M1.18B1.19B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow133.89M120.64M155.34M109.24M83.18M220.43M
Operating Cash Flow141.60M125.21M157.16M110.74M84.79M227.64M
Investing Cash Flow-656.26M-317.25M-284.46M-1.26B621.24M641.10M
Financing Cash Flow147.30M117.21M645.19M207.69M-636.10M109.30M

Berkshire Hills Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price24.41
Price Trends
50DMA
25.30
Positive
100DMA
25.16
Positive
200DMA
26.79
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.31
Positive
RSI
53.32
Neutral
STOCH
50.55
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BHLB, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 24.41 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 25.31, below the 50-day MA of 25.30, and below the 200-day MA of 26.79, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.31 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 53.32 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 50.55 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for BHLB.

Berkshire Hills Risk Analysis

Berkshire Hills disclosed 44 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Berkshire Hills 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

Berkshire Hills Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$1.52B27.215.54%0.39%10.13%-50.08%
77
Outperform
$1.13B9.5410.13%2.95%15.55%401.99%
77
Outperform
$1.24B10.1010.69%1.44%2.23%-1.13%
76
Outperform
$1.20B10.7111.36%0.34%-0.76%-1.60%
76
Outperform
$1.65B7.9016.45%5.56%3.46%12.88%
73
Outperform
$1.21B32.693.24%3.62%-3.08%-45.24%
68
Neutral
$17.46B11.6510.44%3.86%10.36%1.15%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BHLB
Berkshire Hills
25.48
0.85
3.45%
BLX
Banco Latinoamericano De Comercio
47.15
19.28
69.18%
DCOM
Dime Community Bancshares
29.01
7.68
36.01%
QCRH
QCR Holdings
75.08
6.03
8.73%
LOB
Live Oak Bancshares
33.25
-5.47
-14.13%
BY
Byline Bancorp
27.01
2.04
8.17%

Berkshire Hills Corporate Events

M&A Transactions
Berkshire Hills and Brookline Announce Merger Formation
Positive
Aug 6, 2025

On August 6, 2025, Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Brookline Bancorp announced their merger, forming Beacon Financial Corporation, which will be listed on the NYSE under the ticker ‘BBT’. The merger, expected to close in Q3 2025, aims to create a strong financial institution with a broad footprint and a commitment to stakeholders, with the combined bank operating under the Beacon Bank brand.

The most recent analyst rating on (BHLB) stock is a Buy with a $34.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Berkshire Hills stock, see the BHLB Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Berkshire Hills Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend
Positive
Aug 1, 2025

On August 1, 2025, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per common share, payable to shareholders on August 21, 2025. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to returning value to its shareholders and may influence investor sentiment positively.

The most recent analyst rating on (BHLB) stock is a Hold with a $32.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Berkshire Hills stock, see the BHLB Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Berkshire Hills Reports Strong Q2 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Jul 24, 2025

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with a 36% year-over-year increase in operating earnings driven by revenue growth and reduced expenses. The company saw improvements in net interest margin and efficiency ratio, alongside growth in loans and deposits. The announcement highlighted Berkshire’s ongoing transformation program, recognition from TIME and Newsweek, and an upcoming merger with Brookline Bancorp, which is expected to enhance its market presence.

The most recent analyst rating on (BHLB) stock is a Buy with a $34.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Berkshire Hills stock, see the BHLB Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsShareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Berkshire Hills Approves Key Proposals at Annual Meeting
Positive
May 22, 2025

On May 21, 2025, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. held its annual stockholders meeting virtually, where several key proposals were approved. These included the issuance of common stock for the merger with Brookline Bancorp, an amendment to increase authorized shares, the 2025 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, election of directors, and the ratification of Crowe LLP as the accounting firm for 2025. The approval of these proposals indicates a strategic move to expand Berkshire’s market presence and enhance its operational capabilities, potentially impacting stakeholders positively by positioning the company for future growth and stability.

The most recent analyst rating on (BHLB) stock is a Buy with a $34.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Berkshire Hills stock, see the BHLB Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder MeetingsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Berkshire Hills Prepares for Annual Meeting in May
Neutral
May 14, 2025

On March 24, 2025, Berkshire Hills Bancorp filed a registration statement for its annual meeting scheduled for May 21, 2025. The statement included details about board meeting attendance in 2024, noting that most directors attended over 75% of meetings, except for Jeffrey W. Kip, who attended 67% and is not seeking re-election.

The most recent analyst rating on (BHLB) stock is a Buy with a $34.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Berkshire Hills stock, see the BHLB Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsShareholder MeetingsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Berkshire Hills Faces ISS Opposition on Stock Plan
Negative
May 12, 2025

On March 24, 2025, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. filed a registration statement in preparation for its annual meeting on May 21, 2025, where stockholders will vote on the 2025 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) provided an unfavorable recommendation for the plan due to a higher shareholder value transfer than its benchmark. Berkshire aims to clarify and provide additional information to assist ISS in evaluating the plan. The company has outlined the status of its stock options and equity awards, which are contingent on a proposed merger with Brookline Bancorp, Inc. The board recommends stockholders vote in favor of the plan, which will cancel remaining shares under previous plans if approved.

The most recent analyst rating on (BHLB) stock is a Buy with a $34.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Berkshire Hills stock, see the BHLB 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: Aug 07, 2025