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Eastern Bankshares (EBC)
NASDAQ:EBC
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Eastern Bankshares (EBC) AI Stock Analysis

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EBC

Eastern Bankshares

(NASDAQ:EBC)

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Outperform 70 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:70Outperform
Price Target:
$21.00
â–²(10.58% Upside)
Eastern Bankshares demonstrates strong financial management and strategic growth initiatives, particularly through its merger and share buyback program. However, the high P/E ratio suggests overvaluation, and technical indicators warn of potential overbought conditions. The company faces challenges with declining profit margins and increased nonperforming loans, which could impact future profitability.
Positive Factors
Merger with HarborOne
The merger with HarborOne expands Eastern's branch footprint into Rhode Island, creating a leading $30 billion community bank in Greater Boston. This strategic move enhances market position and is expected to deliver meaningful earnings accretion, strengthening long-term growth prospects.
Wealth Management Growth
Record high assets under management in wealth management indicate robust growth in non-interest income. This diversification of revenue streams strengthens Eastern's financial stability and enhances its ability to withstand fluctuations in interest income.
Strong Balance Sheet
A strong balance sheet with low leverage provides Eastern Bankshares with financial flexibility and resilience. This conservative capital structure supports sustainable growth and allows for strategic investments and acquisitions, enhancing long-term shareholder value.
Negative Factors
Profitability Challenges
Persistent profitability challenges, as indicated by a negative net profit margin, highlight operational inefficiencies. These issues may hinder Eastern's ability to generate shareholder returns and could impact its competitive position if not addressed.
Increased Nonperforming Loans
The rise in nonperforming loans suggests potential credit quality issues, which could strain financial performance and increase risk. Addressing these loans is crucial to maintaining asset quality and protecting the bank's financial health.
Competitive Deposit Market
Increased competition for deposits results in higher costs, potentially squeezing net interest margins. This could challenge Eastern's ability to maintain profitability, especially in a rising interest rate environment, impacting long-term earnings stability.

Eastern Bankshares (EBC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Eastern Bankshares Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionEastern Bankshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Eastern Bank that provides banking products and services primarily to retail, commercial, and small business customers. It operates in two segments, Banking Business and Insurance Agency Business. The company provides interest-bearing and non interest-bearing checking deposits, money market deposits, savings deposits, and time certificates of deposits, as well as debit and credit cards. It also offers commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate and construction loans, small business loans, residential real estate loans, home equity, and lines of credit, as well as other consumer loans comprising unsecured personal lines of credit, overdraft protection, automobile loans, home improvement loans, airplane loans, and other personal loans. In addition, the company provides cash reserves, cash management, merchant, escrow express, government banking, international banking, interest on lawyers trust accounts, retirement planning, and business telephone banking services, as well as products and services for not-for-profit and healthcare. Further, it offers trust and investment products and services; community development and asset-based lending services; financial planning, portfolio management, wealth management, private banking, and fiduciary products; online, mobile, and telephone banking services; and automated lock box collection and account reconciliation services, as well as various insurance products. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 105 branch offices in eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire; and 23 non-branch offices in eastern Massachusetts, one office in New Hampshire, and one office in Rhode Island. Eastern Bankshares, Inc. was founded in 1818 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
How the Company Makes MoneyEastern Bankshares generates revenue through several key streams, primarily focusing on net interest income and non-interest income. Net interest income is derived from the interest earned on loans and securities minus interest paid on deposits and other borrowings. The bank provides various loan products, including mortgages, personal loans, and commercial loans, which are essential for generating interest income. Non-interest income is obtained from services such as fees for banking services, wealth management, and insurance products. The company also benefits from strategic partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, which enhance its market presence and customer base, ultimately contributing to its overall earnings.

Eastern Bankshares Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 23, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 22, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mix of strong financial improvements, particularly in earnings growth and assets under management, alongside challenges such as increased nonperforming loans and competitive pressures on deposit costs.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Earnings Growth
Operating earnings increased by 44% year-over-year to $74.1 million, with an operating return on assets of 1.16% up 34 basis points from the prior year quarter.
Successful Merger Approval
Regulatory approvals received for the merger with HarborOne, set to close on November 1, expanding Eastern's branch footprint into Rhode Island.
Wealth Management Record
Assets under management reached a record high of $9.2 billion, driven by market appreciation and modest positive net flows.
Share Buyback Program Resumed
Resumption of the share buyback program, with a new 5% share repurchase program authorized.
Stable Deposit Base
Period-end deposits totaled $21.1 billion with nearly half in checking accounts, maintaining a stable and low-cost funding base.
Negative Updates
Decline in Net Interest Income
Net interest income decreased by 1% from the second quarter, primarily due to higher deposit costs and lower net discount accretion.
Increased Nonperforming Loans
Nonperforming loans rose by $14 million linked quarter to $69 million, driven primarily by a single mixed-use office loan.
Higher Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense increased by $3.5 million from the second quarter due to higher operating expenses and merger-related costs.
Competitive Deposit Market
Competition for deposits has become heightened, leading to elevated deposit costs.
Company Guidance
During the third quarter 2025 earnings call, Eastern Bankshares, Inc. provided several key financial metrics and strategic updates. The company reported operating earnings of $74.1 million, a 44% increase from the previous year, with an operating return on assets of 1.16% and an operating return on average tangible common equity of 11.7%. Total loans grew by 1.3% from the previous quarter and 4.1% year-to-date, primarily driven by a 6% growth in the commercial portfolio since the beginning of the year. The bank's wealth management assets under management reached a record $9.2 billion, contributing significantly to noninterest income. Eastern also announced the resumption of its share buyback program and a new 5% share repurchase initiative. The company's capital position remains strong, with a tangible book value per share increasing by 5% from June 30 and 10% from the start of the year. Additionally, Eastern is set to close its merger with HarborOne on November 1, enhancing its presence in Greater Boston and expanding into Rhode Island.

Eastern Bankshares Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Eastern Bankshares maintains a stable financial position with strong cash flow generation and low leverage. However, declining profit margins and return on equity suggest potential challenges in maintaining profitability. The company should focus on improving operational efficiency and cost management to enhance margins and returns.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Eastern Bankshares shows moderate revenue growth with a TTM revenue growth rate of 2.42%. However, the gross profit margin has decreased significantly from 62% in 2024 to 39.97% in TTM, indicating increased costs or reduced pricing power. The net profit margin also declined to 5.03% from 11.17% in 2024. Despite these challenges, the company maintains positive EBIT and EBITDA margins, though they have decreased compared to previous years.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.0105 in TTM, reflecting prudent financial management. The return on equity has decreased to 1.35% in TTM from 3.31% in 2024, indicating reduced profitability on equity. The equity ratio remains robust, suggesting a stable capital structure.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
Eastern Bankshares demonstrates strong cash flow management with a significant free cash flow growth rate of 11.79% in TTM. The free cash flow to net income ratio is high at 0.96, indicating efficient conversion of income to cash. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is not available for TTM, which limits a comprehensive assessment.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue982.01M1.07B558.71M681.93M523.48M582.52M
Gross Profit625.44M664.13M292.60M626.88M527.84M531.64M
EBITDA137.57M194.14M-102.36M261.65M198.88M63.81M
Net Income49.48M119.56M232.18M199.76M154.66M22.74M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets25.46B25.56B21.13B22.65B23.51B15.96B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments417.30M5.03B5.10B6.86B9.74B5.24B
Total Debt25.88M45.31M39.72M726.40M34.28M28.05M
Total Liabilities21.65B21.95B18.16B20.18B20.11B12.54B
Stockholders Equity3.81B3.61B2.97B2.47B3.41B3.43B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow396.61M270.30M253.55M221.31M168.76M64.71M
Operating Cash Flow417.06M283.84M261.69M229.94M174.49M69.85M
Investing Cash Flow-598.14M1.06B2.40B-1.08B-1.99B-2.39B
Financing Cash Flow-297.98M-1.03B-2.14B-215.57M988.98M4.01B

Eastern Bankshares Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price18.99
Price Trends
50DMA
17.98
Positive
100DMA
17.12
Positive
200DMA
16.28
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.31
Negative
RSI
63.02
Neutral
STOCH
84.32
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For EBC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 18.99 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 17.81, above the 50-day MA of 17.98, and above the 200-day MA of 16.28, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.31 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 63.02 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 84.32 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for EBC.

Eastern Bankshares Risk Analysis

Eastern Bankshares disclosed 68 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Eastern Bankshares 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

Eastern Bankshares 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
$3.63B17.855.51%3.19%11.05%-10.78%
74
Outperform
$3.15B9.6918.43%3.61%2.35%13.72%
72
Outperform
$3.28B9.5010.92%3.92%9.60%20.38%
70
Outperform
$4.53B76.731.32%2.63%-1.18%-89.13%
68
Neutral
$3.22B17.024.54%2.61%20.26%-35.00%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
65
Neutral
$5.00B12.0010.91%2.12%-57.78%-67.92%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
EBC
Eastern Bankshares
18.99
1.33
7.53%
BMA
Banco Macro SA
84.15
1.74
2.11%
FBP
First Bancorp Puerto Rico
19.93
0.11
0.55%
FULT
Fulton Financial
18.39
-1.88
-9.27%
INDB
Independent Bank
73.27
4.21
6.10%
RNST
Renasant
35.95
-0.09
-0.25%

Eastern Bankshares Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesM&A Transactions
Eastern Bankshares Completes HarborOne Acquisition Merger
Positive
Nov 3, 2025

On November 1, 2025, Eastern Bankshares completed its acquisition of HarborOne Bancorp, merging HarborOne and its subsidiaries into Eastern. This strategic merger, initially announced in April 2025, positions Eastern as the surviving entity and aims to enhance its market presence. The merger consideration allowed HarborOne shareholders to choose between stock or cash, with a majority opting for stock. The transaction is expected to strengthen Eastern’s operations and expand its market reach, with implications for stakeholders including new board appointments and integration of HarborOne’s operations into Eastern’s framework.

The most recent analyst rating on (EBC) stock is a Hold with a $17.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Eastern Bankshares stock, see the EBC Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesDelistings and Listing ChangesM&A Transactions
Eastern Bankshares and HarborOne Bancorp Merger Closure
Neutral
Oct 28, 2025

On October 28, 2025, Eastern Bankshares, Inc. and HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. announced the closing of their merger agreement, initially disclosed on April 24, 2025. The merger will become effective shortly after midnight on November 1, 2025, with Eastern Bankshares and Eastern Bank as the surviving entities. As part of the merger, Joseph F. Casey and Michael J. Sullivan will join the boards of Eastern and Eastern Bank. The merger will result in the delisting of HarborOne’s common stock from the NASDAQ Global Select Market following the close of trading on October 31, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (EBC) stock is a Hold with a $17.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Eastern Bankshares stock, see the EBC Stock Forecast page.

Eastern Bankshares Earnings Call Highlights Growth Amid Challenges
Oct 25, 2025

Eastern Bankshares, Inc. recently held its earnings call, revealing a blend of robust financial performance and emerging challenges. The sentiment during the call was optimistic, highlighting significant earnings growth and record assets under management, despite facing hurdles such as rising nonperforming loans and competitive pressures on deposit costs.

Stock BuybackDividendsFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Eastern Bankshares Awaits Merger Completion with HarborOne
Positive
Oct 23, 2025

Eastern Bankshares, Inc. announced its third quarter 2025 financial results, highlighting a net income of $106.1 million and a record high of $9.2 billion in wealth management assets under management. The company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend and received approval for a new share repurchase program. Additionally, Eastern Bankshares received regulatory approval for its merger with HarborOne Bancorp, expected to close on November 1, 2025, creating a leading $30 billion community bank in Greater Boston.

The most recent analyst rating on (EBC) stock is a Hold with a $19.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Eastern Bankshares stock, see the EBC Stock Forecast page.

Delistings and Listing ChangesM&A Transactions
Eastern Bankshares to Finalize HarborOne Merger Soon
Neutral
Oct 16, 2025

Eastern Bankshares, Inc. and HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. announced a merger agreement on April 24, 2025, where Eastern will acquire HarborOne. The merger is expected to be effective on November 1, 2025, with HarborOne’s stock being delisted from NASDAQ following the close of trading on October 31, 2025. Shareholders of HarborOne have until October 28, 2025, to elect their preferred form of merger consideration. This merger is anticipated to impact the operations and market positioning of both companies, with potential implications for stakeholders, including changes in stock and cash considerations.

The most recent analyst rating on (EBC) stock is a Buy with a $20.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Eastern Bankshares stock, see the EBC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Eastern Bankshares Receives Approval for HarborOne Merger
Positive
Sep 26, 2025

On September 26, 2025, Eastern Bankshares, Inc. and HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. announced they received all necessary regulatory approvals for their merger, initially disclosed on April 24, 2025. The merger, expected to close on or about November 1, 2025, will create a $30 billion community-focused organization, enhancing Eastern’s presence in Greater Boston and expanding into Rhode Island. The merger aims to deliver enhanced value to stakeholders and ensure a smooth transition for customers, with full integration expected by February 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (EBC) stock is a Hold with a $18.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Eastern Bankshares stock, see the EBC Stock Forecast page.

M&A Transactions
Eastern Bankshares and HarborOne Merger Progresses
Neutral
Sep 25, 2025

Eastern Bankshares, Inc. and HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. announced the distribution of election materials to HarborOne shareholders, allowing them to choose between receiving Eastern common stock, cash, or a combination of both as part of their merger agreement. The merger, approved by HarborOne shareholders on August 20, 2025, is expected to be completed by November 1, 2025, pending regulatory approvals, with the election deadline for shareholders set for October 28, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (EBC) stock is a Hold with a $18.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Eastern Bankshares stock, see the EBC Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Eastern Bankshares Holds Annual Shareholder Meeting
Positive
Aug 29, 2025

On May 19, 2025, Eastern Bankshares, Inc. held its annual shareholder meeting, where three key proposals were addressed. Shareholders elected five directors for a term ending in 2027, approved executive compensation, and ratified Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditor for the 2025 fiscal year, indicating continued confidence in the company’s leadership and financial oversight.

The most recent analyst rating on (EBC) stock is a Hold with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Eastern Bankshares stock, see the EBC Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsShareholder Meetings
Eastern Bankshares Merger with HarborOne Approved
Positive
Aug 20, 2025

On August 20, 2025, HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. shareholders approved a merger with Eastern Bankshares, Inc., which will result in HarborOne merging into Eastern, with Eastern as the surviving entity. This merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, and it includes a subsequent merger of HarborOne Bank into Eastern Bank. The merger aims to benefit customers and employees, with the conversion of HarborOne’s information systems to Eastern’s scheduled for February 2026. Shareholders of HarborOne will have the option to receive Eastern common stock, cash, or a combination of both, subject to proration. Eastern anticipates all regulatory approvals will be obtained by October 31, 2025, allowing the merger to become effective on November 1, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (EBC) stock is a Hold with a $16.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Eastern Bankshares stock, see the EBC 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: Nov 26, 2025