Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintains CBU stock at Market Perform

Published 12/03/2025, 14:58
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintains CBU stock at Market Perform

WednesdayCommunity Bank System (NYSE:CBU), a regional bank with a market capitalization of approximately $3 billion, continues to demonstrate strong financial fundamentals according to InvestingPro data, despite its shares being down about 9% year-to-date.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Christopher O’Connell has maintained a Market Perform rating on Community Financial System (NYSE:CBU) with a steady price target of $76.00. The firm recently acknowledged the appointment of Marya Burgio Wlos as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Community Financial System, effective March 31, 2025. This strategic move concludes a roughly four-month search initiated after the current CFO, Joseph Sutaris, announced his retirement plans, which will take effect on July 1, 2025.

The firm regards Wlos’ appointment positively, highlighting her extensive background at larger regional banking institutions, including her most recent role as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Investment Bank and Capital Markets at M&T Bank. Analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods view her experience as particularly beneficial in light of Community Financial System’s significant growth in recent periods.

The transition has been characterized as thoughtful by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, given the ample lead time afforded to identify a suitable successor. Additionally, the firm notes that Sutaris will remain in an advisory capacity until his retirement date, which is anticipated to facilitate a seamless transition.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods expects that Wlos’ appointment will not have a significant impact on Community Financial System’s shares, as the transition process had already been communicated to the market. The continuity in leadership and the strategic planning involved in the transition are seen as reassuring factors that uphold the current stock rating and price target.

In other recent news, Community Financial System Inc. reported impressive financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024. The company achieved earnings per share (EPS) of $1.00, surpassing the expected $0.90, and generated $196 million in revenue, exceeding the forecasted $191.08 million. This performance marks a significant earnings surprise and highlights the company’s robust business momentum. Additionally, Community Financial is expanding its product offerings and branch network, maintaining a strong liquidity position with $5.8 billion available. In corporate governance news, Susan E. Skerritt, a board member, has announced her retirement following the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The company has not yet indicated plans for a successor or changes to the board’s composition. These developments underscore Community Financial’s ongoing strategic initiatives and financial health.

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