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On Tuesday, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained a positive stance on Financial Institutions (NASDAQ:FISI), with an Outperform rating and a steady price target of $34.00. The firm’s analyst, Damon DelMonte, provided insights following FISI’s recent announcement regarding the settlement of a long-standing civil litigation in Pennsylvania. The case, which had been active since 2017, revolved around the language used in repossession notices for auto loans from 2011 to 2021.
FISI is set to record a litigation accrual of $23 million, which will reflect as $17.1 million after tax in the company’s fourth-quarter 2024 financial statements. Despite the impact of this settlement on the 2024 earnings, the company’s guidance for 2025 remains intact. InvestingPro analysis indicates that while the company faced challenges in recent quarters, analysts expect a return to profitability this year, with projected earnings of $3.32 per share for 2025. DelMonte suggested that while the news might temporarily affect the stock’s performance, he expects any negative sentiment to dissipate quickly. He pointed out that the lawsuit dates back over a decade, and the company’s continued positive earnings outlook for 2025 should help maintain investor confidence.
Furthermore, DelMonte highlighted that Financial Institutions is currently trading at a significant discount compared to its peers, with valuations at 6.7 times 2026 estimated earnings and 93% of forward tangible book value, versus a median of 8.6 times and 120% for Northeastern peers. This observation aligns with InvestingPro’s Fair Value assessment, which suggests the stock is currently trading near its fair value. For deeper insights into FISI’s valuation metrics and more than 30 additional financial indicators, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro. This valuation gap, along with the unchanged 2025 guidance, suggests that the market may not have fully recognized FISI’s potential.
In conclusion, DelMonte expressed that the settlement represents a minor obstacle on Financial Institutions’ path to higher profitability. The focus for investors and the firm alike remains on the company’s performance in the upcoming year. The analyst’s reiteration of the Outperform rating and price target suggests confidence in FISI’s ability to overcome this legal hurdle and continue its growth trajectory. Current analyst consensus shows a moderate buy recommendation, with price targets ranging from $32 to $34, indicating potential upside from current levels.
In other recent news, Financial Institutions Inc., the parent company of Five Star Bank, reported a notable net loss of $66.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, contributing to a full-year loss of $1.66 per share. Despite these challenges, the company completed a $115 million equity offering, which strengthened its capital position. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded Financial Institutions’ stock from Market Perform to Outperform, increasing the price target to $34.00, citing improved capital position and strategic actions in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Financial Institutions settled a class-action lawsuit related to its auto loan practices with a $23 million accrual, impacting its fourth-quarter financials.
The company appointed Eric W. Marks as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Consumer Banking Officer, bringing experience from his previous role at M&T Bank. Furthermore, Samuel M. Gullo, a long-serving member of the company’s Board of Directors, announced his retirement, choosing not to seek re-election at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Despite the financial setbacks, the company anticipates maintaining its 2025 guidance, focusing on profitable growth and strategic investments. Financial Institutions Inc. is also investing in treasury management and technology to enhance operational capabilities, aiming for a return on average assets of at least 110 basis points in 2025.
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