Financial Institutions, Inc. Settles Auto Lending Litigation
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 10 2025
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Should l Buy FISI?
Source: Newsfilter
Settlement Announcement: Financial Institutions, Inc. has settled a civil litigation regarding its auto loan notification process, which had been ongoing since 2017, and will record a $23 million litigation accrual in its fourth quarter 2024 financial statements.
Investor Conference Call: The company will host an investor conference call on March 10, 2025, to discuss the settlement and its financial implications, with details provided for accessing the call and its replay.
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Analyst Views on FISI
Wall Street analysts forecast FISI stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 34.070
Low
34.00
Averages
34.50
High
35.00
Current: 34.070
Low
34.00
Averages
34.50
High
35.00
About FISI
Financial Institutions, Inc. is a financial holding company. It provides a full range of banking and related financial services to consumer, commercial and municipal customers through its bank and non-bank subsidiaries. It offers a range of deposits, lending and other financial services to individuals, municipalities and businesses in the Western and Central New York branch network and its Mid-Atlantic commercial loan production office serving the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region, through its banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank. It offers deposit products, such as checking and NOW accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. Its indirect lending network includes relationships with franchised automobile dealers in Western and Central New York, the Capital District of New York, and Northern and Central Pennsylvania. It offers customized investment advice, wealth management, investment consulting and retirement plan services through its subsidiary, Courier Capital, LLC.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Financial Institutions Announces 3.2% Dividend Increase to $0.32 per Share
- Dividend Increase: Financial Institutions has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share, marking a 3.2% increase from the previous $0.31, which underscores the company's stable profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 3.76% not only attracts income-seeking investors but also reflects the company's competitive position in the current market environment, enhancing its appeal.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on April 2, with a record date of March 13 and an ex-dividend date also on March 13, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly.
- Future Outlook: Financial Institutions projects at least 122 basis points of return on assets (ROA) for 2026, indicating ongoing growth potential in commercial lending, which bolsters investor confidence in the company's long-term development.
See More
Financial Institutions Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend to $0.32
- Dividend Increase: Financial Institutions, Inc. has announced a quarterly cash dividend increase to $0.32 per share, reflecting a $0.01 or 3.2% rise from the previous quarter, which underscores the company's strong profitability in 2025 and robust balance sheet, demonstrating the Board's confidence in sustainable long-term earnings growth.
- Commitment to Shareholders: CEO Martin K. Birmingham emphasized that this dividend increase not only reflects a commitment to returning capital to shareholders but also highlights the company's determination to continue investing in its franchise and supporting communities, aiming to enhance shareholder trust.
- Annual Yield: The $0.32 cash dividend represents a 3.7% annualized yield based on the closing share price of $34.43 on February 11, 2026, with a payout ratio of 35% of net income available to common stockholders per diluted share for 2025, indicating a healthy balance between shareholder returns and profitability maintenance.
- Preferred Stock Dividends: The company also announced dividends of $0.75 per share on its Series A 3% preferred stock and $2.12 per share on its Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock, with all dividends payable on April 2, 2026, further enhancing its return capabilities to various shareholder groups.
See More
Financial Institutions Reports Strong Q4 Earnings
- Earnings Per Share: Financial Institutions reported a GAAP EPS of $3.61 for Q4, indicating strong profitability that is likely to positively influence investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenue of $244 million in Q4, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of its business model and sustained market demand.
- Investment Value Analysis: According to Seeking Alpha's quant rating, Financial Institutions is still considered a worthy investment, reflecting market recognition of its future growth potential.
- Historical Performance Review: The historical earnings data for Financial Institutions further supports its stable financial performance, enhancing investor confidence in its long-term investment value.
See More
Financial Institutions, Inc. Schedules Q4 2025 Earnings Call for January 30, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Financial Institutions, Inc. will release its Q4 and full-year 2025 results after market close on January 29, 2026, which is expected to provide critical financial data for investors to assess the company's performance.
- Conference Call Details: Management will host an earnings conference call on January 30, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, led by CEO Martin K. Birmingham and CFO W. Jack Plants II, aimed at interpreting results and addressing investor inquiries.
- Participation Method: U.S. participants can access the call by dialing 1-833-470-1428 and entering access code 441553; additionally, a live audio webcast will be available on the company's website, enhancing investor engagement.
- Company Background: As of September 30, 2025, Financial Institutions, Inc. had approximately $6.3 billion in assets, with its subsidiaries providing diverse banking and wealth management services, reflecting a solid foundation in the financial services sector.
See More
Financial Institutions, Inc. Completes $80 Million Subordinated Notes Offering
- Successful Financing: Financial Institutions, Inc. has successfully completed an $80 million subordinated notes offering, which is expected to be used to redeem $65 million of high-interest debt, thereby reducing financial costs and improving capital structure.
- Interest Rate Advantage: The new notes carry an annual interest rate of 6.50%, which will adjust based on SOFR after 2030, significantly lowering future interest expenses and enhancing profitability.
- Capital Ratio Improvement: The company anticipates a temporary increase of approximately 150 basis points in its Total Risk-Based Capital ratio by year-end, reflecting an improved capital position that may bolster market confidence.
- Stable Rating: The notes received a BBB- rating from Kroll Bond Rating Agency, indicating sustained improvement in the company's profitability and capital position, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
See More
Financial Institutions, Inc. Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
Quarterly Cash Dividend Announcement: Financial Institutions, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per common share, payable on January 2, 2026, to shareholders of record by December 15, 2025.
Preferred Stock Dividends: The company also announced dividends of $0.75 per share on its Series A 3% preferred stock and $2.12 per share on its Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock, with the same payment date.
Company Overview: Financial Institutions, Inc. is a financial holding company with approximately $6.3 billion in assets, providing banking and wealth management services primarily through its Five Star Bank subsidiary.
Service Areas: Five Star Bank offers consumer and commercial banking services across Western and Central New York, while Courier Capital, LLC provides investment management and financial planning services to a diverse clientele.
See More
Financial Institutions Announces 3.2% Dividend Increase to $0.32 per Share
- Dividend Increase: Financial Institutions has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share, marking a 3.2% increase from the previous $0.31, which underscores the company's stable profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 3.76% not only attracts income-seeking investors but also reflects the company's competitive position in the current market environment, enhancing its appeal.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on April 2, with a record date of March 13 and an ex-dividend date also on March 13, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly.
- Future Outlook: Financial Institutions projects at least 122 basis points of return on assets (ROA) for 2026, indicating ongoing growth potential in commercial lending, which bolsters investor confidence in the company's long-term development.
See More
Financial Institutions Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend to $0.32
- Dividend Increase: Financial Institutions, Inc. has announced a quarterly cash dividend increase to $0.32 per share, reflecting a $0.01 or 3.2% rise from the previous quarter, which underscores the company's strong profitability in 2025 and robust balance sheet, demonstrating the Board's confidence in sustainable long-term earnings growth.
- Commitment to Shareholders: CEO Martin K. Birmingham emphasized that this dividend increase not only reflects a commitment to returning capital to shareholders but also highlights the company's determination to continue investing in its franchise and supporting communities, aiming to enhance shareholder trust.
- Annual Yield: The $0.32 cash dividend represents a 3.7% annualized yield based on the closing share price of $34.43 on February 11, 2026, with a payout ratio of 35% of net income available to common stockholders per diluted share for 2025, indicating a healthy balance between shareholder returns and profitability maintenance.
- Preferred Stock Dividends: The company also announced dividends of $0.75 per share on its Series A 3% preferred stock and $2.12 per share on its Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock, with all dividends payable on April 2, 2026, further enhancing its return capabilities to various shareholder groups.
See More
Financial Institutions Reports Strong Q4 Earnings
- Earnings Per Share: Financial Institutions reported a GAAP EPS of $3.61 for Q4, indicating strong profitability that is likely to positively influence investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenue of $244 million in Q4, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of its business model and sustained market demand.
- Investment Value Analysis: According to Seeking Alpha's quant rating, Financial Institutions is still considered a worthy investment, reflecting market recognition of its future growth potential.
- Historical Performance Review: The historical earnings data for Financial Institutions further supports its stable financial performance, enhancing investor confidence in its long-term investment value.
See More
Financial Institutions, Inc. Schedules Q4 2025 Earnings Call for January 30, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Financial Institutions, Inc. will release its Q4 and full-year 2025 results after market close on January 29, 2026, which is expected to provide critical financial data for investors to assess the company's performance.
- Conference Call Details: Management will host an earnings conference call on January 30, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, led by CEO Martin K. Birmingham and CFO W. Jack Plants II, aimed at interpreting results and addressing investor inquiries.
- Participation Method: U.S. participants can access the call by dialing 1-833-470-1428 and entering access code 441553; additionally, a live audio webcast will be available on the company's website, enhancing investor engagement.
- Company Background: As of September 30, 2025, Financial Institutions, Inc. had approximately $6.3 billion in assets, with its subsidiaries providing diverse banking and wealth management services, reflecting a solid foundation in the financial services sector.
See More
Financial Institutions, Inc. Completes $80 Million Subordinated Notes Offering
- Successful Financing: Financial Institutions, Inc. has successfully completed an $80 million subordinated notes offering, which is expected to be used to redeem $65 million of high-interest debt, thereby reducing financial costs and improving capital structure.
- Interest Rate Advantage: The new notes carry an annual interest rate of 6.50%, which will adjust based on SOFR after 2030, significantly lowering future interest expenses and enhancing profitability.
- Capital Ratio Improvement: The company anticipates a temporary increase of approximately 150 basis points in its Total Risk-Based Capital ratio by year-end, reflecting an improved capital position that may bolster market confidence.
- Stable Rating: The notes received a BBB- rating from Kroll Bond Rating Agency, indicating sustained improvement in the company's profitability and capital position, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
See More
Financial Institutions, Inc. Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
Quarterly Cash Dividend Announcement: Financial Institutions, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per common share, payable on January 2, 2026, to shareholders of record by December 15, 2025.
Preferred Stock Dividends: The company also announced dividends of $0.75 per share on its Series A 3% preferred stock and $2.12 per share on its Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock, with the same payment date.
Company Overview: Financial Institutions, Inc. is a financial holding company with approximately $6.3 billion in assets, providing banking and wealth management services primarily through its Five Star Bank subsidiary.
Service Areas: Five Star Bank offers consumer and commercial banking services across Western and Central New York, while Courier Capital, LLC provides investment management and financial planning services to a diverse clientele.
See More
