Sandisk Corp. Set to Take Over Interpublic Group of Companies in S&P 500 Index
S&P 500 Changes: Sandisk Corp. will replace The Interpublic Group in the S&P 500 due to Omnicom Group's acquisition of Interpublic, effective November 28.
S&P SmallCap 600 Adjustments: PTC Therapeutics will take Sandisk's place in the S&P SmallCap 600, while Upwork Inc. will replace Premier Inc., both effective November 28.
Further SmallCap Changes: First Interstate BancSystem will replace Hanesbrands in the S&P SmallCap 600, effective December 2, as Gildan Activewear acquires Hanesbrands.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Nasdaq, Inc.
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- Asset Management Scale: HoldCo Asset Management manages approximately $2.8 billion in regulatory assets, showcasing its strength and influence in the financial services sector, indicating its significant position within the industry.
- Activist Shareholder Campaigns: The firm has launched five public activist campaigns targeting banks such as KeyCorp and Comerica, demonstrating its proactive role in driving corporate governance and management changes, which is expected to impact upcoming shareholder meetings.
- Soft Activism Engagements: Additionally, HoldCo has engaged in behind-the-scenes 'soft activism' dialogues with four banks, reflecting its diversified strategy to promote industry change through constructive discussions aimed at achieving substantive improvements.
- Management Changes: Co-founders of HoldCo noted that over the past six months, management teams and boards have made significant changes due to their initiatives, indicating the effectiveness of their shareholder activism and potentially reducing the need for future proxy contests, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Profitability Improvement: First Interstate BancSystem reported net income of $108.8 million or $1.08 per diluted share in Q4 2025, significantly up from $71.4 million and $0.69 in Q3, reflecting ongoing enhancements in core profitability.
- Capital Repurchase Plan: The company announced an incremental $300 million share repurchase authorization, executing approximately $118 million in buybacks by year-end, demonstrating management's confidence in future growth and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Credit Quality Enhancement: Criticized loans decreased by $112.3 million or 9.6% in Q4, while non-performing assets fell by $47.3 million or 26%, indicating positive progress in credit management and bolstering market confidence.
- Organizational Restructuring: The company is undergoing a flattening of its organizational structure to improve operational efficiency, with new state presidents primarily sourced from within, emphasizing the importance of talent and readiness for future market competition.
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: First Interstate Banc (FIBK) declares a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share, consistent with previous payouts, indicating stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more long-term investors.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 5.13% not only provides shareholders with a substantial return but also reflects the company's robust financial health in the current economic environment, enhancing market confidence in its future performance.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on February 20, with a record date of February 10 and an ex-dividend date also on February 10, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly, thereby reinforcing shareholder trust.
- Market Position Enhancement: First Interstate Banc will join Sandisk in the S&P 500 index, while UPWK, FIBK, and HBI will be part of the S&P SmallCap 600, marking an increase in the company's recognition in the market and helping to attract more investor attention.
- Earnings Report Schedule: First Interstate BancSystem will release its fourth-quarter results after market close on January 28, 2026, which is expected to provide critical financial data reflecting the company's overall performance in 2025.
- Investor Conference Call: The company has scheduled an investor conference call for January 29, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, during which quarterly and year-end results will be discussed, including a Q&A session to enhance interaction with investors.
- Diverse Participation Options: Investors can join the call by dialing 800-549-8228 or visiting the company’s website at www.FIBK.com, ensuring transparency and ease of access to the latest updates for all stakeholders.
- Company Background Information: As a community bank, First Interstate BancSystem reported total assets of $27.3 billion as of September 30, 2025, and is committed to providing quality financial services across multiple states, showcasing strong market competitiveness.
- Significant Stake Increase: HoldCo Asset Management acquired 2.29 million shares of Comerica in Q3, valued at $156.94 million, making it the fund's largest holding at 16.56% of reported AUM.
- Strong Market Performance: Comerica's stock surged 41% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 16% increase during the same period, indicating robust performance and market confidence in the regional banking sector.
- Financial Stability: Comerica reported a net income of $176 million in the latest quarter, with earnings per share at $1.35, showing resilience despite a slight year-over-year decline, supported by stable net interest income and a growing deposit base.
- Clear Strategic Positioning: HoldCo's increased stake reflects confidence in Comerica and underscores its investment strategy in the regional banking sector, further solidifying its market position in this competitive landscape.

Insider Share Sale: John M. Heyneman Jr., a board member of First Interstate BancSystem, sold 30,432 shares worth nearly $1 million on November 21, 2025, representing an 85% reduction in his direct holdings, although he still retains over one million shares indirectly.
Company Performance: First Interstate BancSystem reported a net income of $71.4 million in Q3 2025, an increase from $55.5 million in the same quarter of 2024, with earnings per diluted share rising to $0.69.
Stock Outlook: Despite the significant reduction in direct holdings, Mr. Heyneman's continued indirect ownership suggests a positive outlook for the stock, which is near its 52-week high of $35.81.
Investment Advice: Current market conditions indicate it may not be the best time to buy First Interstate shares, as the stock is close to its peak, and investors might consider waiting for a price drop before purchasing.






