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FISI vs FRST
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Financial Institutions, Inc. (FISI) vs. Primis Financial Corp. (FRST) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both FISI and FRST are small-cap regional bank holding companies, yet they differ meaningfully in geography, lending mix, and growth trajectory.
- FISI is the larger company by market capitalization (~$772 million) and offers a higher dividend yield (~3.3%), while FRST (~$381 million) yields about 2.6%.
- FRST carries a "Strong Buy" analyst consensus and faster projected earnings per share (EPS) growth, whereas FISI holds a "Hold" consensus with a $45 average price target.
- Recent earnings trends diverged: FISI beat estimates in its latest quarter, while FRST missed, though the latter is benefiting from improving credit quality.
- Over the trailing year, FRST has outperformed on a price basis, while FISI has led year-to-date.
Introduction
Regional banks often attract investors seeking yield, valuation value, and exposure to local economic conditions, yet two seemingly similar institutions can offer very different risk and reward profiles. This stock comparison examines FISI (Financial Institutions, Inc.) and FRST (Primis Financial Corp.), two small-cap bank holding companies listed on Nasdaq. Both trade below the broader market's volatility, maintain modest price-to-earnings (P/E) multiples, and pay dividends. However, their relative performance, growth expectations, and analyst sentiment have recently diverged. Investors weighing dividend income against faster earnings growth, or comparing market positioning across different U.S. regions, may find this head-to-head review useful for framing their own research.
FISI Overview and Recent Performance
Financial Institutions, Inc. is the holding company for Five Star Bank and related subsidiaries, serving consumer, commercial, and municipal customers primarily in Western and Central New York, with a commercial loan production office in the Mid-Atlantic. In recent weeks, FISI has traded near the upper portion of its 52-week range, supported by a multi-month uptrend that has produced a roughly 52% price gain over the trailing year and a year-to-date advance above 25%. Sentiment has been reinforced by analyst price-target increases and a recent quarterly earnings beat, while the company also raised its quarterly dividend. A stable credit backdrop, reflected in modest net charge-offs (loans written off as uncollectible), has underpinned the constructive tone, even as valuation has re-rated higher.
FRST Overview and Recent Performance
Primis Financial Corp. is the bank holding company for Primis Bank, focusing on commercial real estate and other commercial loans to small and medium-sized businesses, alongside a nationwide mortgage origination segment. Over recent market activity, FRST has consolidated below its 52-week high after a strong multi-quarter rally, with the stock up roughly 60% over the trailing year and about 11% year-to-date. The company has drawn attention for sharply improved credit trends, including a meaningful year-over-year decline in net charge-offs, and for share repurchases that signal management confidence. Analysts have maintained a bullish stance, with a "Strong Buy" consensus and an average price target above $18, reflecting expectations for substantially higher EPS in the current fiscal year.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
While both are regional banks, their market positioning differs. FISI is anchored in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic footprint with a traditional community-banking model and a higher dividend yield, making it comparatively income-oriented. FRST leans into commercial real estate lending plus a national mortgage segment, offering a more growth-oriented profile with faster projected revenue and EPS expansion.
On valuation, FRST trades at a lower trailing P/E (near 7x) than FISI (near 9.7x), but its forward multiple is higher once near-term growth is factored in. Risk profiles also differ: FISI has shown steadier earnings delivery, while FRST carries more earnings volatility alongside a more aggressive growth trajectory. Both stocks exhibit low beta (a measure of price volatility relative to the broader market), but momentum has recently favored different timeframes—FISI on a year-to-date basis and FRST over the trailing year.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely tilt toward FRST as the stronger relative candidate in the current environment. The combination of a "Strong Buy" analyst consensus, a lower price-to-book ratio, improving credit quality, and a more pronounced expected earnings acceleration suggests favorable relative positioning and a firmer catalyst path. That said, FISI presents a more consistent earnings track record and superior dividend yield, which may appeal to stability-focused investors. In probabilistic terms, FRST appears to offer greater upside potential, while FISI offers more defensive, income-oriented characteristics.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is FISI is a StrongBuy and FRST is a Hold.
FISI in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
FISI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 34 of 47 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on FISI as a result. In 59 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for FISI just turned positive on October 16, 2026. Looking at past instances where FISI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
Following a +1.76% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FISI advanced for three days, in 176 of 284 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The 10-day moving average for FISI crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 12 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FISI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
FISI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for FISI entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 37 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.281) is normal, around the industry mean (1.268). P/E Ratio (9.973) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.372). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.090) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.031) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.188) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 55, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FISI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
FRST's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for FRST turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where FRST's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on FRST as a result. In 44 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
FRST moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.44% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FRST advanced for three days, in 160 of 277 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The 10-day moving average for FRST crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FRST declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
FRST broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for FRST entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 24 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.911) is normal, around the industry mean (1.268). P/E Ratio (7.380) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.372). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.140) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.025) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.270) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FRST’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 55, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 96 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
FISI | FRST | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 81 | 24 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 37 Fair valued | 24 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 39 | 66 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 26 | 35 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 29 | 96 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
FRST's Valuation (24) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as FISI (37). This means that FRST’s stock grew similarly to FISI’s over the last 12 months.
FISI's Profit vs Risk Rating (39) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as FRST (66). This means that FISI’s stock grew similarly to FRST’s over the last 12 months.
FISI's SMR Rating (26) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as FRST (35). This means that FISI’s stock grew similarly to FRST’s over the last 12 months.
FISI's Price Growth Rating (42) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as FRST (43). This means that FISI’s stock grew similarly to FRST’s over the last 12 months.
FISI's P/E Growth Rating (29) in the Regional Banks industry is significantly better than the same rating for FRST (96). This means that FISI’s stock grew significantly faster than FRST’s over the last 12 months.
| FISI | FRST | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 51% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 62% | 7 days ago 58% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 53% | 16 days ago 60% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 46% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 54% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
FISI’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while FRST’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- FISI’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- FRST’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
FISI’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while FRST’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FISI’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- FRST’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
FISI (@Regional Banks) experienced Đ° +3.16% price change this week, while FRST (@Regional Banks) price change was +2.16% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +2.63%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.03%, and the average quarterly price growth was +8.99%.
Reported Earning Dates
FISI is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
FRST is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+2.63% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
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FISI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FISI has been closely correlated with BY. These tickers have moved in lockstep 84% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FISI jumps, then BY could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FISI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FISI | 100% | +2.11% | ||
| BY - FISI | 84% Closely correlated | +1.60% | ||
| HBNC - FISI | 82% Closely correlated | +1.99% | ||
| UBSI - FISI | 82% Closely correlated | +2.71% | ||
| CCNE - FISI | 81% Closely correlated | +2.03% | ||
| BFST - FISI | 81% Closely correlated | +1.85% | ||
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FRST and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FRST has been closely correlated with HBNC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 72% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FRST jumps, then HBNC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FRST | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRST | 100% | +2.31% | ||
| HBNC - FRST | 72% Closely correlated | +1.99% | ||
| BY - FRST | 69% Closely correlated | +1.60% | ||
| FISI - FRST | 68% Closely correlated | +2.11% | ||
| ISTR - FRST | 67% Closely correlated | +1.57% | ||
| BFST - FRST | 66% Closely correlated | +1.85% | ||
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