Community Bank System Inc logo

Community Bank System Inc(CBU)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$62.37
10/27/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for CBU

10/27/2026: CBU (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Community Bank System Inc is a well-established regional banking holding company that provides a diversified range of banking, insurance, and employee benefit services. The company is noted for its conservative lending standards and a stable fee-based income stream from its benefit plan division, which offers a cushion against interest rate volatility. Its primary opportunity lies in continuing a disciplined acquisition strategy alongside digital service enhancements to retain and attract customers. However, investors must monitor risks related to regional economic exposure and intense competition from larger national banks. This stock is well-suited for long-term dividend and value-oriented investors seeking a stable, income-generating regional financial institution.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitThe company focuses on steady, incremental growth rather than aggressive expansion.
Momentum investorWeak fitThe stock is generally characterized by lower volatility rather than rapid upward momentum.
Value investorStrong fitThe bank is often viewed as a stable, reasonably valued entity by long-term value-oriented investors.
Dividend investorStrong fitThe long history of consistent dividends makes it a suitable candidate for income-focused portfolios.
Low-risk investorStrong fitA conservative business model and solid capital position appeal to investors seeking stability.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityLowThe stock typically exhibits lower volatility compared to broader market indices or tech stocks.
Valuation riskMediumMarket pricing of regional banks can fluctuate based on broader macro interest rate expectations.
Competition risk (banking)Medium / highThe banking sector faces constant pressure from larger national players and evolving digital competitors.
Business qualityStrongThe company maintains a strong, diversified franchise with consistent non-interest income.
Dividend incomeLow / noneDividend payments have been historically consistent and stable.
Execution riskMediumIntegration of acquisitions and digital transformation requires effective management execution.

Price Behavior

Rolling Over
PRICE PATH

Rolling Over

The price momentum is slowing down and beginning to turn downward.

Smooth
PRICE STABILITY

Smooth

The stock has moved along a generally orderly path with only modest fluctuations.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -10.18%
Avg. Invested days 36
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 10/27/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
CBU receives a 4-star rating, supported by strong unit economics, solid company fundamentals, and solid quantitative characteristics. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
CBU has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with solid financial health, moderate growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, solid earnings growth (+15.3%) and strong cash generation (FCF margin 23.1%) are partially offset by moderate revenue growth (+7.5%), very low insider ownership of 0.76%.

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
CBU's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (23.1% of revenue). Liquidity is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 4-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Earnings growth is CBU's strongest growth driver at +15.3% FY2025 versus FY2024 (solid, 4 stars). Revenue growth (+7.5%, moderate) and free-cash-flow growth (+5.3%, moderate) are also constructive, though not equally high across every growth measure.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 79.6% and approximately 99.1% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership is only 0.76%, which materially reduces the ownership score.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 14.36%
FMR Inc 6.99%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 6.75%
Neuberger Berman Group LLC 6.57%
State Street Corp 6.30%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
CBU generates approximately $788 of gross profit, $272 of operating income, and $231 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Strong margins and strong cash conversion support the rating, although capital efficiency remains soft.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 23.58%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
CBU has a high-quality, liquid, relatively low-volatility profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedQuality TiltLow VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 3.28B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 14.49
1Y Target Price 69
Price to earnings Ratio 14.49
1Y Target Price 69
Volume (30-day avg) 286.3K shares
Beta 0.78
52 Weeks Range 51.83 - 70.56
Updated Date 10/27/2026
52 Weeks Range 51.83 - 70.56
Updated Date 10/27/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 3.01%
Basic EPS (TTM) 4.3

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Banking OperationsInterest earned on loans and securities less interest paid on deposits.This is the core business; profits depend on the spread between what the bank earns on loans and pays on deposits.
Benefit Plan ServicesFees from administration, recordkeeping, and consulting services for retirement and benefit plans.This provides a steady, fee-based revenue stream that is less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

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Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-27
When Before Market
Estimate 1.19
Actual 1.2

Profitability

Profit Margin 27.21%
Operating Margin (TTM) 39.21%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 1.33%
Return on Equity (TTM) 11.53%

Valuation

Trailing PE 14.49
Forward PE 15.77
Enterprise Value 3.80B
Price to Sales(TTM) 3.91
Enterprise Value 3.80B
Price to Sales(TTM) 3.91
Enterprise Value to Revenue 4.52
Enterprise Value to EBITDA -
Shares Outstanding 52.62M
Shares Floating 52.12M
Shares Outstanding 52.62M
Shares Floating 52.12M
Percent Insiders 0.76
Percent Institutions 79.56

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

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