MetaCap

Community Financial System (CBU) vs First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK) has outperformed Community Financial System (CBU) over the past year, gaining 10.2% versus a gain of 2.1%. Over five years, FIBK leads with a -14.2% price change compared with -16.5% for CBU. First Interstate BancSystem is the larger company by market cap ($3.29 billion vs $3.08 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while Community Financial System is growing revenue faster (+9.6% vs +5.9%).

On valuation, Community Financial System trades at a lower forward P/E (11.3x vs 12.1x for First Interstate BancSystem). First Interstate BancSystem offers the higher dividend yield (5.45% vs 3.21%). First Interstate BancSystem converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 28.5% versus 25.7%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

CBU+2.05%FIBK+10.15%
+29%+10%-9%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
CBU-17.81%FIBK-17.13%
+12%-20%-51%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

CBU versus FIBK key metrics
MetricCBUFIBK
Share price$58.63$34.52
Market cap$3.08B$3.29B
1-day change-0.80%-1.20%
YTD return+2.89%+0.98%
1-year return+2.05%+10.15%
5-year return-16.55%-14.17%
P/E ratio (TTM)13.6010.69
Forward P/E11.3212.12
EPS (TTM)$4.31$3.23
Dividend yield3.21%5.45%
Annual dividend$1.88$1.88
Revenue (latest FY)$818.01M$1.06B
Revenue growth (YoY)+9.61%+5.91%
Net income (latest FY)$210.46M$302.10M
Net margin25.73%28.53%
52-week high$71.11$40.60
52-week low$53.46$29.10
Distance from 52-week high-17.55%-14.98%
Analyst consensusholdhold
Avg. price target upside+17.98%+7.18%
Average volume260.10K1.17M
Shares outstanding52.62M95.30M
Employees2,8533,376
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryMajor BanksMajor Banks

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • Community Financial System trades at a higher earnings multiple (13.6x vs 10.7x trailing P/E).
  • First Interstate BancSystem offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (5.45% vs 3.21%).

About Community Financial System

CBU stock →

Community Financial System, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A.

Finance · Major Banks · 2,853 employees

About First Interstate BancSystem

FIBK stock →

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for First Interstate Bank that provides a range of banking products and services in the United States.

Finance · Major Banks · 3,376 employees

CBU vs FIBK FAQ

Which is bigger, Community Financial System or First Interstate BancSystem?

First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.29B compared with $3.08B for Community Financial System (CBU).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, CBU or FIBK?

FIBK returned +10.15% over the past 12 months, compared with +2.05% for CBU (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, CBU or FIBK?

FIBK has the lower trailing P/E at 10.7, versus 13.6 for CBU. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, Community Financial System or First Interstate BancSystem?

First Interstate BancSystem has the higher yield at 5.45%, compared with 3.21% for Community Financial System.

Are Community Financial System and First Interstate BancSystem in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.

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