FLIC Stock: A Guide to The First of Long Island Corporation
Investing in regional banking often leads investors to FLIC stock, the ticker symbol for The First of Long Island Corporation. Established in 1927, this financial holding company served as a cornerstone of the New York metropolitan banking sector for nearly a century. As of mid-2025, the landscape for FLIC stock has fundamentally shifted due to a major corporate merger, making it essential for investors to understand its historical value and current status.
Company Overview and History
Origins and Mission
The First of Long Island Corporation was founded in 1927 with a mission to provide personalized banking services to the local community. Operating primarily through its subsidiary, The First National Bank of Long Island, the company built a reputation as a "relationship bank." Its philosophy centered on the idea of being a place "where everyone knows your name," catering to small businesses and professional practitioners who required attentive financial management.
Operational Footprint
Before its recent corporate transition, the bank maintained a robust operational network. It focused heavily on the Long Island and Manhattan markets, providing a strategic bridge between suburban commercial needs and the high-density financial environment of New York City. This geographical focus allowed the company to maintain strong asset quality by deeply understanding its local real estate and commercial markets.
Financial Services and Revenue Model
Core Banking Services
The revenue model behind FLIC stock was built on traditional yet diversified banking services. These included personal and business checking accounts, residential and commercial mortgages, and complex cash management solutions for corporate clients. By balancing its portfolio between retail deposits and commercial lending, the corporation maintained a steady flow of liquidity.
Revenue Streams
The primary income source for the company was net interest margin—the difference between the interest earned on loans and the interest paid on deposits. Additionally, the bank generated significant non-interest income through investment management and trust services, providing a buffer during periods of fluctuating interest rates. According to financial reports from early 2025, the bank focused on maintaining low-cost deposits to preserve profitability.
Stock Market Performance (Ticker: FLIC)
Historical Valuation
Historically, FLIC stock was known for its stability and defensive qualities within the NASDAQ financial index. Investors tracked its 52-week ranges closely, often finding value in its conservative price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios and steady book value growth. The stock was a staple for regional bank portfolios that prioritized risk management over aggressive expansion.
Dividend Policy
One of the primary attractions of FLIC stock was its consistent dividend policy. For decades, the corporation maintained a track record of paying quarterly cash dividends, often yielding higher returns than the broader market average. This made the stock particularly attractive to income-focused investors and retirees seeking reliable cash flow from the banking sector.
2025 Merger with ConnectOne Bancorp
Merger Terms
In a significant shift for the regional banking industry, The First of Long Island Corporation entered into a definitive merger agreement with ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. (CNOB). Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of FLIC stock received 0.5175 shares of ConnectOne Bancorp for each share of FLIC they owned. This all-stock transaction aimed to create a premier regional banking franchise with enhanced scale.
Regulatory Approval and Delisting
As reported in May 2025, the merger received the necessary FDIC and regulatory approvals. Following the completion of the transaction in June 2025, FLIC stock was officially delisted from the NASDAQ exchange. Investors holding the stock saw their positions converted into CNOB shares, marking the end of FLIC’s independent trading history.
Market Positioning and Competition
Competitive Landscape
Prior to its merger, FLIC competed with other prominent regional players in the Northeast. Comparison points often included Valley National (VLY) and Webster Financial (WBS). While smaller than these peers, FLIC’s competitive advantage lay in its hyper-local expertise and high customer retention rates within the Long Island affluent corridors.
Regional Economic Impact
The corporation played a vital role in the regional economy by providing credit to middle-market businesses. Its lending activities supported local infrastructure, housing developments, and small business expansions, making the performance of FLIC stock a frequent barometer for the economic health of the New York metropolitan area.
Technical Analysis and Investment Insights
Analyst Sentiment
Leading up to the merger, analyst sentiment on FLIC stock was generally categorized as "Hold" or "Buy," depending on the entry price. Financial analysts highlighted the bank's strong capital position and disciplined underwriting standards as key strengths that made it an attractive acquisition target for larger entities like ConnectOne.
Risk Profile
The risk profile for FLIC stock involved monitoring credit loss provisions and asset quality, particularly in the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. However, the bank consistently maintained healthy debt-to-equity ratios. Following the merger, the risk and growth potential are now tied to the performance of the combined entity, CNOB.
See Also
- ConnectOne Bancorp (CNOB)
- Regional Banking Sector
- NASDAQ Financial Index
For those looking to diversify their financial holdings beyond traditional stocks into the digital asset space, exploring the Bitget platform offers a gateway to modern investment tools. While FLIC stock represented the traditional banking era, platforms like Bitget represent the future of decentralized finance and asset management.
