Financial Institutions, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:FISI) reported Q4 and 2021 results showing strong growth. Q4 net income rose to $19.6 million, up from $13.8 million in 2020, translating to $1.21 per diluted share versus $0.84. Annual net income reached $77.7 million compared to $38.3 million in 2020, driven by reduced credit loss provisions and tax benefits. Net interest income for Q4 was $40.9 million, with a margin of 3.15%, while total loans grew by 2.5% quarterly. The company also repurchased 102,000 shares at an average price of $31.45. Overall, the results reflect robust economic recovery and effective management strategies.

Positive

• Net income for Q4 2021 increased to $19.6 million compared to $13.8 million in Q4 2020.
• Annual net income surged to $77.7 million, up from $38.3 million in 2020.
• Q4 net interest income rose to $40.9 million, an increase of $4.7 million year-over-year.
• Credit loss provisions improved significantly, with an $8.3 million benefit recognized in 2021 versus a $27.2 million provision in 2020.
• Total loans grew by 2.5% from September 30 to December 31, 2021.

Negative

• Non-performing loans increased to $12.2 million from $6.7 million in the previous quarter.
• Net charge-offs rose significantly to $4.7 million in Q4 2021 compared to $2.4 million in Q4 2020.
• Commercial business loans declined by 19.6% compared to December 31, 2020, largely due to PPP loan forgiveness.

WARSAW, N.Y., Jan. 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:FISI) (the “Company” “we” or “us”), parent company of Five Star Bank (the “Bank”), SDN Insurance Agency, LLC (“SDN”), Courier Capital, LLC (“Courier Capital”) and HNP Capital, LLC (“HNP Capital”), today reported financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.

Results for the Fourth Quarter

• Net income was $19.6 million compared to $13.8 million in 2020. After preferred dividends, net income available to common shareholders was $19.2 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, compared to $13.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, in 2020.
• Results for 2021 and 2020 were positively impacted by a reduction in income tax expense of approximately $1.7 million and $915 thousand, respectively, for federal and state tax benefits related to tax credit investments. These tax credit investments also generated a net loss of $493 thousand in 2021 and $155 thousand in 2020, recorded in noninterest income, reducing the net positive impact to $1.2 million in 2021 and $760 thousand in 2020.
• Reflected in the increase in net income was a $1.2 million benefit for credit losses in the current quarter as compared to a provision of $5.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Ongoing improvement in the national unemployment forecast, positive trends in qualitative factors and a reduction in specific reserves resulted in a release of overall credit loss reserves and a corresponding benefit for credit losses.
• Pre-tax pre-provision income⁽¹⁾ was the second highest in Company history at $22.6 million, an increase of $1.7 million from the fourth quarter of 2020.

Results for the Year

• Net income was $77.7 million compared to $38.3 million in 2020. After preferred dividends, net income available to common shareholders was $76.2 million, or $4.78 per diluted share, compared to $36.9 million, or $2.30 per diluted share, in 2020.
• Results for 2021 and 2020 were positively impacted by a reduction in income tax expense of approximately $2.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for federal and state tax benefits related to tax credit investments placed in service. These tax credit investments also generated a net loss of $431 thousand in 2021 and $275 thousand in 2020, recorded in noninterest income, reducing the net positive impact to $2.2 million in 2021 and $1.2 million in 2020.
• Reflected in the increase in net income was an $8.3 million benefit for credit losses in the current year as compared to a provision of $27.2 million in 2020. Improvement in the national unemployment forecast, positive trends in qualitative factors, a reduction in specific reserves and lower net charge-offs resulted in the release of overall credit loss reserves and a corresponding benefit for credit losses in each quarter of 2021. Results for 2020 were negatively impacted by a higher than historical provision for credit losses, driven by the adoption of the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) standard and the impact of COVID-19 on the economic environment.
• Pre-tax pre-provision income was $88.9 million, an increase of $16.0 million from 2020.

“We ended 2021 with another strong quarter, reporting the highest net interest income and second highest pre-tax pre-provision income in our history” said President and Chief Executive Officer Martin K. Birmingham. “Continued improvement in the economy and a reduction in specific loan reserves resulted in our fourth consecutive quarter with a benefit for credit losses. Commercial loan pipelines remain healthy and, excluding the impact of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans, we grew the total loan portfolio by 2.5% from September 30^th.

“We earned record net income of $78 million in 2021, with every business line providing positive contributions. Loan and deposit growth were strong at 8% (excluding PPP loans) and 13%, respectively, versus the year-ago period. Our insurance and wealth management businesses performed well, evidencing growth and increased profitability.

“Our investment in an integrated customer relationship management solution will give all lines of business a single shared view of the customer. This will create a unified approach to customer engagement and help us better educate and interact with our customers and community partners, expanding these critical relationships. We also continue execution on opportunities to deliver BaaS solutions and other digital transformation solutions. We believe these investments position us well to capitalize on industry changes and deliver positive outcomes supporting long-term shareholder value. I thank my teammates for their hard work on behalf of our customers, communities and shareholders.”   

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer W. Jack Plants II added, “While quarterly operating expense did increase, we generated positive operating leverage for the year while making short-term investments to support strategic initiatives and future operating metrics. We also continued to execute on our share repurchase program, buying back approximately 102,000 shares during the quarter at an average price of $31.45 per share.”

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income was $40.9 million for the quarter, an increase of $2.6 million from the third quarter of 2021 and an increase of $4.7 million from the fourth quarter of 2020.

• Average interest-earning assets for the quarter were $5.18 billion, an increase of $212.2 million from the third quarter of 2021 due to a $184.6 million increase in investment securities and a $36.5 million increase in total loans, partially offset by a $8.9 million decrease in Federal Reserve interest-earning cash. The quarterly increase in the investment securities portfolio was attributable to the continued management of excess liquidity, compounded by the seasonal inflow of municipal deposits at the beginning of the quarter. Average interest-earning assets for the quarter were $543.7 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2020 due to a $498.9 million increase in investment securities and a $73.4 million increase in total loans, partially offset by a $28.6 million decrease in Federal Reserve interest-earning cash.
• 2021 loan growth was muted by PPP loan forgiveness. The average balance of PPP loans net of deferred fees was $82.1 million in the quarter as compared to $141.3 million in the third quarter of 2021 and $262.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net interest margin was 3.15% as compared to 3.07% in the third quarter of 2021 and 3.13% in the fourth quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of PPP loans and PPP loan origination fees accreted over the term of the loan or upon loan forgiveness, net interest margin was 2.98% in the fourth quarter of 2021, 3.05% in the third quarter of 2021 and 3.14% in the fourth quarter of 2020.

• Our net interest margin has been impacted by the interest rate environment that reflects a flatter yield curve and lower rates. Our excess liquidity position has placed further pressure on net interest margin in 2021, resulting in higher average balances of interest-earning cash and investment securities, albeit at lower comparative yields, based on current market conditions. In the third and fourth quarters, we shifted excess liquidity from interest-earning cash to investment securities with the intention of reducing net interest margin compression. We expect the investment securities portfolio to serve as a source of liquidity to fund future loan growth.
  

Net interest income was $154.7 million for the year, $15.7 million higher than 2020, primarily as a result of an increase in average interest-earning assets and the impact of PPP revenue. Net interest margin was 3.14% for the year, a decrease of eight basis points from 2020. Excluding the impact of PPP loans and PPP loan origination fees accreted over the term of the loan or upon loan forgiveness, net interest margin was 3.05% for the year, down 19 basis points from 3.24% in 2020.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income was $11.7 million for the quarter, a decrease of $409 thousand from the third quarter of 2021 and an increase of $338 thousand from the fourth quarter of 2020.

• Insurance income of $1.3 million was $521 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2021 primarily as a result of the timing of commercial policy renewals. The increase of $465 thousand from the fourth quarter of 2020 was driven by two 2021 bolt-on acquisitions and growth in the legacy SDN business, including the impact of increasing insurance premiums.
• Investment advisory income of $3.0 million was $76 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2021 and $450 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2020 due to an increase in assets under management driven by a combination of market gains, new customer accounts and contributions to existing accounts.
• Company owned life insurance income of $821 thousand was $45 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2021 and $316 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2020. We made additional investments in company-owned life insurance of $20.0 million in the third quarter of 2021 and $30.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 to take advantage of attractive tax-equivalent yields and partially offset employee benefit expenses.
• Income from investments in limited partnerships of $294 thousand was $400 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2021 and $54 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2020. The Company has made several investments in limited partnerships, primarily small business investment companies, and accounts for these investments under the equity method. Income from these investments fluctuates based on the maturity and performance of the underlying investments.
• Income from derivative instruments, net was $1.0 million, $658 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2021 and $131 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2020. Income from derivative instruments, net is based on the number and value of interest rate swap transactions executed during the quarter combined with the impact of changes in the fair market value of borrower-facing trades.
• Net gain on sale of loans held for sale of $482 thousand was $118 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2021 and $1.1 million lower than the fourth quarter of 2020 as a result of lower transaction volume. Sales volumes and margins were at historically high levels in the fourth quarter of 2020, driven by mortgage refinancing activity.
• A net loss on tax credit investments of $493 thousand was recognized in the fourth quarter as compared to $129 thousand in the third quarter of 2021 and $155 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2020. These losses include the amortization of tax credit investments, partially offset by New York investment tax credits that are refundable and recorded in noninterest income.
  

Noninterest income was $46.9 million for the year, $3.7 million higher than 2020.

• Insurance income of $5.8 million was $1.3 million higher than the previous year due to acquisition activity and growth in the legacy SDN business.
• Investment advisory income of $11.7 million was $2.1 million higher than 2020 as a result of growth in assets under management as previously described.
• Income from investments in limited partnerships of $2.1 million was $2.0 million higher than 2020 based on the performance of underlying investments.
• Income from derivative instruments, net of $2.7 million was $2.8 million lower than 2020. Fee income per transaction in 2021 was higher than in 2020, however, swap fee income decreased $2.2 million as a result of fewer swap relationships. Mortgage derivative income was $589 thousand lower than 2020, primarily as a result of fewer mortgage loans in the pipeline.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense was $29.9 million in the quarter compared to $29.2 million in the third quarter of 2021 and $26.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

• Salaries and employee benefits expense of $16.1 million was $313 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2021 primarily due to severance expense related to a redesign of the Bank’s retail branch structure. Expense was $1.9 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2020 due to higher incentive compensation and commissions, investments in personnel and the impact of 2021 acquisitions.
• Occupancy and equipment expense of $3.9 million was $621 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily as a result of the purchase of personal computers and security equipment for multiple locations, timing of routine repairs and maintenance in the retail branch network, and expenses related to two Five Star Bank branches opened in June 2021. Expense was relatively unchanged as compared to the third quarter of 2021.  
• Computer and data processing expense of $4.0 million was $373 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2021 and $929 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2020 as a result of the Company’s strategic investments in technology, including digital banking initiatives and a customer relationship management solution across all lines of business.
  

Noninterest expense was $112.8 million for the year, $3.5 million higher than 2020.

• Salaries and employee benefits expense of $60.9 million was $1.6 million higher than the previous year due to the factors described above.
• Computer and data processing expense of $14.1 million was $2.5 million higher than 2020 as a result of strategic investments in technology described above.
• Third quarter 2020 restructuring charges of $1.4 million represent non-recurring real estate related charges related to the 2020 closure of six bank branches and a staffing reduction. Additional related restructuring charges of $111 thousand were incurred in the fourth quarter of 2021 as a result of property valuation adjustments.
  

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $4.2 million for the quarter compared to $4.6 million in the third quarter of 2021 and $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The Company recognized federal and state tax benefits related to tax credit investments placed in service and/or amortized during the fourth quarter of 2021, third quarter of 2021, and fourth quarter of 2020, resulting in income tax expense reductions of approximately $1.7 million, $535 thousand, and $915 thousand, respectively.

The effective tax rate was 17.7% for the quarter compared to 21.0% for the third quarter of 2021 and 10.9% for the fourth quarter of 2020. The effective tax rate for the year was 20.1%, up from 16.2% in 2020. The year-over-year increase in effective tax rates is the result of higher pre-tax earnings in comparison to the prior year. The Company’s effective tax rates differ from statutory rates because of interest income from tax-exempt securities, earnings on company owned life insurance and the impact of tax credit investments.

Balance Sheet and Capital Management

Total assets were $5.52 billion at December 31, 2021, down $102.4 million from September 30, 2021, and up $608.5 million from December 31, 2020.

Investment securities were $1.38 billion at December 31, 2021, up $68.0 million from September 30, 2021, and up $484.1 million from December 31, 2020. The Company’s primary investment strategy for 2020 was to reinvest cash flow from the securities portfolio; however, the focus was redirected during the second half of the year to deploy excess liquidity into cash flowing agency mortgage backed securities, given our elevated cash position. The strategy continued throughout 2021 due to the continued excess liquidity position and the ability to reallocate excess Federal Reserve cash balances into securities that demonstrated higher yields, on a relative basis.

Total loans were $3.68 billion at December 31, 2021, up $25.5 million, or 0.7%, from September 30, 2021, and up $84.3 million, or 2.3%, from December 31, 2020.

• Commercial business loans totaled $638.3 million, down $47.9 million, or 7.0%, from September 30, 2021, and down $155.9 million, or 19.6%, from December 31, 2020. Declines were driven by the forgiveness or repayment of PPP loans. PPP loans net of deferred fees are included in commercial business loans and were $55.3 million at December 31, 2021, $116.7 million at September 30, 2021, and $248.0 million at December 31, 2020. Accordingly, commercial business loans excluding the impact of PPP loans increased 2.4% from September 30, 2021 and increased 6.7% from December 31, 2020.
• Commercial mortgage loans totaled $1.41 billion, up $64.2 million, or 4.8%, from September 30, 2021, and up $158.9 million, or 12.7%, from December 31, 2020.
• Residential real estate loans totaled $577.3 million, down $6.8 million, or 1.2%, from September 30, 2021, and down $22.5 million, or 3.8%, from December 31, 2020.
• Consumer indirect loans totaled $958.0 million, up $17.5 million, or 1.9%, from September 30, 2021 and up $117.6 million, or 14.0%, from December 31, 2020.

Total loans, excluding PPP loans net of deferred fees, were $3.62 billion at December 31, 2021, up $86.8 million, or 2.5%, from September 30, 2021, and up $276.9 million, or 8.3%, from December 31, 2020.

Total deposits were $4.83 billion at December 31, 2021, $147.9 million lower than September 30, 2021, and $548.7 million higher than December 31, 2020. The decrease from September 30, 2021, was primarily the result of a seasonal decrease in public deposits, which occurred during the last few weeks of the fourth quarter, and lower non-public and reciprocal deposits. The increase from December 31, 2020, was the result of growth in all deposit categories — public, non-public and reciprocal. Public deposit balances represented 23% of total deposits at December 31, 2021, compared to 24% at September 30, 2021, and 20% at December 31, 2020.

Short-term borrowings were $30.0 million at December 31, 2021, as compared to $0 at September 30, 2021 and $5.3 million at December 31, 2020. Short-term borrowings and brokered deposits have historically been utilized to manage the seasonality of public deposits.

Shareholders’ equity was $505.1 million at December 31, 2021, compared to $494.0 million at September 30, 2021, and $468.4 million at December 31, 2020. Common book value per share was $30.98 at December 31, 2021, an increase of $0.89 or 3.0% from $30.09 at September 30, 2021, and an increase of $2.86 or 10.2% from $28.12 at December 31, 2020. Tangible common book value per share⁽¹⁾ was $26.26 at December 31, 2021, an increase of $0.88 or 3.5% from $25.38 at September 30, 2021, and an increase of $2.74 or 11.6% from $23.52 at December 31, 2020.

On November 4, 2020, the Company announced a stock repurchase program for up to 801,879 shares of common stock, or approximately 5% of the Company’s outstanding common shares. Shares may be repurchased in open market transactions and pursuant to any trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. No shares were repurchased in 2020. During the first and fourth quarters of 2021, the Company repurchased a total of 340,688 shares for an average repurchase price of $26.44 per share, inclusive of transaction costs.

The common equity to assets ratio was 8.84% at December 31, 2021, compared to 8.48% at September 30, 2021, and 9.18% at December 31, 2020. Tangible common equity to tangible assets⁽¹⁾, or the TCE ratio, was 7.59%, 7.25% and 7.80% at December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. The primary driver of declines in both ratios as compared to the prior year was a significant increase in total assets. The ratios were impacted to a lesser degree by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with unrealized losses in the available for sale securities portfolio and the impact of 2021 share repurchases, partially offset by the positive impact of earnings.

During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company declared a common stock dividend of $0.27 per common share. The dividend returned 22% of fourth quarter net income to common shareholders.

The Company’s regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2021, compared to the prior quarter and prior year:

• Leverage Ratio was 8.23%, compared to 8.36% and 8.25% at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.
• Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 10.28%, compared to 10.24% and 10.14% at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.
• Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 10.68%, compared to 10.66% and 10.59% at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.
• Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 13.12%, compared to 13.25% and 13.56% at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Credit Quality

Non-performing loans were $12.2 million at December 31, 2021, as compared to $6.7 million at September 30, 2021, and $9.5 million at December 31, 2020. Net charge-offs were $4.7 million in the quarter as compared $587 thousand in the third quarter of 2021 and $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average loans was 0.51% in the current quarter, 0.06% in the third quarter of 2021 and 0.27% in the fourth quarter of 2020. One commercial mortgage loan was downgraded to non-performing status with a $3.8 million partial charge-off in the fourth quarter of 2021, contributing to the increase in non-performing loans and fourth quarter charge-offs.

Foreclosed assets were $0 at December 31, 2021, and September 30, 2021, down from $3.0 million at December 31, 2020. The decrease from the prior year period was primarily the result of the sale of an asset on which foreclosure occurred in the third quarter of 2020.

At December 31, 2021, the allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans ratio was 1.08% compared to 1.24% at September 30, 2021, and 1.46% at December 31, 2020. PPP loans are fully guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Excluding PPP loans, the December 31, 2021, allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans ratio⁽¹⁾ was 1.09%, a decrease of 19 basis points from 1.28% at September 30, 2021, and a decrease of 48 basis points from 1.57% at December 31, 2020.

Provision (benefit) for credit losses - loans was a $1.1 million benefit in the quarter compared to a benefit of $334 thousand in the third quarter of 2021 and a provision of $5.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Changes in the allowance for unfunded commitments, also included in provision (benefit) for credit losses, were a $104 thousand decrease in the fourth quarter of 2021, a $206 thousand decrease in the third quarter of 2021, and a $72 thousand increase in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Provision throughout 2020 was driven by the adoption of the current expected credit loss standard (“CECL”) and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic environment. The designated loss driver for the Company’s CECL model is the national unemployment forecast, which spiked in early 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, resulting in a 2020 provision of $27.2 million. Provision was a benefit in each quarter of 2021 as a result of continued improvement in the national unemployment forecast and positive trends in qualitative factors, resulting in the release of credit loss reserves.

The Company has remained strategically focused on the importance of credit discipline, allocating what we believe are the necessary resources to credit and risk management functions as the loan portfolio has grown. The total non-performing loans to total loans ratio was 0.33% at December 31, 2021, 0.18% at September 30, 2021, and 0.26% at December 31, 2020. The ratio of allowance for credit losses - loans to non-performing loans was 326% at December 31, 2021, 681% at September 30, 2021, and 551% at December 31, 2020.

Subsequent Events

The Company is required, under generally accepted accounting principles, to evaluate subsequent events through the filing of its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, on Form 10-K. As a result, the Company will continue to evaluate the impact of any subsequent events on critical accounting assumptions and estimates made as of December 31, 2021, and will adjust amounts preliminarily reported, if necessary.

Conference Call

The Company will host an earnings conference call and audio webcast on February 1, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be hosted by Martin K. Birmingham, President and Chief Executive Officer, and W. Jack Plants II, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The live webcast will be available in listen-only mode on the Company’s website at www.fiiwarsaw.com. Within the United States, listeners may also access the call by dialing 1 (844) 200 6205 and providing the access code 642486. The webcast replay will be available on the Company’s website for at least 30 days.

About Financial Institutions, Inc.

Financial Institutions, Inc. provides diversified financial services through its subsidiaries Five Star Bank, SDN, Courier Capital and HNP Capital. Five Star Bank provides a wide range of consumer and commercial banking and lending services to individuals, municipalities and businesses through a network of more than 45 offices throughout Western and Central New York State. SDN provides a broad range of insurance services to personal and business clients. Courier Capital and HNP Capital provide customized investment management, investment consulting and retirement plan services to individuals, businesses, institutions, foundations and retirement plans. Financial Institutions, Inc. and its subsidiaries employ approximately 600 individuals. The Company’s stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol FISI. Additional information is available at www.fiiwarsaw.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

In addition to results presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures is included in Appendix A to this document.

The Company believes that providing certain non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with information useful in understanding our financial performance, performance trends and financial position. Our management uses these measures for internal planning and forecasting purposes and we believe that our presentation and discussion, together with the accompanying reconciliations, allows investors, security analysts and other interested parties to view our performance and the factors and trends affecting our business in a manner similar to management. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP measures and we strongly encourage investors to review our consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not uniformly applied and are not audited. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “preliminary,” or “range.” Statements herein are based on certain assumptions and analyses by the Company and factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such statements for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s customers, business, and results of operations as well as the economy in Western New York and the United States; the Company’s ability to implement its strategic plan; whether the Company experiences greater credit losses than expected; whether the Company experiences breaches of its, or third party, information systems; the attitudes and preferences of the Company’s customers; legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters, such as the action described in our reports filed with the SEC, could adversely affect us and the banking industry in general; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate and profitably operate Landmark Group, North Woods and other acquisitions; the competitive environment; fluctuations in the fair value of securities in its investment portfolio; changes in the regulatory environment and the Company’s compliance with regulatory requirements; changes in interest rates; and general economic and credit market conditions nationally and regionally. Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and the cautionary language in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with the SEC. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this press release.

⁽¹⁾ See Appendix A — Reconciliation to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the computation of this Non-GAAP measure.

For additional information contact:

Shelly J. Doran
Director of Investor and External Relations
585-627-1362
sjdoran@five-starbank.com

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.
Selected Financial Information (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

		2021																2020
		December 31,				September 30,				June 30,				March 31,				December 31,
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	79,112			$	288,426			$	206,387			$	344,790			$	93,878
Investment securities:
Available for sale			1,178,515				1,097,950				902,845				753,489				628,059
Held-to-maturity, net			205,581				218,135				218,858				256,127				271,966
Total investment securities			1,384,096				1,316,085				1,121,703				1,009,616				900,025
Loans held for sale			6,202				5,916				3,929				5,685				4,305
Loans:
Commercial business			638,293				686,191				731,208				816,936				794,148
Commercial mortgage			1,412,788				1,348,550				1,315,404				1,276,841				1,253,901
Residential real estate loans			577,299				584,091				590,303				601,609				599,800
Residential real estate lines			78,531				79,196				80,781				85,362				89,805
Consumer indirect			958,048				940,537				899,018				857,804				840,421
Other consumer			14,477				15,334				15,454				15,834				17,063
Total loans			3,679,436				3,653,899				3,632,168				3,654,386				3,595,138
Allowance for credit losses - loans			39,676				45,444				46,365				49,828				52,420
Total loans, net			3,639,760				3,608,455				3,585,803				3,604,558				3,542,718
Total interest-earning assets			5,105,608				5,189,075				4,906,087				4,963,264				4,520,416
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net			74,400				74,659				74,262				74,528				73,789
Total assets			5,520,779				5,623,193				5,295,102				5,329,056				4,912,306
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand			1,107,561				1,144,852				1,121,827				1,099,608				1,018,549
Interest-bearing demand			864,528				893,976				799,299				873,390				731,885
Savings and money market			1,933,047				2,015,855				1,796,813				1,826,621				1,642,340
Time deposits			921,954				920,280				941,282				916,395				885,593
Total deposits			4,827,090				4,974,963				4,659,221				4,716,014				4,278,367
Short-term borrowings			30,000				-				-				-				5,300
Long-term borrowings, net			73,911				73,834				73,756				73,679				73,623
Total interest-bearing liabilities			3,823,440				3,903,945				3,611,150				3,690,085				3,338,741
Shareholders’ equity			505,142				494,013				487,126				466,284				468,363
Common shareholders’ equity			487,850				476,721				469,834				448,962				451,035
Tangible common equity (1)			413,450				402,062				395,572				374,434				377,246
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(13,207	)		$	(12,116	)		$	(5,934	)		$	(10,572	)		$	2,128
Common shares outstanding			15,746				15,842				15,842				15,829				16,042
Treasury shares			354				258				258				271				58
CAPITAL RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA:
Leverage ratio			8.23	%			8.36	%			8.16	%			8.35	%			8.25	%
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio			10.28	%			10.24	%			10.38	%			10.22	%			10.14	%
Tier 1 capital ratio			10.68	%			10.66	%			10.81	%			10.66	%			10.59	%
Total risk-based capital ratio			13.12	%			13.25	%			13.54	%			13.53	%			13.56	%
Common equity to assets			8.84	%			8.48	%			8.87	%			8.42	%			9.18	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)			7.59	%			7.25	%			7.58	%			7.13	%			7.80	%
Common book value per share		$	30.98			$	30.09			$	29.66			$	28.36			$	28.12
Tangible common book value per share (1)		$	26.26			$	25.38			$	24.97			$	23.66			$	23.52

⁽¹⁾   See Appendix A — Reconciliation to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the computation of this Non-GAAP measure.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.
Selected Financial Information (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

		Year Ended								2021																2020
		December 31,								Fourth				Third				Second				First				Fourth
		2021				2020				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
SELECTED INCOME STATEMENT
DATA:
Interest income		$	167,205			$	161,299			$	43,753			$	41,227			$	40,952			$	41,273			$	40,168
Interest expense			12,475				22,314				2,885				2,954				3,220				3,416				3,987
Net interest income			154,730				138,985				40,868				38,273				37,732				37,857				36,181
(Benefit) provision for credit losses			(8,336	)			27,184				(1,192	)			(541	)			(4,622	)			(1,981	)			5,495
Net interest income after provision for credit losses			163,066				111,801				42,060				38,814				42,354				39,838				30,686
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposits			5,571				4,810				1,490				1,502				1,287				1,292				1,489
Insurance income			5,750				4,403				1,343				1,864				1,147				1,396				878
Card interchange income			8,498				7,281				2,228				2,118				2,194				1,958				1,960
Investment advisory			11,672				9,535				3,045				2,969				2,886				2,772				2,595
Company owned life insurance			2,947				1,902				821				776				693				657				505
Investments in limited partnerships			2,081				104				294				694				238				855				240
Loan servicing			415				249				122				105				91				97				143
Income (loss) from derivative
instruments, net			2,695				5,521				1,035				377				(592	)			1,875				904
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale			2,950				3,858				482				600				790				1,078				1,597
Net gain (loss) on investment securities			71				1,599				-				-				(3	)			74				150
Net gain (loss) on other assets			441				(61	)			155				138				153				(5	)			(69	)
Net (loss) gain on tax credit investments			(431	)			(275	)			(493	)			(129	)			276				(85	)			(155	)
Other			4,246				4,250				1,152				1,069				1,030				995				1,099
Total noninterest income			46,906				43,176				11,674				12,083				10,190				12,959				11,336
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits			60,893				59,336				16,111				15,798				14,519				14,465				14,163
Occupancy and equipment			14,371				13,655				3,869				3,834				3,286				3,382				3,248
Professional services			6,535				6,326				1,437				1,600				1,603				1,895				1,352
Computer and data processing			14,112				11,645				3,952				3,579				3,460				3,121				3,023
Supplies and postage			1,769				1,975				408				447				430				484				442
FDIC assessments			2,624				2,242				682				697				480				765				737
Advertising and promotions			1,704				2,609				470				474				436				324				554
Amortization of intangibles			1,060				1,134				259				264				266				271				273
Restructuring charges			111				1,492				111				-				-				-				130
Other			9,571				8,840				2,598				2,476				2,464				2,033				2,612
Total noninterest expense			112,750				109,254				29,897				29,169				26,944				26,740				26,534
Income before income taxes			97,222				45,723				23,837				21,728				25,600				26,057				15,488
Income tax expense			19,525				7,391				4,225				4,553				5,400				5,347				1,688
Net income			77,697				38,332				19,612				17,175				20,200				20,710				13,800
Preferred stock dividends			1,460				1,461				365				364				366				365				365
Net income available to common
shareholders		$	76,237			$	36,871			$	19,247			$	16,811			$	19,834			$	20,345			$	13,435
FINANCIAL RATIOS:
Earnings per share – basic		$	4.81			$	2.30			$	1.22			$	1.06			$	1.25			$	1.28			$	0.84
Earnings per share – diluted		$	4.78			$	2.30			$	1.21			$	1.05			$	1.25			$	1.27			$	0.84
Cash dividends declared on common stock		$	1.08			$	1.04			$	0.27			$	0.27			$	0.27			$	0.27			$	0.26
Common dividend payout ratio			22.45	%			45.22	%			22.13	%			25.47	%			21.60	%			21.09	%			30.95	%
Dividend yield (annualized)			3.40	%			4.62	%			3.37	%			3.49	%			3.61	%			3.62	%			4.60	%
Return on average assets			1.46	%			0.82	%			1.39	%			1.27	%			1.52	%			1.66	%			1.10	%
Return on average equity			16.01	%			8.49	%			15.55	%			13.74	%			17.01	%			17.92	%			11.86	%
Return on average common equity			16.29	%			8.50	%			15.81	%			13.94	%			17.34	%			18.28	%			12.00	%
Return on average tangible common
equity (1)			19.37	%			10.25	%			18.69	%			16.50	%			20.69	%			21.88	%			14.38	%
Efficiency ratio (2)			55.76	%			60.22	%			56.76	%			57.76	%			56.02	%			52.51	%			55.79	%
Effective tax rate			20.1	%			16.2	%			17.7	%			21.0	%			21.1	%			20.5	%			10.9	%

⁽¹⁾  See Appendix A – Reconciliation to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the computation of this Non-GAAP measure. 
⁽²⁾  The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net revenue, i.e., the sum of net interest income (fully taxable equivalent) and noninterest income before net gains on investment securities. This is a banking industry measure not required by GAAP.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.
Selected Financial Information (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)

		Year Ended								2021																2020
		December 31,								Fourth				Third				Second				First				Fourth
		2021				2020				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES:
Federal funds sold and interest- earning deposits		$	169,504			$	112,802			$	148,293			$	157,229			$	249,312			$	123,042			$	176,950
Investment securities (1)			1,129,012				794,908				1,361,898				1,177,237				1,056,898				914,569				862,956
Loans:
Commercial business			734,748				735,535				649,926				700,797				791,412				798,866				803,536
Commercial mortgage			1,327,772				1,164,827				1,392,375				1,331,063				1,302,136				1,284,290				1,243,035
Residential real estate loans			593,375				587,620				586,358				588,585				595,925				602,866				599,773
Residential real estate lines			82,210				97,321				78,594				79,766				82,926				87,681				91,856
Consumer indirect			896,769				836,168				946,551				917,402				878,884				842,873				840,210
Other consumer			15,305				16,007				14,997				14,718				15,356				16,167				16,948
Total loans			3,650,179				3,437,478				3,668,801				3,632,331				3,666,639				3,632,743				3,595,358
Total interest-earning assets			4,948,695				4,345,188				5,178,992				4,966,797				4,972,849				4,670,354				4,635,264
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net			74,411				74,364				74,544				74,470				74,412				74,214				73,942
Total assets			5,335,808				4,693,225				5,582,987				5,368,054				5,340,745				5,045,180				4,992,886
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand			827,891				714,904				880,723				796,371				842,832				790,996				774,688
Savings and money market			1,864,567				1,443,692				1,997,508				1,876,394				1,856,659				1,724,577				1,722,938
Time deposits			907,973				959,541				923,080				908,351				935,885				863,924				871,103
Short-term borrowings			538				86,495				982				-				-				1,178				9,188
Long-term borrowings, net			73,749				47,387				73,864				73,786				73,709				73,636				71,481
Total interest-bearing liabilities			3,674,718				3,252,019				3,876,157				3,654,902				3,709,085				3,454,311				3,449,398
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits			1,105,227				905,412				1,134,100				1,149,120				1,091,490				1,044,733				997,607
Total deposits			4,705,658				4,023,549				4,935,411				4,730,236				4,726,866				4,424,230				4,366,336
Total liabilities			4,850,417				4,241,989				5,082,583				4,872,180				4,864,559				4,576,545				4,530,043
Shareholders’ equity			485,391				451,236				500,404				495,874				476,186				468,635				462,843
Common equity			468,085				433,908				483,112				478,582				458,868				451,311				445,515
Tangible common equity (2)		$	393,674			$	359,544			$	408,568			$	404,112			$	384,456			$	377,097			$	371,573
Common shares outstanding:
Basic			15,841				16,022				15,815				15,837				15,825				15,889				16,032
Diluted			15,937				16,063				15,928				15,936				15,913				15,972				16,078
SELECTED AVERAGE YIELDS: (Tax equivalent basis)
Investment securities			1.75	%			2.31	%			1.65	%			1.72	%			1.77	%			1.91	%			2.06	%
Loans			4.05	%			4.18	%			4.14	%			3.96	%			3.98	%			4.13	%			3.97	%
Total interest-earning assets			3.39	%			3.73	%			3.37	%			3.31	%			3.31	%			3.59	%			3.46	%
Interest-bearing demand			0.14	%			0.15	%			0.14	%			0.15	%			0.14	%			0.13	%			0.13	%
Savings and money market			0.18	%			0.33	%			0.16	%			0.17	%			0.19	%			0.21	%			0.25	%
Time deposits			0.40	%			1.24	%			0.30	%			0.35	%			0.43	%			0.51	%			0.66	%
Short-term borrowings			22.33	%			1.85	%			0.35	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			41.07	%			8.49	%
Long-term borrowings, net			5.75	%			6.09	%			5.74	%			5.75	%			5.73	%			5.77	%			5.76	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities			0.34	%			0.69	%			0.30	%			0.32	%			0.35	%			0.40	%			0.46	%
Net interest rate spread			3.05	%			3.04	%			3.07	%			2.99	%			2.96	%			3.19	%			3.00	%
Net interest margin			3.14	%			3.22	%			3.15	%			3.07	%			3.06	%			3.29	%			3.13	%

⁽¹⁾   Includes investment securities at adjusted amortized cost.
⁽²⁾   See Appendix A – Reconciliation to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the computation of this Non-GAAP measure.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.
Selected Financial Information (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)

		Year Ended								2021																2020
		December 31,								Fourth				Third				Second				First				Fourth
		2021				2020				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
ASSET QUALITY DATA:
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans
Beginning balance, prior to
adoption of CECL		$	52,420			$	30,482			$	45,444			$	46,365			$	49,828			$	52,420			$	49,395
Impact of adopting CECL			-				9,594				-				-				-				-				-
Beginning balance, after
adoption of CECL			52,420				40,076				45,444				46,365				49,828				52,420				49,395
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries):
Commercial business			(212	)			7,384				177				50				(287	)			(152	)			747
Commercial mortgage			3,814				1,755				3,618				-				(7	)			203				80
Residential real estate loans			56				72				32				21				(3	)			6				(3	)
Residential real estate lines			141				(3	)			11				60				-				70				-
Consumer indirect			1,256				4,278				674				265				(426	)			743				1,462
Other consumer			705				329				168				191				329				17				112
Total net charge-offs
(recoveries)			5,760				13,815				4,680				587				(394	)			887				2,398
Provision (benefit) for credit losses - loans			(6,984	)			26,159				(1,088	)			(334	)			(3,857	)			(1,705	)			5,423
Ending balance		$	39,676			$	52,420			$	39,676			$	45,444			$	46,365			$	49,828			$	52,420
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans (annualized):
Commercial business			-0.03	%			1.00	%			0.11	%			0.03	%			-0.15	%			-0.08	%			0.37	%
Commercial mortgage			0.29	%			0.15	%			1.03	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.06	%			0.03	%
Residential real estate loans			0.01	%			0.01	%			0.02	%			0.01	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.00	%
Residential real estate lines			0.17	%			0.00	%			0.05	%			0.30	%			0.00	%			0.32	%			0.00	%
Consumer indirect			0.14	%			0.51	%			0.28	%			0.11	%			-0.19	%			0.36	%			0.69	%
Other consumer			4.61	%			2.06	%			4.43	%			5.15	%			8.58	%			0.44	%			2.64	%
Total loans			0.16	%			0.40	%			0.51	%			0.06	%			-0.04	%			0.10	%			0.27	%
Supplemental information (1)
Non-performing loans:
Commercial business		$	1,399			$	1,975			$	1,399			$	1,046			$	1,555			$	1,742			$	1,975
Commercial mortgage			6,414				2,906				6,414				874				885				3,402				2,906
Residential real estate loans			2,373				2,587				2,373				2,457				2,615				2,519				2,587
Residential real estate lines			200				323				200				192				280				256				323
Consumer indirect			1,780				1,495				1,780				2,104				1,250				1,482				1,495
Other consumer			-				231				-				3				50				287				231
Total non-performing loans			12,166				9,517				12,166				6,676				6,635				9,688				9,517
Foreclosed assets			-				2,966				-				-				646				2,966				2,966
Total non-performing assets		$	12,166			$	12,483			$	12,166			$	6,676			$	7,281			$	12,654			$	12,483
Total non-performing loans to total loans			0.33	%			0.26	%			0.33	%			0.18	%			0.18	%			0.27	%			0.26	%
Total non-performing assets to total assets			0.22	%			0.25	%			0.22	%			0.12	%			0.14	%			0.24	%			0.25	%
Allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans			1.08	%			1.46	%			1.08	%			1.24	%			1.28	%			1.36	%			1.46	%
Allowance for credit losses - loans to non-performing loans			326	%			551	%			326	%			681	%			699	%			514	%			551	%

⁽¹⁾   At period end.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.
Appendix A — Reconciliation to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

		Year Ended								2021																2020
		December 31,								Fourth				Third				Second				First				Fourth
		2021				2020				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
Ending tangible assets:
Total assets										$	5,520,779			$	5,623,193			$	5,295,102			$	5,329,056			$	4,912,306
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets, net											74,400				74,659				74,262				74,528				73,789
Tangible assets										$	5,446,379			$	5,548,534			$	5,220,840			$	5,254,528			$	4,838,517
Ending tangible common equity:
Common shareholders’ equity										$	487,850			$	476,721			$	469,834			$	448,962			$	451,035
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets, net											74,400				74,659				74,262				74,528				73,789
Tangible common equity										$	413,450			$	402,062			$	395,572			$	374,434			$	377,246
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)											7.59	%			7.25	%			7.58	%			7.13	%			7.80	%
Common shares outstanding											15,747				15,842				15,842				15,829				16,042
Tangible common book value per share (2)										$	26.26			$	25.38			$	24.97			$	23.66			$	23.52
Average tangible assets:
Average assets		$	5,335,808			$	4,693,225			$	5,582,987			$	5,368,054			$	5,340,745			$	5,045,180			$	4,992,886
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets, net			74,411				74,364				74,544				74,470				74,412				74,214				73,942
Average tangible assets		$	5,261,397			$	4,618,861			$	5,508,443			$	5,293,584			$	5,266,333			$	4,970,966			$	4,918,944
Average tangible common equity:
Average common equity		$	468,085			$	433,908			$	483,112			$	478,582			$	458,868			$	451,311			$	445,515
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets, net			74,411				74,364				74,544				74,470				74,412				74,214				73,942
Average tangible common equity		$	393,674			$	359,544			$	408,568			$	404,112			$	384,456			$	377,097			$	371,573
Net income available to common shareholders		$	76,237			$	36,871			$	19,247			$	16,811			$	19,834			$	20,345			$	13,435
Return on average tangible common equity (3)			19.37	%			10.25	%			18.69	%			16.50	%			20.69	%			21.88	%			14.38	%
Pre-tax pre-provision income:
Net income		$	77,697			$	38,332			$	19,612			$	17,175			$	20,200			$	20,710			$	13,800
Add: Income tax expense			19,525				7,391				4,225				4,553				5,400				5,347				1,688
Add: Provision (benefit) for credit losses			(8,336	)			27,184				(1,192	)			(541	)			(4,622	)			(1,981	)			5,495
Pre-tax pre-provision income		$	88,886			$	72,907			$	22,645			$	21,187			$	20,978			$	24,076			$	20,983
Total loans excluding PPP loans:
Total loans		$	3,679,436			$	3,595,138			$	3,679,436			$	3,653,899			$	3,632,168			$	3,654,386			$	3,595,138
Less: Total PPP loans			55,344				247,951				55,344				116,653				171,942				255,595				247,951
Total loans excluding PPP loans		$	3,624,092			$	3,347,187			$	3,624,092			$	3,537,246			$	3,460,226			$	3,398,791			$	3,347,187
Allowance for credit losses - loans		$	39,676			$	52,420			$	39,676			$	45,444			$	46,365			$	49,828			$	52,420
Allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans excluding PPP loans (4)			1.09	%			1.57	%			1.09	%			1.28	%			1.34	%			1.47	%			1.57	%

⁽¹⁾   Tangible common equity divided by tangible assets.
⁽²⁾   Tangible common equity divided by common shares outstanding.
⁽³⁾   Net income available to common shareholders (annualized) divided by average tangible common equity.
⁽⁴⁾   Allowance for credit losses – loans divided by total loans excluding PPP loans.

FAQ

What were the financial results for Financial Institutions, Inc. in Q4 2021?

Financial Institutions, Inc. reported a net income of $19.6 million for Q4 2021, up from $13.8 million in Q4 2020.

How did Financial Institutions, Inc.'s annual net income change in 2021?

In 2021, the net income for Financial Institutions, Inc. was $77.7 million, compared to $38.3 million in 2020.

What was the net interest income for Financial Institutions, Inc. in Q4 2021?

The net interest income for Q4 2021 was $40.9 million, an increase of $4.7 million from Q4 2020.

How did credit loss provisions affect Financial Institutions, Inc.'s financial results in 2021?

The company recognized an $8.3 million benefit for credit losses in 2021 compared to a $27.2 million provision in 2020.

What was the change in total loans for Financial Institutions, Inc. from September to December 2021?

Total loans grew by 2.5% from September 30, 2021, to December 31, 2021.