Financial Institutions, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:FISI) reported a net income of $17.2 million for Q3 2021, a significant increase from $12.3 million in Q3 2020. Net income per diluted share rose to $1.05, up from $0.74 a year earlier. A $541 thousand benefit for credit losses was noted, contrasting with a $4.0 million provision last year. Total loans grew by 2.2%, excluding PPP loans, while net interest income reached $38.3 million. The efficiency ratio was 58%. Shareholder equity increased to $494.0 million. The company also completed strategic acquisitions and branch relocations to boost growth.

Positive

• Net income increased to $17.2 million, up 39.8% year-over-year.
• Net income per diluted share improved to $1.05, a rise of 42.0%.
• Credit loss benefit of $541 thousand contrasts with $4.0 million provision in Q3 2020.
• Total loan portfolio grew by 2.2%, excluding the impact of PPP loans.
• Noninterest income rose to $12.1 million, driven by insurance and wealth subsidiaries.
• Shareholders' equity reached $494.0 million, showing a healthy growth.

Negative

• Commercial business loans declined by 6.2% from Q2 2021 due to PPP loan forgiveness.
• Net interest margin decreased to 3.07%, down from 3.22% a year ago.
• Noninterest expense increased to $29.2 million, raising concerns about cost management.

WARSAW, N.Y., Oct. 28, 2021 (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 third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Net income for the quarter was $17.2 million compared to $12.3 million in the third quarter of 2020. After preferred dividends, net income available to common shareholders was $16.8 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, compared to $11.9 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2020.

• Reflected in the increase in quarterly net income was a $541 thousand benefit for credit losses in the current quarter as compared to a provision of $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2020. Ongoing improvement in the national unemployment forecast, positive trends in qualitative factors and lower net charge-offs resulted in a release of credit loss reserves and a corresponding benefit for credit losses.
  

Pre-tax pre-provision income⁽¹⁾ for the quarter was $21.2 million, an increase of $1.9 million from the third quarter of 2020.

“We reported strong results grounded in positive economic trends and sustained incremental organic growth across our businesses,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Martin K. Birmingham. “Continued improvement in the economy resulted in a third consecutive quarterly release of credit loss reserves, and loan charge-offs remained exceptionally low. Excluding the impact of Paycheck Protection Program loans, we grew the total loan portfolio by 2.2% from June 30^th and our loan pipelines remain healthy. Net interest income increased, and we remain focused on the optimal investment of excess liquidity. While expenses did go up in the quarter, we also generated strong noninterest income driven by our insurance and wealth subsidiaries and investments in limited partnerships, resulting in an efficiency ratio of 58%.

“Five Star Bank relocated its City of Elmira branch in the quarter, investing in an area undergoing revitalization while reducing annual operating costs associated with more favorable lease terms and significantly reduced space. Our SDN insurance subsidiary completed a bolt-on transaction in August, acquiring an employee benefits business that adds important expertise in employee benefits and human resources consulting.

“We continue to make investments in people, process, technology and strategic bolt-on acquisitions to position our organization for expected long-term growth and profitability. We are focused on the successful execution of opportunities related to ongoing digital transformation, traditional banking and new businesses associated with banking as a service, or BaaS. I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments and the associates that made them possible.”

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer W. Jack Plants II added, “Noninterest expense was higher than the second quarter of 2021 with a significant portion of the increase attributable to salaries and benefits. Strong year-to-date performance drove an approximately $690 thousand increase in commission and incentive compensation. In addition, we’ve made investments in experienced personnel to support strategic initiatives including digital banking, retail community banking expansion, customer experience and technology. We believe these initiatives, along with the bolt-on acquisitions completed in 2021, will support future revenue growth. With that said, we will continue to manage expenses to produce positive long-term operating leverage.”

Acquisition of North Woods Capital Benefits

On August 2, 2021, North Woods Capital Benefits LLC (“North Woods”) was acquired by the Company’s insurance subsidiary SDN. North Woods was a Buffalo-based employee benefits and human resources advisory firm with a mission of helping clients of all sizes navigate the complexities of employee benefits, human resources and compliance to control costs and maximize long-term savings.

The acquisition expands SDN’s employee benefits business and adds important expertise in employee benefits and human resources consulting. William (Bill) Wadsworth, North Woods’ Founder, continues his long-term client relationships in his new role leading SDN’s employee benefits practice. Sarah Kirke, former Director of Client Service and HR Consulting at North Woods, serves as Employee Benefits Account Manager and HR Consultant at SDN.

Elmira Branch Relocation

Five Star Bank opened its relocated branch in the City of Elmira on August 2, 2021. The new branch is in a newly-constructed building that is part of the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Consumers and businesses can access a full spectrum of banking and lending services, insurance and wealth management and investment services at the new branch.

The branch is designed to serve as a financial solution center, with no teller lines and no barriers between bank associates and customers. It features a blend of new technology including Interactive Teller Machines and the comfort of community banking with Certified Personal Bankers. Our new design aligns services with shifting customer needs and preferences including rapid advancements in financial technology that enable consumers to bank virtually from anywhere, anytime.

Five Star Bank is committed to the use of green and energy efficient materials in construction. Materials sourced for the Elmira branch received certifications from Cradle to Cradle, Declare, Forest Stewardship Council, Green Square and GreenGuard. Materials with a high percentage of recycled content were used when possible and energy-efficient LED lighting was used throughout the interior and exterior.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income was $38.3 million for the quarter, an increase of $541 thousand from the second quarter of 2021 and an increase of $2.8 million from the third quarter of 2020.

• Average interest-earning assets for the quarter were $4.97 billion, a decrease of $6.1 million from the second quarter of 2021 due to a $92.1 million decrease in Federal Reserve interest-earning cash and a $34.3 decrease in total loans that was driven by the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan forgiveness process, partially offset by a $120.3 million increase in investment securities. Average interest-earning assets for the quarter were $553.0 million higher than the third quarter of 2020 due to a $35.3 million increase in Federal Reserve interest-earning cash, a $407.6 million increase in investment securities and a $110.1 million increase in total loans.
• The average balance of PPP loans net of deferred fees was $141.3 million in the third quarter of 2021, $232.0 million in the second quarter of 2021 and $263.0 million in the third quarter of 2020.

Net interest margin was 3.07% as compared to 3.06% in the second quarter of 2021 and 3.22% in the third quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of lower-yielding PPP loans and related loan origination fees accreted over the term of the loan or upon loan forgiveness, net interest margin was 3.05% in the third quarter of 2021, 3.02% in the second quarter of 2021 and 3.27% in the third 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 throughout 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 quarter, 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.
  

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income was $12.1 million for the quarter, an increase of $1.9 million from the second quarter of 2021 and a decrease of $134 thousand from the third quarter of 2020.

• Insurance income of $1.9 million was $717 thousand higher than the second quarter of 2021 primarily as a result of the timing of commercial renewals and the impact of the August 2021 acquisition of North Woods. The increase of $507 thousand from the third quarter of 2020 was driven by the two 2021 bolt-on acquisitions (North Woods in August and Landmark in February) and growth in the legacy SDN business, including the impact of increasing insurance premiums.
• Investment advisory fees of $3.0 million were $83 thousand higher than the second quarter of 2021 and $526 thousand higher than the third 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 $776 thousand was $83 thousand higher than the second quarter of 2021 and $306 thousand higher than the third 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 $694 thousand was $456 thousand higher than the second quarter of 2021 and $799 thousand higher than the third 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 (loss) from derivative instruments, net was $377 thousand, $969 thousand higher than the second quarter of 2021 and $1.6 million lower than the third 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 $600 thousand was $190 thousand lower than the second quarter of 2020 and $797 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2020 due to lower transaction volume. Sale volume and margin were at historically high levels in the third quarter of 2020, driven by mortgage refinancing activity.
• No gain or loss was recognized on investment securities in the quarter compared to a net loss of $3 thousand in the second quarter of 2021 and a net gain of $554 thousand in the third quarter of 2020. The net gain in the third quarter of 2020 was attributable to the management of premium risk, largely achieved through the sale of $20.0 million of fixed rate mortgage backed securities with higher expected prepayment speeds. Proceeds were reinvested in current coupon bonds, with lower anticipated prepayment behavior.
  

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense was $29.2 million in the quarter compared to $26.9 million in the second quarter of 2021 and $28.5 million in the third quarter of 2020.

• Salaries and employee benefits expense of $15.8 million was $1.3 million higher than the second quarter of 2021 and $713 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 due to higher incentive compensation and commissions, investments in personnel and the impact of 2021 acquisitions.
• Occupancy and equipment expense of $3.8 million was $548 thousand higher than the second quarter of 2021 and $571 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 as a result of the purchase of security equipment for multiple locations, timing differences related to the outsourcing of property management services and expenses related to two Five Star Bank branches opened in Buffalo in June 2021.
• Professional services expense of $1.6 million was relatively unchanged as compared to the second quarter of 2021 and $358 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 primarily due to the timing of fees for consulting and advisory projects including financial technology and improvement initiatives.
• Computer and data processing expense of $3.6 million was $119 thousand higher than the second quarter of 2021 and $329 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 as a result of the Company’s investments in technology, including digital banking initiatives.
• Advertising and promotions expense of $474 thousand was $38 thousand higher than the second quarter of 2021 and $481 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2020. The decrease as compared to the prior year quarter is related to the ongoing evolution of our long-term marketing strategy and a temporary reduction in external advertising expense.
• Third quarter 2020 restructuring charges of $1.4 million represents non-recurring real estate related charges related to the closure of six bank branches and a staffing reduction.
• Other expense of $2.5 million was relatively unchanged as compared to the second quarter of 2021 and $495 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 primarily as a result of the timing of charitable contributions, an increase in travel and entertainment expenses as in-person meetings and in-person training sessions resume, the outsourcing of certain services and other miscellaneous items.
  

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $4.6 million for the quarter compared to $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2021 and $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2020. The Company recognized federal and state tax benefits related to tax credit investments placed in service and/or amortized during the third quarter of 2021, second quarter of 2021, and third quarter of 2020, resulting in income tax expense reductions of approximately $535 thousand, $424 thousand and $213 thousand, respectively.

The effective tax rate was 21.0% for the quarter compared to 21.1% for the second quarter of 2021 and 19.3% for the third quarter of 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 $5.62 billion at September 30, 2021, up $328.1 million from June 30, 2021, and up $664.0 million from September 30, 2020.

Investment securities were $1.32 billion at September 30, 2021, up $194.4 million from June 30, 2021, and up $509.2 million from September 30, 2020. The Company’s primary investment strategy for 2020 was to reinvest cash flow from the securities portfolio; however, the focus was redirected to deploying excess liquidity into cash flowing agency mortgage backed securities given the elevated cash position the Company has continued to experience. Increased purchase activity in the first nine months of 2021 resulted from the execution of the strategy to reallocate excess Federal Reserve cash balances into collateral eligible agency mortgage backed securities that demonstrated higher yields, on a relative basis.

Total loans were $3.65 billion at September 30, 2021, up $21.7 million, or 0.6%, from June 30, 2021, and up $85.4 million, or 2.4%, from September 30, 2020.

• Commercial business loans totaled $686.2 million, down $45.0 million, or 6.2%, from June 30, 2021, and down $131.9 million, or 16.1%, from September 30, 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 $116.7 million at September 30, 2021, $171.9 million at June 30, 2021, and $264.1 million at September 30, 2020. Accordingly, commercial business loans excluding the impact of PPP loans increased 1.8% from June 30, 2021 and increased 2.8% from September 30, 2020.
• Commercial mortgage loans totaled $1.35 billion, up $33.1 million, or 2.5%, from June 30, 2021, and up $146.5 million, or 12.2%, from September 30, 2020.
• Residential real estate loans totaled $584.1 million, down $6.2 million, or 1.1%, from June 30, 2021, and down $12.8 million, or 2.1%, from September 30, 2020.
• Consumer indirect loans totaled $940.5 million, up $41.5 million, or 4.6%, from June 30, 2021 and up $100.0 million, or 11.9%, from September 30, 2020.

Total loans, excluding PPP loans net of deferred fees, were $3.54 billion at September 30, 2021, up $77.0 million, or 2.2%, from June 30, 2021, and up $232.8 million, or 7.0%, from September 30, 2020.

Total deposits were $4.97 billion at September 30, 2021, $315.7 million higher than June 30, 2021, and $610.0 million higher than September 30, 2020. The increase from June 30, 2021, was primarily the result of a seasonal increase in public deposits and growth in reciprocal and brokered deposits. The increase from September 30, 2020, was primarily the result of growth in public, non-public and reciprocal deposits. Public deposit balances represented 24% of total deposits at September 30, 2021, compared to 21% at June 30, 2021, and 23% at September 30, 2020.

There were no short-term borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2021 or June 30, 2021. The decline from $5.3 million at September 30, 2020, is the result of the Company’s decision to utilize brokered deposits as a cost-effective alternative to Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. Short-term borrowings and brokered deposits have historically been utilized to manage the seasonality of public deposits. In February 2020, the Company entered a long-term brokered sweep arrangement as a stable alternative borrowing source to diversify the wholesale funding base.

Shareholders’ equity was $494.0 million at September 30, 2021, compared to $487.1 million at June 30, 2021, and $456.4 million at September 30, 2020. Common book value per share was $30.09 at September 30, 2021, an increase of $0.43 or 1.4% from $29.66 at June 30, 2021, and an increase of $2.71 or 9.9% from $27.38 at September 30, 2020. Tangible common book value per share⁽¹⁾ was $25.38 at September 30, 2021, an increase of $0.41 or 1.6% from $24.97 at June 30, 2021, and an increase of $2.62 or 11.5% from $22.76 at September 30, 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 or in the second or third quarter of 2021 under this program. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company repurchased 238,439 shares for an average repurchase price of $24.30 per share, inclusive of transaction costs.

The common equity to assets ratio was 8.48% at September 30, 2021, compared to 8.87% at June 30, 2021, and 8.85% at September 30, 2020. Tangible common equity to tangible assets⁽¹⁾, or the TCE ratio, was 7.25%, 7.58% and 7.47% at September 30, 2021, June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively. The primary driver of declines in both ratios as compared to the prior quarter and prior year was the significant increase in total assets. The increase in total assets from June 30, 2021, to September 30, 2021, was primarily the result of the seasonal increase in public deposits. 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 share repurchases during the first quarter of 2021, partially offset by the positive impact of earnings. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company declared a common stock dividend of $0.27 per common share. The dividend returned 25% of third quarter net income to common shareholders.

The Company’s regulatory capital ratios at September 30, 2021, compared to the prior quarter and prior year:

• Leverage Ratio was 8.36%, compared to 8.16% and 8.42% at June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.
• Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 10.24%, compared to 10.38% and 10.15% at June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.
• Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 10.66%, compared to 10.81% and 10.61% at June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.
• Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 13.25%, compared to 13.54% and 12.68% at June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Credit Quality

Non-performing loans were $6.7 million at September 30, 2021, as compared to $6.6 million at June 30, 2021, and $10.9 million at September 30, 2020. Net charge-offs were $587 thousand in the quarter as compared to net recoveries of $394 thousand in the second quarter of 2021 and net charge-offs of $488 thousand in the third quarter of 2020. The ratio of annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans was 0.06% in the current quarter, (0.04) % in the second quarter of 2021 and 0.06% in the third quarter of 2020.

Foreclosed assets at September 30, 2021, were $0, a decrease of $646 thousand from June 30, 2021, and a decrease of $3.0 million from September 30, 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 September 30, 2021, the allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans ratio was 1.24% compared to 1.28% at June 30, 2021, and 1.38% at September 30, 2020. PPP loans are fully guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Excluding PPP loans, the September 30, 2021, allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans ratio⁽¹⁾ was 1.28%, a decrease of six basis points from 1.34% at June 30, 2021 and a decrease of twenty-one basis points from 1.49% at September 30, 2020.

Provision (benefit) for credit losses - loans was a $334 thousand benefit in the quarter compared to a benefit of $3.9 million in the second quarter of 2021 and a provision of $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2020. Changes in the allowance for unfunded commitments, also included in provision (benefit) for credit losses, were a $206 thousand decrease in the third quarter of 2021, a $764 thousand decrease in the second quarter of 2021 and a $461 thousand increase in the third 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 first quarter 2020 provision of $13.9 million and a second quarter provision of $3.7 million. Provision was a benefit in each of the first three quarters of 2021 due to continued improvement in the national unemployment forecast and positive trends in qualitative factors, resulting in a 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 0.18% at September 30, 2021, and June 30, 2021, and 0.31% at September 30, 2020. The ratio of allowance for credit losses - loans to non-performing loans was 681% at September 30, 2021, compared to 699% at June 30, 2021, and 453% at September 30, 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 quarter ended September 30, 2021, on Form 10-Q. As a result, the Company will continue to evaluate the impact of any subsequent events on critical accounting assumptions and estimates made as of September 30, 2021, and will adjust amounts preliminarily reported, if necessary.

Conference Call

The Company will host an earnings conference call and audio webcast on October 29, 2021, 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 055947. 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
		September 30,				June 30,				March 31,				December 31,				September 30,
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	288,426			$	206,387			$	344,790			$	93,878			$	282,070
Investment securities:
Available for sale			1,097,950				902,845				753,489				628,059				515,971
Held-to-maturity, net			218,135				218,858				256,127				271,966				290,946
Total investment securities			1,316,085				1,121,703				1,009,616				900,025				806,917
Loans held for sale			5,916				3,929				5,685				4,305				7,076
Loans:
Commercial business			686,191				731,208				816,936				794,148				818,135
Commercial mortgage			1,348,550				1,315,404				1,276,841				1,253,901				1,202,046
Residential real estate loans			584,091				590,303				601,609				599,800				596,902
Residential real estate lines			79,196				80,781				85,362				89,805				94,017
Consumer indirect			940,537				899,018				857,804				840,421				840,579
Other consumer			15,334				15,454				15,834				17,063				16,860
Total loans			3,653,899				3,632,168				3,654,386				3,595,138				3,568,539
Allowance for credit losses - loans			45,444				46,365				49,828				52,420				49,395
Total loans, net			3,608,455				3,585,803				3,604,558				3,542,718				3,519,144
Total interest-earning assets			5,189,075				4,906,087				4,963,264				4,520,416				4,577,057
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net			74,659				74,262				74,528				73,789				74,062
Total assets			5,623,193				5,295,102				5,329,056				4,912,306				4,959,201
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand			1,144,852				1,121,827				1,099,608				1,018,549				1,013,176
Interest-bearing demand			893,976				799,299				873,390				731,885				786,059
Savings and money market			2,015,855				1,796,813				1,826,621				1,642,340				1,724,463
Time deposits			920,280				941,282				916,395				885,593				841,230
Total deposits			4,974,963				4,659,221				4,716,014				4,278,367				4,364,928
Short-term borrowings			-				-				-				5,300				5,300
Long-term borrowings, net			73,834				73,756				73,679				73,623				39,258
Total interest-bearing liabilities			3,903,945				3,611,150				3,690,085				3,338,741				3,396,310
Shareholders’ equity			494,013				487,126				466,284				468,363				456,361
Common shareholders’ equity			476,721				469,834				448,962				451,035				439,033
Tangible common equity (1)			402,062				395,572				374,434				377,246				364,971
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(12,116	)		$	(5,934	)		$	(10,572	)		$	2,128			$	(209	)
Common shares outstanding			15,842				15,842				15,829				16,042				16,038
Treasury shares			258				258				271				58				62
CAPITAL RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA:
Leverage ratio			8.36	%			8.16	%			8.35	%			8.25	%			8.42	%
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio			10.24	%			10.38	%			10.22	%			10.14	%			10.15	%
Tier 1 capital ratio			10.66	%			10.81	%			10.66	%			10.59	%			10.61	%
Total risk-based capital ratio			13.25	%			13.54	%			13.53	%			13.56	%			12.68	%
Common equity to assets			8.48	%			8.87	%			8.42	%			9.18	%			8.85	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)			7.25	%			7.58	%			7.13	%			7.80	%			7.47	%
Common book value per share		$	30.09			$	29.66			$	28.36			$	28.12			$	27.38
Tangible common book value per share (1)		$	25.38			$	24.97			$	23.66			$	23.52			$	22.76

                 
⁽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)

		Nine Months Ended								2021												2020
		September 30,								Third				Second				First				Fourth				Third
		2021				2020				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
SELECTED INCOME STATEMENT
DATA:
Interest income		$	123,452			$	121,131			$	41,227			$	40,952			$	41,273			$	40,168			$	39,719
Interest expense			9,590				18,327				2,954				3,220				3,416				3,987				4,220
Net interest income			113,862				102,804				38,273				37,732				37,857				36,181				35,499
Provision (benefit) for credit losses			(7,144	)			21,689				(541	)			(4,622	)			(1,981	)			5,495				4,028
Net interest income after provision for credit losses			121,006				81,115				38,814				42,354				39,838				30,686				31,471
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposits			4,081				3,321				1,502				1,287				1,292				1,489				1,254
Insurance income			4,407				3,525				1,864				1,147				1,396				878				1,357
Card interchange income			6,270				5,321				2,118				2,194				1,958				1,960				1,943
Investment advisory			8,627				6,940				2,969				2,886				2,772				2,595				2,443
Company owned life insurance			2,126				1,397				776				693				657				505				470
Investments in limited partnerships			1,787				(136	)			694				238				855				240				(105	)
Loan servicing			293				106				105				91				97				143				49
Income (loss) from derivative
instruments, net			1,660				4,617				377				(592	)			1,875				904				1,931
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale			2,468				2,261				600				790				1,078				1,597				1,397
Net gain (loss) on investment securities			71				1,449				-				(3	)			74				150				554
Net gain (loss) on other assets			286				8				138				153				(5	)			(69	)			(55	)
Net gain (loss) on tax credit investments			62				(120	)			(129	)			276				(85	)			(155	)			(40	)
Other			3,094				3,151				1,069				1,030				995				1,099				1,019
Total noninterest income			35,232				31,840				12,083				10,190				12,959				11,336				12,217
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits			44,782				45,173				15,798				14,519				14,465				14,163				15,085
Occupancy and equipment			10,502				10,407				3,834				3,286				3,382				3,248				3,263
Professional services			5,098				4,974				1,600				1,603				1,895				1,352				1,242
Computer and data processing			10,160				8,622				3,579				3,460				3,121				3,023				3,250
Supplies and postage			1,361				1,533				447				430				484				442				463
FDIC assessments			1,942				1,505				697				480				765				737				594
Advertising and promotions			1,234				2,055				474				436				324				554				955
Amortization of intangibles			801				861				264				266				271				273				280
Restructuring charges			-				1,362				-				-				-				130				1,362
Other			6,973				6,228				2,476				2,464				2,033				2,612				1,981
Total noninterest expense			82,853				82,720				29,169				26,944				26,740				26,534				28,475
Income before income taxes			73,385				30,235				21,728				25,600				26,057				15,488				15,213
Income tax expense			15,300				5,703				4,553				5,400				5,347				1,688				2,940
Net income			58,085				24,532				17,175				20,200				20,710				13,800				12,273
Preferred stock dividends			1,095				1,096				364				366				365				365				365
Net income available to common
shareholders		$	56,990			$	23,436			$	16,811			$	19,834			$	20,345			$	13,435			$	11,908
FINANCIAL RATIOS:
Earnings per share – basic		$	3.60			$	1.46			$	1.06			$	1.25			$	1.28			$	0.84			$	0.74
Earnings per share – diluted		$	3.58			$	1.46			$	1.05			$	1.25			$	1.27			$	0.84			$	0.74
Cash dividends declared on common stock		$	0.81			$	0.78			$	0.27			$	0.27			$	0.27			$	0.26			$	0.26
Common dividend payout ratio			22.50	%			53.42	%			25.47	%			21.60	%			21.09	%			30.95	%			35.14	%
Dividend yield (annualized)			3.53	%			6.77	%			3.49	%			3.61	%			3.62	%			4.60	%			6.72	%
Return on average assets			1.48	%			0.71	%			1.27	%			1.52	%			1.66	%			1.10	%			1.02	%
Return on average equity			16.17	%			7.33	%			13.74	%			17.01	%			17.92	%			11.86	%			10.72	%
Return on average common equity			16.46	%			7.28	%			13.94	%			17.34	%			18.28	%			12.00	%			10.82	%
Return on average tangible common
equity (1)			19.60	%			8.81	%			16.50	%			20.69	%			21.88	%			14.38	%			13.02	%
Efficiency ratio (2)			55.41	%			61.79	%			57.76	%			56.02	%			52.51	%			55.79	%			60.12	%
Effective tax rate			20.8	%			18.9	%			21.0	%			21.1	%			20.5	%			10.9	%			19.3	%

⁽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)

		Nine Months Ended								2021												2020
		September 30,								Third				Second				First				Fourth				Third
		2021				2020				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES:
Federal funds sold and interest- earning deposits		$	176,653			$	91,263			$	157,229			$	249,312			$	123,042			$	176,950			$	121,929
Investment securities (1)			1,050,530				772,059				1,177,237				1,056,898				914,569				862,956				769,673
Loans:
Commercial business			763,332				712,703				700,797				791,412				798,866				803,536				808,582
Commercial mortgage			1,306,001				1,138,568				1,331,063				1,302,136				1,284,290				1,243,035				1,180,747
Residential real estate loans			595,740				583,540				588,585				595,925				602,866				599,773				590,483
Residential real estate lines			83,429				99,156				79,766				82,926				87,681				91,856				95,288
Consumer indirect			879,993				834,810				917,402				878,884				842,873				840,210				830,647
Other consumer			15,408				15,691				14,718				15,356				16,167				16,948				16,445
Total loans			3,643,903				3,384,468				3,632,331				3,666,639				3,632,743				3,595,358				3,522,192
Total interest-earning assets			4,871,086				4,247,790				4,966,797				4,972,849				4,670,354				4,635,264				4,413,794
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net			74,366				74,506				74,470				74,412				74,214				73,942				74,220
Total assets			5,252,509				4,592,609				5,368,054				5,340,745				5,045,180				4,992,886				4,775,333
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand			810,086				694,830				796,371				842,832				790,996				774,688				704,550
Savings and money market			1,819,766				1,349,931				1,876,394				1,856,659				1,724,577				1,722,938				1,574,068
Time deposits			902,883				989,236				908,351				935,885				863,924				871,103				867,479
Short-term borrowings			388				112,451				-				-				1,178				9,188				57,856
Long-term borrowings, net			73,711				39,297				73,786				73,709				73,636				71,481				39,314
Total interest-bearing liabilities			3,606,834				3,185,745				3,654,902				3,709,085				3,454,311				3,449,398				3,243,267
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits			1,095,497				874,456				1,149,120				1,091,490				1,044,733				997,607				987,908
Total deposits			4,628,232				3,908,453				4,730,236				4,726,866				4,424,230				4,366,336				4,134,005
Total liabilities			4,772,178				4,145,270				4,872,180				4,864,559				4,576,545				4,530,043				4,320,057
Shareholders’ equity			480,331				447,339				495,874				476,186				468,635				462,843				455,276
Common equity			463,020				430,011				478,582				458,868				451,311				445,515				437,948
Tangible common equity (2)		$	388,654			$	355,505			$	404,112			$	384,456			$	377,097			$	371,573			$	363,728
Common shares outstanding:
Basic			15,850				16,018				15,837				15,825				15,889				16,032				16,031
Diluted			15,940				16,058				15,936				15,913				15,972				16,078				16,058
SELECTED AVERAGE YIELDS: (Tax equivalent basis)
Investment securities			1.79	%			2.40	%			1.72	%			1.77	%			1.91	%			2.06	%			2.23	%
Loans			4.02	%			4.25	%			3.96	%			3.98	%			4.13	%			3.97	%			4.02	%
Total interest-earning assets			3.40	%			3.83	%			3.31	%			3.31	%			3.59	%			3.46	%			3.60	%
Interest-bearing demand			0.14	%			0.16	%			0.15	%			0.14	%			0.13	%			0.13	%			0.14	%
Savings and money market			0.19	%			0.37	%			0.17	%			0.19	%			0.21	%			0.25	%			0.28	%
Time deposits			0.43	%			1.42	%			0.35	%			0.43	%			0.51	%			0.66	%			0.92	%
Short-term borrowings			41.07	%			1.67	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			41.07	%			8.49	%			1.60	%
Long-term borrowings, net			5.75	%			6.30	%			5.75	%			5.73	%			5.77	%			5.76	%			6.31	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities			0.36	%			0.77	%			0.32	%			0.35	%			0.40	%			0.46	%			0.52	%
Net interest rate spread			3.04	%			3.06	%			2.99	%			2.96	%			3.19	%			3.00	%			3.08	%
Net interest margin			3.14	%			3.25	%			3.07	%			3.06	%			3.29	%			3.13	%			3.22	%

⁽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)

		Nine Months Ended								2021												2020
		September 30,								Third				Second				First				Fourth				Third
		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			$	46,365			$	49,828			$	52,420			$	49,395			$	46,316
Impact of adopting CECL			-				9,594				-				-				-				-				-
Beginning balance, after
adoption of CECL			52,420				40,076				46,365				49,828				52,420				49,395				46,316
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries):
Commercial business			(389	)			6,637				50				(287	)			(152	)			747				(88	)
Commercial mortgage			196				1,675				-				(7	)			203				80				603
Residential real estate loans			24				75				21				(3	)			6				(3	)			(7	)
Residential real estate lines			130				(3	)			60				-				70				-				-
Consumer indirect			582				2,816				265				(426	)			743				1,462				(115	)
Other consumer			537				217				191				329				17				112				95
Total net charge-offs
(recoveries)			1,080				11,417				587				(394	)			887				2,398				488
Provision (benefit) for credit losses - loans			(5,896	)			20,736				(334	)			(3,857	)			(1,705	)			5,423				3,567
Ending balance		$	45,444			$	49,395			$	45,444			$	46,365			$	49,828			$	52,420			$	49,395
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans (annualized):
Commercial business			-0.07	%			1.24	%			0.03	%			-0.15	%			-0.08	%			0.37	%			-0.04	%
Commercial mortgage			0.02	%			0.20	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.06	%			0.03	%			0.20	%
Residential real estate loans			0.01	%			0.02	%			0.01	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.00	%
Residential real estate lines			0.21	%			0.00	%			0.30	%			0.00	%			0.32	%			0.00	%			0.00	%
Consumer indirect			0.09	%			0.45	%			0.11	%			-0.19	%			0.36	%			0.69	%			-0.05	%
Other consumer			4.66	%			1.85	%			5.15	%			8.58	%			0.44	%			2.64	%			2.31	%
Total loans			0.04	%			0.45	%			0.06	%			-0.04	%			0.10	%			0.27	%			0.06	%
Supplemental information (1)
Non-performing loans:
Commercial business		$	1,046			$	2,628			$	1,046			$	1,555			$	1,742			$	1,975			$	2,628
Commercial mortgage			874				3,372				874				885				3,402				2,906				3,372
Residential real estate loans			2,457				3,305				2,457				2,615				2,519				2,587				3,305
Residential real estate lines			192				207				192				280				256				323				207
Consumer indirect			2,104				1,244				2,104				1,250				1,482				1,495				1,244
Other consumer			3				147				3				50				287				231				147
Total non-performing loans			6,676				10,903				6,676				6,635				9,688				9,517				10,903
Foreclosed assets			-				2,999				-				646				2,966				2,966				2,999
Total non-performing assets		$	6,676			$	13,902			$	6,676			$	7,281			$	12,654			$	12,483			$	13,902
Total non-performing loans to total loans			0.18	%			0.31	%			0.18	%			0.18	%			0.27	%			0.26	%			0.31	%
Total non-performing assets to total assets			0.12	%			0.28	%			0.12	%			0.14	%			0.24	%			0.25	%			0.28	%
Allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans			1.24	%			1.38	%			1.24	%			1.28	%			1.36	%			1.46	%			1.38	%
Allowance for credit losses - loans to non-performing loans			681	%			453	%			681	%			699	%			514	%			551	%			453	%

                
⁽¹⁾   At period end.

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

		Nine Months Ended								2021												2020
		September 30,								Third				Second				First				Fourth				Third
		2021				2020				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter				Quarter
Ending tangible assets:
Total assets										$	5,623,193			$	5,295,102			$	5,329,056			$	4,912,306			$	4,959,201
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets, net											74,659				74,262				74,528				73,789				74,062
Tangible assets										$	5,548,534			$	5,220,840			$	5,254,528			$	4,838,517			$	4,885,139
Ending tangible common equity:
Common shareholders’ equity										$	476,721			$	469,834			$	448,962			$	451,035			$	439,033
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets, net											74,659				74,262				74,528				73,789				74,062
Tangible common equity										$	402,062			$	395,572			$	374,434			$	377,246			$	364,971
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)											7.25	%			7.58	%			7.13	%			7.80	%			7.47	%
Common shares outstanding											15,842				15,842				15,829				16,042				16,038
Tangible common book value per share (2)										$	25.38			$	24.97			$	23.66			$	23.52			$	22.76
Average tangible assets:
Average assets		$	5,252,509			$	4,592,609			$	5,368,054			$	5,340,745			$	5,045,180			$	4,992,886			$	4,775,333
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets, net			74,366				74,506				74,470				74,412				74,214				73,942				74,220
Average tangible assets		$	5,178,143			$	4,518,103			$	5,293,584			$	5,266,333			$	4,970,966			$	4,918,944			$	4,701,113
Average tangible common equity:
Average common equity		$	463,020			$	430,011			$	478,582			$	458,868			$	451,311			$	445,515			$	437,948
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets, net			74,366				74,506				74,470				74,412				74,214				73,942				74,220
Average tangible common equity		$	388,654			$	355,505			$	404,112			$	384,456			$	377,097			$	371,573			$	363,728
Net income available to common shareholders		$	56,990			$	23,436			$	16,811			$	19,834			$	20,345			$	13,435			$	11,908
Return on average tangible common equity (3)			19.60	%			8.81	%			16.50	%			20.69	%			21.88	%			14.38	%			13.02	%
Pre-tax pre-provision income:
Net income		$	58,085			$	24,532			$	17,175			$	20,200			$	20,710			$	13,800			$	12,273
Add: Income tax expense			15,300				5,703				4,553				5,400				5,347				1,688				2,940
Add: Provision (benefit) for credit losses			(7,144	)			21,689				(541	)			(4,622	)			(1,981	)			5,495				4,028
Pre-tax pre-provision income		$	66,241			$	51,924			$	21,187			$	20,978			$	24,076			$	20,983			$	19,241
Total loans excluding PPP loans:
Total loans		$	3,653,899			$	3,568,539			$	3,653,899			$	3,632,168			$	3,654,386			$	3,595,138			$	3,568,539
Less: Total PPP loans			116,653				264,138				116,653				171,942				255,595				247,951				264,138
Total loans excluding PPP loans		$	3,537,246			$	3,304,401			$	3,537,246			$	3,460,226			$	3,398,791			$	3,347,187			$	3,304,401
Allowance for credit losses - loans		$	45,444			$	49,395			$	45,444			$	46,365			$	49,828			$	52,420			$	49,395
Allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans excluding PPP loans (4)			1.28	%			1.49	%			1.28	%			1.34	%			1.47	%			1.57	%			1.49	%

⁽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 Financial Institutions, Inc.'s Q3 2021 earnings?

Financial Institutions, Inc. reported a net income of $17.2 million for Q3 2021.

How did net income change for FISI in Q3 2021 compared to last year?

Net income increased by 39.8% from $12.3 million in Q3 2020 to $17.2 million in Q3 2021.

What is the net income per diluted share for FISI in Q3 2021?

The net income per diluted share for Q3 2021 is $1.05, up from $0.74 in Q3 2020.

Did FISI release any credit loss reserves in Q3 2021?

Yes, FISI reported a credit loss benefit of $541 thousand in Q3 2021.

What is the loan portfolio growth for FISI in Q3 2021?

The total loan portfolio grew by 2.2% excluding the impact of PPP loans.

How much did shareholders' equity increase for FISI?

Shareholders' equity increased to $494.0 million as of September 30, 2021.