• Financial Institutions, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Results

    Source: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 28 Oct 2021 15:05:01   America/Chicago

    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 30th 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.


    Primary Logo

Share on,