Financial Institutions, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results


WARSAW, N.Y., Jan. 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 fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020.

Results for the Quarter

  • Net income was $13.8 million compared to $13.1 million in 2019. After preferred dividends, net income available to common shareholders was $13.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, compared to $12.7 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, in 2019.
  • Results for 2020 and 2019 were positively impacted by a reduction in income tax expense of approximately $915 thousand and $2.7 million, respectively, for federal and state tax benefits related to tax credit investments placed in service. These tax credit investments also generated a net loss of $155 thousand in 2020 and $528 thousand in 2019, recorded in noninterest income, reducing the net positive impact to $760 thousand in 2020 and $2.2 million in 2019.
  • Pre-tax pre-provision income(1) was the highest in Company history at $21.0 million for the quarter, an increase of $4.9 million from the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • Fourth quarter 2020 net income and pre-tax pre-provision income reflect approximately $148 thousand of non-recurring expenses related to the branch closure announced in October of 2020.

Results for the Year

  • Net income was $38.3 million compared to $48.9 million in 2019. After preferred dividends, net income available to common shareholders was $36.9 million, or $2.30 per diluted share, compared to $47.4 million, or $2.96 per diluted share, in 2019.
  • Results for 2020 and 2019 were positively impacted by a reduction in income tax expense of approximately $1.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively, for federal and state tax benefits related to tax credit investments placed in service. These tax credit investments also generated a net loss of $275 thousand in 2020 and $528 thousand in 2019, recorded in noninterest income, reducing the net positive impact to $1.2 million in 2020 and $2.2 million in 2019. Results for 2019 were negatively impacted by approximately $600 thousand of income tax expense recognized in the third quarter related to an adjustment to a provisional amount recorded in 2017.
  • Pre-tax pre-provision income was $72.9 million, an increase of $5.4 million from 2019.
  • Full year 2020 net income and pre-tax pre-provision income reflect approximately $1.7 million of non-recurring expenses related to the previously announced closure of seven bank branches and a staffing reduction. First quarter 2020 results were negatively impacted by a significantly higher provision for credit losses of $13.9 million, as compared to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2019. The after-tax impact of the higher provision as compared to first quarter of 2019 was $0.59 per diluted share. The higher provision was driven by the adoption of the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) standard and the impact of COVID-19 on the economic environment.   

“Our Company reported strong fourth quarter results in a challenging environment,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Martin K. Birmingham. “Record net interest income, noninterest income bolstered by our diversified revenue stream and continued expense discipline all contributed to record-high net income, earnings per share and pre-tax pre-provision income, as well as an efficiency ratio below 56%.”

“I am proud of the many accomplishments of our organization in 2020. We have delivered uninterrupted critical banking services to our customers throughout the pandemic and continue to modify operations to keep our customers and associates safe. We rolled out a series of solutions to support our customers that included the temporary waiving or elimination of fees and offered the opportunity for loan payment relief or deferrals. We also helped existing and new customers take advantage of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans to source needed funds to cover operating expenses. Last year, we helped approximately 1,700 small businesses obtain approximately $270 million of PPP loans, preserving an estimated 18,000 jobs in our markets.

“Progress was achieved on fundamental strategic objectives. We grew loans and core deposits and increased liquidity. To deliver enhanced digital capabilities to our customers during a time when at-home access was critical, we successfully completed the launch of our new online and mobile platform, Five Star Bank Digital Banking. Our enterprise standardization program resulted in a streamlining of processes and operations to enhance customer experiences while driving our efficiency ratio lower.

“During 2020, we witnessed the dramatic effects of the health crisis on the economy and our Company’s operations. Notwithstanding these challenges, we ended the year stronger than before the crisis started and are well-positioned to take care of our customers and communities. I would like to thank my Five Star associates for their continued commitment and dedication to our customers, our communities and each other. They quickly adapted to new working environments due to the pandemic, all while delivering strong results for our shareholders.”

Chief Financial Officer Justin K. Bigham added, “Despite severe economic conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the near-zero interest rate environment, we generated year-over-year positive operating leverage and delivered pre-tax pre-provision growth over 8% for the full year.

“We finished the year with a fourth quarter that demonstrates continued across-the-board improvement in our fundamentals, delivering record-high net income and pre-tax pre-provision income and an efficiency ratio below 56%.

“During the fourth quarter, we completed a $35 million subordinated debt offering to provide capital for use in serving our customers, taking advantage of growth opportunities and strengthening the Bank’s capital ratios. We also put a stock repurchase program in place for up to approximately 5% of the Company’s outstanding common shares. We believe that these actions provide important flexibility in managing our balance sheet.”  

Enterprise Standardization Program

The Company’s enterprise standardization program is focused on improving operational efficiency and enhancing future profitability. On July 17, 2020, in connection with the program, Five Star Bank announced changes to adapt to a full-service branch model to streamline retail branches to better align with shifting customer needs and preferences. The announcement was the result of a nine-month comprehensive assessment of all lines of business and functional areas, conducted in partnership with a leading process improvement organization. The data-driven analysis identified, among other things, overlapping service areas, automation opportunities and streamlining of processes and operations.

The July announcement included the consolidation of eleven branches into five, resulting in six branch closings and a reduction in staffing. An additional branch closure was announced in October. These actions resulted in one-time expenses related to severance and real estate related charges of approximately $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2020 and approximately $148 thousand in the fourth quarter. Expense savings of $2.7 million are anticipated on an annualized basis.

The enterprise standardization program is not yet complete as we continue to evaluate activities and functions across the organization, focusing on ways to improve operational efficiency while enhancing the employee and customer experience.

Subordinated Note Issuance

On October 7, 2020, the Company completed a private placement of $35 million of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers and accredited institutional investors. The Notes have a maturity date of October 15, 2030, and bear interest, payable semi-annually, at the rate of 4.375% per annum, until October 15, 2025. Commencing on that date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an interest rate per annum equal to the then-current three-month secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus 426.5 basis points, payable quarterly until maturity.

The Company is entitled to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after October 15, 2025, and in whole at any time upon certain other specified events. The proceeds are intended to be used for general corporate purposes and organic growth, while a portion has been contributed to Five Star Bank to support regulatory capital ratios.

In connection with the issuance and sale of the Notes, the Company executed a registered exchange offer effective December 22, 2020, to provide for the exchange of the Notes for subordinated notes that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with substantially the same terms as the Notes. The exchange offer expired on January 27, 2021.

Stock Repurchase Program

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. The timing and number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, market conditions, and other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase any shares and it may be extended, modified or discontinued at any time.

No shares were repurchased in 2020 under this program. In 2021, through January 27th, the Company repurchased 127,460 shares for an average repurchase price of $24.12 per share, inclusive of transaction costs.

Insurance Subsidiary Acquisition

On December 7, 2020, the Company announced a definitive agreement for the acquisition of the assets of Landmark Group (“Landmark”) by the Company’s insurance subsidiary SDN. A staple of the Rochester community since 1984, Landmark is an independent insurance brokerage firm delivering insurance, surety and risk management solutions across many business sectors including construction, manufacturing, real estate and technology, as well as individual personal insurance. Landmark Founder and Chairman Kelly M. Shea and President Christopher K. Shea will remain with SDN after the transaction closes to lead SDN’s Rochester operations and continue their long-term relationship with current clients. The transaction is subject to typical conditions to closing and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income was $36.2 million for the quarter, an increase of $682 thousand from the third quarter of 2020 and $3.0 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2019.

  • Average interest-earning assets for the quarter were $4.64 billion, $221.5 million higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $641.5 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2019. The increase was primarily the result of heightened Federal Reserve interest-earning cash, $55.0 million higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $144.5 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2019; an increase in investment securities, $93.3 million higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $88.4 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2019; and growth in loans, $73.2 million higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $408.6 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2019. Included in loan growth are PPP loans which had an average balance of $262.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $263.0 million in the third quarter of 2020.
  • Net interest margin was 3.13%, nine basis points lower than the third quarter of 2020 and 20 basis points lower than the fourth quarter of 2019. Our net interest margin in 2020 has been impacted by the interest rate environment that reflects a flatter yield curve and lower rates. In addition, PPP loans contributed to net interest income in 2020 but resulted in reduced margin given the lower-yielding nature of these loans. In the fourth quarter, our excess liquidity position placed further pressure on net interest margin. As we continued to experience a heightened Federal Reserve interest-earning cash balance, excess liquidity was deployed into the investment securities portfolio, albeit at lower comparative yields, reflective of current market conditions.

Net interest income was $139.0 million for the year, $9.1 million higher than 2019. The increase was the result of a $356.0 million, or 8.9%, increase in average interest-earnings assets for the year, partially offset by a six-basis point decrease in net interest margin, to 3.22% from 3.28%.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income was $11.3 million for the quarter compared to $12.2 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

  • Service charges on deposits of $1.5 million was $235 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $391 thousand lower than the fourth quarter of 2019. Insufficient fund fees in the second half of 2020 were lower than historic levels, likely due to the positive impact of stimulus programs on consumer account balances, however they did increase from the third quarter to the fourth quarter.
  • Insurance income of $878 thousand was $479 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2020 due to the timing of commercial renewals and relatively flat as compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.  
  • Investment advisory fees of $2.6 million was $152 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $220 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2019, as a result of the impact of market gains, new customer accounts and increases in existing accounts on assets under management.
  • Income from investments in limited partnerships of $240 thousand was $345 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $380 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2019. The Company has made several investments in limited partnerships, primarily small business investment companies, and accounts for these investments under the equity method. Income from these investments fluctuates based on the maturity and performance of the underlying investments.
  • Income from derivative instruments, net was $904 thousand, $1.0 million lower than the third quarter of 2020 and $357 thousand lower than the fourth quarter of 2019. Income from derivative instruments, net is based on the number and value of interest rate swap transactions.
  • Net gain on sale of loans held for sale of $1.6 million was $200 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $1.3 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2019 due to increased volume of residential real estate loans for sale and an increase in margin on these transactions. The low interest rate environment has resulted in a significant increase in mortgage refinancing activity.
  • A net gain on investment securities of $150 thousand was recognized in the quarter compared to a net gain of $554 thousand in the third quarter of 2020 and a net loss of $44 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2019. The net gain in the fourth quarter was attributable to the sale of mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations with higher prepayment behavior and lower yield profiles intended to reduce premium risk and protect margin. The net gain in the third quarter of 2020 is 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.
  • A net loss on tax credit investments of $155 thousand was recognized in the fourth quarter as compared to $40 thousand in the third quarter of 2020 and $528 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2019. These losses include the amortization of tax credit investments, partially offset by New York investment tax credits that are refundable and recorded in noninterest income.

Noninterest income was $43.2 million for the year, $2.8 million higher than 2019.

  • Service charges on deposits of $4.8 million was $2.4 million lower than 2019, primarily due to the Company’s COVID-19 temporary relief initiatives combined with lower insufficient fund fees in the second half of 2020.
  • Income from derivative instruments, net of $5.5 million was $3.2 million higher than 2019, reflecting growth and maturity of the Company’s commercial loan business.
  • Net gain on sale of loans held for sale of $3.9 million was $2.5 million higher than 2019 as a result of increased volume and higher margins on residential real estate loans for sale.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense was $26.5 million in the quarter compared to $28.5 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $26.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

  • Salaries and employee benefits expense of $14.2 million was $922 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2020 and $506 thousand lower than the fourth quarter of 2019, reflecting the impact of branch closures and reduction in staff previously discussed. Non-recurring severance costs were $18 thousand in the current quarter and $224 thousand in the third quarter.
  • Professional services expense of $1.4 million was $110 thousand higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $454 thousand lower than the fourth quarter of 2019 primarily as a result of the timing of fees for consulting and advisory projects, including the Company’s improvement initiatives. Expenses related to improvement initiatives totaled $56 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2020 and the third quarter of 2020 and $510 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • Computer and data processing expense of $3.0 million was $227 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2020 and $447 thousand higher than the fourth quarter of 2019 primarily due to the timing of costs related to the Bank’s new online and mobile platform, Five Star Bank Digital Banking, and other investments in technology.
  • FDIC assessments were $737 thousand in the quarter compared to $594 in the third quarter of 2020 and zero in the fourth quarter of 2019. The increase in assessments as compared to the third quarter of 2020 was the result of the increase in total assets. In 2018, the FDIC minimum reserve ratio was exceeded, resulting in credits used to offset expense in 2019, resulting in zero expense in the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • Advertising and promotions expense of $554 thousand was $401 thousand lower than the third quarter of 2020 and $672 thousand lower than the fourth quarter of 2019. Advertising activity was reduced in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted operations in Western New York. Higher expense in the third quarter of 2020 is attributable to promotional costs for Five Star Bank Digital Banking. The advertising campaign started after the last wave of customers was transitioned to the new platform in mid-June and ended in late August.
  • Restructuring charges of $130 thousand in the current quarter and $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2020 represent non-recurring real estate related charges related to the previously described branch closings and staff reduction.

Noninterest expense was $109.3 million for the year, $6.4 million higher than 2019.

  • Salaries and employee benefits expense totaled $59.3 million in 2020, $3.0 million higher than 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to higher salaries, incentives and severance, partially offset by a staff reduction in the second half of the year.
  • Professional services expense of $6.3 million was $902 thousand higher than the previous year, primarily due to fees for consulting and advisory projects.
  • Computer and data processing expense of $11.6 million was $1.7 million higher than 2019 as a result of costs related to the new online and mobile platform combined with other investments in technology.
  • FDIC assessments for the year were $1.2 million higher than the previous year due to the credits previously discussed.
  • Advertising and promotions expense of $2.6 million was $968 thousand lower than 2019 as a result of reduced advertising activity.
  • Restructuring charges totaling $1.5 million in 2020 represent non-recurring charges related to the previously described branch closings and staff reduction.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $1.7 million for the quarter compared to $2.9 million for the third quarter of 2020 and $312 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2019. The Company recognized federal and state tax benefits related to tax credit investments placed in service and/or amortized during the fourth quarter of 2020, third quarter of 2020 and fourth quarter of 2019, resulting in income tax expense reductions of approximately $915 thousand, $213 thousand and $2.7 million, respectively

The effective tax rate was 10.9% for the quarter compared to 19.3% for the third quarter of 2020 and 2.3% for the fourth quarter of 2019. 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.

Income tax expense was $7.4 million for the year, $3.2 million lower than 2019. The effective tax rate for 2020 was 16.2% compared to 17.8% for 2019.

Balance Sheet and Capital Management

Total assets were $4.91 billion at December 31, 2020, down $46.9 million from September 30, 2020, and up $528.1 million from December 31, 2019.

Investment securities were $900.0 million at December 31, 2020, up $93.1 million from September 30, 2020, and up $123.1 million from December 31, 2019. The Company’s 2020 investment strategy was to reinvest cash flow from the portfolio, coupled with deploying excess liquidity into cash flowing agency mortgage backed securities. Increased purchase activity in the fourth quarter of 2020 resulted from the execution of a strategy to reallocate excess Federal Reserve cash balances into higher yielding, collateral eligible agency mortgage backed securities.

Total loans were $3.60 billion at December 31, 2020, up $26.6 million, or 0.7%, from September 30, 2020, and up $374.2 million, or 11.6%, from December 31, 2019. 2020 loan growth includes approximately $271 million of PPP loans that carry a 1% interest rate. The Company recorded net PPP loan origination fees of approximately $8.0 million that are amortized over a 24-month period.

  • Commercial business loans totaled $794.1 million, down $24.0 million, or 2.9%, from September 30, 2020, and up $222.1 million, or 38.8%, from December 31, 2019. The increase from the fourth quarter of 2019 was primarily attributable to PPP loans. At December 31, 2020, the PPP loan balance was $248.0 million, net of deferred fees.
  • Commercial mortgage loans totaled $1.25 billion, up $51.9 million, or 4.3%, from September 30, 2020, and up $147.6 million, or 13.3%, from December 31, 2019.
  • Residential real estate loans totaled $599.8 million, up $2.9 million, or 0.5%, from September 30, 2020, and up $27.5 million, or 4.8%, from December 31, 2019.
  • Consumer indirect loans totaled $840.4 million, relatively unchanged compared to September 30, 2020 and down $9.6 million, or 1.1%, from December 31, 2019.

Total deposits were $4.28 billion at December 31, 2020, $86.6 million lower than September 30, 2020, and $722.7 million higher than December 31, 2019. The decrease from September 30, 2020, was primarily the result of a seasonal decrease in public deposits partially offset by growth in the non-public and reciprocal deposit portfolios. The Company utilized lower cost brokered deposit balances to pay off a maturing Federal Home Loan Bank term advance of $100 million during the third quarter. The increase from December 31, 2019, was primarily due to growth in non-public demand and reciprocal deposits. Public deposit balances represented 20% of total deposits at December 31, 2020, compared to 23% of total deposits at September 30, 2020, and 24% at December 31, 2019.

Short-term borrowings were $5.3 million at December 31, 2020, unchanged from September 30, 2020, and a decrease of $270.2 million from December 31, 2019. The lower level of short-term borrowings in 2020 is attributable to growth in brokered deposits, which were utilized 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 $468.4 million at December 31, 2020, compared to $456.4 million at September 30, 2020, and $438.9 million at December 31, 2019. Common book value per share was $28.12 at December 31, 2020, an increase of $0.74 or 2.7% from $27.38 at September 30, 2020, and an increase of $1.77 or 6.7% from $26.35 at December 31, 2019. Tangible common book value per share(1) was $23.52 at December 31, 2020, an increase of $0.76 or 3.3% from $22.76 at September 30, 2020, and an increase of $1.86 or 8.6% from $21.66 at December 31, 2019.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company declared a common stock dividend of $0.26 per common share. The dividend returned 31% of fourth quarter net income to common shareholders.

The Company’s regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2020, compared to the prior quarter and prior year:

  • Leverage Ratio was 8.25%, compared to 8.42% and 9.00% at September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively.
  • Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 10.18%, compared to 10.19% and 10.31% at September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively.
  • Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 10.63%, compared to 10.66% and 10.80% at September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively.
  • Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 13.61%, compared to 12.74% and 12.77% at September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Credit Quality

Non-performing loans were $9.5 million at December 31, 2020, compared to $10.9 million at September 30, 2020, and $8.6 million at December 31, 2019. Net charge-offs were $2.4 million in the quarter, $1.9 million higher than the third quarter of 2020 and $1.4 million lower than the fourth quarter of 2019. The ratio of annualized net charge-offs to total average loans was 0.27% in the current quarter, 0.06% in the third quarter of 2020 and 0.48% in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Foreclosed assets at December 31, 2020, were $3.0 million, relatively unchanged from September 30, 2020, and an increase of $2.5 million from December 31, 2019. The increase as compared to year-end 2019 is attributable to one commercial credit that was partially charged off during the first quarter of 2020 and foreclosure occurred in the third quarter.

The Company adopted CECL effective January 1, 2020, which resulted in an increase to the allowance for credit losses - loans of $9.6 million and established a reserve for unfunded commitments of $2.1 million, for a total pre-tax cumulative effect adjustment of $11.7 million.

At December 31, 2020, the allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans ratio was 1.46% compared to 1.38% at September 30, 2020, and 0.95% at December 31, 2019. PPP loans are fully guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Excluding PPP loans, the December 31, 2020, allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans ratio was 1.57%(1), an increase of eight basis points from 1.49%(1) at September 30, 2020. Increases in the allowance ratio in 2020 reflect the impact of COVID-19 and the corresponding impact on the economic environment.

The provision for credit losses - loans was $5.4 million in the quarter compared to $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $2.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Provision for credit losses also includes increases in the allowance for unfunded commitments of $73 thousand and $461 thousand in the fourth and third quarters of 2020, respectively.

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 0.26% at December 31, 2020, 0.31% at September 30, 2020, and 0.27% at December 31, 2019. The ratio of allowance for credit losses - loans to non-performing loans was 551% at December 31, 2020, compared to 453% at September 30, 2020, and 353% at December 31, 2019.

Subsequent Events

The Company is required, under generally accepted accounting principles, to evaluate subsequent events through the filing of its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, on Form 10-K. As a result, the Company will continue to evaluate the impact of any subsequent events on critical accounting assumptions and estimates made as of December 31, 2020, and will adjust amounts preliminarily reported, if necessary.

Conference Call

The Company will host an earnings conference call and audio webcast on January 29, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be hosted by Martin K. Birmingham, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Justin K. Bigham, Chief Financial Officer. 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 1-888-346-9290 and requesting the Financial Institutions, Inc. call. 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 approximately 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, the Company’s ability to complete the acquisition of Landmark Group’s assets, the Company’s ability to successfully integrate and profitably operate Landmark Group 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)

 2020  2019 
 December 31,  September 30,  June 30,  March 31,  December 31, 
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:                   
Cash and cash equivalents$93,878  $282,070  $119,610  $152,168  $112,947 
Investment securities:                   
Available for sale 628,059   515,971   469,413   444,845   417,917 
Held-to-maturity, net 271,966   290,946   309,872   346,239   359,000 
Total investment securities 900,025   806,917   779,285   791,084   776,917 
Loans held for sale 4,305   7,076   6,654   3,822   4,224 
Loans:                   
Commercial business 794,148   818,135   818,691   588,868   572,040 
Commercial mortgage 1,253,901   1,202,046   1,140,326   1,107,376   1,106,283 
Residential real estate loans 599,800   596,902   585,035   579,800   572,350 
Residential real estate lines 89,805   94,017   97,427   102,113   104,118 
Consumer indirect 840,421   840,579   828,105   843,668   850,052 
Other consumer 17,063   16,860   16,237   15,402   16,144 
Total loans 3,595,138   3,568,539   3,485,821   3,237,227   3,220,987 
Allowance for credit losses - loans 52,420   49,395   46,316   43,356   30,482 
Total loans, net 3,542,718   3,519,144   3,439,505   3,193,871   3,190,505 
Total interest-earning assets 4,520,416   4,577,057   4,314,490   4,116,688   4,058,107 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net 73,789   74,062   74,342   74,629   74,923 
Total assets 4,912,306   4,959,201   4,680,930   4,471,768   4,384,178 
Deposits:                   
Noninterest-bearing demand 1,018,549   1,013,176   1,008,958   732,917   707,752 
Interest-bearing demand 731,885   786,059   727,676   724,670   627,842 
Savings and money market 1,642,340   1,724,463   1,368,805   1,270,253   1,039,892 
Time deposits 885,593   841,230   888,569   1,059,345   1,180,189 
Total deposits 4,278,367   4,364,928   3,994,008   3,787,185   3,555,675 
Short-term borrowings 5,300   5,300   105,300   109,500   275,500 
Long-term borrowings, net 73,623   39,258   39,308   39,291   39,273 
Total interest-bearing liabilities 3,338,741   3,396,310   3,129,658   3,203,059   3,162,696 
Shareholders’ equity 468,363   456,361   448,045   439,393   438,947 
Common shareholders’ equity 451,035   439,033   430,717   422,065   421,619 
Tangible common equity (1) 377,246   364,971   356,375   347,436   346,696 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$2,128  $(209) $(496) $(2,082) $(14,513)
                    
Common shares outstanding 16,042   16,038   16,038   16,020   16,003 
Treasury shares 58   62   62   80   97 
CAPITAL RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA:                   
Leverage ratio 8.25%  8.42%  8.49%  8.78%  9.00%
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio 10.18%  10.19%  10.27%  10.05%  10.31%
Tier 1 capital ratio 10.63%  10.66%  10.76%  10.53%  10.80%
Total risk-based capital ratio 13.61%  12.74%  12.83%  12.54%  12.77%
Common equity to assets 9.18%  8.85%  9.20%  9.44%  9.62%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1) 7.80%  7.47%  7.74%  7.90%  8.05%
                    
Common book value per share$28.12  $27.38  $26.86  $26.35  $26.35 
Tangible common book value per share (1)$23.52  $22.76  $22.22  $21.69  $21.66 

      

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


FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.

Selected Financial Information (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 Year Ended  2020  2019 
 December 31,  Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth 
 2020  2019  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 
SELECTED INCOME STATEMENT                           
DATA:                           
Interest income$161,299  $168,800  $40,168  $39,719  $39,759  $41,653  $42,179 
Interest expense 22,314   38,888   3,987   4,220   5,578   8,529   9,006 
Net interest income 138,985   129,912   36,181   35,499   34,181   33,124   33,173 
Provision for credit losses 27,184   8,044   5,495   4,028   3,746   13,915   2,653 
Net interest income after provision
for credit losses
 111,801   121,868   30,686   31,471   30,435   19,209   30,520 
Noninterest income:                           
Service charges on deposits 4,810   7,241   1,489   1,254   480   1,587   1,880 
Insurance income 4,403   4,570   878   1,357   819   1,349   881 
ATM and debit card 7,281   6,779   1,960   1,943   1,776   1,602   1,796 
Investment advisory 9,535   9,187   2,595   2,443   2,251   2,246   2,375 
Company owned life insurance 1,902   1,758   505   470   462   465   465 
Investments in limited partnerships 104   352   240   (105)  (244)  213   (140)
Loan servicing 249   432   143   49   50   7   116 
Income from derivative                           
instruments, net 5,521   2,274   904   1,931   1,940   746   1,261 
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale(1) 3,858   1,352   1,597   1,397   612   252   324 
Net gain (loss) on investment securities 1,599   1,677   150   554   674   221   (44)
Net gain (loss) on other assets (61)  29   (69)  (55)  (1)  64   (27)
Net loss on tax credit investments (275)  (528)  (155)  (40)  (40)  (40)  (528)
Other 4,250   5,258   1,099   1,019   934   1,198   1,308 
Total noninterest income 43,176   40,381   11,336   12,217   9,713   9,910   9,667 
Noninterest expense:                           
Salaries and employee benefits 59,336   56,330   14,163   15,085   15,074   15,014   14,669 
Occupancy and equipment (2) 13,655   13,552   3,248   3,263   3,388   3,756   3,446 
Professional services 6,326   5,424   1,352   1,242   1,580   2,152   1,806 
Computer and data processing (2) 11,645   9,983   3,023   3,250   2,699   2,673   2,576 
Supplies and postage 1,975   2,036   442   463   517   553   482 
FDIC assessments 2,242   1,005   737   594   539   372   - 
Advertising and promotions 2,609   3,577   554   955   545   555   1,226 
Amortization of intangibles 1,134   1,250   273   280   287   294   302 
Restructuring charges 1,492   -   130   1,362   -   -   - 
Other(1) 8,840   9,671   2,612   1,981   1,946   2,301   2,261 
Total noninterest expense 109,254   102,828   26,534   28,475   26,575   27,670   26,768 
Income before income taxes 45,723   59,421   15,488   15,213   13,573   1,449   13,419 
Income tax expense 7,391   10,559   1,688   2,940   2,441   322   312 
Net income 38,332   48,862   13,800   12,273   11,132   1,127   13,107 
Preferred stock dividends 1,461   1,461   365   365   366   365   365 
Net income available to common                           
shareholders$36,871  $47,401  $13,435  $11,908  $10,766  $762  $12,742 
FINANCIAL RATIOS:                           
Earnings per share – basic$2.30  $2.97  $0.84  $0.74  $0.67  $0.05  $0.80 
Earnings per share – diluted$2.30  $2.96  $0.84  $0.74  $0.67  $0.05  $0.79 
Cash dividends declared on common stock$1.04  $1.00  $0.26  $0.26  $0.26  $0.26  $0.25 
Common dividend payout ratio 45.22%  33.67%  30.95%  35.14%  38.81%  520.00%  31.25%
Dividend yield (annualized) 4.62%  3.12%  4.60%  6.72%  5.60%  5.76%  3.09%
Return on average assets 0.82%  1.14%  1.10%  1.02%  0.97%  0.10%  1.21%
Return on average equity 8.49%  11.61%  11.86%  10.72%  10.05%  1.03%  11.88%
Return on average common equity 8.50%  11.74%  12.00%  10.82%  10.11%  0.72%  12.02%
Return on average tangible common                           
equity (3) 10.25%  14.45%  14.38%  13.02%  12.25%  0.88%  14.64%
Efficiency ratio (4) 60.22%  60.59%  55.79%  60.12%  61.16%  64.26%  62.05%
Effective tax rate 16.2%  17.8%  10.9%  19.3%  18.0%  22.2%  2.3%

                 

(1)  Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2020, pair off fees on forward sale mortgage contracts are included in net gain on sale of loans held for sale. Previously, they were included in other expense. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
(2) Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, software service contracts and software amortization are classified as computer and data processing expense. Previously, they were included in occupancy and equipment expense. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
(3) See Appendix A – Reconciliation to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the computation of this Non-GAAP measure.
(4) The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net revenue, i.e., the sum of net interest income (fully taxable equivalent) and noninterest income before net gains on investment securities. This is a banking industry measure not required by GAAP.


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

 Year Ended  2020  2019 
 December 31,  Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth 
 2020  2019  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 
SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES:                           
Federal funds sold and interest-
earning deposits
$112,802  $22,023  $176,950  $121,929  $92,214  $59,309  $32,494 
Investment securities (1) 794,908   822,744   862,956   769,673   766,636   779,894   774,520 
Loans:                           
Commercial business 735,535   569,941   803,536   808,582   757,588   570,886   567,998 
Commercial mortgage 1,164,827   1,021,220   1,243,035   1,180,747   1,133,832   1,100,660   1,073,527 
Residential real estate loans 587,620   547,505   599,773   590,483   581,651   578,407   566,256 
Residential real estate lines 97,321   107,654   91,856   95,288   99,543   102,680   106,011 
Consumer indirect 836,168   882,056   840,210   830,647   827,030   846,800   856,823 
Other consumer 16,007   16,047   16,948   16,445   15,155   15,466   16,100 
Total loans 3,437,478   3,144,423   3,595,358   3,522,192   3,414,799   3,214,899   3,186,715 
Total interest-earning assets 4,345,188   3,989,190   4,635,264   4,413,794   4,273,649   4,054,102   3,993,729 
Goodwill and other intangible
assets, net
 74,364   75,557   73,942   74,220   74,504   74,797   75,093 
Total assets 4,693,225   4,285,825   4,992,886   4,775,333   4,624,360   4,376,125   4,299,342 
Interest-bearing liabilities:                           
Interest-bearing demand 714,904   655,534   774,688   704,550   712,300   667,533   660,738 
Savings and money market 1,443,692   983,447   1,722,938   1,574,068   1,329,632   1,143,628   1,014,434 
Time deposits 959,541   1,098,440   871,103   867,479   984,832   1,116,736   1,120,823 
Short-term borrowings 86,495   309,893   9,188   57,856   110,272   169,827   241,557 
Long-term borrowings, net 47,387   39,235   71,481   39,314   39,297   39,279   39,262 
Total interest-bearing liabilities 3,252,019   3,086,549   3,449,398   3,243,267   3,176,333   3,137,003   3,076,814 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits 905,412   721,133   997,607   987,908   912,238   721,975   725,590 
Total deposits 4,023,549   3,458,554   4,366,336   4,134,005   3,939,002   3,649,872   3,521,585 
Total liabilities 4,241,989   3,864,808   4,530,043   4,320,057   4,178,921   3,934,909   3,861,542 
Shareholders’ equity 451,236   421,017   462,843   455,276   445,439   441,216   437,800 
Common equity 433,908   403,689   445,515   437,948   428,111   423,888   420,472 
Tangible common equity (2)$359,544  $328,132  $371,573  $363,728  $353,607  $349,091  $345,379 
Common shares outstanding:                           
Basic 16,022   15,972   16,032   16,031   16,018   16,006   15,995 
Diluted 16,063   16,031   16,078   16,058   16,047   16,069   16,072 
SELECTED AVERAGE YIELDS:
(Tax equivalent basis)
                           
Investment securities 2.31%  2.39%  2.06%  2.23%  2.49%  2.48%  2.40%
Loans 4.18%  4.77%  3.97%  4.02%  4.14%  4.61%  4.70%
Total interest-earning assets 3.73%  4.26%  3.46%  3.60%  3.76%  4.15%  4.22%
Interest-bearing demand 0.15%  0.21%  0.13%  0.14%  0.14%  0.21%  0.21%
Savings and money market 0.33%  0.44%  0.25%  0.28%  0.31%  0.56%  0.48%
Time deposits 1.24%  2.07%  0.66%  0.92%  1.39%  1.83%  1.94%
Short-term borrowings 1.85%  2.56%  8.49%  1.60%  1.03%  2.11%  2.21%
Long-term borrowings, net 6.09%  6.30%  5.76%  6.31%  6.29%  6.29%  6.29%
Total interest-bearing liabilities 0.69%  1.26%  0.46%  0.52%  0.71%  1.09%  1.16%
Net interest rate spread 3.04%  3.00%  3.00%  3.08%  3.05%  3.06%  3.06%
Net interest margin 3.22%  3.28%  3.13%  3.22%  3.23%  3.31%  3.33%

                     

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

       

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

 Year Ended  2020  2019 
 December 31,  Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth 
 2020  2019  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 
ASSET QUALITY DATA:                           
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans                           
Beginning balance, prior to                           
adoption of CECL$30,482  $33,914  $49,395  $46,316  $43,356  $30,482  $31,668 
Impact of adopting CECL 9,594   -   -   -   -   9,594   - 
Beginning balance, after                           
adoption of CECL 40,076   33,914   49,395   46,316   43,356   40,076   31,668 
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries):                           
Commercial business 7,384   1,989   747   (88)  (1,458)  8,183   1,942 
Commercial mortgage 1,755   2,980   80   603   1,072   -   - 
Residential real estate loans 72   297   (3)  (7)  (6)  88   156 
Residential real estate lines (3)  7   -   -   -   (3)  3 
Consumer indirect 4,278   5,420   1,462   (115)  1,175   1,756   1,523 
Other consumer 329   783   112   95   3   119   215 
Total net charge-offs 13,815   11,476   2,398   488   786   10,143   3,839 
Provision for credit losses - loans 26,159   8,044   5,423   3,567   3,746   13,423   2,653 
Ending balance$52,420  $30,482  $52,420  $49,395  $46,316  $43,356  $30,482 
                            
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
to average loans (annualized):
                           
Commercial business 1.00%  0.35%  0.37%  -0.04%  -0.77%  5.77%  1.36%
Commercial mortgage 0.15%  0.29%  0.03%  0.20%  0.38%  0.00%  0.00%
Residential real estate loans 0.01%  0.05%  0.00%  0.00%  0.00%  0.06%  0.11%
Residential real estate lines 0.00%  0.01%  0.00%  0.00%  0.00%  -0.01%  0.01%
Consumer indirect 0.51%  0.61%  0.69%  -0.05%  0.57%  0.83%  0.71%
Other consumer 2.06%  4.88%  2.64%  2.31%  0.08%  3.09%  5.30%
Total loans 0.40%  0.37%  0.27%  0.06%  0.09%  1.27%  0.48%
                            
Supplemental information (1)                           
Non-performing loans:                           
Commercial business$1,975  $1,177  $1,975  $2,628  $4,918  $5,507  $1,177 
Commercial mortgage 2,906   3,146   2,906   3,372   4,140   2,984   3,146 
Residential real estate loans 2,587   2,484   2,587   3,305   2,992   1,971   2,484 
Residential real estate lines 323   102   323   207   177   143   102 
Consumer indirect 1,495   1,725   1,495   1,244   868   1,777   1,725 
Other consumer 231   6   231   147   87   2   6 
Total non-performing loans 9,517   8,640   9,517   10,903   13,182   12,384   8,640 
Foreclosed assets 2,966   468   2,966   2,999   679   749   468 
Total non-performing assets$12,483  $9,108  $12,483  $13,902  $13,861  $13,133  $9,108 
                            
Total non-performing loans
to total loans
 0.26%  0.27%  0.26%  0.31%  0.38%  0.38%  0.27%
Total non-performing assets
to total assets
 0.25%  0.21%  0.25%  0.28%  0.30%  0.29%  0.21%
Allowance for credit losses - loans
to total loans
 1.46%  0.95%  1.46%  1.38%  1.33%  1.34%  0.95%
Allowance for credit losses - loans
to non-performing loans
 551%  353%  551%  453%  351%  350%  353%

                

(1) At period end.


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

 Year Ended  2020  2019 
 December 31,  Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth 
 2020  2019  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 
Ending tangible assets:                           
Total assets        $4,912,306  $4,959,201  $4,680,930  $4,471,768  $4,384,178 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible
assets, net
         73,789   74,062   74,342   74,629   74,923 
Tangible assets        $4,838,517  $4,885,139  $4,606,588  $4,397,139  $4,309,255 
                            
Ending tangible common equity:                           
Common shareholders’ equity        $451,035  $439,033  $430,717  $422,065  $421,619 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible
assets, net
         73,789   74,062   74,342   74,629   74,923 
Tangible common equity        $377,246  $364,971  $356,375  $347,436  $346,696 
                            
Tangible common equity to tangible
assets (1)
         7.80%  7.47%  7.74%  7.90%  8.05%
                            
Common shares outstanding         16,042   16,038   16,038   16,020   16,003 
Tangible common book value per
share (2)
        $23.52  $22.76  $22.22  $21.69  $21.66 
                            
Average tangible assets:                           
Average assets$4,693,225  $4,285,825  $4,992,886  $4,775,333  $4,624,360  $4,376,125  $4,299,342 
Less: Average goodwill and other
intangible assets, net
 74,364   75,557   73,942   74,220   74,504   74,797   75,093 
Average tangible assets$4,618,861  $4,210,268  $4,918,944  $4,701,113  $4,549,856  $4,301,328  $4,224,249 
                            
Average tangible common equity:                           
Average common equity$433,908  $403,689  $445,515  $437,948  $428,111  $423,888  $420,472 
Less: Average goodwill and other
intangible assets, net
 74,364   75,557   73,942   74,220   74,504   74,797   75,093 
Average tangible common equity$359,544  $328,132  $371,573  $363,728  $353,607  $349,091  $345,379 
                            
Net income available to
common shareholders
$36,871  $47,401  $13,435  $11,908  $10,766  $762  $12,742 
Return on average tangible common
equity (3)
 10.25%  14.45%  14.38%  13.02%  12.25%  0.88%  14.64%
                            
Pre-tax pre-provision income:                           
Net income$38,332  $48,862  $13,800  $12,273  $11,132  $1,127  $13,107 
Add: Income tax expense 7,391   10,559   1,688   2,940   2,441   322   312 
Add: Provision for credit losses 27,184   8,044   5,495   4,028   3,746   13,915   2,653 
Pre-tax pre-provision income$72,907  $67,465  $20,983  $19,241  $17,319  $15,364  $16,072 
                            
Total loans excluding PPP loans:                           
Total loans$3,595,138      $3,595,138  $3,568,539  $3,485,821         
Less: Total PPP loans 247,951       247,951   264,138   261,468         
Total loans excluding PPP loans$3,347,187      $3,347,187  $3,304,401  $3,224,352         
                            
Allowance for credit losses - loans$52,420      $52,420  $49,395  $46,316         
Allowance for credit losses - loans to
total loans excluding PPP loans (4)
 1.57%      1.57%  1.49%  1.44%        

                

(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.