Financial Institutions, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Earnings

October 16, 2003

WARSAW, N.Y., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Financial Institutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: FISI) today reported that third quarter 2003 net income was $4,055,000 compared to $6,884,000 for the same quarter last year. Diluted earnings per share were $0.33 for the third quarter of 2003 compared to $0.58 for the 2002 period. The most significant item impacting third quarter 2003 results was a provision for loan losses of $5,590,000, which represents an increase of $4,138,000 over the $1,452,000 provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2002.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030114/FISILOGO )

Peter G. Humphrey, President and CEO of Financial Institutions, Inc. (FII), said: "Third quarter 2003 results were adversely affected by additional loan loss provisions associated with the Company's nonperforming loans. Deterioration of the financial condition of borrowers with loans in nonaccrual status contributed to the higher loan loss provision. As indicated in previous quarters, the Company has committed additional resources toward management of the Company's nonperforming assets and strengthening the credit administration function. The Company's net interest income and noninterest income levels are strong and we remain focused on the execution of our strategic plan and long-term growth strategy."

At September 30, 2003 nonperforming assets were $51.9 million compared to $50.7 million at June 30, 2003 and $15.9 million at September 30, 2002. Mr. Humphrey stated, "Our nonperforming assets have leveled off and our loan workout team has continued to make progress on strategies to exit and improve those troubled credits. The continuing weak economy impacts the alternatives associated with those strategies. We have made significant strides in our overall credit administration process and addressing our problem loans."

For the third quarter of 2003 net loan charge-offs were $3,054,000, or 0.89% of average loans, compared to $1,098,000, or 0.35% of average loans, in the same period last year. The ratio of nonperforming assets to total loans and other real estate was 3.78% at September 30, 2003 compared to 2.90% at December 31, 2002 and 1.24% a year ago. The provision for loan losses increased $4,138,000 over the same period from a year ago, reflecting the increased level of charge-offs and nonperforming loans. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 57% at September 30, 2003 compared to 58% at December 31, 2002 and 142% at September 30, 2002. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans increased to 2.12% at September 30, 2003 compared to 1.64% at year end 2002 and 1.60% at September 30, 2002.

In the third quarter of 2003, net interest income decreased 5.0% to $18,540,000 compared to $19,533,000 in the third quarter of 2002. Net interest margin was 3.86% for the third quarter of 2003, a drop of 53 basis points from the 4.39% level for the same period last year. Growth in average earning assets of $147 million, or 8%, partially offsets the fall in net interest margin. The growth in average earning assets reflects an average increase of $119 million in the Company's loan portfolio. Net interest margin has declined over the past year, as interest rates have declined to historically low levels. The lost interest on nonaccrual loans has also contributed to the decline in net interest margin in recent quarters.

Noninterest income increased 24% in the third quarter of 2003 to $7,059,000 from $5,687,000 for the third quarter of 2002. Income from mortgage banking activities, which includes gains and losses from the sale of residential mortgage loans, mortgage servicing income and the amortization of mortgage servicing rights, increased $674,000 to $1,113,000 in the third quarter 2003 from $439,000 for the same period last year. The increase in mortgage banking revenues corresponds with the increase in residential mortgage refinancing activity resulting from the historically low interest rate environment. The Company sells most fixed rate newly originated and refinanced mortgage loans in the secondary market. Gains on sale of securities increased to $581,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2003 compared to $139,000 for the same period a year ago.

Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2003 totaled $14,896,000 compared with $13,418,000 for the third quarter of 2002. Salaries and benefits increased $1,090,000 in the third quarter of 2003 compared to the same quarter a year ago as a result of additional staffing associated with the Company's new branch offices and the expansion of the credit administration function. The additional noninterest expenses, coupled with a slowing of revenue growth, are the principal factors in an increase in the Company's efficiency ratio to 55.30%, compared to 49.44% for the same period a year ago.

At September 30, 2003 the Company had total assets of $2.186 billion, an increase of 8% from $2.034 billion at September 30, 2002. Total loans at quarter end were $1.373 billion, an increase of $94 million, or 7%, over the same period last year. Total deposits were $1.828 billion at September 30, 2003, compared with $1.650 billion a year earlier. Total shareholders' equity increased 5% to $183 million at September 30, 2003 from $173 million a year earlier. Book value per common share at September 30, 2003 was $14.78, an increase of 5% from $14.03 at September 30, 2002.

FII is the bank holding company parent of Wyoming County Bank, National Bank of Geneva, Bath National Bank, and First Tier Bank & Trust. The four banks provide a wide range of consumer and commercial banking services to individuals, municipalities, and businesses through a network of 48 offices and 68 ATMs in Western and Central New York State. FII's Financial Services Group also provides diversified financial services to its customers and clients, including brokerage, trust, insurance and employee benefits and compensation consulting. More information on FII and its subsidiaries is available through the Company web site at www.fiiwarsaw.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by federal securities laws. These statements may address issues that involve significant risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions made by management. Actual results could differ materially from current projections. Please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a summary of important factors that could affect the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this press release.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       Consolidated Statement of Income
               (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

                          For the three months ended
                                 September 30,
                                                       $             %
                              2003         2002      Change        Change

    Interest income        $27,310$30,343     $(3,033)        (10)%
    Interest expense         8,770       10,810      (2,040)        (19)%

    Net interest income     18,540       19,533        (993)         (5)%

    Provision for loan
     losses                  5,590        1,452       4,138          285%

    Net interest income after
     provision for
     loan losses            12,950       18,081      (5,131)        (28)%

    Noninterest income:
      Service charges on
       deposits              2,973        2,803         170            6%
      Financial services
       group fees
       and commissions       1,408        1,453         (45)         (3)%
      Mortgage banking
       activities            1,113          439         674          154%
      Gain on sale and call
       of securities           581          139         442          318%
      Other                    984          853         131           15%

        Total noninterest
         income              7,059        5,687       1,372           24%

    Noninterest expense:
      Salaries and employee
       benefits              8,491        7,401       1,090           15%
      Other                  6,405        6,017         388            6%

        Total noninterest
         expense            14,896       13,418       1,478           11%

    Income before income
     taxes                   5,113       10,350      (5,237)        (51)%

    Income taxes             1,058        3,466      (2,408)        (69)%

    Net income               4,055        6,884      (2,829)        (41)%

    Preferred stock
     dividends                 374          374          --          -- %

    Net income available to
     common shareholders   $ 3,681$ 6,510     $(2,829)        (43)%

    Taxable-equivalent net
     interest income       $19,636$20,675     $(1,039)         (5)%


                                At or for the
                             three months ended
                                September 30,
                                                       $             %
                              2003         2002      Change        Change

    Per common share data:
      Net income - basic     $0.33$0.59      $(0.26)        (44)%
      Net income - diluted   $0.33$0.58      $(0.25)        (43)%
      Cash dividends
       declared              $0.16$0.15$0.01            7%
      Book value            $14.78$14.03$0.75            5%

    Common shares outstanding:
      Weighted average
       shares -
       actual           11,159,433   11,091,398
      Weighted average
       shares -
       diluted          11,265,904   11,217,971
      Period end actual 11,162,209   11,091,581

    Performance ratios, annualized
      Return on average
       assets                0.75%        1.36%
      Return on average
       common equity         8.70%       17.05%
      Common dividend
       payout ratio         48.48%       25.42%
      Net interest margin
       (tax-equivalent)      3.86%        4.39%
      Efficiency ratio      55.30%       49.44%

    Asset quality data:
      Loans past due over
       90 days
       and still accruing   $1,723$2,512
      Restructured loans     3,098           --
      Nonaccrual loans      46,352       11,883
      Other real estate
       owned                   756        1,532

      Total nonperforming
       assets              $51,929$15,927

    Asset quality ratios:
      Nonperforming loans
       to total loans        3.73%        1.13%
      Nonperforming assets
       to total loans
       and ORE               3.78%        1.24%
      Net loan charge-offs
       to average loans
       (annualized)          0.89%        0.35%

      Allowance for loan
       losses
       to total loans        2.12%        1.60%
      Allowance for loan
       losses
       to nonperforming loans  57%         142%

    Capital ratios:
      Average common equity to
       average total assets  7.78%        7.57%

      Leverage ratio         7.00%        7.19%
      Tier 1 risk-based
       capital ratio         9.99%       10.32%
      Risk-based capital
       ratio                11.25%       11.57%


                FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       Consolidated Statement of Income
               (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

                          For the nine months ended
                                 September 30,
                                                       $             %
                              2003         2002      Change        Change

    Interest income        $84,601$88,830     $(4,229)         (5)%
    Interest expense        28,027       32,234      (4,207)        (13)%

    Net interest income     56,574       56,596         (22)         -- %

    Provision for loan
     losses                 14,199        3,640      10,559          290%

    Net interest income
     after provision for
     loan losses            42,375       52,956     (10,581)        (20)%

    Noninterest income:
      Service charges on
       deposits              8,399        7,737         662            9%
      Financial services
       group fees and
       commissions           4,110        4,083          27            1%
      Mortgage banking
       activities            2,849        1,656       1,193           72%
      Gain (loss) on sale
       and call of
       securities            1,023           39         984        2,523%
      Other                  2,940        2,266         674           30%

        Total noninterest
         income             19,321       15,781       3,540           22%

    Noninterest expense:
      Salaries and employee
       benefits             25,408       21,829       3,579           16%
      Other                 20,011       16,782       3,229           19%

        Total noninterest
         expense            45,419       38,611       6,808           18%

    Income before income
     taxes                  16,277       30,126     (13,849)        (46)%

    Income taxes             4,276        9,941      (5,665)        (57)%

    Net income              12,001       20,185      (8,184)        (41)%

    Preferred stock
     dividends               1,122        1,122          --          -- %

    Net income available
     to common
     shareholders          $10,879$19,063     $(8,184)        (43)%

    Taxable-equivalent net
     interest income       $59,946$60,042        $(96)         -- %


                                At or for the
                              nine months ended
                                 September 30,
                                                       $             %
                              2003         2002      Change        Change

    Per common share data:
      Net income - basic     $0.98$1.72      $(0.74)        (43)%
      Net income - diluted   $0.97$1.70      $(0.73)        (43)%
      Cash dividends
       declared              $0.48$0.42$0.06           14%

    Common shares outstanding:
      Weighted average
       shares -
       actual           11,142,055   11,057,731
      Weighted average
       shares -
       diluted          11,244,866   11,219,501
      Period end actual 11,162,209   11,091,581

    Performance ratios, annualized

      Return on average
       assets                0.74%        1.40%
      Return on average
       common equity         8.73%       17.87%
      Common dividend
       payout ratio         48.98%       24.42%
      Net interest margin
       (tax-equivalent)      3.95%        4.43%
      Efficiency ratio      55.87%       49.68%
      Net loan charge-offs
       to average loans      0.67%        0.26%


                FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
                            (Dollars in thousands)

                                 September 30,
                                                       $             %
                              2003         2002      Change        Change
    ASSETS

    Cash, due from banks and
     interest-bearing
     deposits              $66,653$46,423$20,230           44%
    Federal funds sold      53,228       26,877      26,351           98%
    Investment securities  603,795      597,233       6,562            1%

    Loans                1,373,455    1,279,025      94,430            7%
      Allowance for
       loan losses         (29,052)     (20,474)     (8,578)          42%
        Loans, net       1,344,403    1,258,551      85,852            7%

    Goodwill                40,621       37,293       3,328            9%
    Other assets            77,650       67,278      10,372           15%

        Total assets    $2,186,350$2,033,655$152,695            8%

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Deposits:
      Demand               263,433      229,331      34,102           15%
      Savings, money
       market, and
       int-bearing
       checking            826,114      748,424      77,690           10%
      Certificates of
       deposit             738,379      672,233      66,146           10%
         Total deposits  1,827,926    1,649,988     177,938           11%

    Short-term borrowings   70,392       67,674       2,718            4%
    Long-term borrowings    68,606      105,187     (36,581)        (35)%

    Guaranteed preferred
      beneficial interests in

      Corporation's junior
      subordinated
      debentures            16,200       16,200          --          -- %
    Other liabilities       20,489       21,272        (783)           4%

        Total
         liabilities     2,003,613    1,860,321     143,292            8%

    Shareholders' equity:
      Preferred equity      17,735       17,752         (17)         -- %
      Common equity        165,002      155,582       9,420            6%

        Total shareholders'
         equity (1)        182,737      173,334       9,403            5%

        Total liabilities and
         shareholders'
         equity         $2,186,350$2,033,655$152,695            8%

    (1) Includes the after-tax impact of net unrealized gains on investment
        securities classified as available for sale of $8,098 and $9,835 at
        September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.


                FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            Consolidated Average Statements of Financial Condition
                            (Dollars in thousands)

                         For the three months ended
                                 September 30,
                                                       $             %
                              2003         2002      Change        Change
    ASSETS

    Cash, due from banks and
     interest-bearing
     deposits              $45,077$41,097$ 3,980           10%
    Federal funds sold      65,648       14,999      50,649          338%
    Investment securities  579,085      601,958     (22,873)         (4)%

    Loans                1,378,713    1,259,358     119,355            9%
      Allowance for loan
       losses              (26,375)     (20,331)     (6,044)          30%
        Loans, net       1,352,338    1,239,027     113,311            9%

    Goodwill                40,621       37,349       3,272            9%
    Other assets            74,639       66,847       7,792           12%

        Total assets    $2,157,408$2,001,277$156,131            8%

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Deposits:
      Demand               254,528      222,854      31,674           14%
      Savings, money
       market, and
       int-bearing
       checking            789,078      727,625      61,453            8%
      Certificates of
       deposit             753,866      675,435      78,431           12%
        Total deposits   1,797,472    1,625,914     171,558           11%

    Short-term borrowings   65,336       76,490     (11,154)        (15)%
    Long-term borrowings    71,151       94,233     (23,082)        (24)%
    Guaranteed preferred
     beneficial interests in
     Corporation's junior
     subordinated
     debentures             16,200       16,200          --          -- %
    Other liabilities       21,677       19,233       2,444           13%

        Total
         liabilities     1,971,836    1,832,070     139,766            8%

    Shareholders' equity:
      Preferred equity      17,735       17,752         (17)         -- %
      Common equity        167,837      151,455      16,382           11%

        Total shareholders'
         equity            185,572      169,207      16,365           10%

        Total liabilities
         and shareholders'
         equity         $2,157,408$2,001,277$156,131            8%


                FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            Consolidated Average Statements of Financial Condition
                            (Dollars in thousands)

                         For the nine months ended
                                 September 30,
                                                       $             %
                              2003         2002      Change        Change
    ASSETS

    Cash, due from banks and
     interest-bearing
     deposits              $43,627$40,557$ 3,070            8%
    Federal funds sold      46,523       28,239      18,284           65%
    Investment securities  621,990      564,559      57,431           10%

    Loans                1,356,183    1,214,484     141,699           12%
      Allowance for loan
       losses              (24,068)     (19,836)     (4,232)          21%
        Loans, net       1,332,115    1,194,648     137,467           12%

    Goodwill                40,615       36,965       3,650           10%
    Other assets            72,307       67,905       4,402            6%

        Total assets    $2,157,177$1,932,873$224,304           12%

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Deposits:
      Demand               239,843      214,761      25,082           12%
      Savings, money
       market, and
       int-bearing
       checking            797,424      700,510      96,914           14%
      Certificates of
       deposit             748,428      649,023      99,405           15%

        Total deposits   1,785,695    1,564,294     221,401           14%

    Short-term borrowings   63,490       87,943     (24,453)        (28)%
    Long-term borrowings    85,164       84,328         836            1%
    Guaranteed preferred
     beneficial interests in
     Corporation's junior
     subordinated
     debentures             16,200       16,200          --          -- %
    Other liabilities       22,365       19,694       2,671           14%

        Total
         liabilities     1,972,914    1,772,459     200,455           11%

    Shareholders' equity:
      Preferred equity      17,738       17,752         (14)         -- %
      Common equity        166,525      142,662      23,863           17%

        Total shareholders'
         equity            184,263      160,414      23,849           15%

        Total liabilities
         and shareholders'
         equity         $2,157,177$1,932,873$224,304           12%
SOURCE  Financial Institutions, Inc.
    -0-                             10/16/2003
    /CONTACT:  Ronald A. Miller, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Financial Institutions, Inc., +1-585-786-1102/
    /Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030114/FISILOGO /
    /Web site:  http://www.fiiwarsaw.com /
    (FISI)

CO:  Financial Institutions, Inc.; FII; Wyoming County Bank; National Bank of
     Geneva; Bath National Bank; First Tier Bank & Trust
ST:  New York
IN:  FIN
SU:  ERN

HC 
-- NYTH122 --
8943 10/16/200312:05 EDThttp://www.prnewswire.com