FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INC - FORM 10-K

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


(Mark One)		Form 10-K

[X]	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

[ ]	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-26481

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


NEW YORK		16-0816610
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

220 LIBERTY STREET, WARSAW, NEW YORK		14569
(Address of principal executive offices)		(ZIP Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (585) 786-1100

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:


Title of each class		Name of exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $.01 per share		NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: NONE

Indicate by check mark if the regsitrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the regsitrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer ¨		Accelerated filer þ

Non-accelerated filer ¨		Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as computed by reference to the June 30, 2014 closing price reported by NASDAQ, was approximately $314,579,000.

As of February 27, 2015, there were outstanding, exclusive of treasury shares, 14,166,792 shares of the registrant’s common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I		PAGE
Item 1.	Business	4

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	18

Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	25

Item 2.	Properties	25

Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	25

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	25

PART II

Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	26

Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	27

Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	31

Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	58

Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	61

Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	116

Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	116

Item 9B.	Other Information	116

PART III

Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	117

Item 11.	Executive Compensation	117

Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	117

Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	117

Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	117

PART IV

Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	118

	Signatures	121

PART I

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are based on other than historical data are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and include, among others:

—

statements with respect to the beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, anticipations, and future financial condition, results of operations and performance of Financial Institutions, Inc. (the “Parent” or “FII”) and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us”); and

—

statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “projects,” or similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those presented, either expressed or implied, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including, but not limited to, those presented in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not limited to:

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If we experience greater credit losses than anticipated, earnings may be adversely impacted;

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Our tax strategies and the value of our deferred tax assets could adversely affect our operating results and regulatory capital ratios;

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Geographic concentration may unfavorably impact our operations;

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We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about or from customers and counterparties;

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Our insurance brokerage subsidiary, SDN, is subject to risk related to the insurance industry;

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We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with our lending activities;

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Our indirect lending involves risk elements in addition to normal credit risk;

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We are highly regulated and may be adversely affected by changes in banking laws, regulations and regulatory practices;

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New or changing tax and accounting rules and interpretations could significantly impact our strategic initiatives, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition;

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Legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters could adversely affect us and banking industry in general;

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A breach in security of our information systems, including the occurrence of a cyber incident or a deficiency in cyber security, may result in a loss of customer business or damage to our brand image;

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We need to stay current on technological changes in order to compete and meet customer demands;

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We rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure;

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We use financial models for business planning purposes that may not adequately predict future results;

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We may not be able to attract and retain skilled people;

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Acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute shareholder value;

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We are subject to interest rate risk;

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Our business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally;

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Our earnings are significantly affected by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies;

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The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us;

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We may be required to recognize an impairment of goodwill;

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We operate in a highly competitive industry and market area;

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Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events could significantly impact our business;

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Liquidity is essential to our businesses;

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We may need to raise additional capital in the future and such capital may not be available on acceptable terms or at all;

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We rely on dividends from our subsidiaries for most of our revenue;

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We may not pay or may reduce the dividends on our common stock;

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We may issue debt and equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, any of which may be senior to our common stock as to distributions and in liquidation, which could dilute our current shareholders or negatively affect the value of our common stock;

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The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors; and

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Our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, and certain banking laws may have an anti-takeover effect.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and advise readers that various factors, including those described above, could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results or circumstances for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. See also Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information. Except as required by law, we do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation to publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

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ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

GENERAL

Financial Institutions, Inc., (the “Company”) is a financial holding company organized in 1931 under the laws of New York State (“New York” or “NYS”). The Company offers a broad array of deposit, lending, insurance services and other financial services to individuals, municipalities and businesses in Western and Central New York through its wholly-owned New York chartered banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank. The Company has also expanded its indirect lending network to include relationships with franchised automobile dealers in the Capital District of New York and Northern Pennsylvania. During February 2014, Five Star Bank formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Five Star REIT, Inc. as a special purpose real estate investment trust. For further discussion of Five Star REIT, Inc., refer to the “Income Taxes” section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also offer insurance services through our wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, Scott Danahy Naylon, LLC, a full service insurance agency acquired during 2014. Unless otherwise indicated, or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” means Financial Institutions, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Five Star Bank is referred to as Five Star Bank, “FSB” or “the Bank”, and Scott Danahy Naylon, LLC is referred to as “SDN”. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Bank and SDN. FII is a legal entity, separate and distinct from its subsidiaries, assisting those subsidiaries by providing financial resources and oversight. Our executive offices are located at 220 Liberty Street, Warsaw, New York.

Business Strategy

Our business strategy has been to maintain a community bank philosophy, which consists of focusing on and understanding the individualized banking needs of individuals, municipalities and businesses of the local communities surrounding our primary service area. We believe this focus allows us to be more responsive to our customers’ needs and provide a high level of personal service that differentiates us from larger competitors, resulting in long-standing and broad based banking relationships. Our core customers are primarily small- to medium-sized businesses, individuals and community organizations who prefer to build banking and insurance relationships with a community bank that offers and combines high quality, competitively-priced products and services with personalized service. Because of our identity and origin as a locally operated bank, we believe that our level of personal service provides a competitive advantage over larger banks, which tend to consolidate decision-making authority outside local communities.

A key aspect of our current business strategy is to foster a community-oriented culture where our customers and employees establish long-standing and mutually beneficial relationships. We believe that we are well-positioned to be a strong competitor within our market area because of our focus on community banking needs and customer service, our comprehensive suite of deposit, loan and insurance products typically found at larger banks, our highly experienced management team and our strategically located banking centers. We believe that the foregoing factors all help to grow our core deposits, which supports a central element of our business strategy - the growth of a diversified and high-quality loan portfolio.

Acquisition Strategy

Targeted acquisitions of bank and complementary nonbank businesses are expected to be pursued as opportunities arise, using a disciplined approach. We believe that the challenging economic environment combined with more restrictive bank regulatory reforms will cause many financial institutions to seek merger partners in the near to intermediate future. We also believe our community banking philosophy, access to capital and successful acquisition history position us as a purchaser of choice for community banks seeking a strong partner.

We expect that our primary geographic target area for acquisitions will complement our current footprint. Our senior management team has had extensive experience in acquisitions and post-acquisition integration of operations. We believe this experience positions us to successfully acquire and integrate additional financial services and banking businesses.

MARKET AREAS AND COMPETITION

We provide a wide range of banking and financial services to individuals, municipalities and businesses through a network of over 50 offices and an extensive ATM network throughout Western and Central New York. The region includes the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wyoming and Yates counties. Our banking activities, though concentrated in the communities where we maintain branches, also extend into neighboring counties. In addition, we have expanded our consumer indirect lending presence to the Capital District of New York and Northern Pennsylvania.

Our market area is economically diversified in that we serve both rural markets and the larger markets in and around Rochester and Buffalo. Rochester and Buffalo are the two largest metropolitan areas in New York outside of New York City, with a combined population of over two million people. We anticipate continuing to increase our presence in and around these metropolitan statistical areas in the coming years.

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We face significant competition in both making loans and attracting deposits, as both Western and Central New York have a high density of financial institutions. Our competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking companies, credit unions, insurance companies and other financial service companies. Our most direct competition for deposits has historically come from commercial banks, savings banks and credit unions. We face additional competition for deposits from non-depository competitors such as the mutual fund industry, securities and brokerage firms and insurance companies. We generally compete with other financial service providers on factors such as level of customer service, responsiveness to customer needs, availability and pricing of products, and geographic location.

The following table presents the Bank’s market share percentage for total deposits as of June 30, 2014, in each county where we have operations. The table also indicates the ranking by deposit size in each market. All information in the table was obtained from SNL Financial of Charlottesville, Virginia, which compiles deposit data published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) as of June 30, 2014 and updates the information for any bank mergers and acquisitions completed subsequent to the reporting date.


County	Market Share			Market Rank		Number of Branches^( 1)
Allegany		7.6	%		3		1
Cattaraugus		27.3	%		2		5
Cayuga		3.0	%		11		1
Chautauqua		1.1	%		9		1
Chemung		14.5	%		3		3
Erie		0.4	%		11		3
Genesee		21.5	%		3		3
Livingston		32.4	%		1		5
Monroe		1.2	%		11		5
Ontario		14.1	%		2		5
Orleans		23.2	%		2		2
Seneca		20.7	%		2		2
Steuben		27.1	%		1		7
Wyoming		51.6	%		1		4
Yates		40.1	%		1		2

⁽¹⁾

Number of branches current as of December 31, 2014.

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

Our investment policy is contained within our overall Asset-Liability Management and Investment Policy. This policy dictates that investment decisions will be made based on the safety of the investment, liquidity requirements, potential returns, cash flow targets, need for collateral and desired risk parameters. In pursuing these objectives, we consider the ability of an investment to provide earnings consistent with factors related to quality, maturity, marketability, pledgeable nature and risk diversification. Our Treasurer, guided by our Asset-Liability Committee (“ALCO”), is responsible for investment portfolio decisions within the established policies.

Our investment securities strategy is focused on providing liquidity to meet loan demand and redeeming liabilities, meeting pledging requirements, managing credit risks, managing overall interest rate risks and maximizing portfolio yield. Our current policy generally limits security purchases to the following:

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U.S. treasury securities;

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U.S. government agency securities, which are securities issued by official Federal government bodies (e.g., the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and the Small Business Administration (“SBA”)), and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) securities, which are securities issued by independent organizations that are in part sponsored by the federal government (e.g., the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system, the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) and the Federal Farm Credit Bureau);

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Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) include mortgage-backed pass-through securities (“pass-throughs”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”) and multi-family MBS bonds issued by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC;

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Investment grade municipal securities, including revenue, tax and bond anticipation notes, statutory installment notes and general obligation bonds;

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Certain creditworthy un-rated securities issued by municipalities;

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Certificates of deposit;

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Equity securities at the holding company level; and

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Limited partnership investments.

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LENDING ACTIVITIES

General

We offer a broad range of loans including commercial business and revolving lines of credit, commercial mortgages, equipment loans, residential mortgage loans and home equity loans and lines of credit, home improvement loans, automobile loans and personal loans. Newly originated and refinanced fixed rate residential mortgage loans are either retained in our portfolio or sold to the secondary market with servicing rights retained.

We continually evaluate and update our lending policy. The key elements of our lending philosophy include the following:

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To ensure consistent underwriting, employees must share a common view of the risks inherent in lending activities as well as the standards to be applied in underwriting and managing credit risk;

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Pricing of credit products should be risk-based;

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The loan portfolio must be diversified to limit the potential impact of negative events; and

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Careful, timely exposure monitoring through dynamic use of our risk rating system is required to provide early warning and assure proactive management of potential problems.

Commercial Business and Commercial Mortgage Lending

We originate commercial business loans in our primary market areas and underwrite them based on the borrower’s ability to service the loan from operating income. We offer a broad range of commercial lending products, including term loans and lines of credit. Short and medium-term commercial loans, primarily collateralized, are made available to businesses for working capital (including inventory and receivables), business expansion (including acquisition of real estate, expansion and improvements) and the purchase of equipment. Commercial business loans are offered to the agricultural industry for short-term crop production, farm equipment and livestock financing. As a general practice, where possible, a first position collateral lien is placed on any available real estate, equipment or other assets owned by the borrower and a personal guarantee of the owner is obtained. As of December 31, 2014, $80.9 million, or 30%, of our aggregate commercial business loan portfolio were at fixed rates, while $186.5 million, or 70%, were at variable rates.

We also offer commercial mortgage loans to finance the purchase of real property, which generally consists of real estate with completed structures and, to a smaller extent, agricultural real estate financing. Commercial mortgage loans are secured by first liens on the real estate and are typically amortized over a 10 to 20 year period. The underwriting analysis includes credit verification, appraisals and a review of the borrower’s financial condition and repayment capacity. As of December 31, 2014, $181.7 million, or 38%, of our aggregate commercial mortgage portfolio were at fixed rates, while $293.4 million, or 62%, were at variable rates.

We utilize government loan guarantee programs where available and appropriate.

Government Guarantee Programs

We participate in government loan guarantee programs offered by the SBA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Economic and Community Development and Farm Service Agency, among others. As of December 31, 2014, we had loans with an aggregate principal balance of $55.0 million that were covered by guarantees under these programs. The guarantees typically only cover a certain percentage of these loans. By participating in these programs, we are able to broaden our base of borrowers while minimizing credit risk.

Residential Mortgage Lending

We originate fixed and variable rate one-to-four family residential mortgages collateralized by owner-occupied properties located in our market areas. We offer a variety of real estate loan products, which are generally amortized over periods of up to 30 years. Loans collateralized by one-to-four family residential real estate generally have been originated in amounts of no more than 80% of appraised value, or have mortgage insurance. Mortgage title insurance and hazard insurance are normally required. We sell certain one-to-four family residential mortgages to the secondary mortgage market and typically retain the right to service the mortgages. To assure maximum salability of the residential loan products for possible resale, we typically follow the underwriting and appraisal guidelines of the secondary market, including the FHLMC and the FHA, and service the loans in a manner that satisfies the secondary market agreements. As of December 31, 2014, our residential mortgage servicing portfolio totaled $215.2 million, the majority of which has been sold to the FHLMC. As of December 31, 2014, our residential mortgage loan portfolio totaled $100.1 million, or 5% of our total loan portfolio. We do not engage in sub-prime or other high-risk residential mortgage lending as a line-of-business.

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Consumer Lending

We offer a variety of loan products to our consumer customers, including home equity loans and lines of credit, automobile loans, secured installment loans and various other types of secured and unsecured personal loans. At December 31, 2014, outstanding consumer loan balances were concentrated in indirect automobile loans and home equity products, which represented 62% and 36% of our outstanding consumer loan balances, respectively.

We originate indirect consumer loans for a mix of new and used vehicles through franchised new car dealers. The consumer indirect loan portfolio is primarily comprised of loans with terms that typically range from 36 to 84 months. We have developed relationships with franchised new car dealers in Western, Central and the Capital District of New York, and Northern Pennsylvania. As of December 31, 2014, our consumer indirect portfolio totaled $661.7 million, or 35% of our total loan portfolio. The consumer indirect loan portfolio is primarily fixed rate loans with relatively short durations.

We also originate, independently of the indirect loans described above, consumer automobile loans, recreational vehicle loans, boat loans, home improvement loans, closed-end home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, personal loans (collateralized and uncollateralized) and deposit account collateralized loans. The terms of these loans typically range from 12 to 180 months and vary based upon the nature of the collateral and the size of loan. The majority of the consumer lending program is underwritten on a secured basis using the customer’s home or the financed automobile, mobile home, boat or recreational vehicle as collateral. As of December 31, 2014, $261.4 million, or 68%, of our home equity portfolio was at fixed rates, while $125.2 million, or 32%, was at variable rates. Approximately 80% of the loans in our home equity portfolio are first lien positions at December 31, 2014. The other consumer portfolio totaled $21.1 million as of December 31, 2014, all but $1.0 million of which were fixed rate loans.

Credit Administration

Our loan policy establishes standardized underwriting guidelines, as well as the loan approval process and the committee structures necessary to facilitate and ensure the highest possible loan quality decision-making in a timely and businesslike manner. The policy establishes requirements for extending credit based on the size, risk rating and type of credit involved. The policy also sets limits on individual loan officer lending authority and various forms of joint lending authority, while designating which loans are required to be approved at the committee level.

Our credit objectives are to:

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Compete effectively and service the legitimate credit needs of our target market;

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Enhance our reputation for superior quality and timely delivery of products and services;

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Provide pricing that reflects the entire relationship and is commensurate with the risk profiles of our borrowers;

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Retain, develop and acquire profitable, multi-product, value added relationships with high quality borrowers;

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Focus on government guaranteed lending and specialize in this area to meet the needs of the small businesses in our communities; and

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Comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

Our policy includes loan reviews, under the supervision of our Audit and Risk Oversight committees of the Board of Directors and directed by our Chief Risk Officer, in order to render an independent and objective evaluation of our asset quality and credit administration process.

Risk ratings are assigned to loans in the commercial business and commercial mortgage portfolios. The risk ratings are specifically used to:

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Profile the risk and exposure in the loan portfolio and identify developing trends and relative levels of risk;

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Identify deteriorating credits;

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Reflect the probability that a given customer may default on its obligations; and

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Assist with risk-based pricing.

Through the loan approval process, loan administration and loan review program, management seeks to continuously monitor our credit risk profile and assesses the overall quality of the loan portfolio and adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

We have several procedures in place to assist in maintaining the overall quality of our loan portfolio. Delinquent loan reports are monitored by credit administration to identify adverse levels and trends. Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as non-accruing if they are past due as to maturity or payment of principal or interest for a period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well-collateralized and in the process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as non-accruing if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is uncertain.

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Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for loan losses. The allowance reflects management’s estimate of the amount of probable loan losses in the portfolio, based on factors such as:

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Specific allocations for individually analyzed credits;

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Risk assessment process;

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Historical net charge-off experience;

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Evaluation of loss emergence and look-back periods;

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Evaluation of the loan portfolio with loan reviews;

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Levels and trends in delinquent and non-accruing loans;

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Trends in volume and terms of loans;

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Effects of changes in lending policy;

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Experience, ability and depth of management;

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National and local economic trends and conditions;

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Concentrations of credit;

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Interest rate environment;

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Customer leverage;

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Information (availability of timely financial information); and

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Collateral values.

Our methodology for estimating the allowance for loan losses includes the following:

1.	Impaired commercial business and commercial mortgage loans, generally in excess of $50 thousand are reviewed individually and assigned a specific loss allowance, if considered necessary, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

The remaining portfolios of commercial business and commercial mortgage loans are segmented by risk rating into the following loan classification categories: uncriticized or pass, special mention, substandard and doubtful. Uncriticized loans, special mention loans, substandard loans and all doubtful loans not assigned a specific loss allowance are assigned allowance allocations based on historical net loan charge-off experience for each of the respective loan categories, supplemented with additional reserve amounts, if considered necessary, based upon loss emergence periods and qualitative factors. These qualitative factors include the levels and trends in delinquent and non-accruing loans, trends in volume and terms of loans, effects of changes in lending policy, experience, ability, and depth of management, national and local economic trends and conditions, concentrations of credit, interest rate environment, customer leverage, information (availability of timely financial information), and collateral values, among others.

The retail loan portfolio is segmented into the following types of loans: residential real estate, home equity (home equity loans and lines of credit), consumer indirect and other consumer. Allowance allocations for the real estate related loan portfolios (residential and home equity) are based on the average loss experience for the previous eight quarters, supplemented with loss emergence periods and qualitative factors similar to the elements described above. Allowance allocations for the consumer indirect and other consumer portfolios are based on vintage analyses performed with historical loss experience at 48 months and 30 months aging, respectively. The allocations on these portfolios are also supplemented with loss emergence periods and qualitative factors.

Management presents a quarterly review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to our Board of Directors based on the methodology described above. See also the section titled “Allowance for Loan Losses” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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SOURCES OF FUNDS

Our primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowed funds, scheduled amortization and prepayments of principal from loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities and calls of investment securities and funds provided by operations.

Deposits

We maintain a full range of deposit products and accounts to meet the needs of the residents and businesses in our primary service area. Products include an array of checking and savings account programs for individuals and businesses, including money market accounts, certificates of deposit, sweep investment capabilities as well as Individual Retirement Accounts and other qualified plan accounts. We rely primarily on competitive pricing of our deposit products, customer service and long-standing relationships with customers to attract and retain these deposits and seek to make our services convenient to the community by offering a choice of several delivery systems and channels, including telephone, mail, online, automated teller machines (ATMs), debit cards, point-of-sale transactions, automated clearing house transactions (ACH), remote deposit, and mobile banking via telephone or wireless devices. We also take advantage of the use of technology by offering business customers banking access via the Internet and various advanced cash management systems.

We had no traditional brokered deposits at December 31, 2014; however, we do participate in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) and Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) programs, which enable depositors to receive FDIC insurance coverage for deposits otherwise exceeding the maximum insurable amount. Through these programs, deposits in excess of the maximum insurable amount are placed with multiple participating financial institutions. Reciprocal CDARS deposits and ICS deposits totaled $79.7 million and $67.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014.

Borrowings

We have access to a variety of borrowing sources and use both short-term and long-term borrowings to support our asset base. Borrowings from time-to-time include federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLB advances and borrowings from the discount window of the FRB. We also offer customers a deposit account that sweeps balances in excess of an agreed upon target amount into overnight repurchase agreements.

OPERATING SEGMENTS

We have two reportable operating segments, banking and insurance, which are delineated by the subsidiaries of Financial Institutions, Inc. The banking segment includes all of the Company’s retail and commercial banking operations. The insurance segment includes the activities of SDN, a full service insurance agency that provides a broad range of insurance services to both personal and business clients. The Company operated as one business segment until the acquisition of SDN on August 1, 2014, at which time the new “Insurance” segment was created for financial reporting purposes.

For a discussion of the segments included in our principal activities and certain financial information for each segment, see Note 20, Business Segments, of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

OTHER INFORMATION

We also make available, free of charge, through our website, all reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after those documents are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. These filings may be viewed by accessing the Company Filings subsection of the SEC Filings section under the Investor Relations tab on our website (www.fiiwarsaw.com). Information available on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

All of the reports we file with the SEC, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments thereto may be accessed at www.sec.gov or at the public reference facility maintained by the SEC at its public reference room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549 and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from that office upon payment of the prescribed fees. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room and you can request copies of the documents upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC.

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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

The Company and our subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws. The regulatory framework is intended primarily for the protection of depositors, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole and not for the protection of shareholders and creditors.

Significant elements of the laws and regulations applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries are described below. The description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes, regulations and policies that are described. Also, such statutes, regulations and policies are continually under review by Congress, state legislatures, and federal and state regulatory agencies. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries could have a material effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Holding Company Regulation. As a bank holding company and financial holding company, we are subject to comprehensive regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, frequently referred to as the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”), under the Bank Holding Company Act (the “BHC Act”), as amended by, among other laws, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the “Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act”), and by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted in 2010. We must file reports with the FRB and such additional information as the FRB may require, and our holding company and non-banking affiliates are subject to examination by the FRB. Under FRB policy, a bank holding company must serve as a source of strength for its subsidiary banks. Under this policy, the FRB may require, and has required in the past, a holding company to contribute additional capital to an undercapitalized subsidiary bank. The BHC Act provides that a bank holding company must obtain FRB approval before:

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Acquiring, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of any voting shares of another bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, it would own or control more than 5% of such shares (unless it already owns or controls the majority of such shares);

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Acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of another bank or bank holding company, or

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Merging or consolidating with another bank holding company.

The BHC Act generally prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company which is not a bank or bank holding company, or from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks, or providing services for its subsidiaries. The principal exceptions to these prohibitions involve certain non-bank activities which, by statute or by FRB regulation or order, have been identified as activities closely related to the business of banking or managing or controlling banks. The list of activities permitted by the FRB includes, among other things: lending; operating a savings institution, mortgage company, finance company, credit card company or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing certain investment and financial advice; underwriting and acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit related insurance; leasing property on a full-payout, non-operating basis; selling money orders, travelers’ checks and United States Savings Bonds; real estate and personal property appraising; providing tax planning and preparation services; and, subject to certain limitations, providing securities brokerage services for customers. These activities may also be affected by federal legislation.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act amended portions of the BHC Act to authorize bank holding companies, such as us, directly or through non-bank subsidiaries to engage in securities, insurance and other activities that are financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity. In order to undertake these activities, a bank holding company must become a “financial holding company” by submitting to the appropriate Federal Reserve Bank a declaration that the company elects to be a financial holding company and a certification that all of the depository institutions controlled by the company are well capitalized and well managed.

The Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted in July 2010, significantly changed the bank regulatory structure and affected the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for insured depository institutions. The legislation also establishes a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect today, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements. The new leverage and capital requirements must take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC has backup enforcement authority over a depository institution holding company, such as the Parent, if the conduct or threatened conduct of such holding company poses a risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”), although such authority may not be used if the holding company is generally in sound condition and does not pose a foreseeable and material risk to the DIF.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act contains a wide variety of provisions affecting the regulation of depository institutions, including restrictions related to mortgage originations, risk retention requirements as to securitized loans, the establishment of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), and restrictions on proprietary trading (the “Volcker Rule”). The Dodd-Frank Act may have a material impact on the Company’s and the Bank’s operations, particularly through increased compliance costs resulting from possible future consumer and fair lending regulations. See Item 1A, Risk Factors, for a more extensive discussion of this topic.

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Depository Institution Regulation. The Bank is subject to regulation by the FDIC. This regulatory structure includes:

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Real estate lending standards, which provide guidelines concerning loan-to-value ratios for various types of real estate loans;

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Risk-based capital rules, including accounting for interest rate risk, concentration of credit risk and the risks posed by non-traditional activities;

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Rules requiring depository institutions to develop and implement internal procedures to evaluate and control credit and settlement exposure to their correspondent banks;

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Rules restricting types and amounts of equity investments; and

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Rules addressing various safety and soundness issues, including operations and managerial standards, standards for asset quality, earnings and compensation standards.

Capital Adequacy Requirements. The FRB and FDIC have issued substantially similar risk-based and leverage capital guidelines applicable to bank holding companies and banks. In addition, these regulatory agencies may from time to time require that a bank holding company or bank maintain capital above the minimum levels, based on its financial condition or actual or anticipated growth.

The FRB’s risk-based guidelines establish a two-tier capital framework. Tier 1 capital generally consists of common shareholders’ equity, retained earnings, a limited amount of qualifying perpetual preferred stock, qualifying trust preferred securities and non-controlling interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill and certain intangibles. Tier 2 capital generally consists of certain hybrid capital instruments and perpetual debt, mandatory convertible debt securities and a limited amount of subordinated debt, qualifying preferred stock, loan loss allowance, and unrealized holding gains on certain equity securities. The sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital represents qualifying total capital, at least 50% of which must consist of Tier 1 capital.

Risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing Tier 1 and total capital by risk-weighted assets. Assets and off-balance sheet exposures are assigned to one of four categories of risk-weights, based primarily on relative credit risk. For bank holding companies, generally the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is 4% and the minimum total risk-based capital ratio is 8%. Our Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios under these guidelines at December 31, 2014 were 10.47% and 11.72%, respectively.

The FRB’s leverage capital guidelines establish a minimum leverage ratio determined by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted average total assets. The minimum leverage ratio is 3% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating. All other bank holding companies generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4%. At December 31, 2014, we had a leverage ratio of 7.35%. See also the section titled “Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 11, Regulatory Matters, of the notes to consolidated financial statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Basel III Capital Rules. In July 2013, the FRB approved the final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks. Under the final rules, minimum requirements will increase for both the quantity and quality of capital held by the Company. The rules include a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5% and a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. The final rules also raise the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0% and require a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. Strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments were also implemented under the final rules. On July 9, 2013, the FDIC also approved, as an interim final rule, the regulatory capital requirements for U.S. banks, following the actions of the FRB. On April 8, 2014, the FDIC adopted as final its interim final rule, which is identical in substance to the final rules issued by the FRB in July 2013.

The phase-in period for the final rules will begin for the Company on January 1, 2015, with full compliance with all of the final rule’s requirements phased in over a multi-year schedule. We believe that our capital levels will remain characterized as “well-capitalized” under the new rules.

Liquidity Requirements. Historically, the regulation and monitoring of bank and bank holding company liquidity has been addressed as a supervisory matter, without required formulaic measures. Liquidity risk management has become increasingly important since the financial crisis. The Basel III liquidity framework requires banks and bank holding companies to measure their liquidity against specific liquidity tests that, although similar in some respects to liquidity measures historically applied by banks and regulators for management and supervisory purposes, going forward would be required by regulation. One test, referred to as the liquidity coverage ratio (“LCR”), is designed to ensure that the banking entity maintains an adequate level of unencumbered high-quality liquid assets equal to the entity’s expected net cash outflow for a 30-day time horizon (or, if greater, 25% of its expected total cash outflow) under an acute liquidity stress scenario. The other test, referred to as the net stable funding ratio (“NSFR”), is designed to promote more medium and long term funding of the assets and activities of banking entities over a one-year time horizon. These requirements will incentivize banking entities to increase their holdings of U.S. Treasury securities and other sovereign debt as a component of assets and increase the use of long-term debt as a funding source.

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In September 2014, the federal bank regulators approved final rules implementing the LCR for advanced approaches banking organizations (i.e., banking organizations with $250 billion or more in total consolidated assets or $10 billion or more in total on-balance sheet foreign exposure) and a modified version of the LCR for bank holding companies with at least $50 billion in total consolidated assets that are not advanced approach banking organizations, neither of which would apply to the Company or the Bank. The federal bank regulators have not yet proposed rules to implement the NSFR or addressed the scope of bank organizations to which it will apply. The Basel Committee’s final NSFR document states that the NSFR applies to internationally active banks, as did its final LCR document as to that ratio.

Prompt Corrective Action. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (“FDIA”), requires among other things, the federal banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action” in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA includes the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The relevant capital measures, which reflect changes under the Basel III Capital Rules that became effective on January 1, 2015, are the total capital ratio, the CET1 capital ratio (a new ratio requirement under the Basel III Capital Rules), the Tier 1 capital ratio and the leverage ratio.

A bank will be (i) “well capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a CET1 capital ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater (6.0% prior to January 1, 2015), and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not subject to any order or written directive by any such regulatory authority to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (ii) “adequately capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a CET1 capital ratio of 4.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater (4.0% prior to January 1, 2015), and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and is not “well capitalized”; (iii) “undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a CET1 capital ratio less than 4.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0% (4.0% prior to January 1, 2015) or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%; (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a CET1 capital ratio less than 3%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0% (3.0% prior to January 1, 2015) or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%; and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if the institution’s tangible equity is equal to or less than 2.0% of average quarterly tangible assets. An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.

We believe that, as of December 31, 2014, our bank subsidiary, Five Star Bank, was “well capitalized” based on the aforementioned ratios. For further information regarding the capital ratios and leverage ratio of the Company and the Bank see the section titled “Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 11, Regulatory Matters, of the notes to consolidated financial statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be “undercapitalized.” “Undercapitalized” institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The agencies may not accept such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan. The bank holding company must also provide appropriate assurances of performance. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became undercapitalized and (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.”

“Significantly undercapitalized” depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

The appropriate federal banking agency may, under certain circumstances, reclassify a well capitalized insured depository institution as adequately capitalized. The FDIA provides that an institution may be reclassified if the appropriate federal banking agency determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or deems the institution to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice.

The appropriate agency is also permitted to require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with the supervisory provisions as if the institution were in the next lower category (but not treat a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized) based on supervisory information other than the capital levels of the institution.

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Dividends. The FRB policy is that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that its net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the holding company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition, and that it is inappropriate for a bank holding company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends. Furthermore, a bank that is classified under the prompt corrective action regulations as “undercapitalized” will be prohibited from paying any dividends.

The primary source of cash for dividends we pay is the dividends we receive from the Bank. The Bank is subject to various regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain capital above regulatory minimums. Approval of the New York State Department of Financial Services is required prior to paying a dividend if the dividend declared by the Bank exceeds the sum of the Bank’s net profits for that year and its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years. At January 1, 2015, our subsidiary bank could declare dividends of approximately $22.8 million from retained net profits of the preceding two years. Our subsidiary bank declared dividends of $20 million in 2014 and $15 million in 2013.

Federal Deposit Insurance Assessments. The Bank is a member of the FDIC and pays an insurance premium to the FDIC based upon its assessable assets on a quarterly basis. Deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC and such insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, a permanent increase in deposit insurance was authorized to $250,000. The coverage limit is per depositor, per insured depository institution for each account ownership category.

The Dodd-Frank Act also set a new minimum Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) reserve ratio at 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC is required to attain this ratio by September 30, 2020. The Dodd-Frank Act also required the FDIC to define the deposit insurance assessment base for an insured depository institution as an amount equal to the institution’s average consolidated total assets during the assessment period minus average tangible equity. Premiums for the Bank are now calculated based upon the average balance of total assets minus average tangible equity as of the close of business for each day during the calendar quarter.

The FDIC has the flexibility to adopt actual rates that are higher or lower than the total base assessment rates adopted without notice and comment, if certain conditions are met.

DIF-insured institutions pay a Financing Corporation (“FICO”) assessment in order to fund the interest on bonds issued in the 1980s in connection with the failures in the thrift industry. For the fourth quarter of 2014, the FICO assessment was equal to 0.60 basis points computed on assets as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. These assessments will continue until the bonds mature in 2019.

The FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of and require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions. It is also authorized to terminate a depository bank’s deposit insurance upon a finding by the FDIC that the bank’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or has violated any applicable rule, regulation, order or condition enacted or imposed by the bank’s regulatory agency. The termination of deposit insurance for the Bank would have a material adverse effect on our earnings, operations and financial condition.

The Volcker Rule. The Dodd-Frank Act prohibits banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in and sponsoring hedge funds and private equity funds. Although the Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the Volcker Rule and the final rules adopted thereunder, the Company does not currently anticipate that the Volcker Rule will have a material effect on the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, as the Company does not have any significant engagement in the businesses prohibited by the Volcker Rule. The Company may incur costs to adopt additional policies and systems to ensure compliance with the Volcker Rule, but any such costs are not expected to be material.

Consumer Laws and Regulations. In addition to the laws and regulations discussed herein, the Bank is also subject to certain consumer laws and regulations that are designed to protect consumers in transactions with banks. While the list set forth herein is not exhaustive, these laws and regulations include, among others, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Service Members Civil Relief Act and these laws’ respective state-law counterparts, as well as state usury laws and laws regarding unfair and deceptive acts and practices. These and other federal laws, among other things, require disclosures of the cost of credit and terms of deposit accounts, provide substantive consumer rights, prohibit discrimination in credit transactions, regulate the use of credit report information, provide financial privacy protections, prohibit unfair, deceptive and abusive practices, restrict the Company’s ability to raise interest rates and subject the Company to substantial regulatory oversight. Violations of applicable consumer protection laws can result in significant potential liability from litigation brought by customers, including actual damages, restitution and attorneys’ fees. Federal bank regulators, state attorneys general and state and local consumer protection agencies may also seek to enforce consumer protection requirements and obtain these and other remedies, including regulatory sanctions, customer rescission rights, action by the state and local attorneys general in each jurisdiction in which we operate and civil money penalties. Failure to comply with consumer protection requirements may also result in our failure to obtain any required bank regulatory approval for merger or acquisition transactions the Company may wish to pursue or our prohibition from engaging in such transactions even if approval is not required.

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The Dodd-Frank Act centralized responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating a new agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), and giving it responsibility for implementing, examining and enforcing compliance with federal consumer protection laws. The CFPB focuses on:

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Risks to consumers and compliance with the federal consumer financial laws, when it evaluates the policies and practices of a financial institution.

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The markets in which firms operate and risks to consumers posed by activities in those markets.

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Depository institutions that offer a wide variety of consumer financial products and services; depository institutions with a more specialized focus.

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Non-depository companies that offer one or more consumer financial products or services.

The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer financial laws that apply to all banks, including, among other things, the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. Abusive acts or practices are defined as those that materially interfere with a consumer’s ability to understand a term or condition of a consumer financial product or service or take unreasonable advantage of a consumer’s (i) lack of financial savvy, (ii) inability to protect himself in the selection or use of consumer financial products or services, or (iii) reasonable reliance on a covered entity to act in the consumer’s interests. The CFPB can issue cease-and-desist orders against banks and other entities that violate consumer financial laws. The CFPB may also institute a civil action against an entity in violation of federal consumer financial law in order to impose a civil penalty or injunction. The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over all banks with more than $10 billion in assets, as well as their affiliates.

Banking regulators take into account compliance with consumer protection laws when considering approval of a proposed transaction.

Community Reinvestment Act. Under the Community Reinvestment Act, every FDIC-insured institution is obligated, consistent with safe and sound banking practices, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The Community Reinvestment Act requires the appropriate federal banking regulator, in connection with the examination of an insured institution, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to consider this record in its evaluation of certain applications, such as a merger or the establishment of a branch. An unsatisfactory rating may be used as the basis for the denial of an application and will prevent a bank holding company of the institution from making an election to become a financial holding company.

During January 2015 we signed an Assurance of Discontinuance with the NYS Attorney General’s office related to an investigation into lending practices for minority residents within the City of Rochester. As part of the agreement, we will pay NYS $150 thousand to cover its costs. An additional $750 thousand in dedicated funds spread over three-years will be earmarked for ongoing business efforts consistent with the Bank’s growth initiatives in the Rochester market, and throughout Monroe County, including efforts focused on marketing to minority communities, as well as lending discounts and/or subsidies.

Examinations in 2011 by the New York Department of Financial Services and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York under the federal Community Reinvestment Act rated Five Star as “outstanding”.

Privacy Rules. Federal banking regulators, as required under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, have adopted rules limiting the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose nonpublic information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. The rules require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to non-affiliated third parties. The privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act affect how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial services companies and conveyed to outside vendors.

Anti-Money Laundering and the USA Patriot Act. A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, or the USA Patriot Act, substantially broadened the scope of United States anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must use enhanced due diligence procedures in their dealings with certain types of high-risk customers and implement a written customer identification program. Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and report certain types of suspicious transactions. Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions for compliance with these obligations, and failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required. Regulatory authorities have imposed cease and desist orders and civil money penalties against institutions found to be violating these obligations.

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Interstate Branching. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, national and state-chartered banks may open an initial branch in a state other than its home state (e.g., a host state) by establishing a de novo branch at any location in such host state at which a bank chartered in such host state could establish a branch. Applications to establish such branches must still be filed with the appropriate primary federal regulator.

Transactions with Affiliates. FII, FSB, Five Star REIT, Inc. and SDN are affiliates within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act. The Federal Reserve Act imposes limitations on a bank with respect to extensions of credit to, investments in, and certain other transactions with, its parent bank holding company and the holding company’s other subsidiaries. Furthermore, bank loans and extensions of credit to affiliates also are subject to various collateral requirements.

Various governmental requirements, including Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and the FRB’s Regulation W, limit borrowings by FII and its nonbank subsidiary from FSB, and also limit various other transactions between FII and its nonbank subsidiary, on the one hand, and FSB, on the other. For example, Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act limits the aggregate outstanding amount of any insured depository institution’s loans and other “covered transactions” with any particular nonbank affiliate to no more than 10% of the institution’s total capital and limits the aggregate outstanding amount of any insured depository institution’s covered transactions with all of its nonbank affiliates to no more than 20% of its total capital. “Covered transactions” are defined by statute to include a loan or extension of credit, as well as a purchase of securities issued by an affiliate, a purchase of assets (unless otherwise exempted by the FRB) from the affiliate, the acceptance of securities issued by the affiliate as collateral for a loan, and the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate. Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act also generally requires that an insured depository institution’s loans to its nonbank affiliates be, at a minimum, 100% secured, and Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act generally requires that an insured depository institution’s transactions with its nonbank affiliates be on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same or at least as favorable as those prevailing for comparable transactions with non-affiliates. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly expanded the coverage and scope of the limitations on affiliate transactions within a banking organization. For example, commencing in July 2012, the Dodd-Frank Act applies the 10% of capital limit on covered transactions to financial subsidiaries and amends the definition of “covered transaction” to include (i) securities borrowing or lending transactions with an affiliate, and (ii) all derivatives transactions with an affiliate, to the extent that either causes a bank or its affiliate to have credit exposure to the securities borrowing/lending or derivative counterparty.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes, under authority of various laws, including designated foreign countries, nationals and others. OFAC publishes lists of specially designated targets and countries. The Company is responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of, and transactions with, such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required.

Insurance Regulation. SDN is required to be licensed or receive regulatory approval in nearly every state in which it does business. In addition, most jurisdictions require individuals who engage in brokerage and certain other insurance service activities to be personally licensed. These licensing laws and regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In most jurisdictions, licensing laws and regulations generally grant broad discretion to supervisory authorities to adopt and amend regulations and to supervise regulated activities.

Incentive Compensation. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies and the SEC to establish joint regulations or guidelines prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities, such as the Company and the Bank, having at least $1 billion in total assets that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits or that could lead to material financial loss to the entity. In addition, these regulators must establish regulations or guidelines requiring enhanced disclosure to regulators of incentive-based compensation arrangements. Officials from the Federal Reserve have recently indicated that they are preparing a new rule on incentive compensation.

In June 2010, the Federal Reserve Board, OCC and FDIC issued a comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors. These three principles are incorporated into the proposed joint compensation regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act, discussed above.

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The Federal Reserve Board will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews will be tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 implemented a broad range of corporate governance, accounting and reporting measures for companies that have securities registered under the Exchange Act, including publicly-held bank holding companies such as FII. Specifically, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the various regulations promulgated thereunder, established, among other things: (i) requirements for audit committees, including independence, expertise, and responsibilities; (ii) responsibilities regarding financial statements for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the reporting company; (iii) the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of the reporting company’s securities by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in the twelve-month period following the initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; (iv) the creation of an independent accounting oversight board; (v) standards for auditors and regulation of audits, including independence provisions that restrict non-audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients; (vi) disclosure and reporting obligations for the reporting company and their directors and executive officers, including accelerated reporting of stock transactions and a prohibition on trading during pension blackout periods; (vii) a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured financial institutions on non-preferential terms and in compliance with other bank regulatory requirements; and (viii) a range of civil and criminal penalties for fraud and other violations of the securities laws.

Other Future Legislation and Changes in Regulations. In addition to the specific proposals described above, from time to time, various legislative and regulatory initiatives are introduced in Congress and state legislatures, as well as by regulatory agencies. Such initiatives may include proposals to expand or contract the powers of bank holding companies and depository institutions or proposals to substantially change the financial institution regulatory system. Such legislation could change banking statutes our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, such legislation could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted, and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any implementing regulations, would have on our financial condition or results of operations. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to us or our subsidiaries could have a material effect on our business.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

Our financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires us to measure financial position and operating results principally using historic dollars. Changes in the relative value of money due to inflation or recession are generally not considered. The primary effect of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. We believe changes in interest rates affect the financial condition of a financial institution to a far greater degree than changes in the inflation rate. While interest rates are generally influenced by changes in the inflation rate, they do not necessarily change at the same rate or in the same magnitude. Interest rates are sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including changes in the expected rate of inflation, general and local economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government, its agencies and various other governmental regulatory authorities.

Regulatory and Economic Policies

Our business and earnings are affected by general and local economic conditions and by the monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, its agencies and various other governmental regulatory authorities. The FRB regulates the supply of money in order to influence general economic conditions. Among the instruments of monetary policy available to the FRB are (i) conducting open market operations in U.S. government obligations, (ii) changing the discount rate on financial institution borrowings, (iii) imposing or changing reserve requirements against financial institution deposits, and (iv) restricting certain borrowings and imposing or changing reserve requirements against certain borrowings by financial institutions and their affiliates. These methods are used in varying degrees and combinations to directly affect the availability of bank loans and deposits, as well as the interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. For that reason, the policies of the FRB could have a material effect on our earnings.

EMPLOYEES

At December 31, 2014, we had 645 employees, none of whom are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Management believes our relations with employees are good.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth current information regarding our executive officers and certain other significant employees (ages are as of May 6, 2015, the date of the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).


Name	Age	Started In	Positions/Offices
Martin K. Birmingham	48	2005	President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2013. Previously, President and Chief of Community Banking of FII and the Bank from August 2012 to March 2013. Executive Vice President and Regional President/ Commercial Banking Executive Officer of the Bank from 2009 to 2012. Senior Vice President and Regional President/ Commercial Banking Executive Officer of the Bank from 2005 to 2009. Senior Vice President and Regional President of the Bank from 2005 to 2009. Prior to joining us, Mr. Birmingham served as Senior Team Leader and Regional President of the Rochester Market at Bank of America (formally Fleet Boston Financial) from 2000 to 2005.

Paula D. Dolan	61	2013	Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources and Enterprise Planning since December 2014. Ms. Dolan joined the Company in September 2013 as Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources. Before joining the Company, Ms. Dolan worked at Hillside Family of Agencies (“Hillside”), starting as a consultant in 2010, and most recently as Hillside’s Manager of Compensation and Human Resource Information Systems until September 2013. Previously, she was a Senior Human Resources Consultant with First Niagara Consulting/Burke Group from 2007 to 2010. Prior to working at First Niagara, Ms. Dolan held human resources positions at Unity Health Systems, HR Works, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester Community Savings Bank and Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation.

Sonia M. Dumbleton	53	1984	Senior Vice President, Controller and Corporate Secretary of FII and the Bank since May 2013. Senior Vice President and Controller of the Bank since 2006. Vice President and Controller of FII from 2001 to 2006.

Michael D. Grover	43	1999	Senior Vice President of Financial Reporting and Tax and Chief Accounting Officer of FII and the Bank since April 2013. Senior Vice President of Financial Reporting and Tax of the Bank since 2008.

Richard J. Harrison	69	2003	Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FII and the Bank since August 2012. Executive Vice President and Senior Retail Lending Administrator of the Bank since 2009. Senior Vice President and Senior Retail Lending Administrator of the Bank and its predecessor, National Bank of Geneva, from 2003 to 2009. Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes from 2001 to 2003. Director of Transcat, Inc., a publicly traded distributer and calibrator of hand held test and measurement equipment since 2004.

Jeffrey P. Kenefick	48	2006	Executive Vice President and Commercial Banking Executive of FII and the Bank since May 2013. Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Executive and Regional President of the Bank from February 2006 until May 2013.

Kevin B. Klotzbach	62	2001	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FII and the Bank since April 2013. Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the Bank since 2005. Vice President and Treasurer of FII from 2001 to 2005. Prior to joining us, Mr. Klotzbach actively managed fixed income portfolios at several other financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch Asset Management and Empire of America.

William L. Kreienberg	57	2014	Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer of the Company and the Bank since January 2015. He joined our Company as General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer in December 2014. Mr. Kreienberg has practiced law since 1984 and served as a Partner at the law firm of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, from April 1996 until December 2014.

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ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent to our business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes could affect us are described below. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference herein. This Annual Report on Form 10-K is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.

If any of the following risks actually occur, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our common stock could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

If we experience greater credit losses than anticipated, earnings may be adversely impacted.

As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that customers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans may not be sufficient to assure repayment. Credit losses are inherent in the business of making loans and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral, and we provide an allowance for estimated loan losses based on a number of factors. We believe that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. However, if our assumptions or judgments are wrong, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover the actual credit losses. We may have to increase the allowance in the future in response to the request of one of our primary banking regulators, to adjust for changing conditions and assumptions, or as a result of any deterioration in the quality of our loan portfolio. The actual amount of future provisions for credit losses may vary from the amount of past provisions.

Our tax strategies and the value of our deferred tax assets could adversely affect our operating results and regulatory capital ratios.

Our tax strategies are dependent upon our ability to generate taxable income in future periods. Our tax strategies will be less effective in the event we fail to generate taxable income. Our deferred tax assets are subject to an evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized for financial statement purposes. In making this determination, we consider all positive and negative evidence available including the impact of recent operating results as well as potential carryback of tax to prior years’ taxable income, reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and projected earnings within the statutory tax loss carryover period. If we were to conclude that a significant portion of our deferred tax assets were not more likely than not to be realized, the required valuation allowance could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and regulatory capital ratios. In addition, the value of our deferred tax assets could be adversely affected by a change in statutory tax rates.

Geographic concentration may unfavorably impact our operations.

Substantially all of our business and operations are concentrated in the Western and Central New York region. As a result of this geographic concentration, our results depend largely on economic conditions in these and surrounding areas. Deterioration in economic conditions in our market could:

—

increase loan delinquencies;

—

increase problem assets and foreclosures;

—

increase claims and lawsuits;

—

decrease the demand for our products and services; and

—

decrease the value of collateral for loans, especially real estate, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, the value of assets associated with non-performing loans and collateral coverage.

Generally, we make loans to small to mid-sized businesses whose success depends on the regional economy. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. Adverse economic and business conditions in our market areas could reduce our growth rate, affect our borrowers’ ability to repay their loans and, consequently, adversely affect our business, financial condition and performance. For example, we place substantial reliance on real estate as collateral for our loan portfolio. A sharp downturn in real estate values in our market area could leave many of these loans inadequately collateralized. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, the impact on our results of operations could be materially adverse.

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We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about or from customers and counterparties.

In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions, we may rely on information furnished by or on behalf of customers and counterparties, including financial statements, credit reports, and other financial information. We may also rely on representations of those customers, counterparties, or other third parties, such as independent auditors, as to the accuracy and completeness of that information. Reliance on inaccurate or misleading financial statements, credit reports, or other financial information could cause us to enter into unfavorable transactions, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our insurance brokerage subsidiary, SDN, is subject to risk related to the insurance industry.

SDN derives the bulk of its revenue from commissions and fees earned from brokerage services. SDN does not determine the insurance premiums on which its commissions are based. Insurance premiums are cyclical in nature and may vary widely based on market conditions. As a result, insurance brokerage revenues and profitability can be volatile. As insurance companies outsource the production of premium revenue to non-affiliated brokers or agents such as SDN, those insurance companies may seek to further minimize their expenses by reducing the commission rates payable to insurance agents or brokers, which could adversely affect SDN’s revenues. In addition, there have been and may continue to be various trends in the insurance industry toward alternative insurance markets including, among other things, increased use of self-insurance, captives, and risk retention groups. While SDN has been able to participate in certain of these activities and earn fees for such services, there can be no assurance that we will realize revenues and profitability as favorable as those realized from our traditional brokerage activities.

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with our lending activities.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. There is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on properties we have foreclosed upon. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage regardless of whether we knew, had reason to know of, or caused the release of such substance. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our indirect lending involves risk elements in addition to normal credit risk.

A portion of our current lending involves the purchase of consumer automobile installment sales contracts from automobile dealers located in Western, Central and the Capital District of New York, and Northern Pennsylvania. These loans are for the purchase of new or used automobiles. We serve customers that cover a range of creditworthiness, and the required terms and rates are reflective of those risk profiles. While these loans have higher yields than many of our other loans, such loans involve risks elements in addition to normal credit risk. Additional risk elements associated with indirect lending include the limited personal contact with the borrower as a result of indirect lending through non-bank channels, namely automobile dealers. While indirect automobile loans are secured, such loans are secured by depreciating assets and characterized by LTV ratios that could result in us not recovering the full value of an outstanding loan upon default by the borrower.

We are highly regulated and may be adversely affected by changes in banking laws, regulations and regulatory practices.

We are subject to extensive supervision, regulation and examination. This regulatory structure gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies to address not only compliance with applicable laws and regulations (including laws and regulations governing consumer credit, and anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws), but also capital adequacy, asset quality and risk, management ability and performance, earnings, liquidity, and various other factors. As part of this regulatory structure, we are subject to policies and other guidance developed by the regulatory agencies with respect to capital levels, the timing and amount of dividend payments, the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Under this structure the regulatory agencies have broad discretion to impose restrictions and limitations on our operations if they determine, among other things, that our operations are unsafe or unsound, fail to comply with applicable law or are otherwise inconsistent with laws and regulations or with the supervisory policies of these agencies.

This supervisory framework could materially impact the conduct, growth and profitability of our operations. Any failure on our part to comply with current laws, regulations, other regulatory requirements or safe and sound banking practices or concerns about our financial condition, or any related regulatory sanctions or adverse actions against us, could increase our costs or restrict our ability to expand our business and result in damage to our reputation.

The significant federal and state banking regulations that affect us are described in the section captioned “Supervision and Regulation” included in Part I, Item 1, “Business”.

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New or changing tax and accounting rules and interpretations could significantly impact our strategic initiatives, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we are required to use certain assumptions and estimates in preparing our financial statements, including in determining credit loss reserves and reserves related to litigation, among other items. Certain of our financial instruments, including available-for-sale securities and certain loans, among other items, require a determination of their fair value in order to prepare our financial statements. Where quoted market prices are not available, we may make fair value determinations based on internally developed models or other means which ultimately rely to some degree on management judgment. Some of these and other assets and liabilities may have no direct observable price levels, making their valuation particularly subjective, as they are based on significant estimation and judgment. In addition, sudden illiquidity in markets or declines in prices of certain loans and securities may make it more difficult to value certain balance sheet items, which may lead to the possibility that such valuations will be subject to further change or adjustment. If assumptions or estimates underlying our financial statements are incorrect, we may experience material losses. These risks, along with the currently existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance, and monetary laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance, and govern financial reporting and disclosures. These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time.

Legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters could adversely affect us and banking industry in general.

We have been, and may in the future be, subject to various legal and regulatory proceedings. It is inherently difficult to assess the outcome of these matters, and there can be no assurance that we will prevail in any proceeding or litigation. Any such matter could result in substantial cost and diversion of our efforts, which by itself could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Further, adverse determinations in such matters could result in actions by our regulators that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We establish reserves for legal claims when payments associated with the claims become probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. We may still incur legal costs for a matter even if it has not established a reserve. In addition, due to the inherent subjectivity of the assessments and unpredictability of the outcome of legal proceedings, the actual cost of resolving a legal claim may be substantially higher than any amounts reserved for that matter. The ultimate resolution of a pending legal proceeding, depending on the remedy sought and granted, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

A breach in security of our or third party information systems, including the occurrence of a cyber incident or a deficiency in cybersecurity, may result in a loss of customer business or damage to our brand image.

We rely heavily on communications, information systems (both internal and provided by third parties) and the internet to conduct our business. Our business is dependent on our ability to process and monitor large numbers of daily transactions in compliance with legal, regulatory and internal standards and specifications. In addition, a significant portion of our operations relies heavily on the secure processing, storage and transmission of personal and confidential information, such as the personal information of our customers and clients. These risks may increase in the future as we continue to increase mobile payments and other internet-based product offerings and expand our internal usage of web-based products and applications.

In addition, several U.S. financial institutions have recently experienced significant distributed denial-of-service attacks, some of which involved sophisticated and targeted attacks intended to disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems. Other potential attacks have attempted to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information or destroy data, often through the introduction of computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks and other means. To date, none of these type of attacks have had a material effect on our business or operations. Such security attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources, including persons who are involved with organized crime or who may be linked to terrorist organizations or hostile foreign governments. Those same parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees, customers or other users of our systems to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or that of our customers or clients. We are also subject to the risk that our employees may intercept and transmit unauthorized confidential or proprietary information. An interception, misuse or mishandling of personal, confidential or proprietary information being sent to or received from a customer or third party could result in legal liability, remediation costs, regulatory action and reputational harm.

We need to stay current on technological changes in order to compete and meet customer demands.

The financial services market, including banking services, is undergoing rapid changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and may enable us to reduce costs. Our future success may depend, in part, on our ability to use technology to provide products and services that provide convenience to customers and to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Some of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements than we currently have. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. As a result, our ability to effectively compete to retain or acquire new business may be impaired, and our business, financial condition or results of operations, may be adversely affected.

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We rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure.

Third party vendors provide key components of our business infrastructure such as internet connections, network access and core application processing. While we have selected these third party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including as a result of them not providing us their services for any reason or them performing their services poorly, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers or otherwise conduct our business efficiently and effectively. Replacing these third party vendors could also entail significant delay and expense.

Third parties perform significant operational services on our behalf. These third-party vendors are subject to similar risks as us relating to cybersecurity, breakdowns or failures of their own systems or employees. One or more of our vendors may experience a cybersecurity event or operational disruption and, if any such event does occur, it may not be adequately addressed, either operationally or financially, by the third-party vendor. Certain of our vendors may have limited indemnification obligations or may not have the financial capacity to satisfy their indemnification obligations. Financial or operational difficulties of a vendor could also impair our operations if those difficulties interfere with the vendor’s ability to serve us. If a critical vendor is unable to meet our needs in a timely manner or if the services or products provided by such a vendor are terminated or otherwise delayed and if we are not able to develop alternative sources for these services and products quickly and cost-effectively, it could have a material adverse effect on our business. Federal banking regulators recently issued regulatory guidance on how banks select, engage and manage their outside vendors. These regulations may affect the circumstances and conditions under which we work with third parties and the cost of managing such relationships.

We use financial models for business planning purposes that may not adequately predict future results.

We use financial models to aid in planning for various purposes including our capital and liquidity needs, interest rate risk, potential charge- offs, reserves, and other purposes. The models used may not accurately account for all variables that could affect future results, may fail to predict outcomes accurately and/or may overstate or understate certain effects. As a result of these potential failures, we may not adequately prepare for future events and may suffer losses or other setbacks due to these failures.

We may not be able to attract and retain skilled people.

Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to attract and retain skilled people. Competition for highly talented people can be intense, and we may not be able to hire sufficiently skilled people or to retain them. Further, the rural location of our principal executive offices and many of our bank branches make it challenging for us to attract skilled people to such locations. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel could have a material adverse impact on our business because of their skills, knowledge of our markets, years of industry experience, and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.

Acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute shareholder value.

We intend to continue to pursue a growth strategy for our business by expanding our branch network into communities within or adjacent to markets where we currently conduct business. As a result, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt, or equity securities may occur at any time. We seek merger or acquisition partners that are culturally similar, have experienced management, and possess either significant market presence or have potential for improved profitability through financial management, economies of scale, or expanded services.

Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches involves potential adverse impact to our financial results and various other risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things:

—

difficulty in estimating the value of the target company;

—

payment of a premium over book and market values that may dilute our tangible book value and earnings per share in the short and long term;

—

potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company;

—

exposure to potential asset quality issues of the target company;

—

volatility in reported income as goodwill impairment losses could occur irregularly and in varying amounts;

—

challenge and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the target company;

—

inability to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and / or other projected benefits;

—

potential disruption to our business;

—

potential diversion of our management’s time and attention;

—

the possible loss of key employees and customers of the target company; and

—

potential changes in banking or tax laws or regulations that may affect the target company.

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We are subject to interest rate risk.

Our earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon our net interest income. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and investments and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits; (ii) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities; and (iii) the average duration of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio and other interest-earning assets. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, our net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings.

Any substantial, unexpected or prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Also, our interest rate risk modeling techniques and assumptions likely may not fully predict or capture the impact of actual interest rate changes on our balance sheet.

Our business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.

Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer, is highly dependent on the business environment in the markets where we operate, in the State of New York and in the United States as a whole. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors, economic growth, efficient capital markets, low inflation, low unemployment, high business and investor confidence, and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; high unemployment, natural disasters; or a combination of these or other factors.

Our earnings are significantly affected by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies.

The policies of the Federal Reserve impact us significantly. The Federal Reserve regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States. Its policies directly and indirectly influence the rate of interest earned on loans and paid on borrowings and interest-bearing deposits and can also affect the value of financial instruments we hold. Those policies determine to a significant extent our cost of funds for lending and investing. Changes in those policies are beyond our control and are difficult to predict. Federal Reserve policies can also affect our borrowers, potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to repay their loans. For example, a tightening of the money supply by the Federal Reserve could reduce the demand for a borrower’s products and services. This could adversely affect the borrower’s earnings and ability to repay its loan, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due us. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may be required to recognize an impairment of goodwill.

Under current accounting standards, goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Significant and sustained declines in our stock price and market capitalization, significant declines in our expected future cash flows, significant adverse changes in the business climate or slower growth rates could result in impairment of goodwill. During 2014, the annual impairment test performed as of September 30 indicated that the fair value of our two reporting units exceeded the fair value of its assets and liabilities. In the event that we conclude that all or a portion of our goodwill may be impaired, a non-cash charge for the amount of such impairment would be recorded to earnings, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition. Such a charge would have no impact on tangible capital. At December 31, 2014, we had goodwill of $61.2 million, representing approximately 22% of shareholders’ equity. For further discussion, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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We operate in a highly competitive industry and market area.

We face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national, regional and internet banks within the various markets in which we operate. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting), and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.

Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things:

—

the ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards and safe, sound assets;

—

the ability to expand our market position;

—

the scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands;

—

the rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors;

—

customer satisfaction with our level of service; and

—

industry and general economic trends.

Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events could significantly impact our business.

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on our ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue, and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. The occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Liquidity is essential to our businesses.

Our liquidity could be impaired by an inability to access the capital markets or unforeseen outflows of cash. Reduced liquidity may arise due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as a general market disruption or an operational problem that affects third parties or us. Our efforts to monitor and manage liquidity risk may not be successful or sufficient to deal with dramatic or unanticipated reductions in our liquidity. In such events, our cost of funds may increase, thereby reducing our net interest income, or we may need to sell a portion of our investment and/or loan portfolio, which, depending upon market conditions, could result in us realizing a loss.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future and such capital may not be available on acceptable terms or at all.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on our financial performance and, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time which is outside of our control.

In addition, we are highly regulated, and our regulators could require us to raise additional common equity in the future. We and our regulators perform a variety of analyses of our assets, including the preparation of stress case scenarios, and as a result of those assessments we could determine, or our regulators could require us, to raise additional capital.

We cannot assure that such capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decline in the confidence of debt purchasers, depositors of the Bank or counterparties participating in the capital markets, or a downgrade of our debt rating, may adversely affect our capital costs and ability to raise capital and, in turn, our liquidity. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

- 23 -

We rely on dividends from our subsidiaries for most of our revenue.

We are a separate and distinct legal entity from our subsidiaries. A substantial portion of our revenue comes from dividends from our Bank subsidiary. These dividends are the principal source of funds we use to pay dividends on our common and preferred stock, and to pay interest and principal on our debt. Federal and/or state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that our Bank subsidiary may pay to us. Also, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. In the event our Bank subsidiary is unable to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to service debt, pay obligations, or pay dividends on our common and preferred stock. The inability to receive dividends from our Bank subsidiary could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We may not pay or may reduce the dividends on our common stock.

Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and may reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future. This could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by entering into debt or debt-like financing that is unsecured or secured by all or up to all of our assets, or by issuing additional debt or equity securities, which could include issuances of secured or unsecured commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior notes, subordinated notes, preferred stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities. In the event of our liquidation, our lenders and holders of our debt and preferred securities would receive a distribution of our available assets before distributions to the holders of our common stock. Because our decision to incur debt and issue securities in our future offerings will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings and debt financings. Further, market conditions could require us to accept less favorable terms for the issuance of our securities in the future. We may also issue additional shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock that could dilute our current shareholders and effect the value of our common stock.

The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors.

Our quarterly and annual operating results have varied in the past and could vary significantly in the future, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future operating results. Our operating results may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including the changing U.S. economic environment and changes in the commercial and residential real estate market, any of which may cause our stock price to fluctuate. If our operating results fall below the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the price of our common stock could decline substantially. Our stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors including, among other things:

—

volatility of stock market prices and volumes in general;

—

changes in market valuations of similar companies;

—

changes in conditions in credit markets;

—

changes in accounting policies or procedures as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, or other regulatory agencies;

—

legislative and regulatory actions (including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations) subjecting us to additional regulatory oversight which may result in increased compliance costs and/or require us to change our business model;

—

government intervention in the U.S. financial system and the effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board;

—

additions or departures of key members of management;

—

fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results; and

—

changes in analysts’ estimates of our financial performance.

Our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, and certain banking laws may have an anti-takeover effect.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, and federal and state banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial to our shareholders. The combination of these provisions may discourage others from initiating a potential merger, takeover or other change of control transaction, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

- 24 -

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

We own a 27,400 square foot building in Warsaw, New York that serves as our headquarters, and principal executive and administrative offices. Additionally, we are obligated under a lease commitment through April 2017 for a 22,200 square foot regional administrative facility in Pittsford, New York.

We are engaged in the banking business through 49 branch offices, of which 34 are owned and 15 are leased, in fifteen contiguous counties of Western and Central New York: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Steuben, Wyoming and Yates Counties. The operating leases for our branch offices expire at various dates through the year 2036 and generally include options to renew.

SDN operates from a leased 14,400 square foot office located in Williamsville, New York. The lease for such space, which is used by SDN and several of our Bank’s commercial lenders, extends through September 2021. SDN also leases one retail location.

We believe that our properties have been adequately maintained, are in good operating condition and are suitable for our business as presently conducted, including meeting the prescribed security requirements. For additional information, see Note 6, Premises and Equipment, Net, and Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, in the accompanying financial statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time we are a party to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings arising out of the normal course of business. Management does not believe that there is any pending or threatened proceeding against us, which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

- 25 -

PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “FISI.” At February 27, 2015, 14,166,792 shares of our common stock were outstanding and held by approximately 4,100 shareholders of record. During 2014, the high sales price of our common stock was $27.02 and the low sales price was $19.72. The closing price per share of our common stock on December 31, 2014, the last trading day of our fiscal year, was $25.15. We declared dividends of $0.77 per common share during the year ended December 31, 2014. See additional information regarding the market price and dividends paid in Part II, Item 6, “Selected Financial Data”.

We have paid regular quarterly cash dividends on our common stock and our Board of Directors presently intends to continue this practice, subject to our results of operations and the need for those funds for debt service and other purposes. See the discussions in the section captioned “Supervision and Regulation” included in Part I, Item 1, “Business”, in the section captioned “Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Part II, Item 7, in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in Note 11, Regulatory Matters, in the accompanying financial statements included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, all of which are included elsewhere in this report and incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Stock Performance Graph

The stock performance graph below compares (a) the cumulative total return on our common stock for the period beginning December 31, 2009 as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, through December 31, 2014, (b) the cumulative total return on stocks included in the NASDAQ Composite Index over the same period, and (c) the cumulative total return, as compiled by SNL Financial L.C., of Major Exchange (NYSE, NYSE MKT and NASDAQ) Banks with $1 billion to $5 billion in assets over the same period. Cumulative return assumes the reinvestment of dividends. The graph was prepared by SNL Financial, LC and is expressed in dollars based on an assumed investment of $100.

LOGO


	Period Ending
Index	12/31/09		12/31/10		12/31/11		12/31/12		12/31/13		12/31/14
Financial Institutions, Inc.		100.00		164.92		144.50		172.43		237.13		249.39
NASDAQ Composite		100.00		118.15		117.22		138.02		193.47		222.16
SNL Bank $1B-$5B Index		100.00		113.35		103.38		127.47		185.36		193.81

- 26 -

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


*(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)*	At or for the year ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012			2011			2010
Selected financial condition data:
Total assets	$	3,089,521		$	2,928,636		$	2,763,865		$	2,336,353		$	2,214,307
Loans, net		1,884,365			1,806,883			1,681,012			1,461,516			1,325,524
Investment securities		916,932			859,185			841,701			650,815			694,530
Deposits		2,450,527			2,320,056			2,261,794			1,931,599			1,882,890
Borrowings		334,804			337,042			179,806			150,698			103,877
Shareholders’ equity		279,532			254,839			253,897			237,194			212,144
Common shareholders’ equity ⁽¹⁾		262,192			237,497			236,426			219,721			158,359
Tangible common shareholders’ equity ⁽²⁾		193,553			187,495			186,037			182,352			120,990


Selected operations data:
Interest income	$	101,055		$	98,931		$	97,567		$	95,118		$	96,509
Interest expense		7,281			7,337			9,051			13,255			17,720

Net interest income		93,774			91,594			88,516			81,863			78,789
Provision for loan losses		7,789			9,079			7,128			7,780			6,687

Net interest income after provision for loan losses		85,985			82,515			81,388			74,083			72,102
Noninterest income		25,350			24,833			24,777			23,925			19,454
Noninterest expense		72,355			69,441			71,397			63,794			60,917

Income before income taxes		38,980			37,907			34,768			34,214			30,639
Income tax expense		9,625			12,377			11,319			11,415			9,352

Net income	$	29,355		$	25,530		$	23,449		$	22,799		$	21,287

Preferred stock dividends and accretion		1,462			1,466			1,474			3,182			3,725

Net income applicable to common shareholders	$	27,893		$	24,064		$	21,975		$	19,617		$	17,562



Stock and related per share data:
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	2.01		$	1.75		$	1.60		$	1.50		$	1.62
Diluted		2.00			1.75			1.60			1.49			1.61
Cash dividends declared on common stock		0.77			0.74			0.57			0.47			0.40
Common book value per share⁽¹⁾		18.57			17.17			17.15			15.92			14.48
Tangible common book value per share ⁽²⁾		13.71			13.56			13.49			13.21			11.06
Market price (NASDAQ: FISI):
High		27.02			26.59			19.52			20.36			20.74
Low		19.72			17.92			15.22			12.18			10.91
Close		25.15			24.71			18.63			16.14			18.97


Performance ratios:
Net income, returns on:
Average assets		0.98	%		0.91	%		0.93	%		1.00	%		0.98	%
Average equity		10.80			10.10			9.46			9.82			10.07
Average common equity ⁽¹⁾		10.96			10.23			9.53			9.47			11.14
Average tangible common equity ⁽²⁾		14.12			13.00			11.74			11.55			14.59
Common dividend payout ratio ⁽³⁾		38.31			42.29			35.63			31.33			24.69
Net interest margin (fully tax-equivalent)		3.50			3.64			3.95			4.04			4.07
Efficiency ratio ⁽⁴⁾		58.59	%		58.48	%		62.87	%		60.55	%		60.36	%

⁽¹⁾	Excludes preferred shareholders’ equity.

⁽²⁾	Excludes preferred shareholders’ equity, goodwill and other intangible assets.

⁽³⁾	Common dividend payout ratio equals dividends declared during the year divided by earnings per share for the year.

⁽⁴⁾

Efficiency ratio equals noninterest expense less other real estate expense and amortization of intangible assets as a percentage of net revenue, defined as the sum of tax-equivalent net interest income and noninterest income before net gains and impairment charges on investment securities and amortization of tax credit investments.

- 27 -


*(Dollars in thousands)*	At or for the year ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012			2011			2010
Capital ratios:
Leverage ratio		7.35	%		7.63	%		7.71	%		8.63	%		8.31	%
Tier 1 capital ratio		10.47			10.82			10.73			12.20			12.34
Total risk-based capital ratio		11.72			12.08			11.98			13.45			13.60
Equity to assets ⁽³⁾		9.08			9.01			9.84			10.20			9.75
Common equity to assets ^{(1) (3)}		8.50			8.39			9.15			9.10			7.28
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ^{(2) (3)}		6.72	%		6.72	%		7.56	%		7.58	%		5.65	%


Asset quality:
Non-performing loans	$	10,153		$	16,622		$	9,125		$	7,076		$	7,582
Non-performing assets		10,347			17,083			10,062			9,187			8,895
Allowance for loan losses		27,637			26,736			24,714			23,260			20,466
Net loan charge-offs	$	6,888		$	7,057		$	5,674		$	4,986		$	6,962
Non-performing loans to total loans		0.53	%		0.91	%		0.53	%		0.48	%		0.56	%
Non-performing assets to total assets		0.33			0.58			0.36			0.39			0.40
Net charge-offs to average loans		0.37			0.40			0.36			0.36			0.54
Allowance for loan losses to total loans		1.45			1.46			1.45			1.57			1.52
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans		272	%		161	%		271	%		329	%		270	%


Other data:
Number of branches		49			50			52			50			50
Full time equivalent employees		622			608			628			575			577

⁽¹⁾	Excludes preferred shareholders’ equity.

⁽²⁾	Excludes preferred shareholders’ equity, goodwill and other intangible assets.

⁽³⁾	Ratios calculated using average balances for the periods shown.

- 28 -

SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA


*(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)*	Fourth		Third		Second		First
	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
2014
Interest income	$	25,984		25,129		24,883		25,059
Interest expense		1,846		1,871		1,780		1,784

Net interest income		24,138		23,258		23,103		23,275
Provision for loan losses		1,910		2,015		1,758		2,106

Net interest income, after provision for loan losses		22,228		21,243		21,345		21,169
Noninterest income		5,155		7,261		6,577		6,357
Noninterest expense		19,379		17,955		17,808		17,213

Income before income taxes		8,004		10,549		10,114		10,313
Income tax expense		84		3,365		3,082		3,094

Net income	$	7,920		7,184		7,032		7,219

Preferred stock dividends		365		366		365		366

Net income applicable to common shareholders	$	7,555		6,818		6,667		6,853



Earnings per common share ⁽¹⁾:
Basic	$	0.54		0.49		0.48		0.50
Diluted		0.54		0.49		0.48		0.50
Market price (NASDAQ: FISI):
High	$	27.02		24.94		24.88		25.69
Low		22.45		21.71		22.17		19.72
Close		25.15		22.48		23.42		23.02
Dividends declared	$	0.20		0.19		0.19		0.19


2013
Interest income	$	25,218		24,623		24,342		24,748
Interest expense		1,838		1,820		1,818		1,861

Net interest income		23,380		22,803		22,524		22,887
Provision for loan losses		2,407		2,770		1,193		2,709

Net interest income, after provision for loan losses		20,973		20,033		21,331		20,178
Noninterest income		5,735		6,169		6,376		6,553
Noninterest expense		17,386		17,009		17,462		17,584

Income before income taxes		9,322		9,193		10,245		9,147
Income tax expense		2,955		3,029		3,395		2,998

Net income	$	6,367		6,164		6,850		6,149

Preferred stock dividends		366		365		367		368

Net income applicable to common shareholders	$	6,001		5,799		6,483		5,781



Earnings per common share ⁽¹⁾:
Basic	$	0.44		0.42		0.47		0.42
Diluted		0.43		0.42		0.47		0.42
Market price (NASDAQ: FISI):
High	$	26.59		21.99		20.66		20.83
Low		20.14		18.39		17.92		18.51
Close		24.71		20.46		18.41		19.96
Dividends declared	$	0.19		0.19		0.18		0.18

⁽¹⁾	Earnings per share data is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per common share amounts may not equal the total for the year.

- 29 -

2014 FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

Net income was $7.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with $6.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2013. After preferred dividends, net income available to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $7.6 million or $0.54 per diluted share, compared to $6.0 million or $0.43 per share in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Net interest income was $24.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $23.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The $758 thousand increase was primarily related to an increase in average interest-earning assets of $128.7 million, driven by organic loan growth during 2014. The increase was partially offset by a lower net interest margin, which decreased 5 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2013 to the fourth quarter of 2014.

The provision for loan losses was $1.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with $2.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2013. Net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2014 were $1.5 million, or 0.32% annualized, of average loans, compared to $2.4 million, or 0.52% annualized, of average loans in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Noninterest income was $5.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The decrease was driven primarily by $2.3 million of amortization of a historic tax investment in a community-based project that was recorded in the 2014 fourth quarter. These types of investments are amortized in the first year the project is placed in service and the Company has recognized the amortization as contra-income, included in noninterest income, with an offsetting tax benefit that reduced income tax expense.

Noninterest expense was $19.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $17.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The $2.0 million increase in expense was primarily related to the higher salaries and employee benefits expense attributable to the SDN acquisition and higher professional service fees.

Income tax expense was $84 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $3.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The difference was driven by the favorable impact of $3.0 million in Federal and New York State historic tax credits realized in the fourth quarter 2014, as discussed above. As a result of the historic tax credits, the 2014 fourth quarter effective tax rate was 1.0%, compared with an effective tax rate of 31.7% in the 2013 fourth quarter.

- 30 -

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial position and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risks Factors”, and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

INTRODUCTION

Financial Institutions, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in New York State. We offer a broad array of deposit, lending, insurance services and other financial services to individuals, municipalities and businesses in Western and Central New York through our wholly-owned New York chartered banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank. Our indirect lending network includes relationships with franchised automobile dealers in Western and Central New York, the Capital District of New York and Northern Pennsylvania. We also offer insurance services through our wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, Scott Danahy Naylon, LLC (“SDN”), a full service insurance agency.

Our primary sources of revenue are net interest income (interest earned on our loans and securities, net of interest paid on deposits and other funding sources) and noninterest income, particularly fees and other revenue from insurance and financial services provided to customers or ancillary services tied to loans and deposits. Business volumes and pricing drive revenue potential, and tend to be influenced by overall economic factors, including market interest rates, business spending, consumer confidence, economic growth, and competitive conditions within the marketplace. We are not able to predict market interest rate fluctuations with certainty and our asset/liability management strategy may not prevent interest rate changes from having a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Industry Overview

The financial crisis that began in 2007 was the most intense period of global financial strains since the Great Depression, and it led to a deep and prolonged global economic downturn. The Federal Reserve took extraordinary actions in response to the financial crisis to help stabilize the U.S. economy and financial system. These actions included reducing the level of short-term interest rates to near zero. In addition, to reduce longer-term interest rates and thus provide further support for the U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve purchased large quantities of longer-term Treasury securities and longer-term securities issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored agencies such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Low interest rates help households and businesses finance new spending and help support the prices of many other assets, such as stocks and houses.

By law, the Federal Reserve establishes monetary policy to achieve maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates. Information indicates that economic activity is expanding at a moderate pace. Labor market conditions have improved and a range of labor market indicators suggests that underutilization of labor resources is gradually diminishing. At the same time, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) determined that the likelihood of inflation running persistently below 2% has diminished somewhat since early in 2014 and survey-based measures of longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable.

To support continued progress toward maximum employment and price stability, the FOMC reaffirmed in its October 2014 statement its view that the current zero to 0.25% target range for the federal funds rate remains appropriate. In determining how long to maintain this target range, the FOMC assesses progress—both realized and expected—toward its objectives of maximum employment and 2% inflation. This assessment takes into account a wide range of information, including measures of labor market conditions, indicators of inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and readings on financial developments. The FOMC anticipates, based on its current assessment, that it likely will be appropriate to maintain the zero to 0.25% target range for the federal funds rate for a considerable time following the end of its asset purchase program in October 2014, especially if projected inflation continues to run below the FOMC’s 2% longer-run goal, and provided that longer-term inflation expectations remain well anchored. However, if incoming information indicates faster progress toward the FOMC’s employment and inflation objectives than the FOMC expects, then increases in the target range for the federal funds rate are likely to occur sooner than currently anticipated. Conversely, if progress proves slower than expected, then increases in the target range are likely to occur later than currently anticipated.

When the FOMC decides to begin to remove policy accommodation, it will take a balanced approach consistent with its longer-run goals of maximum employment and inflation of 2%. As of October 2014, the FOMC anticipated that, even after employment and inflation are near mandate-consistent levels, economic conditions may, for some time, warrant keeping the target federal funds rate below levels the FOMC views as normal in the longer run.

- 31 -

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The actions by the FOMC have lowered net interest income and net interest margins for the banking industry by maintaining low rates on interest-earning assets. Throughout 2013 and 2014, margins in the banking industry were pressured downward as higher-yielding legacy assets matured and the proceeds were reinvested in the current low rate environment. Low interest rates, coupled with a competitive lending environment, have proven challenging for the profitability of the banking industry. It is expected that these challenges will continue until interest rates rise. In January 2015, the Federal Reserve affirmed that it is unlikely that the short-term interest rates will increase until later in 2015.

Formation of Five Star REIT, Inc.

During February 2014, the Bank formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Five Star REIT, Inc. (the “REIT”), to acquire a portion of the Bank’s assets, which will primarily be qualifying mortgage related loans. The Bank made an initial contribution of mortgage related loans to the REIT in return for common stock of the REIT. The REIT expects to purchase mortgage related loans from the Bank on a periodic basis going forward. The REIT entered into service agreements with the Bank for administrative and investment services. The formation of the REIT resulted in a lower effective tax rate for 2014.

Acquisition of Scott Danahy Naylon

On August 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Scott Danahy Naylon Co., Inc., a full service insurance agency located in a suburb of Buffalo, New York. Consideration for the acquisition included both cash and stock totaling $16.9 million, including up to $3.4 million of future payments, contingent upon SDN meeting certain revenue performance targets through 2017. As a result of the acquisition, we recorded goodwill of $12.6 million and other intangible assets of $6.6 million. SDN now operates as a subsidiary of Financial Institutions, Inc.

We expect to realize the following benefits from this acquisition:

—

Grow and diversify our noninterest income by entering the insurance line of business

—

Platform agency, defined by industry standards as an agency with $5 million or more in annual revenue, for us to add independent agencies or individual producers in the future

—

Retain capable management with extensive experience in the insurance industry

—

Potential synergies with our commercial lending business as SDN profile includes over 70% commercial-related activities

—

Improved presence and brand recognition in the Buffalo marketplace

For detailed information on the acquisition, see Note 2, Business Combinations, of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Tax Credit Investment

We entered into a $2.4 million investment in a community-based historic real estate development project in 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the development project was placed in service and the historic tax credits related to the investment were realized as a reduction to income tax expense. In addition, we amortized $2.3 million of its investment in the historic real estate development project as contra-income, included in noninterest income, and recorded an offsetting tax benefit that also reduced income tax expense.

2014 Financial Performance Review

During 2014 we continued to demonstrate consistent growth in key metrics for our business. We strengthened our balance sheet with deposit growth and quality loan growth in commercial, consumer indirect and home equity lending. Our deposit and lending growth is the result of our execution on key strategic initiatives over the last few years. We have accomplished this while controlling expenses through disciplined expense management.

Net income for 2014 was $29.4 million, an increase of $3.8 million or 15% compared to 2013. This resulted in a 0.98% return on average assets and a 10.80% return on average equity. Net income available to common shareholders was $27.9 million or $2.00 per diluted share for 2014, compared to $24.1 million or $1.75 per diluted share for 2013. We declared cash dividends of $0.77 during 2014, an increase of $0.03 per common share or 4% compared to the prior year. We acquired SDN during the third quarter of 2014 and the operating results of SDN have been included in our results of operations since August 1, 2014. The SDN acquisition is discussed in more detail below.

Fully-taxable equivalent net interest income was $96.6 million in 2014, an increase of $2.4 million, or 3%, compared with 2013. This reflected the impact of 7% growth in average interest-earning assets, offset by a 14 basis point decline in the net interest margin to 3.50%.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Noninterest income totaled $25.4 million for the full year 2014, an increase of $517 thousand when compared to $24.8 million in the prior year. Gains realized from the sale of investment securities totaled $2.0 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The amortization of a historic tax credit investment, described in more detail below, reduced noninterest income by $2.3 million. Insurance income increased by $2.1 million, primarily as a result of the SDN acquisition. Service charges on deposits decreased by $1.0 million, due primarily to lower overdraft fees.

Noninterest expense for the full year 2014 totaled $72.4 million compared to $69.4 million in the prior year. The increase reflects higher salaries and employee benefits of $767 thousand due to the addition of new employees from SDN and as part of our expansion initiatives. Also contributing to the increase were higher occupancy and equipment expense, professional service fees, computer and data processing expense and other noninterest expense. Those increases were partially offset by lower supplies and postage expense due to an increase in customers opting to receive statements electronically and reduced advertising and promotional expenses.

Income tax expense for the year was $9.6 million, representing an effective tax rate of 24.7% compared with an effective tax rate of 32.7% in 2013. The lower effective tax rate in 2014 reflects the benefits of the historic tax credit investment, described in more detail below, combined with New York State tax savings generated by our real estate investment trust, which we formed during February 2014.

Asset quality related metrics remain strong and improved, overall, from 2013. Non-performing loans decreased $6.5 million compared to a year ago to $10.2 million, or 0.53% of total loans. The provision for loan losses decreased $1.3 million, or 14%, from 2013 as we continue to maintain the allowance for loan losses consistent with the growth in our loan portfolio and trends in asset quality. Net charge-offs decreased $170 thousand from the prior year to $6.9 million in 2014. Net charge-offs were an annualized 0.37% of average loans in the current year compared to 0.40% in 2013.

Our leverage ratio at year end was 7.35%, down from 7.63% at the end of 2013. Our tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios were 10.47% and 11.72%, respectively, at December 31, 2014, down from 10.82% and 12.08%, respectively, at December 31, 2013. Goodwill and intangible assets recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of SDN resulted in a reduction in our capital ratios.

2015 Expectations

Net interest income is expected to increase moderately in 2015. We anticipate an increase in earning assets as we remain focused on loan growth, which will be partly funded with expected pay-downs and liquidity from our securities portfolio. However, those benefits to net interest income are expected to be partially offset by continued downward pressure on net interest margin. We plan to maintain a disciplined approach to loan pricing, but asset yields remain under pressure due to the low interest rate environment, while the opportunity for deposit repricing is limited.

Our commercial loan portfolio is expected to grow consistent with our strategic initiatives and continued support of middle market small business lending. Automobile loan originations remain strong, reflecting the positive impact from our investment in automotive dealer relationships. The home equity portfolio is expected to increase as the lower origination cost to customers and the convenient application process has made these products an increasingly attractive alternative to conventional residential mortgage loans, accordingly we expect run-off to outpace new originations in the residential mortgage portfolio.

We anticipate the increase in total loans will modestly outpace growth in total deposits. This reflects our continued focus on targeting loyal relationship-based deposit customers rather those that are more price sensitive. We expect to continue managing the overall cost of funds using short-term borrowings, as well as our continued shift in mix of deposits towards low- and no-cost demand deposits and money market deposit accounts.

Noninterest income is expected to be higher than 2014, reflecting our continued efforts to increase both account and transaction-based fee income, coupled with the benefit of a full year of revenue from SDN. Management will continue to explore opportunities to increase noninterest income from non-deposit related sources.

Management continues to focus on diversifying its sources of revenue to further reduce our reliance on traditional spread-based interest income, as fee-based activities are a relatively stable revenue source during periods of changing interest rates.

Noninterest expense is expected to be higher with the addition of SDN, coupled with higher salaries and benefits costs associated with our expansion initiatives, namely the CityGate Branch in Rochester, New York. We are also expecting higher benefit related costs, primarily due to increases in pension and medical expense; otherwise we remain committed to diligent expense control during 2015.

We do not expect significant changes in overall asset quality and allowance measurements.

The effective tax rate for 2015 is expected to be higher than 2014, as the lower effective tax rate in 2014 was partly driven by historic tax credits claimed in 2014. However, our 2015 effective tax rate will reflect the positive impacts of tax-exempt income, tax advantaged investments, the formation of our real estate investment trust in early 2014 and benefits from New York State tax law changes that begin going into effect during 2015.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND DECEMBER 31, 2013

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income is our primary source of revenue. Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and the interest expense on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings used to fund interest-earning and other assets or activities. Net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and by the amount and composition of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the sensitivity of the balance sheet to changes in interest rates, including characteristics such as the fixed or variable nature of the financial instruments, contractual maturities and repricing frequencies.

Interest rate spread and net interest margin are utilized to measure and explain changes in net interest income. Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid for interest-bearing liabilities that fund those assets. The net interest margin is expressed as the percentage of net interest income to average earning assets. The net interest margin exceeds the interest rate spread because noninterest-bearing sources of funds (“net free funds”), principally noninterest-bearing demand deposits and shareholders’ equity, also support earning assets. To compare tax-exempt asset yields to taxable yields, the yield on tax-exempt investment securities is computed on a taxable equivalent basis. Net interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin are discussed on a taxable equivalent basis.

The Federal Reserve influences the general market rates of interest, including the deposit and loan rates offered by many financial institutions. Our loan portfolio is significantly affected by changes in the prime interest rate. The prime interest rate, which is the rate offered on loans to borrowers with strong credit, remained at 3.25% during 2014, 2013 and 2012. Our loan portfolio is also impacted, to a lesser extent, by changes in the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). At December 31, 2014, the one-month and three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rates were 0.15% and 0.23%, respectively, while at December 31, 2013, the one-month and three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rates were 0.17% and 0.25%, respectively. The intended federal funds rate, which is the cost of immediately available overnight funds, remained at zero to 0.25% during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

The following table reconciles interest income per the consolidated statements of income to interest income adjusted to a fully taxable equivalent basis for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2014		2013		2012
Interest income per consolidated statements of income	$	101,055	$	98,931	$	97,567
Adjustment to fully taxable equivalent basis		2,853		2,650		2,284

Interest income adjusted to a fully taxable equivalent basis		103,908		101,581		99,851
Interest expense per consolidated statement of income		7,281		7,337		9,051

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis	$	96,627	$	94,244	$	90,800

2014 Leverage Strategy

During the first quarter of 2014, we utilized the proceeds of short-term Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances to purchase investment securities of approximately $50 million. During the second quarter of 2014 we sold approximately $42 million of securities purchased in the first quarter and utilized the proceeds to fund growth in our home equity portfolio. During the third quarter of 2014, we utilized the proceeds of short-term FHLB advances to purchase an additional $25 million of investment securities. Our purchases of investment securities were comprised of high-quality mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprise bonds and tax-exempt municipal bonds. All of the securities purchased were of high credit quality with a low to moderate duration. This strategy allowed us to increase net interest income by taking advantage of the positive interest rate spread between the FHLB advances and the newly acquired investment securities.

Taxable-equivalent net interest income for 2014 increased $2.4 million or 3%, compared to 2013. The increase primarily related to an increase in the average volume of interest-earning assets. The average volume of interest-earning assets for 2014 increased $174.3 million or 7% compared to 2013. The increase in earning assets was primarily due to a $130.9 million increase in average loans and a $43.5 million increase in average investment securities.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The net interest margin for 2014 was 3.50% compared to 3.64% in 2013. The net interest margin during 2014 was positively impacted by an increase in the yield on average securities, which resulted from an increase in the relative proportion of higher-yielding tax-exempt municipal securities relative to lower-yielding taxable securities, combined with a decrease in the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. The net interest margin was negatively impacted by a decrease in the average yield on loans. These items are more fully discussed below. The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased 17 basis points to 3.76% during 2014 from 3.93% during 2013 while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities decreased 2 basis points from 0.36% during 2013 to 0.34% during 2014. The yield on average interest-earning assets is primarily impacted by changes in market interest rates as well as changes in the volume and relative mix of interest-earning assets. As stated above, market interest rates have remained at historically low levels during the reported periods.

The average balance of securities increased $43.5 million or 5% in 2014, compared to 2013. Securities made up 31.8% of average interest-earning assets in 2014 compared to 32.3% in 2013. The yield on average securities was 2.44% in 2014 compared to 2.41% in 2013. The yield on average securities increased 3 basis points during 2014 compared to 2013 as we increased the relative proportion of investments held in higher-yielding, tax-exempt municipal securities. The relative proportion of higher-yielding, tax-exempt municipal securities to total average securities totaled 29.6% in 2014 compared to 27.9% in 2013. The yield on average taxable securities was 2.15% in 2014 compared to 2.09% in 2013, while the taxable-equivalent yield on average tax-exempt securities was 3.14% in 2014 compared to 3.25% in 2013.

The average volume of loans increased $130.9 million or 7% in 2014, compared to 2013. Loans made up 68.2% of average interest-earning assets during 2014 compared to 67.7% during 2013. Loans generally have significantly higher yields compared to securities and federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits and, as such, have a more positive effect on the net interest margin. The yield on average loans was 4.38% during 2014 compared to 4.65% during 2013. The yield on average loans decreased 27 basis points during 2014 compared to 2013. The yield on average loans was negatively impacted by lower average spreads due to increased competition in loan pricing during 2014 compared to 2013.

Average deposits increased $111.9 million or 5% in 2014, compared to 2013. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $75.4 million in 2014 compared to 2013, while average non-interest-bearing deposits increased $36.5 million in 2014 compared to 2013. The ratio of average interest-bearing deposits to total average deposits was 77.8% in 2014 compared to 78.3% in 2013. The cost of average interest-bearing deposits was 0.33% in 2014 compared to 0.36% in 2013. The decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits during the comparable periods was primarily the result of decreases in interest rates offered on certain deposit products due to the low interest rate environment. Additionally, the relative proportion of higher-cost certificates of deposit to total average interest-bearing deposits decreased to 32.6% in 2014 from 33.8% in 2013.

The net interest spread was 3.42% in 2014 compared to 3.57% in 2013. The net interest spread, as well as the net interest margin, will be impacted by future changes in short-term and long-term interest rate levels, as well as the impact from the competitive environment. A discussion of the effects of changing interest rates on net interest income is set forth in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included elsewhere in this report.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following tables present, for the periods indicated, information regarding: (i) the average balance sheet; (ii) the amount of interest income from interest-earning assets and the resulting annualized yields (tax-exempt yields have been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using the applicable Federal tax rate in each year); (iii) the amount of interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting annualized rates; (iv) net interest income; (v) net interest rate spread; (vi) net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets (“net interest margin”); and (vii) the ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities. Investment securities are at amortized cost for both held to maturity and available for sale securities. Loans include net unearned income, net deferred loan fees and costs and non-accruing loans. Dollar amounts are shown in thousands.


	Years ended December 31,
	2014								2013								2012
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Rate			Average Balance			Interest		Average Rate			Average Balance			Interest		Average Rate
Interest-earning assets:
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning deposits	$	114		$	-		0.14	%	$	191		$	-		0.19	%	$	113		$	-		0.29	%
Investment securities:
Taxable		617,738			13,304		2.15			601,146			12,541		2.09			525,912			12,202		2.32
Tax-exempt		259,935			8,151		3.14			233,067			7,572		3.25			177,731			6,526		3.67

Total investment securities		877,673			21,455		2.44			834,213			20,113		2.41			703,643			18,728		2.66
Loans:
Commercial business		269,877			11,471		4.25			256,236			11,311		4.41			242,100			11,263		4.65
Commercial mortgage		473,372			23,345		4.93			438,821			21,878		4.99			407,737			22,182		5.44
Residential mortgage		107,254			5,122		4.78			123,277			6,174		5.01			127,363			6,637		5.21
Home equity		359,511			14,149		3.94			304,868			12,446		4.08			257,537			10,984		4.27
Consumer indirect		651,279			25,970		3.99			604,148			26,976		4.47			533,589			27,371		5.13
Other consumer		21,094			2,396		11.36			24,089			2,683		11.14			25,058			2,686		10.72

Total loans		1,882,387			82,453		4.38			1,751,439			81,468		4.65			1,593,384			81,123		5.09

Total interest-earning assets		2,760,174			103,908		3.76			2,585,843			101,581		3.93			2,297,140			99,851		4.35

Less: Allowance for loan losses		27,455								26,000								24,305
Other noninterest-earning assets		261,885								243,982								246,423

Total assets	$	2,994,604							$	2,803,825							$	2,519,258



Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand	$	504,584			607		0.12		$	488,047			729		0.15		$	423,096			598		0.14
Savings and money market		783,784			913		0.12			727,737			978		0.13			586,329			998		0.17
Certificates of deposit		624,299			4,846		0.78			621,455			4,893		0.79			693,353			6,866		0.99

Total interest-bearing deposits		1,912,667			6,366		0.33			1,837,239			6,600		0.36			1,702,778			8,462		0.50
Short-term borrowings		247,956			915		0.37			190,310			737		0.39			121,735			589		0.48

Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,160,623			7,281		0.34			2,027,549			7,337		0.36			1,824,513			9,051		0.50

Noninterest-bearing deposits		545,904								509,383								430,240
Other liabilities		16,203								14,207								16,506
Shareholders’ equity		271,874								252,686								247,999

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,994,604							$	2,803,825							$	2,519,258

Net interest income (tax-equivalent)				$	96,627							$	94,244							$	90,800

Interest rate spread							3.42	%							3.57	%							3.85	%

Net earning assets	$	599,551							$	558,294							$	472,627

Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)							3.50	%							3.64	%							3.95	%

Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		127.75	%							127.54	%							125.90	%

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Rate /Volume Analysis

The following table presents, on a tax-equivalent basis, the relative contribution of changes in volumes and changes in rates to changes in net interest income for the periods indicated. The change in interest not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each (in thousands):


	Change from 2014 to 2013									Change from 2013 to 2012
Increase (decrease) in:	Volume			Rate			Total			Volume			Rate			Total
Interest income:
Investment securities:
Taxable	$	351		$	412		$	763		$	1,643		$	(1,304	)	$	339
Tax-exempt		850			(271	)		579			1,861			(815	)		1,046

Total investment securities		1,201			141			1,342			3,504			(2,119	)		1,385
Loans:
Commercial business		589			(429	)		160			640			(592	)		48
Commercial mortgage		1,706			(239	)		1,467			1,624			(1,928	)		(304	)
Residential mortgage		(775	)		(277	)		(1,052	)		(209	)		(254	)		(463	)
Home equity		2,164			(461	)		1,703			1,948			(486	)		1,462
Consumer indirect		2,009			(3,015	)		(1,006	)		3,383			(3,778	)		(395	)
Other consumer		(339	)		52			(287	)		(106	)		103			(3	)

Total loans		5,354			(4,369	)		985			7,280			(6,935	)		345

Total interest income		6,555			(4,228	)		2,327			10,784			(9,054	)		1,730

Interest expense:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand		24			(146	)		(122	)		96			35			131
Savings and money market		71			(136	)		(65	)		214			(234	)		(20	)
Certificates of deposit		22			(69	)		(47	)		(663	)		(1,310	)		(1,973	)

Total interest-bearing deposits		117			(351	)		(234	)		(353	)		(1,509	)		(1,862	)
Short-term borrowings		214			(36	)		178			283			(135	)		148

Total interest expense		331			(387	)		(56	)		(70	)		(1,644	)		(1,714	)

Net interest income	$	6,224		$	(3,841	)	$	2,383		$	10,854		$	(7,410	)	$	3,444

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses is based upon credit loss experience, growth or contraction of specific segments of the loan portfolio, and the estimate of losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The provision for loan losses was $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared with $9.1 million for 2013. See the “Allowance for Loan Losses” section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Noninterest Income

The following table summarizes our noninterest income for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2014			2013			2012
Service charges on deposits	$	8,954		$	9,948		$	8,627
ATM and debit card		4,963			5,098			4,716
Insurance income		2,399			262			324
Investment advisory		2,138			2,345			2,104
Company owned life insurance		1,753			1,706			1,751
Investments in limited partnerships		1,103			857			798
Loan servicing		568			570			617
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale		313			117			1,421
Net gain on disposal of investment securities		2,041			1,226			2,651
Net gain (loss) on sale and disposal of other assets		69			(103	)		(381	)
Amortization of tax credit investment		(2,323	)		-			-
Impairment charges on investment securities		-			-			(91	)
Other		3,372			2,807			2,240

Total noninterest income	$	25,350		$	24,833		$	24,777

Service charges on deposits were $9.0 million for 2014, a decrease of $1.0 million or 10%, compared to 2013. Service charges on deposit accounts for 2013 reflected a retail checking account repositioning that involved simplifying the suite of products offered to customers and modifications to the fee structure for our accounts. As noted at that time, the income from service charges on deposits subsequently stabilized as customers determined the optimal mix of our products and services to best suit their banking needs, while managing the level of service charges incurred.

ATM and debit card income for 2014 decreased $135 thousand or 3% compared to 2013. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower transaction volumes due to card reissuances associated with third-party security breaches.

Insurance income of $2.4 million for 2014 was up $2.1 million from 2013, reflecting 5 months of income from the SDN acquisition.

Investment advisory income was $2.1 million for 2014, down $207 thousand or 9%, compared to 2013, as fees and commissions fluctuate with sales volume. Sales volume during 2014 was negatively impacted by a longer-than-anticipated conversion to a new clearing platform that began in late 2013. We have taken actions to address the lower sales volume, which includes the hiring of new leadership in late 2014.

During the second half of 2014 we purchased an additional $10.0 million of company owned life insurance. The rate of return on the company owned life insurance portfolio has declined with market interest rates and the additional investment was not held long enough to have a significant impact on 2014 income.

We have investments in limited partnerships, primarily small business investment companies, and account for these investments under the equity method. Income from investments in limited partnerships was $1.1 million and $857 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The income from these equity method investments fluctuates based on the performance of the underlying investments.

Gains from the sale of loans held for sale increased $196 thousand in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase was primarily due to higher margins due to the timing of sales and fluctuation of interest rates during the year.

During the year ended December 31, 2014 we recognized gains of $2.0 million from the sale of AFS securities with an amortized cost totaling $79.6 million. The securities sold were comprised of one pooled trust preferred security, three mortgage backed securities and 20 agency securities. During 2013, we recognized gains totaling $1.2 million from the sale of four pooled trust-preferred securities. The amount and timing of our sale of investments securities is dependent on a number of factors, including our efforts to realize gains while prudently managing duration, premium and credit risk.

During the fourth quarter of 2014 we recorded $2.3 million for the amortization, recognized as contra-income, of a historic tax investment in a community-based project. These types of investments are, for the most part, fully amortized in the first year the project is placed in service.

Other noninterest income increased $565 thousand or 20% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 2013. Merchant services income, dividends on FHLB stock and credit card correspondent income comprised the majority of the year-over-year increases.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Noninterest Expense

The following table summarizes our noninterest expense for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2014		2013		2012
Salaries and employee benefits	$	38,595	$	37,828	$	40,127
Occupancy and equipment		12,829		12,366		11,419
Professional services		4,760		3,836		4,133
Computer and data processing		3,016		2,848		3,271
Supplies and postage		2,053		2,342		2,497
FDIC assessments		1,592		1,464		1,300
Advertising and promotions		805		896		929
Other		8,705		7,861		7,721

Total noninterest expense	$	72,355	$	69,441	$	71,397

Salaries and employee benefits increased by $767 thousand or 2% when comparing 2014 to 2013. An increase of $1.5 million in salaries expense was primarily due to the acquisition of SDN and the hiring of additional loan officers, partially offset by a decrease in severance expense. A decrease of $765 thousand in employee benefits was primarily due to lower expense related to our defined benefit retirement plan, partially offset by higher medical expenses. We recognized a combined net periodic pension and post-retirement expense of $128 thousand during 2014 compared to $1.3 million during 2013. The number of full time equivalent employees increased to 622 at December 31, 2014 from 608 at December 31, 2013.

Occupancy and equipment increased by $463 thousand or 4% when comparing 2014 to 2013. The increase was primarily related to higher contractual service expenses and incremental expenses from the SDN facility.

Professional services expense of $4.8 million in 2014 increased $924 thousand or 24% from 2013. The increases were largely due to professional services associated with the acquisition of SDN, the hiring of additional loan officers and related personnel as part of our expansion initiatives and other special projects.

Computer and data processing increased by $168 thousand or 6% when comparing 2014 to 2013. During late 2013, we ceased operations of our broker-dealer subsidiary and transferred the existing business to an outsourced clearing platform, resulting in higher third-party processing expense.

Supplies and postage and advertising and promotions expense decreased, collectively, by $380 thousand when comparing 2014 to 2013. The prior year amounts included expenses for additional print materials related to our retail checking account repositioning incurred during the first quarter of 2013.

FDIC assessments increased $128 thousand or 9% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 2013. The increase in assessments is a direct result of the growth in our balance sheet.

Other noninterest expense increased $844 thousand or 11% when comparing 2014 to 2013. The increase was largely due to higher intangible asset amortization due to the SDN acquisition, combined with an increase in electronic banking activities and deposit expenses.

The efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 58.59% compared with 58.48% for 2013. The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total noninterest expense, excluding other real estate expense and amortization of intangible assets, by net revenue, defined as the sum of tax-equivalent net interest income and noninterest income before net gains and impairment charges on investment securities and amortization of tax credit investments. An increase in the efficiency ratio indicates that more resources are being utilized to generate the same volume of income, while a decrease indicates a more efficient allocation of resources.

- 39 -

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Income Taxes

We recorded income tax expense of $9.6 million for 2014, compared to of $12.4 million for 2013. Our effective tax rate was 24.7% for 2014 compared to 32.7% for 2013. Effective tax rates are impacted by items of income and expense that are not subject to federal or state taxation. Our effective tax rates reflect the impact of these items, which include, but are not limited to, interest income from tax-exempt securities and earnings on company owned life insurance. In addition, the lower effective tax rate in 2014 reflects the historic tax credit benefit described above combined with New York State tax savings generated by our real estate investment trust, which became effective during February 2014 and is discussed below.

During February 2014, the Bank formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Five Star REIT, Inc. (the “REIT”), to acquire a portion of the Bank’s assets, which were primarily qualifying mortgage related loans. The Bank made an initial contribution of mortgage related loans to the REIT in return for common stock of the REIT. The REIT has and expects to continue purchasing mortgage related loans from the Bank on a periodic basis going forward. The REIT entered into service agreements with the Bank for administrative and investment services. The formation of the REIT reduced 2014 tax expense by approximately $950 thousand.

In March 2014, the New York legislature approved changes in the state tax law that will be phased-in over two years, beginning in 2015. The primary changes that impact us include the repeal of the Article 32 franchise tax on banking corporations (“Article 32A”) for 2015, expanded nexus standards for 2015 and a reduction in the corporate tax rate for 2016. We expect the repeal of Article 32A and the expanded nexus standards to lower our taxable income apportioned to New York to 85% in 2015 from 100% in 2014. In addition, the New York state income tax rate will be reduced from 7.1% to 6.5% in 2016. The lower New York state taxes going forward reduced the benefit provided by our existing deferred tax items, consequently we revalued our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income and condition.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND DECEMBER 31, 2012

Significant Items Influencing Financial Performance Comparisons

Earnings comparisons between the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were impacted by the significant items summarized below.

—

Retirement of Former CEO. In August 2012, Peter G. Humphrey our former President and Chief Executive Officer retired. We incurred approximately $2.6 million in pre-tax expense during 2012 related to the retirement of Mr. Humphrey.

—

2012 Branch Acquisitions. During 2012, we completed the acquisition of eight retail bank branch locations in Upstate New York. We incurred approximately $3.0 million in pre-tax expense during 2012 related to the branch acquisitions.

2012 Branch Acquisitions

During 2012, we successfully completed the acquisition of eight retail bank branch locations in Upstate New York. Former HSBC Bank USA, N.A. branches located in Albion, Elmira, Elmira Heights, and Horseheads were acquired in August, complementing the former First Niagara Bank, N.A. locations in Batavia, Brockport, Medina, and Seneca Falls acquired in June. Through the acquisition we assumed deposits of $286.8 million and acquired in-market performing loans of $75.6 million. We consider the acquisition of these branch offices to be a marked success. We were able to integrate the offices and customer accounts seamlessly. Through detailed planning, we ensured that our sales and support staff members were ready to assist customers with any questions or issues. The feedback we received from our customers was positive and executing on our detailed planning process ultimately resulted in deposit retention rates that were better than expected. We incurred approximately $3.0 million in pre-tax expense during 2012 related to the branch acquisitions.

For detailed information on the branch acquisitions, see Note 2, Business Combinations, of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income was $91.6 million in 2013, compared to $88.5 million in 2012. The taxable equivalent adjustments of $2.6 million and $2.3 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively, resulted in fully taxable equivalent net interest income of $94.2 million in 2013 and $90.8 million in 2012.

During the first quarter of 2013, we utilized the proceeds of short-term FHLB advances to purchase high-quality investment securities as part of a leverage strategy of approximately $100 million (the “2013 leverage strategy”). Our purchase of investment securities was comprised of mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprise bonds and tax-exempt municipal bonds. All of the securities purchased were of high credit quality with a low to moderate duration. While the underlying leverage strategy contributed to a lower net interest margin, it successfully increased net interest income by approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Taxable equivalent net interest income of $94.2 million for 2013 was $3.4 million or 4% higher than 2012. The impact of a decline in average yields on our assets was diminished by a $288.7 million or 13% increase in interest-earning assets. The average balance of loans rose $158.1 million or 10% to $1.75 billion, reflecting growth in most loan categories.

The increase in taxable equivalent net interest income was a function of a favorable volume variance as balance sheet changes in both volume and mix increased taxable equivalent net interest income by $10.8 million, partially offset by an unfavorable rate variance that decreased taxable equivalent net interest income by $7.4 million. The change in mix and volume of earning assets increased taxable equivalent interest income by $10.8 million, while the change in volume and composition of interest-bearing liabilities decreased interest expense by $70 thousand, for a net favorable volume impact of $10.8 million on taxable equivalent net interest income. Rate changes on earning assets reduced interest income by $9.0 million, while changes in rates on interest-bearing liabilities lowered interest expense by $1.6 million, for a net unfavorable rate impact of $7.4 million.

The net interest margin for 2013 was 3.64% compared to 3.95% in 2012. Throughout 2013, margins in the banking industry were pressured downward as higher-yielding legacy assets rolled off and were reinvested in a lower rate environment. The interest rate spread decreased by 28 basis points to 3.57% for the year ended December 31, 2013, as a 42 basis point decrease in the yield on earning assets more than offset the 14 basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For 2013, the yield on average earning assets of 3.93% was 42 basis points lower than 2012. Loan yields decreased 44 basis points to 4.65%. Commercial mortgage and consumer indirect loans in particular, down 45 and 66 basis points, respectively, experienced lower yields given competitive pricing pressures and re-pricing of loans in a lower interest rate environment. The yield on investment securities dropped 25 basis points to 2.41%, also impacted by the lower interest rate environment, prepayments of mortgage-related investment securities and the previously mentioned 2013 leverage strategy. Overall, earning asset rate changes reduced interest income by $9.0 million.

The average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 0.36% in 2013, 14 basis points lower than 2012, reflecting the low interest rate environment, mitigated by a focus on product pricing to retain balances. The cost of borrowings decreased 9 basis points to 0.39% for 2013. The interest-bearing liability rate changes reduced interest expense by $1.6 million during 2013.

Average interest-earning assets of $2.59 billion in 2013 were $288.7 million or 13% higher than 2012. Average investment securities increased $130.6 million while average loans increased $158.1 million or 10%. The growth in average loans was comprised of increases in most loan categories, with consumer and commercial loans up $116.9 million and $45.2 million, respectively, partially offset by a $4.1 million decrease in residential mortgage loans.

Average interest-bearing liabilities of $2.03 billion in 2013 were up $203.0 million or 11% versus 2012. On average, interest-bearing deposits grew $134.5 million, while average noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased by $79.1 million. The increase in average deposits reflects the full-year impact of the deposits acquired in the 2012 branch acquisitions. Average borrowings increased $68.6 million, largely due to the incremental borrowings associated with the previously mentioned 2013 leverage strategy.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses was $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared with $7.1 million for 2012.

Noninterest Income

Service charges on deposits were $9.9 million for 2013, an increase of $1.3 million or 15%, compared to 2012. ATM and debit card income was $5.1 million for 2013, an increase of $382 thousand or 8%, compared to 2012. These increases reflect volume related growth in fees resulting from the 2012 branch acquisitions coupled with the second quarter 2013 retail checking account repositioning that involved simplifying the suite of products offered to customers and modifications to the fee structure for our accounts. Our fee waiver process was also reevaluated, which resulted in a reduction in the number of fee waivers and an increase in service charges.

Investment advisory income was $2.3 million for 2013, up $240 thousand or 11%, compared to 2012, as fees and commissions fluctuate with sales volume, which increased during 2013 as a result of favorable market conditions and new business opportunities.

Loan servicing income was $570 thousand in 2013, down $47 thousand or 8%, compared to 2012. The decrease was a result of more rapid amortization of servicing rights due to loans paying off and lower fees collected due to a decrease in the sold and serviced portfolio partially offset by adjustments to the valuation allowance for capitalized mortgage servicing assets.

Gains from the sale of loans held for sale decreased $1.3 million in 2013 compared to 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in origination volume and margins resulting from higher interest rates in addition to a higher percentage of originations held on the balance sheet.

Net gains from the sales of investment securities were $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. During 2013, we recognized gains totaling $1.2 million from the sale of four pooled trust-preferred securities. Net gains for 2012 included $2.6 million from the sale of five pooled trust-preferred securities.

Other noninterest income increased $564 thousand or 17% for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to 2012. Merchant services income, rental income and income from our investment in several limited partnerships comprised the majority of the year-over-year increase.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Noninterest Expense

Salaries and employee benefits decreased $2.3 million or 6% when comparing 2013 to 2012. Included in salaries and employee benefits for the year ended December 31, 2012 are pre-tax costs of approximately $2.9 million that were incurred in association with the 2012 branch acquisitions and retirement of our former CEO. After adjusting for these expenses, the increase in salaries and employee benefits for 2013 when compared to the prior year is primarily attributable to annual merit increases. The number of full time equivalent employees decreased to 608 at December 31, 2013 from 628 at December 31, 2012.

Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $947 thousand or 8% when comparing 2013 to 2012. The increase was primarily related to the growth in the branch network related to the branch acquisitions combined with increased snow removal costs.

Professional services expense of $3.8 million in 2013 decreased $297 thousand or 7% from 2012. Excluding the expenses related to the 2012 branch acquisitions, the increase in professional fees was due in part to executive management transitions and other corporate governance initiatives.

Computer and data processing and supplies and postage expense decreased, collectively, by $578 thousand when comparing 2013 to 2012. Excluding the expenses related to the 2012 branch acquisitions, the increase was primarily due to higher printing costs resulting from the previously mentioned retail checking account repositioning.

FDIC assessments increased $164 thousand or 13% for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to 2012. The increased assessments are a direct result of the growth in our balance sheet.

The efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 58.48% compared with 62.87% for 2012. The 2012 efficiency ratio was elevated as a result of the aforementioned expenses associated with our 2012 branch acquisitions and the retirement of our former CEO.

Income Taxes

We recognized income tax expense of $12.4 million for 2013 compared to $11.3 million for 2012. The higher tax provision was primarily attributable to a $3.1 million increase in pre-tax income when comparing 2013 to 2012. Our effective tax rate was 32.7% for 2013 compared to 32.6% for 2012.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

OVERVIEW

At December 31, 2014, we had total assets of $3.09 billion, an increase of 5% from $2.93 billion as of December 31, 2013, largely attributable to our continued loan growth and higher investment security balances. Net loans were $1.88 billion as of December 31, 2014, up $77.5 million, or 4%, when compared to $1.81 billion as of December 31, 2013. The increase in net loans was primarily attributable to organic growth, primarily in home equity and consumer indirect loans. Non-performing assets totaled $10.3 million as of December 31, 2014, down $6.7 million from a year ago. Total deposits amounted to $2.45 billion as of December 31, 2014, up $130.5 million or 6%, compared to December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014, borrowed funds totaled $334.8 million, compared to $337.0 million as of December 31, 2013. Book value per common share was $18.57 and $17.17 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 our total shareholders’ equity was $279.5 million compared to $254.8 million a year earlier.

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

The following table summarizes the composition of our available for sale and held to maturity security portfolios (in thousands).


	Investment Securities Portfolio Composition At December 31,
	2014				2013				2012
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agency and government-sponsored enterprise securities	$	160,334	$	160,475	$	135,840	$	134,452	$	128,097	$	131,695
State and political subdivisions		-		-		-		-		188,997		195,210
Mortgage-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities		458,959		460,570		482,308		473,082		479,913		494,770
Non-Agency mortgage-backed securities		-		1,218		-		1,467		73		1,098
Asset-backed securities		-		231		18		399		121		1,023

Total available for sale securities		619,293		622,494		618,166		609,400		797,201		823,796
Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions		277,273		281,384		249,785		250,657		17,905		18,478
Mortgage-backed securities		17,165		17,311		-		-		-		-

Total held to maturity securities		294,438		298,695		249,785		250,657		17,905		18,478

Total investment securities	$	913,731	$	921,189	$	867,951	$	860,057	$	815,106	$	842,274

Our investment policy is contained within our overall Asset-Liability Management and Investment Policy. This policy dictates that investment decisions will be made based on the safety of the investment, liquidity requirements, potential returns, cash flow targets, need for collateral and desired risk parameters. In pursuing these objectives, we consider the ability of an investment to provide earnings consistent with factors of quality, maturity, marketability, pledgeable nature and risk diversification. Our Treasurer, guided by ALCO, is responsible for investment portfolio decisions within the established policies.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we transferred $12.8 million of available for sale (“AFS”) mortgage backed securities to the held to maturity (“HTM”) category, reflecting our intent to hold those securities to maturity. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we transferred $227.3 million of available for sale state and municipal debt securities to the held to maturity category. Transfers of investment securities into the held to maturity category from the available for sale category are made at fair value at the date of transfer. The related unrealized holding gains/losses that were included in the transfer are retained in accumulated other comprehensive income and in the carrying value of the held to maturity securities. These amounts will be amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the remaining life of the securities. This will offset the impact of amortization of the net premium created in the transfer. There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of this transfer.

Our AFS investment securities portfolio increased $13.1 million, from $609.4 million at December 31, 2013 to $622.5 million at December 31, 2014. The increase was largely attributable a change in the net unrealized gain/loss on the AFS portfolio. Our AFS portfolio a had net unrealized gain totaling $3.2 million at December 31, 2014 compared to net unrealized loss of $8.8 million at December 31, 2013. The unrealized gain on the AFS portfolio was predominantly caused by changes in market interest rates. The fair value of most of the investment securities in the AFS portfolio fluctuates as market interest rates change. The transfers of securities from AFS to HTM are expected to reduce the fair value fluctuations in the available for sale portfolio.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Impairment Assessment

We review investment securities on an ongoing basis for the presence of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) with formal reviews performed quarterly. Declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses or the security is intended to be sold or will be required to be sold. The amount of the impairment related to non-credit related factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Evaluating whether the impairment of a debt security is other than temporary involves assessing i.) the intent to sell the debt security or ii.) the likelihood of being required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. In determining whether the OTTI includes a credit loss, we use our best estimate of the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security considering factors such as: a.) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, b.) adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area, c.) the historical and implied volatility of the fair value of the security, d.) the payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future, e.) failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments, f.) any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and g.) recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

As of December 31, 2014, we do not have the intent to sell any of our securities in a loss position and we believe that it is not likely that we will be required to sell any such securities before the anticipated recovery of amortized cost. The unrealized losses are largely due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date, repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. We do not believe any of the securities in a loss position are impaired due to reasons of credit quality. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2014, we concluded that unrealized losses on our investment securities are temporary and no further impairment loss has been realized in our consolidated statements of income. The following discussion provides further details of our assessment of the securities portfolio by investment category.

U.S. Government Agencies and Government Sponsored Enterprises (“GSE”). As of December 31, 2014, there were 22 securities in an unrealized loss position in the U.S. Government agencies and GSE portfolio with unrealized losses totaling $975 thousand. Of these, 11 were in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer and had an aggregate fair value of $41.1 million and unrealized losses of $898 thousand. The decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates, and not credit quality, and because we do not have the intent to sell these securities and it is likely that we will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, we do not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014.

State and Political Subdivisions. As of December 31, 2014, the state and political subdivisions (“municipal securities”) portfolio totaled $277.3 million, all of which was classified as HTM. As of that date, each of the 55 municipal securities in an unrealized loss position had been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. Those securities had an aggregate fair value of $18.0 million and unrealized losses totaling $120 thousand.

All municipal securities are NYS tax exempt issues. Although there has been a considerable amount of negative discussion in recent years regarding municipal bond insurers, and several of the municipal bond insurers have been downgraded, there is no indication to date that the underlying credit issuers (counties, towns, villages, cities, schools, etc.) are likely to default on their respective debt. Additionally the overwhelming majority (measured in dollars) of the municipal bonds are bank qualified general obligation issues which require the taxing authority to increase taxes as needed to repay the bond holders.

The decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates, and not credit quality, and because we do not have the intent to sell these securities and it is not likely that we will be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, we do not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014.

Agency Mortgage-backed Securities. With the exception of the non-Agency mortgage-backed securities (“non-Agency MBS”) discussed below, all of the mortgage-backed securities held by us as of December 31, 2014, were issued by U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies (“Agency MBS”), primarily FNMA and FHLMC. The contractual cash flows of our Agency MBS are guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC or GNMA. The GNMA mortgage-backed securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

As of December 31, 2014, there were 45 securities in the AFS Agency MBS portfolio that were in an unrealized loss position. Of these, 40 were in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer and had an aggregate fair value of $166.9 million and unrealized losses of $4.8 million. Given the high credit quality inherent in Agency MBS, we do not consider any of the unrealized losses as of December 31, 2014 on such MBS to be credit related or other-than-temporary. As of December 31, 2014, we did not intend to sell any Agency MBS that were in an unrealized loss position, all of which were performing in accordance with their terms.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The HTM Agency MBS portfolio consists entirely of CRA eligible securities, totaling $17.2 million as of December 31, 2014. None of these securities were in an unrealized loss position.

Non-Agency Mortgage-backed Securities. Our non-Agency MBS portfolio consists of positions in two privately issued whole loan collateralized mortgage obligations with a fair value and net unrealized gains of $1.2 million as of December 31, 2014. As of that date, each of the two non-Agency MBS were rated below investment grade. None of these securities were in an unrealized loss position.

Asset-backed Securities (“ABS”). Our ABS portfolio consisted of one security with a fair value and unrealized gain of $231 thousand as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the ABS security was rated below investment grade.

Other Investments. As a member of the FHLB, the Bank is required to hold FHLB stock. The amount of required FHLB stock is based on the Bank’s asset size and the amount of borrowings from the FHLB. We have assessed the ultimate recoverability of our FHLB stock and believe that no impairment currently exists. As a member of the FRB system, we are required to maintain a specified investment in FRB stock based on a ratio relative to our capital. At December 31, 2014, our ownership of FHLB and FRB stock totaled $15.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively and is included in other assets and recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

LENDING ACTIVITIES

Total loans were $1.91 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $78.4 million or 4% from December 31, 2013. Commercial loans increased $7.5 million and represented 38.9% of total loans at the end of 2014. Residential mortgage loans were $100.1 million, down $12.9 million or 11% and represented 5.2% of total loans at December 31, 2014, while consumer loans increased $83.9 million to represent 55.9% of total loans at December 31, 2014. The composition of our loan portfolio, excluding loans held for sale and including net unearned income and net deferred fees and costs, is summarized as follows (in thousands):


	Loan Portfolio Composition At December 31,
	2014					2013					2012					2011					2010
	Amount		Percent			Amount		Percent			Amount		Percent			Amount		Percent			Amount		Percent
Commercial business	$	267,409		14.0	%	$	265,766		14.5	%	$	258,675		15.2	%	$	233,836		15.7	%	$	211,031		15.7	%
Commercial mortgage		475,092		24.9			469,284		25.6			413,324		24.2			393,244		26.5			352,930		26.2

Total commercial		742,501		38.9			735,050		40.1			671,999		39.4			627,080		42.2			563,961		41.9
Residential mortgage		100,101		5.2			113,045		6.2			133,520		7.8			113,911		7.7			129,580		9.6
Home equity		386,615		20.2			326,086		17.8			286,649		16.8			231,766		15.6			208,327		15.5
Consumer indirect		661,673		34.6			636,368		34.7			586,794		34.4			487,713		32.9			418,016		31.1
Other consumer		21,112		1.1			23,070		1.2			26,764		1.6			24,306		1.6			26,106		1.9

Total consumer		1,069,400		55.9			985,524		53.7			900,207		52.8			743,785		50.1			652,449		48.5

Total loans		1,912,002		100.0	%		1,833,619		100.0	%		1,705,726		100.0	%		1,484,776		100.0	%		1,345,990		100.0	%
Allowance for loan losses		27,637					26,736					24,714					23,260					20,466

Total loans, net	$	1,884,365				$	1,806,883				$	1,681,012				$	1,461,516				$	1,325,524

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our residential mortgage portfolio included $15.7 million and $19.8 million, respectively, of loans acquired during the 2012 branch acquisitions and $84.4 million and $93.2 million of organic loans, respectively. The decrease in organic residential mortgage loans from $113.9 million to $105.3 million to $93.2 million to $84.4 million for the periods ending December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and the increase in consumer indirect loans from $487.7 million to $586.8 million to $636.4 million to $661.7 million for the same periods reflects a strategic shift to increase our consumer indirect and home equity loan portfolios, while placing less emphasis on expanding our residential mortgage loan portfolio, coupled with our practice of selling the majority of our fixed-rate residential mortgages in the secondary market with servicing rights retained.

Commercial loans increased during 2014 as we continued our commercial business development efforts. The credit risk related to commercial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations or on the value of underlying collateral.

We participate in various lending programs in which guarantees are supplied by U.S. government agencies, such as the SBA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Economic and Community Development and Farm Service Agency, among others. As of December 31, 2014, the principal balance of such loans (included in commercial loans) was $55.0 million and the guaranteed portion amounted to $33.5 million. Most of these loans were guaranteed by the SBA.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Commercial business loans were $267.4 million at the end of 2014, up $1.6 million since the end of 2013, and comprised 14.0% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2014, compared to 14.5% at December 31, 2013. We typically originate business loans of up to $15.0 million for small to mid-sized businesses in our market area for working capital, equipment financing, inventory financing, accounts receivable financing, or other general business purposes. Loans of this type are in a diverse range of industries. Within the commercial business classification, loans to finance agricultural production totaled approximately 7% of commercial business loans as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, commercial business SBA loans accounted for a total of $34.2 million or 13% of our commercial business loan portfolio.

Commercial mortgage loans totaled $475.1 million at December 31, 2014, up $5.8 million from December 31, 2013, and comprised 24.9% of total loans, compared to 25.6% at December 31, 2013. Commercial mortgage loans include both owner occupied and non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans. Approximately 45% and 44% of our commercial mortgage portfolio at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was owner occupied commercial real estate. The majority of our commercial real estate loans are secured by office buildings, manufacturing facilities, distribution/warehouse facilities, and retail centers, which are generally located in our local market area. As of December 31, 2014, commercial mortgage SBA loans accounted for a total of $15.1 million or 3% of our commercial mortgage loan portfolio.

Our current lending standards for commercial real estate and real estate construction lending are determined by property type and specifically address many criteria, including: maximum loan amounts, maximum loan-to-value (“LTV”), requirements for pre-leasing or pre-sales, minimum debt-service coverage ratios, minimum borrower equity, and maximum loan to cost. Currently, the maximum standard for LTV is 85%, with lower limits established for certain higher risk types, such as raw land which has a 65% LTV maximum.

Residential mortgage loans totaled $100.1 million at the end of 2014, down $12.9 million or 11% from the end of the prior year and comprised 5.2% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 6.2% at December 31, 2013. Residential mortgage loans include conventional first lien home mortgages. We generally limit the maximum loan to 85% of collateral value without credit enhancement (e.g. personal mortgage insurance). As part of management’s historical practice of originating and servicing residential mortgage loans, the majority of our fixed-rate residential mortgage loans are sold in the secondary market with servicing rights retained. Residential mortgage products continue to be underwritten using FHLMC and FNMA secondary marketing guidelines.

Consumer loans totaled $1.07 billion at December 31, 2014, up $83.9 million or 9% compared to 2013, and represented 55.9% of the 2014 year-end loan portfolio versus 53.7% at year-end 2013. Loans in this classification include indirect consumer, home equity and other consumer installment loans. Credit risk for these types of loans is generally influenced by general economic conditions, the characteristics of individual borrowers, and the nature of the loan collateral. Risks of loss are generally on smaller average balances per loan spread over many borrowers. Once charged off, there is usually less opportunity for recovery on these smaller retail loans. Credit risk is primarily controlled by reviewing the creditworthiness of the borrowers, monitoring payment histories, and taking appropriate collateral and guaranty positions.

Consumer indirect loans amounted to $661.7 million at December 31, 2014 up $25.3 million or 4% compared to 2013, and represented 34.6% of the 2014 year-end loan portfolio versus 34.7% at year-end 2013. The loans are primarily for the purchase of automobiles (both new and used) and light duty trucks primarily by individuals, but also by corporations and other organizations. The loans are originated through dealerships and assigned to us with terms that typically range from 36 to 84 months. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we originated $305.6 million in indirect loans with a mix of approximately 41% new vehicles and 59% used vehicles. This compares with $306.4 million in indirect loans with a mix of approximately 47% new vehicles and 53% used vehicles for the same period in 2013. Changes in market conditions in 2013 continued into 2014, reflected in the decrease in the percentage of loans for new autos. An industry wide increase in new vehicle sales volume has caused many finance competitors to focus on the financing of new vehicles. This increased competition has resulted in a change in the mix of new/used vehicles financed. We do business with over 400 franchised auto dealers located in Western, Central, and the Capital District of New York, and Northern Pennsylvania. The average FICO score for new indirect loan production was 722 and 719 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The home equity portfolio consists of both lines of credit and loans. Home equities amounted to $386.6 million at December 31, 2014 up $60.5 million or 19% compared to 2013, and represented 20.2% of the 2014 year-end loan portfolio versus 17.8% at year-end 2013. The portfolio had a weighted average LTV at origination of approximately 57% and 55% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Approximately 80% and 76% of the loans in the home equity portfolio were first lien positions at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We continue to grow our home equity portfolio as the lower origination cost and convenience to customers has made these products an increasingly attractive alternative to conventional residential mortgage loans.

Our underwriting guidelines for home equity products includes a combination of borrower FICO (credit score), the LTV of the property securing the loan and evidence of the borrower having sufficient income to repay the loan. Currently, for home equity products, the maximum acceptable LTV is 90%. The average FICO score for new home equity production was 751 and 749 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Other consumer loans totaled $21.1 million at December 31, 2014, down $2.0 million or 8% compared to 2013, and represented 1.1% of the 2014 year-end loan portfolio versus 1.2% at year-end 2013. Other consumer loans consist of personal loans (collateralized and uncollateralized) and deposit account collateralized loans.

Factors that are important to managing overall credit quality are sound loan underwriting and administration, systematic monitoring of existing loans and commitments, effective loan review on an ongoing basis, early identification of potential problems, an appropriate allowance for loan losses, and sound nonaccrual and charge off policies.

An active credit risk management process is used for commercial loans to further ensure that sound and consistent credit decisions are made. Credit risk is controlled by detailed underwriting procedures, comprehensive loan administration, and periodic review of borrowers’ outstanding loans and commitments. Borrower relationships are formally reviewed and graded on an ongoing basis for early identification of potential problems. Further analyses by customer, industry, and geographic location are performed to monitor trends, financial performance, and concentrations.

Our loan portfolio is widely diversified by types of borrowers, industry groups, and market areas within our core footprint. Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to numerous borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2014, no significant concentrations, as defined above, existed in our portfolio in excess of 10% of total loans.

Loans Held for Sale and Loan Servicing Rights. Loans held for sale (not included in the loan portfolio composition table) were entirely comprised of residential real estate mortgages and totaled $755 thousand and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

We sell certain qualifying newly originated or refinanced residential real estate mortgages on the secondary market. Residential real estate mortgages serviced for others, which are not included in the consolidated statements of financial condition, amounted to $215.2 million and $237.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for loan losses (in thousands).


	Loan Loss Analysis Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012			2011			2010
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of year	$	26,736		$	24,714		$	23,260		$	20,466		$	20,741
Charge-offs:
Commercial business		204			1,070			729			1,346			3,426
Commercial mortgage		304			553			745			751			263
Residential mortgage		190			411			326			152			290
Home equity		340			391			305			449			259
Consumer indirect		10,004			8,125			6,589			4,713			4,669
Other consumer		972			928			874			877			909

Total charge-offs		12,014			11,478			9,568			8,288			9,816
Recoveries:
Commercial business		201			349			336			401			326
Commercial mortgage		143			319			261			245			501
Residential mortgage		39			54			130			90			21
Home equity		56			157			44			44			36
Consumer indirect		4,321			3,161			2,769			2,066			1,485
Other consumer		366			381			354			456			485

Total recoveries		5,126			4,421			3,894			3,302			2,854

Net charge-offs		6,888			7,057			5,674			4,986			6,962
Provision for loan losses		7,789			9,079			7,128			7,780			6,687

Allowance for loan losses, end of year	$	27,637		$	26,736		$	24,714		$	23,260		$	20,466



Net charge-offs to average loans		0.37	%		0.40	%		0.36	%		0.36	%		0.54	%
Allowance to end of period loans		1.45	%		1.46	%		1.45	%		1.57	%		1.52	%
Allowance to end of period non-performing loans		272	%		161	%		271	%		329	%		270	%

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category as of the dates indicated. The allocation is made for analytical purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the categories in which actual losses may occur. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any segment of the loan portfolio (in thousands).


	Allowance for Loan Losses by Loan Category At December 31,
	2014					2013					2012					2011					2010
	Loan Loss Allowance		Percentage of loans by category to total loans			Loan Loss Allowance		Percentage of loans by category to total loans			Loan Loss Allowance		Percentage of loans by category to total loans			Loan Loss Allowance		Percentage of loans by category to total loans			Loan Loss Allowance		Percentage of loans by category to total loans
Commercial business	$	5,621		14.0	%	$	4,273		14.5	%	$	4,884		15.2	%	$	4,036		15.7	%	$	3,712		15.7	%
Commercial mortgage		8,122		24.9			7,743		25.6			6,581		24.2			6,418		26.5			6,431		26.2
Residential mortgage		570		5.2			676		6.2			740		7.8			858		7.7			1,013		9.6
Home equity		1,485		20.2			1,367		17.8			1,282		16.8			1,242		15.6			972		15.5
Consumer indirect		11,383		34.6			12,230		34.7			10,715		34.4			10,189		32.9			7,754		31.1
Other consumer		456		1.1			447		1.2			512		1.6			517		1.6			584		1.9

Total	$	27,637		100.0	%	$	26,736		100.0	%	$	24,714		100.0	%	$	23,260		100.0	%	$	20,466		100.0	%

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 is adequate to cover probable losses in the loan portfolio at that date. Factors beyond our control, however, such as general national and local economic conditions, can adversely impact the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. As a result, no assurance can be given that adverse economic conditions or other circumstances will not result in increased losses in the portfolio or that the allowance for loan losses will be sufficient to meet actual loan losses. See Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” for the risks impacting this estimate. Management presents a quarterly review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to our Board of Directors based on the methodology that is described in further detail in Part I, Item I “Business” under the section titled “Lending Activities”. See also “Critical Accounting Estimates” for additional information on the allowance for loan losses.

Non-performing Assets and Potential Problem Loans

The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets (in thousands):


	Non-performing Assets At December 31,
	2014			2013			2012			2011			2010
Non-accruing loans:
Commercial business	$	4,288		$	3,474		$	3,413		$	1,259		$	947
Commercial mortgage		3,020			9,663			1,799			2,928			3,100
Residential mortgage		1,194			1,078			2,040			1,644			2,102
Home equity		463			925			939			682			875
Consumer indirect		1,169			1,471			891			558			514
Other consumer		11			5			25			-			41

Total non-accruing loans		10,145			16,616			9,107			7,071			7,579
Restructured accruing loans		-			-			-			-			-
Accruing loans contractually past due over 90 days		8			6			18			5			3

Total non-performing loans		10,153			16,622			9,125			7,076			7,582
Foreclosed assets		194			333			184			475			741
Non-performing investment securities		-			128			753			1,636			572

Total non-performing assets	$	10,347		$	17,083		$	10,062		$	9,187		$	8,895



Non-performing loans to total loans		0.53	%		0.91	%		0.53	%		0.48	%		0.56	%
Non-performing assets to total assets		0.33	%		0.58	%		0.36	%		0.39	%		0.40	%

Non-performing assets include non-performing loans, foreclosed assets and non-performing investment securities. Non-performing assets at December 31, 2014 were $10.3 million, a decrease of $6.7 million from the $17.1 million balance at December 31, 2013. The primary component of non-performing assets is non-performing loans, which were $10.1 million or 0.53% of total loans at December 31, 2014, a decrease of $6.5 million from $16.6 million or 0.91% of total loans at December 31, 2013.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Approximately $3.8 million, or 37%, of the $10.1 million in non-performing loans as of December 31, 2014 were current with respect to payment of principal and interest, but were classified as non-accruing because repayment in full of principal and/or interest was uncertain. For non-accruing loans outstanding as of December 31, 2014, the amount of interest income forgone totaled $527 thousand. Included in nonaccrual loans are troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) of $3.0 million and $8.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We had no TDRs that were accruing interest as of December 31, 2014 or 2013. The decrease in non-performing loans and TDRs was driven by the resolution, during the second quarter of 2014, of a single commercial mortgage which had been modified as a troubled debt restructuring and placed on nonaccrual status during the fourth quarter 2013.

Foreclosed assets consist of real property formerly pledged as collateral for loans, which we have acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Foreclosed asset holdings represented four properties totaling $194 thousand at December 31, 2014 and four properties totaling $333 thousand at December 31, 2013.

During 2014 the last of the remaining non-performing pooled trust preferred investment securities was sold. These securities had been transferred to non-performing status in years prior to 2010 and included in non-performing assets at fair value.

Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing, but information known about possible credit problems of the borrowers causes us to have concern as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan payment terms and may result in disclosure of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future. These loans remain in a performing status due to a variety of factors, including payment history, the value of collateral supporting the credits, and/or personal or government guarantees. We consider loans classified as substandard, which continue to accrue interest, to be potential problem loans. We identified $13.7 million and $9.7 million in loans that continued to accrue interest which were classified as substandard as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

FUNDING ACTIVITIES

Deposits

The following table summarizes the composition of our deposits (dollars in thousands).


	At December 31,
	2014					2013					2012
	Amount		Percent			Amount		Percent			Amount		Percent
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	571,260		23.3	%	$	535,472		23.1	%	$	501,514		22.2	%
Interest-bearing demand		490,190		20.0			470,733		20.3			449,744		19.9
Savings and money market		795,835		32.5			717,928		30.9			655,598		28.9
Certificates of deposit < $100,000		347,899		14.2			369,915		16.0			432,506		19.2
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more		245,343		10.0			226,008		9.7			222,432		9.8

Total deposits	$	2,450,527		100.0	%	$	2,320,056		100.0	%	$	2,261,794		100.0	%

We offer a variety of deposit products designed to attract and retain customers, with the primary focus on building and expanding long-term relationships. At December 31, 2014, total deposits were $2.45 billion, representing an increase of $130.5 million for the year. Certificates of deposit were approximately 24% and 26% of total deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depositors remain hesitant to invest in time deposits, such as certificates of deposit, for long periods due to the low interest rate environment. This has resulted in lower amounts being placed in time deposits for generally shorter terms.

Nonpublic deposits, the largest component of our funding sources, totaled $1.84 billion and $1.79 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and represented 75% and 77% of total deposits as of the end of each period, respectively. We have managed this segment of funding through a strategy of competitive pricing that minimizes the number of customer relationships that have only a single service high cost deposit account.

As an additional source of funding, we offer a variety of public (municipal) deposit products to the towns, villages, counties and school districts within our market. Public deposits generally range from 20% to 30% of our total deposits. There is a high degree of seasonality in this component of funding, because the level of deposits varies with the seasonal cash flows for these public customers. We maintain the necessary levels of short-term liquid assets to accommodate the seasonality associated with public deposits. Total public deposits were $607.5 million and $533.5 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and represented 25% and 23% of total deposits as of the end of each period, respectively. The increase in public deposits during 2014 was due largely to seasonality coupled with successful business development efforts.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

We had no traditional brokered deposits at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013; however, we do participate in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) and Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) programs, which enable depositors to receive FDIC insurance coverage for deposits otherwise exceeding the maximum insurable amount. CDARS and ICS deposits are considered brokered deposits for regulatory reporting purposes. Through these programs, deposits in excess of the maximum insurable amount are placed with multiple participating financial institutions. Reciprocal CDARS deposits and ICS deposits totaled $79.7 million and $67.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014, compared to $61.3 million and $56.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013.

Borrowings

There were no long-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Outstanding short-term borrowings are summarized as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):


	2014		2013
Short-term borrowings:
Repurchase agreements	$	39,504	$	39,042
Short-term FHLB borrowings		295,300		298,000

Total short-term borrowings	$	334,804	$	337,042

We classify borrowings as short-term or long-term in accordance with the original terms of the agreement.

We have credit capacity with the FHLB and can borrow through facilities that include amortizing and term advances or repurchase agreements. We had approximately $15 million of immediate credit capacity with the FHLB as of December 31, 2014. We had approximately $446 million in secured borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) discount window, none of which was outstanding at December 31, 2014. The FHLB and FRB credit capacity are collateralized by securities from our investment portfolio and certain qualifying loans. We had approximately $120 million of credit available under unsecured federal funds purchased lines with various banks as of December 31, 2014. Additionally, we had approximately $134 million of unencumbered liquid securities available for pledging.

Federal funds purchased are short-term borrowings that typically mature within one to ninety days. Short-term repurchase agreements are secured overnight borrowings with customers. Short-term FHLB borrowings have original maturities of less than one year and include overnight borrowings which we typically utilize to address short term funding needs as they arise Short-term FHLB borrowings at December 31, 2014 consisted of $129.0 million in overnight borrowings and $166.3 million in short-term advances. Short-term FHLB borrowings at December 31, 2013 consisted of $198.0 million in overnight borrowings and $100.0 million in short-term advances.

The following table summarizes information relating to our short-term borrowings (dollars in thousands).


	At or for the Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Year-end balance	$	334,804		$	337,042		$	179,806
Year-end weighted average interest rate		0.35	%		0.38	%		0.54	%
Maximum outstanding at any month-end	$	334,804		$	337,042		$	229,598
Average balance during the year	$	247,956		$	190,310		$	121,735
Average interest rate for the year		0.37	%		0.39	%		0.48	%

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity was $279.5 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $24.7 million from $254.8 million at December 31, 2013. Net income for the year and stock issued for the acquisition of SDN increased shareholders’ equity by $29.4 million and $5.4 million, respectively, which were partially offset by common and preferred stock dividends declared of $12.2 million. Accumulated other comprehensive income included in shareholders’ equity increased $1.2 million during the year due primarily to lower net unrealized losses on securities available for sale. For detailed information on shareholders’ equity, see Note 12, Shareholders’ Equity, of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

FII and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements. At December 31, 2014, both FII and the Bank exceeded all regulatory requirements. For detailed information on regulatory capital requirements, see Note 11, Regulatory Matters, of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying value of goodwill totaled $61.2 million and $48.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill at the reporting unit level to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In performing a qualitative analysis, factors considered include, but are not limited to, business strategy, financial performance and market and regulatory dynamics. The results of the qualitative assessment for 2014 and 2013 indicated that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Consequently, no additional quantitative two-step impairment test was required, and no impairment was recorded in 2014 or 2013.

The change in the balance for goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands):


	2014		2013
Goodwill, beginning of year	$	48,536	$	48,536
Addition from the SDN acquisition		12,617		-

Goodwill, end of year	$	61,153	$	48,536

Goodwill and other intangible assets added during the period relates to the SDN acquisition, which closed on August 1, 2014.

Declines in the market value of our publicly traded stock price or declines in our ability to generate future cash flows may increase the potential that goodwill recorded on the our consolidated statements of financial condition be designated as impaired and we may incur a goodwill write-down in the future.

We have other intangible assets that are amortized, consisting of core deposit intangibles and other intangibles (primarily related to customer relationships acquired in connection with the Company’s insurance agency acquisition). Changes in the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net book value were as follows (in thousands):


	2014			2013
Core deposit intangibles:
Gross carrying amount	$	2,042		$	2,042
Accumulated amortization		(917	)		(576	)

Net book value	$	1,125		$	1,466

Amortization during the year	$	341		$	387


Other intangibles:
Gross carrying amount	$	6,640		$	-
Accumulated amortization		(279	)		-

Net book value	$	6,361		$	-

Amortization during the year	$	279		$	-

Core deposit intangible amortization expense was $189 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2012.

For further discussion, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The objective of maintaining adequate liquidity is to assure that we meet our financial obligations. These obligations include the withdrawal of deposits on demand or at their contractual maturity, the repayment of matured borrowings, the ability to fund new and existing loan commitments and the ability to take advantage of new business opportunities. We achieve liquidity by maintaining a strong base of core customer funds, maturing short-term assets, our ability to sell or pledge securities, lines-of-credit, and access to the financial and capital markets.

Liquidity for the Bank is managed through the monitoring of anticipated changes in loans, the investment portfolio, core deposits and wholesale funds. The strength of the Bank’s liquidity position is a result of its base of core customer deposits. These core deposits are supplemented by wholesale funding sources that include credit lines with the other banking institutions, the FHLB and the FRB.

The primary sources of liquidity for FII are dividends from the Bank and access to financial and capital markets. Dividends from the Bank are limited by various regulatory requirements related to capital adequacy and earnings trends. The Bank relies on cash flows from operations, core deposits, borrowings and short-term liquid assets.

Cash and cash equivalents were $58.2 million as of December 31, 2014, down $1.5 million from $59.7 million as of December 31, 2013. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $35.2 million and the principal source of operating activity cash flow was net income adjusted for noncash income and expense items. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $153.5 million, which included outflows of $84.8 million for net loan originations and $46.8 million from net investment securities transactions. Net cash provided by financing activities of $116.7 million was attributed to a $130.5 million increase in deposits, partly offset by $12.0 million in dividend payments and a $2.2 million decrease in short-term borrowings.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

The following table summarizes the maturities of various contractual obligations and other commitments (in thousands):


	At December 31, 2014
	Within 1 year		Over 1 to 3 years		Over 3 to 5 Years		Over 5 years		Total
On-Balance sheet:
Certificates of deposit⁽¹⁾	$	395,956	$	134,267	$	62,991	$	28	$	593,242
Supplemental executive retirement plans		309		668		752		1,273		3,002


Off-Balance sheet:
Limited partnership investments ⁽²⁾	$	915	$	593	$	297	$	-	$	1,805
Commitments to extend credit ⁽³⁾		450,343		-		-		-		450,343
Standby letters of credit ⁽³⁾		4,235		3,762		581		-		8,578
Operating leases		1,673		2,779		1,828		3,788		10,068

⁽¹⁾	Includes the maturity of certificates of deposit amounting to $100 thousand or more as follows: $74.4 million in three months or less; $36.0 million between three months and six months; $71.8 million between six months and one year; and $63.1 million over one year.

⁽²⁾	We have committed to capital investments in several limited partnerships of up to $8.5 million, of which we have contributed $6.7 million as of December 31, 2014, including $2.1 million during 2014.

⁽³⁾	We do not expect all of the commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit to be funded. Thus, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent our future cash requirements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

With the exception of obligations in connection with our irrevocable loan commitments, operating leases and limited partnership investments as of December 31, 2014, we had no other off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors. For additional information on off-balance sheet arrangements, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, in the notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Security Yields and Maturities Schedule

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost (“Cost”), weighted average yields (“Yield”) and contractual maturities of our debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2014. Mortgage-backed securities are included in maturity categories based on their stated maturity date. Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities presented because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain investments. No tax-equivalent adjustments were made to the weighted average yields (dollars in thousands).


	Due in one year or less					Due from one to five years					Due after five years through ten years					Due after ten years					Total
	Cost		Yield			Cost		Yield			Cost		Yield			Cost		Yield			Cost		Yield
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. Government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises	$	22,064		0.02	%	$	68,540		1.80	%	$	60,680		2.33	%	$	9,050		0.89	%	$	160,334		1.70	%
Mortgage-backed securities		38		3.17			68,377		1.82			153,370		2.54			237,174		2.13			458,959		2.22

		22,102		0.03			136,917		1.81			214,050		2.48			246,224		2.09			619,293		2.09
Held to maturity debt securities:
State and political subdivisions		23,659		1.31			136,752		1.77			116,862		2.20			-		-			277,273		1.92
Mortgage-backed securities		-		-			-		-			-		-			17,165		3.38			17,165		3.38

		23,659		1.31			136,752		1.77			116,862		2.20			17,165		3.38			294,438		2.00

	$	45,761		0.69	%	$	273,669		1.79	%	$	330,912		2.38	%	$	263,389		2.17	%	$	913,731		2.06	%

Contractual Loan Maturity Schedule

The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2014. Loans, net of deferred loan origination costs, include principal amortization and non-accruing loans. Demand loans having no stated schedule of repayment or maturity and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less (in thousands).


	Due in less than one year		Due from one to five years		Due after five years		Total
Commercial business	$	145,111	$	98,577	$	23,721	$	267,409
Commercial mortgage		120,635		234,705		119,752		475,092
Residential mortgage		17,759		44,238		38,104		100,101
Home equity		63,436		171,767		151,412		386,615
Consumer indirect		291,182		364,702		5,789		661,673
Other consumer		9,384		10,327		1,401		21,112

Total loans	$	647,507	$	924,316	$	340,179	$	1,912,002





Loans maturing after one year:
With a predetermined interest rate			$	256,813	$	160,703	$	417,516
With a floating or adjustable rate				667,503		179,476		846,979

Total loans maturing after one year			$	924,316	$	340,179	$	1,264,495

- 54 -

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Capital Resources

The FRB has adopted a system using risk-based capital guidelines to evaluate the capital adequacy of bank holding companies on a consolidated basis. The guidelines require a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.00%, a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.00% and a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00%. The following table reflects the ratios and their components as of December 31 (in thousands):


	2014			2013
Total shareholders’ equity	$	279,532		$	254,839
Less: Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax		1,933			(5,293	)
Net unrecognized gain (loss) on available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity, net of tax		(308	)		(44	)
Unrecognized net periodic pension & postretirement benefits (costs), net of tax		(10,636	)		(4,850	)
Disallowed goodwill and other intangible assets		68,639			50,002

Tier 1 capital	$	219,904		$	215,024

Adjusted average total assets (for leverage capital purposes)	$	2,993,050		$	2,816,491

Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets)		7.35%			7.63%


Total Tier 1 capital	$	219,904		$	215,024
Plus: Qualifying allowance for loan losses		26,262			24,854

Total risk-based capital	$	246,166		$	239,878

Total risk-weighted assets	$	2,099,626		$	1,986,473

Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets)		10.47%			10.82%
Total risk-based capital ratio (Total risk-based capital to total risk-weighted assets)		11.72%			12.08%

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and are consistent with predominant practices in the financial services industry. Application of critical accounting policies, which are those policies that management believes are the most important to our financial position and results, requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements. Future changes in information may affect these estimates, assumptions and judgments, which, in turn, may affect amounts reported in the financial statements.

We have numerous accounting policies, of which the most significant are presented in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to consolidated financial statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are reported in the consolidated financial statements and how those reported amounts are determined. Based on the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has determined that the accounting policies with respect to the allowance for loan losses, valuation of goodwill and deferred tax assets, the valuation of securities and determination of OTTI, and accounting for defined benefit plans require particularly subjective or complex judgments important to our financial position and results of operations, and, as such, are considered to be critical accounting policies as discussed below. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment and are evaluated on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. We adjust these estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets and volatile equity have combined with declines in consumer spending to increase the uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions. As future events cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from our estimates.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Adequacy of the Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of subjective measurements including management’s assessment of the internal risk classifications of loans, changes in the nature of the loan portfolio, industry concentrations, existing economic conditions, the fair value of underlying collateral, and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect probable credit losses. Because current economic conditions can change and future events are inherently difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan losses, and therefore the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses, could change significantly. As an integral part of their examination process, various regulatory agencies also review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance for loan losses or may require that certain loan balances be charged off or downgraded into criticized loan categories when their credit evaluations differ from those of management, based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. We believe the level of the allowance for loan losses is appropriate as recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

For additional discussion related to our accounting policies for the allowance for loan losses, see the sections titled “Allowance for Loan Losses” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Valuation of Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in accordance with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but is tested for impairment. GAAP requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at our reporting unit level on an annual basis, which for us is September 30th, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be impairment.

Impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. In testing goodwill for impairment, GAAP permits us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. However, if we conclude otherwise, we would then be required to perform the first step (Step 1) of the goodwill impairment test, and continue to the second step (Step 2), if necessary. Step 1 compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the value of impairment loss, if any.

Valuation and Other Than Temporary Impairment of Securities

We record all of our securities that are classified as available for sale at fair value. The fair value of equity securities are determined using public quotations, when available. Where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques for which the determination of fair value may require significant judgment or estimation. Fair values of public bonds and those private securities that are actively traded in the secondary market have been determined through the use of third-party pricing services using market observable inputs. Private placement securities and other corporate fixed maturities for which we do not receive a public quotation are valued using a variety of acceptable valuation methods. Market rates used are applicable to the yield, credit quality and average maturity of each security. Private equity securities may also utilize internal valuation methodologies appropriate for the specific asset. Fair values might also be determined using broker quotes or through the use of internal models or analysis.

Securities are evaluated quarterly to determine whether a decline in their fair value is other than temporary. We utilize criteria such as, the current intent or requirement to hold or sell the security, the magnitude and duration of the decline and, when appropriate, consideration of negative changes in expected cash flows, creditworthiness, near term prospects of issuers, the level of credit subordination, estimated loss severity, and delinquencies, to determine whether a loss in value is other than temporary. The term “other than temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospect for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable. Declines in the fair value of investment securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit issues or concerns, or the security is intended to be sold. The amount of impairment related to non-credit related factors on securities not intended to be sold is recognized in other comprehensive income.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

The determination of deferred tax expense or benefit is based on changes in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that generate temporary differences. The carrying value of our net deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income based on estimates and assumptions (after consideration of historical taxable income as well as tax planning strategies). If these estimates and related assumptions change, we may be required to record valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. We evaluate deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and assess the need for a valuation allowance, if any. A valuation allowance is established when management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowance from period to period are included in our tax provision in the period of change. For additional discussion related to our accounting policy for income taxes see Note 15, Income Taxes, of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

We have a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees, subject to the limitations related to the plan closure effective December 31, 2006. Benefits under the plan are based on years of service, age and compensation. Assumptions are made concerning future events that will determine the amount and timing of required benefit payments, funding requirements and defined benefit pension expense. The major assumptions are the weighted average discount rate used in determining the current benefit obligation, the weighted average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase and the estimated mortality rate. The weighted average discount rate was based upon the projected benefit cash flows and the market yields of high grade corporate bonds that are available to pay such cash flows as of the measurement date, December 31. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return is estimated based on current trends experienced by the assets in the plan as well as projected future rates of return on those assets and reasonable actuarial assumptions for long term inflation, and the real and nominal rate of investment return for a specific mix of asset classes. The current target asset allocation model for the plans is detailed in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements. The expected returns on these various asset categories are blended to derive one long-term return assumption. The assets are invested in certain collective investment and mutual funds, common stocks, U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agency securities, and corporate and municipal bonds and notes. The rate of compensation increase is based on reviewing the compensation increase practices of other plan sponsors in similar industries and geographic areas as well as the expectation of future increases. Mortality rate assumptions are based on mortality tables published by third-parties such as the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”), considering other available information including historical data as well as studies and publications from reputable sources. We review the pension plan assumptions on an annual basis with our actuarial consultants to determine if the assumptions are reasonable and adjust the assumptions to reflect changes in future expectations.

The assumptions used to calculate 2015 expense for the defined benefit pension plan were a weighted average discount rate of 3.86%, a weighted average long-term rate of return on plan assets of 6.50% and a rate of compensation increase of 3.00%. We adopted the RP-2014 mortality tables and the MP-2014 mortality improvement scales issued by the SOA in October 2014. The new mortality assumptions increased the projected benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan by approximately $3.0 million at December 31, 2014. Defined benefit pension expense in 2015 is expected to increase to $946 thousand from the $179 thousand recorded in 2014, primarily driven by a decrease in the discount rate and the impact of changes in mortality assumptions, partially offset by the benefit from an $8 million cash contribution from the Company in December 2014.

Due to the long-term nature of pension plan assumptions, actual results may differ significantly from the actuarial-based estimates. Differences resulting in actuarial gains or losses are required to be recorded in shareholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss and amortized to defined benefit pension expense in future years. In 2014, the actual return on plan assets in the qualified defined benefit pension plan was $5.4 million, compared to an expected return on plan assets of $4.1 million. Total pretax losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2014 were $17.8 million for the defined benefit pension plan. Actuarial pretax net losses recognized in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $9.7 million for the defined benefit pension plan.

Defined benefit pension expense is recorded in “Salaries and employee benefits” expense on the consolidated statements of income.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements, in the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

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ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Asset-Liability Management

The principal objective of our interest rate risk management is to evaluate the interest rate risk inherent in assets and liabilities, determine the appropriate level of risk to us given our business strategy, operating environment, capital and liquidity requirements and performance objectives, and manage the risk consistent with the guidelines approved by our Board of Directors. Management is responsible for reviewing with the Board of Directors our activities and strategies, the effect of those strategies on the net interest income, the fair value of the portfolio and the effect that changes in interest rates will have on the portfolio and exposure limits. Management has developed an Asset-Liability Management and Investment Policy that meets the strategic objectives and regularly reviews the activities of the Bank.

Portfolio Composition

Our balance sheet assets are a mix of fixed and variable rate assets with consumer indirect loans, commercial loans, and MBSs comprising a significant portion of our assets. Our consumer indirect loan portfolio comprised 21% of assets and is primarily fixed rate loans with relatively short durations. Our commercial loan portfolio totaled 24% of assets and is a combination of fixed and variable rate loans, lines and mortgages. The MBS portfolio, including collateralized mortgages obligations, totaled 15% of assets with durations averaging three to five years.

Our liabilities are made up primarily of deposits, which account for 87% of total liabilities. Of these deposits, the majority, or 54%, is in nonpublic variable rate and noninterest bearing products including demand (both noninterest and interest- bearing), savings and money market accounts. In addition, fixed rate nonpublic certificate of deposit products make up 21% of total deposits. The bank also has a significant amount of public deposits, which represented 25% of total deposits as of December 31, 2014.

Net Interest Income at Risk

A primary tool used to manage interest rate risk is “rate shock” simulation to measure the rate sensitivity. Rate shock simulation is a modeling technique used to estimate the impact of changes in rates on net interest income as well as economic value of equity. At December 31, 2014, we are generally asset sensitive, meaning that, in most cases, net interest income tends to rise as interest rates rise and decline as interest rates fall.

Net interest income at risk is measured by estimating the changes in net interest income resulting from instantaneous and sustained parallel shifts in interest rates of different magnitudes over a period of 12 months. The following table sets forth the estimated changes to net interest income over the 12-month period ending December 31, 2015 assuming instantaneous changes in interest rates for the given rate shock scenarios (dollars in thousands):


	Changes in Interest Rate
	-100 bp			+100 bp			+200 bp			+300 bp
Estimated change in net interest income	$	(1,454	)	$	882		$	2,379		$	1,761
% Change		(1.53	)%		0.92	%		2.50	%		1.85	%

In addition to the changes in interest rate scenarios listed above, other scenarios are typically modeled to measure interest rate risk. These scenarios vary depending on the economic and interest rate environment.

The simulation referenced above is based on our assumption as to the effect of interest rate changes on assets and liabilities and assumes a parallel shift of the yield curve. It also includes certain assumptions about the future pricing of loans and deposits in response to changes in interest rates. Further, it assumes that delinquency rates would not change as a result of changes in interest rates, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case. While this simulation is a useful measure as to net interest income at risk due to a change in interest rates, it is not a forecast of the future results and is based on many assumptions that, if changed, could cause a different outcome.

Economic Value of Equity At Risk

The economic (or “fair”) value of financial instruments on our balance sheet will also vary under the interest rate scenarios previously discussed. This is measured by simulating changes in our economic value of equity (“EVE”), which is calculated by subtracting the estimated fair value of liabilities from the estimated fair value of assets. Fair values for financial instruments are estimated by discounting projected cash flows (principal and interest) at current replacement rates for each account type, while fair values of non-financial assets and liabilities are assumed to equal book value and do not vary with interest rate fluctuations. An economic value simulation is a static measure for balance sheet accounts at a given point in time, but this measurement can change substantially over time as the characteristics of our balance sheet evolve and as interest rate and yield curve assumptions are updated.

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The amount of change in economic value under different interest rate scenarios depends on the characteristics of each class of financial instrument, including the stated interest rate or spread relative to current market rates or spreads, the likelihood of prepayment, whether the rate is fixed or floating, and the maturity date of the instrument. As a general rule, fixed-rate financial assets become more valuable in declining rate scenarios and less valuable in rising rate scenarios, while fixed-rate financial liabilities gain in value as interest rates rise and lose value as interest rates decline. The longer the duration of the financial instrument, the greater the impact a rate change will have on its value. In our economic value simulations, estimated prepayments are factored in for financial instruments with stated maturity dates, and decay rates for non-maturity deposits are projected based on historical data (back-testing).

The analysis that follows presents the estimated EVE resulting from market interest rates prevailing at a given quarter-end (“Pre-Shock Scenario”), and under other interest rate scenarios (each a “Rate Shock Scenario”) represented by immediate, permanent, parallel shifts in interest rates from those observed at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The analysis additionally presents a measurement of the interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 2014 and 2013. EVE amounts are computed under each respective Pre- Shock Scenario and Rate Shock Scenario. An increase in the EVE amount is considered favorable, while a decline is considered unfavorable.


	December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
Rate Shock Scenario:	EVE		Change			Percentage Change			EVE		Change			Percentage Change
Pre-Shock Scenario	$	476,735							$	466,008
- 100 Basis Points		489,184	$	12,449			2.61	%		476,323	$	10,315			2.21	%
+ 100 Basis Points		466,983		(9,752	)		(2.05	)		452,155		(13,853	)		(2.97	)
+ 200 Basis Points		453,868		(22,867	)		(4.80	)		435,424		(30,584	)		(6.56	)

The Pre-Shock Scenario EVE was $476.7 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $466.0 million at December 31, 2013. The increase in the Pre-Shock Scenario EVE at December 31, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013 resulted primarily from a more favorable valuation of non-maturity deposits, fixed-rate residential loans and mortgage backed securities that reflected alternative funding and investment rate changes used for discounting future cash flows.

The +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario EVE increased from $435.4 million at December 31, 2013 to $453.9 million at December 31, 2014, reflecting the more favorable valuation of non-maturity deposits. The percentage change in the EVE amount from the Pre-Shock Scenario to the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario decreased from (6.56)% at December 31, 2013 to (4.80)% at December 31, 2014. The decrease in sensitivity resulted from an increased benefit in the valuation of non-maturity deposits in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario EVE as of December 31, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013.

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Interest Rate Sensitivity Gap

The following table presents an analysis of our interest rate sensitivity gap position at December 31, 2014. All interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are shown based on the earlier of their contractual maturity or re-pricing date. The expected maturities are presented on a contractual basis or, if more relevant, based on projected call dates. Investment securities are at amortized cost for both securities available for sale and securities held to maturity. Loans, net of deferred loan origination costs, include principal amortization adjusted for estimated prepayments (principal payments in excess of contractual amounts) and non-accruing loans. Because the interest rate sensitivity levels shown in the table could be changed by external factors such as loan prepayments and liability decay rates or by factors controllable by us, such as asset sales, it is not an absolute reflection of our potential interest rate risk profile (in thousands).


	At December 31, 2014
	Three Months or Less			Over Three Months Through One Year			Over One Year Through Five Years			Over Five Years			Total
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS:
Investment securities	$	81,103		$	93,756		$	453,068		$	285,804		$	913,731
Loans		551,409			354,063			813,318			193,967			1,912,757

Total interest-earning assets	$	632,512		$	447,819		$	1,266,386		$	479,771			2,826,488

Cash and due from banks														58,151
Other assets ⁽¹⁾														204,882

Total assets													$	3,089,521

INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES:
Interest-bearing demand, savings and money market	$	1,286,025		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	1,286,025
Certificates of deposit		137,872			258,085			197,257			28			593,242
Borrowings		297,404			37,400			-			-			334,804

Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	1,721,301		$	295,485		$	197,257		$	28			2,214,071

Noninterest-bearing deposits														571,260
Other liabilities														24,658

Total liabilities														2,809,989
Shareholders’ equity														279,532

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity													$	3,089,521

Interest sensitivity gap	$	(1,088,789	)	$	152,334		$	1,069,129		$	479,743		$	612,417

Cumulative gap	$	(1,088,789	)	$	(936,455	)	$	132,674		$	612,417

Cumulative gap ratio ⁽²⁾		36.7	%		53.6	%		106.0	%		127.7	%
Cumulative gap as a percentage of total assets		(35.2	)%		(30.3	)%		4.3	%		19.8	%

⁽¹⁾	Includes net unrealized gain on securities available for sale and allowance for loan losses.

⁽²⁾	Cumulative total interest-earning assets divided by cumulative total interest-bearing liabilities.

For purposes of interest rate risk management, we direct more attention on simulation modeling, such as “net interest income at risk” as previously discussed, rather than gap analysis. We consider the net interest income at risk simulation modeling to be more informative in forecasting future income at risk.

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ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements


		Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting		62

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (on Internal Control over Financial Reporting)		63

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (on the Consolidated Financial Statements)		64

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2014 and 2013		65

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012		66

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012		67

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012		68

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012		70

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		71

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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for Financial Institutions, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting has been designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

The Company’s management has, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer as identified below, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. To make this assessment, we used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The scope of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting excluded the internal control over financial reporting of Scott Danahy Naylon, Co., Inc. (“SDN”), which the Company acquired on August 1, 2014. SDN represented approximately 1% of the Company’s consolidated total assets and 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenues as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014. Based on our assessment and based on such criteria, we believe that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

KPMG LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements has issued an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. That report appears herein.


/s/ Martin K. Birmingham		/s/ Kevin B. Klotzbach
President and Chief Executive Officer		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
March 6, 2015		March 6, 2015

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Financial Institutions, Inc.:

We have audited Financial Institutions, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Financial Institutions, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

The scope of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting excluded the internal control over financial reporting of the Scott Danahy Naylon, Co., Inc. (“SDN”), which the Company acquired on August 1, 2014. SDN represented approximately 1% of the Company’s consolidated total assets and 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenues as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Financial Institutions, Inc. and subsidiaries also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of SDN.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial condition of Financial Institutions, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholder’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated March 6, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Rochester, New York

March 6, 2015

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Financial Institutions, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Financial Institutions, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Financial Institutions, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 6, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Rochester, New York

March 6, 2015

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FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition


*(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)*	December 31,
	2014			2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks	$	58,151		$	59,598
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other banks		-			94

Total cash and cash equivalents		58,151			59,692
Securities available for sale, at fair value		622,494			609,400
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $298,695 and $250,657, respectively)		294,438			249,785
Loans held for sale		755			3,381
Loans (net of allowance for loan losses of $27,637 and $26,736, respectively)		1,884,365			1,806,883
Company owned life insurance		61,004			49,171
Premises and equipment, net		36,394			36,009
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		68,639			50,002
Other assets		63,281			64,313

Total assets	$	3,089,521		$	2,928,636



LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	571,260		$	535,472
Interest-bearing demand		490,190			470,733
Savings and money market		795,835			717,928
Certificates of deposit		593,242			595,923

Total deposits		2,450,527			2,320,056
Short-term borrowings		334,804			337,042
Other liabilities		24,658			16,699

Total liabilities		2,809,989			2,673,797

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Shareholders’ equity:
Series A 3% preferred stock, $100 par value; 1,533 shares authorized; 1,492 and 1,496 shares issued, respectively		149			149
Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock, $100 par value; 200,000 shares authorized; 171,906 and 171,927 shares issued, respectively		17,191			17,193

Total preferred equity		17,340			17,342
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 14,397,509 and 14,161,597 shares issued, respectively		144			142
Additional paid-in capital		72,955			67,574
Retained earnings		203,312			186,137
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(9,011	)		(10,187	)
Treasury stock, at cost – 279,461 and 332,242 shares, respectively		(5,208	)		(6,169	)

Total shareholders’ equity		279,532			254,839

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,089,521		$	2,928,636

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income


*(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)*	Years ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans	$	82,453		$	81,468		$	81,123
Interest and dividends on investment securities		18,602			17,463			16,444

Total interest income		101,055			98,931			97,567

Interest expense:
Deposits		6,366			6,600			8,462
Short-term borrowings		915			737			589
Long-term borrowings		-			-			-

Total interest expense		7,281			7,337			9,051

Net interest income		93,774			91,594			88,516
Provision for loan losses		7,789			9,079			7,128

Net interest income after provision for loan losses		85,985			82,515			81,388

Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposits		8,954			9,948			8,627
ATM and debit card		4,963			5,098			4,716
Insurance income		2,399			262			324
Investment advisory		2,138			2,345			2,104
Company owned life insurance		1,753			1,706			1,751
Investments in limited partnerships		1,103			857			798
Loan servicing		568			570			617
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale		313			117			1,421
Net gain on disposal of investment securities		2,041			1,226			2,651
Net gain (loss) on sale and disposal of other assets		69			(103	)		(381	)
Amortization of tax credit investment		(2,323	)		-			-
Impairment charges on investment securities		-			-			(91	)
Other		3,372			2,807			2,240

Total noninterest income		25,350			24,833			24,777

Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		38,595			37,828			40,127
Occupancy and equipment		12,829			12,366			11,419
Professional services		4,760			3,836			4,133
Computer and data processing		3,016			2,848			3,271
Supplies and postage		2,053			2,342			2,497
FDIC assessments		1,592			1,464			1,300
Advertising and promotions		805			896			929
Other		8,705			7,861			7,721

Total noninterest expense		72,355			69,441			71,397

Income before income taxes		38,980			37,907			34,768
Income tax expense		9,625			12,377			11,319

Net income	$	29,355		$	25,530		$	23,449

Preferred stock dividends		1,462			1,466			1,474

Net income available to common shareholders	$	27,893		$	24,064		$	21,975



Earnings per common share (Note 16):
Basic	$	2.01		$	1.75		$	1.60
Diluted	$	2.00		$	1.75		$	1.60
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.77		$	0.74		$	0.57


Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		13,893			13,739			13,696
Diluted		13,946			13,784			13,751

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income


*(Dollars in thousands)*	Years ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net income	$	29,355		$	25,530		$	23,449
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		6,962			(21,397	)		2,490
Pension and post-retirement obligations		(5,786	)		7,957			(182	)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		1,176			(13,440	)		2,308

Comprehensive income	$	30,531		$	12,090		$	25,757

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012


*(Dollars in thousands,* *except per share data)*	Preferred Equity			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Total Shareholders’ Equity
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	17,473		$	142	$	67,247		$	158,079		$	945		$	(6,692	)	$	237,194
Comprehensive income:
Net income		-			-		-			23,449			-			-			23,449
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-			-		-			-			2,308			-			2,308
Purchases of common stock for treasury		-			-		-			-			-			(557	)		(557	)
Repurchase of Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock		(2	)		-		-			-			-			-			(2	)
Share-based compensation plans:
Share-based compensation		-			-		526			-			-			-			526
Stock options exercised		-			-		(10	)		-			-			79			69
Restricted stock awards issued, net		-			-		(140	)		-			-			140			-
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation		-			-		97			-			-			-			97
Directors’ retainer		-			-		(10	)								107			97
Cash dividends declared:
Series A 3% Preferred-$3.00 per share		-			-		-			(5	)		-			-			(5	)
Series B-1 8.48% Preferred-$8.48 per share		-			-		-			(1,469	)		-			-			(1,469	)
Common-$0.57 per share		-			-		-			(7,810	)		-			-			(7,810	)

Balance at December 31, 2012	$	17,471		$	142	$	67,710		$	172,244		$	3,253		$	(6,923	)	$	253,897
Comprehensive income:
Net income		-			-		-			25,530			-			-			25,530
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		-			-		-			-			(13,440	)		-			(13,440	)
Purchases of common stock for treasury		-			-		-			-			-			(229	)		(229	)
Repurchase of Series A 3% preferred stock		(1	)		-		-			-			-			-			(1	)
Repurchase of Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock		(128	)		-		(2	)		-			-			-			(130	)
Share-based compensation plans:
Share-based compensation		-			-		407			-			-			-			407
Stock options exercised		-			-		16			-			-			432			448
Restricted stock awards issued, net		-			-		(446	)		-			-			446			-
Excess tax expense on share-based compensation		-			-		(118	)		-			-			-			(118	)
Directors’ retainer		-			-		7			-			-			105			112
Cash dividends declared:
Series A 3% Preferred-$3.00 per share		-			-		-			(5	)		-			-			(5	)
Series B-1 8.48% Preferred-$8.48 per share		-			-		-			(1,461	)		-			-			(1,461	)
Common-$0.74 per share		-			-		-			(10,171	)		-			-			(10,171	)

Balance at December 31, 2013	$	17,342		$	142	$	67,574		$	186,137		$	(10,187	)	$	(6,169	)	$	254,839

Continued on next page

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

- 68 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012


*(Dollars in thousands,* *except per share data)*	Preferred Equity			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Total Shareholders’ Equity
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	17,342		$	142	$	67,574		$	186,137		$	(10,187	)	$	(6,169	)	$	254,839
*Balance carried forward*
Comprehensive income:
Net income		-			-		-			29,355			-			-			29,355
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-			-		-			-			1,176			-			1,176
Common stock issued		-			2		5,398			-			-			-			5,400
Purchases of common stock for treasury		-			-		-			-			-			(194	)		(194	)
Repurchase of Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock		(2	)		-		-			-			-			-			(2	)
Share-based compensation plans:
Share-based compensation		-			-		471			-			-			-			471
Stock options exercised		-			-		32			-			-			635			667
Restricted stock awards issued, net		-			-		(520	)		-			-			520			-
Cash dividends declared:
Series A 3% Preferred-$3.00 per share		-			-		-			(4	)		-			-			(4	)
Series B-1 8.48% Preferred-$8.48 per share		-			-		-			(1,458	)		-			-			(1,458	)
Common-$0.77 per share		-			-		-			(10,718	)		-			-			(10,718	)

Balance at December 31, 2014	$	17,340		$	144	$	72,955		$	203,312		$	(9,011	)	$	(5,208	)	$	279,532

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

- 69 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


*(Dollars in thousands)*	Years ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	29,355		$	25,530		$	23,449
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		4,583			4,181			3,828
Net amortization of premiums on securities		3,241			4,532			5,284
Provision for loan losses		7,789			9,079			7,128
Share-based compensation		471			407			526
Deferred income tax expense		2,154			1,547			6,343
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale		16,543			26,184			55,067
Originations of loans held for sale		(14,457	)		(31,657	)		(52,754	)
Increase in company owned life insurance		(1,753	)		(1,706	)		(1,751	)
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale		(313	)		(117	)		(1,421	)
Net gain on disposal of investment securities		(2,041	)		(1,226	)		(2,651	)
Impairment charges on investment securities		-			-			91
Net (gain) loss on sale and disposal of other assets		(69	)		103			381
Amortization of tax credit investment		2,323			-			-
Contributions to defined benefit pension plan		(8,000	)		-			(8,000	)
Increase in other assets		(1,606	)		(6,640	)		(4,249	)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities		(2,991	)		6,981			7,429

Net cash provided by operating activities		35,229			37,198			38,700

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investment securities:
Available for sale		(236,043	)		(246,874	)		(322,191	)
Held to maturity		(63,770	)		(19,598	)		(15,484	)
Proceeds from principal payments, maturities and calls on investment securities:
Available for sale		140,338			143,053			175,679
Held to maturity		31,026			14,784			20,819
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale		81,600			1,327			2,823
Net increase in loans, excluding sales		(84,812	)		(131,949	)		(151,311	)
Purchases of company owned life insurance		(10,080	)		(79	)		(79	)
Proceeds from sales of other assets		1,576			555			734
Purchases of premises and equipment		(5,330	)		(3,411	)		(5,840	)
Net cash (paid) received from acquisitions		(7,995	)		-			195,778

Net cash used in investing activities		(153,490	)		(242,192	)		(99,072	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits		130,471			58,262			43,376
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings		(2,238	)		157,236			29,108
Purchases of common stock for treasury		(194	)		(229	)		(557	)
Repurchase of preferred stock		(2	)		(131	)		(2	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		667			448			69
Excess tax (expense) benefit on share-based compensation		-			(118	)		97
Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders		(1,463	)		(1,468	)		(1,474	)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders		(10,521	)		(9,750	)		(7,392	)

Net cash provided by financing activities		116,720			204,250			63,225

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(1,541	)		(744	)		2,853
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		59,692			60,436			57,583

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	58,151		$	59,692		$	60,436

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

- 70 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(1.)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Financial Institutions, Inc., (the “Parent”) is a financial holding company organized in 1931 under the laws of New York State (“New York” or “NYS”). The Company offers a broad array of deposit, lending, insurance services and other financial services to individuals, municipalities and businesses in Western and Central New York through its wholly-owned New York chartered banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank (the “Bank”). The Company has also expanded its indirect lending network to include relationships with franchised automobile dealers in the Capital District of New York and Northern Pennsylvania. On August 1, 2014, the Company acquired Scott Danahy Naylon Co., Inc., a full service insurance agency located in Amherst, New York. As a result of the acquisition the Company now provides insurance and risk consulting services through its wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, Scott Danahy Naylon, LLC (“SDN”).

The accounting and reporting policies conform to general practices within the banking industry and to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

The Company has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the day the financial statements were issued.

The following is a description of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

(a.)

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(b.)

Use of Estimates

In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities as of the date of the statement of financial condition and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Material estimates relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the carrying value of goodwill and deferred tax assets, the valuation and other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) considerations related to the securities portfolio, and assumptions used in the defined benefit pension plan accounting. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment and are evaluated on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. The Company adjusts these estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from the Company’s estimates.

(c.)

Cash Flow Reporting

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other banks. Net cash flows are reported for loans, deposit transactions and short-term borrowings.

Supplemental cash flow information is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2014		2013			2012
Cash payments:
Interest expense	$	6,826	$	7,750		$	10,438
Income taxes		13,665		8,095			4,014
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Real estate and other assets acquired in settlement of loans	$	394	$	726		$	322
Accrued and declared unpaid dividends		3,177		2,981			2,562
Increase (decrease) in net unsettled security purchases		568		(51,112	)		51,135
Securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity		12,802		227,330			-
Loans transferred from held for sale to held for investment		853		3,727			-
Common stock issued for acquisition		5,400		-			-
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations:
Loans and other non-cash assets, excluding goodwill and core deposit intangible asset		1,007		-			77,912
Deposits and other liabilities		1,112		-			287,331

- 71 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(1.)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

(d.)

Investment Securities

Investment securities are classified as either available for sale or held to maturity. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost. Other investment securities are classified as available for sale and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a component of comprehensive income and shareholders’ equity.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their fair value is other than temporary. Management utilizes criteria such as, the current intent to hold or sell the security, the magnitude and duration of the decline and, when appropriate, consideration of negative changes in expected cash flows, creditworthiness, near term prospects of issuers, the level of credit subordination, estimated loss severity, and delinquencies, to determine whether a loss in value is other than temporary. The term “other than temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospect for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable. Declines in the fair value of investment securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit issues or concerns, or the security is intended to be sold. The amount of impairment related to non-credit related factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

(e.)

Loans Held for Sale and Loan Servicing Rights

The Company generally makes the determination of whether to identify a mortgage as held for sale at the time the loan is closed based on the Company’s intent and ability to hold the loan. Loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or market computed on the aggregate portfolio basis. The amount, by which cost exceeds market value, if any, is accounted for as a valuation allowance with changes included in the determination of results of operations for the period in which the change occurs. The amount of loan origination cost and fees are deferred at origination of the loans and recognized as part of the gain or loss on sale of the loans, determined using the specific identification method, in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company originates and sells certain residential real estate loans in the secondary market. The Company typically retains the right to service the mortgages upon sale. Mortgage-servicing rights (“MSRs”) represent the cost of acquiring the contractual rights to service loans for others. MSRs are recorded at their fair value at the time a loan is sold and servicing rights are retained. MSRs are reported in other assets in the consolidated statements of financial position and are amortized to noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. The Company uses a valuation model that calculates the present value of future cash flows to determine the fair value of servicing rights. In using this valuation method, the Company incorporates assumptions to estimate future net servicing income, which include estimates of the cost to service the loan, the discount rate, an inflation rate and prepayment speeds. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates its MSRs for impairment and charges any such impairment to current period earnings. In order to evaluate its MSRs the Company stratifies the related mortgage loans on the basis of their predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rates, year of origination and term, using discounted cash flows and market-based assumptions. Impairment of MSRs is recognized through a valuation allowance, determined by estimating the fair value of each stratum and comparing it to its carrying value. Subsequent increases in fair value are adjusted through the valuation allowance, but only to the extent of the valuation allowance.

Mortgage loan servicing includes collecting monthly mortgagor payments, forwarding payments and related accounting reports to investors, collecting escrow deposits for the payment of mortgagor property taxes and insurance, paying taxes and insurance from escrow funds when due and administrating foreclosure actions when necessary. Loan servicing income (a component of noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income) consists of fees earned for servicing mortgage loans sold to third parties, net of amortization expense and impairment losses associated with capitalized mortgage servicing assets.

- 72 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(1.)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

(f.)

Loans

Loans are classified as held for investment when management has both the intent and ability to hold the loan for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff. Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding, net of any unearned income and unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized into net interest income over the contractual life of the related loans or over the commitment period as an adjustment of yield. Interest income on loans is based on the principal balance outstanding computed using the effective interest method.

A loan is considered delinquent when a payment has not been received in accordance with the contractual terms. The accrual of interest income for commercial loans is discontinued when there is a clear indication that the borrower’s cash flow may not be sufficient to meet payments as they become due, while the accrual of interest income for retail loans is discontinued when loans reach specific delinquency levels. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Additionally, if management becomes aware of facts or circumstances that may adversely impact the collectability of principal or interest on loans, it is management’s practice to place such loans on a nonaccrual status immediately, rather than delaying such action until the loans become 90 days past due. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed, amortization of related deferred loan fees or costs is suspended, and income is recorded only to the extent that interest payments are subsequently received in cash and a determination has been made that the principal balance of the loan is collectible. If collectability of the principal is in doubt, payments received are applied to loan principal. A nonaccrual loan may be returned to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest payments become current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, the borrower has demonstrated a period of sustained performance (generally a minimum of six months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

The Company’s loan policy dictates the guidelines to be followed in determining when a loan is charged-off. All charge offs are approved by the Bank’s senior loan officers or loan committees, depending on the amount of the charge off, and are reported in aggregate to the Bank’s Board of Directors. Commercial business and commercial mortgage loans are charged-off when a determination is made that the financial condition of the borrower indicates that the loan will not be collectible in the ordinary course of business. Residential mortgage loans and home equities are generally charged-off or written down when the credit becomes severely delinquent and the balance exceeds the fair value of the property less costs to sell. Indirect and other consumer loans, both secured and unsecured, are generally charged-off in full during the month in which the loan becomes 120 days past due, unless the collateral is in the process of repossession in accordance with the Company’s policy.

A loan is accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring if the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial condition, grants a significant concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. A troubled debt restructuring may involve the receipt of assets from the debtor in partial or full satisfaction of the loan, or a modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate or face amount of the loan, a reduction of accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, or some combination of these concessions. Troubled debt restructurings generally remain on nonaccrual status until there is a sustained period of payment performance (usually six months or longer) and there is a reasonable assurance that the payments will continue. See Allowance for Loan Losses below for further policy discussion and see Note 5 – Loans for additional information.

(g.)

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they are funded or when related fees are incurred or received. The Company periodically evaluates the credit risks inherent in these commitments and establishes loss allowances for such risks if and when these are deemed necessary.

The Company recognizes as liabilities the fair value of the obligations undertaken in issuing the guarantees under the standby letters of credit, net of the related amortization at inception. The fair value approximates the unamortized fees received from the customers for issuing the standby letters of credit. The fees are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the commitment period. Standby letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2014 had original terms ranging from one to five years.

- 73 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(1.)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Fees received for providing loan commitments and letters of credit that result in loans are typically deferred and amortized to interest income over the life of the related loan, beginning with the initial borrowing. Fees on commitments and letters of credit are amortized to other income as banking fees and commissions over the commitment period when funding is not expected.

(h.)

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for loan losses. When a loan or portion of a loan is determined to be uncollectible, the portion deemed uncollectible is charged against the allowance and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis and is based upon periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. Specific allowances are established for impaired loans. Impaired commercial business and commercial mortgage loans are individually evaluated and measured for impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, a loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Regardless of the measurement method, impairment is based on the fair value of the collateral when foreclosure is probable. If the recorded investment in impaired loans exceeds the measure of estimated fair value, a specific allowance is established as a component of the allowance for loan losses. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged-off when deemed uncollectible.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. The Company determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loans obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures unless the loan has been subject to a troubled debt restructure. At December 31, 2014, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to those borrowers whose loans were classified as impaired.

General allowances are established for loan losses on a portfolio basis for loans that do not meet the definition of impaired. The portfolio is grouped into similar risk characteristics, primarily loan type. The Company applies an estimated loss rate, which considers both look-back and loss emergence periods, to each loan group. The loss rate is based on historical experience, with look-back periods that range from 24 to 48 months depending on the loan type, and as a result can differ from actual losses incurred in the future. The historical loss rate is adjusted by the loss emergence periods that range from 12 to 24 months depending on the loan type and for qualitative factors such as; levels and trends of delinquent and non-accruing loans, trends in volume and terms, effects of changes in lending policy, the experience, ability and depth of management, national and local economic trends and conditions, concentrations of credit risk, interest rates, highly leveraged borrowers, information risk and collateral risk. The qualitative factors are reviewed at least quarterly and adjustments are made as needed.

While management evaluates currently available information in establishing the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review a financial institution’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the financial institution to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

- 74 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(1.)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

(i.)

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned consists of properties acquired through foreclosure or by acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. These assets are recorded at the lower of fair value of the asset acquired less estimated costs to sell or “cost” (defined as the fair value at initial foreclosure). At the time of foreclosure, or when foreclosure occurs in-substance, the excess, if any, of the loan over the fair market value of the assets received, less estimated selling costs, is charged to the allowance for loan losses and any subsequent valuation write-downs are charged to other expense. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of other real estate owned, management obtains appraisals for properties. Operating costs associated with the properties are charged to expense as incurred. Gains on the sale of other real estate owned are included in income when title has passed and the sale has met the minimum down payment requirements prescribed by GAAP. The balance of other real estate owned was $194 thousand and $333 thousand at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(j.)

Company Owned Life Insurance

The Company holds life insurance policies on certain current and former employees. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of the policies. The cash surrender value of these policies is included as an asset on the consolidated statements of financial condition, and any increase in cash surrender value is recorded as noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income. In the event of the death of an insured individual under these policies, the Company would receive a death benefit which would be recorded as noninterest income.

(k.)

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company generally amortizes buildings and building improvements over a period of 15 to 39 years and software, furniture and equipment over a period of 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the improvements. Premises and equipment are periodically reviewed for impairment or when circumstances present indicators of impairment.

(l.)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in accordance with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but is tested for impairment. GAAP requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the Company’s reporting unit level on an annual basis, which for the Company is September 30^th, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be impairment.

Impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. In testing goodwill for impairment, GAAP permits the Company to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. A reporting unit is defined as any distinct, separately identifiable component of one of our operating segments for which complete, discrete financial information is available and reviewed regularly by the segment’s management. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. However, if the Company concludes otherwise, it would then be required to perform the first step (Step 1) of the goodwill impairment test, and continue to the second step (Step 2), if necessary. Step 1 compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

Intangible assets are acquired assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. The Company’s intangible assets consist of core deposits and other intangible assets (primarily customer relationships). Core deposit intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated life of approximately nine and a half years. Other intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated basis over their weighted average estimated life of approximately twenty years. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized until their lives are determined to be definite. Intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value. See Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

- 75 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(1.)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

(m.)

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) Stock

The non-marketable investments in FHLB and FRB stock are included in other assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition at par value or cost and are periodically reviewed for impairment. The dividends received relative to these investments are included in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

As a member of the FHLB system, the Company is required to maintain a specified investment in FHLB of New York (“FHLBNY”) stock in proportion to its volume of certain transactions with the FHLB. FHLBNY stock totaled $15.1 million and $15.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As a member of the FRB system, the Company is required to maintain a specified investment in FRB stock based on a ratio relative to the Company’s capital. FRB stock totaled $3.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

(n.)

Equity Method Investments

The Company has investments in limited partnerships, primarily Small Business Investment Companies, and accounts for these investments under the equity method. These investments are included in other assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition and totaled $4.9 million and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(o.)

Treasury Stock

Acquisitions of treasury stock are recorded at cost. The reissuance of shares in treasury is recorded at weighted-average cost.

(p.)

Employee Benefits

The Company participates in a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for certain employees who previously met participation requirements. The Company also provides post-retirement benefits, principally health and dental care, to employees of a previously acquired entity. The Company has closed the pension and post-retirement plans to new participants. The actuarially determined pension benefit is based on years of service and the employee’s highest average compensation during five consecutive years of employment. The Company’s policy is to at least fund the minimum amount required by the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The cost of the pension and post-retirement plans are based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits for employees, and is charged to noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company recognizes an asset or a liability for a plans’ overfunded status or underfunded status, respectively, in the consolidated financial statements and reports changes in the funded status as a component of other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes, in the year in which changes occur.

(q.)

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock awards is based on the fair value of the award on the measurement date, which, for the Company, is the date of grant and is recognized ratably over the service period of the award. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock awards is generally the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.

Share-based compensation expense is included in the consolidated statements of income under salaries and employee benefits for awards granted to management and in other noninterest expense for awards granted to directors.

(r.)

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized on deferred tax assets if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the assets may not be realized. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

- 76 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(1.)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

(s.)

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes all changes in shareholders’ equity during a period, except those resulting from transactions with shareholders. In addition to net income, other components of the Company’s comprehensive income include the after tax effect of changes in net unrealized gain / loss on securities available for sale and changes in net actuarial gain / loss on defined benefit post-retirement plans. Comprehensive income is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of changes in shareholder’s equity and consolidated statements of comprehensive income. See Note 13 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for additional information.

(t.)

Earnings Per Common Share

The Company calculates earnings per common share (“EPS”) using the two-class method in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”. The two-class method requires the Company to present EPS as if all of the earnings for the period are distributed to common shareholders and any participating securities, regardless of whether any actual dividends or distributions are made. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities. Certain of the restricted shares issued under the Company’s share-based compensation plan are entitled to dividends at the same rate as common stock. The Company has determined that these outstanding non-vested stock awards qualify as participating securities.

Basic EPS is computed by dividing distributed and undistributed earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Distributed and undistributed earnings available to common shareholders represent net income reduced by preferred stock dividends and distributed and undistributed earnings available to participating securities. Common shares outstanding include common stock and vested restricted stock awards. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of all potential dilutive securities. A reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and the weighted average common shares used in calculating diluted earnings per common share for the reported periods is provided in Note 16 - Earnings Per Common Share.

(u.)

Reclassifications

Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

(v.)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the potential impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The pronouncement was issued to clarify the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. ASU 2014-12 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016, though early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20) – Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. ASU 2015-01 eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items, which, among other things, required an entity to segregate extraordinary items considered to be unusual and infrequent from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. ASU 2015-01 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016, though early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-01 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

- 77 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(2.)

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

SDN Acquisition

On August 1, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Scott Danahy Naylon Co., Inc., a full service insurance agency located in Amherst, New York. Consideration for the acquisition included both cash and stock totaling $16.9 million, including up to $3.4 million of future payments, contingent upon SDN meeting certain revenue performance targets through 2017. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration at the date of acquisition was $3.2 million, which was estimated using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model. As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $12.6 million and other intangible assets of $6.6 million. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

This acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Due to the timing of the closing of the acquisition, the fair values of other intangibles recorded are subject to adjustment as additional information becomes available to indicate a more accurate or appropriate fair value for the intangibles during the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Scott Danahy Naylon Co., Inc. and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.


Consideration paid:
Cash	$	8,100
Stock		5,400
Contingent consideration		3,227

Fair value of total consideration transferred		16,727


Fair value of assets acquired:
Cash		105
Identified intangible assets		6,640
Premises and equipment, accounts receivable and other assets		1,094

Total identifiable assets acquired		7,839
Fair value of liabilities assumed:
Deferred tax liability		2,556
Other liabilities		1,173

Total liabilities assumed		3,729

Fair value of net assets acquired		4,110

Goodwill resulting from acquisition	$	12,617

- 78 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(3.)

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities are summarized below (in thousands).


	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
December 31, 2014
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agencies and government sponsored enterprises	$	160,334	$	1,116	$	975	$	160,475
Mortgage-backed securities:
Federal National Mortgage Association		184,857		2,344		1,264		185,937
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		29,478		799		7		30,270
Government National Mortgage Association		48,800		2,022		-		50,822
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
Federal National Mortgage Association		76,247		489		944		75,792
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		89,623		199		2,585		87,237
Government National Mortgage Association		29,954		598		40		30,512
Privately issued		-		1,218		-		1,218

Total collateralized mortgage obligations		195,824		2,504		3,569		194,759

Total mortgage-backed securities		458,959		7,669		4,840		461,788
Asset-backed securities		-		231		-		231

Total available for sale securities	$	619,293	$	9,016	$	5,815	$	622,494

Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions		277,273		4,231		120		281,384
Mortgage-backed securities:
Federal National Mortgage Association		3,279		24		-		3,303
Government National Mortgage Association		13,886		122		-		14,008

Total held to maturity securities	$	294,438	$	4,377	$	120	$	298,695



December 31, 2013
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agencies and government sponsored enterprises	$	135,840	$	1,414	$	2,802	$	134,452
Mortgage-backed securities:
Federal National Mortgage Association		173,507		1,511		4,810		170,208
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		36,737		562		205		37,094
Government National Mortgage Association		61,832		2,152		142		63,842
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
Federal National Mortgage Association		63,838		261		3,195		60,904
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		102,660		169		5,856		96,973
Government National Mortgage Association		43,734		913		586		44,061
Privately issued		-		1,467		-		1,467

Total collateralized mortgage obligations		210,232		2,810		9,637		203,405

Total mortgage-backed securities		482,308		7,035		14,794		474,549
Asset-backed securities		18		381		-		399

Total available for sale securities	$	618,166	$	8,830	$	17,596	$	609,400

Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions	$	249,785	$	1,340	$	468	$	250,657

Investment securities with a total fair value of $768.6 million and $763.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were pledged as collateral to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

- 79 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(3.)

INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company transferred $12.8 million of available for sale mortgage backed securities to the held to maturity category, reflecting the Company’s intent to hold those securities to maturity. Transfers of investment securities into the held to maturity category from the available for sale category are made at fair value at the date of transfer. The related $51 thousand of unrealized holding losses that were included in the transfer are retained in accumulated other comprehensive income and in the carrying value of the held to maturity securities. This amount will be amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the remaining life of the securities. This will offset the impact of amortization of the net premium created in the transfer. There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of this transfer.

Interest and dividends on securities for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


	2014		2013		2012
Taxable interest and dividends	$	13,304	$	12,541	$	12,202
Tax-exempt interest and dividends		5,298		4,922		4,242

Total interest and dividends on securities	$	18,602	$	17,463	$	16,444

Sales and calls of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2014		2013		2012
Proceeds from sales	$	81,600	$	1,327	$	2,823
Gross realized gains		2,043		1,226		2,651
Gross realized losses		2		-		-

The scheduled maturities of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity at December 31, 2014 are shown below. Actual expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations (in thousands).


	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less	$	22,102	$	22,104
Due from one to five years		136,917		136,720
Due after five years through ten years		214,050		217,119
Due after ten years		246,224		246,551

	$	619,293	$	622,494

Debt securities held to maturity:
Due in one year or less	$	23,659	$	23,734
Due from one to five years		136,752		138,499
Due after five years through ten years		116,862		119,151
Due after ten years		17,165		17,311

	$	294,438	$	298,695

- 80 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(3.)

INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

Unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
December 31, 2014
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agencies and government sponsored enterprises	$	34,995	$	77	$	41,070	$	898	$	76,065	$	975
Mortgage-backed securities:
Federal National Mortgage Association		2,242		8		62,592		1,256		64,834		1,264
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		3,387		7		-		-		3,387		7
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
Federal National Mortgage Association		11,228		24		25,644		920		36,872		944
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		-		-		76,126		2,585		76,126		2,585
Government National Mortgage Association		-		-		2,510		40		2,510		40

Total collateralized mortgage obligations		11,228		24		104,280		3,545		115,508		3,569

Total mortgage-backed securities		16,857		39		166,872		4,801		183,729		4,840

Total available for sale securities		51,852		116		207,942		5,699		259,794		5,815
Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions		18,036		120		-		-		18,036		120

Total temporarily impaired securities	$	69,888	$	236	$	207,942	$	5,699	$	277,830	$	5,935



December 31, 2013
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agencies and government sponsored enterprises	$	86,177	$	2,788	$	2,717	$	14	$	88,894	$	2,802
Mortgage-backed securities:
Federal National Mortgage Association		103,778		3,491		20,689		1,319		124,467		4,810
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		14,166		205		-		-		14,166		205
Government National Mortgage Association		14,226		142		-		-		14,226		142
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
Federal National Mortgage Association		35,632		2,586		11,760		609		47,392		3,195
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		72,655		4,980		15,762		876		88,417		5,856
Government National Mortgage Association		8,396		586		-		-		8,396		586

Total collateralized mortgage obligations		116,683		8,152		27,522		1,485		144,205		9,637

Total mortgage-backed securities		248,853		11,990		48,211		2,804		297,064		14,794

Total available for sale securities		335,030		14,778		50,928		2,818		385,958		17,596
Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions		72,269		468		-		-		72,269		468

Total temporarily impaired securities	$	407,299	$	15,246	$	50,928	$	2,818	$	458,227	$	18,064

- 81 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(3.)

INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

The total number of security positions in the investment portfolio in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 was 122 compared to 331 at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, the Company had positions in 51 investment securities with a fair value of $207.9 million and a total unrealized loss of $5.7 million that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. There were a total of 71 securities positions in the Company’s investment portfolio, with a fair value of $69.9 million and a total unrealized loss of $236 thousand at December 31, 2014, that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. At December 31, 2013, the Company had positions in 14 investment securities with a fair value of $50.9 million and a total unrealized loss of $2.8 million that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. There were a total of 317 securities positions in the Company’s investment portfolio, with a fair value of $407.3 million and a total unrealized loss of $15.2 million at December 31, 2013, that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. The unrealized loss on investment securities was predominantly caused by changes in market interest rates subsequent to purchase. The fair value of most of the investment securities in the Company’s portfolio fluctuates as market interest rates change.

The Company reviews investment securities on an ongoing basis for the presence of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) with formal reviews performed quarterly. When evaluating debt securities for OTTI, management considers many factors, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intention to sell the debt security or whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether OTTI exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management.

No impairment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an OTTI charge of $91 thousand related to privately issued whole loan CMOs that were determined to be impaired due to credit quality.

Based on management’s review and evaluation of the Company’s debt securities as of December 31, 2014, the debt securities with unrealized losses were not considered to be OTTI. As of December 31, 2014, the Company does not have the intent to sell any of the securities in a loss position and believes that it is not likely that it will be required to sell any such securities before the anticipated recovery of amortized cost. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2014, management has concluded that unrealized losses on its investment securities are temporary and no further impairment loss has been realized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

(4.)

LOANS HELD FOR SALE AND LOAN SERVICING RIGHTS

Loans held for sale were entirely comprised of residential real estate mortgages and totaled $755 thousand and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company sells certain qualifying newly originated or refinanced residential real estate mortgages on the secondary market. Residential real estate mortgages serviced for others, which are not included in the consolidated statements of financial condition, amounted to $215.2 million and $237.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In connection with these mortgage-servicing activities, the Company administered escrow and other custodial funds which amounted to approximately $4.6 million and $4.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The activity in capitalized mortgage servicing assets is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2014			2013			2012
Mortgage servicing assets, beginning of year	$	1,479		$	1,637		$	1,609
Originations		172			277			554
Amortization		(316	)		(435	)		(526	)

Mortgage servicing assets, end of year		1,335			1,479			1,637
Valuation allowance		(6	)		(3	)		(168	)

Mortgage servicing assets, net, end of year	$	1,329		$	1,476		$	1,469

- 82 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(5.)

LOANS

The Company’s loan portfolio consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):


	Principal Amount Outstanding		Net Deferred Loan (Fees) Costs			Loans, Net
2014
Commercial business	$	267,377	$	32		$	267,409
Commercial mortgage		476,407		(1,315	)		475,092
Residential mortgage		100,241		(140	)		100,101
Home equity		379,774		6,841			386,615
Consumer indirect		636,357		25,316			661,673
Other consumer		20,915		197			21,112

Total	$	1,881,071	$	30,931			1,912,002

Allowance for loan losses							(27,637	)

Total loans, net						$	1,884,365



2013
Commercial business	$	265,751	$	15		$	265,766
Commercial mortgage		470,312		(1,028	)		469,284
Residential mortgage		113,101		(56	)		113,045
Home equity		320,658		5,428			326,086
Consumer indirect		609,390		26,978			636,368
Other consumer		22,893		177			23,070

Total	$	1,802,105	$	31,514			1,833,619

Allowance for loan losses							(26,736	)

Total loans, net						$	1,806,883

The Company’s significant concentrations of credit risk in the loan portfolio relate to a geographic concentration in the communities that the Company serves.

Certain executive officers, directors and their business interests are customers of the Company. Transactions with these parties are based on the same terms as similar transactions with unrelated third parties and do not carry more than normal credit risk. Borrowings by these related parties amounted to $11.9 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During 2014, new borrowings amounted to $10.0 million (including borrowings of executive officers and directors that were outstanding at the time of their appointment), and repayments and other reductions were $1.0 million.

- 83 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(5.)

LOANS (Continued)

Past Due Loans Aging

The Company’s recorded investment, by loan class, in current and nonaccrual loans, as well as an analysis of accruing delinquent loans is set forth as of December 31 (in thousands):


	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater Than 90 Days		Total Past Due		Nonaccrual		Current		Total Loans
2014
Commercial business	$	28	$	-	$	-	$	28	$	4,288	$	263,061	$	267,377
Commercial mortgage		83		-		-		83		3,020		473,304		476,407
Residential mortgage		321		-		-		321		1,194		98,726		100,241
Home equity		799		67		-		866		463		378,445		379,774
Consumer indirect		2,429		402		-		2,831		1,169		632,357		636,357
Other consumer		148		48		8		204		11		20,700		20,915

Total loans, gross	$	3,808	$	517	$	8	$	4,333	$	10,145	$	1,866,593	$	1,881,071



2013
Commercial business	$	558	$	199	$	-	$	757	$	3,474	$	261,520	$	265,751
Commercial mortgage		800		-		-		800		9,663		459,849		470,312
Residential mortgage		542		-		-		542		1,078		111,481		113,101
Home equity		750		143		-		893		925		318,840		320,658
Consumer indirect		2,129		476		-		2,605		1,471		605,314		609,390
Other consumer		126		72		6		204		5		22,684		22,893

Total loans, gross	$	4,905	$	890	$	6	$	5,801	$	16,616	$	1,779,688	$	1,802,105

There were no loans past due greater than 90 days and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. There were $8 thousand and $6 thousand in consumer overdrafts which were past due greater than 90 days as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Consumer overdrafts are overdrawn deposit accounts which have been reclassified as loans but by their terms do not accrue interest.

Interest income on nonaccrual loans, if recognized, is recorded using the cash basis method of accounting. There was no interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, estimated interest income of $527 thousand, $531 thousand, and $555 thousand, respectively, would have been recorded if all such loans had been accruing interest according to their original contractual terms.

- 84 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(5.)

LOANS (Continued)

Troubled Debt Restructurings

A modification of a loan constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the modification constitutes a concession. The Company offers various types of concessions when modifying loans, however, forgiveness of principal is rarely granted. Commercial loans modified in a TDR may involve temporary interest-only payments, term extensions, reducing the interest rate for the remaining term of the loan, extending the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, requesting additional collateral, releasing collateral for consideration, or substituting or adding a new borrower or guarantor.

The following presents, by loan class, information related to loans modified in a TDR during the years ended December 31 (in thousands).


	Number of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
2014
Commercial business		1	$	1,381	$	1,381
Commercial mortgage		-		-		-

Total		1	$	1,381	$	1,381



2013
Commercial business		4	$	1,465	$	1,456
Commercial mortgage		2		7,335		6,935

Total		6	$	8,800	$	8,391

With the exception of one commercial mortgage loan modified during 2013, all of the loans identified as TDRs by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were on nonaccrual status and reported as impaired loans prior to restructuring. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the restructured loan modification related to extending the amortization period of the loan. For the year ended December 31, 2013, restructured loan modifications of commercial business and commercial mortgage loans primarily included maturity date extensions, payment schedule modifications and forgiveness of principal. All loans restructured during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were on nonaccrual status at the end of those respective years. Nonaccrual loans that are restructured remain on nonaccrual status, but may move to accrual status after they have performed according to the restructured terms for a period of time. The TDR classification did not have a material impact on the Company’s determination of the allowance for loan losses because the modified loans were either classified as substandard, with an increased risk allowance allocation, or impaired and evaluated for a specific reserve both before and after restructuring.

For purposes of this disclosure, a loan modified as a TDR is considered to have defaulted when the borrower becomes 90 days past due. There were no loans modified as a TDR during the previous 12 months which subsequently defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

- 85 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(5.)

LOANS (Continued)

Impaired Loans

Management has determined that specific commercial loans on nonaccrual status and all loans that have had their terms restructured in a troubled debt restructuring are impaired loans. The following table presents data on impaired loans at December 31 (in thousands):


	Recorded Investment⁽¹⁾		Unpaid Principal Balance⁽¹⁾		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
2014
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial business	$	1,408	$	1,741	$	-	$	1,431	$	-
Commercial mortgage		781		920		-		1,014		-

		2,189		2,661		-		2,445		-
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial business		2,880		2,880		1,556		1,998		-
Commercial mortgage		2,239		2,239		911		1,560		-

		5,119		5,119		2,467		3,558		-

	$	7,308	$	7,780	$	2,467	$	6,003	$	-



2013
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial business	$	1,777	$	2,273	$	-	$	659	$	-
Commercial mortgage		875		906		-		760		-

		2,652		3,179		-		1,419		-
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial business		1,697		1,717		201		3,196		-
Commercial mortgage		8,788		9,188		1,057		3,758		-

		10,485		10,905		1,258		6,954		-

	$	13,137	$	14,084	$	1,258	$	8,373	$	-

⁽¹⁾	Difference between recorded investment and unpaid principal balance represents partial charge-offs.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors such as the fair value of collateral. The Company analyzes commercial business and commercial mortgage loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. Risk ratings are updated any time the situation warrants. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the Company’s credit position at some future date.

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the process described above are considered “Uncriticized” or pass-rated loans and are included in groups of homogeneous loans with similar risk and loss characteristics.

- 86 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(5.)

LOANS (Continued)

The following table sets forth the Company’s commercial loan portfolio, categorized by internally assigned asset classification, as of December 31 (in thousands):


	Commercial Business		Commercial Mortgage
2014
Uncriticized	$	250,961	$	460,880
Special mention		5,530		5,411
Substandard		10,886		10,116
Doubtful		-		-

Total	$	267,377	$	476,407



2013
Uncriticized	$	250,553	$	449,447
Special mention		6,311		6,895
Substandard		8,887		13,970
Doubtful		-		-

Total	$	265,751	$	470,312

The Company utilizes payment status as a means of identifying and reporting problem and potential problem retail loans. The Company considers nonaccrual loans and loans past due greater than 90 days and still accruing interest to be non-performing. The following table sets forth the Company’s retail loan portfolio, categorized by payment status, as of December 31 (in thousands):


	Residential Mortgage		Home Equity		Consumer Indirect		Other Consumer
2014
Performing	$	99,047	$	379,311	$	635,188	$	20,896
Non-performing		1,194		463		1,169		19

Total	$	100,241	$	379,774	$	636,357	$	20,915



2013
Performing	$	112,023	$	319,733	$	607,919	$	22,882
Non-performing		1,078		925		1,471		11

Total	$	113,101	$	320,658	$	609,390	$	22,893

- 87 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(5.)

LOANS (Continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following tables set forth the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	Commercial Business			Commercial Mortgage			Residential Mortgage			Home Equity			Consumer Indirect			Other Consumer			Total
2014
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	4,273		$	7,743		$	676		$	1,367		$	12,230		$	447		$	26,736
Charge-offs		(204	)		(304	)		(190	)		(340	)		(10,004	)		(972	)		(12,014	)
Recoveries		201			143			39			56			4,321			366			5,126
Provision		1,351			540			45			402			4,836			615			7,789

Ending balance	$	5,621		$	8,122		$	570		$	1,485		$	11,383		$	456		$	27,637

Evaluated for impairment:
Individually	$	1,556		$	911		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	2,467

Collectively	$	4,065		$	7,211		$	570		$	1,485		$	11,383		$	456		$	25,170

Loans:
Ending balance	$	267,377		$	476,407		$	100,241		$	379,774		$	636,357		$	20,915		$	1,881,071

Evaluated for impairment:
Individually	$	4,288		$	3,020		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	7,308

Collectively	$	263,089		$	473,387		$	100,241		$	379,774		$	636,357		$	20,915		$	1,873,763



2013
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	4,884		$	6,581		$	740		$	1,282		$	10,715		$	512		$	24,714
Charge-offs		(1,070	)		(553	)		(411	)		(391	)		(8,125	)		(928	)		(11,478	)
Recoveries		349			319			54			157			3,161			381			4,421
Provision		110			1,396			293			319			6,479			482			9,079

Ending balance	$	4,273		$	7,743		$	676		$	1,367		$	12,230		$	447		$	26,736

Evaluated for impairment:
Individually	$	201		$	1,057		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	1,258

Collectively	$	4,072		$	6,686		$	676		$	1,367		$	12,230		$	447		$	25,478

Loans:
Ending balance	$	265,751		$	470,312		$	113,101		$	320,658		$	609,390		$	22,893		$	1,802,105

Evaluated for impairment:
Individually	$	3,474		$	9,663		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	13,137

Collectively	$	262,277		$	460,649		$	113,101		$	320,658		$	609,390		$	22,893		$	1,788,968

- 88 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(5.)

LOANS (Continued)


	Commercial Business			Commercial Mortgage			Residential Mortgage			Home Equity			Consumer Indirect			Other Consumer			Total
2012
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	4,036		$	6,418		$	858		$	1,242		$	10,189		$	517		$	23,260
Charge-offs		(729	)		(745	)		(326	)		(305	)		(6,589	)		(874	)		(9,568	)
Recoveries		336			261			130			44			2,769			354			3,894
Provision		1,241			647			78			301			4,346			515			7,128

Ending balance	$	4,884		$	6,581		$	740		$	1,282		$	10,715		$	512		$	24,714

Evaluated for impairment:
Individually	$	664		$	310		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	974

Collectively	$	4,220		$	6,271		$	740		$	1,282		$	10,715		$	512		$	23,740

Loans:
Ending balance	$	258,706		$	414,282		$	133,341		$	282,503		$	559,964		$	26,657		$	1,675,453

Evaluated for impairment:
Individually	$	3,413		$	1,799		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	5,212

Collectively	$	255,293		$	412,483		$	133,341		$	282,503		$	559,964		$	26,657		$	1,670,241

Risk Characteristics

Commercial business loans primarily consist of loans to small to mid-sized businesses in our market area in a diverse range of industries. These loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. Further, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. The credit risk related to commercial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations or on the value of underlying collateral, if any.

Commercial mortgage loans generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than residential mortgage loans, inferring higher potential losses on an individual customer basis. Loan repayment is often dependent on the successful operation and management of the properties, as well as on the collateral securing the loan. Economic events or conditions in the real estate market could have an adverse impact on the cash flows generated by properties securing the Company’s commercial real estate loans and on the value of such properties.

Residential mortgage loans and home equities (comprised of home equity loans and home equity lines) are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income, but are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable. Credit risk for these types of loans is generally influenced by general economic conditions, the characteristics of individual borrowers, and the nature of the loan collateral.

Consumer indirect and other consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans and home equities, particularly in the case of other consumer loans which are unsecured or, in the case of indirect consumer loans, secured by depreciable assets, such as automobiles or boats. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances such as job loss, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

- 89 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(6.)

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Major classes of premises and equipment at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


	2014			2013
Land and land improvements	$	4,797		$	4,883
Buildings and leasehold improvements		42,826			44,830
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and vehicles		29,853			25,464

Premises and equipment		77,476			75,177
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(41,082	)		(39,168	)

Premises and equipment, net	$	36,394		$	36,009

Depreciation and amortization expense relating to premises and equipment, included in occupancy and equipment expense in the consolidated statements of income, amounted to $4.0 million, $3.8 million and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(7.)

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The change in the balance for goodwill during the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	2014		2013
Goodwill, beginning of year	$	48,536	$	48,536
Addition from the SDN acquisition		12,617		-

Goodwill, end of year	$	61,153	$	48,536

Goodwill and other intangible assets added during the period relates to the SDN acquisition, which closed on August 1, 2014. See Note 2 – Business Combinations for additional information.

The Company performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In performing a qualitative analysis, factors considered include, but are not limited to, business strategy, financial performance and market and regulatory dynamics. The results of the qualitative assessment for 2014 and 2013 indicated that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Consequently, no additional quantitative two-step impairment test was required, and no impairment was recorded in 2014 or 2013. In 2012, prior to the adoption of ASU 2011-08, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test that did not result in any impairment.

Declines in the market value of the Company’s publicly traded stock price or declines in the Company’s ability to generate future cash flows may increase the potential that goodwill recorded on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial condition be designated as impaired and that the Company may incur a goodwill write-down in the future.

The Company has other intangible assets that are amortized, consisting of core deposit intangibles and other intangibles (primarily related to customer relationships acquired in connection with the Company’s insurance agency acquisition). Changes in the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net book value for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2014			2013
Core deposit intangibles:
Gross carrying amount	$	2,042		$	2,042
Accumulated amortization		(917	)		(576	)

Net book value	$	1,125		$	1,466

Amortization during the year	$	341		$	387


Other intangibles:
Gross carrying amount	$	6,640		$	-
Accumulated amortization		(279	)		-

Net book value	$	6,361		$	-

Amortization during the year	$	279		$	-

Core deposit intangible amortization expense was $189 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2012.

- 90 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(7.)

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

Estimated amortization expense of other intangible assets for each of the next five years is as follows:


2015	$	942
2016		864
2017		778
2018		689
2019		611

(8.)

DEPOSITS

A summary of deposits as of December 31 are as follows (in thousands):


	2014		2013
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	571,260	$	535,472
Interest-bearing demand		490,190		470,733
Savings and money market		795,835		717,928
Certificates of deposit, due:
Within one year		395,956		448,997
One to two years		122,819		77,219
Two to three years		11,448		23,642
Three to five years		62,991		46,045
Thereafter		28		20

Total certificates of deposit		593,242		595,923

Total deposits	$	2,450,527	$	2,320,056

Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2014 and 2013 amounted to $245.3 million and $226.0 million, respectively.

Interest expense by deposit type for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in thousands):


	2014		2013		2012
Interest-bearing demand	$	607	$	729	$	598
Savings and money market		913		978		998
Certificates of deposit		4,846		4,893		6,866

Total interest expense on deposits	$	6,366	$	6,600	$	8,462

- 91 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(9.)

BORROWINGS

Outstanding borrowings are summarized as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):


	2014		2013
Short-term borrowings:
Repurchase agreements	$	39,504	$	39,042
Short-term FHLB borrowings		295,300		298,000

Total short-term borrowings	$	334,804	$	337,042

The Company classifies borrowings as short-term or long-term in accordance with the original terms of the agreement. There were no long-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s borrowings had a weighted average rate of 0.35% and 0.38%, respectively.

Repurchase agreements are secured overnight borrowings with customers. Short-term FHLB borrowings have original maturities of less than one year and include overnight borrowings that we typically utilize to address short term funding needs as they arise. Short-term FHLB borrowings at December 31, 2014 consisted of $129.0 million in overnight borrowings and $166.3 million in short-term advances. Short-term FHLB borrowings at December 31, 2013 consisted of $198.0 million in overnight borrowings and $100.0 million in short-term advances. The FHLB borrowings are collateralized by securities from the Company’s investment portfolio and certain qualifying loans.

(10.)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company has financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk established in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk extending beyond amounts recognized in the financial statements.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved with extending loans to customers. The Company uses the same credit underwriting policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for on-balance sheet instruments.

Off-balance sheet commitments as of December 31 consist of the following (in thousands):


	2014		2013
Commitments to extend credit	$	450,343	$	431,236
Standby letters of credit		8,578		8,618

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Commitments may expire without being drawn upon; therefore the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if any, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Standby letters of credit are conditional lending commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

The Company also extends rate lock agreements to borrowers related to the origination of residential mortgage loans. To mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in these rate lock agreements when the Company intends to sell the related loan, once originated, as well as closed residential mortgage loans held for sale, the Company enters into forward commitments to sell individual residential mortgages. Rate lock agreements and forward commitments are considered derivatives and are recorded at fair value. Forward sales commitments totaled $1.2 million at December 31, 2014. There were no forward sales commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2013. The net change in the fair values of these derivatives was recognized as other noninterest income or other noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

- 92 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(10.)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

Lease Obligations

The Company is obligated under a number of noncancellable operating lease agreements for land, buildings and equipment. Certain of these leases provide for escalation clauses and contain renewal options calling for increased rentals if the lease is renewed. Future minimum payments by year and in the aggregate, under the noncancellable leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more, are as follows at December 31, 2014 (in thousands):


2015	$	1,673
2016		1,576
2017		1,203
2018		952
2019		876
Thereafter		3,788

	$	10,068

Rent expense relating to these operating leases, included in occupancy and equipment expense in the statements of income, was $1.8 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Contingent Liabilities

In the ordinary course of business there are various threatened and pending legal proceedings against the Company. Based on consultation with outside legal counsel, management believes that the aggregate liability, if any, arising from such litigation would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(11.)

REGULATORY MATTERS

General

The supervision and regulation of financial and bank holding companies and their subsidiaries is intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the deposit insurance funds regulated by the FDIC and the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection of shareholders or creditors of bank holding companies. The various bank regulatory agencies have broad enforcement power over financial holding companies and banks, including the power to impose substantial fines, operational restrictions and other penalties for violations of laws and regulations and for safety and soundness considerations.

Capital

Banks and financial holding companies are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (all as defined in the regulations). These minimum amounts and ratios are included in the table below.

The Company’s and the Bank’s Tier 1 capital consists of shareholders’ equity excluding unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale (except for unrealized losses which have been determined to be other than temporary and recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of income), goodwill and other intangible assets and disallowed portions of deferred tax assets. Tier 1 capital for the Company includes, subject to limitation, $17.3 million of preferred stock. The Company and the Bank’s total capital are comprised of Tier 1 capital for each entity plus a permissible portion of the allowance for loan losses.

- 93 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(11.)

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

The Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing the respective capital amounts by risk-weighted assets. Risk-weighted assets are calculated based on regulatory requirements and include total assets, excluding goodwill and other intangible assets and disallowed portions of deferred tax assets, allocated by risk weight category and certain off-balance-sheet items (primarily loan commitments). The leverage ratio is calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted quarterly average total assets, which exclude goodwill and other intangible assets and disallowed portions of deferred tax assets.

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual and required regulatory capital ratios were as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):


		Actual					For Capital Adequacy Purposes					Well Capitalized
		Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
2014
Tier 1 leverage:	Company	$	219,904		7.35	%	$	119,722		4.00	%	$	149,653		5.00	%
	Bank		215,672		7.21			119,671		4.00			149,588		5.00
Tier 1 capital:	Company		219,904		10.47			83,985		4.00			125,977		6.00
	Bank		215,672		10.28			83,889		4.00			125,834		6.00
Total risk-based capital:	Company		246,166		11.72			167,970		8.00			209,962		10.00
	Bank		241,905		11.53			167,779		8.00			209,723		10.00


2013
Tier 1 leverage:	Company	$	215,024		7.63	%	$	112,660		4.00	%	$	140,825		5.00	%
	Bank		204,336		7.27			112,498		4.00			140,622		5.00
Tier 1 capital:	Company		215,024		10.82			79,459		4.00			119,188		6.00
	Bank		204,336		10.31			79,291		4.00			118,937		6.00
Total risk-based capital:	Company		239,878		12.08			158,918		8.00			198,647		10.00
	Bank		229,139		11.56			158,583		8.00			198,228		10.00

As of December 31, 2014, the Company and Bank were considered “well capitalized” under all regulatory capital guidelines. Such determination has been made based on the Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 capital and total risk-based capital ratios.

Federal Reserve Requirements

The Bank was not required to maintain a reserve balance at the FRB of New York as of December 31, 2014. The reserve requirement was $1.0 million as of December 31, 2013.

Dividend Restrictions

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is dependent upon dividends from the Bank to provide funds for the payment of dividends to shareholders and to provide for other cash requirements. Banking regulations may limit the amount of dividends that may be paid. Approval by regulatory authorities is required if the effect of dividends declared would cause the regulatory capital of the Bank to fall below specified minimum levels. Approval is also required if dividends declared exceed the net profits for that year combined with the retained net profits for the preceding two years.

- 94 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(12.)

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 50,210,000 shares of capital stock, 50,000,000 of which are common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 210,000 of which are preferred stock, par value $100 per share, which is designated into two classes, Class A of which 10,000 shares are authorized, and Class B of which 200,000 shares are authorized. There are two series of Class A preferred stock: Series A 3% preferred stock and the Series A preferred stock. There is one series of Class B preferred stock: Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock. There were 173,398 shares and 173,423 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Common Stock

The following table sets forth the changes in the number of shares of common stock for the years ended December 31:


	Outstanding			Treasury			Issued
2014
Shares outstanding at beginning of year		13,829,355			332,242			14,161,597
Shares issued for the SDN acquisition		235,912			-			235,912
Restricted stock awards issued		43,242			(43,242	)		-
Restricted stock awards forfeited		(15,441	)		15,441			-
Stock options exercised		34,082			(34,082	)		-
Treasury stock purchases		(9,102	)		9,102			-

Shares outstanding at end of year		14,118,048			279,461			14,397,509



2013
Shares outstanding at beginning of year		13,787,709			373,888			14,161,597
Restricted stock awards issued, net of forfeitures		24,058			(24,058	)		-
Stock options exercised		23,265			(23,265	)		-
Treasury stock purchases		(11,349	)		11,349			-
Directors’ retainer		5,672			(5,672	)		-

Shares outstanding at end of year		13,829,355			332,242			14,161,597

Preferred Stock

Series A 3% Preferred Stock. There were 1,492 shares and 1,496 shares of Series A 3% preferred stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Holders of Series A 3% preferred stock are entitled to receive an annual dividend of $3.00 per share, which is cumulative and payable quarterly. Holders of Series A 3% preferred stock have no pre-emptive right in, or right to purchase or subscribe for, any additional shares of the Company’s capital stock and have no voting rights. Dividend or dissolution payments to the Class A shareholders must be declared and paid, or set apart for payment, before any dividends or dissolution payments can be declared and paid, or set apart for payment, to the holders of Class B preferred stock or common stock. The Series A 3% preferred stock is not convertible into any other of the Company’s securities.

Series B-1 8.48% Preferred Stock. There were 171,906 shares and 171,927 shares of Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Holders of Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock are entitled to receive an annual dividend of $8.48 per share, which is cumulative and payable quarterly. Holders of Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock have no pre-emptive right in, or right to purchase or subscribe for, any additional shares of the Company’s common stock and have no voting rights. Accumulated dividends on the Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock do not bear interest, and the Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock is not subject to redemption. Dividend or dissolution payments to the Class B shareholders must be declared and paid, or set apart for payment, before any dividends or dissolution payments are declared and paid, or set apart for payment, to the holders of common stock. The Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock is not convertible into any other of the Company’s securities.

- 95 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(13.)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	Pre-tax Amount			Tax Effect			Net-of-tax Amount
2014
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:
Change in unrealized gain/loss during the period	$	14,008		$	5,549		$	8,459
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income ⁽¹⁾		(2,478	)		(981	)		(1,497	)

Total securities available for sale and transferred securities		11,530			4,568			6,962
Pension and post-retirement obligations:
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year		(9,709	)		(3,846	)		(5,863	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in income		128			51			77

Total pension and post-retirement obligations		(9,581	)		(3,795	)		(5,786	)

Other comprehensive income	$	1,949		$	773		$	1,176



2013
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:
Change in unrealized gain/loss during the period	$	(34,135	)	$	(13,522	)	$	(20,613	)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income ⁽¹⁾		(1,298	)		(514	)		(784	)

Total securities available for sale and transferred securities		(35,433	)		(14,036	)		(21,397	)
Pension and post-retirement obligations:
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year		11,860			4,698			7,162
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in income		1,316			521			795

Total pension and post-retirement obligations		13,176			5,219			7,957

Other comprehensive loss	$	(22,257	)	$	(8,817	)	$	(13,440	)



2012
Securities available for sale:
Change in unrealized gain/loss during the period	$	6,682		$	2,646		$	4,036
Reclassification adjustment for gains and included in income		(2,651	)		(1,050	)		(1,601	)
Reclassification adjustment for impairment charges included in income		91			36			55

Total securities available for sale		4,122			1,632			2,490
Pension and post-retirement obligations:
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year		(1,643	)		(650	)		(993	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in income		1,343			532			811

Total pension and post-retirement obligations		(300	)		(118	)		(182	)

Other comprehensive income	$	3,822		$	1,514		$	2,308

⁽¹⁾

Includes amounts related to the amortization/accretion of unrealized net gains and losses related to the Company’s reclassification of available for sale investment securities to the held to maturity category. The unrealized net gains/losses will be amortized/accreted over the remaining life of the investment securities as an adjustment of yield.

- 96 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(13.)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Continued)

Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, was as follows (in thousands):


	Securities Available for Sale and Transferred Securities			Pension and Post- retirement Obligations			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(5,337	)	$	(4,850	)	$	(10,187	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		8,459			(5,863	)		2,596
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(1,497	)		77			(1,420	)

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		6,962			(5,786	)		1,176

Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,625		$	(10,636	)	$	(9,011	)



Balance at January 1, 2013	$	16,060		$	(12,807	)	$	3,253
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(20,613	)		7,162			(13,451	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(784	)		795			11

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(21,397	)		7,957			(13,440	)

Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(5,337	)	$	(4,850	)	$	(10,187	)



Balance at January 1, 2012	$	13,570		$	(12,625	)	$	945
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		4,036			(993	)		3,043
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,546	)		811			(735	)

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		2,490			(182	)		2,308

Balance at December 31, 2012	$	16,060		$	(12,807	)	$	3,253

The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income						Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
	2014			2013
Realized gain on sale of investment securities	$	2,041		$	1,226		Net gain on disposal of investment securities
Amortization of unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity		437			72		Interest income

		2,478			1,298		Total before tax
		(981	)		(514	)	Income tax expense

		1,497			784		Net of tax
Amortization of pension and post-retirement items:
Prior service credit ⁽¹⁾		48			47		Salaries and employee benefits
Net actuarial losses⁽¹⁾		(176	)		(1,363	)	Salaries and employee benefits

		(128	)		(1,316	)	Total before tax
		51			521		Income tax benefit

		(77	)		(795	)	Net of tax

Total reclassified for the period	$	1,420		$	(11	)

⁽¹⁾	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension expense. See Note 17 – Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.

- 97 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(14.)

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company maintains certain stock-based compensation plans, approved by the Company’s shareholders that are administered by the Board, or the Management Development and Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the Board. In May 2009, the shareholders of the Company approved two share-based compensation plans, the 2009 Management Stock Incentive Plan (“Management Plan”) and the 2009 Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan (“Director’s Plan”), and collectively with the Management Plan, “the Plans”. An aggregate of 690,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance by the Company under the terms of the Management Plan pursuant to the grant of incentive stock options (not to exceed 500,000 shares), non-qualified stock options and restricted stock grants, all of which are defined in the plan. An aggregate of 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance by the Company under the terms of the Director’s Plan pursuant to the grant of non-qualified stock options and restricted stock grants, all of which are defined in the plan. Under both plans, for purposes of calculating the number of shares of common stock available for issuance, each share of common stock granted pursuant to a restricted stock grant counts as 1.64 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2014, there were approximately 119,000 and 396,000 shares available for grant under the Director’s Plan and Management Plan, respectively, of which 61% were available for issuance as restricted stock grants.

Under the Plans, the Board, in the case of the Director’s Plan, or the Compensation Committee, in the case of the Management Plan, may establish and prescribe grant guidelines including various terms and conditions for the granting of stock-based compensation. For stock options, the exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. All options expire after a period of ten years from the date of grant and generally become fully exercisable over a period of 3 to 5 years from the grant date. When an option recipient exercises their options, the Company issues shares from treasury stock and records the proceeds as additions to capital. Shares of restricted stock granted to employees generally vest over 2 to 3 years from the grant date. Fifty percent of the shares of restricted stock granted to non-employee directors generally vests on the date of grant and the remaining fifty percent generally vests one year from the grant date. Vesting of the shares may be based on years of service, established performance measures or both. If restricted stock grants are forfeited before they vest, the shares are reacquired into treasury stock.

The share-based compensation plans were established to allow for the granting of compensation awards to attract, motivate and retain employees, executive officers and non-employee directors who contribute to the success and profitability of the Company and to give such persons a proprietary interest in the Company, thereby enhancing their personal interest in the Company’s success.

The Company awarded grants of 22,642 shares of restricted common stock to certain members of management during the year ended December 31, 2014. Fifty percent of the shares subject to each grant will be earned based upon achievement of an EPS performance requirement for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. The remaining fifty percent of the shares will be earned based on the Company’s achievement of a relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) performance requirement, on a percentile basis, compared to a defined group of peer companies over a three-year performance period ended December 31, 2016. The shares earned based on the achievement of the EPS and TSR performance requirements, if any, will vest based on the recipient’s continuous service to the Company on February 17, 2017.

The grant date fair value of the TSR portion of the award granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant, assuming the following (i) expected term of 2.87 years, (ii) risk free interest rate of 0.62%, (iii) expected dividend yield of 3.59% and (iv) expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the TSR award of 39.4%. The model resulted in a grant date fair value of $10.54 for the TSR portion of the award. The grant date fair value of all other restricted stock awards is equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

In addition, the Company granted 11,600 shares of restricted common stock to management during the year ended December 31, 2014. The shares will vest after completion of a three-year service requirement. The weighted average market price of the restricted stock awards on the date of grant was $21.26.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 9,000 restricted shares of common stock to directors, of which 4,500 shares vested immediately and 4,500 shares will vest after completion of a one-year service requirement. The market price of the restricted stock on the date of grant was $22.82.

The restricted stock awards granted to management and directors in 2014 do not have rights to dividends or dividend equivalents until vested.

- 98 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(14.)

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation method to estimate the fair value of its stock option awards. There were no stock options awarded during 2014, 2013 or 2012. There was no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options as of December 31, 2014. The following is a summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of year		192,934		$	19.83
Granted		-			-
Exercised		(34,082	)		19.57
Forfeited		-			-
Expired		(23,436	)		23.64

Outstanding and exercisable at end of period		135,416		$	19.25		1.9 years	$	799

The aggregate intrinsic value (the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeded the market price of the stock on the date of grant) of option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $161 thousand, $106 thousand, and $10 thousand, respectively. The total cash received as a result of option exercises under stock compensation plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $667 thousand, $448 thousand, and $69 thousand, respectively. The tax benefits realized in connection with these stock option exercises were not significant.

The following is a summary of restricted stock award activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:


	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Market Price at Grant Date
Outstanding at beginning of year		65,040		$	16.92
Granted		43,242			18.76
Vested		(33,728	)		18.17
Forfeited		(15,441	)		18.11

Outstanding at end of period		59,113		$	17.24

As of December 31, 2014, there was $488 thousand of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

The Company amortizes the expense related to restricted stock awards over the vesting period. Share-based compensation expense is recorded as a component of salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income for awards granted to management and as a component of other noninterest expense for awards granted to directors. The share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	2014		2013		2012
Salaries and employee benefits	$	270	$	236	$	394
Other noninterest expense		201		171		132

Total share-based compensation expense	$	471	$	407	$	526

- 99 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(15.)

INCOME TAXES

The income tax expense for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands):


	2014			2013		2012
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal	$	7,546		$	8,917	$	4,021
State		(75	)		1,913		955

Total current tax expense		7,471			10,830		4,976

Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal		2,538			1,251		5,262
State		(384	)		296		1,081

Total deferred tax expense		2,154			1,547		6,343

Total income tax expense	$	9,625		$	12,377	$	11,319

Income tax expense differed from the statutory federal income tax rate for the years ended December 31 as follows:


	2014			2013			2012
Statutory federal tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
Tax exempt interest income		(5.1	)		(4.8	)		(4.6	)
Tax credits and adjustments		(3.5	)		-			-
Non-taxable earnings on company owned life insurance		(1.6	)		(1.6	)		(1.8	)
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit		(0.8	)		3.8			3.8
Nondeductible expenses		0.5			0.2			0.3
Other, net		0.2			0.1			(0.1	)

Effective tax rate		24.7	%		32.7	%		32.6	%

Total income tax expense (benefit) was allocated as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2014		2013			2012
Income tax expense	$	9,625	$	12,377		$	11,319
Shareholder’s equity		925		(8,817	)		1,514

The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for the estimated future tax effects of differences between the tax and financial statement bases of assets and liabilities considering enacted tax laws. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated statements of condition. The Company also assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be realizable based on, among other considerations, future taxable income and establishes, if necessary, a valuation allowance for those deferred tax assets determined to not likely be realizable. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence (both positive and negative), it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The future realization of deferred tax benefits depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry-back and carry-forward periods. Management’s judgment is required in determining the appropriate recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, including projections of future taxable income.

- 100 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(15.)

INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The Company’s net deferred tax asset is included in other assets in the consolidated statements of condition. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows at December 31 (in thousands):


	2014		2013
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$	10,666	$	10,591
Other than temporary impairment of investment securities		1,917		2,728
Deferred compensation		938		873
Investment in limited partnerships		953		287
SERP agreements		704		709
Interest on nonaccrual loans		664		662
Benefit of tax credit carryforwards		569		-
Share-based compensation		565		753
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale		-		3,501
Other		520		527

Gross deferred tax assets		17,496		20,631
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid pension costs		5,346		6,185
Intangible assets		2,662		63
Depreciation and amortization		1,249		1,606
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale		1,039		-
Loan servicing assets		525		620

Gross deferred tax liabilities		10,821		8,474

Net deferred tax asset	$	6,675	$	12,157

In March 2014, the New York legislature approved changes in the state tax law that will be phased-in over two years, beginning in 2015. The primary changes that impact us include the repeal of the Article 32 franchise tax on banking corporations (“Article 32A”) for 2015, expanded nexus standards for 2015 and a reduction in the corporate tax rate for 2016. The Company expects the repeal of Article 32A and the expanded nexus standards to lower our taxable income apportioned to New York to 85% in 2015 from 100% in 2014. In addition, the New York state income tax rate will be reduced from 7.1% to 6.5% in 2016. The lower New York state taxes going forward reduced the benefit provided by existing deferred tax items, consequently the Company revalued its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of income and condition.

Based upon the Company’s historical and projected future levels of pre-tax and taxable income, the scheduled reversals of taxable temporary differences to offset future deductible amounts, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. As such, no valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.

The Company and its subsidiaries are primarily subject to federal and NYS income taxes. The federal income tax years currently open for audit are 2013 and 2014. The NYS income tax years currently open for audit are 2011 through 2014.

At December 31, 2014, the Company had no federal or NYS net operating loss carryforwards. The Company has NYS tax credits of approximately $900 thousand which have an unlimited carryforward period.

The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits and changes in unrecognized tax benefits were not significant as of or for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. There were no interest or penalties recorded in the income statement in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no amounts accrued for interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

- 101 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(16.)

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted EPS for each of the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts).


	2014			2013			2012
Net income available to common shareholders	$	27,893		$	24,064		$	21,975
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities		-			-			2

Net income available to common shareholders for EPS	$	27,893		$	24,064		$	21,973

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Total shares issued		14,261			14,162			14,162
Unvested restricted stock awards		(64	)		(69	)		(107	)
Treasury shares		(304	)		(354	)		(359	)

Total basic weighted average common shares outstanding		13,893			13,739			13,696
Incremental shares from assumed:
Exercise of stock options		26			13			4
Vesting of restricted stock awards		27			32			51

Total diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		13,946			13,784			13,751


Basic earnings per common share	$	2.01		$	1.75		$	1.60

Diluted earnings per common share	$	2.00		$	1.75		$	1.60


For each of the periods presented, average shares subject to the following instruments were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be antidilutive:
Stock options		3			122			303
Restricted stock awards		1			2			1

Total		4			124			304

- 102 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(17.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The Company participates in The New York State Bankers Retirement System (the “Plan”), a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees, subject to the limitations related to the plan closure effective December 31, 2006. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s highest average compensation during five consecutive years of employment. The defined benefit plan was closed to new participants effective December 31, 2006. Only employees hired on or before December 31, 2006 and who met participation requirements on or before January 1, 2008 are eligible to receive benefits.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s changes in the plan’s benefit obligations, fair value of assets and a statement of the funded status as of and for the year ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2014			2013
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	48,991		$	53,625
Service cost		1,918			2,063
Interest cost		2,291			2,017
Actuarial (gain) loss		10,938			(6,393	)
Benefits paid and plan expenses		(2,406	)		(2,321	)

Projected benefit obligation at end of period		61,732			48,991

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		64,603			57,785
Actual return on plan assets		5,387			9,139
Employer contributions		8,000			-
Benefits paid and plan expenses		(2,406	)		(2,321	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of period		75,584			64,603

Funded status at end of period	$	13,852		$	15,612

The accumulated benefit obligation was $54.9 million and $44.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company’s funding policy is to contribute, at a minimum, an actuarially determined amount that will satisfy the minimum funding requirements determined under the appropriate sections of Internal Revenue Code. The Company had no minimum required contribution for the 2015 fiscal year, but for tax purposes chose to contribute $8.0 million to its pension plan prior to December 31, 2014.

Estimated benefit payments under the pension plan over the next ten years at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):


2015	$	1,860
2016		2,086
2017		2,264
2018		2,330
2019		2,470
2020 - 2024		14,856

Net periodic pension cost consists of the following components for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2014			2013			2012
Service cost	$	1,918		$	2,063		$	2,037
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		2,291			2,017			2,017
Expected return on plan assets		(4,117	)		(3,684	)		(3,211	)
Amortization of unrecognized loss		159			1,344			1,370
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost		20			20			20

Net periodic pension cost	$	271		$	1,760		$	2,233

- 103 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(17.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

The actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost were as follows:


	2014			2013			2012
Weighted average discount rate		4.80	%		3.84	%		4.27	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.00	%		3.00	%		3.00	%
Expected long-term rate of return		6.50	%		6.50	%		7.00	%

The actuarial assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligation were as follows:


	2014			2013			2012
Weighted average discount rate		3.86	%		4.80	%		3.84	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.00	%		3.00	%		3.00	%

The weighted average discount rate was based upon the projected benefit cash flows and the market yields of high grade corporate bonds that are available to pay such cash flows.

The weighted average expected long-term rate of return is estimated based on current trends in the Plan’s assets as well as projected future rates of return on those assets and reasonable actuarial assumptions based on the guidance provided by Actuarial Standard of Practice No. 27, “Selection of Economic Assumptions for Measuring Pension Obligations” for long term inflation, and the real and nominal rate of investment return for a specific mix of asset classes. The following assumptions were used in determining the long-term rate of return:


Equity securities		Dividend discount model, the smoothed earnings yield model and the equity risk premium model

Fixed income securities		Current yield-to-maturity and forecasts of future yields

Other financial instruments		Comparison of the specific investment’s risk to that of fixed income and equity instruments and using judgment

The long term rate of return considers historical returns. Adjustments were made to historical returns in order to reflect expectations of future returns. These adjustments were due to factor forecasts by economists and long-term U.S. Treasury yields to forecast long-term inflation. In addition forecasts by economists and others for long-term GDP growth were factored into the development of assumptions for earnings growth and per capita income.

The Plan’s overall investment strategy is to achieve a mix of approximately 97% of investments for long-term growth and 3% for near-term benefit payments with a wide diversification of asset types, fund strategies, and fund managers. The target allocations for Plan assets are shown in the table below. Cash equivalents consist primarily of government issues (maturing in less than three months) and short term investment funds. Equity securities primarily include investments in common stock, depository receipts, preferred stock, commingled pension trust funds, exchange traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds, government issues, mortgage backed securities, municipals, commingled pension trust funds and other asset backed securities.

- 104 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(17.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Effective February 2012, the Plan revised its investment guidelines. The Plan currently prohibits its investment managers from purchasing any security greater than 5% of the portfolio at the time of purchase or greater than 8% at market value in any one issuer. Effective June 2013, the issuer of any security purchased must be located in a country in the Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index. In addition, the following are prohibited:


Equity securities		Short sales Unregistered securities Margin purchases

Fixed income securities		Mortgage backed derivatives that have an inverse floating rate coupon or that are interest only securities Any ABS that is not issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies or its instrumentalities Generally securities of less than Baa2/BBB quality may not be purchased Securities of less than A-quality may not in the aggregate exceed 13% of the investment manager’s portfolio. An investment manager’s portfolio of commercial MBS and ABS shall not exceed 10% of the portfolio at the time of purchase.

Other financial instruments		Unhedged currency exposure in countries not defined as “high income economies” by the World Bank

All other investments not prohibited by the Plan are permitted. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Plan held certain investments which are no longer deemed acceptable to acquire. These positions will be liquidated when the investment managers deem that such liquidation is in the best interest of the Plan.

The target allocation range below is both historic and prospective in that it has not changed since prior to 2013. It is the asset allocation range that the investment managers have been advised to adhere to and within which they may make tactical asset allocation decisions.


										Weighted Average Expected Long-term Rate of Return
	2014 Target Allocation			Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31,
	2014 Target Allocation			2014			2013
Asset category:
Cash equivalents		0 – 20	%		8.7	%		5.5	%		0.26	%
Equity securities		40 – 60			48.2			50.6			4.05
Fixed income securities		40 – 60			43.1			43.9			1.98
Other financial instruments		0 – 5			-			-			-

Assets are segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy established by ASC Topic 820 utilized to measure fair value (see Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements). There were no assets classified as Level 3 assets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Investments valued using the NAV (Net Asset Value) are classified as level 2 if the Plan can redeem its investment with the investee at the NAV at the measurement date. If the Plan can never redeem the investment with the investee at the NAV, it is considered a level 3. If the Plan can redeem the investment at the NAV at a future date, the Plan’s assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset.

- 105 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(17.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

The Plan uses the Thomson Reuters Pricing Service to determine the fair value of equities excluding commingled pension trust funds, the pricing service of IDC Corporate USA to determine the fair value of fixed income securities excluding commingled pension trust funds and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. to determine the fair value of commingled pension trust funds. The major categories of Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31 are presented in the following table (in thousands).


	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
2014
Cash equivalents:
Foreign currencies	$	31	$	-	$	-	$	31
Government issues		-		249		-		249
Short term investment funds		-		6,327		-		6,327

Total cash equivalents		31		6,576		-
Equity securities:
Common stock		14,732		-		-		14,732
Depository receipts		185		-		-		185
Commingled pension trust funds		-		10,802		-		10,802
Exchange traded funds		10,573		-		-		10,573
Preferred stock		140		-		-		140

Total equity securities		25,630		10,802		-		36,432
Fixed income securities:
Auto loan receivable		-		330		-		330
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		682		-		682
Commingled pension trust funds		-		21,083		-		21,083
Corporate Bonds		-		2,971		-		2,971
FHLMC		-		73		-		73
FNMA		-		1,951		-		1,951
GNMA II		-		123		-		123
Government Issues		-		5,139		-		5,139
Other asset backed securities		-		160		-		160
Other securities		-		33		-		33

Total fixed income securities		-		32,545		-		32,545

Total Plan investments	$	25,661	$	49,923	$	-	$	75,584

At December 31, 2014, the portfolio was managed by two investment firms, with control of the portfolio split approximately 57% and 39% under the control of the investment managers with the remaining 4% under the direct control of the Plan. A portfolio concentration in two of the commingled pension trust funds and a short term investment fund of 13%, 9% and 8%, respectively, existed at December 31, 2014.

- 106 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(17.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)


	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
2013
Cash equivalents:
Foreign currencies	$	92	$	-	$	-	$	92
Government issues		-		937		-		937
Short term investment funds		-		2,498		-		2,498

Total cash equivalents		92		3,435		-		3,527
Equity securities:
Common stock		32,072		-		-		32,072
Depository receipts		309		96		-		405
Preferred stock		151		-		-		151
Real estate investment fund		94		-		-		94

Total equity securities		32,626		96		-		32,722
Fixed income securities:
Auto loan receivable		-		232		-		232
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		7,079		-		7,079
Corporate Bonds		-		7,609		-		7,609
FHLMC		-		883		-		883
FNMA		-		3,044		-		3,044
GNMA I		-		215		-		215
GNMA II		-		96		-		96
Government Issues		-		8,984		-		8,984
Municipals		-		212		-		212

Total fixed income securities		-		28,354		-		28,354

Total Plan investments	$	32,718	$	31,885	$	-	$	64,603

At December 31, 2013 the portfolio was managed by two investment firms, with control of the portfolio split approximately 58% and 41% under the control of the investment managers with the remaining 1% under the direct control of the Plan. A portfolio concentration in the State Street Bank & Trust Co. Short Term Investment Fund of 5% existed at December 31, 2013.

Postretirement Benefit Plan

An entity acquired by the Company provided health and dental care benefits to retired employees who met specified age and service requirements through a postretirement health and dental care plan in which both the acquired entity and the retirees shared the cost. The plan provided for substantially the same medical insurance coverage as for active employees until their death and was integrated with Medicare for those retirees aged 65 or older. In 2001, the plan’s eligibility requirements were amended to curtail eligible benefit payments to only retired employees and active employees who had already met the then-applicable age and service requirements under the Plan. In 2003, retirees under age 65 began contributing to health coverage at the same cost-sharing level as that of active employees. Retirees ages 65 or older were offered new Medicare supplemental plans as alternatives to the plan historically offered. The cost sharing of medical coverage was standardized throughout the group of retirees aged 65 or older. In addition, to be consistent with the administration of the Company’s dental plan for active employees, all retirees who continued dental coverage began paying the full monthly premium. The accrued liability included in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition related to this plan amounted to $124 thousand and $93 thousand as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The postretirement expense for the plan that was included in salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income was not significant for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The plan is not funded.

- 107 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(17.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the defined benefit plan and postretirement benefit plan as of December 31 are summarized below (in thousands):


	2014			2013
Defined benefit plan:
Net actuarial loss	$	(17,747	)	$	(8,237	)
Prior service cost		(52	)		(72	)

		(17,799	)		(8,309	)

Postretirement benefit plan:
Net actuarial loss		(186	)		(163	)
Prior service credit		372			440

		186			277

		(17,613	)		(8,032	)
Deferred tax benefit		6,977			3,182

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(10,636	)	$	(4,850	)

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income on a pre-tax basis during the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands):


	2014			2013
Defined benefit plan:
Net actuarial (loss) gain	$	(9,669	)	$	11,847
Amortization of net loss		159			1,344
Amortization of prior service cost		20			21

		(9,490	)		13,212

Postretirement benefit plan:
Net actuarial (loss) gain		(40	)		13
Amortization of net loss		17			19
Amortization of prior service credit		(68	)		(68	)

		(91	)		(36	)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income	$	(9,581	)	$	13,176

For the year ending December 31, 2015, the estimated net loss and prior service credit for the plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost is $943 thousand and $47 thousand, respectively.

Defined Contribution Plan

Employees that meet specified eligibility conditions are eligible to participate in the Company sponsored 401(k) plan. Under the plan, participants may make contributions, in the form of salary deferrals, up to the maximum Internal Revenue Code limit. The Company matches a participant’s contributions up to 4.5% of compensation, calculated at 100% of the first 3% of compensation and 50% of the next 3% of compensation deferred by the participant. The Company may also make additional discretionary matching contributions, although no such additional discretionary contributions were made in 2014, 2013 or 2012. The expense included in salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income for this plan amounted to $1.1 million in 2014 and 2013 and $1.0 million in 2012.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The Company has non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (“SERPs”) covering four former executives. The unfunded pension liability related to the SERPs was $2.2 million and $2.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. SERP expense was $295 thousand, $95 thousand, and $1.3 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

- 108 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(18.)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Determination of Fair Value – Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis

Valuation Hierarchy

The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

—

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

—

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

—

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the company’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Company’s valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein. A more detailed description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Securities available for sale: Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Loans held for sale: The fair value of loans held for sale is determined using quoted secondary market prices and investor commitments. Loans held for sale are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Collateral dependent impaired loans: Fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including equipment, inventory and/or accounts receivable and collateral value is determined based on appraisals performed by qualified licensed appraisers hired by the Company. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Appraised and reported values may be discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and the client’s business. Such discounts are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.

- 109 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(18.)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

Loan servicing rights: Loan servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable market data. As a result, the Company estimates the fair value of loan servicing rights by using a discounted cash flow model to calculate the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model are those that we believe market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, including estimates of loan prepayment rates, servicing costs, ancillary income, impound account balances, and discount rates. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s loan servicing rights are the constant prepayment rates and weighted average discount rate. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Although the constant prepayment rate and the discount rate are not directly interrelated, they will generally move in opposite directions. Loan servicing rights are classified as Level 3 measurements due to the use of significant unobservable inputs, as well as significant management judgment and estimation.

Other real estate owned (Foreclosed assets): Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate owned are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification. The appraisals are sometimes further discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. Such discounts are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized.

Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit: Commitments to extend credit and fund letters of credit are principally at current interest rates, and, therefore, the carrying amount approximates fair value. The fair value of commitments is not material.

- 110 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(18.)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

Assets Measured at Fair Value

The following table presents for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of December 31 (in thousands):


	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
2014
Measured on a recurring basis:
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agencies and government sponsored enterprises	$	-	$	160,475	$	-	$	160,475
Mortgage-backed securities		-		461,788		-		461,788
Asset-backed securities		-		231		-		231

	$	-	$	622,494	$	-	$	622,494

Measured on a nonrecurring basis:
Loans:
Loans held for sale	$	-	$	755	$	-	$	755
Collateral dependent impaired loans		-		-		2,652		2,652
Other assets:
Loan servicing rights		-		-		1,359		1,359
Other real estate owned		-		-		194		194

	$	-	$	755	$	4,205	$	4,960



2013
Measured on a recurring basis:
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agencies and government sponsored enterprises	$	-	$	134,452	$	-	$	134,452
Mortgage-backed securities		-		474,549		-		474,549
Asset-backed securities		-		399		-		399

	$	-	$	609,400	$	-	$	609,400

Measured on a nonrecurring basis:
Loans:
Loans held for sale	$	-	$	3,381	$	-	$	3,381
Collateral dependent impaired loans		-		-		9,227		9,227
Other assets:
Loan servicing rights		-		-		1,565		1,565
Other real estate owned		-		-		333		333

	$	-	$	3,381	$	11,125	$	14,506

There were no transfers between level 1 and 2 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

- 111 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(18.)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value (dollars in thousands).


Asset	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Unobservable Input Value or Range
Collateral dependent impaired loans	$	2,652	Appraisal of collateral ⁽¹⁾	Appraisal adjustments ⁽²⁾	0% - 100% discount
			Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	4.5% ⁽³⁾
				Risk premium rate	10.0% ⁽³⁾


Loan servicing rights	$	1,359	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	5.1% ⁽³⁾
				Constant prepayment rate	13.6% ⁽³⁾


Other real estate owned	$	194	Appraisal of collateral ⁽¹⁾	Appraisal adjustments ⁽²⁾	9% - 41% discount

⁽¹⁾	Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which generally include various Level 3 inputs which are not identifiable.

⁽²⁾	Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.

⁽³⁾	Weighted averages.

Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

There were no assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of or during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The assumptions used below are expected to approximate those that market participants would use in valuing these financial instruments.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, including estimates of timing, amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer. Such estimates do not consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In some cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets. In addition, the disclosed fair value may not be realized in the immediate settlement of the financial instrument. Care should be exercised in deriving conclusions about our business, its value or financial position based on the fair value information of financial instruments presented below.

The estimated fair value approximates carrying value for cash and cash equivalents, FHLB and FRB stock, accrued interest receivable, non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings and accrued interest payable. Fair value estimates for other financial instruments not included elsewhere in this disclosure are discussed below.

Securities held to maturity: The fair value of the Company’s investment securities held to maturity is primarily measured using information from a third-party pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Loans: The fair value of the Company’s loans was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans would be made for the same remaining maturities. Loans were first segregated by type such as commercial, residential mortgage, and consumer, and were then further segmented into fixed and variable rate and loan quality categories. Expected future cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments.

Time deposits: The fair value of time deposits was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments. The fair values of the Company’s time deposit liabilities do not take into consideration the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value.

- 112 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(18.)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

The following presents the carrying amount, estimated fair value, and placement in the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31(in thousands):


	Level in Fair Value Measurement Hierarchy	2014				2013
	Level in Fair Value Measurement Hierarchy	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	Level 1	$	58,151	$	58,151	$	59,692	$	59,692
Securities available for sale	Level 2		622,494		622,494		609,400		609,400
Securities held to maturity	Level 2		294,438		298,695		249,785		250,657
Loans held for sale	Level 2		755		755		3,381		3,381
Loans	Level 2		1,881,713		1,887,959		1,797,656		1,802,407
Loans ⁽¹⁾	Level 3		2,652		2,652		9,227		9,227
Accrued interest receivable	Level 1		8,104		8,104		8,150		8,150
FHLB and FRB stock	Level 2		19,014		19,014		19,663		19,663

Financial liabilities:
Non-maturity deposits	Level 1		1,857,285		1,857,285		1,724,133		1,724,133
Time deposits	Level 2		593,242		593,793		595,923		596,928
Short-term borrowings	Level 1		334,804		334,804		337,042		337,042
Accrued interest payable	Level 1		3,862		3,862		3,407		3,407

⁽¹⁾	Comprised of collateral dependent impaired loans.

(19.)

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed financial statements pertaining only to the Parent are presented below (in thousands).


Condensed Statements of Condition	December 31,
	2014		2013
Assets:
Cash and due from subsidiary	$	9,559	$	9,510
Investment in and receivables due from subsidiary		273,237		245,071
Other assets		3,433		3,463

Total assets	$	286,229	$	258,044

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
Other liabilities	$	6,697	$	3,205
Shareholders’ equity		279,532		254,839

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	286,229	$	258,044

- 113 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(19.)

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)


Condensed Statements of Income	Years ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Dividends from subsidiary and associated companies	$	20,920	$	15,000	$	4,000
Management and service fees from subsidiary		417		368		517
Other income		74		71		24

Total income		21,411		15,439		4,541
Operating expenses		3,437		2,906		2,732

Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary		17,974		12,533		1,809
Income tax benefit		1,120		1,020		991

Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary		19,094		13,553		2,800
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary		10,261		11,977		20,649

Net income	$	29,355	$	25,530	$	23,449


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	Years ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	29,355		$	25,530		$	23,449
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary		(10,261	)		(11,977	)		(20,649	)
Depreciation and amortization		48			47			65
Share-based compensation		471			407			526
Decrease in other assets		5,661			166			805
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities		(5,717	)		(17	)		44

Net cash provided by operating activities		19,557			14,156			4,240
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash paid for acquisition		(7,995	)		-			-
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchase of preferred and common shares		(196	)		(360	)		(559	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		667			448			69
Dividends paid		(11,984	)		(11,218	)		(8,866	)
Other		-			(118	)		97

Net cash used in financing activities		(11,513	)		(11,248	)		(9,259	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		49			2,908			(5,019	)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of year		9,510			6,602			11,621

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the year	$	9,559		$	9,510		$	6,602

- 114 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(20.)

SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has two reportable operating segments, banking and insurance, which are delineated by the consolidated subsidiaries of Financial Institutions, Inc. The banking segment includes all of the Company’s retail and commercial banking operations. The insurance segment includes the activities of SDN, a full service insurance agency that provides a broad range of insurance services to both personal and business clients. The Company operated as one business segment until the acquisition of SDN on August 1, 2014, at which time the new “Insurance” segment was created for financial reporting purposes. Holding company amounts are the primary differences between segment amounts and consolidated totals, and are reflected in the Holding Company and Other column below, along with amounts to eliminate balances and transactions between segments.

The following tables present information regarding our business segments as of and for the periods indicated (in thousands).


	December 31, 2014
	Banking			Insurance			Holding Company and Other			Consolidated Totals
Goodwill	$	48,536		$	12,617		$	-		$	61,153
Other intangible assets, net		1,125			6,361			-			7,486
Total assets⁽¹⁾		3,065,109			20,368			4,044			3,089,521

	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Banking			Insurance⁽¹⁾			Holding Company and Other			Consolidated Totals
Net interest income	$	93,774		$	-		$	-		$	93,774
Provision for loan losses		(7,789	)		-			-			(7,789	)
Noninterest income		23,602			2,073			(325	)		25,350
Noninterest expense		(67,857	)		(1,877	)		(2,621	)		(72,355	)

Income (loss) before income taxes		41,730			196			(2,946	)		38,980
Income tax (expense) benefit		(10,735	)		(9	)		1,119			(9,625	)

Net income (loss)	$	30,995		$	187		$	(1,827	)	$	29,355

⁽¹⁾	Reflects activity from SDN since August 1, 2014, the date of acquisition.

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ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b), as adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included under Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in Part II of this Form 10-K.

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm that attests the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is included under Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in Part II of this Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

- 116 -

PART III

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

In response to this Item, the information set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2015 Proxy Statement”) to be filed within 120 days following the end of the Company’s fiscal year, under the headings “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors,” “Business Experience and Qualification of Directors,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” is incorporated herein by reference.

The information under the heading “Executive Officers” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K is also incorporated herein by reference.

Information concerning the Company’s Audit Committee and the Audit Committee’s financial expert is set forth under the caption “Board Meetings and Committees” in the 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information concerning the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is set forth under the caption “Code of Ethics” in the 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

In response to this Item, the information set forth in the 2015 Proxy Statement under the headings “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Executive Compensation Tables”, “Management Development and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Management Development and Compensation Committee Report” is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

In response to this Item, the information set forth in the 2015 Proxy Statement under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2014, information about our equity compensation plans that have been approved by our shareholders, including the number of shares of our common stock exercisable under all outstanding options, warrants and rights, the weighted average exercise price of all outstanding options, warrants and rights and the number of shares available for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. We have no equity compensation plans that have not been approved by our shareholders.


Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)	Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)		Number of securities remaining for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders	135,416	$	19.25	514,847
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders	-	$	-	-

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

In response to this Item, the information set forth in the 2015 Proxy Statement under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Board Independence” is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

In response to this Item, the information set forth in the 2015 Proxy Statement under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” is incorporated herein by reference.

- 117 -

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reference is made to the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements of Financial Institutions, Inc. and subsidiaries under Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(b)

EXHIBITS

The following is a list of all exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Report.


Exhibit Number	Description	Location

3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company	Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, dated March 12, 2009

3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, dated March 12, 2009

10.1	1999 Management Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the S-1 Registration Statement

10.2	Amendment Number One to the 1999 Management Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1of the Form 8-K, dated July 28, 2006

10.3	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement Pursuant to the 1999 Management Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K, dated July 28, 2006

10.4	1999 Directors Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the S-1 Registration Statement

10.5	Amendment to the 1999 Director Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, dated March 12, 2009

10.6	2009 Management Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009, dated August 5, 2009

10.7	2009 Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009, dated August 5, 2009

10.8	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Pursuant to the 2009 Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, dated March 18, 2013

10.9	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Pursuant to the 2009 Management Stock Incentive Plan (Special, one-time Award)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K, dated January 19, 2010

10.10	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Pursuant to the 2009 Management Stock Incentive Plan (LTIP Award)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K, dated March 1, 2010

10.11	Form of “Service Based” Restricted Stock Award Agreement Pursuant to the 2009 Management Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, dated March 9, 2012

10.12	Form of 2012 Performance Program Master Agreement	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, dated March 9, 2012

- 118 -


Exhibit Number	Description	Location

10.13	Form of 2012 Performance Program Award Certificate	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, dated March 9, 2012

10.14	Form of 2013 Performance Program Master Agreement	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, dated March 18, 2013

10.15	Form of 2013 Performance Program Award Certificate	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, dated March 18, 2013

10.16	Amended and Restated Executive Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Peter G. Humphrey	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K, dated July 5, 2012

10.17	Amended and Restated Executive Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Martin K. Birmingham	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K, dated May 23, 2013

10.18	Executive Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Kevin B. Klotzbach	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K, dated May 23, 2013

10.19	Executive Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Richard J. Harrison	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Form 8-K, dated May 23, 2013

10.20	Executive Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Ronald Mitchell McLaughlin	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Form 8-K, dated July 5, 2012

10.21	Executive Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Kenneth V. Winn	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Form 8-K, dated July 5, 2012

10.22	Separation and release agreement between Five Star Bank and George D. Hagi	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Form 8-K, dated July 5, 2012

10.23	Voluntary Retirement Agreement with Ronald A. Miller	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K, dated September 26, 2008

10.24	Amendment to Voluntary Retirement Agreement with Ronald A. Miller	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K, dated March 3, 2010

10.25	Separation and release agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Peter G. Humphrey	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, dated November 6, 2012

10.26	Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Peter G. Humphrey	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, dated November 6, 2012

*10.27	Assignment, Purchase and Assumption Agreement dated January 19, 2012 between First Niagara Bank, National Association and Five Star Bank	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, dated March 9, 2012

*10.28	Amendment No. 1 to Assignment, Purchase and Assumption Agreement, effective as of August 16, 2012, by and between Five Star Bank and First Niagara Bank, National Association	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, dated November 6, 2012

*10.29	Purchase and Assumption Agreement dated January 19, 2012 between First Niagara Bank, National Association and Five Star Bank	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, dated March 9, 2012

*10.30	Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Assumption Agreement, effective as of June 21, 2012, by and between Five Star Bank and First Niagara Bank, National Association.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K, dated June 28, 2012

10.31	Executive Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Karl F. Krebs	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Form 8-K, dated July 5, 2012

- 119 -


Exhibit Number	Description	Location

10.32	Separation and release agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Karl F. Krebs	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013, dated November 5, 2013

10.33	Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Richard J. Harrison	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014, dated August 5, 2014

10.34	Separation and release agreement between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Kenneth V. Winn	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014, dated November 4, 2014

21	Subsidiaries of Financial Institutions, Inc.	Filed Herewith

23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	Filed Herewith

31.1	Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002—Principal Executive Officer	Filed Herewith

31.2	Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002—Principal Financial Officer	Filed Herewith

32	Certification pursuant to18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed Herewith

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Except for these agreements, all of our other material agreements consist of Management contracts, Compensatory plans or arrangements.

- 120 -

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


		FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.

March 6, 2015	By:	*/s/ Martin K. Birmingham*
		Martin K. Birmingham
		President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signatures	Title	Date

*/s/ Martin K. Birmingham*	Director, President and Chief Executive Officer	March 6, 2015
Martin K. Birmingham	(Principal Executive Officer)

*/s/ Kevin B. Klotzbach*	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	March 6, 2015
Kevin B. Klotzbach	(Principal Financial Officer)

*/s/ Michael D. Grover*	Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer	March 6, 2015
Michael D. Grover	(Principal Accounting Officer)

*/s/ Karl V. Anderson, Jr.*	Director	March 6, 2015
Karl V. Anderson, Jr.

*/s/ John E. Benjamin*	Director	March 6, 2015
John E. Benjamin

*/s/ Andrew W. Dorn, Jr.*	Director	March 6, 2015
Andrew W. Dorn, Jr.

*/s/ Robert M. Glaser*	Director	March 6, 2015
Robert M. Glaser

*/s/ Samuel M. Gullo*	Director	March 6, 2015
Samuel M. Gullo

*/s/ Susan R. Holliday*	Director	March 6, 2015
Susan R. Holliday

*/s/ Erland E. Kailbourne*	Director	March 6, 2015
Erland E. Kailbourne

*/s/ Robert N. Latella*	Director, Chairman	March 6, 2015
Robert N. Latella

*/s/ James L. Robinson*	Director	March 6, 2015
James L. Robinson

*/s/ James H. Wyckoff*	Director	March 6, 2015
James H. Wyckoff

- 121 -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INC - FORM 10-K - March 6, 2015

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