Financial Institutions (NasdaqGS:FISI) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 24, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsMartin Birmingham - President, Director, and CEODamon DelMonte - Managing Director of Equity ResearchW. Jack Plants II - CFO and EVPKate Croft - Director of Investor RelationsOperatorHello everyone, and thank you for joining the Financial Institutions Inc third quarter 2025 earnings call. My name is Lucy, and I'll be coordinating your call today. During the presentation, you can register a question ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a third quarter linked quarter annualized growth rate of 14.5% for non-interest-bearing deposits, 10.6% for core deposits, 8.9% for loans, 31.5% for revenue, and 54% for adjusted EPS [9] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased by three basis points to 3.26% in the third quarter, with expectations for further increases in the fourth quarter due to anticipated rate cuts [21][22] - The estimated growth range for net interest income has been increased to approximately 13% to 14% over 2024 results [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - End-of-period loans increased by 8.9% linked quarter annualized, with an adjusted outlook for loan growth set at 9% to 10% for the year [19] - Non-interest income guidance has been increased from 12% to 15% growth to now 20% to 22% growth for the year, driven by strong performance in banking fees and wealth management [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully increased market share in key markets, with notable gains in Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis, where competitors have lost significant market share [10][11] - The company is targeting additional market share in southeastern markets, with significant share losses noted among competitors in cities like Greensboro and Atlanta [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a "Southeast Growth Champion" through strategic hiring and market share acquisition, leveraging the merger with Synovus Financial Corp. to enhance growth potential [29][30] - The focus remains on recruiting and retaining market-leading revenue producers to sustain balance sheet growth and shareholder returns [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to maintain momentum post-merger, with hiring rates and financial performance remaining strong [15][28] - The outlook for 2025 is optimistic, with expectations for continued growth in revenue and earnings, despite potential economic uncertainties [28] Other Important Information - The company reported a decrease in net charge-offs to 18 basis points in the third quarter, with an unchanged outlook for net charge-offs for the full year [24] - BHG's exceptional performance contributed over $40 million in fee revenues, with expectations for continued strong growth in 2025 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there 300 RMs that fit the Pinnacle model in the market? - Management indicated that while there may not be 300 RMs available immediately, the hiring strategy has historically proven successful in attracting talent over time [34] Question: How does the pro forma balance sheet affect BHG's use case? - Management stated that BHG's growth is expected to remain consistent, with no significant changes anticipated in the approach post-merger [38] Question: Will the hiring strategy change post-deal close? - Management expressed confidence that the existing hiring strategy will continue to be effective, emphasizing a unique recruitment model that differs from competitors [49] Question: What are the risks associated with the merger? - Management noted that there are no significant risks identified at this time, with a focus on hard work to integrate the companies and maintain high associate retention rates [64] Question: What is the outlook for credit quality? - Management indicated that credit quality remains strong, with a focus on monitoring specific credits, particularly in healthcare [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, revenue increased by 15.1% compared to the same quarter last year, adjusted EPS rose by 22.7%, and tangible book value per share grew by 10.9% year-over-year [8][9][11] - The company has achieved double-digit compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) over the last decade in revenue, EPS, and tangible book value per share, significantly outperforming peers [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - End-of-period loans increased by 10.7% on a linked quarter annualized basis, driven by new markets and relationship managers [19] - Deposit growth was recorded at 4.7% linked quarter annualized, with an estimated total deposit growth rate maintained at 7% to 10% for 2025 [21][22] - Net interest margin (NIM) finished up two basis points at 3.23%, with expectations for a flat to slightly up NIM in the upcoming quarters [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposit growth was reported at 13%, significantly higher than the peer median, indicating strong market performance despite a challenging economic environment [11] - The company is focusing on deepening its presence in existing markets rather than expanding into new geographies, with potential opportunities identified in Florida and Texas [43][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company employs a market share takeaway strategy, targeting the largest market share leaders in its footprint to capitalize on their vulnerabilities [12] - The hiring strategy focuses on experienced revenue producers, with an average of 18 years of experience, which is expected to yield approximately $19 billion in organic asset growth through 2029 [14][15] - The company aims to maintain organic growth as its primary strategy, with limited appetite for mergers and acquisitions due to the successful hiring model [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the economic environment, noting that while clients are currently cautious, there is underlying optimism for future growth [51][52] - The company anticipates a strong year in 2025, supported by investments in new markets and successful hiring practices [30][28] Other Important Information - The company has adjusted its net interest income growth outlook to a range of 12% to 13% for 2025, reflecting a positive outlook despite potential rate cuts [24] - The company is increasing its guidance for fee growth from 8%-10% to 12%-15% for the year, driven by strong performance in banking fees and wealth management [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the expected asset growth from new hires - Management confirmed that the cohort of hires from 2020 to 2024 is expected to yield approximately $19 billion in organic asset growth, focusing on relationship managers [35][36] Question: Appetite for M&A given the organic growth model - Management reiterated a strong preference for organic growth over M&A, citing the ability to produce outsized growth through hiring rather than taking on integration risks [39][40] Question: Customer sentiment and appetite for growth - Management indicated that existing customers are currently cautious but optimistic about future opportunities, with a focus on maintaining credit quality [50][52] Question: Update on the BHG business and its contribution to earnings - Management noted that BHG's earnings contribution has increased, with expectations for continued strong performance driven by better credit quality and origination growth [62][63] Question: Future deposit costs and beta expectations - Management expects to maintain current deposit costs and beta levels, with a focus on optimizing margins in response to potential rate cuts [107][108]