Financial Institutions, Inc. Announces Quarterly Dividend

WARSAW, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2016 -- Financial Institutions, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:FISI) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per outstanding common share.  The Company also announced dividends of $0.75 per share on Series A 3% preferred stock and $2.12 per share on series B-1 8.48% preferred stock.  All dividends are payable April 4, 2016 to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2016.

About Financial Institutions, Inc.

Financial Institutions, Inc. provides diversified financial services through its subsidiaries, Five Star Bank, Scott Danahy Naylon and Courier Capital.  Five Star Bank provides a wide range of consumer and commercial banking services to individuals, municipalities and businesses through a network of over 50 offices throughout Western and Central New York State.  Scott Danahy Naylon provides a broad range of insurance services to personal and business clients across 44 states.  Courier Capital provides customized investment management, investment consulting and retirement plan services to individuals, businesses, institutions, foundations and retirement plans.  Financial Institutions, Inc. and its subsidiaries employ approximately 700 individuals.  The Company’s stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol FISI and is a member of the NASDAQ OMX ABA Community Bank Index.  Additional information is available at the Company’s website: www.fiiwarsaw.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined by federal securities laws that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Statements herein are based on certain assumptions and analyses by the Company and are factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such statements for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: changes in interest rates; changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; changes in the Company’s dividend policy; significant changes in the economic scenario: significant changes in regulatory requirements; and significant changes in securities markets. Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and the cautionary language in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with the SEC.  Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this press release.

For additional information contact:
Kevin B. Klotzbach	
Executive VP, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer	
Phone:  585.786.1130	
Email:  [email protected] 

Jordan Darrow
Darrow Associates 
Phone: 631.367.1866
Email: [email protected]