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Community Financial System (NYSE: CBU) posts higher Q1 2026 EPS and margin

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Community Financial System, Inc. reported strong first quarter 2026 results, with net income of $57.2 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.08, up from $0.93 a year earlier and $1.03 in the prior quarter. The company generated total revenues of $213.3 million, compared with $196.2 million in first quarter 2025, as record quarterly net interest income and organic loan growth supported continued net interest margin expansion.

Net interest income rose to $134.7 million, while net interest margin improved to 3.43%, up from 3.21% a year earlier. Noninterest revenues contributed 36.8% of total revenues. Total ending loans reached $11.1 billion and total ending deposits were $14.9 billion, both higher than a year ago.

Asset quality remained solid, with nonperforming loans at 0.48% of loans and net charge-offs at 0.11% of average loans. The Tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.20%, and the quarterly dividend was $0.47 per share. The company also highlighted its pending all-cash ~$40 million acquisition of ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust, which has over $1.5 billion of assets under management and a 3-year revenue CAGR of 9.7%.

Positive

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Insights

Q1 2026 shows double-digit EPS growth, margin expansion, solid credit quality and a targeted wealth management acquisition.

Community Financial System, Inc. delivered first quarter 2026 net income of $57.2 million and diluted EPS of $1.08, a 16.1% increase versus the prior year’s $0.93. Total revenues reached $213.3 million, up 8.7% year over year, driven mainly by record net interest income.

Net interest income rose to $134.7 million, with net interest margin improving to 3.43% from 3.21% a year earlier, reflecting loan growth and easing funding cost pressure. Credit metrics remained favorable: net charge-offs were 0.11% of average loans and nonperforming loans were 0.48% of loans, while the Tier 1 leverage ratio stood at 9.20%, supporting the $0.47 quarterly dividend.

The announced all-cash acquisition of ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust for approximately $40 million adds over $1.5 billion of assets under management and a 3-year revenue CAGR of 9.7% to the wealth management franchise. Future filings around the expected closing in Q2 2026 may provide more detail on ClearPoint’s contribution to fee-based revenue and capital deployment.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Net income $57.2 million Q1 2026 net income (GAAP)
Diluted EPS $1.08 Q1 2026, up from $0.93 in Q1 2025
Total revenues $213.3 million Q1 2026, vs. $196.2 million in Q1 2025
Net interest income $134.7 million Q1 2026 record quarterly net interest income
Net interest margin 3.43% Q1 2026, vs. 3.21% in Q1 2025
Total ending loans $11.13 billion Loans outstanding at March 31, 2026
Total ending deposits $14.87 billion Deposits at March 31, 2026
Tier 1 leverage ratio 9.20% Regulatory capital ratio at March 31, 2026
Net interest margin financial
"Net interest margin | 3.43% | 3.37% | 3.21%"
Net interest margin measures how much a bank earns from lending and investing compared with what it pays for funding, expressed as a percentage of its interest-earning assets. Think of it like a grocery store’s markup: it shows the gap between buying cost and selling price per dollar of goods — here, the cost is interest paid and the sale is interest received. Investors watch it because a higher margin usually means a bank is more profitable and better at managing interest rate and credit conditions.
Operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue financial
"Operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)"
Non-GAAP financial
"Although these items are non-GAAP measures, the Company’s management believes this information helps investors"
Non-GAAP refers to financial measures that companies use to show their earnings or performance without including certain expenses or income that are often added back to give a different picture. It matters because it can make a company's results look better or more favorable, but it may also hide important costs, so investors need to look at both GAAP (official rules) and non-GAAP numbers to get a full understanding.
Tier 1 leverage ratio financial
"Tier 1 leverage ratio | 9.20% | 9.21% | 9.29%"
Tier 1 leverage ratio measures a bank’s core capital — the money that can absorb losses — as a share of its total assets, showing how much of its balance sheet is funded by real loss-absorbing capital rather than borrowed money. Investors use it like a safety gauge: a higher ratio means a bigger cushion against shocks and lower risk of insolvency, similar to how a thicker spare tire reduces the chance of being stranded.
Allowance for credit losses financial
"Allowance for credit losses/loans outstanding | 0.81%"
Allowance for credit losses is a reserve set aside by a financial institution to cover potential losses from borrowers who may not repay their loans. It acts like a safety net, helping the institution prepare for loans that might turn sour. For investors, it signals how cautious the institution is about the quality of its loans and potential risks to its financial health.
Tangible book value financial
"Tangible book value (non-GAAP) | $21.40"
Tangible book value is the accounting measure of a company’s net worth after removing intangible items like goodwill, patents and trademarks, leaving only physical and financial assets minus liabilities. For investors it offers a clearer view of the company’s hard-asset backing per share—like estimating the cash you could get by selling the furniture, machinery and cash in a house—helping gauge downside risk and whether a stock may be cheaply valued.
Total revenues $213.3 million +8.7% YoY
Net income $57.2 million
Diluted EPS $1.08 +16.1% YoY
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 29, 2026

 

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 001-13695 16-1213679
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

333 Butternut Drive, Syracuse, New York 13214
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (315) 445-2282

 

Not applicable.

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share CBU New York Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company   ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.02Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On April 29, 2026, Community Financial System, Inc. announced its results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. The public announcement was made by means of a news release, the text of which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.

 

The information in this Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is being furnished under Item 2.02 and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)  Exhibits

 

The following exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 above.

 

99.1Press Release, dated April 29, 2026, issued by Community Financial System, Inc.

 

104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded in the cover page formatted in Inline XBRL)

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

  Community Financial System, Inc.
     
     
     
  By: /s/ Marya Burgio Wlos  
  Name:  Marya Burgio Wlos  
  Title:  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

Dated: April 29, 2026

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

 

 

Exhibit Number Description
   
   
99.1 Press Release, dated April 29, 2026, issued by Community Financial System, Inc.
   
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded in the cover page formatted in Inline XBRL)

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

News Release

For further information, please contact:

333 Butternut Drive, Syracuse, N.Y. 13214

Marya Burgio Wlos, EVP & Chief Financial Officer

Office: (315) 299-2946

 

Community Financial System, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

 

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — April 29, 2026 — Community Financial System, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: CBU) reported first quarter 2026 results. The results are available within the “News” section of the Company's investor relations website or directly at https://communityfinancialsystem.com/Q1-2026-CBU-Earnings-Release.

 

Company management will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. (ET) today, April 29, 2026, to discuss the first quarter 2026 results. The conference call can be accessed via webcast at https://app.webinar.net/qplYz5Bw2x6 or via dial-in at 1-833-630-0464 (United States) or 1-412-317-1809 (International).

 

About Community Financial System, Inc.

 

Community Financial System, Inc. is a diversified financial services company that is focused on four main business lines – banking services, employee benefit services, insurance services and wealth management services. Its banking subsidiary, Community Bank, N.A., is among the country’s 100 largest banking institutions with over $17 billion in assets and operates approximately 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, Western Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. The Company’s Benefit Plans Administrative Services, Inc. subsidiary is a leading provider of employee benefits administration, trust services, collective investment fund administration, and actuarial consulting services to customers on a national scale. The Company’s OneGroup NY, Inc. subsidiary is a top 68 U.S. insurance agency. The Company also offers comprehensive financial planning, trust administration and wealth management services through its Nottingham Financial Group operating unit. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Company’s stock trades under the symbol CBU. For more information about the Company and each of its four main business lines visit https://communityfinancialsystem.com.

 

 

 

 

News Release

For further information, please contact:

333 Butternut Drive, Syracuse, N.Y. 13214

Marya Burgio Wlos, EVP & Chief Financial Officer

Office: (315) 299-2946

 

Community Financial System, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

 

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — April 29, 2026

 

Community Financial System, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: CBU) reported first quarter 2026 net income of $57.2 million, or $1.08 per share and operating net income of $61.1 million, or $1.15 per share.

 

“Our Company delivered another quarter of strong core performance with operating diluted earnings per share1 of $1.15, up 17.3% year-over-year and representing our fourth consecutive quarter of record results,” commented Dimitar A. Karaivanov, President and CEO.

 

“Our organic momentum continues across all businesses and is also supported by margin and market value tailwinds. During the quarter we achieved an operating return on assets1 of 1.42% while continuing to actively invest in organic and inorganic growth initiatives. At the same time, we remain focused on expanding operating leverage and ensuring that recent investments translate fully into bottom-line results. With our diversified financial services businesses, high-quality balance sheet and disciplined capital deployment, we are well positioned to continue to scale the Company and continue to expect strong earnings growth through the remainder of 2026.”

 

First Quarter 2026 Performance Quarter-over-
Quarter Increase
(Decrease)
Year-over-Year
Increase (Decrease)
Dollars in thousands, except per share data 1st Qtr
2026
4th Qtr
2025
1st Qtr
2025
$ % $ %
Operating Performance Diluted Earnings Per Share $1.08 $1.03 $0.93 $0.05 4.9% $0.15 16.1%
Operating Diluted Earnings Per Share1 1.15 1.12 0.98 0.03 2.7% 0.17 17.3%
Operating Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Net Revenue Per Share1 1.61 1.58 1.40 0.03 1.9% 0.21 15.0%
                 
Return Metrics Return on Assets 1.33% 1.26% 1.22% - 0.07% - 0.11%
Operating Return on Assets1 1.42% 1.38% 1.28% - 0.04% - 0.14%
Return on Equity 11.51% 11.04% 11.28% - 0.47% - 0.23%
Operating Return on Equity1 12.30% 12.08% 11.84% - 0.22% - 0.46%

 

 1 

 

 

First Quarter 2026 Performance (continued) Quarter-over-
Quarter Increase
(Decrease)
Year-over-Year
Increase (Decrease)
Dollars in thousands, except per share data 1st Qtr
2026
4th Qtr
2025
1st Qtr
2025
$ % $ %
Revenues Total Revenues $213,286 $215,451 $196,248 ($2,165) (1.0%) $17,038 8.7%
Total Operating Revenues (FTE)1 214,537 216,431 196,897 (1,894) (0.9%) 17,640 9.0%
Noninterest Revenues 78,574 82,026 76,036 (3,452) (4.2%) 2,538 3.3%
Total Operating Noninterest Revenues1 78,975 82,131 75,791 (3,156) (3.8%) 3,184 4.2%
Noninterest Revenues/Total Revenues 36.8% 38.1% 38.7% - (1.3%) - (1.9%)
Operating Noninterest Revenues/Operating Revenues (FTE)1 36.8% 37.9% 38.5% - (1.1%) - (1.7%)
                 
Net Interest Income and Margin Net Interest Income $134,712 $133,425 $120,212 $1,287 1.0% $14,500 12.1%
Net Interest Margin 3.43% 3.37% 3.21% - 0.06% - 0.22%
Net Interest Margin (FTE)1 3.45% 3.39% 3.24% - 0.06% - 0.21%
                 
Balance Sheet and Funding Total Ending Loans $11,131,184 $10,949,757 $10,421,141 $181,427 1.7% $710,043 6.8%
Total Ending Deposits 14,870,122 14,387,085 13,892,047 483,037 3.4% 978,075 7.0%
Cost of Total Deposits 1.10% 1.15% 1.17% - (0.05%) - (0.07%)
Cost of Funds 1.20% 1.27% 1.33% - (0.07%) - (0.13%)
                 
Risk Metrics Annualized Loan Net Charge-Offs 0.11% 0.09% 0.13% - 0.02% - (0.02%)
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio 9.20% 9.21% 9.29% - (0.01%) - (0.09%)
Loan-to-deposit ratio 74.9% 76.1% 75.0% - (1.2%) - (0.1%)
Non-owner occupied and multifamily commercial real estate (“CRE”) / total bank-level regulatory capital 194% 191% 191% - 3% - 3%

 

1Non-GAAP Measure. For more information on Non-GAAP measures, refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” section along with the Quarterly GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations included within the “Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)” tables below.

 

 2 

 

 

First Quarter 2026 Business Segment Results2 Quarter-over-Quarter
Increase (Decrease)
Year-over-Year
Increase (Decrease)
Dollars in thousands 1st Qtr
2026
4th Qtr
2025
1st Qtr
2025
$ % $ %
Banking and Corporate Net interest income $133,550 $132,412 $119,439 $1,138 0.9% $14,111 11.8%
Provision for credit losses 5,636 4,979 6,690 657 13.2% (1,054) (15.8%)
Segment noninterest revenues 21,979 23,556 19,033 (1,577) (6.7%) 2,946 15.5%
Other segment expenses 90,282 92,522 85,509 (2,240) (2.4%) 4,773 5.6%
Adjusted income before income taxes $59,611 $58,467 $46,273 $1,144 2.0% $13,338 28.8%
Adjusted return on assets3 1.41% 1.37% 1.16% - 0.04% - 0.25%
Adjusted return on equity3 14.49% 14.35% 12.60% - 0.14% - 1.89%
Adjusted return on tangible equity1, 3 26.01% 25.56% 23.70% - 0.45% - 2.31%
                 
Employee Benefit Services Segment revenues $36,311 $38,391 $34,116 ($2,080) (5.4%) $2,195 6.4%
Segment expenses 21,984 22,394 20,676 (410) (1.8%) 1,308 6.3%
Adjusted income before income taxes $14,327 $15,997 $13,440 ($1,670) (10.4%) $887 6.6%
Adjusted return on assets3 23.25% 26.81% 23.45% - (3.56%) - (0.20%)
Adjusted return on equity3 26.73% 30.17% 26.51% - (3.44%) - 0.22%
Adjusted return on tangible equity1, 3 52.45% 61.16% 56.04% - (8.71%) - (3.59%)
                 
Insurance Services Segment revenues $12,331 $12,475 $14,270 ($144) (1.2%) ($1,939) (13.6%)
Segment expenses 10,482 11,546 10,162 (1,064) (9.2%) 320 3.1%
Adjusted income before income taxes $1,849 $929 $4,108 $920 99.0% ($2,259) (55.0%)
Adjusted return on assets3 6.88% 3.51% 23.16% - 3.37% - (16.28%)
Adjusted return on equity3 8.05% 4.01% 30.55% - 4.04% - (22.50%)
Adjusted return on tangible equity1, 3 16.92% 8.26% 184.01% - 8.66% - (167.09%)
                 
Wealth Management Services Segment revenues $11,063 $10,198 $10,486 $865 8.5% $577 5.5%
Segment expenses 7,156 7,007 6,851 149 2.1% 305 4.5%
Adjusted income before income taxes $3,907 $3,191 $3,635 $716 22.4% $272 7.5%
Adjusted return on assets3 37.18% 30.87% 38.78% - 6.31% - (1.60%)
Adjusted return on equity3 42.07% 34.36% 43.67% - 7.71% - (1.60%)
Adjusted return on tangible equity1, 3 48.24% 38.50% 49.94% - 9.74% - (1.70%)

 

1Non-GAAP Measure. For more information on Non-GAAP measures, refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” section along with the Quarterly GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations included within the “Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)” tables below.

 

2Refer to the “Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)” tables below for reconciliations of the reported measure of segment profit (adjusted income before income taxes) results to Company results and calculations of the segment adjusted return metrics. The reported measure of segment profit, the reported segment assets and the reported segment equity that are used in the calculations of the segment adjusted return metrics are presented in conformity with ASC 280: Segment Reporting and follow the methodology disclosed in the Company’s 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2026.

 

3The segment adjusted return metrics are reported on a pre-tax basis.

 

 3 

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The Company reported first quarter 2026 net income of $57.2 million, or $1.08 per share. This compares to net income of $49.6 million, or $0.93 per share, for the first quarter of 2025. The $0.15 increase in earnings per share was primarily driven by increases in net interest income and noninterest revenues and a decrease in the provision for credit losses, partially offset by increases in noninterest expenses and income taxes. Comparatively, the Company’s earnings per share increased $0.05 from $1.03 per share for the linked fourth quarter of 2025, primarily due to decreases in noninterest expenses and income taxes and an increase in net interest income, partially offset by a decrease in noninterest revenues and an increase in the provision for credit losses.

 

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

 

The Company’s record quarterly net interest income reflected diminishing funding cost pressures and organic loan growth, supporting continued margin expansion.

 

·Net interest income in the first quarter of 2026 was $134.7 million, up $14.5 million, or 12.1%, compared to the first quarter of 2025, and up $1.3 million, or 1.0%, from the fourth quarter of 2025.
·Net interest margin for the first quarter of 3.43% and fully tax-equivalent net interest margin, a non-GAAP measure, of 3.45%, increased 22 basis points and 21 basis points, respectively, from the first quarter of 2025. These increases were primarily the result of a lower cost of interest-bearing liabilities and a higher yield on interest-earning assets.
·The yield on interest-earning assets increased 9 basis points to 4.60% over the prior year’s first quarter primarily driven by higher loan yields.
·The cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 16 basis points from 1.75% in the first quarter of 2025 to 1.59% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by a 12 basis point decrease in the average interest-bearing deposit rate.
·On a linked quarter basis, net interest margin and fully tax-equivalent net interest margin, a non-GAAP measure, both increased by 6 basis points. The yield on interest-earning assets was consistent, while the cost of funds decreased 7 basis points. This included a 9 basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities driven by an 8 basis point decrease in the average interest-bearing deposit rate to 1.47%. Excluding the impact of the semiannual Federal Reserve Bank dividend recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, the yield on interest-earning assets increased 2 basis points compared to the linked fourth quarter.

 

Noninterest Revenues

 

The Company’s noninterest revenue streams generated 37% of total revenues in the first quarter.

 

·Banking noninterest revenues, comprised of deposit service and other banking fees and mortgage banking revenues, totaled $21.8 million for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of $2.7 million, or 14.2%, from the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of $1.8 million, or 7.6%, from the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase from the first quarter of 2025 was primarily comprised of higher deposit service fees and customer interest rate swap fee revenues. The decrease from the fourth quarter of 2025 reflected a $1.6 million one-time income distribution received from a limited partnership investment in the prior quarter.
·Employee benefit services revenues for the first quarter of 2026 were $34.6 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 6.0%, in comparison to the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of $2.0 million, or 5.4%, from the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase from the prior year’s first quarter was largely driven by revenue growth in the recordkeeping and third-party administration services business line due in part to revenue growth from acquisitions and higher average market values of assets under administration. The decrease from the linked fourth quarter was reflective of seasonally lower third-party administration fees.
·Insurance services revenues for the first quarter of 2026 were $12.6 million, which represents a $1.6 million, or 11.4%, decrease versus the prior year’s first quarter and a $0.1 million, or 0.8%, decrease from the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease from the prior year’s first quarter was due to changes in the timing of collections of contingent commission revenues.
·Wealth management services revenues for the first quarter of 2026 totaled $10.3 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 4.8%, from the first quarter of 2025, reflective of higher average market values of assets under management and an increase of $0.8 million, or 7.9%, from the fourth quarter of 2025, reflective of certain seasonally higher Trust fees.

 

 4 

 

 

Noninterest Expenses and Income Taxes

 

The Company continues to focus on managing expenses consistent with its organic growth strategies and scale objectives, while evaluating efficiency opportunities and the enhancement of operating leverage in all lines of business.

 

·The Company recorded $133.0 million in total noninterest expenses in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $125.3 million of total noninterest expenses in the prior year’s first quarter. The $7.7 million, or 6.2% increase between the periods was primarily driven by higher salaries and employee benefits expenses, occupancy and equipment expenses and data processing and communications expenses.
·Salaries and employee benefits expenses increased $3.9 million, or 5.1%, from the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to incremental costs associated with acquisitions and de novo bank branches opened between the periods, along with the impact of annual merit-based increases.
·Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $2.2 million, or 17.2%, from the prior year’s first quarter, driven by incremental costs associated with the opening of de novo bank branches and regional headquarters and the Santander Bank, N.A. (“Santander”) branch acquisition.
·Data processing and communications expenses increased $1.7 million, or 10.8%, from the first quarter of 2025 reflective of the Company’s continued investment in customer-facing and back-office technologies, including artificial intelligence applications and other workflow efficiency initiatives.
·Acquisition expenses were $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2026 primarily related to the Company’s pending acquisition of Clearpoint Federal Bank & Trust.
·The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2026 was 23.3%, an increase from 22.8% in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease from 24.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase from the first quarter of 2025 was primarily due to an increase in the amortization of certain income tax credit investments while the decrease from the fourth quarter of 2025 reflected an increase in tax benefits related to stock-based compensation activity.

 

Financial Position and Liquidity

 

The Company’s financial position and liquidity profile remain strong, demonstrating the effectiveness of its proactive asset and liability management and prudent financial planning.

 

·The Company’s total assets were $17.74 billion at March 31, 2026, representing a $980.6 million, or 5.8%, increase from one year prior and a $441.6 million, or 2.6%, increase from the end of 2025. The increase in the Company’s total assets from one year prior was primarily driven by organic loan growth and the Santander branch acquisition, while the increase from the end of 2025 was primarily due to higher cash and cash equivalents balances reflective of seasonal inflows of governmental deposit balances.
·At March 31, 2026, the Company’s readily available sources of liquidity totaled $6.83 billion, including unrestricted cash and cash equivalents balances of $557.4 million, unpledged investment securities totaling $1.76 billion, unused borrowing capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York of $1.62 billion and $2.89 billion of funding availability at the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window.
·The Company’s readily available sources of liquidity represent 248% of the Company’s estimated uninsured deposits, net of collateralized and intercompany deposits, at March 31, 2026.
·Estimated insured deposits, net of collateralized and intercompany deposits, represent 81% of total ending deposits at March 31, 2026.

 

Deposits and Funding

 

The Company continues to leverage its strong core deposit base, characterized by low funding costs, to support its financial operations.

 

·Ending deposits at March 31, 2026 of $14.87 billion were $483.0 million, or 3.4%, higher than the end of 2025 and were $978.1 million, or 7.0%, higher than one year prior. The growth from December 31, 2025 was primarily due to seasonal inflows of governmental deposit balances while the increase from one year prior was primarily driven by growth in consumer and business deposit balances, including the $543.7 million of deposits assumed in the Santander branch acquisition.
·Ending borrowings of $647.3 million at March 31, 2026, which included $438.1 million of fixed rate Federal Home Loan Bank of New York term borrowings, $201.0 million of customer repurchase agreements and $8.2 million of finance lease liabilities, decreased $42.6 million, or 6.2%, from the end of 2025 and decreased $214.7 million, or 24.9%, from one year prior. The decreases between both periods reflected decreases in fixed-rate term borrowings and customer repurchase agreements.
·The Company’s average cost of funds of 1.20% decreased 13 basis points from the first quarter of 2025 and decreased 7 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2025. The decreases between both periods reflected lower average deposit and borrowing costs and a lower proportion of funding from higher rate borrowings.
·The quarterly average cost of total deposits of 1.10% remains comparatively low relative to the industry and decreased 7 basis points from the first quarter of 2025 and 5 basis points from the linked fourth quarter.
·63% of the Company’s total deposits were in no- and relatively low-rate checking and savings accounts at the end of the first quarter of 2026. Time deposit accounts represented 14% of the Company’s total deposits at the end of the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 1 percentage point from both March 31, 2025 and the end of 2025.

 

 5 

 

 

Loans and Credit Quality

 

The Company’s predominantly footprint-based loan portfolio is well diversified, with credit performance remaining a central priority. The Company’s asset quality metrics, including net charge-offs and delinquent and nonperforming loan levels, remain strong compared to the banking industry, reflecting the Company’s robust risk management practices and disciplined credit quality standards.

 

·Ending loans at March 31, 2026 totaled $11.13 billion, an increase of $181.4 million, or 1.7%, compared to December 31, 2025 and an increase of $710.0 million, or 6.8%, compared to one year prior. The increases between both periods primarily reflected organic growth in the overall business and consumer lending portfolios. The Company’s non-owner occupied and multifamily CRE exposure remains diverse both geographically and by property type, and relatively low at 15% of total assets, 25% of total loans and 194% of total bank-level regulatory capital.
·At March 31, 2026, the Company’s allowance for credit losses totaled $90.2 million, or 0.81% of total loans outstanding, compared to $87.9 million, or 0.80% of total loans outstanding, at December 31, 2025, and $82.8 million, or 0.79% of total loans outstanding, at March 31, 2025. The increases were driven by a net reserve build in the business lending portfolio reflective of organic CRE loan growth.
·The Company recorded a $5.6 million provision for credit losses during the first quarter of 2026 compared to $5.0 million in the linked fourth quarter and $6.7 million in the prior year’s first quarter, reflective of organic loan growth and stable credit quality metrics.
·The Company recorded net charge-offs of $3.0 million, or an annualized 0.11% of average loans, in the first quarter of 2026 compared to net charge-offs of $3.2 million, or an annualized 0.13% of average loans, in the first quarter of 2025 and net charge-offs of $2.3 million, or an annualized 0.09% of average loans, in the fourth quarter of 2025.
·Total delinquent loans, consisting of loans 30 or more days past due and nonaccrual loans, as a percentage of total loans outstanding was 1.12% at the end of the first quarter of 2026. This compares to 1.29% at March 31, 2025, and 1.10% at December 31, 2025.
·At March 31, 2026, nonperforming (90 or more days delinquent and non-accruing) loans were $53.7 million, or 0.48% of total loans outstanding compared to $56.5 million, or 0.52% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2025, and $75.0 million, or 0.72% of total loans outstanding one year earlier. The decrease in nonperforming loans from the end of the prior year’s first quarter was primarily attributable to a decrease in nonaccrual business lending loan balances, driven largely by the derecognition of two CRE loan relationships in the prior year’s second quarter, including one substantially repaid and one charged off with the collateral transferred to other real estate owned.

 

Shareholders’ Equity and Regulatory Capital

 

The Company’s capital planning and management activities, coupled with its diversified streams of income and prudent dividend practices, have allowed it to build and maintain a strong capital position. At March 31, 2026, all of the Company’s and Community Bank, N.A.’s regulatory capital ratios significantly exceeded well-capitalized standards.

 

·Shareholders’ equity of $2.02 billion at March 31, 2026 was $189.9 million, or 10.4%, higher than one year ago, primarily due to a $119.5 million increase in retained earnings and a $71.0 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Company’s investment securities portfolio. Shareholders’ equity increased $18.0 million, or 0.9%, from December 31, 2025, primarily driven by a $32.5 million increase in retained earnings, partially offset by $14.8 million increase in treasury stock.
·The Company’s shareholders’ equity to assets ratio was 11.41% at March 31, 2026, an increase from 10.94% at March 31, 2025 and a decrease from 11.59% at December 31, 2025.
·The Company’s tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.20% at March 31, 2026 remained substantially above the regulatory well-capitalized standard of 5.0% and decreased 9 basis points from one year earlier and decreased 1 basis point from December 31, 2025. The decrease in the Company’s tier 1 leverage ratio from one year prior was primarily due to the intangible assets added as part of the Santander branch acquisition. The decreases in the Company’s tier 1 leverage ratio between both periods were also impacted by $15.5 million and $26.6 million of common stock repurchases over the past three and twelve months, respectively.
·The Company’s tangible equity to tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP) was 6.68% at March 31, 2026, up from 6.15% a year earlier and down from 6.75% at December 31, 2025. Tangible equity (non-GAAP) increased $146.0 million, or 14.9%, from one year prior due to the aforementioned increase in retained earnings and decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Company’s investment securities portfolio. Tangible assets (non-GAAP) increased $936.7 million, or 5.9%, from the prior year due primarily to organic loan growth and the Santander branch acquisition.

 

 6 

 

 

Dividend Increase and Stock Repurchase Program

 

The payment of a meaningful and growing dividend is an important component of the Company’s commitment to provide consistent and favorable long-term returns to its shareholders, and it reflects the continued strength of the Company’s long-term operating results and capital position, and management’s confidence in the future performance of the Company. The $0.01 increase in the quarterly dividend declared in the third quarter of 2025 marked the 33rd consecutive year of dividend increases for the Company.

 

·During the first quarter of 2026, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share on its common stock, up 2.2% from the $0.46 dividend declared in the first quarter of 2025.
·On April 22, 2026, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share on its common stock, payable on July 10, 2026 to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2026, representing an annualized yield of 3.0% based upon the $63.17 closing price of the Company’s stock on April 28, 2026.
·In December 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to 2.63 million shares, or 5.0% of the Company’s common stock outstanding during the twelve-month period starting January 1, 2026. Such repurchases may be made at the discretion of the Company’s senior management based on market conditions and other relevant factors and will be acquired through open market or privately negotiated transactions as permitted under Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other applicable regulatory and legal requirements. There were 250,000 shares repurchased pursuant to the 2026 stock repurchase program during the first quarter of 2026.

 

Wealth Management Services Expansion with Acquisition of ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust

 

On January 15, 2026, the Company announced that Community Bank, N.A. has entered into an agreement to acquire ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust (“ClearPoint”) in an all-cash transaction for approximately $40 million, subject to potential purchase price adjustments. The transaction significantly expands the revenue and offerings of Nottingham Financial Group, the Company’s wealth management services business, and contributes to the Company’s strategic capital deployment into durable, recurring and growing income streams. ClearPoint is a national leader in trust administration for the approximately $20 billion death care industry, with over $1.5 billion of assets under management and a historical 3-year revenue CAGR of 9.7%. The Company expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2026 subject to the receipt of requisite regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

 

Non-GAAP Measures

 

The Company also provides supplemental reporting of its results on an “operating” and “tangible” basis. Results on an “operating” basis exclude the after-tax effects of acquisition expenses, restructuring expenses, litigation accrual, unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities and amortization of intangible assets. Results on a “tangible” basis exclude goodwill and intangible asset balances, net of accumulated amortization and applicable deferred tax amounts. The Company also provides supplemental ratio reporting at the segment level, which includes adjusted return on tangible equity. Adjusted return on tangible equity represents annualized adjusted income before income taxes applicable to each segment as a percentage of average tangible equity for each respective segment. In addition, the Company provides supplemental reporting for “operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenues,” which subtracts the provision for credit losses, acquisition expenses, restructuring expenses, litigation accrual, unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities and amortization of intangible assets from income before income taxes. Although these items are non-GAAP measures, the Company’s management believes this information helps investors and analysts measure underlying core performance and provides better comparability to other organizations that have not engaged in acquisitions. The Company also provides supplemental reporting of its net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) basis, which includes an adjustment to net interest income that represents taxes that would have been paid had nontaxable investment securities and loans been taxable. Although fully tax-equivalent net interest income and net interest margin are non-GAAP measures, the Company’s management believes this information helps enhance comparability of the performance of assets that have different tax liabilities. The amounts for such items are presented in the tables that accompany this release.

 

 7 

 

 

Conference Call Scheduled

 

Company management will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. (ET) today, April 29, 2026, to discuss the first quarter 2026 results. The conference call can be accessed via webcast at https://app.webinar.net/qplYz5Bw2x6 or via dial-in at 1-833-630-0464 (United States) or 1-412-317-1809 (International).

 

This earnings release is also available within the ”News” section of the Company's investor relations website at https://communityfinancialsystem.com/news/. A replay of the earnings call webcast will also be available on this site for at least one year.

 

About Community Financial System, Inc.

 

Community Financial System, Inc. is a diversified financial services company that is focused on four main business lines – banking services, employee benefit services, insurance services and wealth management services. Its banking subsidiary, Community Bank, N.A., is among the country’s 100 largest banking institutions with over $17 billion in assets and operates approximately 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, Western Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. The Company’s Benefit Plans Administrative Services, Inc. subsidiary is a leading provider of employee benefits administration, trust services, collective investment fund administration, and actuarial consulting services to customers on a national scale. The Company’s OneGroup NY, Inc. subsidiary is a top 68 U.S. insurance agency. The Company also offers comprehensive financial planning, trust administration and wealth management services through its Nottingham Financial Group operating unit. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Company’s stock trades under the symbol CBU. For more information about the Company and each of its four main business lines visit https://communityfinancialsystem.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of CBU’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause the actual results of CBU’s operations to differ materially from its expectations: the macroeconomic and other challenges and uncertainties related to or resulting from current and future economic and market conditions, including the effects on CRE and housing or vehicle prices, unemployment rates, high inflation, U.S. fiscal debt, budget and tax matters, geopolitical matters, tariffs and global economic growth; fiscal and monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board; the potential adverse effects of unusual and infrequently occurring events; litigation and actions of regulatory authorities; management’s estimates and projections of interest rates and interest rate policies; the effect of changes in the level of checking, savings, or money market account deposit balances and other factors that affect net interest margin; future provisions for credit losses on loans and debt securities; changes in nonperforming assets; ability to contain costs in inflationary conditions; the effect on financial market valuations on CBU’s fee income businesses, including its employee benefit services, wealth management services, and insurance services businesses; the successful integration of operations of its acquisitions and performance of new branches; competition; changes in legislation or regulatory requirements, including capital requirements; and the timing for receiving regulatory approvals and completing merger and acquisition transactions. For more information about factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from CBU’s expectations, refer to its annual, periodic and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the discussion under the “Risk Factors” section of such reports filed with the SEC and available on CBU’s website at https://communityfinancialsystem.com and on the SEC’s website at https://sec.gov. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and CBU undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

 8 

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026 2025
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
Earnings          
Loan income $154,378 $154,768 $152,509 $146,534 $142,904
Investment income 25,609 26,699 24,774 26,344 24,743
Total interest income 179,987 181,467 177,283 172,878 167,647
Interest expense 45,275 48,042 49,118 48,130 47,435
Net interest income 134,712 133,425 128,165 124,748 120,212
Provision for credit losses 5,636 4,979 5,564 4,117 6,690
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 129,076 128,446 122,601 120,631 113,522
Deposit service and other banking fees 20,711 23,209 19,980 19,086 18,108
Mortgage banking 1,100 385 1,180 972 998
Employee benefit services 34,572 36,564 34,408 32,380 32,622
Insurance services 12,586 12,684 14,137 13,388 14,201
Wealth management services 10,332 9,574 8,946 8,683 9,862
Unrealized (loss) gain on equity securities (401) (105) 236 (1) 245
Loss from equity method investments (326) (285) 0 0 0
Total noninterest revenues 78,574 82,026 78,887 74,508 76,036
Salaries and employee benefits 80,322 81,920 76,532 79,021 76,442
Data processing and communications 17,871 18,221 19,119 16,699 16,122
Occupancy and equipment 14,882 12,646 11,419 11,486 12,698
Business development and marketing 2,535 3,419 4,585 4,001 3,130
Legal and professional fees 5,070 4,212 4,469 4,368 4,849
Amortization of intangible assets 4,246 3,737 3,258 3,369 3,482
Other 8,110 14,397 8,937 10,158 8,567
Total noninterest expenses 133,036 138,552 128,319 129,102 125,290
Income before income taxes 74,614 71,920 73,169 66,037 64,268
Income taxes 17,396 17,498 18,081 14,706 14,654
Net income $57,218 $54,422 $55,088 $51,331 $49,614
Basic earnings per share $1.08 $1.03 $1.04 $0.97 $0.94
Diluted earnings per share $1.08 $1.03 $1.04 $0.97 $0.93
Profitability (GAAP)          
Return on assets (GAAP) 1.33% 1.26% 1.30% 1.24% 1.22%
Return on equity (GAAP) 11.51% 11.04% 11.62% 11.21% 11.28%
Noninterest revenues/total revenues (GAAP) 36.8% 38.1% 38.1% 37.4% 38.7%
Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 62.4% 64.3% 62.0% 64.8% 63.8%
Profitability (non-GAAP)          
Operating return on assets (non-GAAP) 1.42% 1.38% 1.38% 1.34% 1.28%
Operating return on equity (non-GAAP) 12.30% 12.08% 12.25% 12.10% 11.84%
Return on tangible equity (non-GAAP) 21.96% 20.88% 22.27% 22.09% 22.86%
Operating return on tangible equity (non-GAAP) 22.19% 21.70% 22.43% 22.63% 22.76%
Operating noninterest revenues/operating revenues (FTE) (non-GAAP) 36.8% 37.9% 37.9% 37.2% 38.5%
Operating efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) 59.8% 61.0% 59.9% 62.0% 61.9%

 

9

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026

2025

  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
Components of Net Interest Margin (FTE)          
Loan yield 5.68% 5.68% 5.68% 5.63% 5.58%
Cash equivalents yield 3.61% 3.84% 3.92% 4.33% 4.30%
Investment yield 2.10% 2.14% 2.12% 2.17% 2.11%
Earning asset yield 4.60% 4.60% 4.59% 4.56% 4.51%
Interest-bearing deposit rate 1.47% 1.55% 1.59% 1.59% 1.59%
Borrowing rate 3.55% 3.57% 3.82% 3.56% 3.63%
Cost of all interest-bearing funds 1.59% 1.68% 1.76% 1.74% 1.75%
Cost of total deposits 1.10% 1.15% 1.17% 1.19% 1.17%
Cost of funds (includes noninterest-bearing deposits) 1.20% 1.27% 1.33% 1.32% 1.33%
Net interest margin 3.43% 3.37% 3.30% 3.27% 3.21%
Net interest margin (FTE) (non-GAAP) 3.45% 3.39% 3.33% 3.30% 3.24%
Fully tax-equivalent adjustment (non-GAAP) $850 $875 $880 $884 $894
Average Balances          
Loans $11,029,905 $10,819,267 $10,664,241 $10,455,637 $10,402,985
Cash equivalents 230,593 223,700 46,550 159,688 130,649
Taxable investment securities 4,272,245 4,266,451 4,268,660 4,256,943 4,211,921
Nontaxable investment securities 407,433 411,771 413,663 417,323 419,746
Total interest-earning assets 15,940,176 15,721,189 15,393,114 15,289,591 15,165,301
Total assets 17,468,804 17,179,984 16,755,095 16,590,741 16,439,357
Interest checking, savings and money market deposits 8,685,727 8,470,840 8,086,979 8,094,208 7,899,568
Time deposits 2,185,114 2,138,368 2,088,861 2,125,683 2,152,113
Customer repurchase agreements 214,361 220,670 187,845 240,817 250,142
Overnight borrowings 9,406 37,554 151,495 16,408 57,192
FHLB and other borrowings 450,643 462,991 531,979 587,523 602,838
Total interest-bearing liabilities 11,545,251 11,330,423 11,047,159 11,064,639 10,961,853
Noninterest-bearing deposits 3,703,510 3,702,200 3,640,964 3,522,734 3,519,962
Shareholders' equity 2,016,141 1,955,306 1,881,116 1,836,965 1,783,646

 

10

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026

2025

  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
Balance Sheet Data          
Cash and cash equivalents $572,173 $301,755 $245,247 $237,248 $518,021
Investment securities:          
Available-for-sale 2,848,132 2,875,341 2,859,312 2,832,370 2,826,915
Held-to-maturity 1,460,750 1,454,166 1,442,308 1,430,991 1,393,837
Equity and other 81,717 77,252 78,944 86,709 80,591
Total investment securities 4,390,599 4,406,759 4,380,564 4,350,070 4,301,343
Loans:          
Business lending 4,883,451 4,733,867 4,663,878 4,541,192 4,540,002
Consumer mortgage 3,619,067 3,617,186 3,544,277 3,523,025 3,504,151
Consumer indirect 1,894,011 1,859,354 1,834,766 1,767,213 1,707,938
Home equity 534,439 533,755 510,933 494,183 481,248
Consumer direct 200,216 205,595 196,408 193,504 187,802
Total loans 11,131,184 10,949,757 10,750,262 10,519,117 10,421,141
Allowance for credit losses 90,193 87,921 84,944 81,851 82,840
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 943,314 942,716 899,967 898,381 900,332
Other assets 797,782 790,230 766,708 742,053 706,299
Total assets 17,744,859 17,303,296 16,957,804 16,665,018 16,764,296
Deposits:          
   Noninterest-bearing 3,732,720 3,683,442 3,686,772 3,588,602 3,526,485
   Non-maturity interest-bearing 8,997,532 8,497,337 8,337,797 8,010,808 8,215,773
   Time 2,139,870 2,206,306 2,032,281 2,102,358 2,149,789
Total deposits 14,870,122 14,387,085 14,056,850 13,701,768 13,892,047
Customer repurchase agreements 201,027 231,163 224,169 180,621 266,581
Other borrowings 446,319 458,770 539,180 713,839 595,455
Accrued interest and other liabilities 203,399 220,244 198,655 185,699 176,138
Total liabilities 15,720,867 15,297,262 15,018,854 14,781,927 14,930,221
Shareholders' equity 2,023,992 2,006,034 1,938,950 1,883,091 1,834,075
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 17,744,859 17,303,296 16,957,804 16,665,018 16,764,296
Capital and Other          
Shareholders’ equity/total assets (GAAP) 11.41% 11.59% 11.43% 11.30% 10.94%
Tangible equity/tangible assets (non-GAAP) 6.68% 6.75% 6.73% 6.51% 6.15%
Tier 1 leverage ratio 9.20% 9.21% 9.46% 9.42% 9.29%
Loan-to-deposit ratio 74.9% 76.1% 76.5% 76.8% 75.0%
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 52,967 52,959 53,036 53,117 53,130
Period end common shares outstanding 52,537 52,682 52,662 52,869 52,836
Cash dividends declared per common share $0.47 $0.47 $0.47 $0.46 $0.46
Book value (GAAP) $38.53 $38.08 $36.82 $35.62 $34.71
Tangible book value (non-GAAP) $21.40 $21.02 $20.57 $19.46 $18.52
Common stock price at quarter-end $58.65 $57.44 $58.64 $56.87 $56.86

 

11

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026 2025
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
Asset Quality          
Nonaccrual loans $47,103 $49,509 $49,327 $45,808 $69,051
Accruing loans 90+ days delinquent 6,595 6,948 6,730 7,519 5,928
    Total nonperforming loans 53,698 56,457 56,057 53,327 74,979
Other real estate owned 8,134 8,209 7,851 7,954 2,746
         Total nonperforming assets 61,832 64,666 63,908 61,281 77,725
Net charge-offs 2,972 2,328 2,471 5,114 3,229
Allowance for credit losses/loans outstanding 0.81% 0.80% 0.79% 0.78% 0.79%
Nonperforming loans/loans outstanding 0.48% 0.52% 0.52% 0.51% 0.72%
Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans 168% 156% 152% 153% 110%
Net charge-offs/average loans 0.11% 0.09% 0.09% 0.20% 0.13%
Delinquent loans/ending loans 1.12% 1.10% 1.00% 1.01% 1.29%
Provision for credit losses/net charge-offs 190% 214% 225% 80% 207%
Nonperforming assets/total assets 0.35% 0.37% 0.38% 0.37% 0.46%
Quarterly GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations          
Operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)          
  Net income (GAAP) $57,218 $54,422 $55,088 $51,331 $49,614
  Income taxes 17,396 17,498 18,081 14,706 14,654
  Income before income taxes 74,614 71,920 73,169 66,037 64,268
  Provision for credit losses 5,636 4,979 5,564 4,117 6,690
    Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP) 80,250 76,899 78,733 70,154 70,958
  Acquisition expenses 433 2,848 747 67 1
  Restructuring expenses 0 (26) 0 1,525 0
  Litigation accrual 0 0 0 0 (50)
  Unrealized loss (gain) on equity securities 401 105 (236) 1 (245)
  Amortization of intangible assets 4,246 3,737 3,258 3,369 3,482
    Operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP) $85,330 $83,563 $82,502 $75,116 $74,146
           
Operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue per share (non-GAAP)          
  Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) $1.08 $1.03 $1.04 $0.97 $0.93
  Income taxes 0.33 0.33 0.34 0.27 0.28
  Income before income taxes 1.41 1.36 1.38 1.24 1.21
  Provision for credit losses 0.11 0.10 0.11 0.08 0.12
    Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue per share (non-GAAP) 1.52 1.46 1.49 1.32 1.33
  Acquisition expenses 0.01 0.05 0.01 0.00 0.00
  Restructuring expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00
  Litigation accrual 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
  Unrealized loss (gain) on equity securities 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
  Amortization of intangible assets 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.07
    Operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue per share (non-GAAP) $1.61 $1.58 $1.56 $1.41 $1.40
           

 

12

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026 2025
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
Quarterly GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations          
Operating net income (non-GAAP)          
  Net income (GAAP) $57,218 $54,422 $55,088 $51,331 $49,614
  Acquisition expenses 433 2,848 747 67 1
  Tax effect of acquisition expenses (99) (658)  (155)  (12)  0
     Subtotal (non-GAAP) 57,552 56,612 55,680 51,386 49,615
  Restructuring expenses 0 (26) 0 1,525 0
  Tax effect of restructuring expenses 0 6 0 (274) 0
     Subtotal (non-GAAP) 57,552 56,592 55,680 52,637 49,615
  Litigation accrual 0 0 0 0 (50)
  Tax effect of litigation accrual 0 0  0  0  12
     Subtotal (non-GAAP) 57,552 56,592 55,680 52,637 49,577
  Unrealized loss (gain) on equity securities 401 105 (236)  1  (245)
  Tax effect of unrealized loss (gain) on equity securities (91) (24) 49 0 57
     Subtotal (non-GAAP) 57,862 56,673 55,493 52,638 49,389
  Amortization of intangible assets 4,246 3,737 3,258 3,369 3,482
  Tax effect of amortization of intangible assets (967) (863)  (677)  (605)  (804)
     Operating net income (non-GAAP) $61,141 $59,547 $58,074 $55,402 $52,067
           
 Operating diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)          
  Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) $1.08 $1.03 $1.04 $0.97 $0.93
  Acquisition expenses 0.01 0.05 0.01 0.00 0.00
  Tax effect of acquisition expenses 0.00 (0.01) 0.00 0.00 0.00
     Subtotal (non-GAAP) 1.09 1.07 1.05 0.97 0.93
  Restructuring expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00
  Tax effect of restructuring expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.01) 0.00
     Subtotal (non-GAAP) 1.09 1.07 1.05 0.99 0.93
  Litigation accrual 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
  Tax effect of litigation accrual 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
     Subtotal (non-GAAP) 1.09 1.07 1.05 0.99 0.93
  Unrealized loss (gain) on equity securities 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
  Tax effect of unrealized loss (gain) on equity securities 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
     Subtotal (non-GAAP) 1.09 1.07 1.05 0.99 0.93
  Amortization of intangible assets 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.07
  Tax effect of amortization of intangible assets (0.02) (0.02) (0.02) (0.01) (0.02)
     Operating diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) $1.15 $1.12 $1.09 $1.04 $0.98
           

 

13

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026 2025
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
Quarterly GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations          
Return on assets          
  Net income (GAAP) $57,218 $54,422 $55,088 $51,331 $49,614
  Average total assets 17,468,804 17,179,984 16,755,095 16,590,741 16,439,357
     Return on assets (GAAP) 1.33% 1.26% 1.30% 1.24% 1.22%
           
Operating return on assets (non-GAAP)          
  Operating net income (non-GAAP) $61,141 $59,547 $58,074 $55,402 $52,067
  Average total assets 17,468,804 17,179,984 16,755,095 16,590,741 16,439,357
     Operating return on assets (non-GAAP) 1.42% 1.38% 1.38% 1.34% 1.28%
           
Return on equity          
  Net income (GAAP) $57,218 $54,422 $55,088 $51,331 $49,614
  Average total equity 2,016,141 1,955,306 1,881,116 1,836,965 1,783,646
     Return on equity (GAAP) 11.51% 11.04% 11.62% 11.21% 11.28%
           
Operating return on equity (non-GAAP)          
  Operating net income (non-GAAP) $61,141 $59,547 $58,074 $55,402 $52,067
  Average total equity 2,016,141 1,955,306 1,881,116 1,836,965 1,783,646
     Operating return on equity (non-GAAP) 12.30% 12.08% 12.25% 12.10% 11.84%
           
Net interest margin          
  Net interest income $134,712 $133,425 $128,165 $124,748 $120,212
  Total average interest-earning assets 15,940,176 15,721,189 15,393,114 15,289,591 15,165,301
     Net interest margin 3.43% 3.37% 3.30% 3.27% 3.21%
           
Net interest margin (FTE) (non-GAAP)          
  Net interest income $134,712 $133,425 $128,165 $124,748 $120,212
  Fully tax-equivalent adjustment (non-GAAP) 850 875 880 884 894
  Fully tax-equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP) 135,562 134,300 129,045 125,632 121,106
  Total average interest-earning assets 15,940,176 15,721,189 15,393,114 15,289,591 15,165,301
     Net interest margin (FTE) (non-GAAP) 3.45% 3.39% 3.33% 3.30% 3.24%
           
Operating noninterest revenues (non-GAAP)          
  Noninterest revenues (GAAP) $78,574 $82,026 $78,887 $74,508 $76,036
  Unrealized loss (gain) on equity securities 401 105 (236) 1 (245)
     Total operating noninterest revenues (non-GAAP) $78,975 $82,131 $78,651 $74,509 $75,791
           
Operating noninterest expenses (non-GAAP)          
  Noninterest expenses (GAAP) $133,036 $138,552 $128,319 $129,102 $125,290
  Acquisition expenses (433) (2,848) (747) (67) (1)
  Restructuring expenses 0 26 0 (1,525) 0
  Litigation accrual 0 0 0 0 50
  Amortization of intangible assets (4,246) (3,737) (3,258) (3,369) (3,482)
     Total operating noninterest expenses (non-GAAP) $128,357 $131,993 $124,314 $124,141 $121,857
           

 

14

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026 2025
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
Quarterly GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations          
Operating revenues (non-GAAP)          
  Net interest income (GAAP) $134,712 $133,425 $128,165 $124,748 $120,212
  Noninterest revenues (GAAP) 78,574 82,026 78,887 74,508 76,036
     Total revenues (GAAP) 213,286 215,451 207,052 199,256 196,248
  Unrealized loss (gain) on equity securities 401 105 (236) 1 (245)
     Total operating revenues (non-GAAP) $213,687 $215,556 $206,816 $199,257 $196,003
           
Noninterest revenues/total revenues          
  Total noninterest revenues (GAAP) – numerator $78,574 $82,026 $78,887 $74,508 $76,036
  Total revenues (GAAP) – denominator 213,286 215,451 207,052 199,256 196,248
     Noninterest revenues/total revenues (GAAP) 36.8% 38.1% 38.1% 37.4% 38.7%
           
Operating noninterest revenues/operating revenues (FTE) (non-GAAP)          
  Total operating noninterest revenues (non-GAAP) – numerator $78,975 $82,131 $78,651 $74,509 $75,791
  Total operating revenues (non-GAAP) 213,687 215,556 206,816 199,257 196,003
  Fully tax-equivalent adjustment (non-GAAP) 850 875 880 884 894
  Total operating revenues (FTE) (non-GAAP) – denominator 214,537 216,431 207,696 200,141 196,897

Operating noninterest revenues/operating revenues (FTE) (non-

GAAP)

36.8% 37.9% 37.9% 37.2% 38.5%
           
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)          
  Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) – numerator $133,036 $138,552 $128,319 $129,102 $125,290
  Total revenues (GAAP) – denominator 213,286 215,451 207,052 199,256 196,248
     Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 62.4% 64.3% 62.0% 64.8% 63.8%
           
Operating efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)          
  Total operating noninterest expenses (non-GAAP) - numerator $128,357 $131,993 $124,314 $124,141 $121,857
  Total operating revenues (FTE) (non-GAAP) - denominator 214,537 216,431 207,696 200,141 196,897
     Operating efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) 59.8% 61.0% 59.9% 62.0% 61.9%
           
Total tangible assets (non-GAAP)          
  Total assets (GAAP) $17,744,859 $17,303,296 $16,957,804 $16,665,018 $16,764,296
  Goodwill and intangible assets, net (943,314)  (942,716)  (899,967) (898,381) (900,332)
  Deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets, net 43,752 43,905 44,130 44,336 44,644
     Total tangible assets (non-GAAP) $16,845,297 $16,404,485 $16,101,967 $15,810,973 $15,908,608
           
Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP)          
  Shareholders' equity (GAAP) $2,023,992 $2,006,034 $1,938,950 $1,883,091 $1,834,075
  Goodwill and intangible assets, net (943,314)  (942,716)  (899,967) (898,381) (900,332)
  Deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets, net 43,752 43,905 44,130 44,336 44,644
     Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $1,124,430 $1,107,223 $1,083,113 $1,029,046 $978,387
           

 

15

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026 2025
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
Quarterly GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations          
Shareholders’ equity-to-assets ratio at quarter end          
  Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP) – numerator $2,023,992 $2,006,034 $1,938,950 $1,883,091 $1,834,075
  Total assets (GAAP) – denominator 17,744,859 17,303,296 16,957,804 16,665,018 16,764,296
     Shareholders’ equity-to-assets ratio at quarter end (GAAP) 11.41% 11.59% 11.43% 11.30% 10.94%
           
Tangible equity-to-tangible assets ratio at quarter end (non-GAAP)          
  Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP) - numerator $1,124,430 $1,107,223 $1,083,113 $1,029,046 $978,387
  Total tangible assets (non-GAAP) - denominator 16,845,297 16,404,485 16,101,967 15,810,973 15,908,608
     Tangible equity-to-tangible assets ratio at quarter end (non-GAAP) 6.68% 6.75% 6.73% 6.51% 6.15%
           
Return on tangible equity (non-GAAP)          
  Net income (GAAP) $57,218 $54,422 $55,088 $51,331 $49,614
  Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax 3,279 2,874 2,581 2,764 2,678
  Net income, excluding amortization of intangible assets (non-GAAP) 60,497 57,296 57,669 54,095 52,292
  Average shareholders’ equity 2,016,141 1,955,306 1,881,116 1,836,965 1,783,646
  Average goodwill and intangible assets, net (942,701)  (910,627)  (897,943)  (899,416)  (900,530)
  Average deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets, net 43,829 44,018 44,233 44,490 44,631
  Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 1,117,269 1,088,697 1,027,406 982,039 927,747
      Return on tangible equity (non-GAAP) 21.96% 20.88% 22.27% 22.09% 22.86%
           
Operating return on tangible equity (non-GAAP)          
  Operating net income (non-GAAP) $61,141 $59,547 $58,074 $55,402 $52,067
  Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 1,117,269 1,088,697 1,027,406 982,039 927,747
     Operating return on tangible equity (non-GAAP) 22.19% 21.70% 22.43% 22.63% 22.76%
           
Book value (GAAP)          
  Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP) – numerator $2,023,992 $2,006,034 $1,938,950 $1,883,091 $1,834,075
  Period end common shares outstanding – denominator 52,537 52,682 52,662 52,869 52,836
     Book value (GAAP) $38.53 $38.08 $36.82 $35.62 $34.71
           
Tangible book value (non-GAAP)          
  Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP) – numerator $1,124,430 $1,107,223 $1,083,113 $1,029,046 $978,387
  Period end common shares outstanding – denominator 52,537 52,682 52,662 52,869 52,836
     Tangible book value (non-GAAP) $21.40 $21.02 $20.57 $19.46 $18.52
           

 

  2026 2025    
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 1st Qtr    
Quarterly Segment Information Reconciliations          
Reconciliation of total segment adjusted income before income taxes to total consolidated income before income taxes          
  Total segment adjusted income before income taxes $79,694 $78,584 $67,456    
  Unrealized (loss) gain on equity securities (401) (105) 245    
  Amortization of intangible assets (4,246) (3,737) (3,482)    
  Restructuring expenses 0 26 0    
  Litigation accrual 0 0 50    
  Acquisition expenses (433) (2,848) (1)    
  Total consolidated income before income taxes $74,614 $71,920 $64,268    
           

 

16

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026 2025    
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 1st Qtr    
Quarterly Segment Information Reconciliations          
Reconciliation of average total segment assets to average total consolidated assets          
  Average total segment assets $17,593,896 $17,298,866 $16,555,552    
  Elimination of intersegment cash and deposits (125,092) (118,882) (116,195)    
  Average total consolidated assets $17,468,804 $17,179,984 $16,439,357    
           
Banking and Corporate          
Adjusted return on assets          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $59,611 $58,467 $46,273    
  Average segment assets 17,192,358 16,916,167 16,213,158    
     Adjusted return on assets 1.41% 1.37% 1.16%    
           
Adjusted return on equity          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $59,611 $58,467 $46,273    
  Average shareholders’ equity 1,667,914 1,616,116 1,489,739    
     Adjusted return on equity 14.49% 14.35% 12.60%    
           
Adjusted return on tangible equity (non-GAAP)          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $59,611 $58,467 $46,273    
  Average shareholders’ equity 1,667,914 1,616,116 1,489,739    
  Average goodwill and intangible assets, net (779,128) (749,254) (738,052)    
  Average deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets, net 40,533 40,541 40,222    
  Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 929,319 907,403 791,909    
      Adjusted return on tangible equity (non-GAAP) 26.01% 25.56% 23.70%    
           
Employee Benefit Services          
Adjusted return on assets          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $14,327 $15,997 $13,440    
  Average segment assets 249,917 236,762 232,461    
     Adjusted return on assets 23.25% 26.81% 23.45%    
           
Adjusted return on equity          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $14,327 $15,997 $13,440    
  Average shareholders’ equity 217,387 210,344 205,608    
     Adjusted return on equity 26.73% 30.17% 26.51%    
           
Adjusted return on tangible equity (non-GAAP)          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $14,327 $15,997 $13,440    
  Average shareholders’ equity 217,387 210,344 205,608    
  Average goodwill and intangible assets, net (109,742) (110,144) (112,746)    
  Average deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets, net 3,127 3,579 4,405    
  Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 110,772 103,779 97,267    
      Adjusted return on tangible equity (non-GAAP) 52.45% 61.16% 56.04%    
           

 

17

 

 

Summary of Financial Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2026 2025    
  1st Qtr 4th Qtr 1st Qtr    
Quarterly Segment Information Reconciliations          
Insurance Services          
Adjusted return on assets          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $1,849 $929 $4,108    
  Average segment assets 109,005 104,924 71,923    
     Adjusted return on assets 6.88% 3.51% 23.16%    
           
Adjusted return on equity          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $1,849 $929 $4,108    
  Average shareholders’ equity 93,172 92,004 54,538    
     Adjusted return on equity 8.05% 4.01% 30.55%    
           
Adjusted return on tangible equity (non-GAAP)          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $1,849 $929 $4,108    
  Average shareholders’ equity 93,172 92,004 54,538    
  Average goodwill and intangible assets, net (48,682) (47,044) (45,205)    
  Average deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets, net (160) (329) (279)    
  Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 44,330 44,631 9,054    
      Adjusted return on tangible equity (non-GAAP) 16.92% 8.26% 184.01%    
           
Wealth Management Services          
Adjusted return on assets          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $3,907 $3,191 $3,635    
  Average segment assets 42,616 41,013 38,010    
     Adjusted return on assets 37.18% 30.87% 38.78%    
           
Adjusted return on equity          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $3,907 $3,191 $3,635    
  Average shareholders’ equity 37,668 36,842 33,761    
     Adjusted return on equity 42.07% 34.36% 43.67%    
           
Adjusted return on tangible equity (non-GAAP)          
  Adjusted income before income taxes $3,907 $3,191 $3,635    
  Average shareholders’ equity 37,668 36,842 33,761    
  Average goodwill and intangible assets, net (5,149) (4,185) (4,527)    
  Average deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets, net 329 227 283    
  Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 32,848 32,884 29,517    
      Adjusted return on tangible equity (non-GAAP) 48.24% 38.50% 49.94%    
           

 

# # #

 

18

 

FAQ

How did Community Financial System (CBU) perform in Q1 2026?

Community Financial System reported Q1 2026 net income of $57.2 million and diluted EPS of $1.08, up from $0.93 a year earlier. Total revenues were $213.3 million, compared with $196.2 million in Q1 2025, reflecting higher net interest income and stable fee revenues.

What happened to Community Financial System (CBU) revenue and margins in Q1 2026?

Total revenues for Q1 2026 were $213.3 million, an 8.7% increase year over year from $196.2 million. Net interest income rose to $134.7 million, and net interest margin improved to 3.43%, up from 3.21% a year earlier, supported by loan growth and moderated funding costs.

How strong were Community Financial System (CBU) asset quality metrics in Q1 2026?

Asset quality remained solid in Q1 2026, with nonperforming loans at 0.48% of loans and net charge-offs at 0.11% of average loans. The allowance for credit losses was 0.81% of loans, and nonperforming assets represented 0.35% of total assets, indicating conservative credit performance.

What are Community Financial System (CBU) capital and dividend levels after Q1 2026?

At March 31, 2026, the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.20%, with shareholders’ equity equal to 11.41% of total assets. The company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share, continuing its pattern of meaningful and growing shareholder distributions supported by its capital position.

What details were disclosed about Community Financial System (CBU) acquiring ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust?

Community Bank, N.A. agreed to acquire ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust in an all-cash deal of approximately $40 million. ClearPoint administers over $1.5 billion in assets and serves the roughly $20 billion death care industry, with a 3-year revenue CAGR of 9.7%, enhancing CBU’s wealth management platform.

How did Community Financial System’s (CBU) loans and deposits change by Q1 2026?

At March 31, 2026, total ending loans were $11.13 billion, up from $10.42 billion a year earlier, while total ending deposits reached $14.87 billion, compared with $13.89 billion. The loan-to-deposit ratio was 74.9%, reflecting balanced growth in lending and funding.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

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