WSFS Financial (US:WSFS)2025-04-25 18:53Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - WSFS Financial Corporation reported core earnings per share of $1.13, core return on assets (ROA) of 1.29%, core pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) of $104.6 million, and core return on tangible common equity of 16.97%, all showing improvements from the prior quarter [5][6][14] - The core net interest margin expanded by 8 basis points to 3.88%, with total funding costs reduced by 15 basis points to 1.77% [6][7] - Year-over-year, net interest margin increased by 4 basis points despite absorbing 100 basis points of interest rate cuts [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core fee revenue grew by 6% year-over-year, driven by a 19% increase in Wealth and Trust services [7] - Institutional Services and Bryn Mawr Trust Company of Delaware showed strong year-over-year growth, increasing deal flow and market share [8] - Client deposits declined by 1% linked quarter but increased by 4% year-over-year, with non-interest bearing deposits up 6% year-over-year [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan to deposit ratio remained stable at 77%, providing flexibility for future growth [12] - Total net credit costs increased to $17.6 million, with net charge-offs at $24.6 million, primarily due to a charge-off of a non-performing loan [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a 13% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.17 per share and an additional share repurchase authorization of 10% of outstanding shares [15] - A medium-term target CET1 ratio of 12% was established, with a gradual glide path over two to three years [15][66] - The company aims to manage net interest margin through various tools, including optimizing wholesale funding and hedging programs [58][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that clients are cautious about expansion due to macroeconomic uncertainties, leading to postponed investments [40][42] - The overall credit quality remains stable, with no significant red flags identified in delinquency metrics [45] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate the current environment and indicated that an update on full-year outlook will be provided in the second quarter [16][68] Other Important Information - The company returned $62.6 million of capital in the first quarter, including $53.8 million in buybacks and $8.8 million in dividends [14] - The capital ratios remain strong, with a CET1 of 14.1% and TCE of 8.63%, significantly above regulatory targets [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why was there no updated guidance in the presentation? - Management stated that it is typical not to provide updated guidance until mid-year due to the volatility of the environment [22][23] Question: What is the outlook for net charge-offs? - Management indicated that the increase in charge-offs was due to a one-off item and that the rest of the portfolio is performing as expected [26][28] Question: How should expenses be viewed going forward? - Management noted that the first quarter expenses were lower than the run rate and provided insights into one-time items affecting the expense line [33] Question: What is the outlook for commercial growth? - Management observed that clients are cautious about expansion due to market volatility, but the pipeline remains consistent [40][42] Question: How are deposit beta expectations evolving? - Management exceeded their deposit beta goal of 40% and plans to continue pushing for higher rates [56][63] Question: What is the medium-term plan for the CET1 target? - Management outlined a two to three-year glide path to reach a CET1 target of 12%, depending on macroeconomic conditions [66][68]