WSFS Financial (US:WSFS)2025-07-25 18:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core earnings per share increased to $1.27, core return on assets at 1.3%, and core return on tangible common equity at 18.03%, all up from the first quarter [3][4] - Core net interest margin expanded by one basis point to 3.89%, with total funding costs reduced by nine basis points [4] - Core fee revenue grew by 9% quarter over quarter, driven by growth in wealth, capital markets, and mortgage businesses [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth business grew by 17% year over year, with institutional services up by 39% and Brimmore Trust Company of Delaware up by 7% [5] - Total client deposits increased by 1% linked quarter and grew by 5% year over year, with non-interest deposits up by 11% year over year [5] - Gross loans remained flat quarter over quarter, but commercial fundings reached the highest level in over a year, with C&I loan balances growing by 2% linked quarter [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects low single-digit growth in the commercial portfolio and flat growth in the consumer portfolio, excluding Upstart [8] - The outlook for net interest margin (NIM) has been raised to approximately 3.85%, factoring in two anticipated rate cuts [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accretive loan growth, particularly in the C&I sector, while maintaining profit margins [19][20] - Strategic opportunities are being pursued in the wealth and trust business, with a focus on broadening product offerings [10] - The company plans to continue executing buybacks as part of a multi-year glide path to reach a CET1 capital target of 12% [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a mild uptick in optimism among commercial borrowers, indicating a potential shift in sentiment regarding tariffs [22][23] - The company is managing expenses for growth, with continued investments in technology and talent [57] - Future performance is expected to be driven by fee businesses, which are accretive to ROA, despite temporary impacts from interest rate cuts [64] Other Important Information - The company returned $87.3 million of capital in the second quarter, including $77.7 million in buybacks, representing 2.7% of outstanding shares [7] - The sale of the Upstart portfolio is expected to impact net charge-offs, with total net charge-offs projected between 35 to 45 basis points for the year, excluding Upstart [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and commercial borrower sentiment - Management emphasized a focus on C&I growth and noted a mild uptick in optimism among borrowers regarding project initiation [19][22] Question: Expense outlook and run rate - Management indicated that the second quarter represents a good run rate for future growth, with some potential increases due to business-as-usual activities [26][57] Question: Impact of buybacks on CET1 and M&A considerations - Management confirmed that buybacks are being executed due to excess capital, with a focus on investing in the business first before considering M&A opportunities [30][31] Question: NIM outlook and potential upside - Management discussed the expected impact of interest rate cuts on NIM, with a focus on mitigating these impacts through deposit repricing [38][41] Question: Cash Connect profitability and pricing strategies - Management reported progress in driving profit margins in Cash Connect, with ongoing pricing increases expected to enhance profitability [60][61]