WSFS Financial (US:WSFS)2025-07-25 18:02Financial 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 [4][5] - Core net interest margin expanded by one basis point to 3.89%, with total funding costs reduced by nine basis points [5] - Total net credit costs were $14.3 million, with net charge-offs at 30 basis points, half attributed to the Upstart sale [7][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth business grew 17% year over year, with institutional services up 39% and Brimmore Trust Company of Delaware up 7% [6] - Core fee revenue grew 9% quarter over quarter, driven by growth in wealth, capital markets, and mortgage [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 2% linked quarter [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client deposits increased by 1% linked quarter and grew by 5% year over year, with non-interest deposits up 11% year over year [6] - The company expects low single-digit growth in the commercial portfolio and flat growth in the consumer portfolio, excluding Upstart [10] 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 franchise, with a focus on broadening product offerings [12][31] - The company plans to continue executing buybacks as part of a multi-year glide path to reach a CET1 capital target of 12% [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a mild uptick in optimism among commercial borrowers, with some projects previously on hold now moving forward [23][24] - The outlook for net interest margin (NIM) has been raised to approximately 3.85%, factoring in expected interest rate cuts [11][38] - Management remains committed to driving high performance and growth, with expectations for continued strong performance in fee businesses [10][64] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its powder mill business, which is expected to create strategic opportunities despite some near-term revenue headwinds [12] - The company is managing expenses for growth, with a focus on investing in technology and talent [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and commercial borrower sentiment - Management emphasized a focus on C&I growth and maintaining profit margins, with a mild uptick in optimism among borrowers regarding tariffs [19][23] Question: Expense outlook and run rate - Management indicated that the second quarter is a good run rate for future growth, with some potential increases in the back half of the year [25][28] Question: Impact of buybacks on CET1 and M&A opportunities - Management confirmed that buybacks are driven by excess capital, with a focus on investing in the business first, but open to M&A opportunities in fee businesses [30][31] Question: NIM outlook and potential upside - Management discussed the expected impact of interest rate cuts on NIM, with strategies in place to mitigate these effects [36][38] 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 [61] Question: Long-term margin outlook - Management did not provide specific guidance for 2026 but aims to continue improving ROA and mitigating impacts from interest rate cuts [64]