WSFS Financial (US:WSFS)2025-10-24 18:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core EPS of $1.40, core return on assets of 1.40%, and core return on tangible common equity of 18.7%, all showing improvement compared to the second quarter [3] - Year-over-year, core net income increased by 21%, core PP&R grew by 6%, and core earnings per share rose by 30% [3] - Tangible book value per share increased by 12% [4] - Net interest margin expanded by two basis points to 3.91% quarter over quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth and trust business grew by 13% year over year [5] - Core fee revenue was flat quarter over quarter but grew by 5% when excluding strategic exits [4] - Client deposits increased by 1% linked quarter and grew by 5% year over year, with non-interest deposits up by 12% year over year [5] - Loans decreased by 1% linked quarter, but residential mortgage and WSFS-originated consumer loan portfolios saw increases of 5% and 3%, respectively [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial pipeline increased to approximately $300 million, indicating strong demand [6] - Total net credit costs were $8.4 million, down $5.9 million compared to the prior quarter, with net charge-offs at 30 bps [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain elevated buybacks while adjusting the pace based on macroeconomic conditions and business performance [7] - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth and potential acquisitions in both depositories and fee verticals to achieve medium-term CET1 targets [12][14] - The wealth and trust business is expected to continue growing, with a focus on new accounts and transaction activity [25][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage margins through deposit repricing and hedging strategies amid uncertain rate cuts [8][50] - The company plans to provide a full-year 2026 outlook in January, indicating a commitment to high performance [8] Other Important Information - The company returned $56.3 million of capital, including $46.8 million in buybacks, representing 1.5% of outstanding shares [7] - The company has a CET1 ratio of 14.39%, well above the medium-term target of 12% [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the base case scenario for achieving the CET1 target? - Management indicated that they are currently buying back approximately 100% of net income and have the capacity to continue this for the next two to three years, depending on balance sheet dynamics and investment opportunities [12][14] Question: How are reserve levels being managed amid macro volatility? - Management noted that while there is capacity to release some reserves, they are maintaining conservative levels due to potential macroeconomic volatility [16][18] Question: What is the outlook for the wealth and trust business? - The wealth business is seeing growth in new accounts and transactions, with institutional services up 30% and The Bryn Mawr Trust Company of Delaware up 20% year over year [26][28] Question: How does the Cash Connect business forecast profitability amid rate changes? - Management confirmed that while fee revenue may decrease with rate cuts, expenses would also reduce, leading to overall profitability benefits [34][36] Question: What is the expected pace of consumer loan portfolio runoff? - The company expects the Spring EQ portfolio runoff to continue at a pace of $15 million to $17 million per month, while home lending is expected to grow positively [40][41]