WSFS Financial (US:WSFS)2025-10-24 18:02Financial 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][4] - Year-over-year, core net income increased by 21%, core PP&R grew by 6%, and core earnings per share rose by 30% [3][4] - 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 by 5% year over year, with non-interest deposits growing by 12% year over year [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net credit costs were $8.4 million this quarter, down $5.9 million compared to the prior quarter [7] - Non-performing assets (NPAs) declined by over 30% to 35 basis points, with delinquencies down by 34% [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company intends to maintain elevated levels of buybacks while adjusting the pace based on macroeconomic conditions and business performance [8] - The management is focused on organic growth and is actively recruiting talent in commercial and wealth sectors [52][54] 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 despite potential rate cuts [9][56] - The company plans to provide a full-year 2026 outlook in January, indicating a commitment to high performance [9] Other Important Information - The company returned $56.3 million of capital, including buybacks of $46.8 million, representing 1.5% of outstanding shares [8] - The commercial pipeline remains strong at approximately $300 million [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 [15] Question: How are reserve levels being managed amid macro volatility? - Management stated that they are conservatively maintaining reserves due to potential macroeconomic volatility, despite good asset quality trends [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 Cash Connect revenue forecast with changing rates? - Management confirmed that while revenue may decrease with rate cuts, expenses would also reduce, leading to overall profitability benefits [36][37] Question: What is the expected pace of loan payoffs from the consumer partnership? - The company expects a runoff of approximately $15 million to $17 million per month from the Spring EQ portfolio, while home lending is experiencing double-digit growth [42][43]