Webster Reports First Quarter 2024 EPS of $1.23; Adjusted EPS of $1.35

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Webster Financial Corporation («Webster») (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A., today announced net income available to common stockholders of $212.2 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $216.8 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

First quarter 2024 results include $13.2 million pre-tax ($20.8 million after tax), or $0.12¹ per diluted share, of net charges related to an increase in the FDIC special assessment estimate, Ametros acquisition expenses, securities repositioning, a net gain on sale of mortgage servicing rights («MSRs»), and a discrete tax adjustment. Excluding these items, adjusted earnings per diluted share would have been $1.35¹ for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

«We reported solid results in the first quarter, including an adjusted return on assets of 1.26 percent and an adjusted return on tangible common equity of 17.85 percent,» said John R. Ciulla, chairman and chief executive officer. «We also enhanced our distinctive deposit franchise with the close of the Ametros acquisition, which expands our expertise in healthcare financial services.»

Highlights for the first quarter of 2024:

• Revenue of $667.1 million.
• Period end loan and lease balance of $51.1 billion, up $0.4 billion or 0.7 percent from prior quarter; consisting of 80.9 percent commercial loans and leases, 19.1 percent consumer loans, and a loan to deposit ratio of 84.1 percent.
• Period end deposit balance of $60.7 billion, down $36.5 million or 0.1 percent from prior quarter; core deposit growth of $1.5 billion from prior quarter.
• Provision for credit losses of $45.5 million.
• Return on average assets of 1.15 percent; adjusted 1.26 percent¹.
• Return on average tangible common equity of 16.30 percent¹; adjusted 17.85 percent¹.
• Net interest margin of 3.35 percent, down 7 basis points from prior quarter.
• Common equity tier 1 ratio of 10.51 percent.
• Efficiency ratio of 45.25 percent¹.
• Tangible common equity ratio of 7.15 percent¹.

«Webster generated strong deposit growth in key businesses this quarter, including HSA Bank and Ametros,» said Glenn MacInnes, executive vice president and chief financial officer. «Our funding profile and overall balance sheet strength puts us in a unique position to deliver for our clients.”

Line of Business performance compared to the first quarter of 2023

Effective January 1, 2024, Webster realigned certain of its business banking operations and related accounts from Commercial Banking to Consumer Banking to deliver operational efficiencies and better serve its customers. As a result, $1.5 billion of loans and $2.2 billion of deposits were moved from Commercial Banking to Consumer Banking. Prior period results have been recast accordingly.

Commercial Banking

Webster’s Commercial Banking segment serves businesses that have more than $10 million of revenue through its regional banking, middle market, asset-based lending, equipment finance, commercial real estate, sponsor finance, private banking, and treasury services business units. At March 31, 2024, Commercial Banking had $39.9 billion in loans and leases and $16.1 billion in deposits, as well as a combined $3.0 billion in assets under administration and management.

Commercial Banking Operating Results:

Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue decreased $25.2 million, to $270.0 million, in the quarter as compared to prior year. Net interest income decreased $18.4 million, to $341.9 million, primarily driven by lower deposit balances and higher rates paid on deposits. Non-interest income increased $0.6 million, to $34.3 million, primarily driven by increases in cash management fees and interest rate hedging activities, partially offset by lower net loan servicing income. Non-interest expense increased $7.4 million, to $106.2 million, primarily resulting from continued investments in talent, operational support, and technology to support balance sheet growth.

Healthcare Financial Services

Webster established a Healthcare Financial Services segment this quarter, which is comprised of HSA Bank and the newly acquired Ametros business. This segment offers consumer-directed healthcare solutions that include health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, administration of medical insurance claim settlements, flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits. Accounts are distributed nationwide directly to employers and individual consumers, as well as through national and regional insurance carriers, benefit consultants, and financial advisors. At March 31, 2024, Healthcare Financial Services had $14.7 billion in total footings comprising $9.5 billion in deposits and $5.2 billion in assets under administration through linked investment accounts.

Healthcare Financial Services Operating Results:

Pre-tax net revenue increased $13.0 million, to $65.1 million, in the quarter as compared to prior year. The increase in pre-tax net revenue was partially attributable to the acquisition of Ametros in the quarter. Net interest income increased $14.4 million, to $86.1 million, primarily due to $5.7 million from Ametros and an increase in net deposit spread, and deposit growth at HSA Bank. Non-interest income increased $7.0 million, to $31.1 million, primarily due to $4.6 million from Ametros, as well as higher account fees and interchange fees at HSA Bank. Non-interest expense increased $8.4 million, to $52.1 million, primarily due to $7.3 million from Ametros, coupled with higher compensation and benefits expense, and service contract expense related to account growth at HSA Bank.

Consumer Banking

Webster’s Consumer Banking segment serves consumer and business banking customers primarily throughout southern New England and the New York metro and suburban markets. Consumer Banking is comprised of the consumer lending and business banking business units, as well as a distribution network consisting of 196 banking centers and 347 ATMs, a customer care center, and a full range of web and mobile-based banking services. Additionally, Webster Investments provides investment services to consumers and small business owners within Webster’s targeted markets and retail footprint. At March 31, 2024, Consumer Banking had $11.2 billion in loans and $26.9 billion in deposits, as well as $8.1 billion in assets under administration.

Consumer Banking Operating Results:

Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue decreased $26.1 million, to $119.6 million, in the quarter as compared to prior year. Net interest income decreased $28.8 million, to $205.8 million, primarily driven by higher rates paid on deposits, partially offset by loan and deposit growth. Non-interest income increased $6.3 million, to $34.0 million, primarily driven by a net gain on sale of MSRs, partially offset by lower deposit service fees and loan related fees. Non-interest expense increased $3.6 million, to $120.1 million, primarily driven by higher compensation and operational support expenses, partially offset by decreases in technology costs and professional services expenses.

Consolidated financial performance:

Quarterly net interest income compared to the first quarter of 2023:

• Net interest income was $567.7 million compared to $595.3 million.
• Net interest margin was 3.35 percent compared to 3.66 percent. The yield on interest-earning assets increased by 51 basis points, and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased by 87 basis points.
• Average interest-earning assets totaled $68.1 billion and increased by $2.0 billion, or 3.1 percent.
• Average loans and leases totaled $50.9 billion and increased by $0.8 billion, or 1.7 percent.
• Average deposits totaled $60.6 billion and increased by $5.8 billion, or 10.5 percent.

Quarterly provision for credit losses:

• The provision for credit losses was $45.5 million in the quarter, contributing to a $5.7 million increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases from prior quarter. The provision also contributed to a decrease in the reserve on unfunded loan commitments of $0.2 million. The provision for credit losses was $36.0 million in the prior quarter, and $46.7 million a year ago.
• Net charge-offs were $37.5 million, compared to $34.0 million in the prior quarter, and $24.5 million a year ago. The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and leases was 0.29 percent, compared to 0.27 percent in the prior quarter, and 0.20 percent a year ago.
• The allowance for credit losses on loans and leases represented 1.26 percent of total loans and leases, compared to 1.25 percent at December 31, 2023, and 1.21 percent at March 31, 2023. The allowance represented 226 percent of nonperforming loans and leases at March 31, 2024, compared to 303 percent at December 31, 2023, and 332 percent at March 31, 2023.

Quarterly non-interest income compared to the first quarter of 2023:

• Total non-interest income was $99.4 million compared to $70.8 million, an increase of $28.6 million. Total non-interest income includes a $9.8 million loss on the sale of investment securities and an $11.7 million net gain on the sale of MSRs, compared to a $16.7 million loss on the sale of investment securities a year ago. Excluding those items, total non-interest income increased $10.0 million. The increase is primarily attributable to the addition of Ametros and BOLI events.

Quarterly non-interest expense compared to the first quarter of 2023:

• Total non-interest expense was $335.9 million compared to $332.5 million, an increase of $3.4 million. Total non-interest expense includes $11.9 million related to an increase to the FDIC special assessment estimate and $3.1 million of Ametros acquisition expenses, compared to $29.4 million of Sterling merger charges a year ago. Excluding those charges, total non-interest expense increased $17.8 million. The increase is primarily attributable to the addition of Ametros and higher performance-based incentive accruals.

Quarterly income taxes compared to the first quarter of 2023:

• Income tax expense was $69.3 million compared to $65.8 million, and the effective tax rate was 24.3 percent compared to 23.0 percent. The higher effective tax rate in the current period reflects the recognition of a $10.9 million discrete expense for an out-of-period adjustment, impacting the effective tax rate in the current period by 3.8 percentage points.

Investment securities:

• Total investment securities, net were $16.3 billion, compared to $16.0 billion at December 31, 2023, and $14.9 billion at March 31, 2023. The carrying value of the available-for-sale portfolio included $758.5 million of net unrealized losses, compared to $708.7 million at December 31, 2023, and $766.4 million at March 31, 2023. The carrying value of the held-to-maturity portfolio does not reflect $897.2 million of net unrealized losses, compared to $810.2 million at December 31, 2023, and $742.8 million at March 31, 2023.

Loans and leases:

• Total loans and leases were $51.1 billion, compared to $50.7 billion at December 31, 2023, and $50.9 billion at March 31, 2023. Compared to December 31, 2023, commercial loans and leases decreased by $303.1 million, commercial real estate loans increased by $711.8 million, residential mortgages decreased by $1.8 million, and consumer loans decreased by $34.3 million.
• Compared to a year ago, commercial loans and leases decreased by $1.3 billion, commercial real estate loans increased by $1.4 billion, residential mortgages increased by $224.6 million, and consumer loans decreased by $101.9 million.
• Loan originations for the portfolio were $2.5 billion, compared to $3.2 billion in the prior quarter, and $3.3 billion a year ago. In addition, $2.9 million of residential loans were originated for sale in the quarter, compared to $3.4 million in the prior quarter, and $2.5 million a year ago.

Asset quality:

• Total nonperforming loans and leases were $283.6 million, or 0.56 percent of total loans and leases, compared to $209.5 million, or 0.41 percent of total loans and leases, at December 31, 2023, and $185.0 million, or 0.36 percent of total loans and leases, at March 31, 2023.
• Past due loans and leases were $125.2 million, compared to $46.6 million at December 31, 2023, and $44.2 million at March 31, 2023. The increase from prior quarter is driven primarily by commercial real estate.

Deposits and borrowings:

• Total deposits were $60.7 billion, compared to $60.8 billion at December 31, 2023, and $55.3 billion at March 31, 2023. Core deposits to total deposits¹ were 88.6 percent at March 31, 2024, compared to 86.1 percent at December 31, 2023, and 91.8 percent at March 31, 2023. The loan to deposit ratio was 84.1 percent, compared to 83.5 percent at December 31, 2023, and 92.1 percent at March 31, 2023.
• Total borrowings were $4.9 billion, compared to $3.9 billion at December 31, 2023, and $9.9 billion at March 31, 2023.

Capital:

• The return on average common stockholders’ equity and the return on average tangible common stockholders’ equity¹ were 10.01 percent and 16.30 percent, respectively, compared to 10.94 percent and 17.66 percent, respectively, in the first quarter of 2023.
• The tangible equity¹ and tangible common equity¹ ratios were 7.54 percent and 7.15 percent, respectively, compared to 7.55 percent and 7.15 percent, respectively, at March 31, 2023. The common equity tier 1 ratio was 10.51 percent, compared to 10.42 percent at March 31, 2023.
• Book value and tangible book value per common share¹ were $49.07 and $30.22, respectively, compared to $45.85 and $29.47, respectively, at March 31, 2023.

¹ See «Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations» section beginning on page 18.

Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) is the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A. Webster is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and Healthcare Financial Services, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits and administration of medical insurance claim settlements solutions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with $76 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.

Conference Call

A conference call covering Webster’s first quarter 2024 earnings announcement will be held today, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen to the live call, please dial 888-330-2446, or 240-789-2732 for international callers. The passcode is 8607257. The webcast, along with related slides, will be available via Webster’s Investor Relations website at investors.websterbank.com. A replay of the conference call will be available for one week via the website listed above, beginning at approximately 12:00 noon (Eastern) on April 23, 2024. To access the replay, dial 800-770-2030, or 609-800-9909 for international callers. The replay conference ID number is 8607257.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “targeted,” “continue,” “remain,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “plans,” “estimates,” and similar references to future periods. However, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: projections of revenues, expenses, expense savings, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, and other financial items; statements of plans, objectives, and expectations of Webster or its management or Board of Directors; statements of future economic performance; and statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Webster’s current expectations and assumptions regarding its business, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Webster’s actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Factors that could cause Webster’s actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: Webster’s ability to successfully execute its business plan and strategic initiatives, and manage any risks or uncertainties; continued regulatory changes or other mitigation efforts taken by government agencies in response to volatility in the banking industry, including due to the bank failures in 2023; volatility in Webster’s stock price due to investor sentiment, including in light of the bank failures of 2023 and related turmoil in the banking industry; local, regional, national, and international economic conditions, and the impact they may have on Webster or its customers; volatility and disruption in national and international financial markets, including as a result of geopolitical conflict; the impact of unrealized losses in our available-for-sale securities portfolio; changes in laws and regulations, or existing laws and regulations that Webster becomes subject to, including those concerning banking, taxes, dividends, securities, insurance, and healthcare administration, with which Webster and its subsidiaries must comply; adverse conditions in the securities markets that could lead to impairment in the value of Webster’s securities portfolio; inflation, monetary fluctuations, the possibility of a recession, and changes in interest rates, including the impact of such changes on economic conditions, customer behavior, funding costs, and Webster’s loans and leases and securities portfolios; possible changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies, including, but not limited to, the Federal Reserve policies in connection with continued inflationary pressures and the ability of the U.S. Congress to increase the U.S. statutory debt limit as needed, as well as the impact of the 2024 U.S. presidential election; the impact of a potential U.S. federal government shutdown; the timely development and acceptance of new products and services, and the perceived value of those products and services by customers; changes in deposit flows, consumer spending, borrowings, and savings habits; Webster’s ability to implement new technologies and maintain secure and reliable information and technology systems; the effects of any cybersecurity threats, attacks or events, or fraudulent activity, including those that involve Webster’s third-party vendors and service providers; performance by Webster’s counterparties and third-party vendors; Webster’s ability to increase market share and control expenses; changes in the competitive environment among banks, financial holding companies, and other traditional and non-traditional financial service providers; Webster’s ability to maintain adequate sources of funding and liquidity; changes in the mix of loan geographies, sectors, or types and the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs; changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon periodic review under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices applicable to Webster, including the impacts of recently adopted accounting guidance; legal and regulatory developments, including the resolution of legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries, and the results of regulatory examinations or reviews; Webster’s ability to appropriately address and environmental, social, governmental, and sustainability concerns that may arise from our business activities; Webster’s ability to assess and monitor the effect of artificial intelligence on our business and operations; unforeseen events, such as pandemics or natural disasters, and any governmental or societal responses thereto; and the other factors that are described in Webster’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement made by Webster in this release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause Webster’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Webster to predict all of them. Webster undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results presented in accordance with GAAP, this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of net income, return on average tangible common stockholders’ equity, and other performance ratios, in each case as adjusted, is included in the accompanying selected financial highlights table.

Webster believes that providing certain non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with information useful in understanding its financial performance, performance trends, and financial position.

Contacts

Media Contact
Alice Ferreira, 203-578-2610

acferreira@websterbank.com

Investor Contact
Emlen Harmon, 212-309-7646

eharmon@websterbank.com

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