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Webster Financial WBS reported fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.43, which beat Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.32. This compares unfavorably with earnings per share of $1.46 reported a year ago.
Find the latest earnings estimates and surprises on the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
For 2024, adjusted EPS was $5.38, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.71. This compares unfavorably with $6 reported in the year-ago quarter.
Results benefited from a rise in net interest income (NII) and lower expenses. An increase in loan and deposit balance was another positive. However, a rise in provisions was a headwind.
Net income applicable to common shareholders (GAAP basis) was $173.6 million, down 4.2% from the prior-year quarter.
For 2024, the company reported net income applicable to its common shareholders (GAAP basis) of $752.1 million, which decreased 11.6% year over year.
Webster Financial’s Revenues Rise & Expenses Decline Y/Y
WBS’ total revenues in the quarter increased 4.1% year over year to $661 million. The top line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $687.2 million.
Full-year revenues aggregated to $2.6 billion, which increased 2.3% year over year. The top line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.83 billion.
NII increased 6.6% year over year to $608.5 million. The net interest margin was 3.39%, down 3 basis points.
Non-interest income was $52.5 million, down 17.7% year over year. This includes a $56.9-million net loss on the sale of investment securities. Excluding this, non-interest income rose 35.7% from the previous-year quarter to $109.4 million. The increase is primarily attributable to the addition of Ametros and higher investment services income.
Non-interest expenses were $340.4 million, down 9.8% from the year-ago quarter. The fall primarily stemmed from lower deposit insurance expense, along with a decline in professional and outside services fees.
The efficiency ratio was 44.8% compared with 43.04% in the prior-year quarter. A rise in the efficiency ratio indicates a deterioration in profitability.
WBS’ Loans & Deposit Balance Rises Sequentially
As of Dec. 31, 2024, total loans and leases increased 1.1% on a sequential basis to $52.5 billion. However, total deposits increased marginally from the prior quarter to $64.7 billion.
Webster Financial’s Credit Quality Deteriorates
Total non-performing assets were $461.8 million as of Dec. 31, 2024, up significantly from $218.6 million recorded in the year-ago quarter. Allowance for loan losses was 1.31% of the total loans, which increased from 1.25% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The ratio of net charge-offs to annualized average loans was 0.47%, up from 0.27% year over year.
The provision for credit losses was $63.5 million, up 76.4% year over year.