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    Andrew Steven Leischner • Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to Webster Financial Corp (WBS) leadership

    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to Webster Financial Corp (WBS) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    On behalf of Chris McGratty, Andrew Leischner of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) asked about Webster's willingness to reduce its CET1 ratio and the anticipated near-term pace of its share buyback program.

    Answer

    Chairman & CEO John Ciulla responded that the 11% CET1 target is likely to remain for the balance of 2025, with a potential long-term reduction to 10.5%. He emphasized a disciplined capital approach, prioritizing organic growth and tuck-in acquisitions before share repurchases, suggesting buybacks would continue if other opportunities do not materialize.

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    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to Webster Financial Corp (WBS) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andrew Leischner of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods inquired about Webster's credit stabilization timeline, seeking confirmation on the mid-year target. He also requested details on the drivers of the quarterly increase in non-performing loans (NPLs) and the bank's strategy for share buybacks amidst economic uncertainty.

    Answer

    CEO John Ciulla confirmed that while the exact timing could be mid-year or Q3, positive trends in risk-rating migration support the expectation of a credit inflection point, noting that criticized assets declined quarter-over-quarter. Ciulla explained that the CRE office and health care portfolios contribute nearly half of the non-performers. Regarding capital, he stated that while organic growth and tuck-in acquisitions are priorities, the bank will repurchase shares if those opportunities are unavailable, assuming a stable economic environment.

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    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to First Horizon Corp (FHN) leadership

    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to First Horizon Corp (FHN) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Andrew Leischner from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, on behalf of Chris McGratty, asked about potential deposit repricing opportunities and inquired about any specific verticals or geographies showing signs of credit stress.

    Answer

    CFO Hope Dmuchowski characterized the deposit repricing environment as a "zigzag," noting that competition is increasing. CEO Bryan Jordan added that long-term deposit costs will likely migrate up. Head of IR Tyler Craft identified consumer-facing C&I sectors like trucking and auto finance, as well as multifamily CRE (due to high inventory), as areas being monitored more closely for stress.

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    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to Hope Bancorp Inc (HOPE) leadership

    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to Hope Bancorp Inc (HOPE) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andrew Steven Leischner, on behalf of Chris McGratty, inquired about the sensitivity of the high single-digit Net Interest Income (NII) growth outlook to fewer federal funds rate cuts and asked for the specific impact of a 25 basis point cut. He also requested details on the loan verticals expected to drive organic growth and the client conversations supporting that guidance.

    Answer

    Chief Financial Officer Julianna Balicka explained that the 2025 impact of fewer rate cuts on NII would be modest, as the effects on deposit costs and variable loan yields would largely offset each other. For loan growth, she highlighted building pipelines in Korean subsidiary sectors and specialized commercial lending verticals, such as healthcare, project finance, and structured finance, noting that recent hiring has supported this momentum.

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    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to Wintrust Financial Corp (WTFC) leadership

    Andrew Steven Leischner's questions to Wintrust Financial Corp (WTFC) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andrew Leischner of KBW, on behalf of Chris McGratty, asked about the sources of Wintrust's recent strong deposit growth and the outlook for future growth.

    Answer

    Executive Timothy Crane explained that deposit growth is expected to remain consistent with its current mix, driven by new commercial and consumer relationships, and will be managed to support loan growth. CFO David Dykstra added that Q1 deposit growth intentionally outpaced loan growth to pre-fund strong anticipated Q2 loan demand, a strategy supported by Wintrust's strong competitive position in the Chicago market.

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