Webster Reports Per Share Net Income Increase in Second Quarter and First Half of 2003

Jul 16, 2003

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WATERBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 16, 2003--Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster Bank, today announced a seven percent increase in net income per diluted share to $.88 for the second quarter, compared to $.82 in the year-ago period. Net income totaled $40.6 million, compared to the same amount in the year-ago period.

For the first six months of 2003, net income was $1.74 per diluted share, compared to $1.47 in the year-ago period. Net income was $80.5 million, compared to $72.9 million in the year-ago period. Excluding the cumulative effect of a change in accounting method in the 2002 first quarter, net income for the first six months of 2002 was $80.2 million or $1.62 per diluted share.

"We are pleased to report continued progress in executing Webster's strategic plan for growth, including higher per share earnings," stated Webster chairman and chief executive officer, James C. Smith. "Webster continues to grow internally and through value-creating acquisitions, such as our recently announced partnership with North American Bank and Trust Company. Strong loan and deposit growth, coupled with the strength of our fee-based businesses, has mitigated the impact of lower yields on net interest income. We are well positioned to benefit from a gradually improving economy and the higher interest rates which will likely result."

Revenues and Expenses

Net interest income was $100.6 million in the second quarter, compared to $102.6 million in the year-ago period and $104.7 million in the first quarter. The decline resulted from significantly lower interest rates during the second quarter as reflected in Webster's net interest margin (annualized net interest income as a percentage of average earning assets) of 3.10 percent compared to 3.61 percent in the year-ago period and 3.30 percent in the first quarter of 2003. On a linked-quarter basis, all of the decline in net interest income resulted from a reduction of $6.0 million in interest income in the securities portfolio. This reduction is attributable to $1.4 million of incremental acceleration of premium amortization, significantly lower reinvestment yields on cash flows and a modest reduction in the portfolio. Webster has redeployed cash flows into investments with shorter maturities, at significantly reduced yields, in anticipation of rising interest rates.

In the second quarter of 2003, total noninterest income, including securities gains, increased by 47 percent to $58.3 million, up from $39.6 million in the year-ago period. Securities gains totaled $8.7 million in the second quarter compared to $1.1 million a year ago and $2.6 million in the first quarter. On a linked-quarter basis, the $6.1 million increase in securities gains offset the $6.0 million reduction of interest income in the securities portfolio. Unrealized gains in the investment portfolio were $85.6 million at June 30, 2003.

Excluding securities gains and writedowns of mortgage servicing rights, total fee revenue was $51.4 million in the second quarter, compared to $38.5 million a year ago and $51.3 million in the first quarter. Recent acquisitions contributed $5.3 million of fee-based revenue growth compared to one year ago while the remaining $5.8 million came from core growth. Deposit service fees were up 17 percent year over year, due primarily to growth in accounts. Insurance revenues were up 57 percent due to the Mathog & Moniello acquisition and increased premiums. Loan and loan servicing fees, excluding $1.8 million of writedowns of mortgage servicing rights, grew by 52% largely as a result of the Whitehall acquisition. Net gains on sales of loans and loan servicing were up $2.8 million, or 228 percent, due to increased mortgage origination volume. Revenues at Duff & Phelps and Wealth Management were up 20 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

Total noninterest expenses for the second quarter increased to $93.2 million, up from $78.8 million one year ago and flat with the first quarter. The increase in total noninterest expenses over the prior year's period includes recent acquisitions that account for $4.7 million and the balance reflects strategic investments in core businesses. Webster's strategic investments include, de novo branch expansion activity, the High Performance Checking initiative, the transformation of the Wealth Management business to a financial planning and advice-driven model and the expansion of the mortgage origination business.

Balance Sheet Growth

At June 30, 2003, total assets increased to $14.5 billion, up 16 percent from $12.5 billion one year ago and an increase of 1 percent from the end of the 2003 first quarter. Total loans of $8.7 billion at June 30, 2003 increased 19 percent from a year ago and 2 percent from March 31, 2003. Loan growth over the past year is primarily attributable to growth in the equipment finance, commercial real estate and home equity portfolios, as well as the acquisition of the Whitehall asset-based lending business in August of 2002.

"The second quarter demonstrates the success of our consumer and commercial business development efforts," stated Webster president and chief operating officer, William T. Bromage. "Webster's strategic initiatives for growth continue to drive loan and deposit growth while improving the mix."

At the end of the second quarter, commercial loans, including commercial real estate, increased to $3.2 billion, up 32 percent from $2.4 billion a year ago and 5 percent from $3.0 billion at the end of the first quarter. Consumer loans totaled $2.0 billion, compared to $1.4 billion one year ago and $1.8 billion at March 31, 2003, with growth over the past year led by Webster's home equity product offering. Commercial and consumer loans were 59 percent of total loans at June 30, 2003, compared to 52 percent of total loans one year ago.

Webster's mortgage banking business generated $1.2 billion in originations in the second quarter, compared to $0.5 billion a year ago. For the first six months of 2003, mortgage originations totaled $2.1 billion compared to $0.9 billion in the year-ago period. In the first half of 2003, 72 percent of originations came from national wholesale mortgage banking operations, while 28 percent came from Webster's retail channel. All of Webster's national wholesale loan originations are sold into the secondary markets. Net gains on sales of loans and loan servicing totaled $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2003, which represented an increase of $1.3 million on a linked-quarter basis. This increase in gains acted as a natural hedge against a linked-quarter increase of $1.0 million in writedowns of mortgage servicing rights, which totaled $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2003.

Total deposits were $8.1 billion at June 30, 2003, an increase of 10 percent from $7.3 billion a year ago and an increase of 4 percent from $7.8 billion at March 31, 2003. Core deposits at June 30, 2003 represented 68 percent of total deposits, up from 62 percent a year ago. Webster's growth in deposits was driven in part by its High Performance Checking campaign initiated in August of 2002 and the continuing success of its de novo branches in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Book value per common share of $24.09 at June 30, 2003 increased by 9 percent from $22.05 one year ago and increased by 3 percent from $23.47 at March 31, 2003. Tangible book value per share of $17.59 at June 30, 2003 increased by 8 percent from $16.31 one year ago and by 4 percent from $16.92 at March 31, 2003.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming assets totaled $57.0 million or 0.39 percent of total assets at June 30, 2003, compared to $51.6 million or 0.41 percent a year ago and $61.9 million or 0.43 percent at March 31, 2003. Classified loans were 1.3 percent of total loans at June 30, 2003 compared to 2.1 percent one year ago and 1.5 percent at March 31, 2003.

"Webster's credit quality demonstrates the impact of disciplined underwriting and focused portfolio management during this period of growth," stated Webster chief financial officer, William J. Healy. "Credit quality continues to be among our highest priorities."

The allowance for loan losses totaled $119.2 million at June 30, 2003 compared to $99.7 million a year ago and $118.6 million at March 31, 2003. The allowance represented 1.37 percent of total loans at June 30, 2003 compared to 1.36 percent a year ago and 1.39 percent at March 31, 2003. The ratio of the allowance to nonperforming loans at June 30, 2003 increased to 228 percent, compared to 206 percent a year ago and 219 percent at March 31, 2003.

Webster's net loan charge-offs in the second quarter of 2003 were $4.4 million, compared to $3.2 million in the year-ago period. The annualized net charge-off ratio was 20 basis points in the 2003 second quarter, compared to 18 basis points in the year-ago period.

Strategic Actions

In April, Webster announced an 11 percent increase in its regular quarterly cash dividend to $.21 per common share from $.19 per common share previously. On an annual basis, Webster reported that its dividend rate increased from $.76 to $.84 per common share. The announcement marked the 63rd consecutive quarterly dividend since Webster first paid a dividend in 1987 and the 13th time Webster's dividend had been increased.

Webster also announced in April the appointment of Zeynep Fredrick as Executive Vice President, Information Technology and Operations. Prior to joining Webster, Ms. Fredrick held positions of chief information officer and senior vice president of technology for AllFirst Bank of Baltimore, Maryland and senior vice president of IT Operations and the Mergers, Acquisitions and Consolidations Group for First National Bank in Maryland.

In June, Webster announced that it has reached a definitive agreement for the acquisition of North American Bank and Trust Company (Nasdaq: NAMB), in a combination cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $30 million, or $11.25 per common share of North American stock. The acquisition is expected to increase access and convenience for both Webster and North American Bank customers and to contribute positively to Webster's earnings per share in the first year. Webster expects the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Webster held its inaugural Investor Day presentation to analysts and portfolio managers on June 11th, an event where Webster senior officers delivered presentations on the histories and strategic plans for Webster's various business lines. The audio webcast and presentation slides are available at the Investor Relations section of Webster's website, www.wbst.com.

Webster Financial Corporation is the holding company for Webster Bank and Webster Insurance. With $14 billion in assets, Webster Bank provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, insurance, trust and investment services through 109 banking offices, 219 ATMs, a Connecticut-based call center and the Internet. Webster Financial Corporation is majority owner of Chicago-based Duff & Phelps, LLC, a leader in financial advisory services. Webster Bank owns the asset-based lending firm, Whitehall Business Credit Corporation, Budget Installment Corp., Center Capital Corporation, an equipment finance company headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut and Webster Trust Company, N.A.

For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest Annual Report, visit the Webster website at www.websteronline.com.

Conference Call

A conference call covering today's announcement will be held today, Wednesday, July 16, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and may be heard through Webster's investor relations website at www.wbst.com, or in listen-only mode by calling 1-800-299-7635 (Access Code: 35765435). The call will be archived on the website and available for future retrieval.

Statements in this press release regarding Webster Financial Corporation's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statement, see "Forward Looking Statements" in Webster's Annual Report for 2002.

 WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Financial Highlights (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------



                           At or for the Three     At or for the Six
(In thousands, except      Months Ended June 30, Months Ended June 30,
per share data)               2003    2002(a)      2003     2002(a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income and performance
 ratios (annualized):
----------------------------

Net income                  $ 40,610 $ 40,572 $ 80,547 $ 72,907
Net income per diluted
 common share                   0.88     0.82        $1.74      1.47
Return on average
 shareholders' equity          15.01 %  15.54 %      15.10 %   14.18 %
Return on average assets        1.15     1.32         1.16      1.21

Net income and performance
 ratios before cumulative
  effect of change in accounting
   method (annualized):
----------------------------

Net income                  $ 40,610 $ 40,572 $ 80,547 $ 72,907
Cumulative effect of change
 in accounting method (b)          -        -            -     7,280
                            -------- --------     --------  --------
Net income before cumulative
 effect of change in
  accounting method           40,610   40,572       80,547    80,187

Net income per diluted
 common share                   0.88     0.82         1.74      1.62
Return on average
 shareholders' equity          15.01 %  15.54 %      15.10 %   15.60 %
Return on average assets        1.15     1.32         1.16      1.33
Noninterest income as a
 percentage of total revenue   36.68    27.86        35.18     28.95
Efficiency ratio (c)           58.65    55.45        58.73     55.34

Cash income and performance
 ratios (annualized) (d):
----------------------------

Net income                  $ 40,610 $ 40,572 $ 80,547 $ 72,907
Cumulative effect of change
 in accounting method (b)          -        -            -     7,280
Tax-effected intangible
 amortization                  2,579    2,603        5,155     5,227
                               -----    -----        ------    -----
Cash income                   43,189   43,175       85,702    85,414

Cash income per diluted
 common share                   0.93     0.87         1.85      1.72
Cash return on average
 shareholders' equity          15.96 %  16.54 %      16.07 %   16.62 %
Cash return on average assets   1.23     1.41         1.23      1.41

Asset Quality:
----------------------------

Allowance for loan losses   $119,239 $ 99,698 $119,239 $ 99,698
Nonperforming assets          57,038   51,561       57,038    51,561
Allowance for loan losses /
 total loans                    1.37 %   1.36 %       1.37 %    1.36 %
Net charge-offs/ average
 loans (annualized)             0.20     0.18         0.18      0.16
Nonperforming loans / total
 loans                          0.60     0.66         0.60      0.66
Nonperforming assets / total
 assets                         0.39     0.41         0.39      0.41
Allowance for loan losses /
 nonperforming loans          228.06   205.72       228.06    205.72

Other ratios (annualized):
----------------------------

Shareholders' equity / total
 assets                         7.61 %   8.55 %       7.61 %    8.55 %
Interest-rate spread            3.06     3.52         3.16      3.47
Net interest margin             3.10     3.61         3.20      3.56

Share related:
----------------------------

Book value per common share $  24.09 $  22.05 $  24.09 $  22.05
Tangible book value per
 common share                  17.59    16.31        17.59     16.31
Common stock closing price     37.80    38.24        37.80     38.24
Dividends declared per
 common share                   0.21     0.19         0.40      0.36

Common shares issued and
 outstanding                  45,640   48,427       45,640    48,427
Basic shares (average)        45,446   48,631       45,453    48,717
Diluted shares (average)      46,242   49,585       46,217    49,584


Footnotes:

(a) Adjusted to reflect the adoption of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation", SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets" and SFAS No. 147, "Acquisitions of Certain
Financial Institutions" during 2002.
(b) Cumulative effect of change in accounting method for 2002 is a
SFAS No. 142 transitional goodwill impairment charge of $11.2 million,
net of taxes, $7.3 million.
(c) Noninterest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus
noninterest income.
(d) Net income excluding tax-effected intangible amortization and
cumulative effect of change in accounting method.
(e)  For purposes of this computation, unrealized gains (losses) are
excluded from the average balance for rate calculations.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Statements of Condition (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  June 30,     March 31,     June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)              2003         2003        2002 (a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets:

Cash and due from depository
 institutions                 $    254,645 $    238,370 $    244,257
Short-term investments              20,671       13,696        55,539

Securities:
  Trading, at fair value             3,893       10,924           163
  Available for sale, at fair
   value                         4,395,400    4,497,686     4,155,071
                               ------------ ------------ ------------
   Total securities              4,399,293    4,508,610     4,155,234

Loans held for sale                321,055      321,637       109,795

Loans:
  Residential mortgages          3,541,922    3,657,707     3,543,947
  Commercial                     2,010,109    1,947,167     1,392,344
  Commercial real estate         1,144,429    1,062,891       992,160
  Consumer                       2,013,486    1,841,526     1,394,497
                              ------------ ------------- -------------
   Total loans                   8,709,946    8,509,291     7,322,948
Allowance for loan losses         (119,239)    (118,596)      (99,698)
                              ------------ ------------- -------------
   Loans, net                    8,590,707    8,390,695     7,223,250

Accrued interest receivable         54,034       58,137        56,543
Premises and equipment, net         85,062       82,525        81,802
Goodwill and intangible assets     316,989      320,942       301,912
Cash surrender value of life
 insurance                         176,324      174,181       167,492
Prepaid expenses and other
 assets                            233,792      246,866        95,106
                              ------------ ------------- -------------

   Total assets               $ 14,452,572 $ 14,355,659 $ 12,490,930
                              ============ ============= =============

Liabilities and Shareholders'
 Equity:

Deposits:
  Checking and NOW            $  2,099,725 $  1,965,636 $  1,793,480
  Savings and MMDAs              3,365,781    3,200,604     2,743,220
  Certificates of deposit        2,526,429    2,543,060     2,696,163
                               ------------ ------------ ------------
   Total retail deposits         7,991,935    7,709,300     7,232,863
  Treasury deposits                 93,767       74,509       104,726
                               ------------ ------------ ------------
   Total deposits                8,085,702    7,783,809     7,337,589

Federal Home Loan Bank advances  2,185,830    2,885,098     2,196,984
Other borrowings                 2,480,666    2,030,553     1,534,665
Senior notes and subordinated
 debt                              326,000      326,000       126,000
Accrued expenses and other
 liabilities                       155,233      128,921        83,392
                              ------------- ------------ ------------
   Total liabilities            13,233,431   13,154,381    11,278,630

Corporation-obligated
 mandatorily redeemable
  capital securities of
   subsidiary trusts               110,255      121,255       135,000

Preferred stock of subsidiary
 corporation                         9,577        9,577         9,577

Shareholders' equity             1,099,309    1,070,446     1,067,723
                              ------------- ------------ -------------

   Total liabilities and
    shareholders' equity      $ 14,452,572 $ 14,355,659 $ 12,490,930
                              ============ ============= =============


 See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
(In thousands, except per         June 30,             June 30,
 share data)                  2003     2002(a)     2003      2002(a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest income:
Loans and loans held
 for sale                  $ 118,965 $ 114,027 $ 236,667 $ 225,522
Securities and short-term
 investments                  45,772    59,340     97,517     118,938
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
Total interest income        164,737   173,367    334,184     344,460
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
Interest expense:
Deposits                      28,750    37,005     58,168      76,618
Borrowings                    35,368    33,797     70,721      68,794
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
Total interest expense        64,118    70,802    128,889     145,412
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------

Net interest income          100,619   102,565    205,295     199,048
Provision for loan losses      5,000     4,000     10,000       8,000
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
Net interest income after
 provision for loan losses    95,619    98,565    195,295     191,048
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------

Noninterest income:
Deposit service fees          17,529    14,924     34,419      28,730
Insurance revenue              9,980     6,376     20,944      13,812
Loan and loan servicing fees   4,723     4,211     10,628       8,096
Financial advisory services    5,229     4,357     10,660       8,316
Wealth and investment
 services                      4,521     4,068      9,099       8,455
Gain on sale of loans and
 loan servicing, net           4,066     1,239      6,837       1,632
Increase in cash surrender
 value of life insurance       2,143     2,267      4,258       4,469
Other                          1,423     1,047      3,284       3,057
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
Total fee revenue             49,614    38,489    100,129      76,567
Gain on sale of securities,
 net                           8,666     1,126     11,299       4,531
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
 Total noninterest income     58,280    39,615    111,428      81,098
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------

Noninterest expenses:
Compensation and benefits     50,506    41,248    101,067      81,396
Occupancy                      7,672     6,212     15,771      12,497
Furniture and equipment        7,575     6,812     15,096      13,380
Intangible amortization        3,968     4,004      7,930       8,042
Marketing                      3,236     2,438      6,721       4,862
Professional services          2,994     2,820      5,472       5,147
Capital securities and
 preferred stock dividend      2,958     3,753      6,096       7,585
Other                         14,290    11,556     27,852      22,133
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
 Total noninterest expenses   93,199    78,843    186,005     155,042
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------

Income before income taxes
 and cumulative effect of
  change in accounting
   method                     60,700    59,337    120,718     117,104
Income taxes                  20,090    18,765     40,171      36,917
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
Income before cumulative
 effect of change in
  accounting method           40,610    40,572     80,547      80,187
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting method, net of
  taxes                            -         -          -      (7,280)
                           --------- ---------  ---------   ---------
 Net income                $  40,610 $  40,572 $  80,547 $  72,907
                           ========= =========  =========   =========

Net income per common share
 before cumulative effect
 of change in accounting method:
  Basic                    $    0.89 $    0.83 $    1.77 $    1.65
  Diluted                       0.88      0.82       1.74        1.62

Net income per common share:
   Basic                   $    0.89 $    0.83 $    1.77 $    1.50
   Diluted                      0.88      0.82       1.74        1.47


 See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------


(In thousands,                     Three Months Ended
 except per       June 30,   March 31,  Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,  June 30,
  share data)       2003       2003       2002       2002     2002 (a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest income:
Loans and loans
 held for sale    $ 118,965 $ 117,702 $ 120,386 $ 118,492 $ 114,027
Securities and
 short-term
  investments        45,772     51,745    53,189     55,507     59,340
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
 Total interest
  income            164,737    169,447   173,575    173,999    173,367
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------

Interest expense:
Deposits             28,750     29,418    33,375     36,169     37,005
Borrowings           35,368     35,353    36,110     35,240     33,797
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
 Total interest
  expense            64,118     64,771    69,485     71,409     70,802
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------

 Net interest
  income            100,619    104,676   104,090    102,590    102,565
Provision for
 loan losses          5,000      5,000    16,000      5,000      4,000
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
 Net interest
  income after
  provision for
  loan losses       95,619     99,676    88,090     97,590     98,565
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------

Noninterest income:
Deposit service
 fees                17,529     16,890    17,083     15,797     14,924
Insurance revenue     9,980     10,964     6,875      6,386      6,376
Loan and loan
 servicing fees       4,723      5,905     6,089      4,346      4,211
Financial advisory
 services             5,229      5,431     4,964      5,997      4,357
Wealth and investment
 services             4,521      4,578     3,693      3,770      4,068
Gain on sale of
 loans and loan
 servicing, net       4,066      2,771     2,337      1,839      1,239
Increase in cash
 surrender value
 of life insurance    2,143      2,115     2,263      2,310      2,267
Other                 1,423      1,861     1,129        750      1,047
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------

 Total fee revenue   49,614     50,515    44,433     41,195     38,489
Gain on sale of
 securities, net      8,666      2,633    13,934      4,912      1,126
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------

 Total noninterest
  income             58,280     53,148    58,367     46,107     39,615

Noninterest
 expenses:
Compensation and
 benefits            50,506     50,561    46,343     43,303     41,248
Occupancy             7,672      8,099     7,444      6,665      6,212
Furniture and
 equipment            7,575      7,521     8,228      7,559      6,812
Intangible
 amortization         3,968      3,962     3,997      3,978      4,004
Marketing             3,236      3,485     3,038      2,622      2,438
Professional
 services             2,994      2,478     3,503      2,754      2,820
Capital securities
 and preferred stock
 dividend             2,958      3,138     3,355      3,449      3,753
Other                14,290     13,562    13,244     13,799     11,556
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
 Total noninterest
  expenses           93,199     92,806    89,152     84,129     78,843
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------

Income before income taxes
 and cumulative effect of
  change in accounting
   method            60,700     60,018    57,305     59,568     59,337
Income taxes         20,090     20,081    17,904     19,144     18,765
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
 Income before
  cumulative effect
   of change in
    accounting
     method          40,610     39,937    39,401     40,424     40,572

Cumulative effect of
 change in
  accounting method,
   net of taxes (b)       -          -         -          -          -
                  ---------  --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
 Net income       $  40,610 $ 39,937 $ 39,401 $  40,424 $40,572
                  =========  ========= =========  =========  =========

Net income per common
 share before cumulative
 effect of change in
  accounting method:
  Basic           $    0.89 $    0.88 $    0.86 $    0.85 $    0.83
  Diluted              0.88       0.86      0.85       0.84       0.82

Net income per
 common share:
  Basic           $    0.89 $    0.88 $    0.86 $    0.85 $    0.83
  Diluted              0.88       0.86      0.85       0.84       0.82

 See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Retail and Wholesale Interest-Rate Spreads   (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Three Months Ended,       June     March      Dec.    Sept.     June
                          2003      2003      2002     2002     2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest-rate spread
--------------------
Total interest-earning
 assets                   5.06 %    5.35 %    5.61 %   5.93 %   6.09 %
Total interest-bearing
 liabilities              2.00      2.09      2.26     2.48     2.57
                         -----     -----     -----     ----     ----
  Interest-rate spread    3.06 %    3.26 %    3.35 %   3.45 %   3.52 %
  Net interest margin     3.10      3.30      3.39     3.52     3.61

Retail interest-rate spread
---------------------------

Yield on loans            5.30 %    5.52 %    5.71 %   6.01 %   6.23 %
Cost of deposits          1.46      1.57      1.77     1.96     2.06
                         -----     -----     -----     ----     ----
    Spread                3.84 %    3.95 %    3.94 %   4.05 %   4.17 %
                         =====     =====     =====     ====     ====

Wholesale interest-rate
 spread
-----------------------
Yield on securities       4.52 %    5.02 %    5.40 %   5.77 %   5.84 %
Cost of borrowings        2.88      2.90      3.07     3.40     3.56
                         -----     -----     -----     ----     ----
    Spread                1.64 %    2.12 %    2.33 %   2.37 %   2.28 %
                         =====     =====     =====     ====     ====

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Average Statements of Condition  (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended June 30,                    2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Fully tax-
                              Average                      equivalent
(Dollars in thousands)        balance        Interest      yield/rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets:
 Interest-earning assets:
 Loans and loans held
  for sale                 $  8,951,987 $  118,965        5.30  %
 Securities and
  short-term investments      4,170,243         46,142        4.52 (e)
                          -------------     ----------     --------
   Total interest-earning
     assets                  13,122,230        165,107        5.06
                                            ----------     --------
 Noninterest-earning
  assets                        949,376
                          -------------
    Total assets           $ 14,071,606
                          =============

Liabilities and Shareholders'
 Equity:
Interest-bearing
  liabilities:
 Interest-bearing deposits $  6,925,879 $   28,750        1.67  %
 Noninterest-bearing
  deposits                      989,619              -           -
 Federal Home Loan Bank
  advances                    2,386,590         23,286        3.86
 Repurchase agreements and
  other borrowings            2,153,916          6,783        1.25
 Senior notes and subordinated
  debt                          326,000          5,299        6.50
                          -------------     ----------     --------
    Total interest-bearing
     liabilities             12,782,004         64,118        2.00
                          -------------     ----------
 Noninterest-bearing
  liabilities                    83,574
                          -------------
    Total liabilities        12,865,578

 Capital securities and
  preferred stock of
  subsidiary corporation        123,475

 Shareholders' equity         1,082,553
                          -------------
    Total liabilities and
     shareholders' equity  $ 14,071,606
                          =============
                                               100,989
 Less: tax-equivalent adjustment                  (370)
                                            ----------


 Net interest income                        $  100,619
                                            ==========
 Interest-rate spread                                         3.06  %
                                                          =========
 Net interest margin                                          3.10  %
                                                          =========


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Average Statements of Condition (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended June 30,                  2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fully tax-
                             Average                        equivalent
(Dollars in thousands)       balance (a)     Interest       yield/rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets:
 Interest-earning assets:
 Loans and loans held
  for sale                 $  7,300,691 $  114,027        6.23  %
 Securities and
  short-term investments      4,135,496         59,637        5.84 (e)
                          -------------     ----------     --------
    Total interest-earning
     assets                  11,436,187        173,664        6.09
                                            ----------
 Noninterest-earning assets     816,046
                          -------------
    Total assets           $ 12,252,233
                          =============

Liabilities and Shareholders'
Equity:
 Interest-bearing
  liabilities:
 Interest-bearing
  deposits                 $  6,341,251 $   37,005        2.34  %
 Noninterest-bearing
  deposits                      878,727              -           -
 Federal Home Loan Bank
  advances                    2,270,242         24,991        4.35
 Repurchase agreements and
  other borrowings            1,363,189          6,016        1.75
 Senior notes and subordinated
  debt                          126,000          2,790        8.86
                          -------------     ----------     --------
    Total interest-bearing
     liabilities             10,979,409         70,802        2.57
                                            ----------
 Noninterest-bearing
  liabilities                    72,719
                          -------------
    Total liabilities        11,052,128

 Capital securities and
  preferred stock of
  subsidiary corporation        155,950

 Shareholders' equity         1,044,155
                          -------------
    Total liabilities and
     shareholders' equity  $ 12,252,233
                          =============
                                               102,862
 Less: tax-equivalent adjustment                  (297)
                                              ---------

 Net interest income                        $  102,565
                                            ===========

 Interest-rate spread                                         3.52  %
                                                           ========
 Net interest margin                                          3.61  %
                                                           ========
 See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Average Statements of Condition (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months Ended June 30,                    2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fully tax-
                              Average                       equivalent
(Dollars in thousands)        balance        Interest       yield/rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets:
 Interest-earning
  assets:
 Loans and loans held
  for sale                 $  8,753,421 $  236,667        5.41  %
 Securities and
  short-term investments      4,202,817         98,231        4.77 (e)
                          -------------     ----------     --------
    Total interest-earning
     assets                  12,956,238        334,898        5.20
                                            ----------
 Noninterest-earning assets     942,439
                          -------------
    Total assets           $ 13,898,677
                          =============

Liabilities and Shareholders'
 Equity:
 Interest-bearing
  liabilities:
 Interest-bearing
  deposits                 $  6,786,871 $   58,168        1.73  %
 Noninterest-bearing
  deposits                      970,530              -           -
 Federal Home Loan Bank
  advances                    2,483,365         47,077        3.77
 Repurchase agreements and
  other borrowings            2,077,451         13,035        1.25
 Senior notes and subordinated
  debt                          311,635         10,609        6.81
                          -------------     ----------     --------
   Total interest-bearing
    liabilities              12,629,852        128,889        2.04
                                            ----------
 Noninterest-bearing
  liabilities                    75,137
                          -------------
   Total liabilities         12,704,989

Capital securities and
 preferred stock of
 subsidiary corporation         127,133

Shareholders' equity          1,066,555
                          -------------
   Total liabilities and
    shareholders' equity   $ 13,898,677
                          =============
                                               206,009
 Less: tax-equivalent adjustment                  (714)
                                             ----------

 Net interest income                        $  205,295
                                           ===========
 Interest-rate spread                                         3.16  %
                                                           ========
 Net interest margin                                          3.20  %
                                                           ========

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Average Statements of Condition (unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,                    2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fully tax-
                              Average                       equivalent
(Dollars in thousands)        balance(a)    Interest        yield/rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets:
 Interest-earning
  assets:
 Loans and loans held
  for sale                 $  7,149,701 $  225,522        6.31  %
 Securities and
  short-term investments      4,090,213        119,539        5.91 (e)
                          -------------     ----------     --------
   Total interest-earning
    assets                   11,239,914        345,061        6.16
                                            ----------
 Noninterest-earning
  assets                        845,076
                          -------------
   Total assets            $ 12,084,990
                          =============


 Interest-bearing
  liabilities:
 Interest-bearing
  deposits                 $  6,263,392 $   76,618        2.47  %
 Noninterest-bearing
  deposits                      858,925              -           -
 Federal Home Loan Bank
  advances                    2,330,473         52,278        4.46
 Repurchase agreements and
  other borrowings            1,240,582         10,936        1.75
 Senior notes and subordinated
  debt                          126,000          5,580        8.86
                          -------------     ----------     --------
   Total interest-bearing
    liabilities              10,819,372        145,412        2.69
                                            ----------
 Noninterest-bearing
  liabilities                    79,751
                          -------------
   Total liabilities         10,899,123

 Capital securities and
  preferred stock of
   subsidiary corporation       157,754

 Shareholders' equity         1,028,113
                          -------------
   Total liabilities and
    shareholders' equity   $ 12,084,990
                          =============
                                               199,649
 Less: tax-equivalent adjustment                  (601)
                                              ---------

 Net interest income                        $  199,048
                                            ==========

 Interest-rate spread                                         3.47  %
                                                           ========
 Net interest margin                                          3.56  %
                                                           ========

 See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Quality (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                              At or for the Three Months Ended,
                            ------------------------------------

(Dollars in          June 30,  March 31, Dec. 31,  Sept. 30,  June 30,
 thousands)           2003      2003       2002      2002      2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Nonperforming Assets
--------------------

Nonperforming loans:
 Commercial:
  Commercial          $ 27,881 $ 27,784 $ 16,001 $ 19,000 $ 21,626
  Specialized industry   3,399     3,399     3,399    27,231    3,399
  Equipment financing    8,722     8,960     6,586     5,559    6,531
                     -------------------------------------------------
     Total commercial   40,002    40,143    25,986    51,790   31,556

 Commercial real estate  4,920     6,910     9,109    10,124    9,506
 Residential             6,596     5,712     7,263     5,521    5,991
 Consumer                  767     1,510       894     1,062    1,409
                     -------------------------------------------------

Total nonperforming
 loans                  52,285    54,275    43,252    68,497   48,462
                     -------------------------------------------------

Loans held for sale          -     3,444     3,706         -        -
                     -------------------------------------------------

Other real estate owned and
 repossessed assets:
 Commercial              4,224     3,967     2,568     3,007    2,294
 Residential               520       234       477       686      635
 Consumer                    9         1        32        12      170
                     -------------------------------------------------

Total other real estate
 owned and repossessed
  assets                 4,753     4,202     3,077     3,705    3,099
                     -------------------------------------------------

Total nonperforming
 assets               $ 57,038 $ 61,921 $ 50,035 $ 72,202 $ 51,561
                     =================================================


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Classified Loans
----------------------------

 Substandard:
  Accruing            $ 62,064 $ 74,398 $ 70,245 $102,436 $106,281
  Nonaccruing           44,313    45,005    38,994    62,170   43,634
                     -------------------------------------------------
    Total substandard  106,377   119,403   109,239   164,606  149,915

 Doubtful:
  Accruing                   -         -         -         3        6
  Nonaccruing            6,617     7,279     3,743     3,724    3,808
                     -------------------------------------------------
     Total doubtful      6,617     7,279     3,743     3,727    3,814

 Loss                        -         -         -         -        -
                     -------------------------------------------------

 Total classified
  loans               $112,994 $126,682 $112,982 $168,333 $153,729
                     =================================================

Classified as a
 percent of loans          1.3%      1.5%      1.4%      2.1%    2.1%
                     -------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for Loan Losses (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                             At or for the Three Months Ended,
                          -------------------------------------

(Dollars in          June 30,  March 31, Dec. 31,  Sept. 30,  June 30,
 thousands)            2003      2003     2002       2002       2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Allowance for Loan Losses
-------------------------

Beginning balance    $ 118,596 $ 116,804 $ 116,118 $  99,698 $ 98,930

 Allowance for purchased
  loans                      -       146         -    16,338        -
 Provision               5,000     5,000    16,000     5,000    4,000
 Write-down of loans
  transferred to held
   for sale                  -         -   (12,432)        -        -

  Charge-offs:
   Residential             160        78        84       249      187

  Commercial:
    Specialized industry   327         -     2,569     1,892      854
    All other
     commercial          4,232     3,601     1,031     3,029    2,498
                     -------------------------------------------------
      Total commercial   4,559     3,601     3,600     4,921    3,352

   Commercial real estate    -         -         -         -        -
   Consumer                153       195       220       246      250
                     -------------------------------------------------
      Total
       charge-offs       4,872     3,874     3,904     5,416    3,789
   Recoveries             (515)     (520)   (1,022)     (498)    (557)
                     -------------------------------------------------
      Net loan
       charge-offs       4,357     3,354     2,882     4,918    3,232
                     -------------------------------------------------

Ending balance       $ 119,239 $ 118,596 $ 116,804 $ 116,118 $ 99,698
                     =================================================


Asset Quality Ratios:
---------------------

Allowance for loan
losses / total loans      1.37 %    1.39 %    1.48 %    1.45 %   1.36%
Net charge-offs/ average
 loans (annualized)       0.20      0.16      0.14      0.26     0.18
Nonperforming loans /
 total loans              0.60      0.64      0.55      0.86     0.66
Nonperforming assets /
 total assets             0.39      0.43      0.37      0.54     0.41
Allowance for loan
 losses / nonperforming
  loans                 228.06    218.51    270.05    169.52   205.72

CONTACT: Webster Financial Corporation
Media Contact:
Clark Finley, 203-578-2429
cfinley@westerbank.com
or
Investor Contact:
Terry Mangan, 203-578-2318
tmangan@websterbank.com

SOURCE: Webster Financial Corporation