Webster Reports First Quarter 2008 Net Income of $24.4 Million; Earnings Per Share of $.47

Apr 22, 2008

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Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend of $.30 Per Share

Net income from continuing operations of $26.5 million or $.51 per diluted share

  • Sold Webster Insurance during the quarter; $2.1 million loss (net of tax) or $.04 loss per share from discontinued operations, primarily deal-related costs
  • Recorded provision for credit losses for continuing portfolio of $15.8 million; credit reserves at 1.21 percent of $12.2 billion continuing loan portfolio; overall credit reserves at 1.51 percent
  • Net interest margin improved to 3.27 percent; core deposits improved to 60.7 percent of total deposits
  • Added 140 Webster-branded ATM locations primarily in the Boston, Springfield, Worcester and Providence markets as part of expansion toward Boston
  • HSA Bank deposits and linked brokerage account balances grew 18 percent to $544 million
  • Definitive agreement to sell Webster Risk Services; deal expected to close in second quarter 2008
  • Earnings optimization initiative underway ("OneWebster"); results to be announced in late second quarter 2008

WATERBURY, Conn., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A., today announced net income of $24.4 million or $.47 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2008, compared to a net loss of $8.7 million or $.16 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2007 and $35.0 million in net income or $.62 in earnings per share for the first quarter of 2007. Results in the first quarter of 2008 include the benefit of $2.3 million ($1.5 million net of tax) or $.03 per share in connection with the Visa initial public offering and a partial release of the Visa related litigation reserve established in the fourth quarter of 2007 and also reflects other charges recorded in the quarter aggregating $.09 per share.

First Quarter 2008 Earnings Per Share Reconciliation (on reported net income):

    Reported diluted EPS                                   $0.47
      Adjustments:
        Discontinued operations - Webster Insurance         0.04
        Visa transaction                                   (0.03)
        Increase in tax expense under FIN 48                0.03
        Direct investment write-down                        0.01
        Securities write-down                               0.01
        Adjusted diluted EPS                               $0.53


Commenting on the quarter, Jim Smith, chairman and chief executive officer, said, "While deteriorating credit conditions have, as expected, affected provisioning and charge-offs in the first quarter, we are pleased with the stability of the net interest margin, quality loan growth and expense control. Given the weakening economy, we expect that credit conditions will remain challenging in future quarters, possibly through year end or potentially longer. We believe that Webster is positioned to manage effectively through this down leg of the economic cycle given our solid capital position, credit reserves and liquidity as well as improving core operating results. We are focused on completing the OneWebster initiative we started earlier this year, which should have a meaningful, positive impact on future operating results."

Webster announced today that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.30 per common share. The dividend is payable on May 19, 2008 to shareholders of record on May 5, 2008. This is the 83rd consecutive quarterly dividend since Webster first paid a dividend in 1987.

Webster will provide details on its performance on the first quarter earnings conference call at 9:00 a.m. today EDT (refer to details for the conference call at the end of this release). Additional details are also available on our website at http://www.wbst.com.

The results of the quarter include a loss of $2.1 million or $.04 per share from discontinued operations in connection with the sale of Webster Insurance, which occurred on February 1, 2008. As part of the transaction, Webster retained Webster Risk Services, a third-party workers' compensation administrator of claims. Webster announced today that it had reached a definitive agreement to sell Webster Risk Services and anticipates closing in the second quarter of 2008.

Webster had several other charges specific to the quarter. The first was a $709,000 write-down in value in a direct investment based on management's assessment that the decline in market value of the underlying securities will not be recovered in the near term. Webster also recorded a $544,000 charge related to the other-than-temporary impairment of equity securities classified as available for sale. Webster also recognized $1.7 million in tax expense during the quarter for a prior tax position that, in accordance with the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes ("FIN 48"), no longer met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold.

As previously announced, Webster launched an earnings optimization program ("OneWebster") in January 2008, assigning senior officers from each line of business and shared services area to teams dedicated to enhance revenues and reduce expenses. Harvest Earnings Group, LLC, whose principals have significant expertise in this area, is assisting with this employee-led program. The effort to improve operating efficiency will be implemented through the end of the year and into 2009. The company anticipates that some job eliminations and other related charges will occur as a result of this initiative.

                                   Revenues

Total revenue, which consists of net interest income plus total noninterest income, totaled $172.7 million in the first quarter compared to total revenue of $170.7 million in the fourth quarter and $175.4 million a year ago.

Net interest income totaled $124.9 million in the first quarter compared to $122.7 million in the fourth quarter and $128.1 million a year ago. The $2.2 million increase from the fourth quarter mostly reflects reduced funding costs while the $3.2 million reduction in net interest income from a year ago reflects a lower net interest margin. The net interest margin was 3.27 percent in the first quarter of 2008 compared to 3.26 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 3.41 percent a year ago. The improvement from the fourth quarter is the result of replacing higher cost certificates of deposit with lower cost borrowings and core deposits, while the 14 basis point reduction from a year ago relates to stock buyback activity undertaken in 2007 coupled with the negative near-term impact of recent Fed Funds rate reductions and higher levels of nonaccrual loans. The spread between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.20 percent in the first quarter compared to 3.18 percent in the fourth quarter and 3.32 percent a year ago.

Total noninterest income was $47.8 million in the first quarter compared to $48.0 million in the fourth quarter and $47.4 million a year ago. First quarter 2008 results include the impact of several items specific to the quarter including a $1.6 million gain from the Visa IPO; a $709,000 write-down in value in a direct investment based on management's assessment that the decline in market value of the underlying securities will not be recovered in the near term and a $544,000 other-than-temporary impairment charge related to equity securities classified as available for sale. Deposit service fees totaled $28.4 million compared to $30.6 million in the fourth quarter and $25.4 million a year ago. The 12 percent increase from a year ago partly reflects the implementation of a new consumer fee structure during 2007 while the decline from the fourth quarter is due to seasonal factors. Loan-related fees were $6.9 million compared to $7.3 million in the fourth quarter and $7.9 million a year ago. The decline in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the first quarter of 2007 is primarily due to reduced prepayment fee income, and the decline in the first quarter of 2008 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2007 is the result of reduced servicing-related income. Wealth and investment services revenues totaled $7.0 million compared to $7.5 million in the fourth quarter and $6.9 million a year ago. Income from mortgage banking activities was $0.7 million in the first quarter compared to income of $1.3 million in the fourth quarter and $2.2 million a year ago. The decline from each period reflects the recent decision to exit the national wholesale mortgage business. Other noninterest income was $1.8 million compared to $2.1 million in the fourth quarter and $1.9 million a year ago.

                         Provision For Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses was $15.8 million compared to $45.25 million in the fourth quarter and $3.0 million a year ago. $40.0 million of provision in the fourth quarter was to increase the allowance for credit losses in conjunction with the company's decision to place into a liquidating portfolio $424.0 million of loans from discontinued indirect residential construction lending and indirect out of market home equity lending. At March 31, 2008, the liquidating portfolio totaled $395.0 million.

Net loan charge-offs from the continuing portfolios totaled $15.8 million in the first quarter, and net charge-offs of $4.3 million and $3.5 million were recorded respectively against the discontinued indirect national construction loans and indirect, out-of-market home equity loans in the liquidating portfolio.

The allowance for credit losses, which consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded credit commitments, was $189.8 million or 1.51 percent of total loans at March 31, 2008, compared to 1.58 percent at December 31, 2007 and 1.24 percent at March 31, 2007. Of the total allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2008, $147.7 million was allocated toward the continuing portfolio, or 1.21 percent of continuing loans. $42.1 million was allocated to the liquidating portfolio, or 10.67 percent of liquidating loans.

                             Noninterest Expenses

Total noninterest expenses were $116.1 million in the first quarter compared to $120.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 and $121.2 million a year ago. The first quarter includes $5.0 million of seasonally higher compensation costs compared to the fourth quarter, primarily related to payroll taxes and benefits. The first quarter of 2008 includes a credit for the partial release of the Visa-related litigation reserve of $650,000 established in the fourth quarter of 2007. The fourth and the first quarter of 2007 included $6.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively, of severance and other costs.

                                 Income Taxes

The effective tax rate applicable to continuing operations for the first quarter was 35.1%. Excluding the effects of the $1.7 million of tax expense specific to the quarter as outlined above, the rate was 31.0%, as compared to 31.6% a year ago. The effective tax rate is subject to volatility from quarter to quarter due to the interim-period recognition provisions of FIN 48.

                             Balance Sheet Trends

Total assets were $17.2 billion at March 31, 2008 compared to $16.9 billion a year ago. Total loans were $12.6 billion compared to $12.5 billion in the fourth quarter and $12.3 billion a year ago. Commercial real estate and Commercial & Industrial loans grew in the first quarter by $192 million, while consumer and residential mortgage loans declined by $61 million and $6 million, respectively. Given the recent disruption in the capital markets, the company has seen more opportunities to book high quality, low loan to value loans. Securities totaled $2.9 billion compared to $2.4 billion a year ago, offsetting a decline in loans held for sale of $448 million.

Total deposits were $12.1 billion, a decrease of $0.4 billion or 3 percent from a year ago, as brokered certificates of deposits declined $249 million and other certificates of deposit declined $270 million from a year ago. Somewhat offsetting these declines was an increase in core deposits of $104 million. Borrowings totaled $3.2 billion or an increase of $1.0 billion, primarily in repurchase agreements, from a year ago. Short-term borrowings have represented an attractive alternative to certificates of deposits given recent market conditions.

Book value per common share of $32.71 at March 31, 2008 compared to $33.65 a year ago. Tangible book value per share was $18.36 at March 31, 2008 compared to $20.23 a year ago. The ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets was 5.77 percent at March 31, 2008 compared to 6.99 percent a year ago, due to the effect of share buybacks undertaken in 2007 and an increase in unrealized losses on securities classified as available for sale. Webster's projected Tier 1 leverage ratio is 7.88 percent at March 31, 2008 compared to 8.34 percent a year ago, and projected total risk based capital ratio is 11.20 percent at March 31, 2008 compared with 12.18 percent a year ago. Given the target levels the company has established for tangible, leverage and total risk based capital, it does not intend to repurchase its stock at least until target levels are achieved.

                                Asset Quality

Non-performing assets for the continuing portfolios totaled $113.3 million or 0.93 percent of total loans and other real estate owned at March 31, 2008 compared to $91.2 million or 0.76 percent at December 31, 2007. The increase in non-performing assets from continuing portfolios was primarily comprised of $8.3 million in commercial real estate, $3.9 million in residential, $2.6 million in home equity and $4.6 million in other real estate owned. Non- performing loans in the liquidating indirect national construction and indirect out of footprint home equity portfolio totaled $29.8 million and $9.4 million at March 31, 2008, respectively compared to $22.8 million and $7.1 million at December 31, 2007 and $2.6 million and $2.7 million a year ago.

Past due loans for the continuing portfolios totaled $97.5 million at March 31, 2008 compared to $77.0 million at December 31, 2007. The increase in past due loans from these portfolios consisted primarily of $18.6 million in commercial real estate, $8 million of which was related to delayed extensions of credit related to tax credit issues and not payment issues, and these issues are expected to be resolved in the second quarter of 2008. Past due loans for the liquidating portfolio totaled $15.5 million at March 31, 2008, down from $21.9 million at December 31, 2007, primarily from a decline in indirect national construction loans.

The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans for the continuing portfolios was 147 percent at March 31, 2008 compared to 178 percent at December 31, 2007. At March 31, 2008, the $42.1 million allowance for the discontinued indirect portfolios was 108 percent of non-performing loans from the discontinued portfolios compared to 167 percent at December 31, 2007.

Webster Financial Corporation is the holding company for Webster Bank, National Association. With $17.2 billion in assets, Webster provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, insurance, financial planning, trust and investment services through 181 banking offices, 484 ATMs, telephone banking and the Internet. Webster Bank owns the asset-based lending firm Webster Business Credit Corporation, the insurance premium finance company Budget Installment Corp., Center Capital Corporation, an equipment finance company headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut and provides health savings account trustee and administrative services through HSA Bank, Member FDIC and equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.WebsterOnline.com.

CONTACT: Webster Bank
Media:
Ed Steadham 203-578-2287
esteadham@websterbank.com
or
Investor:
Terry Mangan 203-578-2318
tmangan@websterbank.com

Conference Call

A conference call covering Webster's first quarter earnings announcement will be held today, Tuesday, April 22, at 9:00 a.m. EDT and may be heard through Webster's investor relations website at www.wbst.com, or in listen-only mode by calling 1-877-407-8289 or 201-689-8341 internationally. The call will be archived on the website and available for future retrieval.

Forward-looking Statements

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 2007. Except as required by law, Webster does not undertake to update any such forward looking information.

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 and other performance ratios, as adjusted, is included in the accompanying selected financial highlights table.

We believe that providing certain non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with information useful in understanding our financial performance, our performance trends and financial position. Specifically, we provide measures based on what we believe are our operating earnings on a consistent basis and exclude non-core operating items which affect the GAAP reporting of results of operations. We utilize these measures for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We, as well as securities analysts, investors and other interested parties, also use these measures to compare peer company operating performance. We believe that our presentation and discussion, together with the accompanying reconciliations, provides a complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business and allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to management. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results and we strongly encourage investors to review our consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

    WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    Selected Financial Highlights (unaudited)
                                                     At or for the Three
                                                    Months Ended March 31,
    (In thousands, except per share data)            2008         2007 ( c )

    Net income and performance ratios
     (annualized):

    Net income                                     $24,365         $35,036
    Net income per diluted common share               0.47            0.62
    Return on average shareholders' equity            5.62%           7.39%
    Return on average tangible equity                 9.95           12.31
    Return on average assets                          0.57            0.83

    Income from continuing operations and
     performance ratios (annualized):

    Income from continuing operations              $26,489         $35,080
    Net income from continuing operations
     per diluted common share                         0.51            0.62
    Return on average shareholders' equity            6.11%           7.40%
    Return on average tangible equity                10.82           12.33
    Return on average assets                          0.62            0.83
    Noninterest income as a percentage of
     total revenue                                   27.71           26.99
    Efficiency ratio (a)                             67.23           69.06

    Asset quality:

    Allowance for credit losses                   $189,808        $152,660
    Nonperforming assets                           153,984          64,830
    Allowance for credit losses / total loans         1.51%           1.24%
    Net charge-offs / average loans (annualized)      0.75            0.17
    Nonperforming loans / total loans                 1.11            0.48
    Nonperforming assets / total loans plus OREO      1.22            0.53
    Allowance for credit losses /
     nonperforming loans                            135.87          259.23

    Other ratios (annualized):

    Tangible capital ratio                            5.77%           6.99%
    Shareholders' equity / total assets               9.96           11.27
    Interest-rate spread                              3.20            3.32
    Net interest margin                               3.27            3.41

    Share related:

    Book value per common share                     $32.71          $33.65
    Tangible book value per common share             18.36           20.23
    Common stock closing price                       27.87           48.01
    Dividends declared per common share               0.30            0.27

    Common shares issued and outstanding            52,490          56,530
    Basic shares (average)                          52,001          56,113
    Diluted shares (average)                        52,297          56,762

    Footnotes:
    (a)  Noninterest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus
         noninterest income.
    (b)  For purposes of the yield computation, unrealized gains (losses) on
         securities available for sale are excluded from the average balance.
    (c ) Certain previously reported information has been reclassified for the
         effect of reporting Webster Insurance as discontinued operations.
    (d)  NCLC is defined as National Construction Lending Center.



    Consolidated Statements of Condition   (unaudited)

                                          March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (In thousands)                          2008          2007       2007( c )

    Assets:

    Cash and due from depository
     institutions                          $274,321     $306,654     $269,061
    Short-term investments                    4,042        5,112        6,161

    Securities:
      Trading, at fair value                  1,049        2,340       14,076
      Available for sale, at fair value     760,502      639,364      283,992
      Held-to-maturity                    2,091,918    2,107,227    2,066,763
        Total securities                  2,853,469    2,748,931    2,364,831

    Federal Home Loan Bank and
     Federal Reserve Bank stock             117,213      110,962      110,962
    Loans held for sale                       8,223      221,568      456,033

    Loans:
      Residential mortgages               3,635,314    3,641,602    3,739,221
      Commercial                          3,571,954    3,516,213    3,444,612
      Commercial real estate              2,196,110    2,059,881    1,936,650
      Consumer                            3,197,591    3,258,247    3,182,765
        Total loans                      12,600,969   12,475,943   12,303,248
    Allowance for loan losses              (180,308)    (188,086)    (145,367)
        Loans, net                       12,420,661   12,287,857   12,157,881

    Accrued interest receivable              77,593       80,432       86,878
    Premises and equipment, net             192,928      193,063      191,918
    Goodwill and other intangible
     assets, net                            766,467      768,015      775,998
    Cash surrender value of life
     insurance                              271,947      269,366      261,852
    Assets held for disposition               6,912       51,603       66,388
    Prepaid expenses and other assets       249,786      158,397      130,636

    Total Assets                        $17,243,562  $17,201,960  $16,878,599

    Liabilities and Shareholders'
     Equity:

    Deposits:
      Demand deposits                    $1,475,258   $1,538,083   $1,505,074
      NOW accounts                        1,825,963    1,718,757    1,761,178
      Money market deposit accounts       1,704,655    1,828,656    1,887,602
      Savings accounts                    2,361,522    2,259,747    2,109,866
      Certificates of deposit             4,564,887    4,772,624    4,834,440
      Brokered deposits                     211,007      236,291      460,230
        Total deposits                   12,143,292   12,354,158   12,558,390

    Securities sold under agreements
     to repurchase and other
     short-term debt                      1,642,320    1,238,012      943,802
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances         869,079    1,052,228      655,709
    Long-term debt                          666,891      650,643      623,091
    Reserve for unfunded credit
     commitments                              9,500        9,500        7,293
    Liabilities held for disposition            806        9,261        7,617
    Accrued expenses and other
     liabilities                            185,381      141,949      170,835
        Total liabilities                15,517,269   15,455,751   14,966,737

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

    Shareholders' equity                  1,716,716    1,736,632    1,902,285

    Total Liabilities and
     Shareholders' Equity               $17,243,562  $17,201,960  $16,878,599

    See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.



    Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

                                                     Three Months Ended
                                                          March 31,
    (In thousands, except per share data)           2008               2007

    Interest income:
    Loans                                        $191,272           $209,164
    Securities and short-term investments          39,332             33,280
    Loans held for sale                             1,400              6,249
        Total interest income                     232,004            248,693

    Interest expense:
    Deposits                                       75,242             87,630
    Borrowings                                     31,906             32,982
        Total interest expense                    107,148            120,612

        Net interest income                       124,856            128,081
    Provision for credit losses                    15,800              3,000
        Net interest income after
         provision for credit losses              109,056            125,081

    Noninterest income:
    Deposit service fees                           28,433             25,354
    Loan related fees                               6,858              7,940
    Wealth and investment services                  6,956              6,878
    Mortgage banking activities                       740              2,229
    Increase in cash surrender value of
     life insurance                                 2,581              2,534
    Gain on sale of securities, net                   123                541
    Other                                           1,784              1,878
                                                   47,475             47,354
    Visa share redemption                           1,625                  -
    Loss on write-down of investments
     to fair value                                 (1,253)                 -
        Total noninterest income                   47,847             47,354

    Noninterest expenses:
    Compensation and benefits                      63,443             61,535
    Occupancy                                      13,682             12,561
    Furniture and equipment                        15,160             14,558
    Intangible amortization                         1,548              3,322
    Marketing                                       3,643              4,188
    Professional services                           4,153              4,511
    Other                                          15,132             15,964
                                                  116,761            116,639
    Severance and other costs                        (650)             4,522
        Total noninterest expenses                116,111            121,161

    Income from continuing operations
     before income taxes                           40,792             51,274
    Income taxes                                   14,303             16,194
        Income from continuing operations          26,489             35,080
    Loss from discontinued operations,
     net of tax                                    (2,124)               (44)
        Net income                                $24,365            $35,036

    Diluted shares (average)                       52,297             56,762

    Net income per common share:
    Basic
        Income from continuing operations           $0.51              $0.63
        Net income                                   0.47               0.62
    Diluted
        Income from continuing operations            0.51               0.62
        Net income                                   0.47               0.62

    See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.



    Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

                                            Three Months Ended
    (In thousands, except    March 31,  Dec. 31, Sept. 30,  June 30, March 31,
     per share data)           2008      2007      2007      2007      2007

    Interest income:
    Loans                    $191,272  $205,363  $212,847  $210,337  $209,164
    Securities and short-
     term investments          39,332    36,318    34,163    32,563    33,280
    Loans held for sale         1,400     3,276     4,616     7,419     6,249
      Total interest income   232,004   244,957   251,626   250,319   248,693

    Interest expense:
    Deposits                   75,242    89,510    94,484    89,683    87,630
    Borrowings                 31,906    32,748    30,083    30,283    32,982
      Total interest expense  107,148   122,258   124,567   119,966   120,612

      Net interest income     124,856   122,699   127,059   130,353   128,081
    Provision for credit
     losses                    15,800    45,250    15,250     4,250     3,000
      Net interest income
       after provision for
       credit losses          109,056    77,449   111,809   126,103   125,081

    Noninterest income:
    Deposit service fees       28,433    30,577    29,956    28,758    25,354
    Loan related fees           6,858     7,328     7,661     7,901     7,940
    Wealth and investment
     services                   6,956     7,507     7,142     7,637     6,878
    Mortgage banking
     activities                   740     1,276     1,849     3,962     2,229
    Increase in cash
     surrender value of life
     insurance                  2,581     2,637     2,629     2,586     2,534
    Gain on sale of
     securities, net              123       195       482       503       541
    Other                       1,784     2,094     1,688     2,025     1,878
                               47,475    51,614    51,407    53,372    47,354
    VISA share redemption       1,625         -         -         -         -
    Loss on write-down of
     investments to fair
     value                     (1,253)   (3,565)        -         -         -
    Gain on Webster Capital
     Trust I and II
     securities                     -         -         -     2,130         -
       Total noninterest
        income                 47,847    48,049    51,407    55,502    47,354

    Noninterest expenses:
    Compensation and
     benefits                  63,443    59,910    61,171    61,954    61,535
    Occupancy                  13,682    12,321    11,932    12,564    12,561
    Furniture and equipment    15,160    15,353    14,846    15,014    14,558
    Intangible amortization     1,548     1,881     2,027     3,144     3,322
    Marketing                   3,643     1,727     4,123     4,175     4,188
    Professional services       4,153     3,721     3,625     3,181     4,511
    Other                      15,132    18,513    15,377    16,224    15,964
                              116,761   113,426   113,101   116,256   116,639
    Debt redemption premium         -         -         -     8,940         -
    Severance and other costs    (650)    6,898       452     3,736     4,522
      Total noninterest
       expenses               116,111   120,324   113,553   128,932   121,161

    Income from continuing
     operations before
     income taxes              40,792     5,174    49,663    52,673    51,274
    Income taxes               14,303         5    15,088    16,801    16,194
      Income from
       continuing
       operations              26,489     5,169    34,575    35,872    35,080
    (Loss) income from
     discontinued
     operations, net of tax    (2,124)  (13,867)      393      (405)      (44)
      Net income (loss)       $24,365   $(8,698)  $34,968   $35,467   $35,036

    Diluted shares (average)   52,297    52,795    54,259    56,243    56,762

    Net income per common
     share:
    Basic
      Income from
       continuing
       operations               $0.51     $0.10     $0.64     $0.64     $0.63
      Net income (loss)          0.47     (0.17)     0.65      0.64      0.62
    Diluted
      Income from
       continuing
       operations                0.51      0.10      0.64      0.64      0.62
      Net income (loss)          0.47     (0.16)     0.64      0.63      0.62

      See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.



    Interest-Rate Spread   (unaudited)
                                                 Three Months Ended
                                March    December September    June     March
                                  31,       31,       30,       30,       31,
                                 2008      2007      2007      2007      2007

    Interest-rate spread
    Yield on interest-earning
     assets                      6.02%     6.42%     6.61%     6.62%     6.61%
    Cost of interest-bearing
     liabilities                 2.82      3.24      3.32      3.25      3.29
        Interest-rate spread     3.20%     3.18%     3.29%     3.37%     3.32%

        Net interest margin      3.27%     3.26%     3.38%     3.47%     3.41%



    Consolidated Average Statements of Condition   (unaudited)

    Three Months Ended March 31,                            2008
                                                                    Fully tax-
                                              Average               equivalent
    (Dollars in thousands)                    balance     Interest  yield/rate

    Assets:
      Interest-earning assets:
      Loans                                 $12,540,115    $191,272    6.08%
      Securities (b)                          2,838,688      41,300    5.75
      Loans held for sale                        96,372       1,400    5.81
      Federal Home Loan and Federal
       Reserve Bank stock                       116,197       1,673    5.79
      Short-term investments                      3,690          37    3.98
        Total interest-earning assets        15,595,062     235,682    6.02
      Noninterest-earning assets              1,538,898
        Total assets                        $17,133,960

    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
      Interest-bearing liabilities:
      Demand deposits                        $1,437,553          $-       -%
      Savings, NOW and money market
       deposit accounts                       5,796,671      24,180    1.67
      Time deposits                           4,938,280      51,062    4.15
        Total deposits                       12,172,504      75,242    2.49
      Securities sold under agreements to
       repurchase and other short-term debt   1,359,763      11,219    3.26
      Federal Home Loan Bank advances         1,039,936       9,879    3.76
      Long-term debt                            658,789      10,808    6.56
        Total borrowings                      3,058,488      31,906    4.14
        Total interest-bearing liabilities   15,230,992     107,148    2.82
      Noninterest-bearing liabilities           160,546
        Total liabilities                    15,391,538

      Preferred stock of subsidiary
       corporation                                9,577

      Shareholders' equity                    1,732,845
        Total liabilities and
         shareholders' equity               $17,133,960
      Tax-equivalent net interest income                    128,534
      Less: tax-equivalent adjustment                        (3,678)

      Net interest income                                  $124,856

      Interest-rate spread                                             3.20%
      Net interest margin                                              3.27%


    Three Months Ended March 31,                            2007
                                                                    Fully tax-
                                              Average               equivalent
    (Dollars in thousands)                    balance     Interest  yield/rate

    Assets:
      Interest-earning assets:
      Loans                                 $12,445,025    $209,164    6.74%
      Securities (b)                          2,180,998      31,722    5.85
      Loans held for sale                       394,102       6,249    6.34
      Federal Home Loan and Federal
       Reserve Bank stock                       122,193       2,481    8.23
      Short-term investments                    117,584       1,585    5.39
        Total interest-earning assets        15,259,902     251,201    6.61
      Noninterest-earning assets              1,602,979
        Total assets                        $16,862,881

    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
      Interest-bearing liabilities:
      Demand deposits                        $1,505,598          $-       -%
      Savings, NOW and money market
       deposit accounts                       5,567,702      28,762    2.10
      Time deposits                           5,303,759      58,868    4.50
        Total deposits                       12,377,059      87,630    2.87
      Securities sold under agreements to
       repurchase and other short-term debt     883,172       9,878    4.47
      Federal Home Loan Bank advances           918,125      10,909    4.75
      Long-term debt                            620,451      12,195    7.86
        Total borrowings                      2,421,748      32,982    5.45
        Total interest-bearing
         liabilities                         14,798,807     120,612    3.29
      Noninterest-bearing liabilities           157,247
        Total liabilities                    14,956,054

      Preferred stock of subsidiary
       corporation                                9,577

      Shareholders' equity                    1,897,250
        Total liabilities and
         shareholders' equity               $16,862,881
      Tax-equivalent net interest income                    130,589
      Less: tax-equivalent adjustment                        (2,508)

      Net interest income                                  $128,081

      Interest-rate spread                                             3.32%
      Net interest margin                                              3.41%

      See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.



    Nonperforming Assets (unaudited)
                              March 31,  Dec. 31, Sept. 30, June 30, March 31,
    (Dollars in thousands)        2008      2007      2007     2007     2007

    Nonperforming loans:
      Continuing Portfolio:
        Commercial:
          Commercial             $30,264   $26,804   $25,845  $20,142  $13,679
          Equipment financing      5,719     6,473     5,054    2,584    2,405
            Total commercial      35,983    33,277    30,899   22,726   16,084

        Commercial real estate    21,211    12,896    14,238   12,242   18,524
        Residential:
          Residential
           construction to
           permanent               4,200     2,820         -        -        -
          All other               22,042    19,532    14,811   13,288   10,838
            Total residential     26,242    22,352    14,811   13,288   10,838

        Consumer                  17,084    14,455    12,688    8,164    8,114
        Nonperforming loans -
         continuing portfolio    100,520    82,980    72,636   56,420   53,560

     Liquidating Portfolio:
          NCLC (d)                29,804    22,797    18,486   13,395    2,635
          Consumer                 9,378     7,126     4,199    2,711    2,694
        Nonperforming loans -
         liquidating portfolio    39,182    29,923    22,685   16,106    5,329
    Total nonperforming loans    139,702   112,903    95,321   72,526   58,889

    Other real estate owned
     and repossessed assets:
        Commercial                 6,590     2,211     5,233    3,950    4,833
        Residential                1,820     1,062       985      711      350
        Consumer                   5,872     4,896     2,635    1,467      758
    Total other real estate
     owned and repossessed
     assets                       14,282     8,169     8,853    6,128    5,941

    Total nonperforming assets  $153,984  $121,072  $104,174  $78,654  $64,830

    Accruing loans 90 or more
     days past due                $1,032    $1,891    $1,286   $2,088   $4,636

    See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.



    Past Due Loans (unaudited)
                              March 31,  Dec. 31, Sept. 30, June 30, March 31,
    (Dollars in thousands)        2008      2007     2007     2007     2007

    Past Due 30-89 days:
      Continuing Portfolio:
        Commercial:
          Commercial            $10,229   $13,291    4,237    9,999   20,537
          Equipment financing    10,269     5,644    3,057    3,355    3,582
            Total commercial     20,498    18,935    7,294   13,354   24,119
        Commercial real estate   30,654    12,054   21,017   13,452    6,429
        Residential:
          Residential
           construction to
           permanent              3,339     3,743    1,656      536        -
          All other              22,295    19,967   22,501   14,556   10,354
            Total residential    25,634    23,710   24,157   15,092   10,354
        Consumer                 20,721    22,347   17,836   17,005    6,801
        Past Due 30-89 days -
         continuing portfolio    97,507    77,046   70,304   58,903   47,703

      Liquidating Portfolio:
          NCLC (d)                4,983    13,143   10,209    9,037    1,835
          Consumer               10,473     8,793    7,815    5,379    2,815
        Past Due 30-89 days -
         liquidating portfolio   15,456    21,936   18,024   14,416    4,650

    Past Due 90 days or more:
        Commercial                  596     1,141    1,031    1,188    1,361
        Commercial real estate      436       750      255      900    3,275
          Total                $113,995  $100,873  $89,614  $75,407  $56,989

    See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.



    Allowance for Credit Losses (unaudited)

                                              For the Three Months Ended
                                           March 31,    Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)                   2008        2007        2007

    Beginning balance                      $197,586    $164,011    $152,750
      Provision                              15,800      45,250      15,250

    Charge-offs continuing portfolio:
        Commercial                           11,439       2,485       1,992
          Residential                         1,480          71         364
          Consumer                            3,697       1,833       1,613
        Charge-offs continuing portfolio:    16,616       4,389       3,969
    Recoveries                                 (827)     (1,611)     (1,018)
          Net loan charge-offs               15,789       2,778       2,951
    Charge-offs liquidating portfolio:
          NCLC (d)                            4,341       7,051          69
          Consumer                            3,448       1,846         969
        Charge-offs liquidating portfolio:    7,789       8,897       1,038
    Total net charge-offs                    23,578      11,675       3,989

    Ending balance                         $189,808    $197,586    $164,011

      Components:
        Allowance for loan losses          $180,308    $188,086    $154,532
        Reserve for unfunded credit
         commitments                          9,500       9,500       9,479
          Allowance for credit losses      $189,808    $197,586    $164,011

    Asset Quality Ratios:

    Allowance for loan losses /
     total loans                               1.43%       1.51%       1.24%
    Allowance for credit losses /
     total loans                               1.51        1.58        1.32
    Net charge-offs / average loans
     (annualized)                              0.75        0.38        0.13
    Nonperforming loans / total loans          1.11        0.90        0.77
    Nonperforming assets / total loans
     plus OREO                                 1.22        0.97        0.84
    Allowance for credit losses /
     nonperforming loans                     135.87      175.01      172.06

    Continuing Portfolio
    Allowance for loan losses /
     total loans                               1.13%       1.15%        n/a
    Allowance for credit losses /
     total loans                               1.21        1.23         n/a
    Net charge-offs / average loans
     (annualized)                              0.52        0.09         n/a
    Nonperforming loans / total loans          0.82        0.69         n/a
    Nonperforming assets / total loans
     plus OREO                                 0.93        0.76         n/a
    Allowance for credit losses /
     nonperforming loans                     146.92      177.98         n/a

    Liquidating Portfolio

    NCLC
    Allowance for loan losses /
     total loans                              18.77%      20.65%        n/a
    Net charge-offs / average loans
     (annualized)                             25.78       25.43         n/a
    Nonperforming loans / total loans         43.49       27.37         n/a
    Allowance for loan losses /
     nonperforming loans                      43.15       75.45         n/a

    Consumer
    Allowance for loan losses /
     total loans                               8.96%       9.60%        n/a
    Net charge-offs / average loans
     (annualized)                              4.20        2.17         n/a
    Nonperforming loans / total loans          2.87        2.09         n/a
    Allowance for loan losses /
     nonperforming loans                     312.09      458.88         n/a


    Allowance for Credit Losses (unaudited)
                                                 For the Three Months Ended
                                                 June 30,         March 31,
    (Dollars in thousands)                        2007              2007

    Beginning balance                           $152,660          $154,994
      Provision                                    4,250             3,000

    Charge-offs continuing portfolio:
        Commercial                                 2,034             2,293
           Residential                               286               442
           Consumer                                1,892             1,136
        Charge-offs continuing portfolio:          4,212             3,871
    Recoveries                                    (1,336)           (1,533)
          Net loan charge-offs                     2,876             2,338
    Charge-offs liquidating portfolio:
          NCLC (d)                                     -             2,139
          Consumer                                 1,284               857
        Charge-offs liquidating
         portfolio:                                1,284             2,996
    Total net charge-offs                          4,160             5,334

    Ending balance                              $152,750          $152,660

      Components:
        Allowance for loan losses               $144,974          $145,367
        Reserve for unfunded credit
         commitments                               7,776             7,293
          Allowance for credit losses           $152,750          $152,660

    Asset Quality Ratios:

    Allowance for loan losses / total loans         1.17%             1.18%
    Allowance for credit losses / total loans       1.23              1.24
    Net charge-offs / average loans
     (annualized)                                   0.14              0.17
    Nonperforming loans / total loans               0.58              0.48
    Nonperforming assets / total loans
     plus OREO                                      0.63              0.53
    Allowance for credit losses /
     nonperforming loans                          210.61            259.23

    Continuing Portfolio
    Allowance for loan losses / total loans          n/a               n/a
    Allowance for credit losses / total loans        n/a               n/a
    Net charge-offs / average loans
     (annualized)                                    n/a               n/a
    Nonperforming loans / total loans                n/a               n/a
    Nonperforming assets / total loans
     plus OREO                                       n/a               n/a
    Allowance for credit losses /
     nonperforming loans                             n/a               n/a

    Liquidating Portfolio

    NCLC
    Allowance for loan losses / total loans          n/a               n/a
    Net charge-offs / average loans
     (annualized)                                    n/a               n/a
    Nonperforming loans / total loans                n/a               n/a
    Allowance for loan losses /
     nonperforming loans                             n/a               n/a

    Consumer
    Allowance for loan losses / total loans          n/a               n/a
    Net charge-offs / average loans
     (annualized)                                    n/a               n/a
    Nonperforming loans / total loans                n/a               n/a
    Allowance for loan losses /
     nonperforming loans                             n/a               n/a

    See Selected Financial Highlights for footnotes.

SOURCE Webster Financial Corporation

CONTACT:
Media Contact
Ed Steadham 203-578-2287
esteadham@websterbank.com
Investor Contact
Terry Mangan 203-578-2318
tmangan@websterbank.com


Web site: http://www.websteronline.com
http://www.wbst.com
(WBS)