Company: WBS-PG
Filing Date: 2025-03-03
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000801337-25-000004
Chunk: 199

Company: WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORP
Filing Date: 2025-03-03
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 199
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ceptions in the marketplace regarding us and/or our competitors;

•new technology used, or services offered, by competitors;

•significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors;

•changes in dividends and capital returns;

•issuance of additional shares of Webster common stock;

•changes in government regulations; and

•geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts, including any military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, or actions between Israel and its neighbors.

General market fluctuations, including real or anticipated changes in the strength of the economy, industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns or recessions, interest rate changes, credit loss trends, among other factors, could also cause our stock price to decrease regardless of operating results.

The Holding Company may not pay dividends to stockholders if it is not able to receive dividends from its subsidiary, Webster Bank. 

The Holding Company is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Bank and its non-banking subsidiaries. A substantial portion of the Holding Company’s revenues comes from dividends paid by the Bank. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends to common and preferred stockholders. Whether the Bank is able to pay dividends depends on its ability to generate sufficient net income and meet certain regulatory requirements, and the amount of such dividends may then be limited by federal and state laws. In certain circumstances, we will not be able to make a capital distribution unless the FRB approves such distribution. As a bank holding company, we also are required to consult with the FRB before increasing dividends or redeeming or repurchasing capital instruments. Additionally, the FRB could prohibit or limit our payment of dividends if it determines that payment of the dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. In the event the Bank is unable to pay the Holding Company dividends, we may not be able to pay dividends to our common and preferred stockholders. 

Changes in our accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially impact how we report our financial results.

Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to understanding how we record and report our results of operations and financial condition. Accordingly, we exercise judgment in selecting and applying these accounting policies and methods so they comply with GAAP. The FASB, SEC, and other regulatory bodies that establish accounting standards periodically change the financial accounting and reporting standards, or the interpretation of those standards, that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes are beyond our control, can be