Core Insights - WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings of 79 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 76 cents, with a year-over-year increase of 46% [1][8] Financial Performance - Quarterly net income available to common shareholders was $60.5 million, reflecting a 38.8% increase from the prior-year quarter, surpassing the estimate of $57.3 million [2] - Total net revenues were $191.4 million, an 11.8% increase year over year, although it fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $193.5 million [3] - Net interest income (NII) for the quarter was $171.1 million, up 10.1% year over year, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 2.70%, an increase of 31 basis points from the previous year [3] - Total non-interest income was $20.3 million, a 29% increase year over year, driven by higher other income and increased deposit fee income, exceeding the estimate of $19.8 million [4] - Total non-interest expenses decreased by 5% to $105.7 million, better than the estimate of $110.2 million [4] Efficiency and Returns - The efficiency ratio improved to 55.25%, down from 65.04% in the prior-year quarter, indicating enhanced profitability [5] - Return on average common equity rose to 8.86%, up from 6.42% in the prior-year quarter, while return on average assets increased to 0.96% from 0.69% [5] Loan and Deposit Trends - As of December 31, 2025, net loans receivable decreased by 5.8% year over year to $19.85 billion, below the projected $20.3 billion [6] - Total customer deposits remained stable at $21.42 billion, nearly flat year over year, compared to the estimate of $21.67 billion [6] Credit Quality - The allowance for credit losses was 1.05% of gross loans outstanding, up from 1.00% in the prior-year quarter, indicating a decline in credit quality [7] - The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased to 0.75% from 0.29%, with provisions for credit losses recorded at $3.5 million, compared to none in the previous year [7][8] Share Repurchase Activity - In the reported quarter, WAFD repurchased 1.95 million shares at a weighted average price of $29.75 per share [9] Market Outlook - The company is expected to benefit from declining interest rates, business restructuring, and a solid balance sheet, although it faces near-term challenges from a tough macroeconomic environment and deteriorating asset quality [10]

Core Viewpoint - WaFd, Inc. is expected to report improved earnings and revenue for the first quarter, indicating positive financial performance compared to the previous year [1]. Financial Performance - Analysts predict WaFd will report earnings of 75 cents per share for the first quarter, an increase from 62 cents per share in the same period last year [1]. - The consensus estimate for quarterly revenue is $192.83 million, up from $171.13 million a year earlier [1]. Company Developments - On January 8, WaFd announced the appointment of Colin Murphy as Regional President for Northern Oregon [2]. - WaFd shares experienced a decline of 1%, closing at $32.35 on Tuesday [2]. Analyst Ratings - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Kelly Motta maintained a Market Perform rating and reduced the price target from $32 to $31 [3]. - DA Davidson analyst Jeff Rulis maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $29 to $33 [3]. - Piper Sandler analyst Matthew Clark maintained a Neutral rating and increased the price target from $30 to $31 [3].

Company Overview - WaFd (WAFD) is based in Seattle and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 4.62% [3] - The company is the holding entity for Washington Federal Savings Bank and currently pays a dividend of $0.27 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.22% [3] Dividend Information - WaFd's current annualized dividend of $1.08 has increased by 0.9% from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, WaFd has raised its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 4.27% [4] - The company's payout ratio stands at 40%, indicating that it distributes 40% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WaFd's earnings in 2026 is projected at $3.06 per share, reflecting a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 12.50% [5] Investment Considerations - WaFd is considered a strong dividend investment opportunity, especially in the context of rising interest rates, where high-yielding stocks may face challenges [6] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting a stable investment outlook [6]

Core Insights - WaFd, Inc. has appointed Colin Murphy as the Regional President for Northern Oregon, focusing on commercial and retail banking strategies [1][2] - Murphy brings over 22 years of banking experience, with more than 15 years in commercial banking, previously leading a team at BMO/Bank of the West [1][2] - His leadership style emphasizes relationship management, market growth, and team empowerment in competitive environments [1][2] Company Overview - WaFd, Inc. is the parent company of WaFd Bank, a federally insured commercial bank operating in multiple states including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and California [4] - Established in 1917, WaFd Bank offers a range of services including consumer and commercial deposit accounts, financing for small to middle-market businesses, commercial and residential real estate, and insurance products [4]

WaFd (WAFD) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move ...

Core Insights - The primary focus for income investors is generating consistent cash flow from liquid investments, which can come from various sources including dividends [1][2] Company Overview - WaFd (WAFD), based in Seattle, operates in the Finance sector and has experienced a price change of 2.42% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.27 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.27%, which is higher than the Banks - West industry's yield of 2.89% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.4% [3] Dividend Analysis - WaFd's annualized dividend of $1.08 has increased by 0.9% from the previous year, with a historical average annual increase of 4.27% over the last five years [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 40%, indicating that it pays out 40% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WaFd's earnings in 2025 is $3.06 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 12.50% from the previous year [5] Investment Considerations - WaFd is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]

Company Overview - WaFd (WAFD) is based in Seattle and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of -0.31% [3] - The company is the holding entity for Washington Federal Savings Bank and currently pays a dividend of $0.27 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.36% [3] Dividend Performance - WaFd's current annualized dividend of $1.08 has increased by 0.9% from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, WaFd has raised its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 4.27% [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 40%, indicating that it distributes 40% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WaFd's earnings in 2025 is projected at $3.06 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 12.50% [5] Investment Considerations - WaFd is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] - The company is positioned well for income investors, especially in comparison to the Banks - West industry's yield of 2.99% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.45% [3]

Company Overview - WaFd (WAFD) is based in Seattle and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of -1.99% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.27 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.42%, which is higher than the Banks - West industry's yield of 3.12% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.54% [3] Dividend Performance - WaFd's current annualized dividend of $1.08 has increased by 0.9% from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, WaFd has raised its dividend 5 times, achieving an average annual increase of 4.27% [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 40%, indicating that it pays out 40% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WaFd's earnings in 2025 is projected at $3.06 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 12.50% from the previous year [5] Investment Considerations - WaFd is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] - The company is positioned well for income investors, especially in contrast to high-growth firms that typically do not offer dividends [6]

Loan Losses and Credit Provisions - The allowance for loan losses decreased by $4,033,000, or 1.98%, from $203,753,000 as of September 30, 2024, to $199,720,000 at September 30, 2025[270]. - The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $7,750,000 in 2025, compared to a provision of $17,500,000 for 2024[270]. - Net charge-offs for the year ended September 30, 2025, were $11,783,000, compared to charge-offs of $1,356,000 in the prior year[270]. - The ratio of the total allowance for credit losses (ACL) to total gross loans increased to 1.04% as of September 30, 2025, compared to 1.01% as of September 30, 2024[270]. - The reserve for unfunded loan commitments remained unchanged at $21,500,000 as of September 30, 2025[270]. - The allowance for credit losses for commercial loans totaled $152,134,000, a decrease of $1,239,000 or 1% from the previous year[269]. - The allowance for credit losses for consumer loans totaled $47,586,000, a decrease of $2,794,000 or 6% from the previous year[269]. - The Company’s allowance for credit losses is comprised of $131,652,000 related to the quantitative component and $68,068,000 related to management's qualitative overlays[270]. - Management believes the total ACL is sufficient to absorb estimated losses inherent in the portfolio of loans and unfunded commitments[270]. Non-Performing Assets - Non-performing assets increased by 84.7% to $143,022,000, representing 0.54% of total assets as of September 30, 2025, compared to $77,418,000, or 0.28% of total assets, as of September 30, 2024[283]. - Total non-accrual loans reached $128,628,000 as of September 30, 2025, up from $69,541,000 in the previous year, primarily due to one commercial real estate loan over 90 days past due[282]. - The allowance for loan losses was $199,720,000, with a coverage ratio of 155% for non-accrual loans as of September 30, 2025, down from 293% the previous year[284]. - The ratio of total non-performing assets to total assets increased to 0.54% as of September 30, 2025, from 0.28% the previous year[283]. - The majority of real estate owned (REO) properties, totaling $11,084,000, are expected to be sold, with an increase of 142.7% from the previous year[284]. Investment Securities - Available-for-sale (AFS) investment securities increased by $960,492,000, or 37.3%, to $3,533,201,000 as of September 30, 2025, due to securities purchases and unrealized losses[286]. - The net unrealized loss for AFS securities decreased to $9,237,000 as of September 30, 2025, compared to $44,168,000 as of September 30, 2024[287]. - Held-to-maturity (HTM) investment securities increased by $208,830,000 to $645,802,000, or 47.8%, during the year ended September 30, 2025[288]. - The net unrealized loss on held-to-maturity securities was $33,063,000, compared to $35,926,000 the year prior[288]. - The composition of the investment portfolio was 44.6% variable rate and 55.5% fixed rate as of September 30, 2025, aimed at mitigating interest rate risk[341]. Financial Performance - Net income increased by $26,027,000, or 13.0%, to $226,068,000 for the year ended September 30, 2025, compared to $200,041,000 for the prior year[318]. - Net interest income for the year ended September 30, 2025, was $654,235,000, a decrease of $6,597,000 or 1.0% from the previous year, with a net interest margin of 2.58%[319]. - Non-interest income increased by $10,555,000, or 17.4%, to $71,247,000 for the year ended September 30, 2025, driven by higher prepayment fees and commission income from WaFd Insurance[323]. - Total non-interest expense decreased by $20,809,000, or 4.6%, to $427,463,000 in 2025, influenced by a reduction in compensation costs and FDIC premiums[324]. - The Company's efficiency ratio improved to 58.9% in 2025 from 62.1% in 2024, with total operating expenses as a percentage of average assets decreasing to 1.58% from 1.71%[325]. Deposits and Borrowings - Customer deposits totaled $21,437,636,000 as of September 30, 2025, reflecting a $63,666,000, or 0.3%, increase from $21,373,970,000 in the prior year[308]. - Transaction accounts increased by $489,347,000, or 4.1%, while time deposits decreased by $425,681,000, or 4.5%[308]. - Total borrowings decreased to $1,765,604,000 as of September 30, 2025, from $3,267,589,000 at the same date in 2024, with a weighted average rate of 2.50%[317]. - The Company has a credit line with the FHLB - DM providing $6,647,214,000 of additional borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2025[332]. Interest Rate and Asset Management - The interest rate spread improved to 2.32% as of September 30, 2025, up from 1.91% a year earlier, with the weighted-average rate on interest-earning assets decreasing by 12 basis points to 5.23%[350]. - Average interest-earning assets increased by 3.2% to $25,337,814,000 for the year ended September 30, 2025, compared to $24,559,665,000 for the previous year[354]. - Average interest-bearing customer deposit accounts rose by $2,408,182,000, or 14.7%, while average borrowings decreased by $1,819,187,000, or 42.9%[355]. - The net interest margin decreased to 2.58% for the year ended September 30, 2025, down from 2.69% for the previous year, with the yield on interest-earning assets decreasing by 30 basis points[353]. - The company was in compliance with all of its interest rate risk policy limits as of September 30, 2025[349]. Tax and Equity - The effective tax rate for 2025 was 21.95%, slightly up from 21.88% in 2024, with income tax expense increasing by $7,559,000, or 13.5%[327]. - Shareholders' equity increased to $3,039,575,000, or 11.38% of total assets, compared to $3,000,300,000, or 10.69% of total assets, in 2024, with 82.5% of net income returned to shareholders[331].

Core Viewpoint - WaFd, Inc. has announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of 27 cents per share, marking its 171st consecutive quarterly cash dividend, to be paid on December 5, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 21, 2025 [1]. Company Overview - WaFd, Inc. is the parent company of WaFd Bank, a federally insured commercial bank operating in multiple states including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and California [1]. - Established in 1917, WaFd Bank provides a range of financial services including consumer and commercial deposit accounts, financing for small to middle-market businesses, commercial and residential real estate, and insurance products [1]. - As of September 30, 2025, the company operated 208 branches with total assets of $26.7 billion, deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion [1].