WAFD

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Net Income: $62.5 million or $0.84 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Revenue Growth: Earnings per share increased by $0.02 from the previous quarter. Loan Growth: Loans receivable increased by $51 million; active loan types increased by $315 million. Loan Originations: $1.5 billion for the quarter, with repayments and payoffs at $1 billion. Net Interest Margin: Held steady at 2.81% for the quarter. Total Deposits: Decreased by $192 million during the quarter. Efficiency Ratio: Improved to 53.7% from 55.7% in the prior quarter. Noninterest Income: Increased by $4.4 million to $24.2 million. Provision for Credit Losses: $11 million for the quarter. Allowance for Credit Losses: Coverage of 1.08% of gross loans as of June 30, 2026. Capital Ratios: CET1 ratio estimated at 11.4%; total risk-based capital ratio at 14.4%. Stock Performance: 23% total shareholder return for the quarter. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with WAFD. Is WAFD fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Release Date: July 17, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. WaFd Inc (NASDAQ:WAFD) reported a net income available to common shareholders of $62.5 million or $0.84 per diluted share, showing an increase from $0.73 per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. The company achieved a 23% total shareholder return for the quarter, indicating strong market performance. Loan originations outpaced repayments, with $1.5 billion in originations compared to $1 billion in repayments, demonstrating robust loan growth. The efficiency ratio improved to 53.7% from 55.7% in the prior quarter, reflecting better cost management. WaFd Inc (NASDAQ:WAFD) has a strong capital profile with an estimated CET1 ratio of 11.4% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.4%. Total deposits decreased by $192 million during the quarter, with interest-bearing deposits and time deposits both declining. Criticized loans increased by $139 million, representing 4.9% of net loans, indicating rising credit risk concerns. Nonperforming assets increased slightly to $136 million, largely due to increased nonaccrual loans in the C&I segment. The net provision for credit losses was $11 million, reflecting concerns related to possible losses on adversely classified loans. The competition for deposits is intense, leading to increased rates to maintain deposit levels, which could pressure margins. Q: Can you provide an outlook on net growth expectations through fiscal '27, considering the active and inactive loan portfolios? A: Brent Beardall, President and CEO, stated that low single-digit growth is a fair assumption for net growth. The active portfolio is expected to grow around 10%, while the inactive portfolio continues to see attrition. They may also consider augmenting with mortgage-backed purchases depending on the rate environment. Q: Is the Luther Burbank accretion included in the stable margin outlook, and does it incorporate tailwinds from securities moves? A: Brent Beardall confirmed that the stable margin outlook includes the Luther Burbank accretion and securities tailwinds. However, it does not account for potential increases in repayments from the Luther Burbank portfolio, which could positively impact the margin. Q: Regarding the large C&I nonperformer expected to sell this quarter, are there any reserves set aside for this credit relationship? A: Ryan Mauer, Chief Credit Officer, explained that no specific reserves are assigned to this relationship, but general reserves have been increased partly due to this. The loan is expected to be resolved through a sale by the end of the quarter. Q: What is the outlook for deposit costs, assuming the Fed remains on hold? A: Brent Beardall noted that competition for deposits is intense, with rising rates in the market. They expect to offset higher deposit costs with higher rates on new loans, but the trend for deposit rates is currently higher. Q: With the revised Endgame framework potentially benefiting capital, what are the use cases for the incremental capital? A: Brent Beardall outlined that the highest priority for incremental capital would be organic growth, followed by strategic M&A opportunities. If these are not feasible, they would consider share repurchases as a use of capital. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

WaFd Inc.’s WAFD third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended June 30) adjusted earnings of 81 cents per share lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. However, the bottom line jumped 11% year over year.Results were hurt by a substantial rise in provisions and higher expenses. Further, lower loan and deposit balances acted as a spoilsport. These were partially offset by higher net interest income (NII) and non-interest income. The quarterly results excluded certain notable items. After considering these, net income available to common shareholders was $62.5 million, up 7.2% from the prior-year quarter. Our estimate for the metric was $60.2 million. Quarterly net revenues (net interest income plus total non-interest income) were $205.5 million, up 10.3% from the prior-year quarter.  The top line outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $198.9 million. NII for the quarter was $181.3 million, rising 7.9% year over year. The net interest margin (NIM) was 2.81%, up 12 basis points (bps) from 2.69% in the year-ago quarter. Our estimates for NII and NIM were $176.1 million and 2.80%, respectively.Total non-interest income of $24.2 million increased 32.3% year over year. The rise was primarily driven by higher other income, deposit fee income and loan fee income. Excluding certain one-time gains, adjusted non-interest income rose 13% to $20.7 million. Our estimate for the metric was $20.1 million and did not include any one-time gain numbers.Total non-interest expenses were $110.3 million, up 5.8%. The increase was mainly due to higher compensation, technology, product delivery, occupancy and FDIC insurance expenses. Our estimate for the metric was $111.6 million.The company’s efficiency ratio was 53.69%, down from 56.01% in the prior-year quarter. A fall in the efficiency ratio reflects improved profitability.Return on average common equity was 9.23% at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026, up from 8.54% in the prior-year quarter. Return on average assets was 0.96%, up from 0.92%. As of June 30, 2026, net loans receivable were $20.02 billion, down 1.3% from the year-ago quarter. We projected the metric to be $20.08 billion.Total deposits were $20.93 billion, down 2.1% from $21.39 billion in the prior-year quarter. Our estimate for the metric was $21.25 billion. As of June 30, 2026, allowance for credit losses (including the reserve for unfunded commitments) was 1.08% of gross loans outstanding, up from 1.03% in the prior-year quarter.The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.49%, up from 0.36% in the previous-year quarter. In the reported quarter, provision for credit losses was $11.0 million, up from $2.0 million in the year-ago quarter. We had projected the metric to be $3.1 million. In the reported quarter, WAFD repurchased 8,806 shares at a weighted average price of $36.20 per share. The company’s share buyback plan had a remaining authorization of 8.0 million shares as of June 30, 2026. Higher NII, margin expansion and rising non-interest income are expected to support WAFD’s financial performance as interest rates remain unchanged. However, declining loans and deposit balances, elevated expenses and weak asset quality are key near-term concerns. WaFd, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | WaFd, Inc. Quote Currently, WAFD carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Hancock Whitney HWC is slated to announce second-quarter 2026 results on July 21.Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hancock Whitney’s quarterly earnings has remained unchanged at $1.55. This implies 13.1% growth from the prior-year quarter.Bank OZK OZK is also scheduled to announce second-quarter 2026 results on July 21.Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Bank OZK’s quarterly earnings has remained unchanged at $1.46. This implies 7.6% decline from the prior-year quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Bank OZK (OZK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Interested in WaFd, Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better. WaFd posted stronger fiscal Q3 earnings with net income of $62.5 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, up from $0.73 a year earlier. The improvement was driven by modestly higher net interest income and non-interest income, along with controlled expenses. Loan growth returned for a second straight quarter, with active portfolios up 10% sequentially and C&I lending leading the way. Loan growth outpaced repayments, even as deposit competition remained intense and total deposits fell by $192 million. Credit quality showed some pressure but remained manageable, as criticized loans rose to 4.9% of net loans and the bank booked an $11 million provision for credit losses. WaFd also highlighted strong capital levels and said it remains disciplined on buybacks and M&A while pursuing its Build 2030 deposit and business-lending goals. WaFd (NASDAQ:WAFD) reported higher fiscal third-quarter earnings as loan growth resumed across its active portfolios, expenses remained stable and credit costs increased amid continued pressure from elevated interest rates and economic uncertainty. The Seattle-based bank reported net income available to common shareholders of $62.5 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. That compared with $0.73 per share in the same quarter a year earlier and $0.82 per share in the linked March quarter, Chief Financial Officer Kelli Holz said on the company’s earnings call. → Why ASML’s AI Monopoly Is Still Getting Stronger Holz said the sequential increase in earnings per share reflected “a modest increase in net interest income and non-interest income, as well as controlled expenses,” partly offset by a higher loan loss provision. Loans receivable increased by $51 million during the quarter, driven by growth in what WaFd defines as its active loan categories: commercial real estate, multifamily, construction, land acquisition and development, commercial and industrial, and consumer loans. Those categories increased by a combined $315 million, Holz said. → Cintas Keeps Beating Expectations—And the Story Isn’t Over Loan originations and advances in active loan types totaled $1.5 billion, outpacing $1 billion of repayments and payoffs. The weighted average rate on originations was 6.31%, while the weighted average rate on repayments and payoffs was 6.06%. President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Beardall said the “headline news” for the quarter was again loan growth. After more than a year of contraction in the loan portfolio, WaFd has posted net overall loan growth for two consecutive quarters, he said. Beardall said the active loan portfolio grew 10% on a linked-quarter basis, following 12% growth in the March quarter. → Blueprint for a Billion: Nebius Group Secures the AI Floor “I am pleased to report that the biggest contributor to that growth from a percentage standpoint is C&I lending,” Beardall said. Commercial and industrial originations were $741 million, or 49% of total originations for the quarter, he said. Chief Credit Officer Ryan Mauer said loan production was centered in commercial and industrial at 49%, construction at 27% and commercial real estate at 10%. He said the bank achieved that production while maintaining “a consistent approach to underwriting and managing to a moderate risk profile.” Net interest income increased $3.8 million from the prior quarter, while the net interest margin held steady at 2.81%, Holz said. She said the margin reflected a one-basis-point improvement in both the yield on assets and the cost paid on liabilities. As of June 30, the spot yield on interest-earning assets was 5.12%, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.77% and the margin was 2.82%. Holz said that, absent changes in interest rates, WaFd expects its margin to be “relatively flat” in the next quarter, taking into account day count, loan growth funding and deposit activity. Total deposits decreased by $192 million during the quarter. Non-interest-bearing deposits increased by $69 million, or 2.7%, while interest-bearing deposits decreased by $70 million and time deposits declined by $191 million. Holz said deposit outflows in the second calendar quarter were expected due to tax-related and municipal public fund deposit dynamics. Core deposits ended the quarter at 80.6% of total deposits, and non-interest-bearing deposits were 12.6%. During the question-and-answer session, Beardall said competition for deposits remains “ferocious,” adding that WaFd is seeing pressure to raise rates to maintain deposits. He said the trend in deposit rates is “clearly higher today,” though higher loan yields are expected to help offset that pressure. Mauer said adversely classified loans were 2.59% of net loans, compared with 2.6% in the March quarter and 3.54% a year earlier. Total criticized loans rose by $139 million to 4.9% of net loans, up from 4.2% in the prior quarter and 4.1% a year earlier. Mauer said the increase in criticized loans was not concentrated in any single business line or industry and reflected the broader economic environment, where elevated rates and uncertainty are affecting commercial and consumer borrowers. He emphasized that a criticized loan designation does not necessarily mean a loss is expected. Non-performing assets increased slightly to $136 million, or 0.49% of total assets, from $132 million, or 0.48%, at March 31. Delinquent loans decreased to 0.75% of total loans from 0.78% in the prior quarter, though they were up from 0.36% a year earlier. Mauer said non-performing assets and delinquencies continue to be affected by one large commercial and industrial relationship that is more than 90 days past due, with $54 million outstanding. The relationship remains on non-accrual, has been downgraded to doubtful and is expected to be resolved through an anticipated sale of the business before the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2026. No charge-off has been taken on that relationship, he said. The net provision for credit losses was $11 million, driven by growth in the active loan portfolio, particularly C&I and construction loans, as well as concerns about possible losses on adversely classified loans. Net charge-offs were $1.6 million, or 3 basis points annualized. The allowance for credit losses, including unfunded commitments, covered 1.08% of gross loans at quarter-end. Holz said WaFd’s capital position remained strong, with an estimated common equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.4% and total risk-based capital ratio of 14.4%. She said proposed revisions to the Basel III endgame capital framework could reduce WaFd’s risk-weighted assets by about 12.5%, representing an estimated $300 million of total risk-based capital relief, based on management’s review of March 31 data. Beardall said the bank paused share repurchases after a significant increase in the stock price. For the fiscal year, WaFd repurchased 4.7 million shares at an average price of $30.99, or 101% of tangible book value. He said the company will remain opportunistic but likely will not be “nearly as aggressive” with repurchases at current trading levels. Beardall also discussed WaFd’s Build 2030 strategic plan, which is focused on shifting the bank toward serving businesses and increasing non-interest-bearing deposits to 20% of total deposits by 2030. The bank ended the quarter at 12.6%. Looking ahead, Beardall said WaFd’s lending pipeline remains strong at $2.9 billion, down 9% from the prior quarter, while its new deposit pipeline increased sharply. He said management believes the bank has the products and teams in place to grow the active loan portfolio by 8% to 12% going forward. On mergers and acquisitions, Beardall said WaFd is monitoring opportunities but remains disciplined. He said the company would prefer not to do a deal rather than overpay or overly dilute current shareholders. Washington Federal, Inc, doing business as WaFd Bank, is a publicly traded bank holding company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Through its subsidiary, WaFd Bank, the company provides a range of banking and financial services to individuals, small-to-medium enterprises, and commercial clients. Established in 1917 as Ballard Savings & Loan in Seattle, the institution expanded over decades to serve customers across the Western United States under the Washington Federal name and has operated as a public company since the early 1980s. WaFd Bank's core offerings encompass deposit accounts such as checking, savings, money market, and certificates of deposit, alongside consumer and commercial lending products. This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected]. The article "WaFd Q3 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. View MarketBeat's top stocks for July 2026.

SEATTLE, July 16, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WaFd, Inc. (Nasdaq: WAFD): WaFd, Inc. (Nasdaq: WAFD) (the "Company"), parent company of WaFd Bank (or the "Bank"), today announced quarterly earnings of $66,130,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, an increase of 1% from net earnings of $65,548,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 and an increase of 7% from net earnings of $61,952,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. After the effect of dividends on preferred stock, net income available for common shareholders was $0.84 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $0.82 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, and $0.73 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an $0.11 or 15% increase in fully diluted earnings per common share. The following table provides the Company's financial scorecard for the last five quarters: Balance Sheet Total assets increased to $27.6 billion as of June 30, 2026, compared to $26.7 billion at September 30, 2025, primarily due to the purchase of investment securities during the period. Investment securities increased by $870 million, or 20.8% in the nine months ended June 30, 2026, a result of $1.4 billion of purchases, primarily discount-priced 30-year mortgage backed securities at an expected yield to maturity of 5%. Net loans decreased $71 million to $20.0 billion and cash increased $19 million, or 2.9% during same period. Customer deposits totaled $20.9 billion as of June 30, 2026, compared to $21.4 billion at September 30, 2025. The effective weighted average interest rate, including non-interest-bearing deposits, was 2.39% as of June 30, 2026, compared to 2.69% at September 30, 2025. Transaction accounts increased by $439 million or 3.6% during the nine months ended June 30, 2026, while time deposits decreased $945 million or 10.3%. As of June 30, 2026, 60.9% of the Company’s deposits were transaction accounts, an increase from 57.4% at September 30, 2025. Core deposits, defined as all transaction accounts and time deposits less than $250,000, totaled 80.6% of deposits at June 30, 2026, up from 77.9% on September 30, 2025. Deposits that are uninsured or not collateralized were 25.4% of total deposits as of June 30, 2026, an increase from 24.7% as of September 30, 2025. Borrowings totaled $3.3 billion as of June 30, 2026, up from $1.8 billion at September 30, 2025. The effective weighted average interest rate of borrowings was 3.08% as of June 30, 2026, compared to 2.50% at September 30, 2025. Loan originations for active loan types totaled $1.5 billion for both the second and third fiscal quarters of 2026. Offsetting loan originations for these loan types in each of these quarters were loan repayments of $1.0 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively. Active loan types include the commercial segment and the consumer portfolio. Inactive loan types include all consumer residential portfolios. These loan types had repayments of $299 million during the quarter. Commercial loans represented 96% of all loan originations during the third fiscal quarter of 2026 and consumer loans accounted for the remaining 4%. The period end interest yield on the loan portfolio was 5.33% as of June 30, 2026, a decrease from 5.38% at September 30, 2025. Tangible common equity per share is a key metric for our management team. For the nine months ended June 30, 2026, tangible book value per share grew to $30.82 at June 30, 2026 from $29.38 as of September 30, 2025. This metric is a non-GAAP Financial Measure. See page 10 for additional information on our use of non-GAAP Financial Measures. During the quarter, the Company repurchased 8,806 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $36.20 as a result of option exercise activity. Our share repurchase plan currently has a remaining authorization of 8.0 million shares which, depending on share price, may provide a compelling investment alternative. Return on common shareholders' equity for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 was 9.23% compared to 9.05% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Adjusted for certain non-operating items, return on equity for the quarter was 8.80% compared to adjusted return on equity of 9.12% the prior quarter.  Return on assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 was 0.96%, unchanged from the previous quarter. Adjusted for certain non-operating items, return on assets for the quarter was 0.92% compared to adjusted return on assets of 0.97% the prior quarter. For a reconciliation of these adjusted ratios, see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below. WaFd’s capital ratios are expected to be in line with the March 2026 results which showed the total risk-based capital ratio at 14.4% and common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio at 11.4%. All ratios remain above current "well-capitalized" regulatory minimums. In March 2026, federal banking regulators re-proposed revisions to the Basel III Endgame capital framework, which remains subject to finalization following the close of the industry comment period in June 2026. Based on management’s review and analysis, using March 31, 2026 data, WaFd estimates that opting into the revised framework, once finalized, could reduce risk-weighted assets by approximately 12.5%, representing an estimated $317 million of total risk-based capital relief.  We will continue to evaluate this opportunity as the rule is finalized. Credit Quality Considering the shifting economic and monetary environment, further impacted by recent global developments, credit quality continues to be monitored closely. As of June 30, 2026, non-performing assets increased to $136 million, or 0.49% of total assets, from $132 million, or 0.48%, at March 31, 2026 and decreased from $143 million, or 0.54%, at September 30, 2025. The decrease compared to September is the result of non-accrual loans decreasing by $1.1 million, or 1%, since September 30, 2025 combined with decreases in real estate owned ("REO") of $2.9 million and other property owned of $3.3 million during the same time frame. Delinquent loans increased to 0.75% of total loans at June 30, 2026, compared to 0.60% at September 30, 2025 but decreased compared to 0.78% at March 31, 2026. The allowance for credit losses (including the reserve for unfunded commitments) totaled $234 million as of June 30, 2026, and was 1.08% of gross loans outstanding, as compared to $221 million, or 1.04% of gross loans outstanding, as of September 30, 2025. This increase was the result in growth in the active loan portfolio, specifically C&I and Construction loans, in addition to concerns related to possible losses on adversely classified loans. Net charge-offs were $1.6 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2026, compared to $0.6 million for the prior quarter. Profitability Net interest income was $181 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2026, an increase of $3.8 million or 2% from the prior quarter.  The increase in net interest income was primarily due to a basis point increase in the rate earned on interest earning assets combined with a basis point decrease in the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. As a result of these minor changes, the net interest margin held steady at 2.81% for the third fiscal quarter of 2026. Total non-interest income was $24.2 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2026 compared to $19.8 million the prior quarter. The increase compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to $3.2 million of gains recognized on the sale of bank real estate combined with lower losses recognized on equity method investments. Total non-interest expense was $110.3 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2026, an increase of $0.5 million, or 0.4%, from the prior quarter. The increase is the result of small increases in compensation, FDIC insurance and technology expenses. The Company recorded an $11.0 million provision for credit losses in the third fiscal quarter of 2026 compared to a provision of $4.0 million the prior quarter. The provision for loan losses in the quarter ended June 30, 2026 was the result of growth in the active loan portfolio, specifically C&I and Construction loans, in addition to concerns related to possible losses on adversely classified loans. $1.6 million of net charge-offs were taken during the quarter. Income tax expense totaled $18.2 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2026, as compared to $18.3 million for the prior quarter. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 was 21.6% compared to 21.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The Company’s effective tax rate may vary from the statutory rate mainly due to state taxes, tax-exempt income and tax-credit investments. WaFd Bank is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and has 210 branches in nine western states. To find out more about WaFd Bank, please visit our website www.wafdbank.com. The Company will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 7:00 am Pacific Time on Friday July 17, 2026. Participants may register for the call from a link on the Company's investor relations site (https://www.wafdbank.com/about-us/investor-relations) or through a direct link (https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI9ff2eae6a533436b9e0084f615323197). The Company uses its website to distribute financial and other material information about the Company. WAFD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNON-GAAP MEASURES(UNAUDITED) Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company has presented certain non-GAAP measures within this document to remove the effect of certain income and expenses to provide investors with information useful in understanding our financial performance. The Company considers these items to be non-operating in nature as they are items that management does not consider indicative of the Company's on-going financial performance. We believe that the tables presented reflect our on-going performance in the periods presented and, accordingly, are useful to consider in addition to our GAAP financial results. These measures should not be considered a substitution for GAAP basis disclosures. Other companies may use similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures that are calculated differently from the way they are calculated herein. Because of this, our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by others. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on such measures. See the following unaudited tables for reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Important Cautionary Statements The foregoing information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, notes and other information contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. This press release contains statements about the Company’s future that are not statements of historical or current fact. These statements are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of applicable securities laws and are based on current information and/or management's good faith belief as to future events. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "forecasts," "may," "potential," "projects," and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," and "could" are intended to help identify such forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risk and uncertainties including the following risks and uncertainties, and those risks and uncertainties more fully discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company’s September 30, 2025 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which could cause actual performance to differ materially from that anticipated by any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relating to our financial condition or operations are subject to risks and uncertainties related to (i) fluctuations in interest rate risk and market interest rates, including the effect on our net interest income and net interest margin; (ii) current and future economic conditions, including the effects of declines in the real estate market, tariffs, high unemployment rates, inflationary pressures, a potential recession, the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve, and slowdowns in economic growth either nationally or locally in some or all of the areas in which we conduct business; (iii) financial stress on borrowers (consumers and businesses) as a result of higher interest rates or an uncertain economic environment; (iv) changes in deposit flows or loan demands; (v) our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks, including through the use of artificial intelligence, such as security breaches, "denial of service attacks," "hacking" and identity theft; (vi) the Company's exit from the mortgage lending business; (vii) the effects of natural or man-made disasters, calamities, or conflicts, including terrorist events and pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and the resulting governmental and societal responses; (viii) the results of examinations by regulatory authorities, which may impose restrictions or penalties on the Company's activities and changes in laws, regulations, or government policies; (ix) expectations regarding key growth initiatives and strategic priorities; (x) our reliance on third party provided technology and developments related to artificial intelligence; (xi) global economic trends, including developments related to Ukraine and Russia, and the evolving conflict in the Middle East, and related negative financial impacts on our borrowers; (xii) litigation risks resulting in significant expenses, losses and reputational damage; (xiii) the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about regional banks and the banking industry in general; and (xiv) other economic, competitive, governmental, environmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260716509774/en/ Contacts WaFd, Inc.425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101Brad Goode, SVP, Chief Marketing [email protected]

WaFd (WAFD) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.81 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.82 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.73 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -1.22%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this holding company for Washington Federal Savings Bank would post earnings of $0.74 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.83, delivering a surprise of +12.16%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates just once. WaFd, which belongs to the Zacks Banks - West industry, posted revenues of $205.52 million for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.34%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $186.26 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. WaFd shares have added about 19.9% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 10.6%. While WaFd has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for WaFd was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.87 on $201.17 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $3.27 on $787.23 million in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Banks - West is currently in the top 20% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Hope Bancorp (HOPE), another stock in the same industry, has yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026. The results are expected to be released on July 27. This bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.26 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +36.8%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. Hope Bancorp's revenues are expected to be $146.8 million, up 10% from the year-ago quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hope Bancorp, Inc. (HOPE) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Let’s dig into the relative performance of WaFd Bank (NASDAQ:WAFD) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q1 thrifts & mortgage finance earnings season. Thrifts & Mortgage Finance institutions operate by accepting deposits and extending loans primarily for residential mortgages, earning revenue through interest rate spreads (difference between lending rates and borrowing costs) and origination fees. The industry benefits from demographic tailwinds as millennials enter prime homebuying age, technological advancements streamlining the loan approval process, and potential interest rate stabilization improving affordability. However, significant headwinds include net interest margin compression during rate volatility, increased competition from fintech disruptors offering digital-first experiences, mounting regulatory compliance costs, and potential housing market corrections that could impact loan portfolios and default rates. The 12 thrifts & mortgage finance stocks we track reported a mixed Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 4.2% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 6.6% below. In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady. On average, they are relatively unchanged since the latest earnings results. Founded in 1917 and rebranded from Washington Federal in 2023, WaFd (NASDAQ:WAFD) is a bank holding company that provides lending, deposit services, and insurance through its Washington Federal Bank subsidiary across eight western states. WaFd Bank reported revenues of $198.3 million, up 10.5% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 4%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ net interest income and EPS estimates. Interestingly, the stock is up 17.3% since reporting and currently trades at $38.14. Is now the time to buy WaFd Bank? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Born in Detroit during the 1980s and evolving into a tech-driven financial powerhouse, Rocket Companies (NYSE:RKT) is a fintech company that provides digital mortgage lending, real estate services, and personal finance solutions through its technology platform. Rocket Companies reported revenues of $2.82 billion, up 108% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 2%. The business had an exceptional quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates. Rocket Companies achieved the fastest revenue growth among its peers. The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 6.4% since reporting. It currently trades at $15.06. Is now the time to buy Rocket Companies? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Operating as a specialized real estate investment trust (REIT) with roots dating back to 2012, Franklin BSP Realty Trust (NYSE:FBRT) originates and manages a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments secured by properties in the United States and abroad. Franklin BSP Realty Trust reported revenues of $60.39 million, up 6.1% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 17.4%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ net interest income and EPS estimates. Franklin BSP Realty Trust delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates in the group. As expected, the stock is down 7.5% since the results and currently trades at $8.30. Read our full analysis of Franklin BSP Realty Trust’s results here. Founded in 1896 and operating across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana, Northwest Bancshares (NASDAQ:NWBI) is a bank holding company that operates Northwest Bank, providing personal and business banking, investment management, and trust services. Northwest Bancshares reported revenues of $175.1 million, up 12.1% year on year. This result topped analysts’ expectations by 0.8%. It was a strong quarter as it also put up a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates. The stock is up 12.3% since reporting and currently trades at $15.15. Read our full, actionable report on Northwest Bancshares here, it’s free. Operating under the guidance of Ellington Management Group, a respected name in structured credit markets, Ellington Financial (NYSE:EFC) acquires and manages a diverse portfolio of mortgage-related, consumer-related, and other financial assets to generate returns for investors. Ellington Financial reported revenues of $171.3 million, up 107% year on year. This print beat analysts’ expectations by 55.1%. It was a strong quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ tangible book value per share and EPS estimates. Ellington Financial pulled off the biggest analyst estimate beat among its peers. The stock is up 4% since reporting and currently trades at $13.64. Read our full, actionable report on Ellington Financial here, it’s free. Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand-wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure? These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 6 Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

LendingTree, Inc. TREE reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted net income per share of $1.66, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.49. The figure compares favorably with 99 cents reported in the prior-year quarter. Shares of the company gained 2.5% in yesterday’s trading session following the release of better-than-expected results and a raised full-year 2026 outlook. Results were driven by a rise in revenues. An increase in adjusted EBITDA was an added positive. However, a rise in total cost acted as a spoilsport. Results exclude certain non-recurring items. After considering these, TREE reported a GAAP net income of $17.3 million, or $1.22 per share, against the net loss of $12.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Total revenues in the first quarter grew 36.5% year over year to $327.3 million. The reported figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.9%. Total cost of revenues was $11.7 million, up 18% from the prior-year quarter. Total costs and expenses were $296.1 million, up 19.9% from the previous-year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $42 million, up 70.7% from the year-ago quarter. The variable marketing margin was $99.5 million, up 28.1%. As of March 31, 2026, cash and cash equivalents were $85.5 million compared with $81.1 million as of Dec. 31, 2025. Long-term debt was $387 million compared with $387.7 million as of Dec. 31, 2025. Total revenues are projected to be between $305 million and $325 million. Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be between $38 million and $40 million. The variable marketing margin is anticipated to be between $93 million and $97 million. Total revenues are expected to be between $1.30 billion and $1.35 billion compared with the prior range of $1.28 billion to $1.33 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be in the range of $152-$162 million versus the previous range of $150-$160 million. The variable marketing margin is expected to be in the range of $378-$395 million compared with $374-$394 million previously. TREE’s inorganic growth moves have strengthened its online lending platform. Its first-quarter results primarily benefited from an increase in EBITDA. The company’s efforts to increase revenues by diversifying its non-mortgage product offerings will support top-line growth in the future. LendingTree, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | LendingTree, Inc. Quote Currently, LendingTree carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Hancock Whitney Corp.’s HWC first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $1.52 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.48. The bottom line rose 10.1% from the prior-year quarter. HWC’s results were supported by higher net interest income (NII) and modest loan growth. The quarter was significantly impacted by a securities portfolio restructuring loss. Deposits declined modestly. Higher expenses and increased provisions acted as headwinds. WaFd, Inc.’s WAFD second-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended March 31) adjusted earnings of 83 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 74 cents. The bottom line jumped 27.7% year over year. WAFD’s results reflected higher NII and non-interest income. However, elevated expenses and provisions were the undermining factors. A decline in loans and deposits was another headwind. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report LendingTree, Inc. (TREE) : Free Stock Analysis Report WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research