10-Q: WaFd, Inc. Reports Q2 2026 Financial Results
Quarterly Report
WaFd, Inc. announced its financial results for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2026, showing increased net income and net interest income.
Summary
- WaFd, Inc. reported net income of $65.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, an increase from $56.3 million in the same period last year.
- For the six months ended March 31, 2026, net income was $129.7 million, up from $103.5 million in the prior year period.
- Net interest income for the quarter increased to $177.6 million from $160.9 million year-over-year, with net interest margin improving to 2.81% from 2.55%.
- Total assets grew to $27.57 billion as of March 31, 2026, up from $26.70 billion at September 30, 2025, primarily due to increased investment securities.
- Loans receivable, net, decreased slightly to $19.97 billion from $20.09 billion, with a continued focus on commercial lending.
- Customer deposit accounts decreased by 1.5% to $21.12 billion, with a strategic shift away from time deposits towards transaction accounts.
- Shareholders' equity stood at $2.98 billion as of March 31, 2026, representing 10.81% of total assets.
Sentiment
Score: 7
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as moderately positive, with solid growth in net income and net interest margin, alongside strong capital adequacy, though offset by a slight decrease in customer deposits and loans.
Positives
- Net income increased by $9.3 million to $65.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to the prior year quarter.
- Net interest income for the quarter rose by $16.7 million to $177.6 million, driven by a decrease in interest-bearing liabilities costs.
- Net interest margin improved to 2.81% for the quarter, up from 2.55% in the prior year quarter.
- Total assets increased by $869 million to $27.57 billion, primarily due to strategic purchases of investment securities.
- Commercial loan originations accounted for 95% of total originations for the quarter, indicating a strong focus on this segment.
- The company maintained strong capital adequacy ratios, with the Tier 1 leverage ratio at 9.10% as of March 31, 2026, well above regulatory minimums.
- The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating was upgraded to 'Satisfactory' following an appeal, removing a potential reputational and operational risk.
Negatives
- Customer deposit accounts decreased by $313.5 million to $21.12 billion, primarily due to a decline in time deposits.
- Loans receivable, net, decreased by $121.6 million to $19.97 billion, as loan repayments outpaced originations.
- Net unrealized losses on Available-for-Sale (AFS) securities were $16.8 million as of March 31, 2026.
- Net unrealized losses on Held-to-Maturity (HTM) securities were $33.6 million as of March 31, 2026.
- Non-performing assets increased slightly as a percentage of total assets to 0.48% from 0.54% at September 30, 2025.
- Delinquencies as a percentage of total loans increased to 0.78% at March 31, 2026, from 0.60% at September 30, 2025.
Risks
- Fluctuating interest rates and the impact of inflation on the Company's business and financial results.
- Risks associated with cybersecurity incidents and threat actors.
- Risks associated with changes in business structure and divestitures of lines of business, including the Bank's exit from the single-family mortgage lending market.
- Possible additional provisions for loan losses and charge-offs, and credit risks of lending activities.
- Economic uncertainty or a deterioration in economic conditions or slowdowns in economic growth.
- Risks associated with changes to monetary policy by the Federal Reserve.
- Global economic trends and related negative financial impacts on borrowers, financial markets, and the global economy.
- Risks associated with the development and use of artificial intelligence.
- Risks related to operational, technological, and third-party provided technology infrastructure.
- Risks associated with data privacy laws and regulations.
- Risks associated with failures of the risk management framework.
- Risks associated with the failure to retain or attract key employees.
- Risks related to the impacts of climate change on the business or reputation.
- The effects of natural or man-made disasters, calamities, or conflicts, including terrorist events and pandemics, and related regulations.
- Non-compliance with banking laws, rules, and regulations.
- Legislative and regulatory limitations on business activities.
- Risks associated with changes in regulation, regulatory capital requirements, or regulatory oversight, accounting rules, and laws.
- Risks associated with increases to deposit insurance premiums or special assessments.
- Litigation risks resulting in significant expenses, losses, and reputational damage.
- Environmental risks resulting from the real estate lending business.
- Eroding confidence in the banking system and regional banks in particular.
- Downturns in the real estate market.
- Changes in banking operations, including a shift from retail to online activities.
- Risks associated with inadequate or faulty underwriting and loan collection practices.
- Risks associated with geographic concentration, including the effects of a severe economic downturn in primary market areas.
- Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets.
- Competition from other financial institutions and new market participants.
- The ability to obtain external financing on favorable terms, when needed.
- Risks associated with the entry into the California market.
- Negative effects of activist shareholders.
- Risks related to the volatility of Common Stock and future dilution.
- Risks related to Washington's anti-takeover statute.
Future Outlook
The company's strong equity position and capital adequacy provide flexibility for managing balance sheet risk and supporting controlled growth in a regulated environment. Management believes the allowance for credit losses is sufficient to absorb estimated losses. The company continues to focus on commercial lending and growing economies in its operating markets.
Management Comments
- Management believes the Company's cash and cash equivalents of $669,799,000 and shareholders equity of $2,981,283,000 as of March 31, 2026 will provide flexibility in managing the Company's interest rate risk going forward.
- Management believes the Company's strong equity position allows it to manage balance sheet risk and provide the capital support needed for controlled growth in a regulated environment.
- Management believes the allowance for credit losses of $224,450,000, or 1.05% of gross loans, is sufficient to absorb estimated losses inherent in the portfolio of loans and unfunded commitments.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that WaFd, Inc.'s performance in this quarter reflects broader trends in the banking sector, including a strategic shift towards commercial lending and a focus on managing interest rate sensitivity. The increase in net interest margin, despite a decrease in interest-earning asset yields, suggests effective liability management in a dynamic rate environment.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The net interest margin of 2.81% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, is competitive within the regional banking sector, though specific comparisons would require analysis of peer group data.
- The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 13.03% for the Bank is robust and exceeds typical industry benchmarks for well-capitalized institutions.
- The Tier 1 Leverage ratio of 9.17% for the Bank also indicates a strong capital position relative to industry standards.
Management Changes
| Role | Previous Person | New Person | Effective Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director | Shawn Bice | 2026-05-01 | Resignation due to acceptance of a new position with another employer. | |
| Chair of the Board's Technology Committee | Shawn Bice | 2026-05-01 | Resignation from the Board of Directors. |
Legal Proceedings
- The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business that in the aggregate are believed by management to be immaterial to the financial statements of the Company.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: Increased net income and improved net interest margin may positively impact shareholder value. Continued dividend payments are noted.
- Employees: Increased compensation and technology expenses suggest investment in personnel and operational efficiency.
- Creditors: Strong capital ratios and regulatory compliance provide confidence in the company's financial stability.
- Regulators: The upgrade of the CRA rating to 'Satisfactory' is a positive development, removing potential restrictions and improving regulatory standing.
Next Steps
- Continue focus on commercial lending.
- Manage interest rate risk through balance sheet adjustments.
- Monitor loan portfolio performance and credit quality.
- Continue strategic shift away from time deposits towards transaction accounts.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2017-04-24 | WaFd Bank founded. |
| 1994-11-01 | WaFd, Inc. (formerly Washington Federal, Inc.) formed as the Bank's holding company. |
| 2023-09-27 | Articles of Amendment filed to change the name of Washington Federal, Inc. to WaFd, Inc. |
| 2023-09-29 | Name change from Washington Federal, Inc. to WaFd, Inc. effective. |
| 2024-03-01 | Merger with Luther Burbank Corporation effective. |
| 2025-01-01 | Bank announced it will no longer originate consumer single family home loans and home equity lines of credit. |
| 2025-09-25 | Bank formally changed its name from Washington Federal Bank to WaFd Bank. |
| 2025-09-30 | Fiscal year end. |
| 2025-11-18 | Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 filed. |
| 2026-01-16 | FDIC's Supervision Appeals Review Committee (SARC) decision elevating the Bank's CRA Lending Test rating to 'Low Satisfactory' and overall CRA rating to 'Satisfactory'. |
| 2026-02-03 | Board authorized an additional 4,500,000 shares under the stock repurchase program. |
| 2026-03-31 | Quarterly period end. |
| 2026-05-01 | Mr. Shawn Bice resigned from the Board of Directors. |
| 2026-05-05 | Report filing date. |
Recommendation
holdThe company demonstrates solid operational performance with increased net income and improved net interest margin, supported by strong capital adequacy. However, the slight decrease in customer deposits and loans receivable, coupled with ongoing risks in the broader economic and banking environment, warrants a cautious 'hold' stance. The positive resolution of the CRA rating is a mitigating factor.
Keywords
WaFd Inc, 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Financial Statements, Net Income, Net Interest Income, Loans Receivable, Deposit Accounts, Investment Securities, Capital Ratios, Community Reinvestment Act
Disclaimer:The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.