WaFd Inc. — Cyborg Score 7/10

Strong
Regional Banking / Financial Services

Strategic Profile

WaFd Bank's total assets increased to $27.3 billion as of December 31, 2025, primarily due to purchases of investment securities. The company has made significant progress in reducing its loan-to-deposit ratio from over 110% two years ago to 92.7% this quarter. WaFd has launched WaFd Wealth Management, which has already reached over $400 million in assets under management, aiming for $1 billion in the first two years.

Cyborg Score Rationale

WaFd reported net income of $64.2 million in Q1 2026, a 6% increase from the previous quarter and 36% increase year-over-year. The company maintains a healthy net margin of 31.19%, indicating strong profitability. However, nonperforming assets increased to $203 million or 0.75% of total assets, up from $143 million or 0.54% in the previous quarter.

Top Insights

  • Strong Q1 2026 performance driven by 10% linked quarter EPS growth with steady margins, increases in other income, and lower expenses.
  • Transaction deposits grew 18% linked quarter, while loan-to-deposit ratio improved from over 110% two years ago to 92.7%.
  • WaFd Bank received SBA Preferred Lender status, enabling faster loan approvals and expanded access to SBA financing programs with reduced collateral requirements.
  • Management expects 1-2 Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026 to achieve a 3% net interest margin target.

Named Competitors

  • Commercial Banking — National bank with extensive commercial lending capabilities
  • Regional Commercial Banking — Regional bank competing in Western U.S. markets
  • Community Banking — Regional bank serving Pacific Northwest markets

Recent Developments

  • January 2026: Colin Murphy joined WaFd Bank as Regional President for Northern Oregon, bringing 22+ years of banking experience including 15+ years in commercial banking.
  • January 2026: Q1 2026 net income of $64.2 million, up 6% sequentially and 36% year-over-year.
  • December 2025: Paid the 171st consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share.

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