WaFd (WAFD) Emerges as a Leading Dividend Stock: Is It Time to Invest?
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 08 2025
0mins
Should l Buy WAFD?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Investment Focus: Income investors prioritize generating consistent cash flow from investments, primarily through dividends, which can significantly contribute to long-term returns.
WaFd's Performance: WaFd (WAFD) offers a dividend of $0.27 per share with a yield of 3.36%, outperforming its industry and the S&P 500, while also showing a 0.9% increase in annualized dividends from the previous year.
Future Growth Potential: The company is expected to see earnings growth, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.06 per share for 2025, indicating a 12.50% year-over-year growth rate.
Investment Strategy: While established firms are typically preferred for dividends, WaFd presents a strong investment opportunity, especially for income investors, despite the challenges posed by rising interest rates.
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Analyst Views on WAFD
Wall Street analysts forecast WAFD stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 32.700
Low
30.00
Averages
31.50
High
33.50
Current: 32.700
Low
30.00
Averages
31.50
High
33.50
About WAFD
WaFd, Inc. is a bank holding company that conducts its primary business through its subsidiary, Washington Federal Bank. Washington Federal Bank, a federally insured Washington state chartered commercial bank doing business as WaFd Bank (the Bank), is engaged in providing lending, depository, insurance, and other banking services to consumers, mid-sized to large businesses, and owners and developers of commercial real estate. The Bank's business consists primarily of accepting deposits from the public and investing these funds in loans of various types, including first-lien mortgages on single-family dwellings, construction loans, loans on multifamily, commercial real estate and other income-producing properties, home equity loans and business loans. The Bank invests in certain United States government and agency obligations and other investments. The Bank has approximately 208 branches located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
WaFd, Inc. Declares $0.27 Cash Dividend and Increases Share Repurchase Authorization
- Cash Dividend Announcement: WaFd, Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per share, payable on February 27, 2026, to common shareholders of record as of February 13, 2026, marking the company's 172nd consecutive quarterly dividend, which underscores its stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Increased Repurchase Authorization: The Board has increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase by 4.5 million, bringing the total authorized amount to 10 million shares, reflecting the company's confidence in its stock value and aiming to enhance earnings per share.
- Share Repurchase History: Over the past seven quarters, the company has repurchased 5.8 million shares at a weighted average price of $29.45, representing 7% of the shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024, demonstrating an active strategy in capital management.
- Asset and Deposit Overview: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd, Inc. operated 208 branches with total assets of $27.3 billion, total deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, indicating a solid market position and growth potential for the company.
See More
WaFd, Inc. Announces Cash Dividend and Share Buyback Plan
- Cash Dividend Announcement: WaFd, Inc. declared a cash dividend of 27 cents per share, payable on February 27, 2026, to common shareholders of record as of February 13, 2026, marking the company's 172nd consecutive quarterly cash dividend, which reflects its stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Share Buyback Plan Expansion: The Board increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase by 4.5 million, bringing the total authorized amount to 10 million shares, indicating the company's confidence in its stock value and aiming to enhance earnings per share and shareholder value.
- Buyback Progress: Over the last seven quarters, the company has repurchased 5.8 million shares at a weighted average price of $29.45, representing 7% of the shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024, showcasing the company's proactive approach to capital management.
- Asset and Branch Overview: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd, Inc. operated 208 branches with total assets of $27.3 billion, total deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, demonstrating its robust business foundation and market position across multiple states.
See More
WaFd, Inc. Announces Cash Dividend and Share Repurchase Plan
- Cash Dividend Announcement: WaFd, Inc. declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per share, payable on February 27, 2026, to common shareholders of record as of February 13, 2026, marking the company's 172nd consecutive quarterly dividend, which underscores its strong cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Share Repurchase Plan Expansion: The Board increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase by 4.5 million, raising the total to 10 million shares, reflecting the company's confidence in its stock value and aiming to enhance earnings per share by reducing the number of shares outstanding.
- Share Repurchase Execution: Over the last seven quarters, the company has repurchased 5.8 million shares at an average price of $29.45, representing 7% of shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024, demonstrating an active approach to capital management and shareholder value enhancement.
- Asset and Deposit Status: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd, Inc. operated 208 branches with total assets of $27.3 billion, total deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, indicating a robust market position and ongoing growth potential.
See More
WaFd Bank Upgrades CRA Rating to 'Satisfactory'
- Rating Upgrade: WaFd Bank successfully appealed on January 16, 2026, elevating its CRA rating from 'Needs to Improve' to 'Satisfactory', which is expected to enhance the bank's market image and customer trust.
- Regulatory Feedback: CEO Brent Beardall expressed gratitude for the FDIC's independent review process, which allowed the bank to effectively communicate its contributions to community development lending, thereby strengthening its relationship with regulators.
- Asset Scale: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd Bank reported assets of $27.3 billion, deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, indicating a robust position in the market.
- Historical Background: Established in 1917, WaFd Bank has a 109-year history and operates across multiple states including Washington and Oregon, committed to meeting community credit needs and fostering local economic development.
See More
WaFd Bank Upgrades CRA Rating to Satisfactory Following FDIC Appeal
- Rating Upgrade: On January 16, 2026, WaFd Bank successfully appealed to elevate its CRA rating from 'Needs to Improve' to 'Satisfactory', which is expected to enhance its reputation and competitiveness in community lending.
- Regulatory Feedback: CEO Brent Beardall emphasized that the independent review process allowed them to effectively voice their concerns regarding the FDIC rating, indicating that the bank's contributions to community development lending were not adequately recognized.
- Asset Scale: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd Bank reported assets of $27.3 billion, deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, reflecting its robust financial foundation and market position.
- Historical Legacy: Established in 1917, WaFd Bank has been in operation for 109 years and will continue to focus on meeting the credit needs of its communities while avoiding the restrictions associated with a 'Needs to Improve' rating.
See More
WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) Reports $60.5M Net Income in Q1 2026, Strategic Shift to Business Banking
- Strategic Realignment: CEO Brent Beardall emphasized that the Build 2030 plan aims to increase noninterest-bearing deposits from the current 12.6% to 20%, enhancing the company's competitive position in business banking.
- Improved Financial Performance: CFO Kelli Holz reported net income of $60.5 million for the quarter ending December 2025, translating to $0.79 per share, reflecting improvements in both income and expenses compared to $0.72 per share in the previous quarter.
- Loan Origination Growth: The company achieved $1.1 billion in loan originations this quarter, with repayments totaling $1 billion, indicating a solid foundation for future growth despite the decrease in loans receivable.
- Share Repurchase Strategy: WaFd has repurchased 5.8 million shares over the past seven quarters at an average price of $29.45, demonstrating confidence in its value while creating shareholder value.
See More
WaFd, Inc. Declares $0.27 Cash Dividend and Increases Share Repurchase Authorization
- Cash Dividend Announcement: WaFd, Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per share, payable on February 27, 2026, to common shareholders of record as of February 13, 2026, marking the company's 172nd consecutive quarterly dividend, which underscores its stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Increased Repurchase Authorization: The Board has increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase by 4.5 million, bringing the total authorized amount to 10 million shares, reflecting the company's confidence in its stock value and aiming to enhance earnings per share.
- Share Repurchase History: Over the past seven quarters, the company has repurchased 5.8 million shares at a weighted average price of $29.45, representing 7% of the shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024, demonstrating an active strategy in capital management.
- Asset and Deposit Overview: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd, Inc. operated 208 branches with total assets of $27.3 billion, total deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, indicating a solid market position and growth potential for the company.
See More
WaFd, Inc. Announces Cash Dividend and Share Buyback Plan
- Cash Dividend Announcement: WaFd, Inc. declared a cash dividend of 27 cents per share, payable on February 27, 2026, to common shareholders of record as of February 13, 2026, marking the company's 172nd consecutive quarterly cash dividend, which reflects its stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Share Buyback Plan Expansion: The Board increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase by 4.5 million, bringing the total authorized amount to 10 million shares, indicating the company's confidence in its stock value and aiming to enhance earnings per share and shareholder value.
- Buyback Progress: Over the last seven quarters, the company has repurchased 5.8 million shares at a weighted average price of $29.45, representing 7% of the shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024, showcasing the company's proactive approach to capital management.
- Asset and Branch Overview: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd, Inc. operated 208 branches with total assets of $27.3 billion, total deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, demonstrating its robust business foundation and market position across multiple states.
See More
WaFd, Inc. Announces Cash Dividend and Share Repurchase Plan
- Cash Dividend Announcement: WaFd, Inc. declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per share, payable on February 27, 2026, to common shareholders of record as of February 13, 2026, marking the company's 172nd consecutive quarterly dividend, which underscores its strong cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Share Repurchase Plan Expansion: The Board increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase by 4.5 million, raising the total to 10 million shares, reflecting the company's confidence in its stock value and aiming to enhance earnings per share by reducing the number of shares outstanding.
- Share Repurchase Execution: Over the last seven quarters, the company has repurchased 5.8 million shares at an average price of $29.45, representing 7% of shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024, demonstrating an active approach to capital management and shareholder value enhancement.
- Asset and Deposit Status: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd, Inc. operated 208 branches with total assets of $27.3 billion, total deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, indicating a robust market position and ongoing growth potential.
See More
WaFd Bank Upgrades CRA Rating to 'Satisfactory'
- Rating Upgrade: WaFd Bank successfully appealed on January 16, 2026, elevating its CRA rating from 'Needs to Improve' to 'Satisfactory', which is expected to enhance the bank's market image and customer trust.
- Regulatory Feedback: CEO Brent Beardall expressed gratitude for the FDIC's independent review process, which allowed the bank to effectively communicate its contributions to community development lending, thereby strengthening its relationship with regulators.
- Asset Scale: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd Bank reported assets of $27.3 billion, deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, indicating a robust position in the market.
- Historical Background: Established in 1917, WaFd Bank has a 109-year history and operates across multiple states including Washington and Oregon, committed to meeting community credit needs and fostering local economic development.
See More
WaFd Bank Upgrades CRA Rating to Satisfactory Following FDIC Appeal
- Rating Upgrade: On January 16, 2026, WaFd Bank successfully appealed to elevate its CRA rating from 'Needs to Improve' to 'Satisfactory', which is expected to enhance its reputation and competitiveness in community lending.
- Regulatory Feedback: CEO Brent Beardall emphasized that the independent review process allowed them to effectively voice their concerns regarding the FDIC rating, indicating that the bank's contributions to community development lending were not adequately recognized.
- Asset Scale: As of December 31, 2025, WaFd Bank reported assets of $27.3 billion, deposits of $21.4 billion, and shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion, reflecting its robust financial foundation and market position.
- Historical Legacy: Established in 1917, WaFd Bank has been in operation for 109 years and will continue to focus on meeting the credit needs of its communities while avoiding the restrictions associated with a 'Needs to Improve' rating.
See More
WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) Reports $60.5M Net Income in Q1 2026, Strategic Shift to Business Banking
- Strategic Realignment: CEO Brent Beardall emphasized that the Build 2030 plan aims to increase noninterest-bearing deposits from the current 12.6% to 20%, enhancing the company's competitive position in business banking.
- Improved Financial Performance: CFO Kelli Holz reported net income of $60.5 million for the quarter ending December 2025, translating to $0.79 per share, reflecting improvements in both income and expenses compared to $0.72 per share in the previous quarter.
- Loan Origination Growth: The company achieved $1.1 billion in loan originations this quarter, with repayments totaling $1 billion, indicating a solid foundation for future growth despite the decrease in loans receivable.
- Share Repurchase Strategy: WaFd has repurchased 5.8 million shares over the past seven quarters at an average price of $29.45, demonstrating confidence in its value while creating shareholder value.
See More
