WaFd Bank’s fourth quarter results were met with a negative market reaction, as revenue growth was offset by persistent margin pressure and rising nonperforming loans. Management attributed the year-on-year sales increase to stronger performance in commercial and industrial lending, as well as disciplined expense control. However, CEO Brent Beardall noted that elevated nonaccrual loans and a shift towards lower-yielding mortgage-backed securities put additional strain on the bank’s net interest margin. CFO Kelli Holz pointed out, “The net interest margin was 2.7% in the December quarter, with margin pressure largely tied to nonaccrual interest and investment purchases.”

Is now the time to buy WAFD? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From WaFd Bank’s Q4 Earnings Call

• Matthew Clark (Piper Sandler) asked about the outlook for $800 million in borrowings coming due. CEO Brent Beardall said these would be replaced with current borrowers, and rates could decline if the Federal Reserve cuts rates.
• Clark (Piper Sandler) requested details on the interest income reversal from nonaccrual loans. CFO Kelli Holz specified the figure was just over $5 million for the quarter.
• Clark (Piper Sandler) inquired about the nature of two new C&I nonaccruals and resolution plans. Chief Credit Officer Ryan Mauer explained they involved a manufacturing business and a commercial real estate entity, both facing market and tariff pressures, with active work underway toward resolution.
• Jeff Rulis (D.A. Davidson) asked about margin guidance versus the spot rate and the trajectory for reaching the 3% margin target. Beardall clarified they refer to the spot rate and suggested the path to 3% involves both balance sheet shifts and the impact of nonaccrual reversals.
• Kelly Motta (KBW) requested clarification on the pace and funding of mortgage-backed securities purchases. Holz confirmed that purchases were accelerated, funded by both inactive loan runoff and borrowings, and may continue if loan growth remains muted.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking ahead, our analysts will focus on (1) sustained growth in business banking and the active loan portfolio, (2) the ability to expand noninterest-bearing deposits against a competitive funding landscape, and (3) stabilization or improvement in credit quality metrics amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The rollout and scaling of WaFd’s wealth management initiative and progress toward the Build 2030 strategic goals will also be critical signposts.

WaFd Bank currently trades at $32.61, down from $33.73 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

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