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Investing.com - Stephens raised its price target on Washington Federal (NASDAQ:WAFD) to $33.00 from $32.00 on Monday, while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the stock. According to InvestingPro data, the stock currently trades at 0.87 times book value, suggesting potential value opportunity.
The price target adjustment follows Washington Federal’s second-quarter operating earnings per share of $0.73, which exceeded Stephens’ estimate of $0.67, representing a 2.4% pre-provision net revenue beat versus consensus expectations. The company has maintained consistent profitability, with a P/E ratio of 11.35 and an impressive track record of maintaining dividend payments for 43 consecutive years.
The bank reported solid deposit growth, primarily from non-interest bearing and transaction accounts, while loan balances declined. This combination allowed for a significant 30% quarter-over-quarter reduction in Federal Home Loan Bank funding. InvestingPro analysis shows the bank maintains a healthy debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, with a Financial Health Score rated as FAIR.
Stephens noted that loan growth could remain challenging going forward, with potential continued balance contraction unless the competitive environment improves. The firm expects proceeds may shift toward securities reinvestment rather than further FHLB reduction.
Stephens adjusted its fiscal 2026 operating earnings per share estimate to $3.22 from $3.00, while noting that Washington Federal shares currently trade at 1.04 times tangible book value, which could support continued stock buybacks.
In other recent news, Washington Federal has seen notable developments concerning its financial performance and shareholder returns. DA Davidson has raised its price target for Washington Federal to $33 from $29, maintaining a Neutral rating. This adjustment follows the company’s third fiscal quarter results, which highlighted slower growth but an improved net interest margin. Despite these changes, DA Davidson has not altered its fiscal 2026 earnings per share forecast, expressing positive sentiment about Washington Federal’s buyback commitment and steady expenses. Additionally, WaFd Inc., formerly known as Washington Federal Inc., declared a dividend for its Series A Preferred Stock shareholders. The dividend amounts to $12.1875 per share of its 4.875% Fixed Rate Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, translating to $0.30468750 per depositary share. This dividend is scheduled for payment on July 15, 2025, to shareholders on record as of June 30, 2025. These announcements reflect Washington Federal’s ongoing focus on shareholder returns and financial stability.
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