Why WaFd (WAFD) is a Great Dividend Stock Right Now

Company Overview - WaFd (WAFD) is based in Seattle and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 4.62% [3] - The company is the holding entity for Washington Federal Savings Bank and currently pays a dividend of $0.27 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.22% [3] Dividend Information - WaFd's current annualized dividend of $1.08 has increased by 0.9% from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, WaFd has raised its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 4.27% [4] - The company's payout ratio stands at 40%, indicating that it distributes 40% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WaFd's earnings in 2026 is projected at $3.06 per share, reflecting a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 12.50% [5] Investment Considerations - WaFd is considered a strong dividend investment opportunity, especially in the context of rising interest rates, where high-yielding stocks may face challenges [6] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting a stable investment outlook [6]