Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to be pleased with ongoing trends in business performance, with an acceleration in performance improvement exceeding internal expectations [7] - The net interest margin (NIM) has surpassed the 3% level ahead of schedule, indicating potential for further expansion [9] - The company is experiencing a remixing of deposits from higher-cost to lower-cost deposits, which is positively impacting financial performance [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan pipeline and production remain strong, although there are headwinds from elevated paydowns and market financing [10] - Fixed-rate loans, which make up about 46% of the total loan book, continue to reprice at a consistent spread, contributing positively to loan yields [14] - The company has shifted towards a higher percentage of variable production, which is expected to provide a positive tailwind for future performance [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing a competitive market for loan pricing, which is affecting overall loan growth [10] - There is a noted seasonality in the agricultural sector, which impacts pipeline trends [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on continuous improvement in expense discipline while making significant investments in talent and technology [26][28] - The hiring environment is favorable, with the company actively pursuing talent acquisition amidst competitive market conditions [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expresses confidence in executing business strategies and achieving performance targets, despite uncertainties in the economic environment [8] - The outlook for paydowns is expected to remain consistent with the first half of the year, with no significant changes anticipated [18] Other Important Information - The company emphasizes the importance of employee engagement and the need to provide resources for team success [41] - Management is optimistic about profitability improvement going into the second half of the year [42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in guidance for 2025 - Management noted that guidance is typically provided in January, and while there are uncertainties, they remain confident in business trends [6][7] Question: Loan growth expectations and pipeline dynamics - Management indicated that the loan pipeline remains strong, with a shift towards commercial and industrial (C&I) relationships contributing to future growth [34] Question: Credit quality and classified loans - Management reported stable credit quality metrics, with no significant concerns regarding classified loans or past dues [36]

Mr. . Speaker, do you think that that JP Pal uh is going to be around till till May. I we're trying to figure out exactly what how to uh how to handicap that at this point.Do you think he should be around in May. Is there um I guess people that wish that he wouldn't if he would resign, that's probably would be easier or that's probably not going to happen though. What do you think.How does this play out in your view. Um I'm as anxious to see how that plays out as you are. I will tell you that the sentiment ...

Core Viewpoint - WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) reported better-than-expected quarterly results, with adjusted earnings of 73 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 67 cents, although this represented a 3.9% year-over-year decline [1][9] Financial Performance - The company's net income available to common shareholders was $58.3 million, down 4.3% from the prior-year quarter, while the estimate was $51.9 million [2] - Quarterly net revenues were $186.261 million, a decrease of 4.2% year over year, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $185.7 million [3] - Net interest income (NII) was $160.9 million, declining 5.2% year over year, primarily due to a lower loan balance, while net interest margin (NIM) increased by 13 basis points to 2.69% [3] - Total non-interest income rose 5.9% to $18.3 million, surpassing the estimate of $17.2 million, while total non-interest expenses fell 5.2% to $104.3 million [4] Efficiency and Returns - The efficiency ratio improved to 56.01%, down from 56.61% in the prior-year quarter, indicating enhanced profitability [5] - Return on average common equity was 8.54%, down from 9.20%, while return on average assets increased to 0.92% from 0.87% [5] Loans and Deposits - As of June 30, 2025, net loans receivable were $20.28 billion, down 3.1% from the prior quarter, while total customer deposits were $21.39 billion, showing a slight decline [6] Credit Quality - The allowance for credit losses increased to 1.03% of gross loans outstanding, up from 1.00% in the prior-year quarter, with non-performing assets to total assets ratio rising to 0.36% from 0.24% [7] - Provision for credit losses was $2 million, a significant increase of 33.3% from the year-ago quarter [7] Share Repurchase Activity - During the reported quarter, WAFD repurchased 1.66 million shares at an average price of $29.08 per share [10] Strategic Outlook - The company is expected to benefit from relatively higher interest rates, business restructuring, and a strong balance sheet, with the acquisition of Luther Burbank Corporation enhancing its presence in California [11]

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Net income of $16.9 million and $35.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively Earnings per common share of $1.71 and $3.53 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively Annualized return on average assets of 1.54% and 1.59% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively Quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share declared, matching the prior quarter and 12.5% higher than the prior-year second quarterMANITOWOC, Wis., July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income available to common shareholders of $1,200,000,000 or $0.90 per share, which included $0.02 of restructuring charges and $0.01 of losses from the sale of certain investment securities [6][18] - Adjusted revenue increased by 2.1% linked quarter, driven by a 2.3% growth in net interest income and a 1.8% growth in non-interest income [19] - Average loans held for investment increased by 2% on a linked quarter basis, with end of period loans increasing by $10,200,000,000 or 3.3% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In consumer and small business banking, average loan balances increased by 2.8% linked quarter, with significant growth in residential mortgage and indirect auto loans [11] - Wholesale loans saw a 1.5% growth in average loans and a 2.9% increase in end of period loans, driven by new and existing clients [12] - Wealth management experienced a 27% increase in year-to-date assets under management (AUM) from wholesale and premier clients compared to the same period last year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added nearly 37,000 new consumer and small business accounts, attracting younger clients with higher average balances [10] - Average deposits increased by $8,300,000,000 sequentially, or 2.1%, driven by growth in interest checking and time deposits [21] - The cumulative interest-bearing deposit beta declined from 43% to 37% on a linked quarter basis [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing strategic growth initiatives, maintaining credit and risk discipline, and returning capital to shareholders [33] - Investments are being made in talent, technology, and risk infrastructure to enhance client experience and operational efficiency [34] - The company aims to achieve positive operating leverage in 2025 despite challenges in investment banking and trading [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of both consumer and wholesale client bases, noting good credit quality and liquidity among clients [42] - The company anticipates a recovery in investment banking and trading revenue in the second half of 2025 based on current pipelines and improved market conditions [25] - The outlook for revenue growth remains unchanged, with expectations for a 1.5% to 2.5% increase relative to 2024 adjusted revenue [29] Other Important Information - The company returned $1,400,000,000 of capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter [9] - The CET1 ratio was reported at 11%, with a strong capital position allowing for balance sheet growth and capital returns [28] - The company plans to target approximately $500,000,000 of share repurchases during the third quarter [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overall sentiment among the customer base - Management noted strong consumer business performance and good credit quality, with new clients impressed by the company's purpose-driven focus and product capabilities [40][44] Question: Anticipated pace of share repurchase - The reduction in share repurchase target was described as opportunistic, with a focus on maintaining a balance between capital return and banking franchise growth [46] Question: Deposit competition and costs - Management indicated that deposit competition is rational, with expectations for deposit costs to stabilize and improve in the coming quarters [56][58] Question: Fee revenue growth and trading recovery - Management observed a bounce back in trading and investment banking revenue, with expectations for normalized results in the third quarter [65] Question: Trajectory towards 15% ROTCE - Management highlighted various initiatives to improve profitability, including capital-efficient revenue generation and margin improvements [72][74] Question: Restructuring charges and investments - Most restructuring charges were related to severance, not merger-related, and the company continues to invest in technology and talent while maintaining expense discipline [85][88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $1.42, representing an almost 14% increase over the prior quarter [7] - Net interest income remained stable at $575 million for the third consecutive quarter, with a modest two basis point reduction in net interest margin [14] - Capitalization strength was highlighted with an estimated CET1 of 11.94%, well above the 10% strategic target [6][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans increased almost 1% and period-end loans rose approximately 3%, driven by new loan production for new and existing customers [9] - Non-interest income increased by $20 million, with growth across most customer line items due to higher loan volumes and seasonal benefits [15] - Expenses decreased by $23 million over the prior quarter, largely due to lower litigation-related expenses and salaries [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits declined just over 1%, with the largest decreases in retail, corporate banking, and technology and life sciences [11] - Non-interest bearing deposits as a percentage of total deposits remained flat at 38% for the fourth consecutive quarter, indicating stability in the funding mix [12] - The company expects full-year average deposits to decline by 2% to 3% in 2025, with a moderate increase in the third quarter balances anticipated [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic investments in small business, middle market, business banking, and payments to drive responsible growth [26] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a conservative approach to capital while supporting customer needs and driving growth [24] - The company plans to continue share repurchases and monitor the economic environment and regulatory landscape for future capital decisions [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while economic and geopolitical uncertainty persists, customers appear more confident in navigating the environment and making investments [6] - The outlook for 2025 includes projected net interest income growth of 5% to 7%, with loan trends outperforming expectations [20] - Management acknowledged the challenges in deposit pricing and anticipated upward pressure as they fund robust loan growth [21] Other Important Information - The company redeemed preferred stock, which, while beneficial for EPS, created a slight drag on net interest income due to the cash used for redemption [18] - The management expressed commitment to driving efficiency while balancing long-term growth and return objectives [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the NII trajectory? - Management expects a slight decrease in NII in Q3 before an upward trajectory in Q4, driven by strong loan growth and deposit increases [30][31] Question: What are the expectations for expenses in Q3 and Q4? - Management indicated that expenses are expected to step up due to deferred project expenses and seasonal factors, with notable items not repeating [41][42] Question: Can you quantify the improvement in pipelines and activity? - Management noted an improvement in loan growth and positive momentum in pipelines, although quantifying it remains challenging [47][48] Question: What conditions would indicate that Comerica has not earned the right to remain independent? - Management emphasized the need to perform at an acceptable level and acknowledged the importance of protecting the company and serving clients [80][82] Question: How does the company view potential mergers and acquisitions? - Management stated that the $100 billion asset threshold is not a governor for pursuing transactions, focusing instead on organic growth opportunities [68][69] Question: What are the expectations for deposit pricing and repricing opportunities? - Management acknowledged the competitive environment for deposits and indicated that they are closely monitoring pricing strategies [100][101] Question: Can you provide more color on the increase in criticized loans? - Management described the increase as moderate, concentrated in three credits with consumer components under pressure from higher rates [103][105]

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Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said worries about hiring in the private sector have driven his call for the central bank to cut rates this month https://t.co/12Wo7vgCjS ...

Market Trends - Sales of paintings priced at $10 million-plus have collapsed [1] - High interest rates have flushed speculators out of the market [1]