Keefe Bruyette cuts WaFd target from USD 40 to USD 34 for WaFd stock

Published on 10/18/2026 at 13:23 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

WaFd reported USD 3.21 diluted EPS for fiscal 2026, up 22.00 percent year over year. The EverBank merger targets first-quarter 2027 closing for WaFd stock.

Targets and earnings frame WaFd

Keefe Bruyette cut its WaFd target from USD 40.00 to USD 34.00 on October 17, 2026.
Fiscal 2026 diluted earnings per share reached USD 3.21 versus USD 2.63 in fiscal 2025.
WaFd had a USD 2.2 billion market capitalization as of October 16, 2026.

WAFD, US9388241096, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

WaFd, Inc. (ISIN US9388241096) faced a lower analyst valuation after Keefe Bruyette cut its price target from USD 40.00 to USD 34.00 on October 17, 2026, according to Markets Insider. The firm kept a Market Perform rating and linked its view to balance-sheet preparation for the proposed EverBank transaction.

Target cut follows fourth-quarter results

The latest company update covered fiscal fourth-quarter results for the period ended September 30, 2026. WaFd reported USD 56.3 million of net income available to common shareholders and diluted earnings per share of USD 0.76, while adjusted earnings per share reached USD 0.85, according to Yahoo Finance. Fiscal 2026 diluted earnings per share rose to USD 3.21 from USD 2.63 in fiscal 2025, a 22.00 percent increase.

Three dates show the sequence

On October 10, 2026, a Federal Reserve application set November 12, 2026 as the deadline for public comments on the proposed EverBank acquisition, as Daily Federal reported. On October 15, 2026, WaFd announced fiscal 2026 earnings and a 22.00 percent increase in annual earnings per share through its investor-relations page. On October 17, 2026, Keefe Bruyette lowered its target from USD 40.00 to USD 34.00.

What does the merger change?

Management expects the proposed combination with EverBank to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. The earnings call described an expected 29.00 percent earnings-per-share accretion after projected cost savings, but also outlined 8.00 percent dilution for existing WaFd shareholders, according to Yahoo Finance.

Next on the calendar is the November 12, 2026 public-comment deadline for the Federal Reserve application. The proposed merger is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, giving regulatory approval and execution milestones a central role in the next valuation debate.

Market value sets the frame

WaFd had a USD 2.2 billion market capitalization as of October 16, 2026, and its 52-week range was USD 27.91 to USD 39.49. The Nasdaq-listed bank provides lending, deposit and insurance services to consumers, businesses and commercial real-estate customers.