WaFd, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: WAFD) third-quarter fiscal 2024 (ended Jun 30) adjusted earnings of 76 cents per share handily surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 59 cents. Also, the bottom line rose 4.1% sequentially. The quarter marked the first full quarter after the completion of the acquisition of Luther Burbank Corporation (LBC). The results reflected a rise in net interest income (NII) and other income, which aided the top line. Also, higher loan balances and lower provisions were other positives. However, a rise in expenses and a slight decline in the deposit balance acted as spoilsports. Results in the reported quarter excluded merger-related costs and certain non-operating expenses. After considering those, net income available to common shareholders (GAAP basis) was $60.9 million or 75 cents per share, significantly up from $12.2 million or 17 cents per share in the prior quarter. Revenues Rise, Expenses Up Adjusted net revenues were $193.4 million, rising 11.2% from the prior quarter. Also, the top line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $180.6 million. NII came in at $177.2 million, growing 11.7% sequentially. The net interest margin was 2.56%, contracting 17 basis points (bps). Our estimates for NII and NIM were $166.8 ...