Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on Westamerica Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $50
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 19 2024
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Should l Buy WABC?
Source: Benzinga
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Analyst Views on WABC
Wall Street analysts forecast WABC stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 51.420
Low
53.00
Averages
53.00
High
53.00
Current: 51.420
Low
53.00
Averages
53.00
High
53.00
About WABC
Westamerica Bancorporation is a bank holding company. The Company provides a full range of banking services to individual and commercial customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary bank, Westamerica Bank (the Bank). The Bank is a California-chartered commercial bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC) up to applicable limits. The principal communities served are in Northern and Central California, from Mendocino, Lake and Nevada Counties in the north to Kern County in the south. In addition, the Bank owns Community Banker Services Corporation, a company engaged in providing the Company and its subsidiaries with data processing services and other support functions. It provides a range of loans, including commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans, and others. It owns a no. of banking office locations and one centralized administrative service center facility.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Westamerica (WABC) Declares $0.46 Quarterly Dividend with 3.56% Yield
- Dividend Declaration: Westamerica has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.46 per share, consistent with previous distributions, reflecting the company's stable cash flow and profitability, which enhances investor confidence.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 3.56% offers relative attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially appealing to income-seeking investors looking for reliable returns.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on February 13, with a record date of February 2 and an ex-dividend date also set for February 2, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly and reinforcing shareholder relations.
- Historical Data Support: Westamerica's history of dividend growth and stable financial performance underpins this dividend declaration, indicating the company's ability to maintain consistent returns even amid economic fluctuations.
See More
Westamerica Bancorporation Reports Q4 2025 Net Income of $27.8 Million and EPS of $1.12
- Net Income Performance: Westamerica Bank reported a net income of $27.8 million for Q4 2025, slightly down from $28.3 million in Q3, indicating increased market competition pressures.
- Stable EPS: Despite tax adjustments impacting results, the fourth quarter EPS remained steady at $1.12, consistent with Q3, reflecting the company's stable profitability.
- Low-Cost Deposit Advantage: With 46% of its low-cost deposit base in non-interest-bearing checking accounts, the company achieved a funding cost of 0.24% for its loan and bond portfolios, laying a solid foundation for future profit growth.
- Shareholder Return Strategy: Westamerica paid a dividend of $0.46 per share in Q4 and repurchased 485,000 shares, demonstrating a continued commitment to shareholder returns.
See More
Westamerica Bancorporation Approves 2 Million Share Buyback Plan
- Buyback Plan Approval: Westamerica Bancorporation's Board of Directors has approved a buyback plan to repurchase up to 2 million shares of the company's common stock by December 31, 2026, representing approximately 8.0% of the outstanding shares as of September 30, 2025, reflecting the company's confidence in its financial strength.
- Financial Strength Demonstrated: Chairman and CEO David Payne stated that this buyback plan recognizes Westamerica's financial robustness, conservative risk profile, and reliable earnings stream, aiming to enhance shareholder value and boost market confidence.
- Market Flexibility: The buyback plan allows for repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, providing operational flexibility that enables the company to execute timely stock buybacks based on market conditions, thereby optimizing its capital structure.
- Future Outlook: By implementing this strategy, Westamerica not only strengthens investor confidence but also potentially attracts more investors, further driving the company's business expansion and competitive position in California's banking sector.
See More
Westamerica Bancorporation Approves $2M Share Repurchase Plan to Enhance Shareholder Value
- Repurchase Plan Approval: Westamerica Bancorporation's Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan for up to 2 million shares, expected to be executed before December 31, 2026, representing approximately 8% of the company's outstanding shares as of September 30, 2025.
- Financial Strength Demonstrated: Chairman and CEO David Payne stated that this repurchase plan reflects the company's financial strength, conservative risk profile, and reliable earnings stream, aimed at enhancing shareholder confidence.
- Market Reaction Anticipated: By repurchasing shares, Westamerica aims to increase earnings per share and boost demand for its stock, potentially driving up the share price and further solidifying its market position in California.
- Long-term Strategic Planning: This repurchase plan not only reflects the company's confidence in its value but also indicates a robust financial strategy to navigate potential market risks amid future economic uncertainties.
See More
WABC Surpasses Key Moving Average with Positive Momentum
52 Week Range: WABC's stock has a 52-week low of $42.835 and a high of $57.65, with the last trade recorded at $48.83.
Dividend Stocks: The article mentions a link to find 9 other dividend stocks that have recently crossed above their 200-day moving average.
Author's Views: The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent Nasdaq, Inc.
Market Context: The information provided is part of a broader analysis of stock performance and market trends.
See More
Westamerica Bancorporation Reports Q3 Income Decline, Exceeding Expectations
Earnings Report: Westamerica Bancorporation reported a third-quarter profit of $28.26 million, or $1.12 per share, down from $35.06 million, or $1.31 per share, in the same period last year.
Revenue Decline: The company's revenue decreased by 14.0% to $64.00 million compared to $74.39 million in the previous year, although the earnings per share exceeded analysts' expectations of $1.08.
See More
Westamerica (WABC) Declares $0.46 Quarterly Dividend with 3.56% Yield
- Dividend Declaration: Westamerica has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.46 per share, consistent with previous distributions, reflecting the company's stable cash flow and profitability, which enhances investor confidence.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 3.56% offers relative attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially appealing to income-seeking investors looking for reliable returns.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on February 13, with a record date of February 2 and an ex-dividend date also set for February 2, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly and reinforcing shareholder relations.
- Historical Data Support: Westamerica's history of dividend growth and stable financial performance underpins this dividend declaration, indicating the company's ability to maintain consistent returns even amid economic fluctuations.
See More
Westamerica Bancorporation Reports Q4 2025 Net Income of $27.8 Million and EPS of $1.12
- Net Income Performance: Westamerica Bank reported a net income of $27.8 million for Q4 2025, slightly down from $28.3 million in Q3, indicating increased market competition pressures.
- Stable EPS: Despite tax adjustments impacting results, the fourth quarter EPS remained steady at $1.12, consistent with Q3, reflecting the company's stable profitability.
- Low-Cost Deposit Advantage: With 46% of its low-cost deposit base in non-interest-bearing checking accounts, the company achieved a funding cost of 0.24% for its loan and bond portfolios, laying a solid foundation for future profit growth.
- Shareholder Return Strategy: Westamerica paid a dividend of $0.46 per share in Q4 and repurchased 485,000 shares, demonstrating a continued commitment to shareholder returns.
See More
Westamerica Bancorporation Approves 2 Million Share Buyback Plan
- Buyback Plan Approval: Westamerica Bancorporation's Board of Directors has approved a buyback plan to repurchase up to 2 million shares of the company's common stock by December 31, 2026, representing approximately 8.0% of the outstanding shares as of September 30, 2025, reflecting the company's confidence in its financial strength.
- Financial Strength Demonstrated: Chairman and CEO David Payne stated that this buyback plan recognizes Westamerica's financial robustness, conservative risk profile, and reliable earnings stream, aiming to enhance shareholder value and boost market confidence.
- Market Flexibility: The buyback plan allows for repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, providing operational flexibility that enables the company to execute timely stock buybacks based on market conditions, thereby optimizing its capital structure.
- Future Outlook: By implementing this strategy, Westamerica not only strengthens investor confidence but also potentially attracts more investors, further driving the company's business expansion and competitive position in California's banking sector.
See More
Westamerica Bancorporation Approves $2M Share Repurchase Plan to Enhance Shareholder Value
- Repurchase Plan Approval: Westamerica Bancorporation's Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan for up to 2 million shares, expected to be executed before December 31, 2026, representing approximately 8% of the company's outstanding shares as of September 30, 2025.
- Financial Strength Demonstrated: Chairman and CEO David Payne stated that this repurchase plan reflects the company's financial strength, conservative risk profile, and reliable earnings stream, aimed at enhancing shareholder confidence.
- Market Reaction Anticipated: By repurchasing shares, Westamerica aims to increase earnings per share and boost demand for its stock, potentially driving up the share price and further solidifying its market position in California.
- Long-term Strategic Planning: This repurchase plan not only reflects the company's confidence in its value but also indicates a robust financial strategy to navigate potential market risks amid future economic uncertainties.
See More
WABC Surpasses Key Moving Average with Positive Momentum
52 Week Range: WABC's stock has a 52-week low of $42.835 and a high of $57.65, with the last trade recorded at $48.83.
Dividend Stocks: The article mentions a link to find 9 other dividend stocks that have recently crossed above their 200-day moving average.
Author's Views: The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent Nasdaq, Inc.
Market Context: The information provided is part of a broader analysis of stock performance and market trends.
See More
Westamerica Bancorporation Reports Q3 Income Decline, Exceeding Expectations
Earnings Report: Westamerica Bancorporation reported a third-quarter profit of $28.26 million, or $1.12 per share, down from $35.06 million, or $1.31 per share, in the same period last year.
Revenue Decline: The company's revenue decreased by 14.0% to $64.00 million compared to $74.39 million in the previous year, although the earnings per share exceeded analysts' expectations of $1.08.
See More
