Norges Bank Purchases New Holdings in Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC)

Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC - Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 67,946 shares of the financial services provider's stock, valued at approximately $3,564,000. Norges Bank owned approximately 0.25% of Westamerica Bancorporation at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Westamerica Bancorporation by 1.0% in the fourth quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,505,495 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $183,898,000 after buying an additional 34,762 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Westamerica Bancorporation by 4.1% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 735,439 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $36,352,000 after acquiring an additional 28,902 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Westamerica Bancorporation by 3.8% during the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 144,864 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $7,600,000 after purchasing an additional 5,368 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of Westamerica Bancorporation by 74.7% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 142,330 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $7,467,000 after purchasing an additional 60,871 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund grew its stake in shares of Westamerica Bancorporation by 3.0% in the 4th quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 139,430 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $7,314,000 after purchasing an additional 4,115 shares during the last quarter. 81.89% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Westamerica Bancorporation Price Performance

WABC stock traded down $0.12 on Wednesday, hitting $44.89. 35,804 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 127,663. The stock has a market cap of $1.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.63 and a beta of 0.63. Westamerica Bancorporation has a 1-year low of $42.00 and a 1-year high of $59.97. The company has a current ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $49.37 and a 200-day moving average of $51.68.

Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts' consensus estimates of $1.19. Westamerica Bancorporation had a return on equity of 16.15% and a net margin of 44.55%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.48 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Westamerica Bancorporation will post 4.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Westamerica Bancorporation Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 14th. Investors of record on Monday, February 3rd were paid a $0.44 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 3rd. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.92%. Westamerica Bancorporation's dividend payout ratio is currently 33.85%.

Westamerica Bancorporation Profile

Westamerica Bancorporation operates as a bank holding company for the Westamerica Bank that provides various banking products and services to individual and commercial customers. The company accepts various deposit products, including retail savings and checking accounts, as well as certificates of deposit.