Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC) Holdings Decreased by State Street Corp

State Street Corp lessened its stake in Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC - Free Report) by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,286,129 shares of the financial services provider's stock after selling 24,519 shares during the period. State Street Corp owned about 4.82% of Westamerica Bancorporation worth $63,560,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Westamerica Bancorporation during the third quarter worth about $848,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Westamerica Bancorporation by 58.5% during the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 34,428 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $1,701,000 after buying an additional 12,702 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its holdings in Westamerica Bancorporation by 23.2% during the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 61,990 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $3,064,000 after buying an additional 11,674 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Westamerica Bancorporation by 7.4% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 334,297 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $16,521,000 after buying an additional 22,902 shares during the period. Finally, FMR LLC increased its position in shares of Westamerica Bancorporation by 27.3% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 52,056 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $2,573,000 after acquiring an additional 11,173 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.89% of the company's stock.

Westamerica Bancorporation Stock Down 1.6 %

Shares of NASDAQ:WABC traded down $0.84 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $51.42. The stock had a trading volume of 180,599 shares, compared to its average volume of 127,791. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.37 and a beta of 0.57. Westamerica Bancorporation has a 1 year low of $43.82 and a 1 year high of $59.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a current ratio of 0.26. The firm's 50 day moving average is $54.67 and its 200-day moving average is $51.46.

Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.27 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts' consensus estimates of $1.27. The company had revenue of $74.07 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $72.74 million. Westamerica Bancorporation had a return on equity of 17.67% and a net margin of 45.73%. Research analysts predict that Westamerica Bancorporation will post 5.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Westamerica Bancorporation Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 4th were given a $0.44 dividend. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.42%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 4th. Westamerica Bancorporation's dividend payout ratio is currently 32.06%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com raised Westamerica Bancorporation from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Thursday, October 17th.

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.