<div id="readability-page-1"><p>Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 396,990 shares,  a decrease of 17.5% from the December 31st total of 481,160 shares. Currently, 1.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 145,118 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.7 days. Based on an average trading volume of 145,118 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.7 days. Currently, 1.7% of the shares of the company are sold short.</p><h2>Analysts Set New Price Targets</h2><p>WABC has been the subject of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings  restated a &#34;hold (c)&#34; rating on shares of Westamerica Bancorporation in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Wall Street Zen upgraded Westamerica Bancorporation from a &#34;sell&#34; rating to a &#34;hold&#34; rating in a research report on Saturday, January 17th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods increased their target price on Westamerica Bancorporation from $53.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a &#34;market perform&#34; rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating,  Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Westamerica Bancorporation currently has a consensus rating of &#34;Hold&#34; and a consensus price target of $52.50.</p><p><b>Read Our Latest Analysis on Westamerica Bancorporation</b></p><h2>Hedge Funds Weigh In On Westamerica Bancorporation</h2><p>A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. acquired a new position in  Westamerica Bancorporation in the third quarter worth approximately $5,831,000.  Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of  Westamerica Bancorporation during the 2nd quarter worth $241,000.  Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its holdings in shares of  Westamerica Bancorporation by 87.2% in the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 309,953 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $15,014,000 after acquiring an additional 144,405 shares during the last quarter.  CWM LLC grew its holdings in shares of  Westamerica Bancorporation by 162.8% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 19,585 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $979,000 after acquiring an additional 12,133 shares during the last quarter.  Finally, Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd raised its position in shares of  Westamerica Bancorporation by 285.8% during the third quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 58,718 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $2,935,000 after purchasing an additional 43,500 shares during the period. 81.89% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. </p><h2>Westamerica Bancorporation Stock Up 0.3%</h2><p>WABC opened at $50.58 on Monday. The stock's 50 day moving average price is $49.06 and its 200 day moving average price is $48.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.26 and a quick ratio of 0.29. The stock has a market cap of $1.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.19 and a beta of 0.62. Westamerica Bancorporation has a 12 month low of $42.00 and a 12 month high of $52.84. </p><p>Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $66.05 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $61.90 million. Westamerica Bancorporation had a return on equity of 12.52% and a net margin of 42.75%. As a group, research analysts predict that  Westamerica Bancorporation will post 4.35 earnings per share for the current year. </p><p>Westamerica Bancorporation declared that its board has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, December 18th that authorizes the company to repurchase $2.00 million in    shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the financial services provider to repurchase up to 0.2% of its stock  through open market purchases. Stock  repurchase plans are usually a sign that the company's board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. </p><h2>Westamerica Bancorporation Announces Dividend</h2><p>The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.6%. Westamerica Bancorporation's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 40.71%. </p><h2>Westamerica Bancorporation Company Profile</h2> (Get Free Report)<p>Westamerica Bancorporation <span>NASDAQ: WABC<span></span></span> is a California-based bank holding company that provides a comprehensive suite of commercial banking, trust and wealth management services. Through its primary subsidiary, Westamerica Bank, the company offers deposit products, lending solutions and treasury management to a diverse clientele that includes small and mid-sized businesses, professionals, non-profit organizations and individuals.  </p><p>The company's lending portfolio encompasses commercial real estate financing, agricultural loans, equipment financing and lines of credit designed to support working capital needs.</p><h2>Featured Stories</h2><ul><li>Five stocks we like better than Westamerica Bancorporation</li><li>Trump just signed it</li><li>ALERT: Drop these 5 stocks before the market opens tomorrow!</li><li>GOLD ALERT</li><li>Trump’s Final Shocking Act Begins February 24</li><li>What Expenses Can Be Deducted From Capital Gains Tax?</li></ul><p><em>This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.</em></p><h2>Should You Invest $1,000 in Westamerica Bancorporation Right Now?</h2><p>Before you consider Westamerica Bancorporation, you'll want to hear this.</p><p>MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Westamerica Bancorporation wasn't on the list.</p><p>While Westamerica Bancorporation currently has a Hold rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.</p><p>View The Five Stocks Here</p>                  </div>

WABC

<p>Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC) experienced a 17.5% decrease in short interest in January, totaling 396,990 shares. Currently, 1.7% of its stock is sold short, with a days-to-cover ratio of 2.7 days. Analysts have given the stock a consensus rating of "Hold" with a price target of $52.50. The company reported $1.12 EPS for the last quarter, exceeding estimates, and announced a quarterly dividend of $0.46 per share. Additionally, a stock repurchase plan for $2 million has been initiated, indicating the board's belief in the stock's undervaluation.</p>

Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC) Short Interest Down 17.5% in January